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.
Doing This in Your Backyard Might Lower Your Home's Value
A haven from life’s stressors and a place to gather with loved ones, today’s backyard has become an increasingly important component of one’s home. That’s why, when considering an addition or change to your yard, it’s essential to consider the value it might add to your home when it comes time to sell.
While you may think you have the perfect project in mind, according to design experts who recently spoke with MSN, certain backyard upgrades can actually detract from your home’s value. So before you move forward, take a look at the following projects that might not end up being worth the investment:
Overdoing concrete.
While stone features can elevate the look of your backyard, using too much concrete may not only be unappealing, it can also lead to drainage issues. According to experts, concrete can create “heat islands” that may be unusable in summertime and create runoff problems. Instead, mix hardscaping with greenery to add visual appeal and provide proper drainage.
Too much vegetation.
If you’re passionate about gardening, don’t make the mistake of over-planting. While lush vegetation is always appealing, mismatched and overgrown plants can make your backyard feel like a jungle, detracting from its spaciousness and aesthetic appeal. Prospective buyers might think your property has been neglected, especially if you have overgrown vegetation planted close to your house.
A misplaced fire feature.
While fire pits have become a popular addition to many a backyard, building one in the wrong place can harm your home’s salability. If you’re adding a fire pit, ensure it’s at least 10 feet away from any structure or overhanging branches. Also, include comfortable seating and necessary safety features.
Amateur water features.
Don’t go the DIY route if you’re planning on adding a water feature. According to design experts, a poorly constructed and installed water feature can signal expensive maintenance or a breeding ground for insects. To avoid costly repairs, buyers may request that it be removed before considering a bid on your home.
Getting too personal.
While it’s typical for any homeowner to personalize their home to their liking, try to avoid any projects that are too permanent, such as a built-in trampoline or an elaborate outdoor structure. Since such features are extremely costly to remove, they will limit the number of buyers who may be interested in your home.
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!