Massachusetts Banks cut Foreclosures by 40 percent - 12/30/10 10:27 PM
Massachusetts Banks cut Foreclosures by 40 percent 
Last year at this time, banks in Massachusetts seized 702 homes.  Compare this with 416 homes in the same month of this year. The reason?  Concern over some of the questionable business practices that have taken place recently. 
Many people who had been scheduled to be out of their homes by this time have had a reprieve.  Their foreclosure dates have been postponed for months. 
According to an article in the Boston Globe today, paperwork issues, controversial procedures and even possible fraudulent practices have stopped lenders from completing foreclosures on many Massachusetts residents. 
Delinquent borrowers are not permanently … (8 comments)

Are Home Warranties in Massachusetts Worth the Paper They are Printed On? - 12/30/10 12:01 AM
Are Home Warranties in Massachusetts Worth the Paper They are Printed On? 
Many homeowners in Massachusetts have never used a home warranty.  And, some have never even heard of them.  
During the real estate boom it was fairly common for a home warranty in Massachsetts to be included as part of a home purchase.  Brokers often used them as listing tools as part of their listing presentation.  Now, with home sales down and agents needing to cut costs the inclusion of a home warranty as part of the sale has become less prevalent. 
What is a Home Warranty?  
Not to be confused … (10 comments)

Southborough Massachusetts Home Sales - December 27, 2010 - 12/28/10 11:13 PM

Southborough Homes - December 27, 2010
Before you buy a home in Southborough, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the last week of December in Southborough, MA.


For the past month in Southborough, Massachusetts , 3 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 85%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Southborough, Massachusetts or … (3 comments)

Natick Massachusetts Home Sales - December 27, 2010 - 12/28/10 11:09 PM

Natick Homes - December 27, 2010
Before you buy a home in Natick, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the last week of December in Natick, MA.


For the past month in Natick, Massachusetts , 26 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 93%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Natick, Massachusetts or any … (0 comments)

Holliston Massachusetts Home Sales - December 27, 2010 - 12/28/10 11:05 PM

Holliston Homes - December 27, 2010
Before you buy a home in Holliston, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the last week of December in Holliston, MA.


For the past month in Holliston, Massachusetts , 5 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 940%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Holliston, Massachusetts or … (0 comments)

Hopkinton Massachusetts Home Sales - December 27, 2010 - 12/28/10 11:01 PM

Hopkinton MA Homes - December 27, 2010
Before you buy a home in Hopkinton, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the last week of December in Hopkinton, MA.


For the past month in Hopkinton, Massachusetts , 4 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 86%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Hopkinton, Massachusetts or … (0 comments)

Ashland Massachusetts Home Sales - December 27, 2010 - 12/28/10 10:57 PM

Ashland Homes - December 27, 2010
Before you buy a home in Ashland, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the last week of December in Ashland, MA.


For the past month in Ashland, Massachusetts , 8 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 88%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Ashland, Massachusetts or any … (2 comments)

Reminder - Real Estate Can Be a Dangerous Profession - 12/27/10 03:59 PM
Reminder - Real Estate Can Be a Dangerous Profession 
Last week a real estate agent in San Antonio, Texas barely escaped with her life from a harrowing encounter with a robber. While showing a luxury home to someone she thought was a potential buyer - he turned on her and began to beat her with a stick.  
From a viewing in a gated community of multi-million dollar homes the man forced her into a car and was in the process of driving her to a bank with a demand for $4,000.  Fortunately, the quick-thinking woman bolted out at a stoplight and managed to escape. Story via The Chron. 
This is … (67 comments)

One Week Left for the $1500 Energy Tax Credit - 12/26/10 10:29 PM
One Week Left for the $1500 Energy Tax Credit 
If you have any last minute energy efficient upgrades to make to your home, now would be the time to have them done. 
For the past couple of years there has been a home improvement tax credit in effect.  That credit is set to expire on December 31, 2010, which is at the end of this week. 
Until Saturday night, you can qualify for a credit of 30% of the cost of any energy saving upgrade, up to $1,500. 
Which upgrades are eligible for the tax credit? 
HVAC components, including air conditioning … (5 comments)

