How to Explore a Community That’s New to You

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought dramatic and devastating changes across the country and the world. Looking solely at the impact on Berkshires real estate, we see an increase in sales fueled by buyers outside the area who are looking to escape from urban centers hit hard by the coronavirus.

 

In June 2020, the Berkshire Eagle reported that real estate industry experts—including those at Stone House Properties—cited historically low interest rates and increased access to high-speed internet as factors contributing to the upsurge in sales.

 

Combined with an inventory shortage of residential homes, the demand for Berkshire County homes has created conditions ripe for bidding wars and a rise in median sale price. The Berkshire County Board of Realtors’ January 2021 MarketWatch for residential real estate showed a 29.7 percent increase in median listing price between January 2020 and January 2021.

 

With high demand for Berkshire County property and homes that can sell in less than a week, according to Berkshire County Board of Realtors CEO Sandra Carroll, how can motivated buyers evaluate Berkshire County communities that may be new to them? Especially when buyers may need to act quickly and from a remote location?

 

We have some suggestions.

 

Our brokers and sales associates live in the Berkshire County communities we service. Our team members share a common love of our home here in the Berkshires and actively support the many social service, government, professional and cultural organizations that are so important to community life. That means that when you work with a Stone House agent, you’ll have opportunities to ask what it’s like to live in Lenox or West Stockbridge or Great Barrington. Our team members can provide information about community amenities, school location, availability of cable and internet services, recreational activities, and more.

 

If you’ve received the coronavirus vaccine or if you follow COVID-19 public health guidelines and directives, consider taking a driving tour of Berkshire County communities. Many are located about 2 hours of major cities like Boston and New York. Put together your own route or use one of the scenic driving tours provided by the official Berkshires tourism site. Their tours cover North Berkshire County, Central Berkshire County, and South Berkshire County. Along the way, take note of recreational and cultural amenities like Pontoosuc Lake in North Berkshire County, Barrington Stage Company in downtown Pittsfield, and the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington.

 

Whether large or small, every Berkshire County community has an official website that can inform homebuyers about local government infrastructure and community services. When you need information about essential services like police and fire protection, an official town website will provide answers. Library websites are another good source of information about a community that’s new to you. The level of library services can often be a reliable indicator of town resources and community engagement.

 

Facebook hosts a plethora of groups and pages centered on Berkshire County towns, both public and private. Browsing their Facebook posts can give you an inside look at issues, trends, and happenings. Stay on top of Berkshire County news and events by following the Berkshire Eagle on Facebook. Pick a favorite interest like hiking, theater, or pets and you might find a Berkshires Facebook group or page about it.

 

 

Photo: “Shopping in Lee” by MOTT is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0