The housing market in Massachusetts continued its recovery last month, as sales and prices of both single-family homes and condos jumped over last year’s figures.
The increases weren’t spectacular. Home sales were up 12 percent while average prices barely increased. Condo sales were up 9 percent, with prices rising by about 4.6 percent.
Now remember: There’s still [...]

Between Janaury 1, 2011 through October 1, 2011 Boston had 317 condo sales priced $1 million and above. Last year, for the same time period, Boston had 283 condo sales priced $1 million and above.
The average sales price per square foot for Boston luxury condo (million & above) 2011 – $1,283.00 per sq ft.
The average [...]

Number of  Boston Common (Midtown)  sales 2011 – 90
Number of Boston Common (Midtown) sales 2010 – 61
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Boston Common (Midtown) average sales price 2011 – $1,096,955.00
Boston Common (Midtown) average sales price 2010 – $985,714.00
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Boston Common (Midtown) median sales price 2011 - $840,000.00
Boston Common (Midtown) median sales price 2010 – $705,000.00

1. At the end of September there were 2.2 million homes listed for sale throughout the country on multi-listing services. This is the lowest level in more than four years.
2. 2.2 million people will lose their unemployment benefits by the middle of February 2012.

Boston South End condo sales from January 1st through October 1st for 2010 and 2011.
Number of Boston South End condo sales for 2011 – 435
Number of Boston South End condo sales for 2010 – 441
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Average Boston South End condo sales price 2011 – $651,407.00
Average Boston South End condo sales price 2010 – $646,842.00
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Median Boston South [...]

Comparing Back Bay real estate sales (condos) from January 1st through October 1st for 2011 with 2010.
Number of Back Bay condo sales 2011 – 352
Number of Back Bay condo sales 2010 – 367
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Average Back Bay condo sales price for 2011 – $1,169,497.00
Average Back Bay condo sales price for 2010 – $1,117,113.00
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Median Back Bay condo sales [...]

The Globe impressively adds up all the recent construction projects announced or under way in Boston, and concludes we’re seeing an apartment construction boom.
The numbers back up the claim: 850 units now under construction. Another 295 as of Monday when developers start yet another project. Those numbers don’t include the approximate 1,000 housing units, mostly [...]

This is great news. The Friends of Eddie Coyle is being turned into a play, starting Dec. 8 through Jan. 15, in Harvard Square. Buy your tickets. We have a hunch it’s going to be popular.

At least when it comes to their property.
The photo below shows Boston capitalism at its best.

File Under: Let’s take away “Wall Street stuff” but not “My Boston stuff.”
File Under Alternative: Don’t Tread on Me
Click photo of Boston protesters to enlarge.

Harvard economist Martin Feldstein says the government has to intervene to reduce mortgage principals on loans:
I cannot agree with those who say we should just let house prices continue to fall until they stop by themselves. Although some forest fires are allowed to burn out naturally, no one lets those fires continue to burn when [...]