by Mike Ballow

If you're looking to see some fireworks in the Greater Taunton area/Southeastern Mass this 4th of July, you'll have to get in the car and drive - especially if you're a resident of Taunton. In the Taunton Gazettelast week it was reported that "Taunton will not hold Fourth of July Fireworks, Kiddies Day Carnival this year." In the article, Mayor Hoye was quoted as saying that it was a matter of logistics. Basically, they feel that they don't have an appropriate site to accommodate a fireworks display. I did not attend the 2011 fireworks display in Taunton so I can't speak to what happened last year. Based on the last fireworks display that I did see in Taunton, I'd most certainly agree that logistics were an issue. That year, I stood and watched from across the street from the Silver City Galleria mall. It was awful. We could barely see the fireworks from in between the trees and power lines.When I was a child growing up in Taunton, the fireworks were always held at Taunton High School and there was always a Kiddies Day!

Below is a list of times and places where you can go to see some 4th of July fireworks in 2012. If you go to any of these events, have a fun time and give us a review of your evening. How was the crowd? How were the fireworks? Would you go again? We'll put the names of the people who send us a review into a drawing to win a $25.00 gift certificate to Frates Drive - In. Reviews can be emailed to me at michael.ballow@ballowandhutchinson.com. Deadline for submission is 7/11/12. The winner will be announced and notified on 7/12/12.

Have a safe and happy 4th!

July 3, 2012

Brockton - 10:30 - 10:45 PM at the Brockton Fairgrounds

Foxboro - 9:00 PM at Patriot's Place

Franklin - 10:00 PM at Franklin Junior High Athletic Field

Freetown - 9:30 PM at Hathaway Park on Water St. in Assonet

Stoughton - 9:30 PM at Stoughton High School

July 4, 2012

Attleboro - 9:00 PM at Hayward Field

Bridgewater - 9:30 PM at Legion Field (Rte. 18)

Brockton - 10:30 - 10:45 PM at the Brockton Fairgrounds

Fall River - 9:30 PM at Battleship Cove

Middleborough - Fireworks at dusk from Battis Field

New Bedford - 9:05 PM from a Barge off of Pie r # 3

Plymouth - 9:00 PM on the Plymouth Waterfront

July 6, 2012

Brockton - 10:30 - 10:45 PM at the Brockton Fairgrounds

July 7, 2012

Brockton - 10:30 - 10:45 PM at the Brockton Fairgrounds

Wareham/Onset - 9:00 PM at Onset Beach

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cameraslayer/721257509/

by Mike Ballow

The North Bristol County Association of REALTORS Community Service Committee presented a $1000.00 donation check to Rhonda Polansky (Front row L) of the Old Colony YMCA- Taunton Division for the Strong Kids Program. Members of the committee pictured are (Front row R) Delores Kenney and (Back row L to R) Dave Curtis, Mike Ballow -Chairman, Jesse Paquette and Karen Barney.

by Mike Ballow

On June 14, 2012 the RCS held its 9th Annual golf tournament at The Back Nine Club in Lakeville. We had 88 golfers who pre-registered for the event and everyone had a fun day out on the course. The winning foursome was Jackie Lawrence, Paul Faurisi, Steve George, and Wilkey. GolferPatricia Lorizio had a great start to her day when shehad a hole in one on the 7thhole! This particular hole also happened to be a closest to the pin hole so Patriciaeasily won that prize.

After the round of golf, there were some auctions held and raffle prizes were given out to the lucky ticket holders. We also had an Italian buffet and some desserts to round out the day. In the end, our committee was able to raise more money than ever before. All of the monies raised will be allocated for distribution at our 9/27/2012 meeting.

As the Chairman for the RCS, Id like to say thank you to all of the golfers, hole sponsors, and individuals/companies that donated items for our raffles and auctions. Id also like to thank the Taunton Daily Gazette, The Real Estate Book, and The House Hunters Handbook for running adsto help spread the word about our golf tournament.

