Is This House Haunted? What You Need To Know

Is this House Haunted?  What You Need To Know

Stigmatized Properties

Properties that have been the site of a murder, suicide death or a haunting have long been considered "stigmatized".

• If you are selling your home, should you disclose and are you required to disclose such information to a potential buyer?  
•  As a Buyer,  do you expect to be told if the home was the site of a murder, suicide or haunting?   

Massachusetts Sellers are not obligated to offer this type of information up to you.  However, they may not be deceitful if you inquire.   MA General Law regarding Stigmatized Property



 There are other properties that may be considered stigmatized where other rules apply, (including HIV status  of former or current occupants), but for this conversation,  as a Buyer, if it is an important you know that someone was murdered or committed suicide in a property, or that a ghost resides there, then you should ask questions pertaining to this type of event.   Your questions will trigger a duty to disclose.


An exciting part of living in Massachusetts is knowing that we have a long and rich history.   Some of it we can remember in this  nursery rhyme, and on this Halloween Eve we all think of the Salem Witch Trials.   Could you live in a stigmatized home?  

There are some very famous homes that people pay to stay in!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Open Houses Franklin MA and surrounding Area Oct 4-5

Open Houses         
Franklin MA and Surrounding Areas October 4th & 5th

Looking for an open house in the area?     Here's the list for the upcoming weekend.    Franklin, Bellingham, Milford, Walpole, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Blackstone, Foxboro, Mansfield, North Attleboro, Wrentham, Norfolk, Plainville, etc.

List of open houses Saturday & Sunday  (towns in Alphabetical order)

From Franklin to Bellingham to Medfield to Walpole to Milford to  Mansfield and everything in between, you'll find a lot to chose from!    

Need a Buyers Agent?    We can help!   
        Accredited Buyers Reps for more than 20 years!    

List of Open Houses Weekend September 28th Franklin MA and surrounding areas

List of  Open Houses this weekend                  
Franklin MA and Surrounding Areas

 Looking for an open house in the area?     Here's the list for the upcoming weekend.

List of open houses in the area this weekend  (towns in Alphabetical order)

From Franklin to Bellingham to Medfield to Walpole to Milford to  Mansfield and everything in between, you'll find a lot to chose from!    

Looking for Open Houses Franklin MA and Surrounding Areas Sept 28?

List of  Open Houses this weekend                  

Franklin MA and Surrounding Areas

 Looking for an open house in the area?     Here's the list for the upcoming weekend.

List of open houses in the area this weekend  (towns in Alphabetical order)

From Franklin to Bellingham to Medfield to Walpole to Milford to  Mansfield and everything in between, you'll find a lot to chose from!   

Carol-Ann Palmieri

508-494-9061

Home Buying Boot Camp part 1

Home Buying Boot Camp     part 1

Home Buying Boot Camp part 1.    Boot Camp.   Makes buying a house sound like work doesn't it?   It's not really, but just like anything else, getting in shape and being prepared reduces stress and makes you a solid, confident buyer!

You've been thinking of buying a home.   Why not?  It's a great time with interest rates low, inventory to choose from and favorable programs out there.

I remember getting off that bus at Parris Island so many long years ago thinking, 

"What the Hell did I just do?"   

 I also remember buying a home, thinking the exact same thing!   

 You don't have to feel that way!     Over the past 26 years, I've found that following these very simple and precise steps will help you become that lean, mean, buying machine!  

Get off the Bus!   One of the hardest things for me and I think for many, is just making that decision to jump into the market.  Look at what's happening at the moment.    Interest rates are very low.   It is probably less expensive to buy than to rent.   
Get Pre-Qualified.   Before you even start looking at homes on the internet or in person, speak to a bonafide lender.   Finding out what your buying power is will not only make you a more powerful buyer, it will give your search a focus in terms of, not only type of housing, but location too.     Once you know where you might want to look and at what you want to look at, it's time to get down to business.    
(Remember, If you are a veteran, look into using that GI home loan benefit.)
Hire A Buyers Agent!   In most cases, this will not cost you a dime.    In fact, it should save you money!   Remember the listing agent, or the one who's name is on the sign out front, works for the seller.   It is their obligation to get that seller the highest price with the best terms possible!    Get your own agent.   One who is obligated to you and your interests!   It will start your search off on the right track and keep it going in the right direction.   How do you find an agent?   Ask for referrals from friends and family.   Google the person.   Question their experience, dedication, commitment and work style.      Conduct an interview!
Narrow Down Your Criteria.    Be realistic for your price range and your abilities.   Can you keep up with a giant yard?    Are you able to take on large projects?    Do you need those granite counter tops today?     Know what's really important and what's a nice to have.   Just as important, know what your would absolutely not compromise on. 
Begin Your Search. 

