My Top 10 Tips for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

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In a seller’s market, standing out is key to attracting top-tier buyers, receiving numerous above-offer bids and securing a final sale with the family of your dreams for top dollar. If right now is the right time for you to sell, but you’re unsure if your home is ready for the big market, don’t stress it, follow my simple tips to ensure your home is in sparkling seller shape. 

If you want to increase your chances of selling your home quickly and profitably, preparation is key. Before you decide on listing your home and posting the “For Sale” sign on your front lawn, consider these 10 tips to maximize exposure and increase buyer interest. 

1. Do your homework.

Knowing your area ahead of time is essential to getting the biggest bang for your buck. Understanding things like: what other homes are selling for in your immediate area, what’s bringing your buyers to your specific neighborhood and overall market trends in your zip code will give you a leg up in your target market. Don’t shy away from attending local open houses for homes of comparable size and amenities in your neighborhood. This allows you to have your finger on the pulse when it comes to buyers’ wants and needs. Before deciding on a listing price for your home, it’s important to have a basic understanding of homes in your area, so, do your homework. 

2. Find the perfect listing agent in your area.

Agents can make or break your home sale. It is imperative that you find someone who understands your wants and needs when it comes to selling your home. Your agent should be well-versed in the market trends and have deep roots in your neighborhood to understand the buyer trend at the moment. Although word-of-mouth recommendations can help sell your home, it is best to enlist a licensed real estate agent to smooth through the selling process more easily. When interviewing potential selling agents, top contenders should have a thorough plan mapped out for how they will successfully sell your home. Don’t hesitate to ask questions that are important to your specific home sale. Choose an agent that understands your goals and has a solid plan to achieve them. 

3. Clean your home from top to bottom.

Whether it’s a date or a job interview, first impressions are everything! This same sentiment holds true when it comes to selling your home. Before you list your home (and at various times between showings) it’s important to clean your home from top to bottom. Put your best foot forward by showcasing your home in tip-top shape. Clean the floors, wash the walls and baseboards, vacuum the rugs, clean out the pantry and wash the windows. Focus on the bigger picture when it comes to cleaning and your buyers will notice. Bonus: add in scent warmers or air fresheners throughout to give your home extra appeal upon entry. 

4. Declutter.

For more people, clutter equals anxiety. It also exudes the idea that the current owners could be unorganized and chaotic, which is a big turnoff to potential buyers. When a home is free from clutter, buyers are able to travel from room to room with full focus and attention on the house itself, instead of the mess in their faces.

Consider purging and tidying areas such as:

  • Pantry
  • Closets
  • Cabinets
  • Refrigerator
  • Outdoor sheds
  • Garage
  • Basements and/or attics

5. Take care of minor repairs ahead of time.

There may be nothing worse than potential buyers getting let down on their expectations of your home. Before you list, take care of minor repairs so they don’t have to worry about them as they tour your home. Consider fixing things like leaky faucets, grout, door locks and handles, lightbulbs and running toilets. These minor repairs can make a major difference on whether you receive an offer on your property or not.

6. Paint!

Neutral tones are key when it comes to selling your home and opening up your home to potential buyers. Stay away from bright and eclectic colors and opt for a muted color palette. It’s always best to stick to colors like white, off-white, beige, grays and taupes. Bright colors can become easily distracting, speaking louder than the home itself. Painting the walls in your home, even if they’re neutral already, will also cover up minor blemishes like holes from nails, scratches or chips in the paint color. A fresh coat of paint is inexpensive and worth its weight in gold. 

7. Get professional photos taken.

Photos make a huge impression on a potential buyer long before they step foot in your home. Professional photos may be the best option to showcase your home if you feel as though your photo skills are subpar. Talk with your realtor about the best options available to you for your photos when it comes to your live listing. It’s important to include high-quality photos with your listing. They will lead to higher lead generation and more interest in your home. 

8. Depersonalize your space.

Showcasing your home requires the perfect balance of depersonalization and an environment that feels inviting and warm to all who enter your place. It’s okay to have some personal items in your home (especially if you still live there), but don’t go overboard with the personalization. Downsize the amount of photos and albums throughout your home, leaving just a few great shots around to make the home feel lived in. Take down things like detailed calendars, bulletin boards, work information in your home office and personal mail or bills from your countertops. Store away your personal items in a small safe or file cabinet for safe keeping. 

