Massachusetts well-positioned for recovery

Analysts, citing key indicators for economic performance, are predicting that our state will recover from this recent economic downturn quicker than the rest of the country. Labor and housing market statistics show that Massachusetts is outpacing the US statistics by a significant margin – with home sales (adjusted for seasonal variations) soaring nearly 50 percent in the state since hitting bottom in January, compared with less than 20 percent nationally.

This is not, however, to say that the markets will fully recover in the next several months. Economists are cautiously predicting a slow recovery for the nation – with 12 to 24 months of incremental growth.

For more information, go to boston.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

What to consider before relocating for a job

There are many things to consider before you relocate for a job. A recent Wall Street Journal blog entry noted that understanding your company’s relocation package and support can be a key factor in deciding if it is the right move for you. Kristen Rideout, one of the Managers of Relocation for Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, notes that there are several benefits that some companies offer. “Moving costs and temporary rental housing are fairly common. But some companies will assist the relocating employee with closing costs or will guarantee the sale of their house.”

For more information, go to wsj.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Boston home prices showing positive growth

Zillow.com’s charting of home sale prices is showing positive growth. The data taken over the last several years, shows downward pressure on pricing, with a positive turn during this year.

For more information, go to zillow.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Home of Historic Civil Rights Activist For Sale in Boston

Lee Robinson of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty has listed the historic home of William Monroe Trotter in the Jones Hill neighborhood of Dorchester. This modest five bedroom, two bath Victorian home has a picket fence, and a farmhouse feeling with a vintage kitchen, a tree-top master suite and many charming architectural details. It also features extensive decorative painting by John Derian. This unusual property offers a restful urban oasis with a terrace, a professionally landscaped yard, two pergolas, a tree swing, parking and a wonderful location – high upon Jones Hill, capturing lovely natural light and ocean breezes.

Mr. Trotter graduated magna cum laude from Harvard in 1895, and was the first man of color to be awarded a Phi Beta Kappa key. But upon graduation with an M.A., he quickly hit the glass ceiling in his professional life. A co-founder of The Guardian, an African American activist newspaper, he also was a charter member of the Niagara Movement, a forerunner to the NAACP. As a political activist and publisher he railed against segregation in government and agitated for radical reform and equal rights. In 1899 he married, Geraldine Pindell who co-partnered with him providing substantial help and support enabling Mr. Trotter to achieve significant success. The couple lived in their Jones Hill home until her death in 1916 and his in 1934. The home was named a National Historic Site in 1976.

With a unique combination of charming details, abundant natural light and generous living space, this storied home captures all the romance of the Victorian era. For more information, go to gibsonsothebysrealty.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Economy shows improvement

A NYTimes.com article sites the Fed’s Beige Book as showing signs of economic recovery. Alan D. Levenson, chief economist at T. Rowe Price, noted “The economy is making the transition from recession to recovery.” He expected the economy to grow at a rate of about 3 percent in the summer, then more modestly in the last months of the year.

For more information, go to nytimes.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Home-maintenance check list for September

A recent MSN.com article offered several suggestions of what to do to prepare your home for the fall and winter. Ideas include inspecting your storm windows and insulation, caulking exterior gaps, ordering firewood, cleaning your dryer vent and more. In some cases, you may even consider having more efficient windows installed to save on your monthly heating bills.

For more information, go to msn.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.