Also, deserving a HUGE round of applause are the members of the RCS who donate their time and energy to making sure that we cover all of the bases to hold such a successful tournament. If you see any of these people around town, thank them for a job well done! Members of this years committee include Joan DeCosta, Diane Blais, Phyllis Mueller, Delores Kenney, Marty Desjardins, Jennier Oldfield, Vicky Faunce, Sue Schmidt, Dan Gouveia, Dave Curtis, Bonnie Stiner, Teri Nardini, Kelly Marie, Jesse Paquette, Karen Barney, Donna McKenna, and Brian Dalryample.

The primary mission of the RCS is to plan and organize events that raise funds which are then donated to local groups and organizations within the community. Well soon be in the planning stages for the 10th Annual REALTOR Community Service Golf Tournament so if youd like to get involved or can help out with a donation please contact michael.ballow@ballowandhutchinson.com.

by Mike Ballow

Weve made it into another Spring market! Overall, there are some good trends happening in Taunton Real Estate. Below are the sales figures for the 1st quarter of 2012. For this update, the most important factor that deserves to be mentioned is that across all 3 segments that this update covers, (single family, multi-family, and condo) the average sales prices are up from the 4^th quarter of 2011! Yes, you did just read that, the average sale prices in Taunton, MA have increased during the 1^st quarter of 2012!!! Although the number of single family and condos SOLD was on par with the previous quarter, the SOLD multi-family properties increased by 27%. The word on the street from other brokers and agents is that everyone is keeping pretty busy. Lets hope that my next update will continue to bring more good news.

The data below is compiled from theMLS Property Information Network for the 1st quarter of 2012. If you'd like to see the market data for your particular community in Massachusetts please send me an email and I'd be happyto prepare it for you.

Use the following links to view single family homes, multi-family homes, and condominiums that are currently for sale inTaunton, MA. As always, if you have ANY real estate related questions or needs, please feel free to give me a call!

Single Family Homes in Taunton, MA for the period January 1, - March 31, 2012

Price Range	# of listings	Avg. Days on market	Average Sale Price	Average List Price	SP:LP Ratio	Average Orig Price	SP:OP Ratio
$50,000 - $99,999	8	87	$83,890	$102,663	84	$134,575	70
$100,000 - $149,999	8	77	$127,910	$131,450	99	$148,313	93
$150,000 - $199,999	11	148	$173,120	$183,436	95	$204,127	86
$200,000 - $249,999	22	153	$226,264	$236,864	96	$250,200	91
$250,000 - $299,999	13	110	$265,892	$267,562	99	$285,308	94
$300,000 - $349,999	4	87	$320,250	$330,575	97	$340,550	94
$350,000 - $399,999	3	140	$383,300	$386,600	99	$393,267	98
Total Properties	69	Avg. 123	$209,623	$218,291	95	$235,709	89