9. Know your selling goals. 

Before you focus on the aesthetics of your home, you must focus on your individual selling needs and goals. Work with your realtor to determine what your main goals are and what you need to accomplish with the sale of your home.

Focus on questions like:

  1. When do I want to sell my home? 
  2. Where do I plan to live after my home sale? Do I need to purchase a home?
  3. Do I need a short or extended closing date?
  4. Ideally, what profit am I hoping to make on this sale?
  5. Will I cover closing costs?
  6. What contingencies are most appealing to me?
  7. Am I willing to work with all loan types?
  8. What will I include in my sale? Appliances? Furniture?
  9. What am I willing to fix when it comes to home inspections?
  10. What matters to me about the new buyers?

10. Plan your move. 

Planning out your next steps is just as important as planning to sell your home. Before your listing goes live you must have a solid plan in place to secure your own future. Some of  the best ways to plan your move is to understand where your next residence will be and how you plan to secure that place, cost of moving, assistance with moving your things and timeframe in which you need to comfortably move yourself and your belongings. Remember that you are in control of your sale and can set the expectations for your buyers ahead of time. Allow yourself enough time and patience to move forward in a relaxed and secured state post-sale. 

If you’re looking to take advantage of the current seller’s market, now may be the right time to dive headfirst into selling your home. I would love to help you navigate the waters to understand if now is the right time for you to sell in your current market. Contact me today.

Home Seller Tips

Home Seller Tips for 2021

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Although 2020 put us all through the wringer, the one bright light that remained was the steady climb of the real estate market. From people moving to new cities to families purchasing their forever home, home purchases remained quite steady amid the uncertainty caused by the pandemic. The good news? Experts are predicting another strong year for the housing market as we walk gracefully into 2021. The biggest prediction is that supply will be in high demand as potential buyers look to secure their purchase after holding out due to the unknowns of the pandemic. As restrictions, across all states, start to loosen, buyers are becoming more trustworthy of what their future has in store. This is big news for current and potential sellers. 2021 is sure to be a seller’s market kind of year.

 

What is a seller’s market? 

In short, a seller’s market comes to fruition when home demand exceeds the overall home supply. In other words, buyer’s demand for purchase is high while the overall inventory of active homes for sale is low. Because there are fewer homes to choose from, sellers are at an automatic advantage in the market. In a seller’s market buyers have to scour inventory quickly and make offer decisions faster than in a buyer’s market. There is higher buyer competition in a seller’s market as well. 

 

Often, homes receive multiple offers at competitive prices that can result in a bidding war between multiple buyers. In a seller’s market, you will also see buyers sign off on appraisal waivers, home inspections, and foot the bill for the closing costs or any other cost not directly associated with the home purchase price. 

How do I stand out as a seller? 

With an influx of sellers in the market, it can be difficult to shine amongst your competition. A lot of times, sellers just think that pricing your home appropriately for the market will get the job done, but there’s more to it if you want to make top dollar for your home.

 

Here are my tips to stand out in a seller’s market:

 

 

  • Clean and organize your home. Put your home’s best foot forward by showing off. Don’t leave clutter throughout your home as it will be a major distraction and no-no for potential buyers. If you are still living in your home consider taking down overly personal items prior to showings and tucking things neatly away out of the buyer’s eye. A well-organized home will allow a potential buyer to see the bones of the home more easily.
  • Take care of major repairs. Big-cost repairs are a big turnoff for potential buyers. Although there are some who love a good fixer-upper, major repairs steer many people away from submitting an offer. Take care of the big-ticket repairs prior to listing your home for sale. New updates will come at a cost advantage to you as you will be able to sell your home for more once the projects are completed. Taking care of them now will make a home inspection a breeze. Take a look at things like roofs, heating and/or cooling systems, solar panels, or windows. Smaller, more minute, changes can be thrown to the wayside a bit. Don’t worry too much about small patches in the wall from photos or wall color, these can easily be updated by the next owner. 
  • Highlight the best parts of your home. When you’re ready to list your homework with your realtor to highlight the best parts of what you have to offer. Whether it’s an inground pool or vaulted ceilings throughout, make sure to include those pieces in the description. Take quality photos and show off the best pieces. This will attract more buyers to want to schedule a showing ASAP.
  • Focus on a fair price. Although you’re at an advantage as a seller, overpricing your home isn’t beneficial for you. Instead, focus on a fair asking price. Listing your home for at or just below market value will attract the highest number of buyers. Listing just below asking is a powerful way to attract those buyers who will bid above the asking price in hopes of securing the deal. 

