What Can A Listing Agent Do For You

For many of us buying a home was the biggest financial decision we’ve ever made. Now that it’s time to sell your home you want to make sure that you get the best price possible, as quickly as possible.

There are a lot of moving parts to selling a house and the first thing a savvy home seller should do is hire a reputable real estate agent. The best way to ensure that the sale of your most valuable asset goes smoothly and to the highest bidder is to put it in professional hands.

The Skills A Listing Agent Can Offer

In particular, those selling their home for the first time may not fully understand exactly what a good listing agent can do for them. So let’s go over some of their skillsets: First and foremost a real estate agent will have knowledge about the housing market in the neighborhoods and surrounding area, and have access to sales data that will enable you to know exactly what your home is worth in the current market.

A listing agent will have complete access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a database of homes for sale. Their first task will be to ...

For the Shopaholic - Hudson vs. Concord

For installment two of the Boston Magazine comparison, we jump to the towns that they have identified that are perfect for the ‘Shopaholic’. Boston Magazine highlighted Hudson, MA and Concord, MA as two perfect towns for homebuyers that ‘enjoys lovely boutique-lined streets’. Lets dive into the numbers and see what the current market conditions and real estate trends are for Hudson and Concord, MA.

Overall Heath Of Boston's Market

To calculate the overall health of Boston's real estate market place we look to the months of inventory on the market. In Hudson we have had 83 homes sell in the last 6 months making for an average of 13.83 per month. This is compared to the same time period last year when we saw 65 homes close for an average of 10.83 per month.

This means that today we currently have 1.08 month’s worth of inventory this year compared to 1.10 months of inventory this time last year. In other words, the Hudson Market is still a hot seller’s market that has seen statistically no change in the market...

Boston Area Boomtowns – Chelsea, Lowell, Everett, Newton, Watertown

We look at the “Boomtowns” in the third installment of comparing the towns that Boston Magazine lists as the Top Places to Live Around Boston Right now in its March 2019 issue.

I think some additional gray hairs came in with this 5-way grudge match. But none the less, let's take dive into the numbers and see what town is performing better in the current real estate climate. To keep as apples to apples as we can, we will examine the market type that has the most sales.

As an example, in Chelsea there were 133 condos that sold in 2018 vs. the 28 Single Family Homes. In this case, we will be examining the condo market in Chelsea as the larger data set will give us a better idea of the current market conditions.

As we dive into 5 different towns throughout Massachusetts, it is important to remember that year over year the amount of Single Family Homes currently on the market in Massachusetts has grown by 15.96%.

Meanwhile year over year in the Massachusetts Condo Market we have seen an increase in the available inventory of 32.84%. These numbers will help us in creating a better baseline for the performance of these 5 individual towns.  

For the Beach Bum

Hull vs. Manchester by the Sea

In the March 2019 issue of the Boston Magazine, they looked at different towns for the home buyer looking for city alternatives.

For the ‘Beach Bum’ buyer, Boston Magazine put up Hull, MA and Manchester by the Sea as two towns for a buyer to put on their list. Comparing the two towns is like comparing an apple to an orange, but none the less Boston Magazine put them up as two choices for the beach bum category… So let’s dig into the numbers!

Hull MA Real Estate Statistics 

The Hull Real Estate Market is shifting quicker than the Manchester market. Year over year we have seen an increase of inventory throughout the state of Massachusetts by 15.96%. This represents an increase of 1,330 Single Family homes. On April 10th, 2018 there were 8,334 homes on the market compared to 9,664 on the same day in 2019.

The Single-Family market in Hull has increased far above the rate we have seen for Massachusetts as a whole. Today we have 42 Hull Single Family Homes on the market vs. the 20 homes in 2018. This represents a 110% increase year over...

Home Sales Rebound In February, 2019

A report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows existing-home sales rebounded strongly in February 2019 with the largest month-over-month gain experienced since December 2015. The report showed that the completed transactions for single-family homes, town-houses, and condominiums, increased by 11.8 percent over January.

This was an adjustment in the seasonal annual rate of 5.51 million in February. Completed home loan transactions continue to remain 1.8 percent below sales figures from a year ago when the adjusted annual rate was 5.61 million for February 2018.  

