Well, it has been a tough year for real estate. The last three or four years had been huge in the Harvard market and prices rose higher than ever. Now we are experiencing what I would frankly say is a "wicked hangover". But what is next? Honestly, no one is quite sure. The Federal Reserve seems focused on keeping rates right where they are, so will that eventually bring more buyers?
At our office, I watch the historical market data carefully. There is so much information available and it is critical when it comes to pricing. As people say all the time, "everything is cyclical". So where are we in the cycle? We are stalled. Issues of affordability, lack of actual home equity, and uncertainty created by negative press have all stopped buyers in their tracks.
At this point however, I do feel strongly that the spring market will be busy. And what I have seen in 2006 is that price sells. But, what else sells? Location and condition. It is really simple, so be realistic about what you have and play to your strengths. Furthermore, unless you have got a priceless gem be ready for either some aggressive pricing or aggressive negotiating!
Wednesday
Thursday
The Value of Education- MCAS Ranking
Whether relocating from out of state or making a move from school district to school district, MCAS has become a benchmark with which Buyers compare communities in Massachusetts. For those looking at different communities these rankings are one of many factors to consider when evaluating school districts.
It is important to note that Harvard Elementary and Bromfield (the town's public high school) typically perform very well on the MCAS standardized test and generally rank between 1st and 15th in the state depending on the year and the grade level. Boston.com has compiled a great section of their Website devoted to MCAS. Check out our district's 2006 10th grade ranking.
Congratulations to the teachers, children, teens, parents, and families that all contribute to our continued MCAS success!
Wednesday
A History of Interesting Settlers
The town of Harvard has a history of interesting settlements that are well-documented and somewhat unique. If you have ever looked at a town profile you may have read the following phrase, "...the town has been known for a series of unusual sociological and religious experiments...". The question is, what exactly is one to make of all this? In short, Harvard has always been a place where independent thinkers have settled. It seems that there is a genuine climate of acceptance and tolerance which makes Harvard a really great place! Below is a brief history on what have been called the "unique" settlements. This may provide more insight on the town.
The first documented formal religious community in Harvard were the self-sufficient and industrious Shakers. At their peak, in the late 1790's there were around 200 members living on hundreds, maybe even a thousand acres covering the northeast corner of Harvard. Their settlement ended in 1917 but there are in fact a few remaining Shaker properties privately held, along with public conservation lands & trails throughout a wonderful neighborhood known as Shaker Hills and even a Public Golf Course.
The next settlement sprouted near the Nashua River in 1843. The group was a small commune of transcendental intellectuals who formed to "elevate the spirit and pursue wisdom". However, the group did not survive their first winter. Critics felt that their strategy to operate with total self-sufficiency and their vegetarianism contributed greatly to their downfall. Interestingly, on this land now operates a seasonal museum called Fruitlands that preserves both the local Shaker and Transcendental artifacts.
After that, it took over 100 years for the next settlement to take hold in Still River, not far from Fruitlands. In 1958; St. Benedict's Center, Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary arrived. This settlement of conservative Catholics came to town from Cambridge, MA after their founder had been excommunicated by the Church. They began to farm in Still River and this monastic/agricultural settlement has been there ever since. In 1972, the Church removed censures and by that time the settlement had evolved and the Saint Benedicts Abbey took shape. Both settlements exist their today.
There is more to be learned about these different settlements, much of which is preserved by the Harvard Historical Society, Harvard Conservation Trust, and Fruitlands Museum.
The first documented formal religious community in Harvard were the self-sufficient and industrious Shakers. At their peak, in the late 1790's there were around 200 members living on hundreds, maybe even a thousand acres covering the northeast corner of Harvard. Their settlement ended in 1917 but there are in fact a few remaining Shaker properties privately held, along with public conservation lands & trails throughout a wonderful neighborhood known as Shaker Hills and even a Public Golf Course.
The next settlement sprouted near the Nashua River in 1843. The group was a small commune of transcendental intellectuals who formed to "elevate the spirit and pursue wisdom". However, the group did not survive their first winter. Critics felt that their strategy to operate with total self-sufficiency and their vegetarianism contributed greatly to their downfall. Interestingly, on this land now operates a seasonal museum called Fruitlands that preserves both the local Shaker and Transcendental artifacts.
After that, it took over 100 years for the next settlement to take hold in Still River, not far from Fruitlands. In 1958; St. Benedict's Center, Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary arrived. This settlement of conservative Catholics came to town from Cambridge, MA after their founder had been excommunicated by the Church. They began to farm in Still River and this monastic/agricultural settlement has been there ever since. In 1972, the Church removed censures and by that time the settlement had evolved and the Saint Benedicts Abbey took shape. Both settlements exist their today.
There is more to be learned about these different settlements, much of which is preserved by the Harvard Historical Society, Harvard Conservation Trust, and Fruitlands Museum.
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