Massachusetts Real Estate Articles by Kevin Vitali- Massachusets REALTOR

What Is The Difference Between A REALTOR And A Real Estate Agent?

what is the difference is between a REALTOR and a Real Estate Agent

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...

Rental Scams On Craigslist and 9 Ways to Spot One

5.2 Million people have fallen victim toental scams

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...

Cape Cod Home- The Original American Cottage

Modern Cape Cod Home on the Salt Marshes of New England

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...

Massachusetts Smoke Detector Laws- Keeping Your Family Safe

The importance of Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors in a home

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...

Everything You Need to Know About Covid-19 and Selling Your House

The Covid-19 pandemic took full effect in late March of this year and has certainly disrupted the spring real estate selling season. An influx of inventory usually hits the spring market. What do you need to know about Covid-19 and selling your house? Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic left so much uncertainty in home buyers and sellers minds that the spring real estate market came to all but a screeching halt shortly after the lockdown occurred. Initially, home sellers were scared … Continue reading...

What Is The Legal Definition Of A Bedroom?

Whether I am working with a home seller or a homebuyer the question often comes up "is this a bedroom?" This leads us to "what is the legal definition of a bedroom?" A bedroom is not always a bedroom when it comes to the legal requirements for a bedroom. Most of the information that defines a bedroom as a bedroom leads back to the International Residential Code incorporated in the state building code. The Dollar Value of a Bedroom A legitimate bedroom is worth money.... it … Continue reading...

Fair Housing Laws and Selling A Home

If you are about to sell your home it is important to take a quick look at fair housing laws. Fair housing laws have been enacted on both the federal and state levels to prevent discrimination against certain classes of people. While most sellers have no intention of discriminating against a potential buyer, it is easier to say something that could be misconstrued as a violation of fair housing laws than you think. As a full-time agent of almost 20 years, there are plenty of home sellers … Continue reading...

Get Your Free Annual Credit Report

Checking your credit on a regular basis is important to maintaining a healthy credit profile. Even more so when your about to buy your first home. At the first thought of buying a home definitely pull your free annual credit report. By getting your hands on your credit report early, you have time to check for mistakes and fraud that could be impacting your credit score. Accessing your free annual credit report early will also give you time to take some measures to improve your … Continue reading...

Radon Gas In The Home- An Invisible Killer

When purchasing a home it is important for a home buyer to do their due diligence. Part of the due diligence period is having a home inspection done on the home that is being purchased. This includes testing for radon gas in a home. A general home inspection of a home's systems and structures is a good idea. You should also consider additional inspections, including the testing for radon gas.... not only in the home but the well water if the home is on a private well. What Is Radon … Continue reading...

Tax Deductions and Credits for Homeowners

Owning your own home is a great feeling. After years of scrimping, you have finally saved up enough money for a down payment on your dream house. And now that you're a homeowner, you’re able to use specific credits on your tax return. While using deductions and credits might sound complicated, it's easier than you think. Follow these tips to make the most of tax season. Image from Unsplash.com Tax Credits and Deductions Even though both are used on your tax return, there is a difference … Continue reading...