What are Wetlands in Massachusetts? - 12/22/10 02:01 PM
What are Wetlands in Massachusetts? 
I was asked this question recently while showing a home with a lot that had thick, grown-in brush covering most of the back lot. The owners had taken the time when they bought the property to clear out the trees to begin to create an open space but had not quite finished the job.  
The result was an overgrowth which begged the question, "Could this be wetlands?"  
In Massachusetts there are laws that protect designated wetlands.  One of the rules is that you cannot do anything to disturb it.  That would include chopping down any existing vegetation on the … (4 comments)

Massachusetts Toys for Tots Robbery - Successfully Countered by Residents' Generosity - 12/21/10 02:34 PM
Massachusetts Toys for Tots Robbery - Successfully Countered by Residents' Generosity 
What kind of person would steal toys intended to save a poor child's Christmas?  Apparently, it takes all kinds. 
Last Saturday morning burglars broke into the storage unit of the Toys for Tots site in Burlington, Massachusetts.  They took 1,500 toys and made a successful getaway. 
When I read this story my heart ached thinking about the children that would have to go without gifts this Christmas.  I wondered how this situation could be rectified with only a few days to go before the 25th. 
Apparently, there are some pretty generous people in … (12 comments)

Southborough Massachusetts Home Sales - December 20, 2010 - 12/20/10 04:46 PM

Southborough Homes - December 20, 2010
Before you buy a home in Southborough, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 3rd week of December in Southborough, MA.


For the past month in Southborough, Massachusetts , 4 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 98%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Southborough, Massachusetts or … (1 comments)

Natick Massachusetts Home Sales - December 20, 2010 - 12/20/10 04:31 PM

Natick Homes - December 20, 2010
Before you buy a home in Natick, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 3rd week of December in Natick, MA.


For the past month in Natick, Massachusetts , 24 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 95%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Natick, Massachusetts or … (0 comments)

Holliston Massachusetts Home Sales - December 20, 2010 - 12/20/10 04:07 PM

Holliston Homes - December 20, 2010
Before you buy a home in Holliston, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 3rd week of December in Holliston, MA.


For the past month in Holliston, Massachusetts , 7 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 93%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Holliston, Massachusetts or … (0 comments)

Hopkinton Massachusetts Home Sales - December 20, 2010 - 12/20/10 04:02 PM

Hopkinton MA Homes - December 20, 2010
Before you buy a home in Hopkinton, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 3rd week of December in Hopkinton, MA.


For the past month in Hopkinton, Massachusetts , 4 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 89%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Hopkinton, Massachusetts … (0 comments)

Ashland Massachusetts Home Sales - December 20, 2010 - 12/20/10 03:58 PM

Ashland Homes - December 20, 2010
Before you buy a home in Ashland, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 3rd week of December in Ashland, MA.


For the past month in Ashland, Massachusetts , 7 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 87%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Ashland, Massachusetts or … (0 comments)

My Framingham Photos are Soon to be Famous - 12/19/10 03:19 PM
My Framingham Photos are Soon to be Famous 
I recently received a phone call from the people in charge of historical writings for the Framingham Public Library.  Apparently they noticed one of my posts (always good news - it means someone is reading) and would like to use my photographs in their official library brochure.  
The post with the Framingham photos was entitled "A Handsome Soldier in Framingham - Massachusetts."  It covers the story of the striking civil war solider statue that stands as a monument in front of the Framingham Historical Society. 
I have written a few posts on the town of Framingham since it so … (14 comments)

Real Estate Jargon - What are We Really Talking About? - 12/18/10 05:47 PM
Real Estate Jargon - What are We Really Talking About? 
As real estate agents we are often so entrenched in acronyms and the language of the business that we can sometimes forget that not everyone knows exactly what we are trying to say.  Following is a primer on real estate words, phrases and abbreviations, just to let you in on the lingo. 
FSBO - For sale by owner. This is someone who has decided to sell their home on their own, a choice which they will soon regret.  CMA - Comparative Market Analysis - a report generated by a Realtor® to show an approximate value of the … (83 comments)

Massachusetts Census Produces Some Interesting Results - 12/15/10 07:12 PM
Massachusetts Census  Produces Some Interesting Results 
According to an article in the Boston Globe today, the latest results from the Massachusetts Census Bureau paint a revealing picture of The Commonwealth.  
The five year survey, not surprisingly, has Massachusetts with the highest number of college graduates of all of the states in the country.  We do, of course, put great stock in our learning institutions and Massachusetts is famous for them. 
Other facts and figures that came out of the study were not so obvious.  It seems we also have: 
The oldest homes in the country. The longest commute time for work (at … (7 comments)