• Have your agent set you up on their web search program.   
• Don't automatically weed homes out by photos.  It's really important that you keep an open mind and not immediately exclude a home because of poor photos.   Photos are likely to be deceiving one way or the other.  
• Get out and physically see some homes.  
• Manage your expectations.   If the market or your taste dictates, be mentally prepared to change your "ideal" criteria.   
•  Be available.  If it's a hot market, you might need to get into that new listing asap. 

stay tuned for 
Home Buying Boot Camp   part 2

• The offer process 
• How to arrive at offer price
• Negotiating your offer
• The home inspection
• What to expect at Closing.  

Franklin MA Real Estate Market Report July 2014

Franklin MA Real Estate Market Report July 2014

Franklin MA Real Estate Market Report for July 2014

Want to know what's happening in Franklin MA?
Prices are up in July vs last July.    Condo sales are hot.
Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust picked a lottery winner!     

Looking to Buy, Sell, Rent or Invest anywhere?    Call me!

Out of my service area?    No worries!

 I have a world wide referral network of experienced professionals!

508-494-9061

cal@alandcal..com

Using Your Veterans Benefit To Buy A Home

Using Your Veterans Benefit To Buy A Home

 

Using Your Veterans Benefit to Buy A Home.   Probably one of the most talked about GI benefits is the VA Home Loan.   You've  heard about it, but have you thought of it using it?   

 

What is the benefit?            How can it help you?              What's the process?  

 

If you have been following my blog for awhile, it is pretty clear that Veterans are near and dear to my heart.   Al and I are proud members of families with strong ties to the US Military.    Being a veteran myself, I take great pride in helping others obtain their housing needs.   Using the VA home loan is one of those benefits that can help many.    

 

Experience tells me that in our area, this is an under used tool by many real estate agents and loan officers.    Why?   Because like anything with the government, there are a few internal twists.  But fear not!   If you hire an experienced agent and have the right loan officer, you don't have to even think of these.       

 

What's the Benefit?  For purposes of today's blog, we're talking about the VA home loan.   The loan is available through private lenders to Service members, Veterans, and qualifying surviving spouses.   In a nutshell the VA stands behind the loan, guaranteeing a portion of it, eliminating the need for a 20% down payment or in lieu of that, costly private mortgage insurance.    It can be used to buy, build, or refi a primary  residence. 
(There are other housing related programs that will help assist in repairing, retaining, or adapting a personal home.   Stay tuned for future blog.)

How Can It Help You?

• Limited or Zero Down payment
• No Mortgage Insurance (there is a one time funding fee)
• Re-Usable & Assumable

What's the Process?   The first question to ask is, do you qualify?   In other words are you you a Service member, Veterans, and qualifying surviving spouse?   If the answer is yes:

• Hire a Realtor experienced  working with and negotiating VA transactions.
• Get financially pre-qualified by a lender that does VA backed loans.   (Not all banks do.)
• You will need a COE (Certificate of Eligibility)   The lender can help you with this.
• Find Your Home
• Negotiate the terms of your transaction
• Apply for your loan
• Closing
  

 

In my 26 year real estate career, I am proud to say that have helped many veterans find and sell homes.    Some take advantage of their benefits.   All should at least look into them.     

 

I have experience in negotiating home sales including new construction using the VA home loan.  

 

If you are a vet looking for a home give me a call!   

 

I promise to go the extra mile for you!

 

 

Carol Ann Palmieri

Remax Executive Realty

508-494-9061

Cal@alandcal.com

 

Being Single and Buying or Selling A Home

Being Single and Buying or Selling A Home

There is no question about it.   Buying or Selling a home in any circumstance is emotionally charged.   There are ways to help manage the "single" stress. 

