New data is always hitting the wire on housing data. It seems to be John Q. Public’s favorite indicator of financial well-being.  Zillow posted some interesting parameters that should probably be taken with a grain of salt. My experience is that Zillow can be wildly inaccurate, but my bet is that when looking at the entire real estate market as a whole – probably a decent snapshot.

Zillow has Jamaica Plain outpacing all of it’s neighbors, including but not limited to Roslindale, North Dorchester, West Roxbury, Mission Hill, etc.  The multiple listing service provides very accurate, real time data as well. In comparison, Jamaica Plain has remained surprisingly level over the last five years.

5 year real estate inventory for Jamaica Plain

I’m no analyst mind you, but it seems to me that we have a much healthier market now. While the number of homes on the market spiked throughout 06′, the number of properties going under agreement and making it to closing is very strong. I attribute this market resilience to our strong community. Despite the best efforts of the recession, Jamaica Plain drew a hipster line in the sand and we’re not crossing it.

$/SF values showing pretty steady over last 5 years.

$/SF values are a good way to commoditize real estate values if you’re looking at large quantities of property. It’s too easy to get hung up on the listing prices and overlook the varying size of a given unit.

If you would like more relevant real estate market data – feel free to ask for customized reports. I can drill down to almost any parameter and track it. Just email me at www.TheBostonHomeTeam.com, or better yet, check out our new website and sign up for regular market updates.

Hold on! Don’t freak out! I don’t want to get accused of starting a rumor, but after I read a couple of blurbs on the net I’m a little nervous. I found this on the

Parkway Blog

Boomerangs looking at filling old Decelle’s store

Posted on February 2, 2009 by David Ertischek
Filed Under Business, Centre Street Bizs |

On Monday night the West Roxbury Main Streets board will be hearing from representatives from Boomerangs about the possibility of moving into the old Decelle’s spot (1870 Centre Street), which has been vacant for some time.

From Boomerangs’ Web site:

Boomerangs is an award-winning resale store based in Jamaica Plain. Even better, all of our proceeds support the great programs and services of the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. Since 1996, we have been selling a vast array of finds and treasures, and specialize in new and vintage clothing for men, women, and children as well as gifts, housewares, electronics and furniture.

WRMS Board President Nick Anastasopoulos said Boomerangs is seriously considering moving into the second and third floor for retail space.

An even more vague piece was posted at Universal Hub:

West Roxbury could get socially conscious second-hand store