Metrowest Real Estate News

Financially preparing yourself to purchase a home

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:41:01 -0800

I work with alot of first time home buyers and many of them are in the same boat... financial uncertainty!

The same questions start sawing away at you and, before you know it, you have talked yourself out of purchasing a home before you even get out of the gate:

Buying a home is too expensive

This is why your first move should always be to call a Realtor. A Realtor can talk to you about the housing market in the communities you are looking in and provide you with information about home values. This will help you to set reasonable expectations about housing costs. If you are in fact going to be priced out of your preferred community, your Realtor can recommend other communities that will line up with your price point as well as the other important factors in your home search such as School District, quality of life, area amenities or commute.

I don't know how much I can afford

Again, call a Realtor! We have relationships with trusted loan professionals who can work with you through the pre-approval process and tell you how much you qualify to borrow. You may be pleasantly surprised! You may also get a reality check and decide to re-evaluate your price point or expectations. Aside from pre-approval, a good lender may also give you advice to restructure some other debts and free up the amount of money you can afford to put towards housing costs on a monthly basis or into savings for a down payment.

I have limited credit history and won't qualify, I think I should wait before talking to a Realtor

Wrong! If you have limited credit history a Realtor can give you some pointers about what you can do to establish credit and help you put together a long term plan for purchasing a home. Something as simple as taking out a small loan from a local lender and repaying it ahead of schedule or applying for a credit card with a small limit and paying it off in full every month can quickly establish good credit. You don't need 10 years of credit history to qualify.

I don't think my credit score is good enough

Call a Realtor! (Are you seeing a pattern here?) There are plenty of things that you can do to improve your credit score quickly such as establishing a good payment history on your current accounts, paying down a low balance credit card, or helping you to put together a budget and putting you on the path to getting rid of debts that are weighing you down.

It is a common misconception that you shouldn't talk to a Realtor until you are ready to go look at houses. The truth is, I have plenty of clients that are several years away from purchasing a home. As I've said before, Realtors aren't just a set of keys! Talking to a Realtor about your long term goals, getting guidance and keeping in touch throughout the process is going to put you in the best possible financial shape when you are ready to move forward.

About the author: This blog is provided by Lori Liveston, a Realtor with Virtual Homes Real Estate. Lori can be reached via email at lori.liveston@virtualhomes.com or by phone at 781-799-9267. Follow Lori on Twitter @loriliveston

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

I service the following towns in Metrowest MA: Waltham, Lexington, Watertown, Billerica, Burlington, Woburn, Newton, Needham, Dedham, Framingham, Ashland, Natick, Hopkinton, Upton, Arlington, Weston, Wayland, Belmont, Concord, Lincoln, Cambridge, Bedford and Winchester.

Bishops Forest - Waltham Condos/Townhouses for Sale

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:56:23 -0700

Bishops Forest - Waltham Condos/Townhouses for Sale

Looking for a luxury townhouse in Waltham, MA? The privacy of single family living combined with a professionally managed complex? Or the perfect commuter location with easy access to all major routes and public transit? Then you have found your next home in Bishops Forest in Waltham, MA!

Bishops Forest is a 269 unit Waltham townhouse development just off the intersection of Lexington Street and Lake Street in Waltham, MA. Just over a mile from I-95 and Route 2 for easy commuting, a short drive to Moody Street in Waltham to pick up the commuter rail. Bishops Forest location also offers easy access to the Mass Pike/I-90.

Whether you are commuting into the city, moving to Waltham, MA with your young family, working along the I-95 corridor or looking for a great location to enter retirement, Waltham MA has alot to offer:

Great restaurants in Waltham, MA including Biagio, Campania & The Elephant Walk. Fun night life with live music at The Skellig (sister pub to The Burren in Sommerville) or having a beer and the best burger in town at Joe Sent Me (sister pub to Joe Sent Me in Cambridge). Family fun at the Lyman Estate Greenhouses or any of the various summertime festivals including weekly bands in the park and summer fun on the Charles River. Farmers markets and the best local produce around at Pizzi Farms. Public golf courses in Lexington and Weston as well as some of the most prestigious and exclusive clubs in the country such as the Weston Golf Club and Brookline Country Club within less than 10 minutes from Bishops Forest in Waltham.

