Larry Costa Team Blog

Pricilla Beach Association!

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:55:19 -0700

Sought after Pricilla beach Association!

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Market Stats

$259,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Interior: 1,032 sqft
Lot: 4,792 sqft

Location

760 Rocky Hill
Plymouth, MA 02360
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold
(508) 272-8028
larry@larrycosta.com
http://www.larrycosta.com

Listed by: Larry Costa 508-272-8028

Our recent listings

Sought after Pricilla beach Association!
Historic Onset MA beachfront!
Brand New Retreat Lot!
33 Clark St east
Large Ranch w/Accessory Apartment

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

Carver New Construction!

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:42:05 -0800

Brand New Retreat Lot!

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Market Stats

$299,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 1,632 sqft
Lot: 80,993 sqft

Location

120 Cranberry Rd
CARVER, MA 02330
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold
(508) 272-8028
larry@larrycosta.com
http://www.larrycosta.com

Listed by: Larry Costa 508-272-8028

Our recent listings

Brand New Retreat Lot!
33 Clark St east
Large Ranch w/Accessory Apartment
37 Indian Meadow
Office Space Near Route 3

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

11 Nelson Shore Rd , Lakeville MA

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:51:44 -0800

Large Ranch w/Accessory Apartment

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Market Stats

$449,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

5 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Interior: 2,658 sqft
Lot: 209,088 sqft

Location

11 Nelson Shore Rd
Lakeville, MA 02347
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold
(508) 272-8028
larry@larrycosta.com
http://www.larrycosta.com

Listed by: Larry Costa 508-272-8028

Our recent listings

37 Indian Meadow
Office Space Near Route 3
Condominium for $92,900 in Raynham, MA
32 Granite Rd Middleboro MA
5 Birch St Lakeville MA

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

33 Clark St East, Middleboro MA

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:04:56 -0800

33 Clark St east

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Market Stats

$239,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1,851 sqft
Lot: 131,116 sqft

Location

33 Clark St East
Middleboro, MA 02346
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold
(508) 272-8028
larry@larrycosta.com
http://www.larrycosta.com

Listed by: Larry Costa 508-272-8028

Our recent listings

37 Indian Meadow
Office Space Near Route 3
Condominium for $92,900 in Raynham, MA
32 Granite Rd Middleboro MA
5 Birch St Lakeville MA

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

32 Granite Rd Middleboro MA

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:50:32 -0700

32 Granite Rd Middleboro MA

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Market Stats

$269,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1778 sqft
Lot: 17,892 sqft

Location

32 Granite Rd
Middleboro, MA 02346
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold
(508) 272-8028
larry@larrycosta.com
http://www.larrycosta.com

Listed by: Larry Costa Century 21

Our recent listings

32 Granite Rd Middleboro MA
37 Indian Meadow
5 Birch St Lakeville MA
399 Marion Rd, Middleboro MA
1 Ron Circle Lakeville MA

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

37 Indian Meadow Rd Middleboro

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:27:32 -0700

37 Indian Meadow

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Market Stats

$349,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 2589 sqft
Lot: 91,040 sqft

Location

37 Indian Meadow
Middleboro, MA 02346
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold
(508) 272-8028
larry@larrycosta.com
http://www.larrycosta.com

Listed by: Larry Costa

Our recent listings

37 Indian Meadow
5 Birch St Lakeville MA
399 Marion Rd, Middleboro MA
1 Ron Circle Lakeville MA
Brand New Colonial for $399,900!

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

5 Birch St Lakeville MA

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 11:35:48 -0700

5 Birch St Lakeville MA

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Neighborhood
Market Stats

$119,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Interior: 640 sqft
Lot: 5,000 sqft

Location

5 Birch St
Lakeville, MA 02347
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold
(508) 272-8028
larry@larrycosta.com
http://www.larrycosta.com

Listed by: Larry Costa 508-272-8028

Nearby properties for sale

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

399 Marion Road Middleboro MA

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Tue, 31 May 2011 19:33:25 -0700

399 Marion Rd, Middleboro MA

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Market Stats

$369,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 3917 sqft
Lot: 4.90 acre(s)

