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SEARCH HOMES IN NORTH SHORE MASSACHUSETTS TOWNS
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Our exclusive listings along with other select North Shore Massachusetts single-family homes, condos, multifamily homes, and land.
- 1/23 232 Beds 2 Baths 2,116 SqFt$849,900Open Sat 10AM-2PM
1-3 Cassimere Street, Andover, MA 01810
Listed by Christine Saba of Lamacchia Realty, Inc.
Multi-Family
- 1/3 32 Beds 2 Baths 1,391 SqFt$595,000Open 2/15 2PM-4PM
- 1/40 403 Beds 2.5 Baths 1,359 SqFt$850,000Open Sat 1PM-3PM
164 Water Street #164, Newburyport, MA 01950
Listed by The Cronin Team of Gibson Sotheby's International Realty
Condo
- 1/42 422 Beds 2 Baths 984 SqFt$850,000Open Sat 1PM-3PM
166 Water Street #166, Newburyport, MA 01950
Listed by The Cronin Team of Gibson Sotheby's International Realty
Condo
- 1/40 402 Beds 1.5 Baths 1,054 SqFt$579,000Open Sat 2PM-3PM
55 Green Street #0, Marblehead, MA 01945
Listed by Elizabeth Smith of Keller Williams Realty Evolution
Single Family Home
- 1/41 412 Beds 1.5 Baths 1,054 SqFt$579,000Open Sat 2PM-3PM
55 Green Street, Marblehead, MA 01945
Listed by Elizabeth Smith of Keller Williams Realty Evolution
Single Family Home
THE ARMSTRONG FIELD REAL ESTATE BLOG
Real estate news for Massachusetts Home Buyers & Sellers
Discover Luxury Living at 106 Broadway, Salem: A Trio of Brand New Condominiums
Salem, Massachusetts, a city renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, is now home to a stunning new real estate opportunity. Located at 106 Broadway, three brand new luxury condominiums are available for discerning buyers. Priced at $750,000 each, these homes offer an exceptional blend of modern design, high-end finishes, and convenient amenities that cater to contemporary lifestyles. Each condominium unit boasts three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, ensuring ample space for families or individuals seeking room to grow. The open concept living area creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for both entertaining guests and enjoying quiet evenings at home. The chef's kitchen is a standout feature of these condos, equipped with quartz countertops that include a striking waterfall edge design. This space is not only functional but also exudes elegance and sophistication. Solid hardwood floors run throughout each unit, adding warmth and continuity to the living spaces. These floors are not just beautiful; they are also durable and easy to maintain, making them ideal for busy households. Complementing the luxurious interiors are state-of-the-art heating and central air conditioning systems that ensure comfort year-round. Parking in urban settings can often be a challenge, but not at 106 Broadway. Each condominium comes with two dedicated parking spaces, providing convenience and peace of mind for residents who own vehicles. The location of these condos further enhances their appeal. Situated close to Salem State College, residents will find themselves in proximity to educational opportunities and the youthful energy of a college town. The nearby Rail Trail offers a scenic route for walking, jogging, or cycling, promoting an active lifestyle amidst picturesque surroundings. Additionally, the proposed MBTA commuter train station promises easy access to public transportation in the future, making commuting to Boston or other nearby areas more convenient than ever. While the condo fee is yet to be determined (TBD), potential buyers can rest assured knowing that this fee will contribute towards maintaining the quality and upkeep of shared amenities and common areas. Investing in one of these luxury condominiums means more than just purchasing a home; it’s about embracing a lifestyle filled with comfort, style, and convenience. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of Salem’s historic charm or the modern amenities offered by these new constructions, 106 Broadway presents an opportunity not to be missed. For more information or to schedule a viewing of these exquisite homes, contact Jim Armstrong at 978-394-6736 today. Experience firsthand the luxury and convenience that awaits you at 106 Broadway in Salem!