Built to last about 20 years ago, Bishops Forest offers everything you would expect from a luxury townhouse including: pool, spa (hot tub), lighted tennis courts, professional landscaping and privacy on over 70 wooded acres. Townhouses feature:

Generous multi-level floor plans from 1,800 square feet to over 3,000 square feet

Attached garage parking and additional driveway spaces

Private entrance

Vaulted ceilings

Private decks, patios or balconies

Townhouses for sale at Bishops Forest in Waltham, MA:

There are currently several townhouses for sale in Bishops Forest in Waltham, MA ranging from three bedroom 2200 square foot layouts in the high $400s to sprawling 3100 square foot end units in the high $500s.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Watertown Luxury Condos for Sale - Repton Place

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 22:10:08 -0700

Watertown Condos for Sale - Repton Place

Located just outside of Watertown Square, Repton Place is one of Watertown's most desirable condominium developements. Repton Place's location is convenient to downtown Boston and Cambridge. Close proximity to I-90 and Route 128 is perfect for commuters to all locations in the MetroWest area.

Amenities for Repton Place include:

over 70 local restaurants;

grocery stores, including excellent produce from Russo's and a new Stop and Shop across the street;

two gyms (Work Out World is in walking distance);

garage parking;

quick access to public transit; and

excercise room and common area lounge included in Phase II construction.

Built in 2006, Repton Place brings downtown Boston's luxury condo market to the suburbs. All common areas at Repton Place were designed by renowned interior designer Dennis Duffy. Dennis Duffy also designed Manny Ramirez's penthouse at the Ritz Carlton, making him the best of the best in Boston luxury homes.

Condos at Repton Place are luxuriously appointed with wood floors, energy efficient windows, in unit washer and dryer hookups and state of the art kitchens including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and wood cabinets. All condos include seperate heating and cooling systems. For some private outdoor space, many condos at Repton Place feature balconies.

Repton Place is now FHA approved with financing options for as little as 3.5% down! Prices at Repton Place range from the $230s for well appointed studios to spacious three bedroom layouts starting in the low $400s.

There are units available in Repton Place including new construction and resales in all layouts (Studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units).

Please contact me (lori.liveston@virtualhomes.com) if you would like more information about Watertown condos for sale in Repton Place.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Waltham MA Condo Report - September 2010

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 21:06:22 -0700

The Waltham MA Condos activity for homes sold in Waltham, MA shows that there were 13 condos sold in Waltham MA during the month of September 2010 with an average sales price of $284,154 and an average days on the market (DOM) of 79.

Average condo sale prices have dipped significantly over the summer months - down over $40,000 since June. I attribute this to the expiration of the first time home buyer tax credit. The condo market has always been a great entry point for first time home buyers and with the incentive of a tax credit, many first time buyers sped up their purchasing timeline and jumped into the market this spring. DOM is up from the same period last year, however it is still down 40 days from September of 2008.

MA Real Estate - Community, relocation and school information with town demographics.

MA Foreclosures - Obtain a list of foreclosed and bank owned real estate and short sales

MA MLS - View all listings in the statewide MLS.

MA Homes for Sale - Map Search - Search by location, neighborhood and commuting.

Waltham MA Condos for Sale - Map based search

Virtual Homes Real Estate provides search tools to assist you in learning about the community, listing and market conditions. Click on the following links for your choice of services.

Visit MA Homes for sale for direct MLS access to all listings. To obtain school, demographic, commuting, relocation, home buying and selling information, go to Massachusetts real estate. For information regarding foreclosures, visit Massachusetts foreclosures.

This Waltham MA Condos Report is based on activity reported from the MLS PIN MA MLS system and is not guaranteed to be accurate. It does not represent all of the listings that have sold during the specified time frame.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Waltham MA Homes Report - September 2010

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 20:51:15 -0700

The Waltham MA Home Market activity for homes sold in Waltham, MA shows that there were 22 homes sold in Waltham MA during the month of September 2010 with an average sales price of $396,044 and an average days on the market (DOM) of 67.

MA Real Estate - Community, relocation and school information with town demographics.

MA Foreclosures - Obtain a list of foreclosed and bank owned real estate and short sales

MA MLS - View all listings in the statewide MLS.

MA Homes for Sale - Map Search - Search by location, neighborhood and commuting.

Virtual Homes Real Estate provides search tools to assist you in learning about the community, listing and market conditions. Click on the following links for your choice of services.

This Waltham MA Homes Report is based on activity reported from the MLS PIN MA MLS system and is not guaranteed to be accurate. It does not represent all of the listings that have sold during the specified time frame.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Some Disagree on The Need to Inspect New Construction

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 01:33:05 -0700

Always, always do a home inspection. Even if you are purchasing new construction. The blog below from John Mulkey provides several important reasons for doing so.

Via John Mulkey, Housing Guru (TheHousingGuru.com):

Having been on Active Rain for two years now I’ve both read and written blog posts about the importance of a home inspection, and I’m surprised that some disagree on the need to inspect new construction. A recent blog post by Zeta Cross, a real estate agent in Philadelphia, asks the question, “Should you get a home inspection with new construction?”

