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Tag Archive for: free resources

Feng Shui Your Bedroom

November 21, 2022/in Resources /by Cara Chatellier

If you are not getting a restful night’s sleep or have difficulty feeling at peace in your bedroom, it may be time to implement some feng shui. The bedroom should be a sanctuary that you can return to at the end of each day to recharge and feel at peace. If you are not satisfied with the way your room makes you feel, feng shui techniques can channel in positive energy and optimize your space for relaxation. Before you begin, it is important to set the intentions that you have for this room by saying them aloud, writing them down, or sharing your ideas with another person who uses the space.

Declutter

Feng shui is most effective in a space without clutter. Though nobody is a fan of clutter to begin with, this practice views clutter as obstacles to the energy of your home. Clearing out unwanted items and putting everything in its place is a great first step that allows energy to flow more easily and gives you a sense of the room’s full potential. You could even declutter in a spiritual sense by burning sage in your freshly cleaned room!

Positioning Your Bed

As the most prominent and necessary piece of furniture in the room, your bed should be placed in the “command position”.
The command position refers to the space in the room that gives you the most authority- you should have a clear view of the entrance but not be directly in line with it, as that energy flow can be distracting. This position should set you up to welcome incoming energy, but your back should also be protected. Try to avoid having your back to empty space, instead position yourself with your back to a wall. Similarly, a solid headboard can help “anchor” your bed to its space, providing support for the bed so that it can do the same for you!

Peaceful Colors

Even if you are a fan of bright and exciting colors, you should probably consider keeping them out of your bedroom. Feng shui places a strong emphasis on the importance of colors and the way they can influence energy, so a neon pink headboard can make it difficult to invite peace and tranquility to your room. Instead, opt for more muted colors that are found in nature. Though there is not necessarily one color to avoid, try to keep your choices of paint, bedding, and rug color relatively neutral and peaceful. The choice of color is entirely up to you and what you are attracted to, but certain colors may promote the specific types of energy that you are interested in.

Soft Edges

The goal of implementing feng shui in the bedroom is to bring rest and peace to the space, and harsh edges can interfere with the flow of positive energy. When choosing furniture or artwork, avoid anything with sharp lines that can have a “cutting” effect on the softness of the room. For instance, a fabric-wrapped headboard or bedframe will have softer edges than one made of metal. Plus, you will not be at risk of bumping your shins in the middle of the night!

Symmetry

Human beings are naturally calmed by symmetry and balance, making it a perfect practice for your bedroom layout. Even if you do not share your bed with a partner, consider having two nightstands so that one side of the bed does not appear “heavier” than the other. You do not necessarily have to have matching furniture or lamps on either side of the bed, but be sure that they are similar in size and composition to promote a feeling of balance.

At the end of the day, your bedroom is your sanctuary and should be a space for relaxation and peace. Inviting positive energy into your room can help you get the best possible night’s sleep and prepare for the day ahead. Contact me today if you have questions or would like to start the process of buying or selling a house!

https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/How-to-Design-a-Beautiful-Guest-Bedroom-in-Your-Home-Maura-Allard-Realtor-North-Shore-MA.png 788 940 Cara Chatellier https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-340-×-156-px-3-1-300x147.png Cara Chatellier2022-11-21 16:36:582022-11-21 16:36:58Feng Shui Your Bedroom
living room

Feng Shui

September 18, 2022/in Resources /by Cara Chatellier

Do you have issues sleeping or feeling relaxed and positive in your home? Maybe it’s time to reassess the way your surroundings influence your state of mind. I think most people can agree that an organized house makes them feel less stressed, but sometimes cleaning up isn’t enough to truly optimize the energy and flow of your space. Regardless of your views or understanding of unseen forces such as chi, feng shui can transform your home into a more positive and peaceful place to be. 

Overview 

Feng shui is a Chinese practice that aims to put someone in harmony with the space around them. The concept has been used for thousands of years in China and India, but became popularized in the United States in the 1980’s. 

