Morning Briefing: Maryland housing market shows consistent growth

Maryland housing market shows consistent growth…Will murderer’s former home scare off buyers?... Revealed: New York’s most expensive rental apartment…

Maryland housing market shows consistent growth
Another state’s realtors have reported strong growth in the market during July. Maryland Association of Realtors says that home sales rose for the seventh consecutive month; up 20 per cent in July compared to a year earlier. Median and average prices were flat but pending sales were also strong with a 14.5 per cent rise. Months of inventory was down from 5 in July 2014 to 4.2 months in July 2015. “The trend of high market activity and small price adjustments continues, “said MAR President Janice Kirkner. “There were only two counties with declines in unit sales. Kirkner also noted that “Prices are clearly at the right level to engage buyers in the market.”
 
Will murderer’s former home scare off buyers?
Realtors in Massachusetts are divided as to whether a home owned by a convicted murderer will prove tricky to sell. The house in North Attleboro in Bristol County is owned by former Patriots player Aaron Hernandez who was convicted of the murder of Odin Lloyd in 2013 and is in prison for life without parole. Coldwell Banker real estate agent Chris Rapacioli told the Boston Herald that there will be those who want the home because it was owned by a former Patriot but that it will also put some buyers off but: “You’re looking at a million-dollar home, so it’s going to appeal to a certain buyer anyhow.” The five bedroom, five bathroom home of more than 7,000 square feet was bought by Hernadez for $1.3 million while the murder investigation was ongoing. Kenny Farrow of RE/MAX Real Estate Center doesn’t think the owner’s history will make much difference to the sale: The house is the house. The value is the value” he told The Boston Herald.
 
Revealed: New York’s most expensive rental apartment
New York rents are some of the most expensive in the country but this one is certainly exceptional. A 4,483 square foot apartment with three bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and amazing views of Central Park is available for a staggering $150,000 a month! The home is on the 65th floor of One57 on Billionaire’s row in 57th Street. Although there are technically more expensive suites based in hotels in the city, this home is the priciest rental in an apartment building. One57 offers those paying the high rent plenty of perks; a gym, yoga studio and business center. The New York Post says that residents are also entitled to use the pool in the Hyatt hotel which occupies the lower floors of the tower.