Shared spaces (condos with swimming pools, gyms etc), work spaces are no longer in high demand.
Mortgage rates fell to record lows, fueling moves, refinancing, equity projects, etc. (at least for now).
People are buying larger homes to accommodate remote work and school, and many families are taking relatives in or re-introducing college students back into the home. Some are moving back in with their parents to save money, take advantage of built-in child care, or to care for their senior family members.
Hygiene is high on buyers’ radars. Homes with half bath additions for hand washing and more toilets are in huge demand, as everyone is home all day.
The kitchen is king! People want a large pantry space for all the kitchen gadgets, toilet paper, flour, yeast, and Clorox purchased this year. We’ve also noticed more touchless faucets. Even Liz has one!
People are seriously living in their living room. They want strong, fast internet for video calls and schooling. They’re looking for huge TVs for entertainment purposes: games, movies, and streaming services have replaced pub trivia night, theaters, and binge-watching parties.
Whether it’s a balcony or a backyard, homeowners are taking advantage of their outside areas. They’re adding patios, planting gardens, buying fire pits, and socializing outdoors. A yard isn’t just a pretty place anymore; it allows us to visit safely with friends and family. And it’s taught us that we’re tougher than we think! How many of you got together with others outside on a chilly February night, just so you could stop having conversations with random household objects? Yep, us too.
2025 seems like a made-up, futuristic year, and yet here we are! Like many of you, we take stock at the end of the year, looking back on our successes, challenges, and everything in between. This year tested our resilience and creativity. There were big changes in the real estate world and for our team. Following are some of our highlights from 2024. We'd love to hear about yours, too!
Fall has arrived, and with it is the idea of “Harvest Season,” bringing to mind images of abundant produce at farm stands and overflowing grocery store aisles (not to mention the ubiquitous Pumpkin Spice in everything from donuts to sausages). Yet, this time of supposed plenty contrasts sharply with the reality that nearly two million people in Massachusetts—about 18% of the population—experience food insecurity. We at Liz & Ellie Local don’t just help people buy and sell houses; we aim to educate people on the issues that affect where we live, too. In a state with so many resources, we feel moved to help our neighbors gain access to healthy and delicious food.
You may have heard or read about a recent settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Department of Justice that resulted in several significant changes to how real estate commissions are handled. We’d like to address how we are responding to the settlement, and how changes may affect you.
With their complementary communication styles, responsiveness, competence, and ability to truly listen, Ellie and Liz enable their clients to feel at ease throughout any real estate transaction. They would welcome the opportunity to be your next real estate advisors.
Let's ConnectCompass
1100 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138
