By Christina Poletto
As a Coldwell Banker realty agent who has been with the company for more than 25 years, Elena Price has always monitored the real estate market fluctuations in her general Massachusetts territory, which covers the towns of Westwood, Needham, Dover, and Dedham. Around 2018, a noticeably seismic shift happened when curious homebuyers left dense areas like Boston and Cambridge and started buying property in Price’s real estate territory in the suburbs west and south of Boston. Indeed, the local school system is a magnet for young families, but these small and alluring towns were also the right proximity to public transportation for weekday commuters counting on access to the city. When the pandemic hit, the interest in the area soared.
Price’s accolades speak to her ability to navigate tricky real estate cycles and unpredictable market swings. Price is in the Coldwell Banker® Society of Excellence, or the top 1% of agents, and is ranked one of the top agents in with Coldwell Banker Realty agents in New England year after year. She’s also a specialist in new homes, marketing, relocation and global luxury properties. Price says the company offers the support and opportunities that make success possible. “I love the way Coldwell Banker operates. I trust their ethics and professional knowledge and they do a very good job balancing a huge business while taking care of their agents.”
Price’s attention to detail, personal demeanor, and depth of experience have contributed to her success as well. Currently, she’s seeing new changes in the local market, including a return to more predictable market patterns. “Now we’re more driven by vacations and school calendars.” Price says buyers are more pensive, too. “They are still wanting to purchase, but they are not interested in bidding situations anymore.”
Price says buyers want a turnkey home and, with the cost of living, are more considerate with their offers. Contingencies, from inspections to financing, are standard these days. “Now buyers want no risk whatsoever and are putting it back on the seller.” Price always advises her sellers of improvements that can lead to a more successful sale. To help bolster attention to the property, Price enlists professional stagers and photographers. “The goal when I list a home is to have it as perfect as I possibly can with what the seller will allow.”
One Westwood property that Price is pleased to represent is at 8 Stone Meadow. Located in a walking neighborhood with close proximity to trains and highways, the large family domicile features a terraced yard, chef’s kitchen and a spacious cabin-style entertaining and recreation space with a wet bar and access to a patio with a stone fireplace.
Price is busy listing many properties these days and advises prospective clients to be mindful of the new buyer agency policies. Price says she’s already seeing companies trying to entice sellers and buyers to work through them to get referrals to agents that will pay to be on their platform. “Because of the new rules and regulations, the sellers and buyers will start reaching out directly to the ‘real’ listing agents.” This is where a seasoned professional agent will have the advantage to create the best deal for clients, says Price. “I’ve already been conducting my business in a very transparent and forthright manner.” Whatever may come in the future of real estate, Price is ready.
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