From our President

Boston, Somerville, Cambridge & other local communities are putting themselves forward as candidates for Google's plan to install super-high-speed Internet connections across the country. Google's motives aren't clear just yet, but the project could be a great boon to cities around the country. Cooperation with Google ...goes beyond getting faster internet: it gives cities in the program the chance to attract high tech businesses and grow their commercial tax base, which would allow for improved constituent services like schools and, if the numbers are right, allow for a decrease of the residential property tax rate. Low property taxes and good schools make a place very attractive and that means robust appreciation in property values. We like the sound of that a lot. Here's to Cambridge and Somerville both getting picked by Google.

We've been looking forward to seeing the Massachusetts MLS stats for February 2010. Single-family under-agreements are up 16% statewide since last year. Condo under-agreements are up 25-percent! In Cambridge & Somerville, we're seeing a burst of activity that confirms these statistics. Some properties have gotten as ...many as 80 visitors at the Sunday open house. The market for listings in the right location, and in the 1st-time-buyer price range, is particularly hot. This is the time to get in on the action in the Cambridge MA real estate market and the Somerville MA real estate market.

Housing prices and sales volume are performing astonishingly well this January. The tax credit and low mortgage rates are contributing to this, as is low inventory. If you've been thinking of selling, don't wait to take advantage of this situation.

Investors who are uneasy with the ups and downs of an unpredictable stock market might be interested in a more reliable, steady option. If history is any indicator, perhaps the best decision those investors can make at the moment would be to purchase a home.

Since the 1940s, home prices have risen an average of 4 percent a year. However, since most buyers only put down a small percentage of the home's total cost, a buyer who pays 20 percent down still gets to enjoy all of the appreciation. That turns a 4 percent increase in home prices into a 20 percent yield on the money actually invested by the buyer.

"Today's market gives individuals a chance to enjoy some of the lifestyle perks associated with owning real estate that they might not otherwise be able to afford. This might be the only time they can move to the more prestigious neighborhood, trade up to the larger home or get that cabin by the lake they always wanted," said Jim Weichert.

Even with real estate's proven track record of financial returns, perhaps the best reasons to buy now are the personal benefits associated with homeownership that you just can't get from other investments.

"Many Americans successfully fund their retirement in large part through the equity they earned by owning a home over the years. Why not use that same investment practice for other purposes? Instead of buying mutual funds which are just paper until you cash them out, buy a vacation property that you can enjoy for 10 or 15 years and then sell when it comes time to finance your child's education. Not only will you have a place to build great family memories, you'll also see a healthy financial return,"

Here are some goals for the New Year meant to make your home a better place to live.

The Boston Globe delivers some seasonal cheer with November market stats for Massachusetts. Condo and single-family sales are up since last year. We've made it a long way since the midst of the financial crisis in Nov. 2008.

Heating season is upon us and it's been an unusually cold December here in the Massachusetts, but the good news is that a variety of rebates, incentives and credits are available for homeowners who want to cut their heating costs while improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Find out how to... get a free energy audit to diagnose leaks and cold spots. Other incentives for green home improvements exists as well.

If You Don't Buy a House Now, You're Stupid or Broke" That's the headline of an article in Business Week. Despite the flippant tone of the headline, the article presents solid, common sense advice. Find out why getting a low interest rate loan today will save you more money than waiting around for a bargain-priced house.

Home values increased in 48 of 152 real estate markets this year. The Boston area is at the top of that list with an increase of $23.3 billion this year. Let's hope this trend continues. Read more here

If you're the President of a major Massachusetts university, you definitely get to live in style. Cambridge can boast of three such university-owned presidential mansions. Check them out, and others, in this slide show.