Location

399 Marion Rd
Middleboro, MA 02346
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold
(508) 272-8028
larry@larrycosta.com
http://www.larrycosta.com

Listed by: Larry Costa 508-272-8028

Our recent listings

1 Ron Circle Lakeville MA
Brand New Colonial for $399,900!
Gas Station for Sale
Stunning Colonial
Waterfront Community Cape Cod Canal

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

1 Ron Circle Lakeville MA

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Tue, 17 May 2011 12:09:41 -0700

1 Ron Circle Lakeville MA

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Market Stats

$399,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 2250 sqft
Lot: 71,258 sqft

Location

1 Ron Circle
Lakeville, MA 02347
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold
(508) 272-8028
larry@larrycosta.com
http://www.larrycosta.com

Listed by: Larry Costa 508-272-8028

Our recent listings

Brand New Colonial for $399,900!
Gas Station for Sale
Stunning Colonial
Waterfront Community Cape Cod Canal
116 Cranberry Rd

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

12 Cedar Pond Rd Lakeville MA

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 08:57:37 -0700

Brand New Colonial for $399,900!

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Market Stats

$399,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 2250 sqft
Lot: 1.66 acre(s)

Location

12 Cedar Pond Rd
Lakeville, MA 02347
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold
(508) 272-8028
larry@larrycosta.com
http://www.larrycosta.com

Listed by: Larry Costa 508-272-8028

Our recent listings

Brand New Colonial for $399,900!
Gas Station for Sale
Stunning Colonial
Waterfront Community Cape Cod Canal
116 Cranberry Rd

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

FBI Charges 14 in MA W/Fraudulent First Time Buyer Tax Filings

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:38:58 -0700

The FBI has recently charged 14 people in Massachusetts with filing false paperwork to claim the $8000 first time buyer tax credit. People have been charged in other parts of the country as well.

As part of the governments stimulus package, First Time Home Buyers could qualify for up to $8000 Tax Credit if they purchased a home and closed on or before September 30, 2010.

The IRS has been auditing all claims for the credit, sometimes asking for additional paperwork to support the claim.

Of the fourteen people in Massachusetts, seven have been indicted and can face up to 5 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Investigations are ongoing and involve the IRS Criminal Investigations team, the FBI and local and state authorities.

Details of the arrests on the FBI's website.

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

West Des Moines joins ranks of cities suffering REALTOR violence

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:44:30 -0700

Tragic incident in Des Moines. I can remember an incident here in MA years back that had everyone on edge and taking extra careful measures on showings. As years went by without incident, safety precautions are forgotten and often not learned by those new agents in the business. In this day and age of REO vacant properties nearly everywhere extra precations should be taken when showing those or any property for that matter.

Via Matt Grohe RE/MAX Des Moines (RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts):

The Des Moines area and no doubt the nation was shocked to hear the news that today, Friday April 8th at 2pm a real estate agent, Ashley Okland was shot while holding open a townhome project in West Des Moines. The news was especially upsetting because the young woman was only 27 and West Des Moines is generally considered by many measures to be one of the safest areas of the metro and probably ranks high nationally for its low rate of violent crime. Additionally we are a fairly small board and a close knit community where most agents know each other as there are only around 1300 agents on our entire MLS. We've heard news of Realtors in other localities killed or harmed while showing houses or holding opens around the nation and we talk about safety and the possibility of things like this happening but I think that does little to blunt the disbelief, sorrow and outrage that we in the community feel this evening.

Initially the reports were that the agent had been shot twice but was alive, tragically the news came later in the afternoon that the young agent with Iowa Realty had succumbed to her injuries around 3pm. READ LOCAL NEWS STORY HERE

No suspects have been identified but police hinted that it may not have been a random incident and are urging calm. Iowa Realty put out a press release expressing shock and sorrow and announced it would cancel all open house scheduled for the weekend.

From her photo Ashley appears the picture of youthful enthusiasm and happiness, a beautiful young woman with a bright and prosperous future ahead of her. Eventually, we'll likely find out what motivated the misguided soul who took her life, but we will forever be left with the tragedy of a life and career cut short by violence.