I commented on the post and answered, “Absolutely yes.” And I briefly explained my reasoning. However, as comments on the blog appeared, I noticed that not all agreed with my position, so I thought I would outline in detail why ALL NEW HOMES SHOULD BE INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTOR.

The main argument offered in opposition seemed to be that new home builders offer a 1 year warranty and have a punch-list procedure for handling call-backs. In response to that argument I would answer:

● Why have the hassle of a builder call-back if the problem can be resolved before move-in? Most are aware that repairs after closing are time-consuming, frustrating, and often fail to meet the customer’s expectations.

● Regarding the builder’s warranty, I would say that standards vary widely from one builder to another; and unless the customer fully understands the builder’s obligations per his warranty, I would be concerned that significant differences in standards and expectations might exist.

● Additionally, what if the builder goes out of business or simply refuses to comply with warranty requests? Is it worth the expense, time, and frustration of having to pursue a builder through the legal system?

● Remember, ALL builders will provide a much better response to issues before the closing than they will after the money changes hands.

An argument offered by some is that the home will be inspected by the local authorities for compliance with local and national building codes; and that’s certainly true. But having been a builder and having seen dozens of code inspectors in action, I’ve seen firsthand that such inspections often miss important issues. Code inspectors spend only a few minutes in each home as they often have multiple inspections per day, while a professional home inspector may spend 3 hours or more in a single home. It’s impossible to do a thorough inspection in only a few minutes.

For additional information I would recommend the following articles:

Walk-Through Tips

Builders and Customer Service

Always-Always Hire a Home Inspector

For the views of a professional home inspector, see the blog of Jay Markanich

I base my opinion of having spent 4 decades in the home building business, during which time I built and sold hundreds of homes. And while I was committed to building with quality and spent hours in each of my homes doing my own inspecting, I knew that I could and would overlook potential problems. I recommended that my customers hire an inspector.

The Housing Guru: The expert source for all your housing questions

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Realtors make the economy go round

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:19:12 -0700

This blog was inspired by Lenn Harley's recently featured post about the need for a housing industry recovery in order for the US economy to make a full recovery. I'm going to quote Lenn here because she said it so well "DHA!" This is 100% true and I think it needs to be recognized how important our industry is to the US economy.

I have $1.1 million in sales closing in the next 6 weeks. Now, I'm not even close to being the biggest show in town and thats the amount of money I'm pumping into the US economy between now and mid-october. Connected to these home sales are additional monies going to title insurance companies, lenders, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, moving companies, escrow agents, contractors, electricians and plumbers (off the top of my head) not to mention the additional home sales that are connected to each transaction.

This fell into perspective for me tonight when I was thinking about my job pre-real estate. I worked for an IT media company. This company was a big deal, not a mom & pop shop - profitable, employed about 600 people, is publicly traded and does about $100 million in revenue per year. If we break that down monthly, that equals about $12.5 million in 6 weeks. I'm only one Realtor and I'm going to generate almost 1/10th of that in the same time period, just little old me. The top producer in Waltham did over $47 million in sales last year.

Yes, I think it's safe to say, Realtors are the straw that stirs the drink.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

I don't know, but I'll get back to you!

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:22:19 -0700

"I don't know, but I'll get back to you!" Why is that such a dirty phrase? It's music to my ears, and if you are a home buyer or seller, it should be to yours too.

I became a Realtor at a great time. The entire profession is changing, it is a challenging time in real estate (in a good way) that requires all of us to learn new things and really be on top of our game. I have to be fluent in financing, home inspections, contract negotiations, contingency sales, short sales and foreclosures just to name a few of the biggies. When something comes up that I don't have an answer to, I don't fluff my way through it, make assumptions or give an answer that is 4 years old. I will simply tell you: "I don't know but I will find out and get back to you."

Every transaction is different and on top of that, the rules are different today - ask any lender you know and they will tell you that the regulations and guidelines change on a weekly basis and it is a full time job just to keep up. I don't care if your Realtor has been at this for 2 years or 20 years - there will be questions that come up that they just don't know the answers to. What's important is that they don't blow smoke, but give you an honest answer - which just might be "I don't know."

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Tougher financing requirements and why they're a good thing

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 23:37:22 -0700

I called a client today who is scheduled to close in September on an investment property - this is his first time buying real estate as an investment. He's working on the mortgage application given to him by the bank and while we were talking through some of the documentation they require, he remarked at how much information they are asking for. Thinking out loud, he followed that up with saying "Well, I guess if banks had done this in the first place we might not be in this mess."

