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.
How to Build a Fire Pit
Adding a fire pit to your backyard can create a cozy gathering spot for family and friends. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows or simply enjoying the warmth, a fire pit makes for an inviting outdoor feature.
Here’s how to build your own fire pit step-by-step.
Choose your location: Start by selecting a safe spot in your yard for the fire pit. Make sure it’s at least 10 feet away from structures or overhanging branches, and opt for a flat area that is easy to level.
Gather your materials: You’ll need fire bricks, retaining wall blocks, a shovel, gravel and construction adhesive. A fire ring is also recommended to contain the fire safely.
Prepare the base: Mark the fire pit area with a shovel or spray paint, then dig about six to 12 inches deep. Fill the hole with gravel to create a stable base, which helps with drainage.
Lay the blocks: Place the retaining wall blocks in a circle, stacking them two to three layers high to form the walls of your fire pit. Make sure each layer is level, and use construction adhesive between the layers for added stability.
Add the fire ring: Place the fire ring inside the block walls. This will help prevent the fire from spreading and protect the stone walls from excessive heat damage.
Finishing touches: Once the f ire pit structure is complete, fill the bottom with a few inches of gravel. This will help with drainage and reduce the buildup of ash. Now, your fire pit is ready to use!
Give me a call when you're finished ... I'll stop by with some chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers to test it out. :)
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!