Many agents have taken to Facebook to post messages of condolence, fear, incredulity, sympathy and sorrow. The posts run a gamut of emotions and reflect the frustration, consternation and distress we in the local real estate community are feeling today.

I did not know Ashley personally but I'd like to express my condolences to her family, friends and coworkers for their loss. It's a sad night here in Des Moines. We've lost somebody, and we all feel it.

***Please Help if you have information regarding the shooting death of Realtor Ashley Oakland. Polk County Crime Stoppers has upped the reward amount to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case. Anonymous tips can be made to 223-1400 or by calling West Des Moines police at 222-3344.***

Contact Matt Grohe Realtor® RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts - 3125 Douglas Ave #205 Douglas Ave. Des Moines, IA , or call 515-988-3726 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, Clive, Johnston, Urbandale, Ankeny, Waukee, Norwalk, Carlisle or surrounding areas.

Online at: http://www.MyIowaHome.com

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

Help With First Time Buyer $8000 Tax Credit Filing

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:59:54 -0700

The IRS is auditing all claims for the First Time Buyer Homebuyer Tax Credit.

This week, I've gotten several calls from buyers who've had their claim for the First Time Buyer $8000 Tax Credit denied due to insufficient paperwork. The IRS has been auditing all claims due to heavy amounts of fraudulent returns that have been filed to try and claim a credit where none is due.

Everyone that has called were due the Tax Credit but had improperly filed their supporting paperwork. None had used a tax preparer or accountant.

According to the IRS website the qualifications and proper procedure are as follows:

How to Claim the Credit

2009 or 2010 Tax Return

For qualifying purchases made in 2010, you have the option of claiming the credit on either your 2010 or 2009 return. For qualifying purchases made in 2009, you have the option of claiming the credit on either your 2009 or 2008 return. If your return for a particular year has already been filed, use Form1040X to amend your return for that year, along with Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyer Credit and Repayment of the Credit (see the instructions for help with the form), and a properly executed copy of a settlement statement used to complete the purchase.

Purchasers of conventional homes should include a copy of Form HUD-1, Settlement Statement, or other settlement statement, showing all parties' names, property address, sales price and date of purchase.
Purchasers of mobile homes who are unable to get a settlement statement should include a copy of the executed retail sales contract showing all parties' names, property address, purchase price and date of purchase.
Purchasers of newly constructed homes where a settlement statement is not available should include a copy of the certificate of occupancy showing the owner’s name, property address and date of the certificate.

For those who thought they might try and get away with filing a fraudulent claim, lookout. Claims are being investigated jointly by the FBI, IRS, HUD, The United State Attorney's Office and State law enforcement agencies. 14 people in Massachusetts were recently charged and face up to 5 years in prision and a $250,000 fine.

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

Middleboro Gas Station For Sale

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:12:50 -0700

Gas Station for Sale

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description

$549,900

Other Property Type

Main Features

1 Bathroom
1 Unit
Interior: 1808 sqft
Lot: 0.31 acre(s)

Location

26 High Street
Middleboro, MA 02346
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold
(508) 272-8028
larry@larrycosta.com
http://www.larrycosta.com

Listed by: Larry Costa 508-272-8028

Our recent listings

Gas Station for Sale
Stunning Colonial
Waterfront Community Cape Cod Canal
116 Cranberry Rd
Immaculate Ranch!

Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Middleboro, MA real estate for sale

THIS GAS STATION IS FOR SALE IN MIDDLEBORO MA AND IS LOCATED IN EVERETT SQUARE.

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

116 Cranberry Road Carver MA New Home!

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:13:35 -0700

116 Cranberry Rd

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood
Market Stats

$324,950

Single Family Home

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 1872 sqft
Lot: 91,476 sqft

Location

116 Cranberry Rd
Carver, MA 02330
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold
(508) 272-8028
larry@larrycosta.com
http://www.larrycosta.com

Listed by: Larry Costa 508-272-8028

Our recent listings

Waterfront Community Cape Cod Canal
Rochester MA home for Sale
200 Pierce St Rochester MA 02770

