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.
Why Curb Appeal Matters More Than You Think When Selling
The Decision Is Made Before They Open the Door
Buyers form an opinion about your home in the first seven seconds. That happens from the street, before the front door is unlocked, before anyone has seen the kitchen or the primary suite. If the exterior does not make a strong first impression, you are already working uphill.
Summer is actually the best time to get curb appeal right. Landscaping is in season, flowers are blooming, and a well-kept front yard looks genuinely inviting. The flip side is that neglect is also more visible. An overgrown lawn or a faded front door stands out against the neighbor's freshly mulched garden.
Low-Cost Improvements with Outsized Returns
You do not need to spend thousands of dollars to make a strong first impression. Some of the highest-ROI updates are the simplest ones:
Fresh mulch in the garden beds. This is one of the least expensive improvements you can make, and it makes the entire yard look cared for and intentional.
A freshly painted or refinished front door. The front door is the focal point of every exterior photo and every in-person arrival. A bold, clean color signals that the home has been well-maintained.
A clean, clear walkway. Power wash the driveway and front path. Remove any cracked pots, overgrown plants, or clutter between the street and the front door. Buyers should be able to walk to the entrance without navigating around anything.
Trimmed shrubs and defined edges. Overgrown foundation plantings make a home feel smaller and less maintained. Clean lines communicate pride of ownership before anyone steps inside.
Start Outside, Then Work In
A common mistake sellers make is spending heavily on interior updates while ignoring the exterior. If a buyer pulls up and feels uncertain before they even walk in, the beautifully renovated kitchen is working against a psychological headwind.
The checklist mindset matters here. Before investing in granite counters or a bathroom refresh, walk to the street and look at your home the way a buyer sees it for the first time. Fix what they see before they open the door, and your interior upgrades will land the way you want them to.
Ready to make a move this summer? Let's connect -- call 617-433-9225 or visit 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!