He's right. We all complain from time to time about how tough it is to close a deal these days, but maybe it should be. Buying a home is the largest investment most people will make in their lifetime. Aside from the mortgage, there are the additional expenses of taxes, mortgage insurance, home owners association fees, utilities, repairs, insurance and maintenance. Is it so crazy for lenders to make sure that the borrower can actually pay that loan back?

As Realtors, we should be on board with this concept. These new practices are good for business. Many homeowners facing foreclosure won't be returning to the housing market any time soon. Foreclosures and short sales have taken them out of the game for at least 3 years due to their financial situation and damaged credit report. Aside from their ability to buy another home, many homeowners will not be returning because they don't want anything to do with an industry they feel screwed them. By making sure that home buyers can afford their home, we significantly decrease the chances that they will be taken out of the market due to foreclosure.

Ultimately, tougher lending restrictions are good for consumers. Making sure that consumers can afford to pay back what they are borrowing ensures that they will be homeowners for the long run. Those facing foreclosure because they couldn't afford their mortgage payments are in a terrible situation not only financially but emotionally. Home ownership has been a corner stone of the American Dream since the 50's. Not only is it a symbol of success, but homeowners LOVE and take PRIDE their homes. They are excited to have their friends over, they celebrate holidays and make lifelong memories and traditions, they spend their free time on weekends mowing the lawn, gardening and walking around Home Depot for hours trying to find just the right faucet. The emotional toll foreclosure takes is just as great as the financial ramifications and most homeowners wouldn't be in this situation if tougher lending guidelines were in place all along.

The changes that have taken place in the lending industry may be frusterating at times, but it is a necessary correction that ultimately protects the consumer and should be welcomed by our profession.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Framingham MA Home Sales Report - July 2010

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:32:31 -0700

Framingham MA Home Sales Report - July 2010

The real estate and homes sold activity for Framingham, MA home sales shows that there were 35 Framingham, MA homes sold in July 2010 with an average sales price of $311,503 and an average days on the market (DOM) of 81.

The decrease in the number of home sales in Framingham, MA versus previous years can most likely be attributed to the spike in home sales in June (62 Framingham MA homes sold) for buyers taking advantage of the tax credit. Sales prices have also decreased versus the last few months ($311,503 for July versus $335,842 in June). We will have to see where August and Septembers numbers come out to see if July will be the only month affected by the tax credit for Framingham, MA home sellers and buyers.

MA Real Estate - Community, relocation and school information with town demographics.

MA Foreclosures - Obtain a list of foreclosed and bank owned real estate and short sales

MA MLS - View all listings in the statewide MLS.

MA Homes for Sale - Map Search - Search by location, neighborhood and commuting.

Framingham MA Homes for Sale - Map based search

Virtual Homes Real Estate provides search tools to assist you in learning about the community, listing and market conditions. Click on the following links for your choice of services.

This Framingham MA Home Sales Report is based on activity reported from the MLS PIN MA MLS system and is not guaranteed to be accurate. It does not represent all of the listings that have sold during the specified time frame.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Cambridge MA Condo Market Report - July 2010

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:32:12 -0700

Cambridge MA Condo Market Report - July 2010

The Cambridge MA Condo Market activity for condos sold in Cambridge, MA shows that there were 76 Cambridge MA condos sold in July 2010 with an average sales price of $533,088 and an average days on the market (DOM) of 62.

Cambridge MA Condo Prices

Cambridge MA Condo Market Stats

MA Real Estate - Community, relocation and school information with town demographics.

MA Foreclosures - Obtain a list of foreclosed and bank owned real estate and short sales

MA MLS - View all listings in the statewide MLS.

MA Homes for Sale - Map Search - Search by location, neighborhood and commuting.

Cambridge MA Condos for Sale - Map based search

Virtual Homes Real Estate provides search tools to assist you in learning about the community, listing and market conditions. Click on the following links for your choice of services.

This Cambridge MA Condo Market Report is based on activity reported from the MLS PIN MA MLS system and is not guaranteed to be accurate. It does not represent all of the listings that have sold during the specified time frame.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Cambridge MA Home Market Report - July 2010

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:17:42 -0700

Cambridge MA Home Market Report - July 2010

The Cambridge MA Home Market activity for single family homes sold in Cambridge, MA shows that there were 13 Cambridge MA homes sold in July 2010 with an average sales price of $1,077,115 and an average days on the market (DOM) of 69.

Cambridge MA Home Prices

Cambridge MA Home Market Statistics

MA Real Estate - Community, relocation and school information with town demographics.

MA Foreclosures - Obtain a list of foreclosed and bank owned real estate and short sales

MA MLS - View all listings in the statewide MLS.

