2011-12 School year in the Greater Fall River area brings PCB’s and MCAS

2011-12 School year in the Greater Fall River area brings PCB’s and MCAS.

The 2011-12 school year has been back in session for a few weeks now and two local communities are witnessing a similar problem. The Westport school district is dealing with the clean up of PCB’s found in the Middle School during the summer. Testing and subsequent clean up of the potentially harmful materials caused a 2 day delay in the opening of the school. Ceiling tiles and calking around windows have been removed and most of the building is now open. The multimillion dollar clean up was an unexpected expense for the school district and will be dealt with at a future town meeting. Superintendent Colley message to parents and guardians explains more.

As a result of the Westport situation Fall River officials decided to test two school building built during the period when PCB’s were used in construction. Tests at Durfee High School show no PCB’s present , however tests at the Talbot Middle School indicated PCB’s may be present in some of the calking around some of the windows. The middle school has been closed since September 19^th. The School department is providing updates for the public at www.fallriverschools.org/talbot.cfm .

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MCAS scores from the spring 2011 testing period have been released by the state Department of Education. All regions of the state are reported and you can compare your districts results with the state averages for each class, and see the actual results by individual school.  The Fall River School Department  has a District summary and press release on the School department website.

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For more about the Greater Fall River area, visit my website at www.stevew-homes.com or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

More of what’s going on in the Greater Fall River area this fall

Here are a few more local activities going on in the Greater Fall River area this fall.

Experience New Bedford’s commercial fishing industry at America’s largest commercial fishing port at The Working Waterfront Festival — New Bedford, MA. Go aboard real fishing boats, scallopers, lobster boats and whaleboats. Take a harbor tour. See scallop shucking, net mending. and other maritime competitions. Watch the whaleboat races, tugboat muster and the Blessing of the Fleet. Then enjoy the “Seafood Throwdown”. Local chefs compete using local seafood and native produce to impress a panel of judges with their best dish. Don’t forget to  enjoy the food court where local restaurants serve up seafood, soups, salads, ice cream and more.

All this is at the Port of New Bedford this weekend, September 24 & 25 at Fisherman’s Warf and Pier 3-Steamship Pier. Free admission for all!

                                       

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If historic architecture is more to your taste then meet up with the Preservation Society of Fall River’s walking tour at the Fall River Historical Society’s Maple Street entrance.

Alfred Lima will conduct the tour and describe the various styles of architecture in the Highlands and the interesting stories that are associated with the various residences and civic buildings in the area.

  

                                       

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Somerset Recreation has announced their Fall 2011 schedule of events. This year’s activities include a “Halloween Spooktacular” for the whole family at the OldTown Hall, and a Holiday Shopping trip to New York City. New Youth programs this year include baby sitting workshops, Wigglekids, a home alone safety course, and Weather Kites for Kids. Adult programs include Yoga and Tai Chi classes, A trip to Foxwoods and “Composting 101”. Check out the full schedule here!

For more about the Greater Fall River area, visit my website at  www.stevew-homes.com  or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

Outdoor activities abound during the coming weekends in the greater Fall River area

There is a feeling of fall in the air today and with the great weather outdoor activities abound during the coming weekends in the greater Fall River area.

Local high schools will be kicking off on Friday nights and Saturdays all over the area for the next few weeks, so support your favorite teams and get some fresh air at the same time. 

Here is something you don’t come across every weekend! Buttonwood Park Zoo will celebrate Elephant Appreciation Day this Sunday, September 18^th from 10 to 4 PM.  Join in the family friendly activities including Elephant Tracks, a fund raising 1 mile walk around the Zoo at 11:30 and demonstrations and crafts from 1 to 4 PM.

Each weekend from September 3 through October 23 take a ride down Route 58 in Carver MA and enjoy our great fall weather plus the entertainment, crafts, food and drink all celebrating THE New England Renaissance Festival at King Richards Faire. The 80 acre site comes alive with acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, minstrels, dancers, fire eaters, puppeteers, animals and more.

Next Sunday, September 24 from 12 to 8 PM come to the Gates of the City, Ponta Delgada Blvd. on the waterfront in Fall River for the 2^nd annual “Eat 2 the Beat” food and music festival. Enjoy musical tributes to Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones while sampling foods from local restaurants.

The Fall River Preservation Society sponsored walking and bike tour series will continue September 17 with “A tour of OakGroveCemetery” followed by “Historic Architecture in the Highlands” on September 24.  A bicycle tour of historic Steep Brook called “Steep Brook: Fall River’s Colonial Village” will take place on October 1 and finally “The Underground Railroad in Fall River” tour will take place on October 8. Each tour starts at 10:00 am. More information regarding the tours can be found at the Fall River Preservation Society web site, www.fallriverpreservation.org .