Over the years, I have come to realize that buying or selling a home is much different for single folks than it is for couples.    In fact, I can speak from experience!    Not just from being a Realtor, but from having been a single person in the real estate arena.

Without another person who's financial hat is also in the ring, a real estate transaction can be a lonely, exaggerated, and overwhelming process.  

Buyer's/Seller's Remorse.    Everyone experiences this joy of an emotion, BUT, it typically hits at different times in the process.  For example, one might experience after an offer is accepted, while another experiences it just prior to the closing.

The good news is this emotion doesn't last for long.  The big difference here is obvious.    In a partnership transaction, there is someone to lean on while waiting for this lovely emotion to pass.  

Making the Decision.   There are lots and lots of BIG & little decisions to make when buying or selling a home.   From choosing where to live or marketing strategy,    It's always easier to have someone to bounce things off of.   But, here is the big thing.   It is easier to make a decision,and more comforting too, when that decision is being made by more than one who's feet are in the water.  

Doing the Legwork.   Sharing the work load is always easier, especially if you have a full time life!    There are a lot of moving pieces in a transaction.    Facing the laundry list of the large and small can be daunting.   Couples can share in this but the single buyer/seller is has the disadvantage of fitting it all on his/her plate.  

Strengths and Weaknesses.   Yin and Yang, what ever you want to call it.   I can handle this, you can handle that.   What seems to you a big deal may not be to your partner and the other way around.  

So, what can you do to make it easier if you are single?   

• Hire a competent, understanding Realtor.  One that communicates well and has the experience to project ahead and has resources for you.
• Make a list of what's important and what isn't.   
• Pick a person to lean on for decisions.   One.  Not many.   Too many opinions and well meaning intentions will become overwhelming. 
• Know the steps of the transaction.    Knowing in advance,will help with the pieces of the puzzle as they present them self.      
•  Hire professionals to help manage the work load.   Attorneys, Movers, etc.  Don't expect to do this all on your own!
• Anticipate Buyers or Sellers Remorse.   Second guessing ourselves is human nature.  Know that this emotion happens to everyone and it will go away.   
• Ask for Help.      You might need help getting that paperwork from here to there or letting the movers into the house.   It's probably the hardest thing for any of us to do, but you have to ask. 

 
 ______________________________

Looking to Buy, Sell, Rent or Invest?   

Put my 26 years of experience to work for you!   

 Call or contact me by phone 508-494-9061 or email to cal@alandcal.com

Homes with InGround Pools Bellingham MA May 2014

Homes with In Ground Pools Bellingham MA May 2014

Are you looking for a home with an in ground pool in Bellingham MA?  

 There are 6 available today ranging in price from $269,000 to $529,900.   

                                      info provided by Carol-Ann Palmieri

search for MA homes here!

Own one of these homes and "staycation" right at your own address!
My experience tells me that many a buyer is looking for a home with an existing in ground pool.   And, why not?    It is quite possibly makes more sense to purchase a home with a pool already in place then to go through the installation process and the coordinating landscaping effort that goes along with putting one in from scratch.  

So where in Bellingham are these properties?   Click on the links for more photos and info.

$269,000  -   124 Ann Marie Drive   This is a 1400 s.f. ranch on 10000 sq feet of land.   A terrific opportunity for pool side living at an affordable price.  


$449,900  -   295 Prospect Street   (GPS coordinates, use Franklin)   This is a 3000 sq foot colonial with an attached family room.   Lovingly maintained, this 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 baths, located on 1.99 acres in a  country road setting.


$469,000  -  87 Pickering Avenue    This is a 2700 s.f. rare Tudor style home consists of 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.   It is located on 1.26 acres on a cul de sac in the south side of Bellingham.  


$479,000  -  9 Partridge Trail    This home is located in a very nice subdivision on 1.09 acres of land.  Nicely appointed with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths.   The pool area is beautiful.   If you are looking for a classic, well cared for home, inside and out, you will find it here.

