Resources ... Let Us Know How Can Help

Buying

If you plan to purchase your first or tenth home, start here. Buying property in Massachusetts is not difficult, but it's helpful to understand and be aware of the local customs before you start your search. Our goal is to help guide you toward the best decision for your unique situation. To do this, we believe that a well-informed client will ultimately be the most satisfied, too. We look forward to discussing the current market conditions and trends with you - most important, we can't wait to help you discover your dream home!

Check out our on demand home buyer video seminar here! After registering, you'll have instant access to our on demand buyer consultation and we'll immediately mail (USPS) your home Massachusetts Home Buyer Booklet. It include everything you need to buy a home in Massachusetts - even sample forms. Click here to get access now!

Selling

Selling your home is a big decision. It's not just about moving, it's about identifying a proven seamless process that will help maximize the value of current property within a timeline that meets your specific needs.

There's no doubt that this can be a stressful process, but after successfully selling 100s of homes, we've identified the smoothest processes, most effective marketing strategies and negotiation techniques to ensure the highest sale price with the least amount of hassle. Contact us today for a no obligation consultation.

Senior Options

Connect with experts to discuss senior living options. Knowing where to begin is the hardest part, so we've included a few helpful resources below:

Mass-ALA Senior Living Options

Caring.com

SeniorHousingNet

Home Hazards

Asbestos - Asbestos.com provides a Guide to Asbestos in The Home ... it outlines common asbestos locations, related heath concerns and how to deal with asbestos when it's found. Tips on how to hire an asbestos remover can also be found at asbestos.com.

Lead Paint - Slowly phased out in the 1960s and 1970s, lead paint was ultimately outlawed in residential use in 1978. Consequently, all homes older than 1978 are suspect; however, there are many ways to mitigate lead paint and costs can vary. In recent years, the government has eased mitigation requirements to encourage lead compliance. The below sites provide additional information about lead paint safety ... you can even search property to see if it's been tested for lead paint.

Mass.gov - Search property testing history

Massachusetts Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program’s Lead Safe Homes 1.0 database

New England Lead Prevention - Information for home buyers, tenants, landlords, etc.

A Springtime Pre-Sale Refresh for Your Home

A Springtime Pre-Sale Refresh for Your Home

April 28, 20253 min read

Spring is the most well-known time to sell your home, and for good reason. Many buyers time their home search with the spring real estate season, the weather is warming up, and homes can be presented in the best light, with fresh landscaping, green grass, and blooming flowers and foliage. Ensuring your home stands out can facilitate a quicker sale at your ideal price.  A well-executed spring refresh can enhance curb appeal, create an inviting atmosphere, and boost your home’s market value. Here are some ways to prep your home for a successful spring sale.

Enhance curb appeal
Your home exterior is the first thing buyers will see when they arrive at your home. To make a lasting positive first impression, here are a few updates to make:

  • Powerwash the exterior: Clean the siding, walkways, and driveway to remove winter dirt and grime.

  • Refresh the landscaping: Complete a spring refresh by trimming overgrown bushes, adding fresh mulch, and planting seasonal flowers.

  • Upgrade outdoor lighting: At the minimum, make sure all exterior light bulbs are replaced and working. Pathway lighting and additional porch lighting add ambiance and security to your home’s exterior. 

Declutter and depersonalize
Decluttering and depersonalizing are two non-negotiables when you’re selling your home. Here are a few key areas that buyers will pay close attention to:

  • Storage areas: Storage is a must-have for many buyers. Clear out and organize closets, cabinets, and the garage to make spaces appear larger.

  • Remove personal items: Your family’s story is told through the photos, keepsakes, and unique pieces. Remove these items so buyers can imagine their lives unfolding in your home.

  • Minimize furniture: Remove several pieces of furniture from each room to create more space to walk and navigate.

Deep clean
Many buyers view a spotless home as a home that has been well-maintained. Also, there are some areas of your home that you may have overlooked that a buyer will notice immediately. Here are some key areas to focus on:

  • Windows and mirrors: Clean all glass surfaces to allow maximum natural light.

  • Floors and carpets: Vacuum, mop, or steam clean to remove stains and odors.

  • Kitchens and bathrooms: Scrub countertops, sinks, and tile grout for a fresh feeling and appearance.

  • Eliminate pet and cooking odors: Use air purifiers or baking soda treatments to neutralize lingering smells.

Complete small repairs
Often, there are flaws in a home that you’ve grown used to and don’t stand out to you anymore. However, when a buyer sees these same flaws, they may stick out instantly. Here are some areas to fix before listing your home.

  • Fix leaky faucets and running toilets: These minor fixes show buyers your home is well-maintained.

  • Repair or replace broken hardware: Assess the hardware throughout the home, such as the doorknobs, cabinet handles, and light switch plates. Determine if any needs replacing, repairing to upgrade the appearance, or fixing any issues.

  • Touch-up paint: Scuffed walls, baseboards, and doors are part of living in your home. Touch up any areas that have seen better days.

Stage your home for spring
When you’re selling your home, how it looks is equally important as how it feels. Embrace the season and help it feel seasonally fresh and inviting with some of the below spring staging touches:

  • Add fresh flowers: Place colorful blooms or seasonal branches in vases to create a spring-inspired ambiance.

  • Incorporate light textiles: Light-colored throw pillows and bedding can lend a spring feel to each space.

  • Set the dining table: A simple table setting with seasonal napkins and a centerpiece can enhance the appeal of your dining space.

  • Bring in spring scents: Use subtle diffusers or candles with soft scents like lavender, citrus, or fresh linen.

home selling preparationhome stagingpreparing your home to sellprepare my home to sell
blog author image

Mike Hughes

Mike Hughes is a real estate broker with approximately 20 years in the residential business.

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Other Useful Tools

Financing ... everyone's budget and cash flow is different. Whether you you get paid on a salary, hourly, bonus or commission basis, understanding your monthly obligation is critical when buying a home.

Here is a link to a mortgage calculator to help you start your planning.

Explore A Career in Real Estate!

Real estate can be a very rewarding career ... each day we have the opportunity to meet and help new people! Being able to help someone start a new stage of life is an extremely gratifying experience.

It's relatively easy to get started, but knowing where and how to start is the biggest challenge. Unfortunately, the state licensing exam doesn't cover any marketing or business planning ... so new agents are often left to sink or swim! In 2023, the National Association of Realtors estimates 10,000 agents are being forced to leave the business each month!

After being in business for 20+ years, I've been able to help many buyers, sellers AND agents succeed. Getting started the right way with the right company can make or break an new agent. eXp Realty is now selling more homes than any other brokerage, so we have tools and training to help you succeed. Moreover, it would be my pleasure to introduce you to the company's tools, answer any questions that you have about the business and share my systems and training so that you are able to quickly launch your new business. Let's connect!