Steps to Take at the Beginning of a Real Estate Search

John & Cindy Farrell – Coldwell Banker

Begining a Real Estate Search - North Shore Real Estate

Are You Starting a Home Search on the North Shore of Boston? If so, here is a list of what you should be doing right at the beginning of your search.

  • Interview agents and hire an agent to represent you. Choosing an agent is one of the most important initial steps you should take. There vast differences in an agents experience, skills and how they work. If you think you won’t be buying for a while it is still a good idea to enlist the help of an agent. The sooner the better.
  • Get pre-approved for your mortgage. You should know how much you can spend on a home before you start to look. If a there is a home you would like to pursue you will be able to act immediately and the sellers will know that you are well prepared to follow through. You will also know what you can afford and the payments that will be required.
  • Review your finances. Getting a mortgage approval is the most important, but you still need to be comfortable with what a home will cost you every month. Take into account that you will have to maintain the home. Really think about any other expenses that you may have or will have in the near future.
  • Choose possible locations and home styles. As the process goes on you may make changes to your search criteria. But you need to have a starting point and a general initial idea of what factors are the most important to you. This many be different for each person.
  • Arrange to have automated emails of properties that may interest you. This is the quickest most efficient way to know what is on the market. It is a great tool to learn the market as well.
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Get Your Mortgage Pre-Approval

John & Cindy Farrell – Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Getting a Mortgage Pre Approval - Annisquam Real Estate

Getting ready to purchase property on the North Shore. So you have decided to pursue the purchase of a home. One of the first steps in the process should be to get your mortgage pre-approval.  The market has been improving and we have seen many situations in the past year of homes having multiple offer situations. It may be necessary to act quickly once you find the home you want and with a pre-approval you will be prepared and ready to make that offer. (more…)

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Real Estate Documents Required by Law

Have you been given the Massachusetts Mandatory Licensee-Consumer Relationship Disclosure?

Have you seen this form?

The Massachusetts Mandatory Licensee-Consumer Relationship Disclosure is often referred to as the Agency Disclosure form. It is required by law that a licensed agent provide you with this form on the first meeting to discuss a specific property. So whether you are buying or selling real estate you should be given this form by every licensed real estate agent you meet with. It is not a contract. When you sign this form you are acknowledging that you have received and read the information. (more…)

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Hiring a Home Inspector

Buying a Home on the North Shore of Boston – Questions to Ask when Hiring a Home Inspector

Care should be taken when hiring a home inspector and there are a few questions that should not be overlooked. We have discussed before the importance of having an inspection. Below a a few questions to ask or things to consider when choosing an inspector. (more…)

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Home Inspections and Buying Real Estate

Should I have a home inspection?

An important part of the process of purchasing real estate is inspecting prior to completing the sale. We recommend leaving time after the acceptance of your offer,  to complete the inspections you choose to have, like radon, zoning, conservation issues etc., so you can make sure you know all that you can about the property prior to moving forward. It’s best to be prepared to have your inspection scheduled as quickly as possible so you have time and you don’t feel rushed. All inspections are not the same,  inspectors are different and their areas of expertise can vary a lot so you need to interview. There is also a lot of variation on what needs to be investigated depending on what it is and the location. There are also issues that may be particularly important to you and you will want to make sure they will be covered.

The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation puts out a consumer fact sheet that we suggest you take the time to review.

Choosing an inspector carefully and thoughtfully is paramount. If you hire us as real estate agents to represent you as your buyer’s agent we will be able to make recommendations.

The time spent during the inspection is a great opportunity to understand the property you plan to purchase and a good time to learn how to care for your new home and how to maintain it. (more…)

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