MA Homes for Sale - Map Search - Search by location, neighborhood and commuting.

Cambridge MA Homes for Sale - Map based search

Virtual Homes Real Estate provides search tools to assist you in learning about the community, listing and market conditions. Click on the following links for your choice of services.

This Cambridge MA Home Market Report is based on activity reported from the MLS PIN MA MLS system and is not guaranteed to be accurate. It does not represent all of the listings that have sold during the specified time frame.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Waltham Homes for Sale - Cedarwood Neighborhood

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 23:38:04 -0700

Waltham Homes for Sale - Cedarwood

Located north of Weston Road and west of Summit Avenue, Cedarwood is one of Waltham's most desirable neighborhoods. It's close proximity to 128 is a commuters dream and bordering picturesque Brandeis University campus combined with quiet residentials streets makes it the perfect location for families.

The Cedarwood neighborhood of Waltham also has an active Neighborhood Association. The Association was established in 1955 and provides support to the residents promoting social, political, educational and recreational interests. The Neighborhood Association has also spearheaded beautification efforts in Cedarwood helping to make Cedarwood and even more attractive Waltham neighborhood.

Cedarwood in Waltham MA has several annual neighborhood events including a neighborhood yard sale every September, Holiday carrolling, a Cedarwood Playground annual picnic and a Halloween parade.

There are several Waltham homes for sale in Cedarwood:

178 Virginia Road - A two bedroom, one bath Ranch on a corner lot offered for $375,000

20 Hartwell Street - A three bedroom, three bath Cape offered for $399,000

90 Summit Ave - A four bedroom, 1.5 bath Colonial offered for $449,900

95 Harland Road - A three bedroom, 2.5 bath Colonial offered for $539,000

Please contact me (lori.liveston@virtualhomes.com) if you would like more information about Waltham homes for sale in Cedarwood.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Wellington Crossing - Waltham MA Condos

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 01:26:25 -0700

Wellington Crossing - Waltham MA Condos

Looking for a modern condo in Waltham, MA? How about a great commuter location? Or a professionally managed condo complex? Look no further than Wellington Crossing in Waltham, MA!

Wellington Crossing is a 268 unit Waltham condo complex just off of Trapelo road in the Eastview Park neighborhood close to the Lexington town line. About a mile from I-95 and Route 2 for easy commuting and a short drive to Moody Street in Waltham to pick up the commuter rail.

Whether you are attending Bentley or Brandeis, commuting into the city or working along the I-95 corridor, Waltham MA has alot to offer:

Great restaurants including Biagio, Campania & Naked Fish. Fun night life with live music at The Skellig (sister pub to The Burren in Sommerville), Blue's bands at Jake's Dixie Roadhouse or having a beer and the best burger in town at Joe Sent Me (sister pub to Joe Sent Me in Cambridge). Family fun at the Lyman Estate Greenhouses or any of the various summertime festivals.

Newly constructed in 2009, Wellington Crossing offers many modern conveniences including: pool, tennis courts, clubhouse, excercise room, intercom and elevator. Condos feature:

Hardwood Floors

Modern Kitchens with Granite and Stainless

Balconies

Generous Floor Plans

In unit Laundry

Recent Condo Sales at Wellington Crossing in Waltham

Three condos have sold in the last 9 months - A one bedroom one bath for $320,000, a two bedroom two bath garden level for $385,000 and a two bedroom two bath penthouse for $435,000.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Moody Street Restaurants, Biagio

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:15:22 -0700

As a local Realtor in Waltham, MA, my clients new to the area always ask "what's good to eat around here"? I'll tell ya! Nothing quite hits the spot on a Friday night like Biagio Ristorante on Moody Street in Waltham, MA.

As a long time Waltham,MA resident, I was excited to see some life coming into the all but forgotten brick building just past the intersection of Moody and Main Street. Biagio's opening in 2007 did not disappoint.

The setting at Biagio Ristorante is enough to stop by. Entering off of Moody Street, a two story foyer welcomes you, complete with a large winding staircase and murals painted on the ceiling. A large dining room on the first floor features beautiful marble floors, exposed brick walls, vaulted ceilings, cherry wood bar and a flat screen TV in the bar (for sneaking in the score of the Sox game, of course!). The second floor has a bar that is equally striking, a private dining room perfect for intimate parties and couches for lounging that can also be reserved.

My favorite part of Biagio Ristorante is hands down the roof deck. A great setting for dinner or evening cocktails overlooking the Charles. Perfect mojitos, a decent wine menu with some fine champagne selections for celebrating, a nice scotch list and great house cocktails. My favorite is the Espresso Martini. Drinks take a bit longer here, but they are worth the wait - hand muddled, fresh ingredients are always worht a few more minutes.