$484,900  -  8 Pheasant Hill     Right around the corner from the previous listing, this bright, open contemporary Colonial offers sun filled open space.   2 fireplaces, soaring ceilings, wood floors and central air are just some of the amenities.    Gorgeous gunite pool with a waterfall and cabana area will delight!

$529,000  -  106 Mendon Street   This custom 4000 plus square foot ranch is also zoned for business and sits on 2 acres of land.   It offers 5 fireplaces, 3.5 baths and a heated gunite pool. 


Search for more Bellingham listings right here.

Looking to Buy, Sell, Rent or Invest?   

 Put my 26 years of experience to work for you!

Carol-Ann Palmieri.     508-494-9061     Cal@alandcal.com

Thoughts for Mothers Day 2014

Thoughts for Mothers Day 2014

I am sitting here thinking how very fortunate I am to have my Mother here.  

My Mother.  One who supports her family, extended family, and friends and loves unconditionally.    I know this because she proves time and time again, that in no uncertain terms she will back us vehemently, with conviction and strength, despite her personal feelings.

I am feeling more fortunate than ever,  because just in this past year,  7 of my friends have lost their Mothers.    Thinking of them this morning makes me feel very sad because I know how every one meant the world to their families.  They were loved and loved in return.    Those ladies were all beautiful.      Each of them touched the world in a very special, unique, and precious way.    They are missed.

My friends, you know who you are.   You are in my thoughts and prayers this day as I celebrate my Mom.    I will remember yours too with a prayer and a smile.

To my Mom, Happy Mothers Day.    

 Don't know who I would be, where I would be, or how I would be without you. 

  

Should You Visit An Open House or Set Up a Private Showing?

Should You Visit an Open House or Set Up a Private Showing?                              

Are you planning on attending an open house this weekend?   Or Should you set up a personal tour?  

That should really depend on where you are in the home buying process.

Search for MA Open Homes Here

The signs go up, the balloons go out.                On any given Saturday or Sunday in the Franklin MA area, there is no lack of open houses to visit.

Open houses.  I've been hosting one almost every week for the past 26 years.   Over those years, traffic counts have varied depending on the market, price point, condition, and location of the home.   Having said that, the activity level on the past few opens that I have held is incredible.

What's driving all this traffic?

• Much of it can be attributed to lack of inventory.  This makes it crucial to view a home as soon as possible. 
• Exposure is better too.   No longer relying on print media,  Buyers are alerted to open homes via automated email and they are promoted  over the internet.   
• Agents send their buyers to preview open homes because there is more flexibility with timing.     
• Many listing agents use the open house as a kick of to their marketing campaign.   

With buyers flocking to open houses, the question then becomes,  is it better to visit an open house or set up a personal appointment with your Realtor? The answer to that should depend on how serious a buyer you are.  

If you are just starting your home search, visiting an open house can be a good, hands on approach of gaining market knowledge.   It is also a good way of "interviewing" a potential agent to represent you.  

(I shouldn't leave out that it can be a good way for a "potential" seller to informally interview an agent as well.)

But, If you are well into your home search and have identified your wants and needs in terms of price, size, style and location, then setting up a personal tour may be much more effective for you.    I feel this way because at many of the recent open homes that I have hosted (and visited), the traffic is so brisk that one can not really take a good look at the home.   With many people filling up a room(s), it an be hard to linger and really take in the details.   You might also feel pressured, and possibly undermine your negotiating position by tipping your hand to the hosting agent or to other attendees.   

Seeing the home without all that stimulation and traffic gives you the time to really look it over and get to know the home without others looking over your shoulder.   

Want to set up a personal tour?     Hire the right Realtor.    Al and I are certified buyers agents.   Call us.      Tips to eliminate stress when Buying a Home

Search for MA Open Homes Here!

If you want to really know what's happening in your market area, consult your

 local Realtor!

 

        Call me if you have any questions about the market. 

508-494-9061

      Put my 26 years of experience to work for you!    

40 Ash Street Northbridge MA for Sale

40 Ash Street Northbridge MA for Sale

$265,000

As a Realtor, there is nothing better than having the opportunity to offer a home for sale that she knows will delight new buyers.   This is one of those homes. 

