Monday, March 5, 2012
Homes prices in Reading are rising, even while the statewide average continues to fall.
The first month of 2012 saw the same number of single-family homes in Reading come off the market as the year previously, with a total of 13 sales, according to data from the Warren Group. But buyers paid nearly 25 percent more for them this past January, according to year-over-year comparison, which shows a spike in the median sale price of 24.83 percent. The average price of a home in Reading rose to $519,900 in January, up from $416,500 in 2011. Both these numbers stand in defiance of statewide trends, which show a rise of over 3 percent in single-family home sales, and a drop in median price of almost 4 percent. A total of 2,348 single-family homes throughout the Commonwealth exchanged owners in January, 2011, compared to 2,425 in …
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Carberry is a young, beautiful, super-affectionate tabby cat.
My name is Carberry and I am a laid-back, young adult with simple needs. I am 14 pounds and all brawn, so hopefully I can fit on your lap. If not, I would be happy to just hang out with you—the closer the better. And, if you will brush me, I will follow you anywhere. I absolutely adore being brushed. In fact, if you are not brushing me, I will come and nuzzle you as a reminder. I am just a guy who likes his simple pleasures and that is one of them for me. I am cool with other cats and dogs, but I would prefer that other feline friends are as gentle and welcoming as I am. However, I would also be just fine as your one and only as long as you have time to spend with me. Maybe we could have a dinner date? You should know that I’ll always be …
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Open Houses in the Reading area this Sunday, March 4.
Realtors: Upload photos of your open houses this weekend to this gallery! It's easy—just sign into your Reading Patch account (or sign into Reading Patch using your Facebook account). Click the "Add your photos & videos" link below the photos and follow the directions. The property's address, list price, open house time and other details can be included in the photo's caption.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Luther is all puppy and is ready to please.
My name is Luther and I am about a year old, if that. I wandered up onto someone’s porch a few weeks ago. I am big and strong, so I got away from my companion and got lost somewhere near the Stone Zoo. I was lucky to find PAWS because it is a rough world out there for lost animals. I would love to find my original family, but I am legally available for adoption now and I really, really want to settle into a new home. If you are looking at my picture, you already know I am very, very handsome, so let’s not waste time on that. I am impatient to tell you instead how much I want to go home with you. I am very people-friendly so I already know that I like you a lot. And I am also extremely eager to please, especially if there is a treat …
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
And what would the Moms Council change about the town, if they could?
Each week in Moms Talk, our Moms Council takes your questions, gives advice and shares solutions. Our conversation starts today with a broad topic, but a good one. This week, we asked the Moms Council: From a parent's perspective, what makes Reading a great place to raise kids? And what is one thing you would change if you could? Here’s what they had to say: Alicia Botticelli-Tarasuk Reading is such a great town! I was born and raised in Reading, so I may be a bit biased, but nonetheless, it is wonderful. I live AND work in Reading. Having gone through the schools I saw first hand how great the schools were. I played sports and took part in the drama program so I saw that aspect of the schools too. I stayed in Reading to raise my children …
Monday, February 20, 2012
Here's a hint: The answer is a multiple of five ...
According to the Reading Patch Business Directory, there are 25. Here they are: Have you patronized any of these places? If so, please write a review. It’s easy, just select the listing you would like to review, scroll to the bottom and enter your review in the box, click the “Review It!” button and that’s it! It’s that simple! If you are the owner one of these Salons, claim your listing and then claim the benefits that come with doing so! In the meantime, keep on supporting local business!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Kobe, although he's a Snowshoe mix, prefers a warm house to cross-country skiing.
My name is Kobe and I am a Snowshoe mix. That doesn’t mean I like winter sports. On the contrary, I am a stay-at-home kind of guy. I want to be inside where it is cozy and warm and where I can be with my favorite animal: humans. You should be warned that I like to keep my humans close by. Wherever you go in your house, I will be following you around. I also love to play, either with you, or by myself. When we are done playing, I like to have a little brush and a head scratch. They say I have the cutest meow, but I don’t use it to be cute. I use it to let you know I want to eat if you are late serving my meal. When dinner is over, I would love to crawl into your lap. I am a big cat however, so if this does not work for you, perhaps we …
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Open Houses in the Reading area this Sunday, February 19.
Realtors: Upload photos of your open houses this weekend to this gallery! It's easy—just sign into your Reading Patch account (or sign into Reading Patch using your Facebook account). Click the "Add your photos & videos" link below the photos and follow the directions. The property's address, list price, open house time and other details can be included in the photo's caption.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Local Energy Action Program (LEAP) to help Reading and seven other communities strategize for renewable energy and energy efficiency work.
The following is a press release from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council BOSTON—The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) announced last week that Reading has been selected to participate in MAPC’s new Local Energy Action Program (LEAP). Through LEAP, which is funded with support from the Barr Foundation, MAPC will be working with Marlborough, Medford, Medway, Stoughton, and the towns served by the Reading Municipal Light Department—Lynnfield, North Reading, Reading, and Wilmington—to plan for long- range energy efficiency and renewable energy work. “We are thrilled to be announcing that Reading was selected to participate in the LEAP program,” said Marc Draisen, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. “…
Monday, February 13, 2012
The lower amount of Chapter 7, 11 and 13 bankruptcy filings follows a statewide trend, albeit at a slightly slower pace.
Bankruptcy filings in Middlesex County fell nearly 12 percent in 2011 from a year earlier, falling only slightly less rapidly than the statewide figure, which showed a drop of almost 15 percent, according to a new report from The Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman. Bankruptcies (Chapters 7, 11 and 13)in Middlesex County totaled 3,388 in 2011, down 11.8 percent from the 3,842 a year previously, while statewide, the 19,744 total bankruptcies in 2011 represent a drop of 14.6 percent from 2010's figure of 23,125. There were 2,597 Chapter 7 filings in Middlesex County last year, as opposed to 2,951 in 2010. Chapter 13 filings also fell by 10 percent, from 842 in 2010 to 756 last year, while Chapter 11 bankruptcies fell 29 percent, …
Kevin M Sexton
3:09 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
Donnie B., Here are the numbers I have: January 2011: $445,091 January 2012: $495,223 It's good to note that if the only homes to close in January 2012 were all above $1Million (which it wasn't), than that's what would show up as the average price and vice versa if the only homes to sell were in the $200K range. So you are correct in that it's not an accurate look at what home prices have done … more ›