The menu at Biagio Ristorante doesn't disappoint either. The calamari is battered and fried the perfect amount, remaining light and crispy. Entres include various fresh handmade pastas (the gnocci doesn't dissappoint), scallops with a white chocolate rissotto and, my husbands personal favorite, Pollo - a roasted Statler chicken with roasted red peppers and pancetta.

Biagio Ristorante on Moody Street in Waltham, MA quickly rose to the top of my list of great Waltham MA restaurants. There are quite a few to choose from, but Biagio Ristorante never disappoints. Whether it's great Italian/American food or relaxing cocktails and socializing on the roofdeck - Biagio Ristorante in Waltham, MA is the perfect summertime spot!

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Burlington MA Real Estate Report - July 2010

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 23:19:56 -0700

Burlington MA Real Estate Report - July 2010

The Burlington MA Real Estate activity for homes sold in Burlington, MA shows that there were 22 single family homes transacted between 7/1/2010 and 7/31/2010 with an average sales price of $395,759 and an average days on the market (DOM) of 97.

MA Real Estate - Community, relocation and school information with town demographics.

MA Foreclosures - Obtain a list of foreclosed and bank owned real estate and short sales

MA MLS - View all listings in the statewide MLS.

MA Homes for Sale - Map Search - Search by location, neighborhood and commuting.

Burlington MA Real Estate for Sale - Map based search

Virtual Homes Real Estate provides search tools to assist you in learning about the community, listing and market conditions. Click on the following links for your choice of services.

This Burlington MA Real Estate Market Report is based on activity reported from the MLS PIN MA MLS system and is not guaranteed to be accurate. It does not represent all of the listings that have sold during the specified time frame.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Newton MA Homes Report - July 2010

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:46:47 -0700

Newton MA Homes Report - July 2010

The Newton MA Real Estate Market activity for homes sold in Newton, MA shows that there were 55 homes sold in Newton MA during the month of June 2010 with an average sales price of $962,487 and an average days on the market (DOM) of 68.

July is historically a good market for Newton MA home sales and July 2010 was no different. Prices climbed to $962,487 although fewer homes were sold in Newton MA and DOM was relatively. The decrease in the number of homes sold can be attributed to expiration of the first time home buyer tax credit and the subsequent affect on move up buyers.

MA Real Estate - Community, relocation and school information with town demographics.

MA Foreclosures - Obtain a list of foreclosed and bank owned real estate and short sales

MA MLS - View all listings in the statewide MLS.

MA Homes for Sale - Map Search - Search by location, neighborhood and commuting.

Newton MA Homes for Sale - Map based search

Virtual Homes Real Estate provides search tools to assist you in learning about the community, listing and market conditions. Click on the following links for your choice of services.

This Newton MA Homes Report is based on activity reported from the MLS PIN MA MLS system and is not guaranteed to be accurate. It does not represent all of the listings that have sold during the specified time frame.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Waltham MA Homes Report - July 2010

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 23:31:04 -0700

Waltham MA Homes Report - July 2010

The Waltham MA Home Market activity for homes sold in Waltham, MA shows that there were 21 homes sold in Waltham MA during the month of July 2010 with an average sales price of $378,712 and an average days on the market (DOM) of 101.

As you can see from the chart below, Waltham home prices dipped in July, falling to $378,712, hitting their lowest average sales price since 2003. Number of home sales dropped to 21, less than half of the 44 sold in June of this year. This may be a housing hangover following the expiration of the tax credit, but one thing is sure, July was not a good month for sellers in Waltham. However, a bad market for someone is a great market for someone else and buyers should jump in to take advantage of the trend. It will be interesting to see where August's number come in as buyers who may have waited until July to buy raced to move before expiration of the tax credit in June.

MA Real Estate - Community, relocation and school information with town demographics.

MA Foreclosures - Obtain a list of foreclosed and bank owned real estate and short sales

MA MLS - View all listings in the statewide MLS.

MA Homes for Sale - Map Search - Search by location, neighborhood and commuting.

Virtual Homes Real Estate provides search tools to assist you in learning about the community, listing and market conditions. Click on the following links for your choice of services.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

FHA..........FORGIVE & FORGET PROGRAM........President Obama please.....

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:59:08 -0700

Richie Naggar has proposed a creative and, I think, workable solution to the housing crisis. Why not allow homeowners who lost their homes to foreclosure to qualify for an FHA loan to get them back into a house and sell some of these unsellables sitting on the market??