 

 

What offer do I choose? 

When it comes to reviewing offers on your home, choose wisely. Although the highest bid may seem appealing, make sure to check the fine print before diving headfirst into acceptance. Remember that just because someone offers way above the asking price does not mean they can afford to pay that total. If they’re using a home loan, lenders will not allow them to borrow more than the home assessed price. They may be able to foot the out-of-pocket cost of the difference, but ask and know this in advance of full acceptance. You don’t want to accept an unreasonable offer that will fall out of escrow, forcing you to put your home back on the market. 

 

When thumbing through offers take close notice of:

  • Offer type (full cash, VA, conventional)
  • Financial stability to include down payment amount, closing costs, and HOA fees (if applicable)
  • Personal letter to the buyer
  • Earnest money amount
  • Waivers (inspection, contingencies)

 

I’m on the fence… How do I know if it’s the right time to sell? 

If you’re looking to take advantage of the current seller’s market, now may be the right time to take the leap. There are various factors to consider including home appraisal value, personal home and life plans for the next 5 years and next home purchase goal. You will also want to look into current mortgage rates and purchasing power for your next location.  I would love to help you navigate the waters to understand if now is the right time for you to sell in your current market. Contact me today.

Renting vs Buying

Renting vs. Buying: Deciding What Option is Best for You

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We’ve always been told that purchasing a home is one of the pillars to life’s success. We run through a checklist in our heads of what we hope to have by X age to make us feel accomplished. From marriage and children to a stable job that provides sufficient income and a nice car, a house is one of those achievements that tops the list for most. Rightfully so! Owning a piece of property that we can call our own is no small feat and should be an achievement we celebrate and strive for. Understanding when the right time to buy is key to getting the most out of your purchase. If your waffling between the ideas of buying and renting, consider these factors before making the leap. 

 

Location, Location, Location

 

Are you comfortable in your current location? Is this spot somewhere you can see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? Reflecting on your location is key to deciding whether you should buy or rent in your current area. If you are unsure whether you want to stay put or take up space in another locale within the next 5 years or less, buying may not be right for you at this stage. Often we hear that renting is about pouring money into something that doesn’t belong to us, but in turn for the rent we pay we can get a pretty nice pad to stay in, so it’s not a total loss, especially if you don’t plan to be in the area forever. In contrast, if you feel as though you want to stay where you are for the long run it may be best to start the buying process so that you can invest in a property that belongs to you for years to come.

 

Purchasing power is key

 

Before you can make a sound decision on whether or not purchasing a house works for your lifestyle, you need to gage your overall purchasing power. There are various factors that play into your purchasing power including credit score, savings amount, down payment, debt to income ratio and payment history on major debts such as past mortgages, credit cards and car loans. When determining your pre-approval amount, a loan processor will look at these factors to determine whether or not you are sound enough to purchase a home, along with providing the amount of loan you will be allowed to borrow for your new mortgage. If you don’t meet all of the criteria requirements, or are on the lower end of the spectrum, when it comes to purchase power versus your wish list, renting may be the best option until you are able to bring all aspects to pristine health. During your rental period, focusing on cleaning up your credit and saving money diligently for your down payment are key aspects of growing your purchasing power. 

 

The future is now

 

If you’ve decided that the home purchase route is the right one for you, consider what the future may hold for you. Reflect on questions such as:

  1.     Will I be married or have roommates now or in the future?
  2.     Do I plan to grow my family?
  3.     Do I want pets?
  4.     Do I plan to host holiday gatherings, events or guests at my home often?
  5.     Do I want to build on or renovate a home or do I prefer a move-in ready type?
  6.     What floor plan layout works best for my plans now and in the future?

Although you plan to purchase now, or in the near future, you must contemplate your wants and needs that may arise in the future. This way, your home will fit your changing lifestyle as you, and your family, grows and changes. If you are uncertain of your future plans or prefer not to completely reflect on them at this time, renting would be the best option as you can, oftentimes, choose between a long-term or short-term lease agreement.

 

When deciding whether renting or buying a home is the right option for you, there are many different factors to reflect upon before jumping headfirst into your option. Consider factors such as your financial buying power, your debt to income ratio, your savings and purchase plan and your future personal goals. Understanding the full picture will allow you to make the best choice for you now. Still not sure what the best option is for you? Contact me today, I would love to help walk you through the process to determine the best route for you.