The Perks of Buying a Fixer-Upper
There’s no denying affordability is tough right now. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your plans to buy a home on the back burner.If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves (or hire someone who will), buying a house that needs some work could open the door to homeownership. Here’s everything you need to know so you can decide if this is the right move for you.What’s a Fixer-Upper?A fixer-upper is a home that’s livable but requires some renovations. Think cosmetic updates like wallpaper removal and new flooring or more extensive repairs like replacing a roof or updating plumbing.While fixer-uppers need a little TLC, here’s why they may be worth considering, especially right now:They Usually Have a Lower Price Point. Because of the repairs involved, these homes are usually less expensive up front than move-in-ready options. According to a survey from StorageCafe, fixer-uppers come with price tags that are about 29% lower, making them a solid choice if you’re having trouble finding anything in your budget.Less Competition. When you’re ready to make an offer, you’re less likely to deal with competition from other buyers who are focused on move-in-ready homes.Build Equity Faster. From choosing how to redo the floors to picking which cabinets you want in the kitchen, a fixer-upper allows you to design a space that fits your needs and style. And with smart renovations, you can increase your home’s value faster and potentially see a big return on your investment.As The Mortgage Reports notes:“If you’re a house hunter who’s not afraid of sweat equity, buying a fixer-upper could be your ticket to homeownership. Doing so could lead to big savings, even in some of the nation’s largest and most popular housing markets. Plus, adding the right features could help your investment.”What To Know About Buying a Fixer-Upper The possibilities that come with a fixer-upper are exciting, but there are a few things to think about first.Do You Have a Gameplan? Consider if you have the time, skills, or budget to tackle renovations. Be honest about what you can handle yourself, what you’ll need to hire out, and if a fixer-upper is truly a good fit for your lifestyle. Remember, you’ll likely be living in a construction zone at least for a little while.Prioritize the Repairs and Upgrades: Don't stress yourself out thinking you’ve got to do all the work up front. Space out renovations over time in a way that makes sense for your budget and what’s most important to tackle first.Location Matters: You want the money you’re spending to fix up a house to be worth the investment. So, make sure the home is in an area with increasing home values and amenities locals love, like parks and restaurants.Get a Home Inspection: Hiring an inspector to do a thorough inspection before you buy is a must. What they find will help you understand what needs to be updated, renovation costs, and if it’s a project you want to take on.Budget for Surprises: Renovations rarely go as planned. So, be sure to set aside extra money to cover things like extended repair timelines, an increase in the cost of materials, or other unknowns that may come up.Talk to a Lender About Financing Options: There are some renovation mortgages designed for homes that need a little work. But they may have requirements like spending and timeline limits, so talk to a trusted lender to understand the fine print.Bottom LineFixer-uppers aren’t for everyone, but if you’re open to doing a bit of work, they can be a great way to overcome today’s affordability hurdles and find something in your budget. With the right mindset and careful planning, you could turn a less-than-perfect house into the perfect home for you.So, if you’re considering taking the plunge, talk to a real estate agent about finding a fixer-upper that fits your budget and goals.
