For the first time in more than a year, real estate agents are feeling more upbeat about the state of the Massachusetts housing market, though they continue to find the market weak overall.
A June housing market index compiled by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors revealed a June score of 29.17, which was up 2.8 percent from the June 2010 score of 28.36. It was the first year-over-year increase in market sentiment since May 2010. The June score was also up 4.2 percent from May’s score of 28. A score of 50 is considered neutral on the 100-point scale.
The association also noted a growing concern over a provision in the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill that would require 20-percent minimum down payments from homebuyers. Of those surveyed, 86 percent said that provision would have a “significant negative impact” on the housing market.