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Beautiful setting! This New Home in Carver MA has a 500 ft. driveway back to building site w/ 15,000 acre Myles Standish State Forest as backdrop! Country kitchen with tons of cabinets, stainless steel appliance package, sliders to deck, hardwood floors in formal dining room, huge master with private bath and walk-in closet. the two car garage under is bumped out adding even more garage space. TRULY A SUPERB SETTING on A knoll SET AGAINST THE MAJESTIC BACKDROP OF THE MYLES STANDISH STATE FOREST AND overlooking cranberry bogs with beautiful views!!! Awesome prevailing breezes would be great spot for windmill. this home has also been roughed for central air. There is still time for flooring selections. Delivery less than 30 days. When you want to buy a new home in Carver MA don't hesitate to contact us. We currently have several new homes in Carver in varying stages of construction. My team also handles rentals in Carver MA and preowned homes in Carver MA. My website www.LarryCosta.com has up to date full MLS listings for ALL Homes for Sale in Carver MA as well as Foreclosure listings in Carver MA.

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

Mayflower Bank in Middleboro is a Great Local Bank!

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:02:43 -0700

Mayflower Bank in Middleboro is currently offering no application fee and no appraisal fee! This is a great opportunity to save some money on your home purchase and deal with local bank with a real live person to talk to!

Mayflower bank is one of the areas oldest banks having been organized back in 1889. The small town friendly atmosphere is prevalent and they are a pleasure to do business with. The lending department is professional and courteous and always just a phone call away.

Mayflower Bank also has very competitive lending rates both for residential and commercial lending. For today's current rates click here: MayFlower Bank Rates. Mayflower also features an online application to further streamline your approval process though there Mortgage Web Center feature. Another feature which I love on their site is the Mortgage Payment calculator.

So for that personal touch, whether day to day banking or buying your first home, check out Mayflower Bank with branches in these locations: Mayflower Branch Locations.

Promotions don't last forever, so give them a call today at 508-947-4343.

MayFlower has been servicing Plymouth County well over 100 years. I've been servicing the area for , well......far less, about 23 years. If your thinking of selling or buying, give me a call, I'd be happy to help.

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

Fine Tuning Your Real Estate Photos

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:42:29 -0700

Kevin has some tips for getting those photos just right. Photos are the key to get the attention to your listing. See the difference made here on his blog.

Via Kevin Vitali- Helpin Massachusetts Home Buyers and Home Sellers (EXIT Realty- Massachusetts Short Sales & Residential Sale):

Thought I would share the Break Down of this shot for the final. First 3 shots are bracketed exposure 2 stops apart. The middle shot is the best exposure but to bring the room to a good exposure level highlights start to blow out.

Overall any of these shots would be better than a lot of what we see in the MLS. But I try to present the best photos possible. Once you get used to doing using these techniques your only adding a minute in shooting time per photo and a minute or two post post processing. While it may seem overwhelming at first, you can move through it pretty quickly.

Avable Light- Highlights start to blow out. Both windows have lost all detail and become a focal point in the photo. The wall behind one of the lamps is statrting to blow away.

Available Light Shot Blended- All three exposures from the available light shot have been Exposure Fused in Photomatrix. You run into some color issues and while you do have a decent dynamic range between shodows and highlights the overall look is not what the eye would see.

Flash combined with available light- First I get an available light exposure where the windows arent blowing away. Then the overall seen becomes too dark. So I have filled with flash that lightens up the overall seen. It start to get a bit flashy witch is hard to see in this photo. Larger you notice highlights on the trim, see the trim edge closest to the left side. You also see furniture throwing hard shadows... especially the lamp closest to the front. Ceiling towards the front is blowing away.

Combination of Blended Photo with Flash Photo-Using Adobe Photoshop Elements. I have overlayed the Fused/ Blended shot over the Flash shot. Then I use a slide bar to get the balance of what im looking for and run my final edits.