The Final Walkthrough - Just Before Closing on Your Massachusetts Home - 12/14/10 04:47 PM

The Final Walkthrough - Just Before Closing on Your Massachusetts Home
With end of the year closings looming, now is a good time to review the steps necessary for a final walk-through of your Massachusetts home.
You are ready to close on your new home.  Your mortgage commitment is in place.  The appraisal has been done. The closing attorney has set the date and time for you to come in to sign all of the papers. There is just one more crucial step - the final walk-through of the property you are buying.
What actually happens at a final walk-through? 
… (23 comments)

Southborough Massachusetts Home Sales - December 13, 2010 - 12/13/10 02:28 PM

Southborough Homes - February 21, 2010
Before you buy a home in Southborough, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 2nd week of February in Southborough, MA.


For the past month in Southborough, Massachusetts , 5 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 84%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Southborough, Massachusetts … (2 comments)

Natick Massachusetts Home Sales - December 13, 2010 - 12/13/10 02:24 PM

Natick Homes - February 21, 2010
Before you buy a home in Natick, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 2nd week of December in Natick, MA.


For the past month in Natick, Massachusetts , 19 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 93%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Natick, Massachusetts … (2 comments)

Holliston Massachusetts Home Sales - December 13, 2010 - 12/13/10 02:20 PM

Holliston Homes - December 13, 2010
Before you buy a home in Holliston, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 2nd week of February in Holliston, MA.


For the past month in Holliston, Massachusetts , 7 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 90%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Holliston, Massachusetts or … (0 comments)

Hopkinton Massachusetts Home Sales - December 13, 2010 - 12/13/10 02:12 PM

Hopkinton MA Homes - December 13, 2010
Before you buy a home in Hopkinton, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 2nd week of December in Hopkinton, MA.


For the past month in Hopkinton, Massachusetts , 6 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 94%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Hopkinton, Massachusetts or … (1 comments)

Ashland Massachusetts Home Sales - December 13, 2010 - 12/13/10 02:06 PM

Ashland Homes - December 13, 2010
Before you buy a home in Ashland, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 2nd week of December  in Ashland, MA.


For the past month in Ashland, Massachusetts , 5 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 85%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Ashland, Massachusetts or any … (1 comments)

A Foreclosure Case Can Drag on for Twenty-five Years - 12/12/10 02:31 PM
A Foreclosure Case Can Drag on for Twenty-five Years 
At least that is what one Florida woman has managed to accomplish. 
Patsy Campbell, a 71 year old retired insurance saleswoman has not made a mortgage payment on her home since October 1985.  Yet, she has been living in the two-story dwelling set in a middle-class neighborhood since 1978. 
How is this possible?  It seems that Florida has a law which has helped to shield her from all of her creditors. And, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal, Ms. Campbell has even formally questioned whether there actually was a real debt … (20 comments)

A Good Realtor® is Like a Good Restaurant - 12/11/10 11:44 AM

I sometimes think of the services that a Realtor® provides as being comparable to that of a good restaurant.  And, when I think of my  favorite dining establishments, the reason becomes abundantly clear.
There are only a few places that I constantly rely on for dining and I am always drawn back to them for the same reasons. 
Reliability - Since my diet is mainly seafood an establishment has to have a reputation for having everything fresh. I never want to patronize a place that is not reliable in their quality.  Consistency - I am predictable enough to have a few favorite dishes that I repeatedly order and I do not want to be disappointed that they are not as good as … (55 comments)

The Worst Christmas Gifts I Have Given - 12/09/10 03:00 PM
The Worst Christmas Gifts I Have Given 
Pressure and stress, combined with a complete lapse in judgment can sometimes have dire consequences during gift giving season.  When the big day arrives it is always a question of whether to expect a drum roll or an eye roll when the package is unwrapped. 
Some of the gifts that have made my "not so hit" list include: 
Perfumed soaps - the recipient felt that I was implying something about her hygiene.  Actually...  An automatic tire pressure gauge to my husband - This was fine except for the fact that I had already given him … (21 comments)

