Scott Paskerian
Experience, Knowledge, and Excellence: Your Boston Real Estate Goals Made a Reality.
Scott Paskerian
scott.paskerian@evrealestate.com
(617) 678-8603
As an Engel & Völkers Advisor servicing the Boston real estate market, I am dedicated to helping buyers and sellers successfully achieve their real estate goals. My core values of honesty, ethics, understanding, communication, and commitment drive my success as a real estate agent. Utilizing the latest technology and the brand’s global reach, along with my local market knowledge and quality resources, I strive to provide the best possible service to all of my clients. With detailed attention to each individual's situation, I will ensure a positive and successful transaction for everyone involved. Whether you are buying or selling, I am committed to giving a high level of care and support in order to help you achieve your goals.
Featured Listings
- 1/18 18Open Sun 1PM-2:30PM
$ 635,000
2 Beds2 Baths1,077 SqFt1427 Commonwealth Ave #6-103, Boston, MA 02135
Condo
Listed by Robb Cohen Team of Engel & Volkers Boston
- 1/33 33Open Sun 11:30AM-12:30PM
$ 2,400,000
2 Beds3 Baths1,720 SqFt130 Mount Auburn St #507, Cambridge, MA 02138
Condo
Listed by Robb Cohen Team of Engel & Volkers Boston
- 1/24 24Active Under Contract
$ 650,000
1 Bed1 Bath610 SqFt8-12 Museum Way #417, Cambridge, MA 02141
Condo
Listed by Robb Cohen Team of Engel & Volkers Boston
- 1/21 21Active
$ 3,500,000
3 Beds3 Baths1,800 SqFt5 Kenway St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Single Family Home
Listed by Robb Cohen Team of Engel & Volkers Boston
- 1/16 16Active
$ 1,200,000
2 Beds2 Baths1,409 SqFt150 Dorchester Ave #412, Boston, MA 02127
Condo
Listed by Robb Cohen Team of Engel & Volkers Boston
- 1/35 35Active
$ 3,050,000
3 Beds2 Baths1,940 SqFt308 Commonwealth Ave #G, Boston, MA 02115
Condo
Listed by Robb Cohen Team of Engel & Volkers Boston
Buyer Resources
Learn about the nuances of buying progres- from deciding the right type of property to evaluating the benefits of home equity, home financing options and procedures.
Seller Services
Whether it's your first time selling a house or this is another move within your property journey, find expert tips and insights to preparing, staging and selling your home.
Market Trends
- Average Sold Price
- Median Sold Price
- Highest Sold Price
- Lowest Sold Price
Market Trends are calculated using MLS® sold listing data
Blog
Selling Your Boston Home? Avoid the #1 Mistake: Overpricing
In the dynamic world of real estate, pricing your home correctly is crucial to making a successful sale. Yet, many home sellers in Boston fall into the trap of overpricing their property, thinking they can always negotiate down if necessary. But the reality is, overpricing your Boston home can be the biggest mistake you make, and it could cost you more than just time. Why Overpricing is a Major Mistake in the Boston Real Estate Market Boston's real estate market is competitive, with homes often receiving multiple offers—sometimes within days of being listed. However, this doesn’t mean you should list your home above its market value. Overpricing can lead to a property sitting on the market longer than it should, which can raise red flags for potential buyers. They might wonder, “What’s wrong with this home?” For example, consider a two-bedroom 1000sqft condo in Boston’s South End. The owner, hoping to maximize profit, listed it at $1,500,000, well above the comparables in the area that are similar in size. After 60 days with no serious offers, they reduced the price to $1,350,000. By then, the property had lost its “new listing” appeal, and buyers had moved on to fresher options. The Psychology of Home Buyers: Why Price Matters Understanding the psychology of today’s home buyers is key to setting the right price. Buyers are more informed than ever, with access to a plethora of online resources. They can quickly compare your home’s price to similar listings in Boston. If your home is priced too high, they’ll likely skip over it, assuming it’s out of their budget or not worth the price tag. Moreover, the longer a home stays on the market, the more buyers begin to think there must be an issue with the property. This often leads to lowball offers, further diminishing the sale price. Setting the Right Price: Tips for Boston Home Sellers So, how can you avoid the pitfall of overpricing? Here are some actionable selling tips for Boston homeowners: Work with a local real estate agent: A knowledgeable agent will provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you understand what similar homes in your area are selling for. Be realistic: While it’s tempting to price your home high, remember that buyers are savvy. Setting a realistic price can attract more interest and lead to quicker, more competitive offers. Consider market trends: Boston’s real estate market can fluctuate based on factors like the season, interest rates, and economic conditions. Stay informed and be willing to adjust your price if necessary. Listen to feedback: If your home isn’t receiving offers, take buyer feedback seriously. It might be time to reassess your pricing strategy. The Bottom Line: Price it Right to Sell It Fast In Boston's fast-paced real estate market, setting the right price from the start is essential. Overpricing can delay your sale and ultimately reduce the final sale price. By working with a seasoned real estate agent and being realistic about your home’s value, you can avoid this costly mistake and achieve a successful sale. Remember, the goal is to make your home appealing to buyers, not scare them away. Price it right, and you'll sell it faster—without the hassle of multiple price reductions or prolonged market time. When it comes to selling your Boston home, getting the price right is your first, and perhaps most important, step.
