Sales volume: 2008: 168 sales; 2007: 213 sales; 2006: 186 sales; 2005: 199 sales.

All from MLSPIN.

Sales volume will be down, but average / median sales prices will remain about the same, in my opinion. So far, through 4 1/2 months, this is true.

median 2008: $590,000
median 2007: $550,000
median 2006: $512,500
median 2005: $487,500

2005 median: Actually, a unit I sold, at 492 Mass Ave, #73, $487,000, two bed, 1 bath, 830 square feet.

2008 median: 2 bed, 1 bath penthouse unit on West Canton, 778 square feet,

Would the 2005 median-sale property sell for what the 2008 median-sale property got? No. So, the comparison is of limited relevance.

I think we’ll have a strong spring market. Most of the sales activity in the South End, Back Bay, and Beacon Hill happen in the spring. Then, in the fall, but not half as much.

If you are selling this spring, put your property on the market by April 1. Buyers, for sure, will want to have their purchase wrapped up by Memorial Day – many would love to have the closing prior to that, but as long as the property is under agreement by then, many buyers will be happy. No buyer wants to have to move mid-summer.

I think the sales volume will be about what it was last year, which is strong.

As the spring time is coming soon, do you have any expectations for how the reals estate market will shape out in the South End. You noted above that South End does NOT have too much inventory (which could be a good thing if you are selling), bu how much does that fluctuate in the warmer months? What is the best time to sell – considering you want to “get ahead” of the summer “rush”

-Jules