Friends don’t let friends hire dual/designated agents
When a real estate brokerage serves both the buyer and the seller, what can go wrong? The seller’s agent – who must get the best price for the seller – is the same company that must get the best price for the buyer. Legally, and structurally, companies are run by a...
Being a Fussy Hotel Guest Made Me a Better Buyer’s Agent
I look forward to two nights and three days on the Cape – mid-week – every July. I get time off in the winter, so these summer days off are rare and special. This year, I had a lousy time. When I deconstruct what bothered me most, it made me a better buyer’s agent. I...
Loans & Grants for First Time Homebuyers
Regardless of real estate market conditions, first time homebuyers need to know, what loan programs and grants are available to help as they begin the home buying process. If you do your homework, there are many programs and grants available to first time homebuyers...
Yes, you need a home inspection.
Avoiding a Big Mistake and Still Being A Competitive Buyer One really big mistake the house hunters are being talked into is waiving your home inspection. Why do you need an inspection? If you hire an experienced exclusive buyer’s agent, you have the backing of...
Summertime is when Massachusetts heads outdoors, so does most of the US. Sometimes, this leads to tragedy. A fire in Arlington, Massachusetts reminded me that smoking on the porch is not a foolproof way to keep your house safe from fire. Smoking Can Set a House On...
Bargains With a Catch: What is a HUD Home?
If you’re a home buyer looking for a bargain (what buyer isn’t?) then one option to consider is a HUD home. This is a home owned by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. When a buyer who took out an FHA loan forecloses, the property goes to HUD. But...
What is Home Equity and Why Does it Matter?
You'll often hear that homeownership builds wealth. Usually what people mean by that is owning a home builds equity. Equity is a term that refers to how much of your home you actually own. Anyone who takes out a mortgage will need to make a down payment. How much of a...
How to Choose the Best Neighborhood for Your Future Home
When on the hunt for your future home there will be a lot of things to consider and compare. Every buyer will have different needs and wants and a smart buyer will have these clearly established in their mind before they begin their home search. After all, a buyer’s...
How Can I Compete When I’m Financing the Deal and Don’t Have Lots of Cash?
Nothing talks quite like money in real estate. The ability to put down an all-cash offer on a home immediately puts you ahead of those offers who are relying on financing. Why? Because it cuts out the time and hassle of the mortgage approval process. For those who...
Buying a Condominium If you want the benefits of home ownership without the obligations of having to perform your maintenance, a condominium could be right for you. When you purchase a condo, you are obtaining ownership of a specific unit within a building. Condo...
Why Use an Exclusive Buyer Agent?
A home purchase is a significant and expensive transaction with long-term financial implications. Buying a home wisely, at the right price and terms, can provide a lifetime of benefits and enjoyment! But if you overpay for a home, or choose a home that involves more...
NAEBA Calls on Congress to Establish a Federal Mandate for Real Estate Agency Disclosure
The National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents (NAEBA) released a letter to Congress today urging members to include real estate agency disclosure language in legislation relating to mortgage lending reform, including the Anti-Predatory Lending Act and the...