The Benefits of a Home Inspection

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So, you think you’ve found the home of your dreams! All that stands in the way of your dream home becoming a reality is some paperwork, a plethora of signatures and a few meetings, right? How exciting! Before you decide to dive headfirst into this impending purchase, you need a home inspection. The benefits to this extra step far outweigh the small additional time it may take to secure your home. Not to mention the peace of mind that comes with knowing the full ins and outs of your potential purchase.

 

Inspections save you money and unneeded surprises

 

Home inspections, based on the findings, can pay for themselves. Home inspectors detect things such as water leaks, roof damages, foundation issues or unseen safety hazards that could be extremely costly, for the new buyer, once noticed. Knowing, up front, what potential problems lie ahead allows you to plan for repairs or, even, ask the sellers to chip in for or make repairs prior to your purchase agreement.

 

You may be able to bid less on your prospective home

 

Once a home inspection is complete the potential buyer receives a full, and thorough, list of suggested repairs and findings. Depending on the size (and number) of repairs proposed by a home inspector’s report, you may be able to negotiate a lower price on the cost of the home should you agree to take on the issues and fix them yourself once purchased. 

 

Sellers can make needed repairs

 

As part of your home buying agreement, you may ask the seller to make the outlined repairs noted by the home inspector. You can negotiate on having them handle the larger repairs while you agree to take care of the smaller, less hazardous issues. If they agree to make the repairs, you may have to agree to asking cost for the home (or higher) to appease them based on the additional out-of-pocket money they have to fork over for the repairs. The good news with that is it should still be within your purchasing budget, so don’t stress it too much! 

 

Confidence in your purchase is established

 

There is nothing quite like reassurance when making a large life-changing purchase. Knowing the intricate details of your potential home is priceless when it comes to buying power. This is, most likely, the largest purchase of your life, so details definitely matter. Review the report with the home inspector, in detail, and ask any questions you have for clarification. It is important to understand the report in its entirety so you can make sound decisions on the next steps in your potential purchase. 

 

When it comes to buying a home, it is vital that you understand the full scope of your purchase, even if that includes some not-so-great but needed repairs. Knowing details from the structural makeup to the appliances current standings helps you make an informed decision on your purchase. Working alongside the home inspection and seller will, more than likely, lead you to a collaborative decision on closing. If you are in the midst of house shopping and want more advice on home inspection don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I would love to discuss this more with you!

Preparing Your Home for a Seller’s Market

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As you prepare for the adventure of selling your home, there are certain tips to follow to ensure you entice potential buyers and get offers that excite you to sign on the dotted line. Oftentimes, because we’ve been living in our homes for years, we overlook little details that potential buyers may be looking directly at. Following these tricks of the trade will ensure your home is ready to sell quickly allowing you to move on to your next purchasing journey quite seamlessly.

 

Make necessary repairs

 

This one seems like a no-brainer when it comes to getting your home ready to sell, but don’t overlook the small stuff. Patch up any holes in the wall, replace any broken windows, clean the gutters and ensure there are no leaks in your roof. Buyers are extra particular when it comes to checking for repairs, especially if they are not the fixer-upper type.

 

Clean up the exterior

 

The outside of the home is the first thing that potential buyers see when pulling into the driveway for the first time. Make sure that your landscaping is up-to-date, and your lawn is mowed neatly. A clean appearance sets others at ease almost instantly. A messy exterior can give potential buyers the impression that you are slacking off and immediately push them to question whether you are neglecting the inside of the home too. Create trust with a clean exterior. Bonus points if you clean up garden beds, prune the shrubs and replant window boxes to keep everything in tip-top shape. Curb appeal is key, even to potential buyers. 

 

Depersonalize and neutralize

 

Everyone’s style is unique. If your home is over personalized with bright wall colors, custom wall hangings and eclectic furniture, consider switching things up and toning it down a bit. While some unique features may be considered selling points, an overabundance of personal style may become off-putting to some. Creating a color palette that is inviting and neutral will attract and retain more potential buyers. The wider the range of buyers, the better the options you have when accepting an offer.

 

Organize closets and storage spaces

 

Potential buyers will scan your house meticulously. Ensuring all areas, including closet spaces and storage rooms (such as an attic or basement) are organized is key to a successful showing. This tactic also helps with personal privacy as numerous potentials are scouring through your belongings to see if your spot is the one for them. If you notice, while organizing, that you have a lot of excess clothes, belongings or furniture that you’d rather keep out of the house during the showings, consider renting a temporary storage unit to safely house your things. 

