RE/MAX Executive Realty Metrowest Real Estate Blog

Wishing You All a Blessed Thanksgiving

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:05:56 -0600

Susan Morrison Joins RE/MAX Executive Realty

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:30 -0600

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am pleased to announce my association with RE/MAX Executive Realty with offices in Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medfield, Natick and Upton.

As a member of the RE/MAX team, I can provide you with professional customized service for all of your real estate needs.

If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell, please call me at 617-686-8178.

Susan.Morrison1@comcast.net

I look forward to being of service to you now or in the future.

Susan Morrison

Realtor®

Just for fun!

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:29:19 -0600

Some fun facts about Friday the 13^th

Any month's 13th day will fall on a Friday if the month starts on a Sunday.

In 2009 this applies to the months of February, March and November.

The next year to have three Friday the 13th dates will be 2012.

The longest period that can occur without a Friday the 13th is fourteen months, either from July to September the following common year (e.g. in 2001/2002 and 2012/13), or from August to October the following leap year (e.g. in 2027/28).

An estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day.

The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia

Have a wonderful weekend!

All Hands on Deck!

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:56:18 -0600

With 20% of the year left we will finish the year strong with our "All Hands on Deck!" approach!

Giving back to our real estate family

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:12:24 -0500

When Typhoon Ketsana (locally called "Ondoy") hit the Philippines on September 26, 2009, it left floods and destruction in its wake. Tens of thousands of people are homeless and 337 deaths have been reported due to this storm. The American Red Cross has reported that 2.5 million people have been affected in the Philippines.

This storm hit close to home too. Bless Villanueva, a Marketing specialist at RE/MAX Executive Realty in Franklin and a Blackstone resident is native of the Philippines. Ketsana left her elderly mother separated from her father on a neighbor's roof and her nieces stranded away from their relatives with no food or water. The storm heavily damaged their home, and all of their life's possessions were lost or covered in mud when the flood waters receded. Imagine having only the clothes on your back! Thankfully Bless' entire families survived the storm and are rebuilding their lives.

Through donations from agents and employees of RE/MAX Executive Realty and a matching grant from the RE/MAX Executive Realty Charitable Foundation Bless was able to go home to the Philippines, bringing bedding, clothing and a renewed energy. Her family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and the generosity of strangers. During her stay she was able to arrange for contractors to remove damaged walls and haul away trash. When Bless left a new home was being built and in a mere two weeks a new home, made not of wood, but of flood resistant stone will be completed. All of this was made possible through the donations and efforts of the RE/MAX Executive Realty Charitable Foundation.

While there has been great progress to date, there is still so much that needs to be done. Donations are still being accepted through the RE/MAX Executive Realty Charitable Foundation. For more information, contact Bill Wright at 508-520-9882 or www.remaxexec.com/comm.asp.

The RE/MAX Executive Realty Charitable Foundation is a non-profit foundation organized to carry out the philanthropic mission of RE/MAX Executive Realty and our associates. The Foundation is established to fund financial or service based needs in the Company's market area. Our primary goal is to improve the lives of families or individuals in our market area.

Best September Since 2005!

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:13:19 -0500

Congratulations to everyone at RE/MAX Executive Realty!!

We just had our BEST September for closed transactions since 2005. Our Pending pipeline is stronger for this time of year than it has been in the last 4 years!

Great job everyone for working hard this summer to make this happen. There is still 25% of 2009 remaining, so let's continue this positive momentum and finish the year strong.

RE/MAX Executive continues to beat the market with our "All Hands on Deck" approach to everyone working hard and achieving success.

Keep up the GREAT work!

Strong Finish

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:54:20 -0500

It feels as if we have been climbing out of the recession. There has been a flurry of good news about housing and the economy lately. Both "home sales" and "pending sales" have posted several consecutive months of increases over the previous year.

Mortgage rates continue to attract home purchasers and the First Time Buyer tax credit is fueling an urgency to purchase for that segment of the market.

But there is still more work for us to do before we can sit back and relax. Here's to a strong finish!

How is a credit score determined?

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:21:56 -0500

Do you know how your credit score is determined? A credit score is based on information contained in your credit file. The FICO® score is calculated using the following credit file items:

· Payment history: Approximately 35% of the FICO score is based on this category.

