The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released the 2019 annual report providing the latest profiles of home buyers and sellers. Here are some key takeaways from this year’s [...]
Here’s an overview of the typical costs associated with selling a home. Some of these expenses are negotiable and will fluctuate with the real estate market, but don’t let these costs catch you off [...]
You’ll find a variety of beautiful homes and condos in the Greater Boston area. How do you know which property type is best for you? The most important things to consider are the actual home itself, the location, and your budget.
For the type of home, would you prefer more privacy over a better chance of interacting with your neighbors? Or would you like to make close connections with your neighbors and have a stronger sense of community? Condo complexes feature common areas, which are great for daily interactions. With a single family home, you’ll have more space between you and your neighbors and some added privacy with landscaping and fences.
As far as location, do you want to be able to walk to restaurants, shops, and community activities? Do you need to be convenient to public transportation for work? Which neighborhoods do you like the best and would you like to be closer to friends and family? Condos are typically located in convenient areas, offering easy access to town attractions. You’ll also find some great onsite amenities like pools, hot tubs, fitness centers, clubhouses, private balconies, and beautiful Boston views. Some of these amenities may not be practical with a single family home.
Condos are also low maintenance, so you don’t have to worry about spending time maintaining the exterior of the property or the common areas because the association fees cover those items. If you’re looking forward to doing some renovations and expansions, a house will provide you with more options.
The sales price of a condo is usually less expensive than a comparable single family home, just remember to factor in the monthly association fees (which can vary greatly) to make sure you are staying within your budget.
Thinking about buying a home or condo in the Boston area? Contact Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty or start your search.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 87% of buyers used a real estate agent in 2018, which has increased from 69% in 2001. It’s easy to search for homes online, but you’ll never be able to replace the guidance, insight, and local knowledge that a real estate agent provides. Here are some other reasons to use an agent when you buy your next home.
Save Time and Effort. There is an extensive amount of paperwork involved in the home buying process. A real estate agent is familiar with offers, counteroffers, disclosures, addendums, and amendments. Finding the right home also takes time. You can provide a list of criteria and your agent will find homes that match your needs and your budget.
Relax and Stay Calm. A good real estate agent will be able to calm your nerves while you’re making one of the biggest purchases of your life. Realtors manage communications and paperwork throughout the home buying process. This can reduce your stress and give you peace of mind. They will also keep you informed along the way.
Negotiations. Your real estate agent is your middleman and they will negotiate on your behalf. If you have questions or concerns about a home before you put in an offer, your agent will reach out to the seller. They will negotiate repairs, credits, and the best price for you. You won't have to worry about paying too much for a property either. They will pull data for homes currently on the market and properties that have recently sold.
Connections. A local agent can connect you with mortgage lenders, home inspectors, and other professionals.
If you’re planning to buy a home in the Greater Boston area, contact Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty today! We’re happy to share our local expertise with you.
Are you selling a home in the Greater Boston area for the first time? Or has it been a while since you’ve sold a property? If so, it’s helpful to get a general overview of the selling process from start to finish. Here are the basic [...]
Before you start your home search, it’s important to know what you’re looking for and how much house you can afford. You may already have a good idea about the things you want to have in your new home, but what about the things you really need? The most important factors to consider when buying a home are the actual home itself, the [...]
It’s hard to believe summer is almost here again! Although the nice weather means more competition for home buyers, there are many benefits to buying a home in the summer months. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider buying a home this summer.
More homes on the market. Summer is one of the most popular times to buy a home, and also one of the most popular times to sell a home, so there will be more properties to choose from. The larger inventory gives buyers more opportunity when it comes to selecting specific floor plans, amenities, and locations.
School is out. This means less interruption for the kids. Kids can more easily attend showings, giving each family member an opportunity to weigh in and approve the new home. Plus, they can start the new school year in their new home, rather than trying to uproot them when school is in session. Many parents know that moving and changing schools during the school year can be difficult for kids.
Weather is ideal. It’s easier to go home shopping and explore different neighborhoods when the weather is nice and the days are longer. Communities are typically more active during the summer months, which gives buyers a better perspective about potential neighbors. You’ll also get to see all of the landscaping in full bloom. Enjoy wearing your flip flops and shorts to showings, too!
It’s a great time to meet your neighbors. A wonderful way to get to know your neighbors is to have a summer housewarming party on your new deck or patio. You can fire up the grill, enjoy the sunshine, and play some yard games. The kids will be able to make some friends before the new school year starts.
Ultimately, the best time to buy a home really depends on your particular circumstances and goals. If you’re thinking about buying a home in the Greater Boston area, contact Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty or start your home search today!
Are you planning on downsizing your home for retirement? If so, you may some mixed feelings about it. Moving into a smaller home can be an exciting and emotional process. Here are a few tips to make things a little easier.
1. Stay positive. Look forward to all of the good things to come! You’ll be improving your lifestyle and your finances. You won’t have as much home maintenance or housework to do and your utility bills will be lower. You’ll have more time to enjoy the things you want to do, places you want to go, and people you want to see.
2. Plan ahead. Take the time to carefully assess how much downsizing you really need to do. Visualize your new home, the floor plan, and the amount of space in it. Consider your budget, healthcare needs, and location. Where do you really want to live? Closer to attractions, amenities, family, friends, or all of the above? Planning ahead will make the transition easier for you and your loved ones.
3. Don’t rush. If you try to declutter or get rid of things too quickly, it can be overwhelming. Take your time and go through your home room by room and separate the items you want to keep. If there are things you haven’t worn or used for years, do you really need to keep them? Are you going to have room for these things in your new home? Now, it’s time to purge everything else. You can give the remaining things to family, friends, or charity, have a yard sale, or throw away.
If you would like to learn more about real estate opportunities in the Greater Boston area, contact Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty. We can help you find the right property for your needs.
Getting your Greater Boston home ready to sell? Here are some tips to prepare your home for an open house that will attract more buyers and increase your chances of selling quickly for a better [...]