These are just a few thoughts of activities available in the Greater Fall River area over the next few weeks so, get out of the house and enjoy the our great fall weather!!

 For more about the Greater Fall River area, visit my website at  www.stevew-homes.com  or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

A fantastic resource available to everyone in the Greater Fall River area and it is FREE!

A fantastic resource available to everyone in the Greater Fall River area and it is FREE!

Most folks know that your local public library is a wonderful resource in any community, and the Fall River Public Library, “The Peoples University” is no exception, but I recently found a service they offer and I love it!

OK, time for a little background. I used to commute from Fall River to places north like Avon, Waltham and Boston. Anyone who travels up and down Route 24 during rush hour traffic knows this simple 45-60 minute drive can easily become a 2-3 hour nightmare on any given day, and if the weather is bad, you are almost guaranteed a long trip. As a result I got tired of the usual music radio stations and talk radio shows and eventually found the wonderful world of audio books.  I started listening to biographies of historical figures like Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and historical works like ”Mayflower”.  I also enjoyed mystery novels by James Patterson, John Grisham, Dean Koontz and many others. I actually started to enjoy the commute.

I no longer spend hours in the car and had not been listening to the books until I started exercising and walking earlier this year. I purchased a few audio books on line and downloaded them to my IPOD and started enjoying my workout much more. I especially like to take a 4 mile walk at the waterfront here in Fall River and the time goes by in a snap. Now, my children will tell you I can be frugal, or better put-cheap. I discovered that the Fall River Public Library is part of the Sails Library Network known as  SAILSINC. Here you can download Audiobooks, eBooks and music all for FREE. You don’t even have to go to your local library branch, just download them to your home computer anytime you want, 24/7.

I suggest that if you don’t already have a library card, get down to your local branch and sign up. It’s free and any Massachusetts resident can get one. Then start listening to best sellers (I am listening to “The Help” right now) and maybe got some exercise too!

To learn more about the Greater Fall River area, visit my website at  www.stevew-homes.com or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

What has been going on in the Greater Fall River housing market during August?

What has been going on in the Greater Fall River housing market during August?

Here is some real estate market data describing the housing market here in the Greater Fall River area during the month of August and how it compares to the same time last year. The data is from the MLS and includes Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, Dartmouth, Westport, Berkley, Dighton and Tiverton, RI.

There were 130 single family homes sold in the Greater Fall River area during August 2011 at an average sale price of $234,664 and median price of $207,500. For the same period in 2010, 87 single family homes sold with an average sales price of $254,893 and median price of $225,000.

Volume is up this year by a whopping 49%, while the average price in down 7.9% and the median price down 7.3%.

There are currently 1064 single family homes for sale in the Greater Fall River area, with a median asking price of $295,000, as compared to a year ago when there were 970 homes with a median asking price of $324,950.

Greater inventory along with lower asking prices and historically low interest rates puts those interested in purchasing a single family home in the Greater Fall River area in a very good position. It’s time to act now!

 To learn more about the Greater Fall RiverMA area, visit my website at  www.stevew-homes.com  or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

What has been going on in the Somerset housing market during August?

What has been going on in the Somerset  housing market during August?

Here is some real estate market data describing the housing market here in Somerset during the month of August and how it compares to the same time last year. The data is from the MLS and is for single family homes.

There were 14 single family homes sold in Somerset during August 2011 at an average sale price of $197,643 and median price of $197000. For the same period in 2010, 10 single family homes sold with an average sales price of $202,890 and median price of $203,500.

Volume is up this year by 40%, while the average price in down 2.6% and the median price down 3.2%.

There are currently 106 single family homes for sale in Somerset, with a median asking price of $244,950, as compared to a year ago when there were 96 homes with a median asking price of $266,164.50.

 Greater inventory along with lower asking prices and historically low interest rates puts those interested in purchasing a single family home in Somerset in a very good position. It’s time to act now!

To learn more about the Greater Somerset MA area, visit my website at www.stevew-homes.com or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

 

What has been going on in the City of Fall River housing market during August?

What has been going on in the City of Fall River housing market during August?

Here is some real estate market data describing the housing market here in Fall River during the month of August and how it compares to the same time last year. The data is from the MLS and is for single family homes.

There were 19 single family homes sold in Fall River during August 2011 at an average sale price of $174,742 and median price of $175,000. For the same period in 2010, 26 single family homes sold with an average sales price of $177,475 and median price of $190,000.

Volume is off this year by 27%, while the average price in down 1.5% and the median price down 7.9%.

There are currently 215 single family homes for sale in Fall River, with a median asking price of $219,900, as compared to a year ago when there were 195 homes with a median asking price of $229,900.

Greater inventory along with lower asking prices and historically low interest rates puts those interested in purchasing a single family home in Fall River in a very good position. It’s time to act now!

To learn more about the Greater Fall River MA area, visit my website at www.stevew-homes.com or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

 

What has been going on in the Dighton housing market during August?