Feng shui intends to invite positive chi into your home and life by directing energy flow and keeping things open. It relies upon five elements (earth, metal, water, wood, and fire) which are associated with colors and shapes that bring certain elements of balance into your space. The feng shui energy map dictates how you should implement these materials so that they exist in harmony with each other. 

How to Implement Feng Shui in Your Home

An easy way to implement feng shui in your home is by placing yourself in the command position of a room. The command position is what many people think of when they consider feng shui in the home. It is the space in the room that gives you the most authority- you should have a clear view of the entrance but not be directly in line with it, as that energy flow can be distracting. This position should set you up to welcome incoming energy, but your back should also be protected. Try to avoid having your back to empty space, instead position yourself with your back to a wall. The command position model should be especially implemented in your bedroom or office, as the positioning of the bed and desk can make a huge difference in the feel of a space. Even your living space should be considered; you do not want your back to the entryway when you are sitting on a couch. You don’t have to face yourself directly towards the entrance of every room you use, but be sure that it is in sight. If that is not possible in the layout of your home, you can always use a mirror to ensure that you can view the entry at any time! 

Your hallways are incredibly important in feng shui, as they allow energy to flow freely throughout the home. Be sure that they are not too busy or cluttered, but decorate them in such a way that they bring warmth between the rooms. 

Another simple way to implement feng shui is to make your spaces feel taller. Since this practice is all about energy, it is only natural that if your eye is drawn higher into the room, so is the energy of your space as it has more room to circulate. Feng shui is most effective in a space without clutter. Though nobody is a fan of clutter to begin with, this practice views clutter as obstacles to the energy of your home. Making these changes is all about the chi within and between rooms, so be sure to organize and put away or get rid of anything that may block its flow. 

At the end of the day, your home is your sanctuary and you should feel happy and calm when you are there. Contact me today if you have questions or would like to start the process of buying or selling a house! 

https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/pexels-vecislavas-popa-1643383-scaled.jpg 1685 2560 Cara Chatellier https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-340-×-156-px-3-1-300x147.png Cara Chatellier2022-09-18 14:43:082022-09-21 14:52:54Feng Shui

How to Gain and Use Home Equity

August 23, 2022/in Education, Housing, Loans & Mortgage /by Cara Chatellier

The North Shore real estate market is still incredibly hot! The high values of homes in this current seller’s market mean that those who already own them have probably seen a large increase in equity due to high appraisal values. Working with an experienced Realtor who is knowledgeable about the market is critical- here is how to gain and get the most out of your home equity. 

How to Build Home Equity

The first way to build home equity is through a down payment on a house. The larger a down payment you spend on a house, the more equity you will immediately possess. Your equity continues to grow as you make mortgage payments, so be sure to pay them on time. If you have the means to pay more than the minimum monthly mortgage payment, you will build equity faster.

Home equity grows with the value of your home, so staying in the same place for multiple years will likely increase the chances of your home’s value going up. Though it isn’t possible to predict the housing market with complete certainty, home values always trend upwards over time. Another way to increase the value of a house you own is with home improvements. Obviously, improvements that increase square footage will bring more value to your home, but so do smaller projects like finishing a basement or adding a walkway. Be sure to research what home improvements will add value to your home, and consider using money borrowed against your home equity to fund such projects. If money borrowed on home equity is used for capital improvements, the interest is tax-deductible. 

 

How to Borrow Against your Home Equity

Home equity is considered an asset and a part of your net worth, but it is not a liquid asset. To use your home equity to leverage more funds, you will have to look into the different ways to borrow against it. 

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan, also referred to as a second mortgage, is a lump sum borrowed against your home equity, separate from your original mortgage. Unlike business or student loans, you can use a home equity loan for a large variety of purposes. They also have lower interest rates than credit cards due to the fact that your home is being used as collateral in the transaction. Taking a lump sum is a good option for those who are prone to overspending, as you cannot impulsively take out more than the agreed-upon amount. 