NAR's chief economist, Lawrence Yun, believes that there are several aspects that contributed to the increase in home sales February, 2019. "A powerful combination of lower mortgage rates, more inventory, rising income, and higher consumer confidence is driving the sales rebound."

Lawrence Yun believes the market could greatly benefit in 2019 with additional new housing.

An Increase In Existing Home Prices

In February the median existing-home price across all housing types was $249,500,...

Supply & Demand vs. Older Homes

  According to a study by NAHB, National Association of Home Builders, the nation's residential housing inventory is getting older and new-home construction is falling behind the current demand rate.

The NAHB says this could add up to a severe housing shortage and there is a growing concern that older homes do not meet current safety and energy standards. In NAHBs, Eye on Housing blog, Laurie Goodman of the Urban Institute estimated that the supply of new homes in 2017 fell about 350,000 short of the number needed to meet demand allowing older homes to stay on the market longer.

Only 6 of every 1,000 homes built prior to 1970 are removed from the housing stock each year, according to the NAHB report. “In the long run, loss rates as small as this are not sustainable, of course, as that would imply half of new homes built in some regions last 1,000 years,” NAHB notes in the post. “But in the medium term, it may be possible to keep removal and production rates as low as they are right now.”

Older Homes May Not Pass New Standards

Getting started with The Home Buying Process With Chubb Realty

When it comes to selling a home in the Boston area, you need to find a home that will meet your needs.

While buying a home is stressful it is important to work with a REALTOR that makes the process as smooth as possible for you and your family.

Ask Yourself A Few Questions

• Where Do You Want to Live?
• What Kind of Home Do You Need?
• How Much Space Do You Need, or Which features?
• What is Your Determined Price Range?

Why Buy With Chubb Realty Group?

With Chubb Realty Group in Quincy, you'll find a realty dream team that has years of experience selling homes and serving both home buyers and sellers with...

LUXURY DREAM HOME NEIGHBORHOODS IN BOSTON

Whether homebuyers are moving to Boston because of a job transfer, or they are a second generation inhabitant, luxury home shopping begins with knowing where to look.

There are 23 established neighborhoods across the city. These areas break down into over 80 communities around Boston. We give you an overview of six of the grandest places to find your Boston dream home below.

Back Bay

This community is a historic destination. The entire area is full of vintage homes and shops where residents can spend the afternoon window shopping or sipping a glass of tea with a friend. From high-end hotels to the Public Garden and the waterfront Esplanade, this portion of the city has unique experiences and innovative events.

Visitors will recognize the area immediately upon seeing the Prudential Center, the Boston Public Library, and the John Hancock Tower. Rows of Victorian homes line the city streets of Copley Square, Newbury Street, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall area of Back Bay.

Beacon Hill

This neighborhood is another historic area in Boston. The two primary areas are the Massachusetts State House grounds and Louisburg Square. The old Colonial space is west of the city center. Most businesses and events are on Charles...

Today’s Real Estate Market Trends

  The real estate market is known for its rapid changes, and this can present a challenge to anyone who is involved in real estate transactions. Understanding the various forces that shape the market is helpful when performing initial research.

The fluid nature of the market often causes buyers and sellers to juggle multiple issues at the same time. Adaptation is more likely when you have access to useful information about the trends that shape the market as a whole. Examples of adaptations are helpful for anyone who is learning how to navigate this challenging environment.  

Staying curious about the latest market trends is key to maintaining a good perspective within a rapidly changing landscape. New information is critical when you are dealing with a situation that can shift quickly within a short period of time.

Planning is affected by perception, so learning new things is a great way to react during the inevitable times when you might be feeling overwhelmed.  

Trend Analysis Techniques

  Some of the most effective techniques are also obvious ones. For example, people who are looking to ...

Best First Time Buyer Mortgage Loans

Financing is always a big question mark when buying a home, especially for first-time home buyers who may not realize that all loans are not created equal; and all lenders do not offer every type of loan that is available.

Getting Started With A Mortgage

Getting the right loan could make a lot of difference in a lot of ways including the down, the number of years on the loan, closing costs and mortgage insurance. Getting pre-approved for the right type of loan could save a home buyer thousands of dollars and free up money that can then be invested in home improvements or new furniture.