This sun filled, charming Dutch style Colonial home was totally renovated in 2009.    It combines features that people want and need for today's lifestyles along with a nostalgic ambiance of yesteryear.          Search for homes here

Expect to fall in love with the high ceilings, moldings, and sweet touches like the expansive window seat that provides seating and storage options. 

1600 plus square feet includes 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, formal dining area, eat in kitchen and first floor laundry.   There is new plumbing, electrical, roof, central air and heating systems.  

A low maintenance home, with vinyl siding and replacement windows, this home is situated on just about a half acre.  It is serviced by municipal water and sewer.    Part of the yard is fenced in creating a terrific play space.







  Please contact me for additional information.

508-494-9061   or email to Cal@alandcal.com

      Put my 26 years of experience to work for you!    

Home Prices Franklin MA February 2014

Home Prices Franklin MA  February 2014

Real estate market data for Franklin, MA provided by

  Carol -Ann Palmieri, Remax Executive Realty 

 

Franklin Home Prices

If you are wondering what is happening in the Franklin MA real estate market, a quick glance at the graph below paints the picture.   Homes are moving quickly.   Inventory is low.  It's good news for homeowners with an average 4.4 percent rise in home values since last year.      Predictions are that the trend will continue, but at a lower rate.  

Single Family Inventory:   

 

If you are interested in seeing exactly what the current inventory looks like in Franklin MA, you can find that by just clicking this link.   Current inventory in Franklin, MA

There are currently 11 properties on the market priced below $300,000.    The average price per square foot is $204.     You can expect about 1260 square feet of living space.  

$300,000 and $500,000.    As of right now, there are 12 homes available in this range.   The average price per square foot is $197.    Expect to find Cape and Colonial style homes and new construction is even an option.

There are 9 listings priced between $500,000 and $750,000.  Average price per square foot is $195.  Expect to find resale and new construction in this range.   

There are 8 listings over $750,000.   The average price per square foot is $240.   Expect new construction and custom resale homes.  

Franklin Real Estate Report Summary:

With 32 homes pending or contingent and a limited amount of inventory, I would consider Franklin a hot market leaning towards a sellers favor.   Buyers looking to purchase here can find a nice balance of resale homes and new construction.   There are just two lender involved properties on the market.  Competitively priced homes do not stay on the market long.   I expect that as the weather improves, the housing market will follow suit.       (This reporting is relative to the single family home market, but condo and multi family homes in this community are hot as well.)        

 

Buyers continue to find  Franklin very desirable.   Why not?   With a recent news report suggesting that Franklin is the nation's safest city, who wouldn't consider the community to be their families home base?   

If you are considering buying a home in Franklin, MA, don't sit on the sidelines for too long.  Start actively looking now.   The "spring market" has already commenced and is just going to get more competitive.      

If you are a seller, pricing your home in line with comparable home sales will bring you an offer close to asking in a short amount of time.   

Find Homes for Sale in Franklin, MA:

Visit my website to search for homes in Franklin MA or to be notified when Franklin homes come on the market.

To find out what your home is worth in the current market email me cal@alandcal.com or call  508-494-9061.

A great local real estate agent is your best offense in negotiating the market. 

Regardless of what side of the fence you find yourself on, you need an agent  knows the market and the neighborhoods inside and out.    

 

508-494-9061

      Put my 26 years of experience to work for you!    

Home Prices Medway MA February 2014

 Home Prices Medway MA  February 2014

Real estate market data for Medway, MA provided by

  Carol -Ann Palmieri, Remax Executive Realty 

 

Medway Home Prices

Looks like it's good news for single family homeowners in Medway MA.  With a favorable 7.7 percent increase over the past year, Zillow predicts that this rise will continue over the next year, but at a somewhat lower rate of 2.5 percent.

 Of course this is a prediction, but judging by the amount of buyers hitting the pavement even in this extreme cold and traipsing through mounds of snow, it should be a brisk spring.     Since Jan 1, 2014 there have been 9 home sales.   The average sale price of $361,944 was roughly 98 percent of asking.