Home-Equity Lines of Credit 

Home-equity lines of credit, or HELOCs, are a common way of borrowing against your home equity. HELOCs are growing increasingly popular with homeowners who are not interested in refinancing their homes due to current high interest rates. They work similarly to credit cards in the sense that the homeowner can borrow up to a certain amount of money and pay off the balance. This method of borrowing is considered better than lines of credit or personal loans, as they are far cheaper. HELOCs offer a revolving line of credit that allows you to borrow as much or as little as you like, making them different from the lump sum received in a home equity loan. 

 

How to Use Funds Borrowed Against Home Equity

Borrowing against your home equity can help you pay off debts at lower rates. Many people choose to use home-equity lines of credit for large debts, higher education, or another property! Perhaps the most common use of a HELOC is for funding home improvements or additions. Using money borrowed against your home equity to improve or add to the home is a great idea, both for your own personal use of the space and for increased home value if you are looking to sell in the future. If you are looking to use your current home equity to help you invest in another property, contact me today to get started!

https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/bigstock-View-Of-Coin-Stack-With-House-243344587.jpg 422 800 Cara Chatellier https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-340-×-156-px-3-1-300x147.png Cara Chatellier2022-08-23 19:30:232022-08-24 19:31:49How to Gain and Use Home Equity

Tips for New Real Estate Agents

July 20, 2022/in Education, Resources /by Cara Chatellier

How can a new real estate agent set themselves apart from others and grow their business and reputation? Maura Allard provides some of her best tips for new real estate agents based on her many years of experience in the field! 

Join a Team

As is the case with many professions, it’s easy to gain experience from watching the pros! If you work with a team, you will have an opportunity to work with experienced Realtors to better understand how they operate and why they have been successful. Typically, teams have proven systems in place that help you receive the support and answers you need to grow your career.  

Don’t be afraid to work with renters (tenants and landlords) 

Although many realtors and real estate agents primarily sell houses, working with rentals can be a great way to make connections and gain experience in the industry. Many renters may be looking to buy a home or condo in the future, and they will likely want to work with you again! Similarly, if the tenants have a positive experience with you, they may recommend you to their friends and family who are looking to rent or buy. Forming a relationship with the landlords of these buildings is also a great idea, as they may want to sell or purchase more investment properties. 

Don’t Shy Away from Leads With a Referral Fee

If an agent or broker would like to pass a client along to you, don’t be discouraged by the referral fee they take out! These fees are typically only due once. If you do a phenomenal job and keep in touch with the client, they may refer you to friends and family, and you probably will list their home if they sell! This tip goes hand in hand with many others- with the overall goal of establishing strong relationships with your clients. Taking on clients through a referral does not have to become a regular practice, but as a new agent, you should definitely consider them on a case-by-case basis.

Find Your Niche

Though you may be working in a small geographical area, there is probably still a lot of variety between the properties and types of people buying, selling, or renting. Personally, I received my Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation and marketed myself to seniors and downsizers. Gaining experience in a specific type of real estate will help potential clients find you, and provide them with more comfort that you are the best agent for the job. 

Don’t Forget About Your Clients!

The best way to gain a positive reputation is to make yourself memorable in your relationships with clients. Setting yourself apart from everyone else can inspire clients to recommend your services to others, write positive reviews, or hire you again in the future. Call then, email, or text just to see how they are doing. Buying a home is a very personal process for your clients- make sure they know how much you care! 

 

Click here for more information on Maura and her team, or contact us today if you are interested in buying or selling your home! 

https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Maura-Allard-Reatlor-Client-Meeting.jpg 600 900 Cara Chatellier https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-340-×-156-px-3-1-300x147.png Cara Chatellier2022-07-20 14:05:282022-07-20 14:05:28Tips for New Real Estate Agents

Simple Tips and Tricks to Reorganize Your Garage

June 16, 2022/in Organization, Resources, Uncategorized /by Cara Chatellier

This may seem like a no-brainer, but a garage was made to house our cars. It’s surprising then that only about 75% of people who own 2-car garages use them for cars. In fact, most people use it as a storage space, especially if they do not have a basement or attic. 