 

 

Clean the interior from top to bottom

 

This seems like common sense, I know, but it’s something that can be overlooked with all of the other checkboxes on your home selling list. Vacuum and shampoo carpets and shine wood floors. Dust ceiling fans and tops of cabinets. Deep clean countertops, appliances and bathrooms. Make sure your house looks pristine for your potential buyers. Afterall, you want them to love the place as much as you did when you purchased it, right?

 

Preparing your home for a successful sale takes a lot of work and planning, but it’s worth it to find buyers who pay the price tag. Pay attention to the details within your home and set it up to sparkle. You want your home to stand out from all the others that they may be looking at, so following these simple, yet effective ideas will knock your home out of the park. Need a bit of extra guidance on your current home’s condition along with ways to get it ready for sale? Contact me today! I would love to walk you through the process to sell your home.

4 Tips to Get Your Home Ready to Sell While Social Distancing

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If you’ve been planning to put your home up for sale but feel stuck with moving forward due to the current COVID-19 crisis, there’s actually some good news: this is a great time to work on getting your home ready to be put on the market and you can accomplish a lot, even while staying home. 

Getting a home market ready takes some work, and many homeowners spend weekend after weekend repainting, making trips to the home improvement store, and rearranging furniture. Spending extra time at home means you can spread out projects over the course of several days or weeks, instead of giving up all your free time on the weekend. Plus, since you’ll be home, you might notice some smaller projects that need your attention, as you’ll be more focused on your space. 

Deep Clean

You want your home to look and smell clean when it’s time for an open house and/or private showings. Of course you’ll need to dust and vacuum the day of, but most of us have areas of our home that need to be deep cleaned every few weeks. Being home right now is the perfect time to tackle some bigger cleaning projects. Not only will your potential homebuyers be more impressed with the state of your home, but it will make it more enjoyable for your and your family as well. 

Bathrooms and kitchens are two spots that tend to need a deep cleaning every so often. Both areas are used frequently by everyone in the home, so naturally dirt, grime, mildew, and stains build up. Consider cleaning the floors, counter tops, sinks + faucets, the stove top, and appliances. In the bathroom, give your shower or tub a deep clean and notice how shiny and new it looks after. Your potential buyers will definitely take notice, and your family will absolutely enjoy using spaces that feel and look clean. 

Patch Up Walls and Get Rid of Scuff Marks

Scuff marks happen from normal wear and tear. Usually they are pretty easy to get out, but some might require a little elbow grease. Mr. Clean Magic erasers are great for getting scuff marks out of walls and doors. If that doesn’t work, you might need to do a little paint touch up. And while you’re at it, patch up any holes or spots that have been damaged over time. Kids, pets, moving furniture, deliveries, family gathers, etc., all lead to things and people bumping into the walls. 

Some areas, such as entryways, get a ton of use each day and can usually use a bit of a touch up. Baseboards also collect dust and can end up with cracks or holes, so don’t forget to look down when doing an audit of what needs some work. Doors can also get scuffed up, and it makes a big difference when a door looks clean and bright as you’re walking through a home. Remember — potential home buyers want to feel like they can move in without having to do a ton of work to fix up the home (can you say move-in ready?).

Repaint Using Neutral Colors

Many homeowners use paint colors to add style and personality to their homes. But, when it comes to selling a home, neutral colors go a long way. Buyers don’t want to have to picture what a space will look like in white, grey, or another neutral color. And you have to remember that not everyone has a good imagination, so you want to make things as easy as possible when it comes to what they see and take all the guesswork out of it. Plus, certain neutral colors will make a space look bigger + brighter. Making your dining room, living room, and other common areas seem more open and spacious gives interested homebuyers more possibility when it comes to how they see and feel about the space. 

Declutter 

Marie Kondo came into our homes and hearts (via Netflix) last year and taught us that we need to let go of items that don’t bring us joy. Decluttering your home creates mental space as well, and will make a world of difference in how your home shows during an open house. You might think that stuffing things into drawers and closets is a good temporary fix, and while it might work for a showing, it doesn’t help you in the long run. By getting rid of clutter now, you’ll make your upcoming home sale much easier. Don’t forget — selling a home means you’ll be moving too, so having less junk to sift through for your own move will make life much easier. If you’re living in the Northshore of MA, check out Junk, Junk, Baby for help with getting rid of furniture, appliances, and more. Your declutter project might lead you to toss large items as well, and having professionals help could make it easier and save you time.