Final Shot cropped for our MLS-

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

348 Quaker Meeting House Rd E Sandwich MA

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:50:27 -0700

Stunning Colonial

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description

$489,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 3000 sqft

Location

348 Quaker Meetinghouse
East Sandwich, MA 02537
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold
(508) 272-8028
larry@larrycosta.com
http://www.larrycosta.com

Listed by: Larry Costa 508-272-8028

Our recent listings

Waterfront Community Cape Cod Canal
116 Cranberry Rd
Immaculate Ranch!
17 Beechwood Ave
Rochester MA home for Sale

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

Real Estate Investing vs. Stock Market

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:03:04 -0700

Real Estate Investing vs. Stock Market

In my 23 years as a Real Estate agent I've seen the market crash twice. Once in the 1990's and again recently. Each was caused by a number of reasons with lending practices being blamed as one of those reasons for both. Crashes are typically followed by long term appreciation cycles.

After the 1990's, real estate was viewed more in cycles instead of a steady (although sometimes slow) upward trend. Real estate will always have it's up and downs but overall it has appreciated over the decades.

In watching a video by Greg Rand about real estate investing, it was really brought into prospective for me. At times people want to put money in the stock market and other times they take it out and invest in real estate.

But which is the better investment?

Having been working in real estate, I understand the value. It's in the leverage and unlike paper money (stock market) it doesn't disappear overnight or go bankrupt. Real estate is real, you can touch it, feel it, live in it and let's face it, everyone needs shelter. Real Estate is a great investment vs. the stock market.

Let's look at it another way. In Greg's video he states "In the past 40 years the stock market has returned 995% whereas Real Estate has returned 978%, That's pretty close. But now let's add in leverage. If you invested $20,000 in the stock market 40 years ago you'd have around $200,000. If you invested in Real estate 40 years ago and put $20,000 down on a home that home would be worth just shy of 1 million dollars and would be paid off.

That's a 4800% gain!

Now, if I may go a step further that Greg's video.......let's assume that real estate investment was an apartment building or maybe 10 single family homes. You also would have collected hundred's of thousands of dollars in rent over the last 40 years! Can you see the difference?

If your thinking about investing in real estate vs the stock market give me a call.

For Real Listings including foreclosures visit my website.

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

The Spring Market has Arrived In Massachusetts!

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:32:58 -0700

Well it looks like the spring market is finally arriving in Massachusetts! The phones have been ringing and open house's are generating decent foot traffic. An open house this past Sunday at 44 Ships Way in Aptucxet Village, a waterfront community on the Cape Cod Canal had 14 separate showings in 2 hours!

So far rates have been staying below the 5% mark and lots of programs are in place to help first time home buyers realize their dream of home ownership. Programs like the FHA Financing with 3.5% down, Low FICO program, MASS Housing with 3% down, 100% Financing through the USDA Rural Housing and even Job Loss Mortgage Insurance are all available here in Massachusetts.

A check in my areas of Plymouth and Bristol Counties yield hundreds of homes under $150,000! Most renters typically are paying more for rent than purchasing a home under $200,000! (Not to mention the tax benefits)

If you've been holding out, now's the time! Rates are going up and even if home prices come down so more the higher mortgage payment will most likely out weigh it in monthly cost.

Feel free to contact me whether buying, selling or just looking for some information. I'm here to help!

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

Job Loss Mortgage Insurance!

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:23:41 -0700

Job Loss Mortgage Insurance

Job Loss Insurance is available in Massachusetts!

Recently, some young buyers I was working with decided to stop their home search citing growing uneasiness with staying employed at his current job. Both their incomes were needed to qualify for a home and the thought of losing his had them very concerned.

The loss of ones job is the number reason for homes going into foreclosure.

While fear of losing ones job is a valid concern in today's market it doesn't have to stop your dreams of becoming a home owner.

In Massachusetts, in conjunction with Massachusetts Association of Realtors, agents and mortgage brokers can now offer job loss mortgage insurance underwritten by a major carrier.

A typical Job Loss Insurance program pays up to 6 months of your mortgage payments. One national mortgage company is even offering up to 24 months of mortgage payments in the event you lose your job!

Prices are at all time lows and so are interest rates. Job loss mortgage insurance is now available and at no cost to the buyer. This can give home buyers the security they are looking for.

The Job Loss Mortgage Insurance program is still available in Massachusetts. Feel free to contact me for more information on this and other programs including 100% Financing and low FICO score programs.

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

Bye Bye Winter, Hello Spring!

