The Final Walk-through
Your last trip through your new house before the closing.
From the time you have put the property you plan to buy under agreement, completed your inspections and finalized the sale, quite a bit of time has elapsed. It is imperative that you walk through the home prior to closing to make sure everything is in order and in the same condition as when you agreed to buy it. It is helpful to bring a copy of the contract with you in case it’s needed as a reference. Schedule the walk-through as close to the closing date as possible. (more…)
- Published in Buying Brief - Buying Real Estate, Frequently Asked Questions
9 Common Home Inspection Issues
Common issues that often arise after a home has been put under agreement.
Given our experience representing a vast number of home sales, we have identified a few issues that repeatedly come up after a home has a sales contract. Quite often the buyer(s) will request that the seller(s) address these issues, asking for either repairs, a reduction in the agreed upon sales price or withdrawal from the agreement entirely. We recommend that our clients be proactive, considering and addressing potential issues prior to contracting with a potential buyer, by making sure they are taken care of – or fully disclosed – prior to putting the home on the market.
Nine of the most frequent potential problems include: (more…)
Get Ready! It’s Open House Time! – Here is a list of suggestions to help you prepare.
If you are planning to have an open house, don’t miss the opportunity to truly showcase your home. Treat the day like you have invited guests and are having a party in your home. Plan for groups of people to be there at the same time. After you have staged your home and prepared it for the photos there is more you should do to get it ready for the open house. Below is a list of suggestions.
- Rearrange furniture if necessary to accommodate traffic flow.
- Bathrooms – Plan on having people use them. Make sure there is enough soap and paper. We recommend putting out nice disposable hand towels and a place to throw them away.
Windows – Should you replace or restore them?
John & Cindy Farrell – Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Homeowners are often too quick to decide that if windows aren’t efficient or working, they need to be replaced. We have seen replacement windows that are in need of replacing and original windows that are in great shape, work beautifully and are a significant feature of the home. Here are just a few questions to consider while you are thinking about what to do with the windows in your home. (more…)
- Published in Frequently Asked Questions
Selling in the Winter – 8 Steps to Welcoming Winter Curb Appeal
What should we do to stage our home in the winter?
Don’t believe that your home can’t look fabulous in the winter! If you plan to sell your home in the winter there are many things you can do to give it great curb appeal. Curb appeal is important in any season. The winter is an opportunity to make your home stand out. Many seller’s won’t give the winter exterior the attention it deserves. This will give you the competitive edge. Take the focus off the dormant gardens, stop focusing on what doesn’t look it’s best and redirect the focus on what looks great. Here is a list of ideas to get you started. (more…)
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 the specific property 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…)
- Published in Buying Brief - Buying Real Estate, Frequently Asked Questions
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