In addition to Junk, Junk Baby, below are a few of my favorite local North Shore and Southern, NH vendors to help make selling a breeze.

  • If organizing is not your forte, My Mad Packers, is a local favorite to help keep things in order.
  • Love the impact of a deep clean but don’t want to do it yourself? Try Cleaner Details.
  • Does the idea of painting make you cringe? Patriot Painting does a wonderful job.
  • Staging can truly entice potential buyers to make an offer. If you need expert staging, I love JB Homestyle Interiors

My 10 Best Tips for First Time Home Buyers Revealed

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Buying a home for the first time can be exciting… and overwhelming. Especially when you see homes being purchased at a median cost of $426,000 in Massachusetts and flying off the market as soon as you can find them.

With these current real estate trends, it’s understandable that you may find yourself tempted to impulse buy the first home you find – one doesn’t check all your boxes and worse, one that could hurt your financial goals and keep you locked into a mortgage well into retirement.

Nobody wants this. You don’t want this and I don’t want this for you! Trust me when I say it’s worth the patience and doing things the right way. The right way meaning buying a home that you love, of course, and one that doesn’t break the bank.

I know what you’re thinking… “Yeah, that’s all well and wonderful, Maura; but where do I even start?”  

That is possibly the best question you could ask a top-performing Keller Williams Realtor in Massachusetts. I know exactly how to get you through this trying time and I’d be happy to help you. First, let’s start with my top 10-tips that I’ve assembled to help first-time homebuyers tackle the home-buying process. Buying a home should be a blessing, not a burden – so let’s walk through these tips together.

Top Ten Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

  1. Pay off all debts & set aside some emergency cash.

Owning a home is EXPENSIVE. Once you purchase your dream abode, you become responsible for SO many things. Broken faucets, leaky shower drains, frozen pipes… the possibilities are endless when it comes to maintaining a home and the costs can and will add up. So, before even thinking about buying your first home, wipe your slate clean and pay off all of your debts and prepare an emergency fund for up to 6 months of expenses.

2. Determine just How Much House you Can Afford

Budget, Budget, Budget. It’s easy to fall in love with a massive beauty but can you afford the massive mortgage payment attached to it? You need to budget accordingly and leave room for other necessities (including HOA fees, taxes, insurance, etc.)

For example, let’s say you bring home $5,000 a month. Multiply that by 25% to establish your maximum monthly house payment of $1,250. Based on a 15-year mortgage with a 4% fixed interest rate, here are the home options you can afford (not including taxes and insurance)…

Let’s do some math:

  • $187,767 home with a 10% down payment ($18,777)
  • $211,238 home with a 20% down payment ($42,248)
  • $241,415 home with a 30% down payment ($72,424)
  • $281,650 home with a 40% down payment ($112,660)

That’s an easy way to find a number in your ballpark. But don’t forget that property taxes and homeowner’s insurance will affect your monthly payment. You’ll also need to factor those numbers in before settling on a maximum home price.

If you use the above example and enter $211,238 into this handy mortgage calculator, you’ll find that your maximum monthly payment of $1,250 increases to $1,515 when you add in $194 for taxes and $71 for insurance. To drop that number back down to your monthly housing budget of $1,250, you’ll have to lower the price of the house you can afford to $172,600.

Since property tax rates and the cost of homeowner’s insurance vary, check with your real estate agent and insurance company for estimates to calculate how much house you can afford.

3. Continue to Save up for that Down Payment

Rule of thumb? 20% (or more) of the total house price is recommended as a down payment on a home purchase.

4. Save for Closing Costs

Remember when I said maintaining a home was expensive? I meant to say buying one was as well. Along with your down payment, you are going to need to set aside money to pay for closing costs. On average, closing costs are about 3-4% of the purchase price of your new home. Your mortgage lender will give you a total number so you know what to bring with you on closing day. You may be wondering what this fee covers. It covers:

  • Appraisal
  • Home Inspection
  • Credit Report
  • Attorney
  • Homeowner’s Insurance

5. Get Preapproved

Did you go ahead and clear your debts, stay debt-free, and save your money the down payment as well as the closing costs? YES! Then you are ready to go ahead and start your application for a loan. I happen to know the best loan originator around if you are looking.