Read moreBoston Housing Market: How Historical Trends Shape Modern Real Estate
Image Source: AI Generated We've seen the Boston housing market change from a collection of historic brownstones to one of America's most vibrant real estate scenes. The sort of thing I love about our city's property market is its story of growth, adaptation, and resilience. It reflects centuries of economic and social change that still shape home values and buying patterns today. Let us guide you through Boston's real estate world. You'll learn how past events created our current market conditions. Our world-renowned universities, healthcare institutions, and emerging technology hubs affect property values significantly. We'll get into what drives housing prices and neighborhood development in Greater Boston's most desirable areas like Back Bay, South End, and Beacon Hill. The Evolution of Boston's Housing Landscape Boston's housing scene has changed remarkably through the centuries. Our city's trip through time reveals thoughtful development patterns and community-led changes. The neighborhoods tell a compelling story that blends planned growth with organic development and shapes today's real estate market. From colonial settlements to modern metropolis Boston's housing market evolved through three distinct paths that shaped the city we know today. The residential areas expanded naturally with population growth. Much of our cherished neighborhoods like Back Bay, South End, and most of East Boston emerged from innovative land reclamation projects. Mutually beneficial alliances brought communities like Brighton, Charlestown, and Dorchester into our growing city. Hyde Park became the final piece of this expansion in 1912. Key historical events shaping real estate development Two major waves of public housing development altered the map of our housing scene. Public housing construction started in 1938 but World War II forced a pause. Construction started again from 1949 to 1954. The focus changed from helping individual families to building stronger communities and stopping neighborhoods from declining. Several development phases created today's market: Creation of the first railroad suburbs in the 1830s Introduction of electric streetcars in 1889 Establishment of the Metropolitan Park Commission in 1893 Implementation of the 1948 State Highway Master Plan Transformation of neighborhoods over time Our communities have experienced remarkable demographic changes over the years. The period between 1964 and 1970 stands out as a pivotal moment when six major public housing developments transformed from 80% white occupancy to 70% black occupancy. Community activism flourished during this time and led to the creation of Community Development Corporations (CDCs). These organizations still provide affordable housing and essential community services. The region's progress has created new possibilities alongside significant challenges. Our neighborhoods have grown more affluent and ethnically diverse from 1990 to 2016, though many residents struggle as housing costs have outpaced income growth. The current emphasis on transit-oriented development and smart growth initiatives connects us back to our roots, reflecting the development patterns that shaped our historic railroad and streetcar suburbs. Economic Factors Influencing Boston's Real Estate The remarkable economic growth has altered the map of Boston housing market. The city's evolution continues to shape our living choices and residential patterns today. Change from industrial to knowledge-based economy Massachusetts has emerged as a global leader in the knowledge economy in the last two decades. This economic change created new opportunities and reshaped our housing landscape. Greater Boston stands as the main engine of our state's economy, with its influence growing stronger than it was 30 years ago. The city's economic output reached an impressive $168.20 billion in 2022, showing a strong 4.8% growth compared to the previous year. How universities and healthcare institutions affect housing Boston's educational institutions shape the city's real estate landscape. Student enrollment reached 163,000 in Boston-based programs by fall 2023. These students affect housing costs and availability by a lot. The private housing market shows 16,900 residential properties occupied by students. Neighborhoods with high student populations see rental prices climb by about $200 compared to areas where fewer students live. Role of finance and technology sectors Boston's rise as a tech and financial hub continues to revolutionize housing. Key economic indicators show: Information and Professional Services sectors contributed to 30% of Boston's real economic output in 2022 Finance and Insurance managed to keep a strong 19% share of the city's output Healthcare and Social Assistance sectors remain major employers, adding 2,649 jobs in 2023 These high-paying sectors have intensified housing just needs and affected our rental market significantly. Boston now ranks as the fourth-most-expensive city for apartment rentals. A median one-bedroom apartment costs $2,800 monthly. This economic success drives overall growth but creates challenges for housing affordability in our communities. Analysis of Current Market Conditions Let's take a closer look at what's happening right now in our vibrant Boston housing market. The current trends show notable changes that affect both buyers and sellers in our community. Supply and demand dynamics Boston's housing market shows promising signs of growth. The city's real estate inventory reached 2,112 homes in October 2024, with a solid 9.7% increase from September. Our local market remains active as homes stay listed for about 40 days on average. Buyers show strong interest in available properties, and 65% of homes find new owners within their first 30 days on the market. Price trends in property types Boston's real estate market remains strong with steady property values. The median home price reached $815,961 in October 2024. Properties of all types show different appreciation rates: Single-family homes hit a new peak with a median price of $950,000 in April 2024 Condominium prices settled at $700,000 Luxury properties valued above $2 million recorded 386 closed sales in the last year Rental market overview The rental market shows fascinating patterns as prices vary substantially between neighborhoods. Cambridge guides the pack as our most expensive area with one-bedroom apartments