Current Inventory:   

 

If you are interested in seeing exactly what the current inventory looks like in Medway MA, you can find that by just clicking this link.   Current inventory in Medway, MA

There are just 2 homes priced below $250,000.    Both of these homes are "diamonds in the rough" so to speak and are looking for someone to bring them back to life.    

$250,000 and $400,000.    If you are in this range, there will be 9 homes (as of today) to choose from.  The average price per square foot is $215.    The least expensive of these is a 3 bedroom, 1 bath ranch for $259,900.   On the high end, for $389,900 you can purchase a recently remodeled 4 bedroom, 3 bath colonial.  

There are 5 listings priced between $400,000 and $500,000.  These include the "Cottages at Charles River Village" which are actually free standing single family homes in a condominium development.

In the range of $500,000 to $600,000 you will find 8 homes.  These range from 2300 (new build) to 5000 square feet.

There is one home priced over $800,000 and one over one million dollars.    Both will be custom homes in Applegate Farms.   

Medway Real Estate Report Summary:

17 homes are pending or under agreement with a contingency.   Many of these home received acceptable offers in less than 30 days, some under a week.   Currently there are no bank involved properties on the market in Medway.       Since the beginning of this year, the homes that have been placed under contract /contingent homes represent all price ranges fairly evenly.   Open house traffic is very active.   Homes that are priced right and presented properly are receiving acceptable offers in a few short weeks of being placed for sale.    Buyer activity is brisk, houses are going under contract.  This suggests that the Medway market has leveled off; returning to  healthy state. 


If you are considering buying a home in Medway, MA you don't want to sit on the sidelines for too long.   Many listings are going under contract within a short time of being placed on the market.   

If you are a seller, pricing your home in line with comparable home sales will bring you an offer close to asking in a short amount of time.   

Find Homes for Sale in Medway, MA:

Visit my website to search for homes in Medway MA or to be notified when Medway homes come on the market.

To find out what you home is worth in the current market email me or call  508-494-9061.

 A great local real estate agent is your best offense in negotiating the  market.  Regardless of what side of the fence you find yourself on, you need an agent  knows the market and the neighborhoods inside and out.    

 

508-494-9061

      Put my 26 years of experience to work for you!    

Home Prices Bellingham MA February 2014

 Home Prices Bellingham MA  February 2014

Real estate market data for Bellingham, MA provided by

  Carol -Ann Palmieri, Remax Executive Realty 

Bellingham Home Prices

Good news for single family homeowners in Bellingham MA with a favorable 10 percent increase over the past year.  Zillow indicators predict the rise will continue over the next year, but at a  lower rate of approximately 3.2 percent.  

Since Jan 1, 2014 there have been 10 home sales.   The average sale price of $298,430 was roughly 98 percent of asking.

Bellingham Real Estate Report Summary

 

Several of the bank involved properties and new construction inventory tend to make average days on market seem longer than it actually is.   Homes that are priced right and presented properly are receiving acceptable offers in a few short weeks of being placed for sale.    Since the beginning of this year, 15 of the 22 pending /contingent homes were priced below $300,000.   This suggests that the first time buyer market is picking up and the Bellingham market has leveled off; returning to a more healthy state. 

4 of the 22 homes were priced above $400,000.    This higher end in Bellingham is still slanting in the buyers favor, but moving, if priced appropriately.  

If you are considering buying a home in Bellingham, MA you don't want to sit on the sidelines for too long.   Many listings are going under contract within a short time of being placed on the market.   

If you are a seller, pricing your home in line with comparable home sales will bring you an offer close to asking in a short amount of time.   

Current Inventory

  

If you are interested in seeing exactly what the current inventory looks like in Bellingham MA, you can find that by just clicking this link.   Current inventory in Bellingham MA

There are currently 5 single family homes that are priced between $100,000 and $200,000.     The average price per square foot of these homes is $142.    They have an average time on market of 68 days.   2 of these homes have lender involvement and 3 have been on the market for less than a month.   

17 homes are available between the range of $200,000 and $300,000.   The average price per square foot is $159.    You can expect to find ranch, split entry, multi, cape and antique style homes in this range.   The average days on market is 106, with 5 of these homes being under two weeks to the market.    2 of these homes have lender involvement.     

There are 3 homes priced between $300,000 and $400,000, including one that is to be built.

