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.
Can a Crack or Pothole Be Fixed, or Do You Need to Repave Your Entire Driveway?
Water can seep into small cracks in your driveway, and freezing and thawing can cause cracks to widen. If the issue isn’t addressed, potholes can form. If your driveway is damaged, you might be able to make simple DIY repairs, or you might need to get help from professionals.
You Can Patch Small Cracks and Potholes
One or two small cracks or depressions in your driveway can be patched. This is an inexpensive project that you can handle yourself with supplies that you can pick up from a local hardware store.
Patched areas will be visible and can affect your home’s curb appeal. Patching your driveway is only a temporary solution. Within a few years, water will most likely seep in, and new cracks will emerge.
You’ll Need a Pro to Handle Major Problems
If cracks or potholes cover a significant percentage of the surface, you shouldn’t attempt to fix the driveway yourself. Have a contractor inspect your driveway and recommend an appropriate solution.
One option is resurfacing, which involves scraping off damaged sections and then pouring new asphalt or concrete. Resurfacing can make your driveway look new and extend its lifespan by up to 10 years.
If the driveway is covered with deep cracks and large potholes, it will need to be repaved. This will cost significantly more than patching or resurfacing, and you won’t be able to use the driveway for a few days.
Consider the Age of Your Driveway and Your Future Plans
If your driveway is nearing the end of its lifespan and showing significant damage, a professional might be able to repair it and make it last a few more years. It will most likely get cracked again and eventually need to be repaved.
If you plan to stay in the house for the foreseeable future, repaving the driveway can be your best long-term option. It will cost you more now, but it will save you money down the road and give you peace of mind.
You’ll be able to recoup some of your investment if you sell the house in the future. A driveway that has recently been repaved will appeal to buyers who want to keep their maintenance costs down.
Find the Best Way to Deal With Cracks and Potholes
A damaged driveway can be an inconvenience, an eyesore, and a safety hazard. Small problems can be easy to fix, but the results won’t last forever. Professional repairs can be expensive, but sometimes they’re necessary, and they’ll save you money in the long run. If you’re not sure about how to deal with cracks and potholes, have a local contractor inspect your driveway and give you advice.
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!