Types of Mortgages

Rural Development Loans (RD)

...

Staging Your House For Sale In The Winter

When you invest in real estate, you want the house to be in working shape, make a good showing, and sell for a comparable price for the market. Forbes says property owners who invest in staging sell houses at a faster rate. Nearly 95 percent of homes with staging sell in less than two weeks.

These houses often go for over 15 percent of the comparisons for non-staged homes. When you are putting up homes for sale in the cold, winter months, then you may come across a scant few visitors on open house day. How can you entice people to come out of nice and cozy houses to see your place? Use a professional stager to design a stunning space that beckons for potential buyers to take a closer look.

Staging Benefits

  Besides selling faster and for more money, what other benefits are there for staging a home? With the right home staging company, your house can become a place that potential buyers envision the family living in for many years. Staging can create an environment that potentially sparks a bidding...

Cooling Housing Market Offers Opportunity For Buyers

The economy is soaring, and unemployment is at its lowest level in decades. These two indicators would suggest that new home sales are rising.  

That’s not the case this year because new home sales are sagging. In addition to growing new home inventories, mortgage rates remain low. This combination is favorable to anyone looking to buy a home.  

What’s currently occurring in the housing market is what Real Estate experts call “rebalancing.” The housing market is moving towards a better equilibrium after several years of escalating prices and high demand.  

Ultimately, despite a strong economy, the housing market simply couldn’t continue to grow. This paradox is not what people expect during a strong economy, but the reality is that most housing indexes show a downturn in new home sales.

The Reasons for Declining New Home Sales

One of the primary reasons that new homes sales slowed is: less demand. Reports have shown that housing demand is down 10 percent compared to the same time last year. Particularly...

Best Trending Paint Colors For 2019

Do you have homes you plan to sell in 2019? Are you an investor who likes to add a hip and trendy accent wall to your houses? Looking for the important real estate trends? When stark white is driving you crazy, 2019's colors can help your house stand out from others on the market with neutrals that are no longer bland and boring.

Some of the hottest real estate tips have to do with color you choose. Glidden says to use muted yellows and tans to brighten up dull spaces without turning off potential buyers. Light gray shades are back, pairing beautifully with slate blues and charcoal grays for stunning color combinations. 

Greige Is The Hottest Tone

Whether you put “Greige” on the outside or inside...

Five Important Trends In Real Estate

You may not think that popular ideas like joining a co-op or using a real estate CRM program are important, or even what they mean. Take note, these advances might be just the thing your house needs to set it apart and get the listing in front of a better audience.

Even though the inventory is lower in comparison to previous years, it does not mean an automatic sell. While some homes enjoy a nice bidding war before going for full price or higher, some houses sit on the market and see very little interest. How can you make sure that the work you do is not in vain? Here are five of the leading tips that real estate agents offer up to help sellers get the best return when they get ready to sell.

Advanced Technologies In The Real Estate Market

Looking at properties from a different perspective like the view you might get from a drone is one way that ...

5 Things First Time Home Buyers Need To Consider

Buying a home for the first time can seem like a daunting task. After all, there is probably no other time in your life when you'll spend this much money. Real estate is seen as one of the safest investments there are but without taking proper time to think about the decision, your investment could be taking on water fast. So what are some helpful tips for first time home buyers in South Boston to consider?

• How Much House Can You Afford?
• What Should Your Down Payment Be?
• What Are Some Of The Biggest Red Flags To Consider?
• 15 or 30 Year Mortgage?
• Knowing When It's Time To Call In An Expert
• How Much House Can You Afford?

The answer to this question is highly dependent on your personal situation. For example, the old rule of thumb is 28 percent of your monthly gross income is what can be put towards a mortgage. This means that if you make $5,000 per month, or $60,000 per year, you can reasonably afford a mortgage of $1,400 per month.

This rule of thumb fails to include any debt however. If you are still working on paying off things like credit car debt or student loans, this percentage of monthly income may be far less. They key is to create a budget and pick the value that best fits your specific situation.

What Should Your Down Payment Be?

Having a large down payment is nice because it lowers monthly payments and saves the home buyer from paying as much interest over the lifetime of the mortgage. An old rule of thumb says to have, at...