In the range of $400,000 to $600,000 you will find 11 homes.  These range from 2200 to 4500 square feet including several new homes to choose from.

Find Homes for Sale in Bellingham, MA:

Visit my website to search for homes in Bellingham MA or to be notified when Bellingham homes come on the market.

To find out what you home is worth in the current market email me or call  508-494-9061.

 A great local real estate agent is your best offense in negotiating the  market.  Regardless of what side of the fence you find yourself on, you need an agent  knows the market and the neighborhoods inside and out.    

 

  Call me if you have any questions about the market. 

508-494-9061

      Put my 26 years of experience to work for you!    

10 Tips for Selling Your Home

10 Tips for Selling Your Home

It's time! You have grown out of your home, simply found another or had a life experience or job change that necessitates making another move.    You remember what it was like buying your home.   The excitement of picking out houses with your Realtor, driving to each and everyone, dissecting the neighborhood, the structure, utility and decor of each home until finally finding the dream home.

Now the shoe is on the other foot.   These 10 Tips for Selling Your Home will help you drill down and focus on how to get the job done with the least amount of stress.

Tip #1.                   Price it Right.   Many folks think that they will price it high and give themselves negotiating room, or feel that they can always come down, but not go up on their price.    While those two strategies seem to make sense, they don't take into consideration that the first couple of weeks are when you will get the most exposure.     The more buyers looking at your home means higher demand and more money.
How to price your home right is pretty simple.    Have your Realtor evaluate the market by doing a comparative study.   Go over the study with your Realtor, discuss the pros and cons of the comparable sales and offerings and come up with a price based on these facts.   Be honest in the evaluation of your home.      Many times home sellers will think their home is superior or inferior to others because they are not stepping back enabling themselves to look at the comparable properties realistically.    Granted this is not easy to do, but it is imperative.

Tip#2.   Price it Strategically.    Most home buyers these days are searching on line.   What does that mean to you as a home seller?   People tend to search in ranges.    For example.  From $275,000- $300,000 or from $500,000 to $550,000.    Say you thought the search range that your home would fall in would be $325,000-$350,000, pricing your home at $355,000 would price you out of your "strategic" range.   Putting you in the bottom of another.   Discuss strategy with your Realtor.   Keep in mind these ranges and how folks will be searching for your home on line.

Tip#3.   Attack the "To Do List" prior to Listing.   Service the furnace and have all the mechanicals in good condition.   Kill the drips and replace the lights bulbs that haven't been working for some time.    I know it seems silly, but we all live with things that need to be changed and never get around to them.   Do it before listing or plan on leaving money on the table.

Tip#4.   Stage your property.    Let's face it.   These big home builders have a furnished "model home" for a reason.    Since the debut of HGTV, real estate has changed.   Buyers want.. no.. expect more from a home seller.  Staged properties sell faster.   Staging your home is a great idea.   In fact, you might consider hiring a Realtor that provides you this service.  

Tip#5.   Clean properties sell.  When a buyer is looking at a pristine property, there are two things that happen.    1.   They focus on the home not the clutter.    2.  They feel that the mechanicals and structure of the home has been maintained.

Tip#6.   Choose the right Realtor.   (This probably should be Tip #1.)  Choosing the right Realtor will help you with the other tips.   Experience counts.   The way they promote your home counts.   Being relative.  (in relation to trends and the market counts not family ties)  Experience without relativity is useless.

Tip #7.  Remember that it is a Business Transaction.   Try your best to keep your emotions in check.  

Tip #8.  Trust your Realtor.   If you did a good job with tip #6, interviewed and found the right Realtor, then this tip is the easy one!   Your Realtor has a fiduciary duty to you.   She/he will be guiding you in the right direction.

Tip #9.  Be Open to Change.   Listen to the feedback and make changes if needed.

Tip #10.  Expect to be put out.   Make it easy for buyers to view your property.  Leave when a showing is scheduled.  This allows the buyers to linger and mentally move themselves in.

If you want to really know what's happening in your market area, consult your

 local Realtor!

 

        Call me if you have any questions about the market. 

508-494-9061

      Put my 26 years of experience to work for you!