04/04/2026
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am sharing my last newsletter with you for those not on my mailing list or who may have missed it.
As we move into the spring market, I wanted to share a clear, data-driven snapshot of what’s happening locally in the early spring market in Greater Boston. Recent reporting from the Boston Globe, along with figures from the Greater Boston Association of Realtors, shows that home sales in February were down year-over-year, with a modest dip in median prices as well. Inventory also remains tight across much of the region. While headlines may frame this as a “slump,” what I’m seeing day-to-day tells a more nuanced story—particularly at the local level.
From the field, buyer demand is still very much present—especially for well-priced homes in desirable locations. The challenge isn’t lack of interest; it’s the combination of higher mortgage rates and limited inventory. Many homeowners are holding onto historically low interest rates, which is keeping new listings constrained. As a result, when a strong property comes to market, competition can still be quite active.
It’s also worth noting that this year’s winter likely played a role in how the market is unfolding. In Greater Boston, the spring market is closely tied to weather patterns—milder winters often bring early activity, sometimes as soon as February. This year, with a colder, more challenging winter, we’re seeing a slower start, which may simply mean activity will build later in the spring and into early summer.
At the same time, real estate is highly localized. In markets like Brookline and Newton, we are actually seeing inventory levels trending higher than this time last year, offering more choice for buyers than we’ve had in recent spring markets. This is a good reminder that broader regional headlines don’t always reflect what’s happening in specific towns.
Interest rates remain a central factor, impacting affordability and causing some buyers to pause or adjust expectations. We’re also seeing buyers approach decisions more thoughtfully, with a slightly more conservative mindset around pricing and monthly affordability, reflecting a broader sense of economic uncertainty. For sellers, this is still a strategic market—not a stagnant one. Homes that are priced thoughtfully and presented well are attracting serious buyers. The key difference today is that the market is less forgiving of overpricing, making strategy and timing more important than ever as we move deeper into the season.
If you’d like to talk through how these trends specifically impact your situation, I’m always happy to connect—and look forward to your reaching out anytime.
With my best wishes,
Ava
