Here Are This Year’s Top-Performing Real Estate Agents in Greater Boston
When it comes to the local housing market, these folks know how to close the deal. Read on for our annual look at the region’s best-performing agents. Plus, what you need to know about buying or selling your home during the pandemic.
Photo via Getty Images/Kusska
If the pandemic has proven anything, it’s that Boston’s real estate market stops for nothing. Low inventory means some are still finding themselves in bidding wars, the square footage of the suburbs is drawing buyers away from the city, and with showings pushing forward virtually, some are even buying homes essentially sight unseen. Dipping your toes into the frantic pool of buyers and sellers may sound distressing—but luckily, Greater Boston is also packed with experienced agents, well-versed in navigating the intricacies of our market. And judging by the past few months, they’re more than game to adapt to whatever challenges come their way.
So, dive into Boston’s annual roundup of the region’s top real estate producers, and use our searchable Find It directory to find an agent or team in your area.
A note on our methodology: To compile our Top Real Estate Producers list, Boston magazine asked the real estate community representing our readership area (towns within, or partially within, I-495 ) to fill out an online survey reporting individual agents’ (or teams or groups of agents’) residential sales volume for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2019. In addition, a panel of local industry experts reviewed the submissions for accuracy and inclusivity. Those who met the thresholds for individual agents ($20 million) and teams of two or more ($30 million) are included in alphabetical order on the list with their primary office location and phone number. This list of Top Producers was self-reported and dependent on agent/firm participation; thus, it should not be considered inclusive of all local agents who met the qualification levels. Questions about Boston magazine’s Top Real Estate Producers can be sent to: topproducers@bostonmagazine.com.
And, after you’ve matched up with a top-performing agent, read on to glean some insight on what buying and selling a home is like in the time of COVID-19.
Coronavirus Conundrums
Buying:
How much has the coronavirus pandemic cooled the market overall?
Not as much as you might think. “In Boston, this is the lowest inventory we’ve had, probably in history,” says Beth Dickerson of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty. “But people are still buying. There’s a decent amount of activity given what we’re going through.” It’s not surprising when you consider how much more time we’re all spending at home: “People are going to make some changes to their environment and how they live,” Dickerson notes.
Who’s buying right now, and what are they buying?
Dickerson says she’s fielded calls from clients looking for more land or square footage, as well as people buying for their children because they want them closer. Adds Jack Attridge of William Raveis, “We are seeing a flight to the suburbs from Boston and New York City. Most of those inquiries are looking for rentals…. My guess is that they want to get out now but are unsure of the marketability of their city homes, or perhaps they are just looking to see if the suburbs are right for them. Time will tell.”
Should I expect any setbacks when closing on my new property?
Things have gotten smoother since the beginning of the pandemic—but don’t expect it to be like the last time you moved. “Most appraisers are now either doing drive-by or exterior-only appraisals; movers and packers for the most part are still providing service; and inspectors are either doing inspections via FaceTime or with masks and gloves and allowing a limited number of attendees,” says Elena Price of Coldwell Banker. “The industry was able to adapt and adjust fairly quickly by the end of March.”
Selling:
Should I try to sell my house right now, or is it better to wait?
If you’re itching to make a move, it may be smarter to do it sooner rather than later. “Many sellers are starting to realize that even though conditions aren’t as they normally would be for a spring or summer market, the uncertainty of the market in a few months is far more worrisome: a lot of inventory, people who have lost jobs, banks tightening their criteria,” Price says. “They’re therefore becoming more willing to sell now rather than later.”
How will agents safely show my home in the era of social distancing?
No need to worry about strangers traipsing through your personal space—like everything else, showings can now be done virtually. “We do something called a Matterport tour; it’s a three-dimensional walkthrough of the property,” says Keller Williams Realty Boston Northwest agent Sven Andersen, of Andersen Group Realty. He also hosts virtual open houses, complete with live guided walkthroughs for preregistered potential buyers.
What is the coronavirus clause, and how could it affect my sale?
It may sound scary, but don’t worry: This addendum to the standard purchase-and-sale agreement can help safeguard everyone involved in a transaction. “It adds language that essentially protects both the buyers and sellers from any excused delays or inabilities to perform due to the pandemic, in which case the closing will be extended,” says Compass’s Jared Wilk, of the Jared Wilk Group. To help sellers specifically, Price adds, “A similar addendum is being added to contracts to allow closings without smoke certificates and water-sewer readings.”
