The Carol Kelly Team, Compass Real Estate

09/17/2026

If buying a home is still on your 2026 list, you may want to circle October. 🍂🏡

According to new research from Realtor.com, fall is bringing some of the most buyer-friendly conditions of the year, thanks to a seasonal combination of more inventory, less competition, more time to make decisions, and prices easing from their summer highs.

And while September 27–October 3 is the best week nationally, our local market follows a slightly different timeline. Realtor.com identifies October 25–31 as the best week to buy in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area this year.

Of course, that doesn’t mean there’s one perfect week to find a home. But if you’ve been waiting for a little more breathing room as a buyer, the fall market may offer some advantages worth watching.

Curious what we’re seeing right now in Cambridge and Greater Boston? We’d be happy to talk through it with you. 🍂

https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2026/09/16/the-best-time-to-buy-a-home-in-2026-is-almost-here/

Search homes for sale, new construction homes, apartments, and houses for rent. See property values. Shop mortgages.

09/11/2026

For many of our buyers, Cambridge hits a sweet spot. You’re minutes from Boston and surrounded by restaurants, shops, culture, and plenty to do, but you can still find tree-lined streets, neighborhood pockets, and homes that feel removed from the busiest parts of the city.

And for anyone who loves the idea of more breathing room but not the yard work, long commute, or other upkeep that can come with a move to the suburbs? It can be a pretty compelling middle ground.

Of course, every Cambridge neighborhood has its own personality. We’d be happy to help you find the one that feels like yours. 🏡

09/10/2026

Some buyers come with a checklist. Others come with a vision. We speak both languages. 💛

09/09/2026

There’s always room for pizza. 🍕🐉

Right in the heart of Davis Square, Dragon Pizza is the kind of neighborhood spot that keeps things interesting. Think big, foldable slices, classic cheese and pepperoni alongside combinations like Maple Bacon Cheddar and The Pickleback, plus homemade gelato when you’ve somehow saved room.

And the fun doesn’t stop at pizza. Dragon’s Lair adds a space for drinks, games and gatherings, making it just as easy to turn a quick slice into a night out.

📍 233 Elm Street, Davis Square
⏰ Open daily, with late nights until midnight Thursday through Saturday.

Another Somerville spot worth having on your neighborhood list. ❤️

09/04/2026

Waiting for mortgage rates to drop before making a move? There’s more behind today’s rates than the headlines might suggest.

Mortgage rates tend to move alongside the 10-year Treasury yield, with a gap between the two known as the “spread.” That spread widened significantly a few years ago, pushing mortgage rates higher, but it has since narrowed much closer to its historical average.

The good news? That narrowing is one reason rates aren’t even higher today. The tradeoff is that it also means there may be less room for a dramatic decline based on the spread alone.

The takeaway isn’t to try to perfectly time the market. It’s to understand the numbers, your options, and what makes sense for your specific situation.

Read more below, and if a move is on your mind, let’s talk about what today’s market could mean for you!

https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2026/08/12/heres-why-mortgage-rates-are-what-they-are-right-now/

If you're waiting for mortgage rates to fall a lot before you buy, you may be waiting a while.

09/03/2026

Some views never get old. 💛 This past Riverview Condominiums property offered a front-row seat to the Charles, with 12-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and a 30-foot balcony made for taking in both sunrise and sunset.

Inside, the expansive open floor plan paired beautifully with the view, with a custom kitchen, generous living and dining spaces, flexible rooms for guests or a home office, and plenty of built-in storage.

Add in 24-hour concierge service, private outdoor space, and a location within walking distance of Harvard Square, and this was one of those homes that offered both a retreat from the city and easy access to everything around it.

Looking for a home with a view, or wondering what your Cambridge property could be worth in today’s market? Let’s connect.

09/02/2026

Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? Right now, the answer may be: it depends where you are.

After years of conditions strongly favoring sellers, the national housing market has moved closer to balanced territory. But real estate is local, and what’s happening nationally may look very different from what’s happening in your neighborhood.

In one market, buyers may have more room to negotiate on price or concessions. In another, sellers may still be seeing strong demand and competitive offers.

That’s why understanding the local numbers matters more than ever. The right strategy for buying, selling, pricing, and negotiating should be based on what’s actually happening in your market, not the national headlines.

Read more below, and if you’re wondering what today’s market means for your next move, let’s talk!

https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2026/08/13/who-has-the-upper-hand-in-todays-housing-market/

Ask around and almost every homebuyer out there wants to know if there’s a way to get a better deal. And just about every seller wants to know if they'll still get top dollar.

09/01/2026

September 1st has us thinking about fall interiors 💭

Blue may be trending this season, but we’d argue it never really went out of style!

While fall interiors often bring to mind warm browns, creams and deep greens, blue is getting plenty of attention this season, too.

And we can see why. From rich kitchen cabinetry to navy furnishings and softer accents, blue brings color and personality into a space while still feeling classic and calming. Certain shades can even function almost like a neutral, pairing beautifully with everything from warm woods to crisp whites.

This past property in Cambridge is a perfect example. We love how the different shades of blue carry from the kitchen into the living space, creating a home that feels collected rather than overly matched.

On trend for fall, but timeless enough for every season. 💙

08/31/2026

26 years in one home says a lot about how special a place can be. ✨

This stately 1886 Mansard Victorian in Cambridge’s Agassiz neighborhood was filled with the kind of character that’s increasingly hard to find.

Soaring ceilings, handsome moldings, wood floors, a fireplace, and a beautiful curved staircase honored the home’s history, while generous living spaces made it equally suited to everyday life and entertaining.

One of my favorite features was the expansive kitchen overlooking the fenced garden, complete with a deck, brick patio, and goldfish pond. A little oasis tucked into a quiet, tree-lined Cambridge street.

It was a special home to represent and a great reminder of what makes Cambridge real estate so unique. If you’re considering selling a longtime home or searching for your next one, let’s connect!

08/31/2026

Six offers. All well over asking. 👏

We’re incredibly grateful when clients trust us with one of their biggest decisions, and even more grateful when they take the time to share words like these.

For us, great real estate service means more than putting a home on the market. It means thoughtful strategy, creative marketing, strong negotiation, and doing everything we can to deliver the best possible outcome for our clients.

Thank you for the kind words and, most importantly, the trust. ❤️

https://thecarolkellyteam.com/