10 Reasons to Buy a Home in Massachusetts

February 12, 2021/1 Comment/in Housing /by Cara Chatellier

10 reasons to buy your next home in Massachusetts

Massachusetts, the good old Bay State. The place where you can eat lobster right off the boat on the Cape, park your car in Harvard Yard (Boston accent optional), or enjoy foliage drive through the Berkshires during the fall months. There is so much to indulge in throughout the year as the season’s change and the activities never end. Once you become a local, no matter what city or town, a piece of who you are is always part of the beautiful and historic state. Both visitors and locals agree that there is something for everyone and so many reasons to buy in Massachusetts this year. Here’s why your next home should reside in the bay state:

The schools are rated amongst the top in the country.

Whether you are looking for public schools or top-tier universities, Massachusetts has it all. From legendary names like Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the college-level education you can receive here is second to none. Massachusetts took to the top spot for 2020, coming in at #1, for the best education system in the country according to US News and World Report. That trend continues as we, again, take the cake for the best education system in the country. Massachusetts has the highest math and reading scores in the nation with the lowest bullying incident rates. Other highlights include safety, security, and technology advancements. Aside from having the best schools, Massachusetts is also ranked as the most educated state.

The state is full of history.

From the Mayflower and Boston Tea Party to the Salem Witch Trials, Massachusetts is the perfect spot for the history enthusiast. Leading the way as one of the first 13 colonies, Massachusetts’ historic endeavors are showcased throughout each large and small town, embracing its roots with respect and admiration. Enjoy the sites and plan fun day trips around traveling to local historical sites throughout the year.

Medical care is world-renowned.

Massachusetts ranks 5th in the nation for best healthcare overall, while coming in 1st for best access to healthcare and 4th overall in public health options. With some of the best medical facilities in the world, located within the state, there is no question that you and your family would be in great hands. Some of the most well-known options include Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital (with affiliate locations throughout the state) and Brigham and Women’s.

The mix of small-town charm and big-city vibes is unprecedented.

Whether you’re looking to be in the heart of a big city or nestled away in the country vibes of a small town, Massachusetts offers it all. Bigger cities have often been known to give off a small-town feel with endless big-city options, from shopping centers and museums to world-famous restaurants, no box is left unchecked in Boston and its surrounding cities out east. With easy and quick access to the Atlantic Ocean, the beaches are sure to entice as well. If you’re more into the small-town charm, central and western parts of the state offer a country setting with convenient amenities. Each town and city have their own unique personality while tying into the overall vibe of the state.

The seasons are lavish.

There is nothing quite like living somewhere that is immersed in all four seasons. From warm and sunny summers to crisp falls and snow-filled winters, Massachusetts has it all. While the winters can be long and cold there is a joy to be found in snow-based activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing on local mountains and trails, or even in neighboring states such as Vermont or New Hampshire. The summertime is the perfect contract to the cold winters, offering seasonal average temperatures around 80 degrees with lots of sunshine-filled days. The reigning champ in the season’s contest always goes to autumn. There is nothing quite like a New England autumn. Fall foliage is vast and glorious throughout the season adding a pleasant backdrop to the cool days. Locals often spend time each year venturing out for leaf-peeping, taking in the sights of the season through a road trip, photography, or painting.

The seafood is out of this world.

Massachusetts is famous for its seafood offerings. From shellfish to lobster, you can indulge in all things seafood from the inland to the coast. There is no shortage of seafood restaurants throughout towns like East Dennis, Duxbury, Plymouth and Salem. Whether you’re visiting or planning to stay here for the long haul, we encourage you to indulge in all things seafood and make sure to order the oysters!

The sports culture is something to be experienced.

It’s tough to find another state that loves their sports team as much as Massachusetts. From the New England Patriots and Boston Celtics to the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins, Massachusetts is filled with diehard fans who love their teams. Our championship-winning teams are something we pride our small state on and celebrate with each win just as hard as we did during the first one. Aside from the professional sports teams, there are also many collegiate level teams for various sports that are cherished here too.

The location on the East Coast is wonderful for those who love to travel.

Located in the heart of the Northeast, Massachusetts is the perfect location to settle in for those who want to be within an arm’s reach of adventure. Depending on your city of choice, you are literally within an hours drive to states like Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, Connecticut, and New York. Whether you want to take a weekend trip to the Big Apple or hit the slopes in Killington, Vermont, you don’t have to drive too far.

Winter sports and activities are all the rage.

From skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and snowmobiling, the options for winter sports are endless in Massachusetts. Whether you consider yourself a seasoned pro or a novice who is curious about what snow sports have to offer, you can try it all.

The median salary boasts well for home costs.

Although the cost of living in Massachusetts can seem a bit steeper when compared to other states across the country, the median salary meets its mark. Overall, the state’s economy is top in the country, with a large potential to keep growing and succeeding. Massachusetts has diversity within industries too, including niches like high-tech to farming and agriculture. You will feel comfortable with your salary to home cost ratio across the state, which is a huge plus in itself.