How to Sell a $2 Million Home - Throw in Some Super Bowl Tickets - 12/07/10 07:26 PM
How to Sell a $2 Million Home - Throw in Some Super Bowl Tickets 
At a time when home buyers are looking for more reasons to buy, a new twist has been added to the art of home selling.  Shawn Marion of the Dallas Mavericks has added something extremely valuable to sweeten the sale of his Florida home.  
The lucky buyer of this sprawling 7,373 square foot luxury residence will be treated to four club level tickets to the Super Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011.  In addition to the tickets there will be a round-trip private jet service to transport … (16 comments)

My Kodak Moment - A Tennis "Courtship" - 12/07/10 12:18 PM
There is a story behind every photo and also behind every marriage.  And, we owe ours to the game of tennis. 
When I decided,  years ago, to learn how to play tennis, I had the usual problem - no one to play with.  Who wants to play tennis with a beginner?  You can spend more time picking up balls than actually hitting them at that early stage.  I was faced with a situation that needed a resolution.  
So, what did I do to solve it? 
I placed an ad in the newspaper for someone to practice hitting tennis balls with.  And, … (19 comments)

Southborough Massachusetts Home Sales - December 6, 2010 - 12/06/10 03:35 PM

Southborough Homes - December 6, 2010
Before you buy a home in Southborough, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 1st week of December in Southborough, MA.


For the past month in Southborough, Massachusetts , 5 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 84%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Southborough, Massachusetts or any … (2 comments)

Natick Massachusetts Home Sales - December 6, 2010 - 12/06/10 03:28 PM

Natick Homes - December 6, 2010
Before you buy a home in Natick, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 1st week of December in Natick, MA.


For the past month in Natick, Massachusetts , 15 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 93%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Hopkinton, Massachusetts or … (0 comments)

Holliston Massachusetts Home Sales - December 6, 2010 - 12/06/10 03:21 PM

Holliston Homes - December 6, 2010
Before you buy a home in Holliston, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 1st week of December in Holliston, MA.


For the past month in Holliston, Massachusetts , 7 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 91%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Holliston, Massachusetts or any … (0 comments)

Hopkinton Massachusetts Home Sales - December 6, 2010 - 12/06/10 03:08 PM

Hopkinton MA Homes - December 6, 2010
Before you buy a home in Hopkinton, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 1st week of December in Hopkinton, MA.


For the past month in Hopkinton, Massachusetts , 10 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 93%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Hopkinton, Massachusetts or … (0 comments)

Ashland Massachusetts Home Sales - December 6, 2010 - 12/06/10 03:02 PM

Ashland Homes - December 6, 2010
Before you buy a home in Ashland, MA, it is important to know what other homes in the area are selling for. In order to give you a more accurate picture of the local real estate market, I have put together statistics from the last 7 days.
The following is a market recap for the 1st week of December in Ashland, MA.


For the past month in Ashland, Massachusetts , 3 properties have sold. The sales price to list price has been 82%.
For a complete list of homes for sale in Ashland, Massachusetts or any … (3 comments)

Selling Your Massachusetts Home? Put Away Those Precious "Collections" - 12/03/10 05:28 PM
The late comedian, George Carlin had a famous routine about stuff. One of his lines was, "A house is just a pile stuff with a cover on it." 
Some people take this a bit too literally, particularly those with a fondness for collecting.  I have seen some collections in homes that are really in danger of taking over the place. 
What are some of the things that people collect? 
Stamps Coins Records Musical Instruments Dolls Comic Books Shot Glasses Stuffed Animals Movie Posters Salt & Pepper Shakers (my grandmother had hundreds) Sports Memorabilia Sea Shells Magazines Old Radios & Record players Model … (13 comments)

When People are Put Out - Literally! - 12/01/10 02:14 PM
These are tough times for some. And, one of the contributing factors is the ever-increasing number of instances in which people being put out of their homes.  It really seems to be happening at an alarming rate. 
We are all too familiar with the fact that record numbers of home owners are losing their homes to foreclosures. But there is another housing crisis that is causing some people to be out on the streets and that is the struggle that renters are having.  
Last week an eviction in Florida turned tragic. A team which included the Miami-Dade police, movers, a locksmith and a laborer knocked on … (15 comments)

 

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