Via Richie Naggar Ran Right Realty Riverside, Ca:

We all know that the loan modification programs aren't working. They cannot work and were never designed to work....but that is another post. Consequently, foreclosures are here to stay, and will run their unnatural course leaving much destruction in their wake. How can you have a borrower who owes $400k on a home that is worth only $175k ever hope to catch-up or make sense out of the current investment they are in?

Real Estate has to correct itself and cannot be regulated. It runs on the principals of a ready willing and able buyer and seller to set values together with supply and demand to run profitably, efficiently and effectively. Interfering with this causes problems.....as we are now experiencing.....

The damage to the former borrower/homeowner is devastating. By this I mean that the credit scores and reports will now reflect a NEGATIVE for the next ten years. This will result in higher loan rates for some and no loans for others. Forget credit cards, purchasing of cars, appliances or at random shopping.......

The mental, emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical damage is here to stay and plays on the buying Psyche of the consumer at large. Happy people think differently than unhappy people. Take away hope from people and you get despair. If despair goes untreated, hopelessness kicks in. Hopelessness invites more crime and worsens the economic picture now as well as into the future.....

All this does is hurt Neighborhoods, Cities and the Nation as a whole. Do we really need more homeless, credit-less people who do not pay into the tax system? Of course not...........

Don't forget, even if prices correct over the years, many buyers will still feel alienated.

PROPOSED SOLUTION......PROPOSED SOLUTION......PROPOSED SOLUTION......PROPOSED SOLUTION

Home prices are so low that if people who were recently foreclosed upon were allowed to get FHA loans..... many would probably buy a house and make it a home......in a heart beat.

Lots of low income and middle class people got hurt this go around thanks in part to the banks and in part to the sub prime mess. THE RESULT: Values are down, credit is shot for the populations and we have taken out two responsible sectors out of the game. Even people who have employment who have been foreclosed on cannot play in the game anymore. Hundreds of thousands to millions of people will just sit out this next cycle who could have purchased. This hurts us all......

Forgive & forget......let them back into the game. Now, that is a program that would help everyone. It moves product, generates cash flows for a myriad of businesses, supports the selling and buying of Real Estate, aids in the market self-correcting, circumvents the free-falling foreclosure market and restores not only hope to families, but invites them to rejoin society and become homeowners which benefits everyone.......EVERYONE........

A good habit to have when describing a PROBLEM (or two) is to always have a solution to go with it. I have lambasted the banks, government, the economy and the greed of man in general in several of my blogs recently. So, in keeping with practicing what I preach, I offer my humble solution. I don't have all the answers, perhaps together, we can find them.

I submit this for your consideration and comments......................

PEOPLE FIRST...THEN BUSINESS

Richie Alan Naggar Ran Right Realty Riverside, Ca

Richie@RanRightRealty.com

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Watertown MA Home Market Report - June 2010

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:31:14 -0700

Watertown MA Home Market Report - June 2010

The Watertown MA Home Market activity for single family homes sold in Watertown, MA shows that there were 7 Watertown MA homes sold in June 2010 with an average sales price of $549,243 and an average days on the market (DOM) of 77.

MA Real Estate - Community, relocation and school information with town demographics.

MA Foreclosures - Obtain a list of foreclosed and bank owned real estate and short sales

MA MLS - View all listings in the statewide MLS.

MA Homes for Sale - Map Search - Search by location, neighborhood and commuting.

Watertown MA Homes for Sale - Map based search

Virtual Homes Real Estate provides search tools to assist you in learning about the community, listing and market conditions. Click on the following links for your choice of services.

This Watertown MA Home Market Report is based on activity reported from the MLS PIN MA MLS system and is not guaranteed to be accurate. It does not represent all of the listings that have sold during the specified time frame.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Lexington MA Homes Report - June 2010

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:21:45 -0700

Lexington MA Homes Report - June 2010

The Lexington MA Home Market activity for single family homes sold in Lexington, MA shows that there were 57 Lexington MA homes sold in June 2010 with an average sales price of $889,026 and an average days on the market (DOM) of 88.

MA Real Estate - Community, relocation and school information with town demographics.

MA Foreclosures - Obtain a list of foreclosed and bank owned real estate and short sales

MA MLS - View all listings in the statewide MLS.

MA Homes for Sale - Map Search - Search by location, neighborhood and commuting.

Lexington MA Homes for Sale - Map based search

Virtual Homes Real Estate provides search tools to assist you in learning about the community, listing and market conditions. Click on the following links for your choice of services.