· Amounts owed: Approximately 30% of the FICO score is based on this category.

· Length of credit history: Approximately 15% of the FICO score is based on this category.

· New credit: Approximately 10% of the FICO score is based on this category.

· Type of credit used: Approximately 10% of the FICO score is based on this category.

Please keep in mind that there are many different scoring models that can be used to calculate a credit score, and each scoring model may give more or less weight to the various items of information in your credit file.

Good luck!

8K Tax Incentive

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:27:04 -0500

How are you finding the $8K first time home buyer initiative affecting your market place?

There was some discussion in one of our offices last week about this, with one agent saying it didn't effect him at all (all of his listings are higher end, not typical first time home buyer fare) and another agent saying that 2 of his most recent buyers took advantage of the program. We find this to be true throughout our offices. Just wondering how it is in other areas.

No words needed.....

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:07:23 -0500

Happy Labor Day!

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:29:48 -0500

Ah, the unofficial end of summer ~ have a wonderful and safe weekend!

The news keeps getting better!

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:47:23 -0500

The real estate market keeps getting better news each week!

There have been reports that the number of homes sales surged in July and prices have leveled off. Expect more good news in the media as economists are expecting more data to support an increase in activity and stabilization of prices.

All indication is that this will be a very good Fall market for real estate, let's continue our positive momentum and out perform our competitors!

Wishing you much success!

First Time Buyer Credit

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:30:40 -0500

Time is running out for First Time Buyer Credit!

The last closing date to take advantage of this program is December 1st. For assistance with this program or any of your real estate questions, contact RE/MAX Executive Realty. We are the most recognized, the most productive, well respected and highly trained agents in our marketplace!

A tip from Alliance Home Mortgage - buyers may receive a gift from a family member to close and then amend their 2008 return for immediate cash. Don't let your buyer's be fooled into thinking they can use the $8K tax incentive money for closing! Buyers can amend their 2008 tax returns until October 15th.

More Good News....

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:59:26 -0500

More Good News...

The positive signs for RE/MAX Executive and our industry continue. As an example, last week we had more showings on our listings than in any other week in 2009...and we had the third most productive week for the number of our listings that went under agreement. Our market share continues to climb and we are excited about the fall market being extremely productive. As we have said before, it is often difficult to tell when there has been a change in the market...but right now it is feeling much better. Please don't miss this opportunity to have a strong 3Q. Now is a great time to build your inventory so that you are in a position to capitalize on this market shift.

Wishing you much success!

Positive Change in the Market?

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:03:18 -0500

It is often difficult trying to determine when there is a positive change in the economy...only history will tell us when it actually took place. Attached are two articles from boston.com that strongly suggests the Massachusetts economy has started to take a positive turn. My guess, we are not out of the water yet, but things definitely are feeling much better. Now would be a great time to start focusing on building your listing inventory so that as the market turns, you are in a position to profit from the increased activity.

Wishing you much success!

http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/07/29/mass_median_home_price_rises_above_300000/

http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/07/29/signs_pointing_up_for_mass

Hopkinton - Best Place to Live

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:28:35 -0500

Hopkinton- oh wonderful Hopkinton! We have long believed that Hopkinton is a wonderful place, we have an office there and many of our agents live in town.

From a quaint New England downtown to headquarters of international companies, easy access to major routes, a strong local economy, great schools and a low crime rate it's easy to see why Money Magazine has ranked Hopkinton in the top 20 places to live in the country.

But like most towns, what makes it a community is its people. And Hopkinton is full of wonderful people. Just this morning, I got a cup of coffee at a local downtown spot - a gentleman (obviously this is not Bill writing, but Carol Recchino) tipped his hat, a car stopped to let me cross the street (the driver smiled and waved) and a young mother with a stroller pleasantly smiled and said hello. What a lovely day!!!

If you haven't yet had the pleasure you should check out Hopkinton and find out why Newsweek said the school system was amongst the top in the country, Money Magazine concurs!

Summer in Real Esate is Hot

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:11:38 -0500

An informal poll of our office administrators suggests that they are busy setting up showings and more importantly busy closing out transactions!