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:07:02 -0800

With all the snow we've had here in New England the recent rains and somewhat warmer weather has been welcomed. The snow has started to melt and as one person emailed me and said, "hey, I can now see the deer in my backyard"

Yes, indeed, I can see then as well. The first day of Spring is only 3 weeks away and I'm looking forward to a busy spring market. All the catalysts are there,low prices and low interest rates. Current inventory offers a nice selection of homes for all sorts of buyers to pick from. waether your a first time buyer, move up buyer, or seasoned investor!

So if you've has been holding off, now's your time.

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

Who is Mortgage Electronic Systems?

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 15:16:40 -0800

Mortgage Electronic Systems

If you've ever read the foreclosure notices in the paper you undoubtedly have noticed the name Mortgage Electronic Systems mentioned quite frequently. In case your wondering just who that is read on...

MERS or Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems was created back in the 1990's by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and a consortium of large banks for the sole purpose of transferring notes amongst themselves. This saved the member firms millions of dollars in Registry fees.

As of recent MERS has been under attack for many reasons. One being that some Registry's feel they are owed the money for the recordings that didn't take place as they should. In Massachusetts only that number can be as high as $200 Million dollars according to a recent article in the Banker and Tradesman. The State Attorney general is currently looking into this matter.

Another issue has been the foreclosure process itself. Defense attorneys have argued that by not recording the deeds in the chain of title the foreclosures conducted may have not been done properly. In a similar situation, and a Landmark case in Massachusetts, the Supreme Judicial Court upheld a Land Court judges' decision in "US Bank vs. Ibanez" invalidating the sales of two plaintiff banks in which the mortgages had been improperly assigned.

Mortgage Electronic Systems has previously stated that "they are in compliance with the statuary intent of recording acts in Massachusetts"

It's been estimated that more than 50% of all mortgages registered in the US are done so through the MERS system. So now you know just who is Mortgage Electronic Systems.

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

Surviving the Serangeti Challenge

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:57:21 -0800

This is my entry for the Latest Active Rain Challenge promoting the new book, Surviving the Serengeti, by Stefan Swanepoel.

After downloading the two preview chapters from Active Rain I was immediately drawn in by Stephan's writing. My mind was instantly filled with visions of the Serengeti, the dust, the animals and their constant quest for survival, sitting around the campfire sipping coffee under the chilly star lit evenings.....

The main character Sean, reluctantly goes on a trip to the Serengeti won by his wife Ashley. Upon arriving they're met by their guide Raymond, Sean realizes his Blackberry doesn't work......and wonders what's happening back at his business..... Sean would have no service the entire trip. No communication with the outside world......

While there, he meets an old college room mate named Zachariah. Zachariah has been in the Serengeti for years now, studying the animals and how each plays a vital role in the circle of life. He began to realize the similarities between his studies at business school,the way animals behave and how they use their unique survival skills in nature. Like the migrations taken by animals such as the Wildebeast every year of 1,000 miles just to find water....never knowing where, when, or if they'll ever find it.......

Zachariah likens it to a road map of life. Each animal possesses unique skills for survival. We all have these special skills, though we may not know how to use them or are afraid to use them.

I took the animal test to see which one skills I have. I'm a crocodile. It's a fun 3 minute test, you should try it.

I'm Definitely looking forward to Stephan's new book as the first two chapters have me hooked. If I can only get a copy now instead of waiting for the release date.....

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold

www.LarryCosta.com

31 Cullen Street E. Taunton, MA

Larry Costa, Realtor Carver MA Real Estate (Century 21 Classic Gold, Carver MA) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:38:16 -0800

31 Cullen Street East, Taunton MA

Immaculate Vintage Ranch!

Immaculate Vintage Ranch!

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description

$219,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Interior: 1050 sqft
Lot: 22,651 sqft

Location

31 Cullen Street
Taunton, MA 02718
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold
(508) 272-8028
larry@larrycosta.com
http://www.larrycosta.com

Listed by: Larry Costa 508-272-8028

Our recent listings

Waterfront Community Cape Cod Canal
17 Beechwood Ave
116 Cranberry Rd
Rochester MA home for Sale
200 Pierce St Rochester MA 02770

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Larry Costa

Century 21 Classic Gold