Is Single Family Home Ownership As Appealing as Condo Living?

It's getting harder and harder to find Boston homes for sale since the area ranks second in the housing industry in the United States.

Property investors have a few tricks up their sleeves to drum up more interest in single and multi family home ownership. When you find your homes for sale in Boston sitting longer than you want, then a couple of upgrades can make a massive impact.

The key is understanding why some buyers go for a condo so that you can make your houses fit those needs and stand out.

Why buyers go for a townhouse instead of a house?

There are three big reasons why Boston real estate firms are finding more people interested in condo living over single family homes. Price, maintenance, and close quarters are often more inviting than complete privacy or yard space.

Some individuals feel more comfortable with neighbors on either side instead of a need for grassy yards, outdoor gardens, and expansive decks. Many people expect city living to be tight with someone on the other side of the wall.

One way to improve appeal is to boast about the amenities near your home for sale. Having little or no yard work to do after a long week of studying or working is very alluring.

Low-maintenance landscaping can make a home for sale more appealing to condo lovers

One of the most significant advantages of living in a condo is the maintenance coverage. These units save the owner time, hassle, and money. To increase the chances that these buyers will consider your property, you can use hardscape to reduce the...

Boston Home Prices Continue To Soar Despite Recent Rough Weather

Did you know that homes in Weymouth, Massachusetts were in the path of 16 significant weather systems in the past year alone? CNBC says that’s a record for the city.

Would it be surprising for you to find out that meteorologists, real estate agents, city planners, and developers expect this trend to continue rising over the foreseeable future?

The forecast puts builders in a tough situation. Developing on and near the waterfront is excellent for the economy, brings in tourists, and increases luxury living in the city, but changes to building codes are necessary to help withstand the harsh weather that is coming.

The natural disasters not only affect residential buildings, and business owners are finding out that they are paying more for repairs, flood insurance, and disaster relief.

Homes That Sit Near Water Are Warming Fast

Coastal waters are not getting as cold as they did ten or twenty years ago. In fact, the area is close to the Gulf of Maine, which happens to be warming faster than almost every other state in the country.

CNBC talked with experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA who felt that these changes are here to stay. If the area continues to experience hurricanes and strong nor'easters, then new construction must be ready to withstand the severe weather.

What Do Regulators Say About New...

16 Selling Mistakes You Will Want To Avoid

  Selling your house is a big deal and the process demands as much attention as you can give and an experienced professional to guide you. You’ll want to do things right since any mistake could have dire consequences costing you thousands or putting you in a legal bind.

Is the house you are looking to sell in the Boston Metro market? Once you’ve done the necessary things to do before selling your house, you’ll have to make sure you avoid the following common selling mistakes to sell faster and easier minus the frustrations, aggravations, and troubles that can come with doing things the wrong way.  

• Avoid Overpricing Your Home

  Overpricing the property is the most common mistake you should avoid by all means. It’s understandable that you love your house but will that justify a higher asking price then the market supports? Sellers who price their properties high often end up getting less than they would have made if the price had been set according to the market reality.

When it comes to setting a price, try to break free from your inner emotional attachment and set a price...

What Is a Real Estate Short Sale and How to Buy One

Buying a home can be stressful, but once you find the home of your dreams, it’s completely worth the effort. In most cases there are quite a few options when it comes to buying a home and some of the terms may be a bit confusing if you’re not familiar with them.

One of the terms you may come across when buying a home is a “short sale”. This post will explain what a short sale is, why they might be worth your consideration, and how to buy one.

What Is A Short Sale?

A real estate short sale is a home that is being sold for less than the outstanding mortgage left on it. A seller might opt to do this for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons for a short sale, is that the homeowner can no longer keep up with their mortgage payments.

This may be due to loss of income or increase of expenses. In this case, a short sale is made to avoid foreclosure. A short sale can also occur if a home has significantly decreased in value since it was purchased.

For example, imagine that you take out a $350,000 loan to buy a home that is appraised at $400,000. Two years down the line, you need to move due to a job relocation, but the housing market has tanked in your neighborhood, and the house is now only worth $300,000, which is less than you owe to the bank.

If the homeowner can no longer afford to keep up with their mortgage payments, or otherwise needs to sell for less than the mortgage...