Stephen J. Lewis

Licensed Mortgage Originator

Branch Manager

c. 781-706-1145

o. 978-750-1080 x.11

e. [email protected]

Preapproval is important because it shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer which is a great way for a buyer to stay ahead in a competitive market.

6. Find a Home for Sale in your Price Range

This is the FUN part. According to recent data reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), most buyers either found the home they purchased online (50%) or through a real estate agent (28%). Doing both sets you up for success! You can find your dream home simply by looking through my listings or contacting me to do the search for you.

7. Research Neighborhoods

Finding the perfect home is important but don’t choose a home based on the property alone. The quality and location of the neighborhood need to be a factor in your decision. Ask your real estate agent for information on crime rates and the quality of schools around your prospective neighborhoods. Calculate your new commute times to see if they seem manageable. Visit the neighborhood at different times and days to check for traffic conditions and noise levels and to see if people are comfortable being outdoors. Only choose a neighborhood that you and your family feel good about.

8. Attend Open Houses

Once you’ve narrowed down which neighborhoods you like the most, visit open houses of homes you weren’t even considering. Why? It’s a great way to learn about where you want to live – maybe meet the people you want to eventually live beside and call your neighbors; become acquainted with the area. The house may not be your dream home, but when do eventually find the house you love, you’ll know because you’ll have something to compare it to.

9. Make an Offer

You’ve found your HOME. You’re already preapproved which is GREAT and you want to make an offer. But, how much should you offer? This is where you can rely on an experienced Keller Williams Agent, like myself, to use my expertise and guide you through buying a home for the first time. It’s important to make sure your offer is competitive but well within your budget and the home’s value. Don’t be impulsive and offer a value higher than you can afford in an effort to subdue the competition. Sometimes, the simplest effort can win the prize.

PRO TIP. Writing a personalized letter to the seller of the home helps your offer stand out amongst multiple bids.

10. Prepare for Closing

Your offer has been accepted! It’s time to prepare for the average closing process of 43 days – which gives plenty of time to tackle a few items.

  • Appraisal
  • Home Inspection
  • Homeowner’s Insurance

Your realtor will schedule the few remaining steps, such as the inspection and final walkthrough and keep you updated every step of the way. As you prepare during this very exciting time, be sure to read every document. If you don’t understand something, ASK; especially before you sign an official contract.

Need help finding a home in Massachusetts or New Hampshire? Get in touch with me, Maura Allard, Senior Real Estate Specialist with Keller Williams Beverly.

Stephen J. Lewis

Licensed Mortgage Originator

Branch Manager

c. 781-706-1145

o. 978-750-1080 x.11

e. [email protected]

Preapproval is important because it shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer which is a great way for a buyer to stay ahead in a competitive market.

6. Find a Home for Sale in your Price Range

This is the FUN part. According to recent data reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), most buyers either found the home they purchased online (50%) or through a real estate agent (28%). Doing both sets you up for success! You can find your dream home simply by looking through my listings or contacting me to do the search for you.

7. Research Neighborhoods

Finding the perfect home is important but don’t choose a home based on the property alone. The quality and location of the neighborhood need to be a factor in your decision. Ask your real estate agent for information on crime rates and the quality of schools around your prospective neighborhoods. Calculate your new commute times to see if they seem manageable. Visit the neighborhood at different times and days to check for traffic conditions and noise levels and to see if people are comfortable being outdoors. Only choose a neighborhood that you and your family feel good about.

8. Attend Open Houses

Once you’ve narrowed down which neighborhoods you like the most, visit open houses of homes you weren’t even considering. Why? It’s a great way to learn about where you want to live – maybe meet the people you want to eventually live beside and call your neighbors; become acquainted with the area. The house may not be your dream home, but when do eventually find the house you love, you’ll know because you’ll have something to compare it to.

9. Make an Offer

You’ve found your HOME. You’re already preapproved which is GREAT and you want to make an offer. But, how much should you offer? This is where you can rely on an experienced Keller Williams Agent, like myself, to use my expertise and guide you through buying a home for the first time. It’s important to make sure your offer is competitive but well within your budget and the home’s value. Don’t be impulsive and offer a value higher than you can afford in an effort to subdue the competition. Sometimes, the simplest effort can win the prize.

PRO TIP. Writing a personalized letter to the seller of the home helps your offer stand out amongst multiple bids.

10. Prepare for Closing

Your offer has been accepted! It’s time to prepare for the average closing process of 43 days – which gives plenty of time to tackle a few items.

