A. The Town of Sharon has seen steady growth in the numbers of real estate transactions and increased values of houses for calendar year 2013 when compared to calendar year 2012.

Based on MLS data for single-family houses, here is a year-to-year comparison of houses sold inSharon:

2012:

 Houses sold:  209

 Average days-on-market: 112

 Average sales price:  $449,000

 Average selling price/list price ratio:  97%

2013:

Houses sold:  247

Average days-on-market: 76

Average sales price: $521,750

Average selling price/list price ratio: 98%

 This chart shows a significant increase in average selling price as well as a significant decrease in marketing time.

 The following market data will give you a look at specific price ranges and market performance for houses sold in 2013:

Under 300k  21  houses sold 

$300- 400k  56  houses sold

$400- 500k  53  houses sold

$500- 600k  40  houses sold

$600- 700k  43  houses sold

$700- 800k  19  houses sold

$800- 900k    7  houses sold

$900 -1mil     0  houses sold

Over $1mil     8  sold 

Almost every price range shows an increase in # of houses sold in 2013 as compared to calendar year 2012, with the exception of under $300k. The most significant improvement is found in the mid-range of $400k – 800k.

What’s happening so far in 2014?  The supply of houses available for sale is very limited, as of 1/28/2013 there are only 23 houses listed for sale through the MLS database. The available inventory is historically low which may result in continued upward pressure on house values in 2014.

Under $300k  0 houses

$300-400k     5 houses

$400-500k     3 houses

$500-600k     2 houses

$600-700k     4 houses

$700-800k     3 houses

$800-900k     1 house

$900-1 mil     1 house

Over 1 mil      4 houses

There are a number of reasons for the improved real estate market, both in Sharon which is renowned as the #1 place to live, and in the greater Boston area, as the economy continues to improve and mortgage rates remain at affordable levels.