The 3 Biggest Mistakes Sellers Are Making Right Now
If you want to sell your house, having the right strategies and expectations is key. But some sellers haven’t adjusted to where the market is today. They’re not factoring in that there are more homes for sale or that buyers are being more selective with their budgets. And those sellers are making some costly mistakes.Here’s a quick rundown of the 3 most common missteps sellers are making, and how partnering with an expert agent can help you avoid every single one of them.1. Pricing the Home Too HighAccording to a survey by John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM), real estate agents agree the #1 thing sellers struggle with right now is setting the right price for their house (see graph below):And more often than not, homeowners tend to overprice their listings. If you aren’t up to speed on what’s happening in your local market, you may give in to the temptation to price high so you can have as much wiggle room as possible to negotiate. You don’t want to do this.Today’s buyers are more cautious due to higher rates and tight budgets, and a price that feels out of reach will scare them off. And if no one’s looking at your house, how’s it going to sell? This is exactly why more sellers are having to do price cuts.To avoid this headache, trust your agent’s expertise from day 1. A great agent will be able to tell you what your neighbor’s house just sold for and how that impacts the value of your home.2. Skipping RepairsAnother common mistake is trying to avoid doing work on your house. That leaky faucet or squeaky door might not bother you, but to buyers, small maintenance issues can be red flags. They may assume those little flaws are signs of bigger problems — and it could cost you when offers come in lower or buyers ask for concessions. As Investopedia says:“Sellers who do not clean and stage their homes throw money down the drain. . . Failing to do these things can reduce your sales price and may also prevent you from getting a sale at all. If you haven’t attended to minor issues, such as a broken doorknob or dripping faucet, a potential buyer may wonder whether the house has larger, costlier issues that haven’t been addressed either.”The solution? Work with your agent to prioritize anything you’ll need to tackle before the photographer comes in. These minor upgrades can pay off big when it’s time to sell.3. Refusing To NegotiateBuyers today are feeling the pinch of high home prices and mortgage rates. With affordability that tight, they may come in with an offer that’s lower than you want to see. Don’t take it personally. Instead, focus on the end goal: selling your house. Your agent can help you negotiate confidently without letting emotions cloud your judgment.At the same time, with more homes on the market, buyers have options — and with that comes more negotiating power. They may ask for repairs, closing cost assistance, or other concessions. Be prepared to have these conversations. Again, lean on your agent to guide you. Sometimes a small compromise can seal the deal without derailing your bottom line. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:“If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . the only way to come to a successful deal is to make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.”The Biggest Mistake of All? Not Using a Real Estate AgentNotice anything? For each of these mistakes, partnering with an agent helps prevent them from happening in the first place. That makes trying to sell your house without an agent’s help the biggest mistake of all.Bottom LineAvoid these common mistakes by starting with the right plan — and the right agent. Connect with an agent so you don’t fall into any of these traps.
Buyer Bright Spot: There Are More Homes on the Market
The past few years have been challenging for homebuyers, especially with higher home prices and mortgage rates. And if you’re trying to buy a home, it’s easy to worry you won’t be able to find something in your budget.But here’s what you need to know. The number of homes for sale has grown a whole lot lately and that’s true for both existing (previously lived-in) and newly built homes. Here’s a look at those two bright spots for buyers right now and why they may make it a bit easier to find the home you’re been looking for.1. There Are 22% More Existing Homes for Sale Data from Realtor.com says the number of existing homes for sale improved by an impressive 22% in 2024. And experts say your pool of options is expected to get even better this year. Forecasts show inventory is projected to grow another 11-15% by the end of this year (see graph below):Here’s why this is so good for your search. If you haven’t seen a house with all the features you need, just know that, as the number of homes for sale grows, you’ll have more options to choose from. That means a better chance of finding a home that checks all your boxes. As Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, says:“It could be a particularly good time to get out into the market . . . you're going to have more choice. And that's not something that buyers have really had much over the past several years.”2. There Are More Newly Built Homes on the MarketAccording to data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 31.1%, or roughly 1 in 3, homes on the market right now are newly built homes. That’s more than the norm (see charts below). But don't worry, that's not because builders are overdoing it – it’s just that they’re trying to catch up after years of underbuilding.And the best part is, since builders have been focusing on smaller homes with lower price points, you may actually find out new builds are less expensive than you’d expect. So, while a lot of people write off new construction because it’s easy to assume the costs are way higher, lately, that price gap isn’t as big as you’d think. As CNET says:“If you live in an area where there's a lot of new construction happening . . . you might be able to purchase a new house for a price similar to or even less than a pre-owned one.”If you haven’t been able to find a home that’s in your budget, it’s time to ask your agent about new builds. If you don’t, you may have been cutting your pool of options by about a third.Bottom LineMore choices could be the key to unlocking your homebuying goals in 2025. Talk to a local agent if you want to see what’s available in your area.What features are you looking for in your next home? Let an agent know so they can put together a list of homes you’d love.