averaging $2,950. Manchester provides more affordable options at $1,650. The Massachusetts one-bedroom median rent stands at $2,209, which showcases our market's diversity. Our rental scene has transformed dramatically. Worcester stands out as our fastest-growing rental market with a 22% year-over-year increase. Salem and Chelsea have shown impressive growth too, with increases of 10.1% and 10% respectively. Demographic Shifts and Their Impact Boston's neighborhoods continue to evolve with fresh energy reshaping our housing scene. Our growing city welcomes new residents daily and these demographic changes create interesting patterns in the real estate market. Changing population composition Boston's vibrant community keeps expanding. The city now has 690,000 residents, and the Greater Boston area houses more than 4.9 million people. The city shows an impressive 3.1% annual growth rate that transforms our neighborhoods. Future projections paint an exciting picture of growth - our population should reach 724,000 by 2030 and 801,000 by 2050. Millennial and empty-nester priorities Housing choices reveal fascinating generational shifts. Empty-nester neighbors now leave their suburban homes behind for urban living experiences. These homeowners make unconventional moves from 12,000-square-foot single-family residences to 5,000-square-foot condos. New construction and move-in ready properties attract them more than renovation projects. Luxury properties in downtown developments have become their prime focus. Immigration and its effect on housing demand Immigration plays a key role in our housing market's health. Our city welcomed 55,000 new residents through immigration between 2010 and 2013. Boston and Massachusetts would have seen their population drop without these newcomers. Our immigrant community has changed by a lot. Most new residents now come from Latin America and Asia instead of Europe. This change brings amazing diversity to our neighborhoods and continues to boost housing demand of all types. These demographic changes affect our housing market in important ways. We see this especially in: Rental demand in university-adjacent neighborhoods Luxury condominium development in downtown areas Transit-oriented housing near major transportation hubs We plan to handle these demographic changes through careful development. Our city has made a commitment to build 53,000 new housing units. This will help us welcome our growing and diverse population while our neighborhoods keep their special character. Conclusion Boston's remarkable experience from colonial settlement to modern metropolis shows how resilient and adaptable our real estate market truly is. Our city has managed to keep its historic charm through centuries of thoughtful development. We see a unique blend of old and new that draws residents from all walks of life. Today's market strength speaks volumes, with median home prices at $815,961 and steady growth in properties of all types. Boston stands proud as a prime destination for homebuyers and investors alike. Bright prospects lie ahead for Boston's housing market. Our city draws its strength from world-class educational institutions, a thriving healthcare sector, and a booming technology industry. Neighborhood development and housing trends reflect our diverse community's needs - from millennials seeking urban excitement to empty-nesters embracing city life. Strong economic foundations and demographic changes position Boston's real estate market for sustained growth. Yet our city retains that special character that makes it unique.
Read morePrice It Right: Why Getting the Price Right is Crucial in Today’s Market
Let’s be real: if you want to sell your house, you’ve got to nail the price. And no, “what your neighbor sold their place for” isn’t exactly expert pricing. In today’s market, getting the price right is more than just listing it high and hoping for the best. Here's why it matters and how you can ace it.Sellers Struggling to Set PricesIt’s no secret—sellers are having a tough time setting the right price. In fact, 58% of agents say this is the biggest challenge sellers face in today’s market. Gone are the days of tossing a random number on your listing and watching offers roll in. The reality? Price it wrong, and your house could sit unsold while your neighbors wave goodbye from their moving trucks.The Impact of OverpricingOverpricing is like trying to sell ice in a snowstorm: nobody’s biting. Here’s why:- It Sits on the Market: Buyers see that hefty price tag and assume something’s wrong when your home lingers. Overpriced homes sit longer, even after price cuts.- Price Reductions Send a Message: Once you drop the price, buyers smell blood in the water. They think there’s an issue, and that’s not the kind of buzz you want.Active Listings Outnumber New ListingsAnother factor to consider: active listings are outpacing new listings every month. This means there’s plenty of inventory out there, so if your home isn’t priced competitively, buyers will just move on to the next best deal.Why Market Value MattersSo how do you set the right price? It’s all about understanding market value. Homes priced at market value tend to attract the most buyers, giving you a better shot at multiple offers. More buyers = more interest, which could mean a quicker sale at (or even above) your asking price.If the price is too high, though, you’ll deter potential buyers. Too low? You risk leaving money on the table. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where buyers feel like they’re getting a good deal without you sacrificing your profit.The Seller’s DilemmaEvery seller has a different motivation. Some want top dollar; others need a fast sale to move into their next home. But the key is this: what's your timeline? If you need to sell quickly, pricing aggressively will get you to that closing table faster. If time’s on your side, you might be able to play the long game. Remember, though: the longer your home sits unsold, the more buyers wonder, “What’s wrong with it?”The TakeawayAt the end of the day, pricing your home right is the make-or-break factor in today’s market. It's not just about what you want to sell for, but what buyers are willing to pay. A well-priced home means less time on the market, more buyer interest, and a better chance of getting your ideal price. Play your cards right, and you’ll be the one waving from the moving truck.Powered by beehiiv
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