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!

Top 5 Real Estate Myths Debunked

August 17, 2021/in Education /by Cara Chatellier

Whether you’re in the market for your first home purchase or consider yourself a seasoned professional when it comes to house hunting and closing on properties that make your heart sing, you may have come across some common real estate myths in the process. Buying a home can be complicated for anyone. From a pre-home search checklist to a comprehensive closing guide, it can be overwhelming to ensure you’ve nailed everything down before move-in day. So don’t let common misconceptions about the real estate world send you into a tizzy.

Read on to learn about the 5 most common real estate myths- debunked.

1. Myth: You should pick out a house you love, then get a pre-approval.

Although the ultimate goal in any home search is to secure the home you love and live there for countless years after a seamless real estate transaction process, you must follow specific steps to get there first. It is beyond tempting to jump onto a home buying site in search of the perfect home that fits your criteria, but how can you know exactly what you can afford without a pre-approval? You can’t. It is always best to speak with a real estate professional and lender first, then proceed to home searching after you’ve received a pre-approval letter.

2. Myth: Open houses are a waste of time when you’re trying to sell.

There is no such thing as a waste of time when it comes to finding creative ways to sell your home. Open houses are the perfect opportunity to reach a broader group of potential buyers in the current seller’s market. Without requiring showing appointments, the amount of foot traffic you could receive on your home increases astronomically, which will ultimately turn into more offers on your property. Nix the worry that comes with hosting an open house and let your realtor take care of the details to increase the demand on your property.

3. Myth: Home inspections don’t matter.

Although it sounds incredible to save a couple hundred bucks after you’ve spent a lot of money securing your new home, don’t skip the home inspection. During this process, a specialized home inspector reviews your home from top to bottom, looking for over 1,500 things throughout it. From electrical and plumbing to the home’s foundation and ventilation system, a thorough inspection is completed that is worth its weight in gold. It is much better to know the ins and outs of your potential home upfront rather than discovering issues down the road post-purchase.

4. Myth: You’ll save money when you sell your home without a realtor.

It’s tempting to try and take on the sale of your home on your own. Unfortunately, many first-time sellers believe that a “for sale by owner” option is the best way to make the most bang for your buck. Although this may be true to an extent, having a real estate professional on your side to help you sell your home is invaluable. In these scenarios, buyers often overpay, or sellers undersell their property because they do not have a complete picture of the market. Realtors are trained to understand the full extent of the industry better than anyone else; trust them with your purchase or sale.

5. Myth: The only cost of buying a home is the down payment amount.

Often, when first-time homebuyers decide on buying a home, they don’t realize the costs associated with the large purchase outside of the price of the actual property. Along with the down payment cost, buyers often incur other costs such as a home inspection fee, termite inspection, and closing costs which typically range from 3% to 5% of the total purchase price. Make sure that you are in a healthy financial state with substantial savings to cover all costs associated with a home purchase. If you are unsure of what other fees may be involved, don’t hesitate to talk with your lender or realtor to learn more.

We understand that navigating the real estate market can feel like driving for the first time. A lot of uncertainty comes with diving headfirst into a home purchase, whether it’s your first or tenth time. We are here to help you understand the process from start to finish and guide you through the entire journey, allowing you to make informed decisions and secure the home of your dreams. Contact us today if you’re in the market to sell your home or want to take the next step in your homebuying journey. We can’t wait to help you.

Chris Carnevale Real Estate Agent Maura Allard and Company

Meet the Team: Chris Carnevale

June 29, 2021/in Resources /by Cara Chatellier

As the real estate market continues to soar throughout the country, for both buyers and sellers alike, so does our group of wonderful Keller Williams realtors ready to assist and collaborate with clients on their next big life season. Whether you’re in the market to buy or sell your home, we are here to help you through it and we want to ensure we always have the right people for the job on our team.

We are proud to welcome our newest realtor, Chris Carnevale. He is a great addition to our Beverly team, bringing with him a wealth of real estate knowledge, a powerful understanding of the local market and a commitment to the client-first mentality that we live and breathe every day. We know that he will do great things for the Maura Allard & Company team and we are excited to watch him grow with us.

Why did you get into Real Estate?

Chris has vast experience working in client-facing roles. He always knew he wanted to work with people, but the pandemic solidified a change, for the better, in his career path. When asked why he decided to get into real estate he stated, “I was an assistant restaurant manager when the pandemic hit. I took a leave and decided to try real estate. (It was the) best decision I have ever made along with marrying my beautiful wife and getting lasik surgery.”

If you had to give someone one piece of realty advice what would it be?

Chris’s realty advice is simple, but compelling and applies to all aspects of life. He says, “don’t give up on what you want. There’s always a way.” Whether you’re on the verge of a career change, moving across the country, getting married, or in search of your first big home purchase this year, don’t give up. Anything you want in life takes time, but the extra effort and time are worth it in the long run. This advice is especially helpful in a strong seller’s market where competition is kicked into high gear. Don’t get discouraged if your offer isn’t accepted the first time around, your dream house is out there waiting for you and, in the end, you will get exactly what you want.

Why did you decide to work with Maura?

There are so many great qualities that realtors and clients notice in Maura right away. Chris’s decision to work with Maura was quite simple. He said what he admired most about her is, “her reputation, work ethic, positive attitude, and (the fact that) she is always moving forward.” Great leaders always have a forward-thinking mindset and use it to teach their colleagues how to excel in their respective fields and we believe Maura does just that.

What does your dream home look like?

Realtors spend a majority of their days visiting a variety of homes on the market at any given time. From remodeled farmhouse style to clean-lined and sleek townhomes, the variety is quite endless. They explore fixer-uppers and new builds to help clients stumble upon their dream homes and work their magic to secure a deal along the way. When it comes to their own personal idea of a dream home, their personal experiences and style always seem to take center stage. When asked what his dream home included, Chris concluded that it needed three key elements: “Light (lots of windows), warmth (fireplace) and relaxation (jacuzzi bathtub),” and we couldn’t love this balance anymore.