This Lexington MA Homes Report is based on activity reported from the MLS PIN MA MLS system and is not guaranteed to be accurate. It does not represent all of the listings that have sold during the specified time frame.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

New Cambridge Multi-Family $1,100,000 27 Walden Street, Open House Sunday 1-3

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 23:42:25 -0700

27 Walden Street, Cambridge MA

$1,100,000

Open House Sunday 7/25 1-3

LOCATION, LOCATION! Perfect for owner occupied or investor looking for condo conversion. Less than a mile from Porter & Davis Square in this beautiful three family Victorian home. 2005 addition includes the owners unit with over 3000 square feet! Two floors of living with Master Bedroom, full bath and laundry on the first floor. Updates also include kitchens, bathrooms, heating and electrical (all seperate utilities). Off street parking for four cars! Current rental income is $3,300 per month.

Exterior

Owner's Unit Kitchen/Dining

Owner's Unit Living/Dining

Owner's Unit First Floor Bath

Owner's Unit Master

Owner's Unit Second Floor

Rental Unit 1 Kitchen

Rental Unit 1 Living/Dining

Rental Unit 1 Bedroom

Rental Unit 2 Kitchen

Rental Unit 2 Living/Kitchen

Rental Unit 2 Bedroom

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Woburn MA Homes Market Report - June 2010

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:53:49 -0700

Woburn MA Homes Market Report - June 2010

The Woburn MA Homes Market activity for homes sold in Woburn, MA shows that there were 20 single family homes transacted in June 2010 with an average sales price of $384,963 and an avereage days on the market (DOM) of 69.

As I noted last month, the Woburn MA home market has been steadily climbing back since 2008. With an average sales price in Woburn MA of $384,963 Woburn is an attractive market for buyers looking for the convenience of the Burlington area and the I-95 corridor with a little bit of a discount versus Burlington MA home prices.

MA Real Estate - Community, relocation and school information with town demographics.

MA Foreclosures - Obtain a list of foreclosed and bank owned real estate and short sales

MA MLS - View all listings in the statewide MLS.

MA Homes for Sale - Map Search - Search by location, neighborhood and commuting.

Woburn MA Homes for Sale - Map based search

Virtual Homes Real Estate provides search tools to assist you in learning about the community, listing and market conditions. Click on the following links for your choice of services.

This Woburn MA Homes Market Report is based on activity reported from the MLS PIN MA MLS system and is not guaranteed to be accurate. It does not represent all of the listings that have sold during the specified time frame.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Burlington MA Homes Market Report - June 2010

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:17:47 -0700

Burlington MA Homes Market Report - June 2010

The Burlington MA Homes Market activity for homes sold in Burlington, MA shows that there were 23 single family homes transacted between 5/1/2010 and 5/31/2010 with an average sales price of $417,307 and an avereage days on the market (DOM) of 78.

It is clear from the charts below that 2009 was the bottom of the Burlington MA with prices at a bottom prices from January up through this month we have seen healthy sales prices supporting my claims of recovery in the Burlington MA homes market. DOM are also healthy at 78, down from a painful 114 in 2009 that had sellers sweating it for almost 4 months on the average home sale.

MA Real Estate - Community, relocation and school information with town demographics.

MA Foreclosures - Obtain a list of foreclosed and bank owned real estate and short sales

MA MLS - View all listings in the statewide MLS.

MA Homes for Sale - Map Search - Search by location, neighborhood and commuting.

Burlington MA Homes for Sale - Map based search

Virtual Homes Real Estate provides search tools to assist you in learning about the community, listing and market conditions. Click on the following links for your choice of services.

This Burlington MA Homes Market Report is based on activity reported from the MLS PIN MA MLS system and is not guaranteed to be accurate. It does not represent all of the listings that have sold during the specified time frame.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.

Billerica MA Homes Report - June 2010

Lori Liveston (Virtual Homes, Real Estate) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:18:45 -0700

Billerica MA Homes Report - June 2010

The Billerica MA Home Market activity for homes sold in Billerica, MA shows that there were 34 homes sold in Billerica MA during the month of June 2010 with an average sales price of $319,344 and an average days on the market (DOM) of 124.

MA Real Estate - Community, relocation and school information with town demographics.

MA Foreclosures - Obtain a list of foreclosed and bank owned real estate and short sales

MA MLS - View all listings in the statewide MLS.

MA Homes for Sale - Map Search - Search by location, neighborhood and commuting.

Billerica MA Homes for Sale - Map based search

Virtual Homes Real Estate provides search tools to assist you in learning about the community, listing and market conditions. Click on the following links for your choice of services.

This Billerica MA Real Estate Market Report is based on activity reported from the MLS PIN MA MLS system and is not guaranteed to be accurate. It does not represent all of the listings that have sold during the specified time frame.

If you are thinking of buying or selling your home, contact me today! I would love to put my enthusiasm, marketing expertise and dedication to results to work for you.

For a FREE no obligation home search tool sign up at my home search site.