Making a move to a new place can feel overwhelming. Staying informed and up-to-date on the latest trends and behind-the-scenes details is important in making the right choice for you. From education to adventure, Massachusetts checks all boxes when it comes to a state that delivers a growth mindset alongside a fun approach. As a state that is always transforming, it is sure to bring you happiness for years to come.

If you’ve decided to make the leap and buy in Massachusetts, contact us, we would love to help you with your new home purchase journey in the bay state!

Choosing a Real Estate Agent

November 4, 2020/1 Comment/in Housing /by Cara Chatellier

When it comes to life’s biggest chapters, they typically involve strong relationships that run the course. Forming strong bonds to achieve a win comes in the form of a doctor-patient relationship, a teacher-student relationship, a coach and player relationship, and most importantly for you now, a buyer realtor relationship. As funny as it may sound, the relationship you have with your realtor, whether buying or selling your home, can play a pivotal role in your homeownership successes for years to come. Choosing the right realtor can feel overwhelming. Follow these simple tips to partner up with the realtor of your dreams.

Make a list of your deal breakers

Like everyone, realtors have different styles when it comes to things such as selling, communicating, speaking and timeliness. Sit down and spend some time writing out a list of must-haves when it comes to potential realtors. Include deal-breakers and red flags, too. Just as much as you know what you want, know what you don’t want to.

Ask yourself questions like:

What form of communication best works for me? Phone calls? In-person meetings? E-mail? Text?
Do I need someone who specializes in a specific type of real estate?
Does knowledge of the area matter most to me?
Do I want someone who is fully in control of the process once I give them my preferences or, do I prefer to take the lead with a more laid-back realtor?

Ask around for recommendations

Most times, the most reliable information we receive is from people we know and trust. Don’t hesitate to ask friends and family about their purchasing experience, especially if they bought or sold in your target market. Often, someone in your inner circle has a realtor that they value and have created a relationship with based on past sale or purchase. Use any recommendations you receive as a stepping stone into your background research on potential realty candidates for you.

Do your research

Before you decide to initiate contact with a realtor, search your surrounding area for the realtors who specialize in your market. From there, narrow down your search by researching their websites, reviews and listings on their website. The internet is filled with an overflowing amount of information, so you are sure to find suitable details to get a general understanding of what each relator has to offer you. A realtor’s website can provide helpful insight into their style, specific customer feedback, credentials and market. Use this valuable tool to learn more about realtors in your area. Examine credentials and experience to use once you decide to move forward into the interview phase of selecting your realtor.

Interview potentials

After you’ve created a list of 3 to 5 potential realtors that interest you, reach out to them to schedule a phone or video chat. These interviews do not have to be formal or overly planned but should include discovery questions that allow you to learn more about the realtor than what you can find online or by word of mouth. Don’t be afraid to let them know your goals when it comes to finding a realtor that is the best fit for you. An open and honest conversation will lead you to find the realtor that fits your home buying, or selling, plans perfectly.

To learn more about the realtors on the M.A. and Co. and see if they are the best fit for your current or future home plans, contact us today. We would love to talk through your vision of your home planning ideas in Massachusetts or New Hampshire.

Virtual Home Buying Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 7, 2020/in Resources /by Maura Allard

I understand just how difficult it can be to navigate the new normal we are facing due to COVID-19, especially if you are in the market to purchase a home. I want to make the process as seamless as possible for you so you can still close on the home of your dreams during this pandemic. Over the last few weeks, I’ve initiated a virtual home buying program to help potential home buyers purchase from afar, and now would be a great time for you to take advantage of everything this program has to offer.

1. Virtual Meeting

We will start the process by scheduling a virtual appointment together. During the appointment, we will discuss what you are looking for in a home and create a game plan to get you exactly what you want.

2. Listings to Your Inbox

Once we’ve narrowed the criteria you are looking for in your next home, I will set you up for automatic email notifications. Every time a listing matches your criteria you will be e-mailed right when it hits the market. Through these listings you can view details of the property and filter out the non-contenders from the potentials.

3. Virtual Tour

During this step, you’ll take virtual tours of any homes that pique your interest. You can virtually step inside every room, at your pace, to make sure it is the right fit. If home entry is allowed I will go and FaceTime with you a tour as well and you can ask questions from your living room.

4. Purchasing Paperwork

You’ve picked the home of your dreams! During this step we will work together on all the paperwork required to secure this property. You can electronically sign all documents required from the comfort of your home.

5. Payment

You’ll wire your earnest money or have our mobile title rep stop by to pick up a check during this step.

6.Home Inspection

Our inspectors will send you a detailed report of the property with photos and descriptions so that you can get to know every inch of the space you are in the process of purchasing. Any questions or concerns can be discussed during e-mail, phone or video chat.

7. Closing

A mobile notary or attorney will bring you all the closing paperwork.

8. It’s Yours!

Congratulations! You just purchased the home of your dreams, electronically! We will even deliver the keys right to your current residence.

I understand that virtual home buying might not be for everyone, so you still have the option to perform any of the above steps in person with us. We want you to be comfortable and safe while purchasing your next home. We are willing to accommodate any and all steps to get you into the home of your dreams! To learn more about our virtual home buying program contact me today!

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.