Give us 3 random fun facts about you.

We love to learn about our people. Here are three fun facts about Chris.

Chris likes the smell of skunk (“from a distance not on my shoe”). He believes it comes from weekend trips to his grandma’s house in rural Wenham when he was growing up.
He met his wife while on vacation in Ireland in 2004.
He’s ambidextrous.

We are so excited to welcome Chris to our Keller Williams team. He will work alongside us, assisting clients in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. If you would like to learn more about Chris, or other members of our team, contact us to set up a meeting today. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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.

Real Estate for Sale in Newburyport, Massachusetts

September 17, 2019/in Community, For Sale, Housing /by Maura Allard

How do you feel about parks?

What about waterfronts? Historic buildings? Great schools?

If you love all of these things -and who doesn’t – we should talk about buying a home in Newburyport, Massachusetts!

Newburyport Population: 20,000
Time from Newburyport to Boston: 50 minutes
Things to do in Newburyport: Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island, Custom House Maritime Museum

Searching for homes for sale in Newburyport, Massachusetts? Let’s 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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Salem New Hampshire Homes for Sale

July 22, 2019/in For Sale, Housing /by Maura Allard

Although I tend to work in Boston’s North Shore, I’m also happy to be licensed as a realtor in New Hampshire; and Salem New Hampshire, just across the Massachusetts border, is a beautiful place to live!

If you’re looking at houses for sale here, you’ll want to know everything about the town.

Watch the video to see Salem’s novel attractions and great employers!

Salem Population: 29,000
Time from Salem to Boston: 40 minutes
Popular things to do and see in Salem: Canobie Lake Park, America’s Stonehenge, Scottish Highlands Golf Course

Let me help you make your move to Salem, New Hampshire. Search my listings today.

Questions? Get in touch.

Check out some other great places to live nearby

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

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@mauraallardrealtor

How to Move with Kids like a Pro

June 20, 2019/in Housing /by Maura Allard

Moving with kids takes a special approach.

Parents often consider school districts and distance from schools before deciding on a neighborhood to settle in.

Families usually need a bit more space. Nationally, average buyers with kids purchase 2,100-square-foot homes with four bedrooms. Buyers without kids buy smaller, 1,750-square-foot homes with three bedrooms.

Moving is tough on kids – there’s packing, saying goodbye to friends, and starting at a new school. (But there’s also lots of information about how to make moving as easy as possible for kids.)

Working with a realtor who knows the area – and loves kids! – will make a difference. If you’re considering making a home in the North Shore, we should talk!

Check out some of my other blog posts:

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@mauraallardrealtor

New to the Market this Week! Multi-Family in Haverhill with Water Views

March 12, 2018/in Community, For Sale, Housing /by Maura Allard

Coming Soon in Haverhill!

Mint condition Multi-Family with water-views of the Merrimack River! Here you can enjoy the pleasures of a newer heating system, hot water heaters, roof, and windows. The first and second floor boasts 2 bedrooms as well as a large eat-in kitchen.

Move-in for Spring to enjoy the sunsets from your great fenced in yard!

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Preparing your Home to put on the Market

March 5, 2018/in For Sale, Housing, Organization /by Maura Allard

Staging your Home to put on the Market

You have made that scary decision to list your house on the market… congratulations! The next step is to get your home ready for the public to view. The Container Store is your new best friend. You will want to make a trip there and pick up totes, totes, and more totes. Start decluttering; no personal pictures, religious items, school treasures, stuffed animals, knick-knacks or shot glass collections need to be on display. Par down closets, clean off countertops. Adopt the mindset you are moving and start packing. If your house is cluttered people will be distracted by the clutter and will not see the features of the house.

Take a look around. Ask yourself, how is the paint? Are there scuff marks on the stair risers? Do your walls need a fresh coat? Paint is your friend. Pick a neutral shade and brighten up your home. Take a trip to Walmart or Target. Pick up some new fresh white towels for the bathroom, maybe a new white shower curtain as well. Pretty throw pillows also look great on a couch or bed! No need to spend a lot of money to make a few powerful changes.

Make sure everything is sparkling clean. Hire a cleaner if you need to. If you list with me I will pay to have your home professionally cleaned prior to the first open house. If you have pets, get them groomed and rid the house of pet hair.

Decks and porches will shine with potted plants! If your deck is lackluster, stain it. Lay mulch where needed to add curb appeal. Put your best foot forward before putting the for sale sign on the lawn!

Listing your Home for Sale

March 5, 2018/in For Sale, Housing, Resources /by Maura Allard

It’s time to think about Decluttering!

Spring is on the horizon, has the thought of selling your home crossed your mind recently? As a Realtor, I have the pleasure of seeing many houses, and yes professionally staged houses look amazing! You want to move right in, you can see yourself living in the house, the problem is not everyone can afford to hire a professional stager. If you can, terrific, it is worth every penny and it definitely has the potential to fetch you higher offers. But what if you can’t afford a stager??

The number one thing I believe a seller can do to get their home ready to sell is to declutter. Adopt the mindset you are moving and start packing. Head off to the Container Store and buy boxes and plastic totes. Banish your collectibles, personal photos, magazine collections, overflowing toys (that includes dog toys). Strip your fridge of magnetic calendars from your insurance agent and the town recycling schedule. Put away the Kitchen Aid Mixer and blender and keep your countertop appliances to a coffee maker and toaster. Your personal belongings make your house a home, but now that you have decided to move your home now needs to become a house.

I’m always happy to provide a free decluttering consultation for anyone interested in selling.