What has been going on in the Dighton housing market during August?

Here is some real estate market data describing the housing market here in Dighton during the month of August and how it compares to the same time last year. The data is from the MLS and is for single family homes.

There were 5 single family homes sold in Dighton area during August 2011 at an average sale price of $235,740 and median price of $262,800. For the same period in 2010, 4 single family homes sold with an average sales price of $358,750 and median price of $395000.

Volume is up this year by 25%, with the average price declining 34% and the median price declining 33%.

There are currently 52 single family homes for sale in Dighton, with a median asking price of $290,450, as compared to a year ago when there were 46 homes with a median asking price of $327,450.

 Greater inventory along with lower asking prices and historically low interest rates puts those interested in purchasing a single family home in Dighton in a very good position. It’s time to act now!

To learn more about the Greater Dighton MA area, visit my website atwww.stevew-homes.comor contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

What has been going on in the Swansea housing market during August?

What has been going on in the Swansea housing market during August?

Here is some real estate market data describing the housing market here in Swansea during the month of August and how it compares to the same time last year. The data is from the MLS and is for single family homes.

There were 13 single family homes sold in Swansea during August 2011 at an average sale price of $252,769 and median price of $228,000. For the same period in 2010, 9 single family homes sold with an average sales price of $212,222 and median price of $213,500.

Volume is up this year by 44%, while the average price up 19% and the median price up 6.8%.

There are currently 104 single family homes for sale in Swansea, with a median asking price of $249,900, as compared to a year ago when there were 94 homes with a median asking price of $304,000.

Greater inventory along with lower asking prices and historically low interest rates puts those interested in purchasing a single family home in Swansea in a very good position. It’s time to act now!

To learn more about the Greater SwanseaMA area, visit my website at www.stevew-homes.com or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

 

What has been going on in the Westport housing market during August?

What has been going on in the Westport  housing market during August?

Here is some real estate market data describing the housing market here in Westport during the month of August and how it compares to the same time last year. The data is from the MLS and is for single family homes.

There were 7 single family homes sold in Westport area during August 2011 at an average sale price of $317,143 and median price of $285,000. For the same period in 2010, 8 single family homes sold with an average sales price of $325,375 and median price of $297,500.

Volume is off this year by 13%, while the average price off 2.5% and the median price off 4.2%.

There are currently 129 single family homes for sale in Westport, with a median asking price of $407,900, as compared to a year ago when there were 141 homes with a median asking price of $489,900.

Although inventory is down, lower asking prices and historically low interest rates puts those interested in purchasing a single family home in Westport in a very good position. It’s time to act now!

To learn more about the Greater WestportMA area, visit my website at www.stevew-homes.com  or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

 

What has been going on in the Dartmouth MA housing market during August?

What has been going on in the Dartmouth MA housing market during August?

Here is some real estate market data describing the housing market here in Dartmouth during the month of August and how it compares to the same time last year. The data is from the MLS and is for single family homes.

There were 23 single family homes sold in Dartmouth  during August 2011 at an average sale price of $336,685 and median price of $312,600. For the same period in 2010, 19 single family homes sold with an average sales price of $357,903 and median price of $235,000.

Volume is up this year by 21%, and while the average price is off 5.9%, the median price rose 33% suggesting more of the homes which sold this were higher priced homes than those which sold in August last year.

There are currently 233 single family homes for sale in Dartmouth, with a median asking price of $399,000, as compared to a year ago when there were 193 homes with a median asking price of $399,900. This greater inventory along with basically similar asking prices suggests pricing is becoming more stable in Dartmouth.

 Buyers interested in purchasing a single family home in Dartmouth may want to act sooner rather than later while interest rates remain historically low. It’s time to act now!

To learn more about the Greater DartmouthMA area, visit my website atwww.stevew-homes.comor contact me directly at 508-558-8035.

 

What has been going on in the Berkley housing market during August?

What has been going on in the Berkley housing market during August?

Here is some real estate market data describing the housing market here in Berkley during the month of August and how it compares to the same time last year. The data is from the MLS and is for single family homes.

There were 6 single family homes sold in Berkley during August 2011 at an average sale price of $318,167 and median price of $259,500. For the same period in 2010, 3 single family homes sold with an average sales price of $356,633 and median price of $350,000.

Volume in August has declined this year by 100%, with the average price declining 10.8% and the median price declining 25.9%.

There are currently 47 single family homes for sale in Berkley, with a median asking price of $320,000, as compared to a year ago when there were 41 homes with a median asking price of $359,000.

Greater inventory along with lower asking prices and historically low interest rates puts those interested in purchasing a single family home in Berkley in a very good position. It’s time to act now!

To learn more about the Greater BerkleyMA area, visit my website at www.stevew-homes.com or contact me directly at 508-558-8035.