Resources ... Let Us Know How Can Help
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 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:
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.
Simple Curb Appeal Updates That Actually Add Value
First Impressions Are Made Before the Front Door
Whether you are thinking about selling in the next year or simply want the best-looking home on the street, curb appeal is the highest-ROI category in home improvement. Buyers — and neighbors — form their opinion of your home before they ever walk inside. And the good news: the updates that matter most are surprisingly affordable.
1. The Front Door
Replacing or repainting your front door is consistently one of the top-ranked exterior updates for return on investment. A fresh coat of paint in a classic color — navy, black, red, or forest green — signals that a home is well cared for. If your door hardware is dated, swapping the knob, knocker, and house numbers for matte black or brushed nickel takes an afternoon and costs under $150.
2. Landscaping: Clean Beats Complex
You do not need elaborate plantings. You need clean edges, fresh mulch, and no dead anything. A bag of cedar mulch costs around $6. Spreading it across your front beds takes an hour. The visual impact is immediate. Trim any overgrown shrubs, pull visible weeds, and make sure nothing is blocking the view of the front of the house.
3. Power Washing
Driveways, walkways, and siding accumulate years of grime, algae, and weathering. A pressure washer — rentable for around $60 to $80 per day — can make a 20-year-old driveway look brand new. This is the easiest way to make your home look cleaner and better-maintained with minimal effort.
4. Exterior Lighting
Replacing dated or dim exterior fixtures is a quick, inexpensive upgrade that dramatically improves evening curb appeal. Modern lantern-style fixtures in black or bronze coordinate with almost any home style and typically run $40 to $100 at any hardware store.
5. The Garage Door
If your garage door is visible from the street, it may account for 30% or more of your home exterior visual profile. Repainting a steel door is a weekend project. Replacing an outdated door with a carriage-style model consistently returns over 90 cents on the dollar at resale — one of the best ROI improvements in real estate.
Thinking About Selling?
If you are considering listing your home in the next 6 to 12 months, I am happy to walk through your property and share exactly which updates will make the most difference for buyers in our market. No pressure, no obligation — just good advice.
Call or text: 617-433-9225
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.MikeHughesTeam.com
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!