A recent survey by
the National Association of Professional Organizers found that 50% of homeowners said the garage was the most unorganized area in their home. 


While it feels all too easy to pile up extra boxes filled with off-season decor against the garage walls or store your kids’ old toys in there until you can make it to the donation center, garages fill up quickly, leaving little room for parking, and even less space for organization. 


Like most of us, you’ve probably found yourself digging through boxes in the garage in search of Christmas decorations or have tried to sort through garage clutter as part of your spring cleaning regimen. It can quickly become frustrating when you can’t find what you’re looking for. 


The good news is that with a little bit of organization, your garage can turn into a space you can use effectively all year long- car parking included. 


Let’s explore some of my favorite ways to organize your garage.


First, clean out the garage.

Before you begin to filter through ideas on precisely what to do with your garage space, rummage through the clutter and clean it all out, especially if you’ve been living in your home for a while.


Depending on how large and filled your garage is, consider setting aside a half to a full day to clean it out. It may be best to set aside an entire weekend to declutter and reorganize in one shot.


Invite family and friends to help. Go through every box and bin and toss anything you don’t need. Set aside what you’ll keep outside the garage if possible so that you can start organizing against an empty and clean slate.


If you have a lot in there, make three piles of keep, toss, and donate so that you know exactly where everything should go when you’re done cleaning it out. 


After you have three piles, break down your keep piles into specific categories such as sporting goods, decorations, and gardening tools. Then, store them in appropriately labeled bins for easy access once they’re ready to go back into the garage or another part of your home.


To stay on top of safety, avoid storing the following items in your garage:

  • Propane
  • Paint
  • Paper
  • Pet food


Create a garage floorplan.

Before or after you’ve had a chance to fully clean out your garage, it’s a good rule of thumb to devise a cohesive and organized floorplan to base your garage storage on. 


It’s important to note that most garage-organizing manufacturers provide free layout plans when purchasing their storage items. Consider using this service to determine exactly where everything will go.


Consider these important ideas when creating your floor plan:

  • Store all like items together in the same bins and/or area for easy access.
  • Label all bins.
  • Organize the interior of bins as you remove and add items.
  • Store larger, bulkier items in corners away from where you’ll park your car.
  • Move frequently used items closer to the garage door.
  • Stow seasonal items in places that are harder to reach and out of the way.


Keep items off the floor.

Whenever possible, store things off of the garage floor. The floor should be as clutter-free as possible. Install wall organizers, work benches, and floor-to-ceiling storage cabinets to house all of your items instead of just placing the bins directly on the floor.


Take advantage of overhead space.

There is certainly a lot of overhead space in most garages that doesn’t get enough use by many. Take advantage of this space by installing overhead shelving to store items such as ladders, sports gear, and other flat yet bulky items. 


After placement, ensure that there is enough space between the storage unit, items, and roof of your car to prevent any accidental damage. 


Secure your space.

Garages are essentially another room in your home. The scary part is that this area that makes up 10% to 15% of your home is not nearly as secure as the rest of your home. 


As you’re reorganizing your space, consider upping the security of it by:

  • Investing in door and window locks
  • Sealing the threshold
  • Using a smart garage door opener
  • Closing your garage door whenever it is not in use by you


Add the garage to your monthly cleaning plan.

As with any area of the home, the garage should be cleaned and maintained regularly. Although not necessarily a space to tidy up daily or weekly, it is a good idea to add it to your monthly cleaning checklist. 


Something as simple as monthly maintenance can go a long way.


When cleaning, consider:

  • Sweeping and hosing down the floors
  • Reorganizing the tools and equipment
  • Throwing away or donating any unwanted items
  • Checking the perimeter for insects or other pests and using a natural pesticide to keep them away


Is a garage on your must-have list?

Whether you’re in the market for garage organization tips or hoping to add a garage to your dream home in the near future, we can help. As industry experts, we do our best to stay on top of the latest trends in home organization and the home purchasing market. 

