Massachusetts Real Estate- Merrimack Valley
Real Estate in Essex and Northern Middlesex Counties, Massachusetts
Today we are going to discuss whether rent to own is a good way to purchase a house or not. Other terms for rent to own could be lease to own or lease option. While not terribly popular in New England because of the strong housing market, rent to own homes can still be found. I probably get several calls a month from a hopeful home buyer looking for a home they can lease to own. The rent to own or lease option gives the hope to many to buy a home instead of renting … Continue reading...
Is Living in a Condo Right for You? Condominiums have come along way since the 80's. While the concept of condos was new and approached with hesitation back then, condos are now a stable, viable source of housing in today's real estate market. There are many good reasons to buy a condo. Condominiums come in all shapes and sizes. You can get a unit all on one floor, a townhouse with no one living below or above you, stand alone units, a condominium in an over 55 community, a luxury … Continue reading...
The question often arises, "can a buyer back out of an accepted offer on a house?" after putting their home under contract. Of course, it is great to be under contract but don't think you are on easy street. Simply put, it's not over till the fat lady sings!! There is always risk involved when a seller takes their home off the market for a buyer. While you have done everything possible to put a good transaction together, things happen that can prevent your buyer from closing. It … Continue reading...
Eventually, when you go about buying a home there will come a time you want to write a contract on a home. And, you will run across the term earnest money deposit. For many buyers, they will think what is earnest money? How does earnest money work? If you have previously bought a home you probably already have an understanding of earnest money. But as a first time home buyer, it can be confusing. Sometimes you will hear the term good faith deposit, home deposit or escrow money as … Continue reading...
Buying your first home is a big deal. As a first time home buyer in MA, there is much you need to know. You don't have to buy your first home alone. There are some great real estate professionals to help you get the job done. Your real estate team will include a REALTOR representing you, a mortgage broker, a home inspector and a real estate attorney. All of the professionals have the experience to guide you effortlessly through the process. They are immersed in real … Continue reading...
Buying a home raises a lot of questions. But one area about home buying that causes homebuyers much distress is the list price or asking price of a home. The home buyer does not want to make a mistake and overpay for a home, Is the asking price to high? Or now in a hot seller's market, is the listing price to low? How much should I offer for a home? Should I offer below the ask price? Do I need to offer above the list price? How Much? Of course, as a homebuyer you don't want to overpay for … Continue reading...
The term real estate agent and REALTOR® are often thrown around synonymously. In most consumer's minds, there is no difference between a REALTOR and a real estate agent. When talking about what the difference is between a REALTOR and a real estate agent is, we should also add a real estate broker to the mix. Real estate broker is another term thrown around synonymously with real estate agent and REALTOR. On top of all that you have listing agents, facilitators, buyer's agents … Continue reading...
My brother was moving back to the area. He recently called me about a rental he found on Craigslist, that he and his wife were excited about. Unfortunately, I quickly saw it as just another of many rental scams on Craigslist. The home my brother emailed me from Craiglist, was a beautiful 2600 sq ft Cape Cod style home built in the last 20 years and listed for $1400 a month. Market rent was more in the range of $2600. While my brother and his wife fell in love with the rental … Continue reading...
No matter where you turn in New England you will find a Cape Cod home. The Capes charm starts with its earliest roots in our country. Which of course is the region it is named after.... Cape Cod in Massachusetts. The Cape Cod style home is the classic American Cottage. Really, who doesn't love a weathered shingled Cape style home with a white picket fence? Yes, Cape Cod home style has tons of charm and it certainly is one of the most romanticized homes. Better … Continue reading...
It is important your home is equipped with properly working Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Doing so provides a level of safety to your home's occupants from fire and equipment malfunctions. Many states like Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island require a certificate of compliance prior to a home sale. The certificate of compliance is to make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are of the right type, placed correctly and are working. Other states, like … Continue reading...