The Real Benefits of Buying a Home This Year
Have you been wondering whether you should keep renting or finally make the leap into homeownership? It’s a big decision, and let’s be real — renting can feel like the easier option, especially if buying a home feels out of reach.But here’s the thing: a recent report from Bank of America highlights that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting, including not building equity and dealing with rising rents.Maybe you’re feeling that too — concerned about where renting might leave you down the road, but still unsure if you'd even be able to buy right now. The truth is, if you’re able to make the numbers work, buying a home has powerful long-term financial benefits.Let’s break down why homeownership is worth considering in 2025 and beyond, and how it can help set you up for the future.Buying Builds Wealth Over TimeBuying a home allows you to turn your monthly housing costs into a long-term investment. That’s because, as shown in data from the Census and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), home prices tend to increase over time (see graph below):Rising home prices directly benefit homeowners. That’s because when you own a home, you build equity — meaning your ownership stake in your home grows as you pay down your mortgage and your home's value appreciates. And that, in turn, makes your net worth grow too.Maybe that’s why, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 79% of buyers believe owning a home is a good financial investment.Renting Comes with Rising CostsRenting may feel more affordable in the short term, especially right now with today’s home prices and mortgage rates. But the reality is, over time, rent almost always goes up too. Take a look at the data and you can see that play out. According to Census data, rents have significantly increased over the decades (see graph below):This means if you decide to rent, you’ll likely face growing expenses each time you renew or sign a new lease – and that’ll happen without building any wealth in return. Plus, those rising costs may make it harder to save up to buy a home down the road.Renting vs. Buying: The Long-Term ImpactWhen you own a home, your payments are an investment in your future. Renting, on the other hand, means your money is gone for good — it helps your landlord build equity, not you.Renting works for those not ready (or able) to buy today. But if you are able to make the numbers work, buying a home builds equity and sets you up for long-term financial success. So, even though renting may seem easier now, it can’t match the benefits of homeownership.Bottom LineIf you can afford it, take control of your financial future by making homeownership part of your plan. It’s an investment you won’t regret.Do you want to see what starter homes are available in your market? Connect with a local real estate agent today to explore your options.
Time in the Market Beats Trying To Time the Market
Some HighlightsAre you torn between whether to buy a home now or wait? Consider this.Forecasts show prices will climb for at least the next 5 years. If you wait, the price of a home will be higher later on. But, if you buy a $400K now, you could gain roughly $83K in equity as prices rise.If you're able to buy now, this equity is one reason why it'll be worth it in the long run. Connect with an agent if you're ready to talk through ways we can make it happen.
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REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS
- Jim has been fantastic to work with and we're so grateful he was available to help us rent out our condo in Salem. Jim is thorough, responsive, professional, and ensures a seamless experience for all parties involved. We cannot recommend him highly enough!Courteney McDonnell
- Lisa Santamaria went above and beyond in helping us sell our 2-family home in Salem. She managed the process flawlessly - keeping us well informed, diligently closing requests/follow ups, and staying on top of all of the little details along the way. We had an offer within a week of putting the house on the market, and closed on the sale in about a month. Lisa brings a lot of energy and good humor to what is typically considered a stressful process. Very happy with our experience and would highly recommend Lisa!Stephanie Pirrotta
- I’ve had an exceptionally positive experience working with this company as a new home buyer. Lisa has made the entire process quick and painless, and she and her team have been extremely helpful both before and after closing. I would highly recommend this business!Benjamin Abramson
- I highly recommend ArmstrongReal Estate! Matt Sears is very professional and fully devotes himself to doing a great job.Michael Hill
- My business relationship with Armstrong Field Real Estate goes back many years, especially with agent Catherine St. Pierre. Catherine is the consummate agent, always willing and able to help, iron out problems and expedite issues. I would very highly recommend both for any real estate issues.George Tzantzos
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