If you're reading this, you're interested in home sales in Massachusetts for one of two reasons. Whether you're buying or selling, however, you're facing less than ideal odds. Home ownership in the state is lower than the national average. This will play into your transaction. A realtor could be your way around the poor odds. They know the market better than you probably have time for. It's their business to do so. Ask around for references or look online, where you can screen prospects without feeling pressured.

FAQ on Home Sales in Massachusetts

Home ownership and home sales reflect the one area where Massachusetts essentially falls short on the American dream. Home ownership in the state, at 45th nationwide, has lagged for more than 100 years. Although the reasons are not fully understood, one thing behind the low numbers of home sales in Massachusetts today--relative to the rest of the county--is a real shortage of mid-range housing.

The median price of a home in Massachusetts is $192,000. This figure is 60 percent above the U.S. average. Furthermore, it jumped 236 percent between 1980 and 1990. In the same time, however, home ownership climbed only marginally, to 61.7 percent. Only five states--New York, Nevada, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and California--have lower ownership rates than Massachusetts.

Massachusetts has, in toto, some 2.6 million housing units. Property values vary but are highest in the Boston area. These prices on home sales in Massachusetts rank third nationwide. In 1960 they ranked 26th.