Massachusetts Real Estate Articles by Kevin Vitali- Massachusets REALTOR

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...

Home Inspection Checklist: Here’s What To Look For

Being an informed consumer and homebuyer is essential to purchasing your new home. You might be a first-time homebuyer, so you should equip yourself with as much knowledge as possible before hitting the open houses with your REALTOR®. A deciding factor in the purchasing process can come down to a home inspection, so you should know what they entail, and what the possible outcomes mean for your potential home. Here’s what you should look for in a home inspection. What’s a Home … Continue reading...

30 Days To A Smooth Closing- Closing Checklist for Home Sellers

30 Days to a Smooth Closing- Closing Cost Check list

You have your house under agreement. Now it is time to get to the closing and move on. Having a closing checklist will keep you on track to hit your closing on time. Hopefully you have already started packing much of the clutter and non essential items while preparing your home for sale. Selling a home is stressful on its own. Never mind coordinating a closing and a move. As soon as you get an accepted contract on your home its time to get a timeline together and get … Continue reading...

What To Know About Massachusetts Real Estate and The Covid-19 Virus

Are We allowed To Buy Or Sell A Home During The Covid-19 Shelter In Place Order? We are about 2 1/2 weeks into our request for shelter in place from the state of Massachusetts to combat the Covid-19 virus. No matter what they situation there will always be a need to buy or sell a home. Some people absolutely need to sell or secure housing. The decision to buy or sell a home is yours during the coronavirus outbreak. And, there are still plenty of real estate agents that will help … Continue reading...

Understanding Today’s Home Buyers

Who are today's home buyers? How do they find your home? Having an understanding of who today's homebuyers are and where they come from are important as you venture down the path of selling your home. Maybe you have never sold a home before or it has been years since you sold a home. How agents sell homes have changed drastically even in the 18+ years I have been in the business. Gone are the slick, real estate magazines, huge real estate sections in the newspaper and even the … Continue reading...