Local real estate agents are calling the city's housing stock an attractive buyer's market, and the associates of Coldwell Banker are hoping to draw large crowds with more than 30 open houses Sunday.
As part of "The Day of 1,000 Open Houses," which is an annual event by the New England brokerage, buyers interested in moving to the Watch City are invited to view a large sampling of local homes. The manager of Waltham's Coldwell Banker office, Steve Mehigan, is calling the event a "one-stop shopping opportunity."
The push comes at a time when the Massachusetts Association of Realtors reports both single-family and condominium sales are down from this time last year but show a 25 percent increase from February to March.
This increase from one month to the next, said the association's president, Susan Renfrew, is expected as the spring home buying season begins.
"While the month-to-month increase in sales is positive and shows that the market is still moving along, it is typical," said Renfrew.
Although state and national trends show a less-than-ideal housing market forecast, one local real estate agent said these numbers should be taken with a grain of salt when talking about Waltham's housing stock.
According to Coldwell Banker Associate Stephen Sarkis, Waltham continues to fare well when it comes to housing sales.
Across the state, and even in the city itself, there are many different markets, including those looking to relocate and first-time homebuyers.
In many different aspects, Waltham is attractive to a variety of potential buyers, said Sarkis.
Although he is not expecting to immediately close any deals because of Sunday's event, Sarkis is looking forward to the promotion.
"It will spur awareness," he said, "which will indirectly spur sales."
Across the New England region, homes will open at various times between noon and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Appointments are not necessary to tour the home's interior.
Mortgage brokers will also be on hand, said Sarkis, to provide homebuyers with a financial breakdown of monthly payments based on down payments.
Whether the newly renovated schools, low property taxes, or central location draws buyers, Waltham separates itself from the housing trends, said Sarkis.
Statistics, said Sarkis, continue to show that buyers are looking "within 20 minutes of their workplace." Because Waltham is home to many businesses, as well as adjacent to or near major highways, the city is attractive to professionals.
Also touting the attractive qualities of the city in the face of grim national trends is Coldwell Banker Associate George Coleman.
The average property tax bill for a homeowner in Waltham, said Coleman, is far less than that of a surrounding community, such as Lexington or Newton.
Additionally, the city offers homeowners a $1,000 exemption if they live in the house they own, an offer that is unique to Waltham residents, said Coleman.
Furthermore, most of these tax-savings, he said, are the result of the large commercial tax base, which also provides citizens with great restaurants and things to do, he said.
Like many of her colleagues, Coldwell Banker Associate Angie Coppola-Doucette is gearing up for a productive Sunday afternoon.
"It will bring out some serious buyers out there (who are) hopefully making offers," she said.
To draw out browsers, Coppola-Doucette said many homes are new listings and Sunday will be the first chance to informally see the interiors.
Despite media reports, Coppola-Doucette said Waltham real estate agents continue "to hold our own. We're doing all right."
For more information about Sunday's event or home listings, visit www.NewEnglandMoves.Com.