2012 MLS Property Information Network, Inc.

Multi-Family Homes in Taunton, MA for the period January 1, - March 31, 2012

Price Range	# of listings	Avg. Days on market	Average Sale Price	Average List Price	SP:LP Ratio	Average Orig Price	SP:OP Ratio
$0 - $49,999	1	154	$39,000	Share 9th Annual REALTORŪ Community Service Committee golf tournament announced By mballow Posted Tuesday, Feb 28, 2012 by Mike Ballow Come join us for a GREAT cause! Save the date! When: June 14, 2012 Where: The Back Nine Golf Club Lakeville, MA Registration: 7:30 AM Tee Time: 8:00 AM Cost: $100 per golfer (includes golf, cart, and lunch) Come join us for what has always been a great day of fun with all the proceeds being donated back into the communities where our REALTOR and affiliate members live, work and play. Email Mike Ballow if youd like details about playing golf or becoming a holesponsor. Also, we are always in need of raffle and auction items if you're able to help out. Thank you! Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com/photos/blakeallen/282469698/ Share Donation from the REALTORŪ Community Service Committee made to Pro Home Inc. By mballow Posted Tuesday, Feb 28, 2012 by Mike Ballow The North Bristol County Association of REALTORS Community Service Committee presented a $2000.00 donation check to Joe Pacheco (seated, front row middle) of Pro Home Inc. Committee members pictured (Front row L to R) Jesse Paquette, Joe Pacheco of Pro Home Inc. and Delores Kenney. (Back row L to R) are Dave Curtis, Dan LeBrun, Jenn Banks Oldfield, Chairman Mike Ballow and Marty Desjardins. Share Donation from the REALTORŪ Community Service Committee made to Homes For Our Troops By mballow Posted Saturday, Feb 11, 2012 by Mike Ballow The North Bristol County Association of REALTORS Community Service Committee presented a $1000.00 donation check to Diane Travers (seated, front row middle) of Homes for our Troops. Committee members pictured (Front row L to R) Delores Kenney, Diane Travers of Homes for our Troops, Jenn Banks Oldfield. (Back row L to R) are Marty Desjardins, Chairman Mike Ballow, Jesse Paquette, Dave Curtis, and and Dan LeBrun. Share What's going on in the Taunton Real Estate market? By mballow Posted Friday, Jan 13, 2012 by Mike Ballow Is it really 2012? Wow, I cant believe how fast 2011 came and went! Here are the sales figures for the 4th quarter of 2011. From my last update, youll see that the number of Single Family units are up from the 3rd quarter numbers while the units for multi family and condos both decreased. Also of note on the single family numbers is that the average sales price increased from $192,596 in the 3rd quarter to $200,441 in the 4th quarter! Lets hope that this trend is one that continues in 2012 As a reminder from my previous posts: If you like to follow the local Real Estate market (and if you're like most people,Im sure you do), our blog will provide you with quarterly market statistics for SOLD single family homes, multi-family homes, and condominiums inTaunton, MA. The data below is compiled from theMLS Property Information Network for the 4th quarter of 2011. If you'd like to see the market data for your particular community in Massachusetts please send me an email and I'd be happyto prepare it for you. Use the following links to view single family homes, multi-family homes, and condominiums that are currently for sale inTaunton, MA. As always, if you have ANY real estate related questions or needs, please feel free to give me a call! Single Family Homes in Taunton, MA for the period October 1, - December 31, 2011 Price Range # of listings Avg. Days on market Average Sale Price Average List Price SP:LP Ratio Average Orig Price SP:OP Ratio $0 - $49,999 2 128 $43,750 $61,400 73 $82,400 56 $50,000 - $99,999 7 123 $70,907 $91,643 79 $121,357 60 $100,000 - $149,999 15 102 $123,125 $133,455 93 $156,547 84 $150,000 - $199,999 8 59 $162,938 $169,313 97 $175,675 94 $200,000 - $249,999 18 148 $224,639 $232,233 97 $242,278 93 $250,000 - $299,999 8 98 $271,463 $276,413 98 $294,163 93 $300,000 - $349,999 6 120 $320,342 $332,283 96 $339,783 94 $350,000 - $399,999 1 195 $390,000 $399,000 98 $410,000 95 $400,000 - $449,999 1 124 $416,000 $439,900 95 $439,900 95 $450,000 - $499,999 2 116 $476,250 $499,950 95 $534,900 89 Total Properties 68 Avg. 115 $200,441 $210,950 94 $227,068 Search Month 2015 March (3) 2014 September (1) August (1) July (1) June (1) May (1) February (1) January (1) 2013 December (6) November (1) October (5) September (8) July (1) 2012 July (2) June (2) April (1) February (3) January (1) 2011 December (1) November (2) October (1) July (3) June (1) Categories Community News (22) Events (10) Real Estate News (37) Tips For Homeowners (1) Uncategorized (2) Authors mballow (47) Union Street Media (1) Ask a Question Call Us 508-823-9400 Do not fill in this field: Full Name Email Address Phone Question or Comments Send Home Property Search Buyers Sellers Community Info About Us Blog Contact Us Ballow and Hutchinson Realty Group, Inc. | 79 Church Green , Taunton, MA 02780 Phone: 508-823-9400 | Fax: 508-823-9500 | Email: info@ballowandhutchinson.com VT Real Estate Web Design