  • Appraisal
  • Home Inspection
  • Homeowner’s Insurance

Your realtor will schedule the few remaining steps, such as the inspection and final walkthrough and keep you updated every step of the way. As you prepare during this very exciting time, be sure to read every document. If you don’t understand something, ASK; especially before you sign an official contract.

Need help finding a home in Massachusetts or New Hampshire? Get in touch with me, Maura Allard, Senior Real Estate Specialist with Keller Williams Beverly.

Tips on How to Declutter

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The Process of Selling a Home

I was recently tasked with cleaning out the home of a deceased love one.  It was part heart-breaking, and part treasure-hunt.  Throwing away a loved ones’ belongings is difficult, and when family members are short on time, unfortunately, many items that could be donated or gifted end up in the dumpster.  

After reflecting on this process I offer the following practical tips – many which we used this past weekend – but as a homeowner, you can start doing now.  And yes, purging can be difficult, but it can also make you feel lighter!

  • Books – keep your treasured books, the ones that you enjoy rereading or have made an impact on your life, and donate the others to a local library.  The library will provide you with a receipt for tax purposes.
  • Clothing – items in good condition can go to consignment shops, clothing can be donated to back-to-work programs that provide professional clothing for low-income individuals to look fantastic on the job. Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local thrift stores are also great resources.
  • Antiques – garage, attic, and basement overflowing with antiques or fine furniture?  Estate sale companies can take these items off of your hands and into the hands of people who also appreciate antiques.
  • Paperwork – Label important paperwork in an easy to find place.  Invest in a quality shredder and shred anything more than 7 years old.  Recycle magazines, newspapers, etc.  You cannot use 7-year-old coupons!

For everything else, I was fortunate that I found a company that will come in and take any item that can be sold at auction; afterward, they provide a percentage of the proceeds. And there’s also Give Back Box, which makes donating easy.

It is never too early to start removing clutter and “stuff” from our lives!

Questions?

If you have any questions about getting your home ready for a big change, please get in touch!

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE GREAT PLACES TO LIVE IN BOSTON’S NORTH SHORE

Buying a Home in Peabody • Living in Beverly • Homes for sale in Danvers

Home Buying Help from an Experienced Realtor

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Happy 2020, Friends!

You may have recently seen on social media that I am the one moving on this time! I have joined Keller Williams in Beverly. I extremely grateful and thankful for all I learned at Century 21 and the tremendous agents and staff that supported me over the last 5 years. I’m very excited about the forward-thinking technology that Keller Williams offers which will allow me to help both my sellers and buyers.

If you’re thinking of selling this year NOW is the time to talk.  Let’s meet, determine the value of your property and discuss what projects that may need to be done to get your home looking ready to SELL this year.

Is this the year we BUY your first home, dream home or downsize to a smaller home? 

Winter is a great time to start looking for a home. There’s less competition, buyers are most serious, and there’s less wait to get a loan. 

Great news! Nothing has changed. You can still reach me by calling/texting 978-835-8954 or dropping me an email at [email protected]. You can also fill in the form below!

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE GREAT PLACES TO LIVE IN BOSTON’S NORTH SHORE

Buying a Home in Peabody • Living in Beverly • Homes for sale in Danvers

The Homebuying Wrap-up

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Thank you all!

As we wrap up 2019 (and the decade!), I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to all of my clients.  By the end of the year, I’ll have helped 50 families buy, sell, or lease their homes!

Many years ago, I was a single mom with two young beautiful boys struggling to make ends meet.  I could never have imagined then the way my life would look now.  When I think about how far I’ve come, I’m humbled and grateful to the clients whose trust in me allowed me to build such a successful business.

I try to show my gratitude in simple small ways – every year I deliver cupcakes to all clients who bought or sold with me during the year, and to clients who have referred their friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to me.  I also make a trip to my clients in assisted-living and bring along some extra cupcakes for their new friends to enjoy.  

Luckily, my talented cousin does the baking!  She runs “One Little Cake” from her home in Beverly, ever since leaving her corporate job to stay home with her son with Cystic Fibrous.  I highly recommend her baking, especially at this time of year!

Cupcakes for everyone!

Let’s Talk!

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the North Shore in 2020, we should talk!

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE GREAT PLACES TO LIVE IN BOSTON’S NORTH SHORE

Buying a Home in Peabody • Living in Beverly • Homes for sale in Danvers

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79 Bridge Street
Beverly, MA 01915

978.835.8954
[email protected]

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