Contact us today to learn more or start the process of getting the home of your dreams with the garage to boot. We can’t wait to help you find the perfect house for you- garage included.

https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/vivint-solar-HASgVRE48KY-unsplash-4.jpg 1859 1920 Cara Chatellier https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-340-×-156-px-3-1-300x147.png Cara Chatellier2022-06-16 14:51:112022-06-16 14:51:11Simple Tips and Tricks to Reorganize Your Garage

My 10 Best Tips for First Time Home Buyers Revealed

March 19, 2020/in For Sale, Housing, Loans & Mortgage /by Maura Allard

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.

https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Senior-Living-Resources-Beverly-MA-45.jpg 420 800 Maura Allard https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-340-×-156-px-3-1-300x147.png Maura Allard2020-03-19 16:23:452020-06-23 13:26:49My 10 Best Tips for First Time Home Buyers Revealed

First Time Home Buyers

March 16, 2020/in Housing, Resources /by Maura Allard

Drawing up your Dream Home

Finding Real Estate

After narrowing your property search down to a few potential neighborhoods that have the qualities you deem essential, it’s time to start planning out your dream home’s features. Hello, Pinterest!

Can you draw? Start by drawing out your desired style; the square footage, floors, bedrooms, bathrooms, backyard, and landscaping. Write down the things you absolutely can’t live without. Think about the things you can be a bit more flexible with.

Example: You won’t budge on anything less than 3 bedrooms but are willing to forgo an upgraded kitchen to offset the balance in lieu of the perfect house.  

You can begin your home search right here by viewing my current listing.

View Current Listings

Home Buying Help

Have you settled on the features of your home and now it’s time to start thinking about other features and amenities that are important to you? Sometimes it’s difficult to prioritize everything that comes with home buying because there is so much to think about.

Download a free copy of my Printable Home Buying Checklist to help you prioritize all of these features to help make your home buying process a breeze.

Some things you may want to consider include:

  • Laundry room
  • Sprinkler system
  • Gym/exercise room
  • Security system

It’s often overwhelming to think about the style and feel of your home when it comes to types of materials and finishes; ceiling height and type. Then you have to consider roofing, bathroom fixtures, and appliances. It helps to be as specific and detailed as possible when listing out the features of your dream home. It will save you a lot of time during your home search.

Pro-Tip

Keep an open mind. Just because a house was not built in the style you prefer or is a little bigger/smaller than you desire, take a chance and see it anyways. Unless you build it yourself, homes don’t come customized to you, however, you can always customize your home.

Are you ready to buy with an experienced realtor in Beverly? Let’s talk!

https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Senior-Living-Resources-Beverly-MA-43.jpg 505 800 Maura Allard https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-340-×-156-px-3-1-300x147.png Maura Allard2020-03-16 17:26:242020-06-23 13:27:22First Time Home Buyers

Beverly Senior Living

March 13, 2020/1 Comment/in Resources, Senior Living /by Maura Allard

Resource Guides for Senior Citizens

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Annie Smith, Community Outreach and Senior Advocate for Caring.com. We spoke about aging adults and many of the available care options available in the Beverly, Massachusetts area.

Annie wrote:

” Based on conversations with community leaders across the US, many aging adults are unaware of the available care options and programs that can help maintain their independence and quality of life. So we created a free resource that provides information on topics like financial support and care options that are available in Beverly. What we are most excited about is our comprehensive database of senior living communities which also includes thoughtful and honest reviews from residents in your community.”

Annie shared these helpful resources with me that I want to pass along to you.

  • https://www.caring.com/senior-living/assisted-living/massachusetts/beverly
  • https://www.caring.com/senior-living/assisted-living/massachusetts

These resources are also listed under my “Resources” page located in my menu bar at the top of my page.

Questions?

Caring.com is a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses and other loved ones. They have been featured by AARP, The Administration for Community Living, The National Legal Resource Center, and Forbes, as well as referenced by many governmental agencies and organizations across the Internet.

0 0 Maura Allard https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-340-×-156-px-3-1-300x147.png Maura Allard2020-03-13 14:26:242020-06-23 13:27:30Beverly Senior Living

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