With interest rates still low and an $8,000 incentive for first time buyers, summer truly is hot in real estate right now.

As real estate was the first industry to feel the effects of the economic slowdown it seems only fitting that we (hopefully) be the first to feel it start, ever so slowly, to turn around.

How is your market?

RE/MAX Executive Realty Property Management

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:28:06 -0500

We have started a new division RE/MAX Property Management . We manage individual condo units and single family homes.

The range of services that RE/MAX Executive Realty Property Management offers includes everything from procurement of tenants, collection of rent, inspection of property, 24 hour emergency response and financial reporting to owner.

As a full service real estate brokerage, RE/MAX Executive Realty offers more than just property management. Our Rental Division has a steady and consistent access to perspective tenants.

In addition, when the time is right, RE/MAX Executive Realty provides assistance and counseling in searching for other income producing properties to add to your real estate portfolio. We specialize in marketing of investment properties when you are ready to capitalize and cash in on your investment.

If you are an established real estate investor or looking to start building wealth through real estate investments, RE/MAX Executive Realty can assist you in every step of the way. Call or email for more information (508) 589-2049 RPM@remaxexec.com

People in an Age of Technology

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:12:39 -0500

I have written several blogs recently about people, technology and prioritizing. And as I've written each what I am really thinking about is the fragility of life.

In our company (we are about 120 strong) we have over the last several years lost several of our own. All otherwise young vibrant people - all to cancer - different types. Two after long battles, one a shorter one, one married with children, one a single parent and one married but had not yet had a chance to start a family. Two women and one man.

It is sad.

So today on this beautiful day, take a moment - look around the office, notice the people you work with. Smile, say hello, ask how someone is doing (and mean it). Tread a little lighter, breathe a little easier, and appreciate a little more. Maybe even offer a few words of kindness and connection. I wish you all well.

In memory of Donna, Cheryl and Rob.

Thank you veterans!

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:11:07 -0500

The More Things Change.....

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:16:31 -0500

This is an excerpt from our company weekly newsletter. Enjoy!

"Never in the history of America has there been so great an opportunity for practical dreamers as now exists. The six-year economic collapse has reduced everyone to the same level. A new race is about to be run. The stakes represent huge fortunes which will be accumulated over the next ten years.

We who are in this race for the riches should be encouraged to know that this changed world in which we live is demanding new ideas, new ways of doing things, new methods of teaching, new methods of marketing, new books, new literature. Back of all of this demand for new and better things, there is only one quality which one must posses to win, and that is the definiteness of purpose - the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to posses it."

These words, which accurately describe today's business conditions, were written over 70 years ago toward the end of the Great Depression.

The same is true today, right now, we have before us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in which hardworking, forward thinking, consistently driven RE/MAX agents will find new paths to success while others in our industry (those who are tired, worn out and unorganized) will not find success. With "All Hands on Deck" at RE/MAX Executive, our collective success isn't just hope...it's a certainty!

Technology

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:28:13 -0500

How dependent are you? How dependent am I? Recently when a computer crashed in our marketing department potentially paralyzing all those with names from A-L, it reminded me again how far we have gone in regards to technology.

Do you remember MLS books? Calling an office to set up a showing because there were no cell phones? Life without your Blackberry? How could we function today without email? Without fax machines (relative dinosaurs in our high tech world)? Digital photography, video tours, the list goes on and on.

Do you back up? Do you have a back up plan for when the power goes out or someone spills coffee on your keyboard?

So, how connected are you? And do you ever ‘unplug'?

Go to the office!

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:00:20 -0500

Do you go into the office or work from home?

Are you one of the many people who are disciplined enough to actually work from home? Does the laundry pile or the newspaper lure you away from your work?

Some people, and yes realtors are people, have home offices where they routinely work. They are diligent about making phone calls everyday and writing note cards. But, if you are like most people, you find a million things to distract you - the dog, the TV, another cup of coffee.

One our realtors, who comes into the office to work attempted to work from home last Monday, if you are not aware, last Monday was a holiday in Massachusetts (Evacuation Day in Boston, also known as Marathon Monday). Although she is very disciplined she found that it was hard to work at home.

This year, we are encouraging all of our agents - to come into the office, be collegial, help one another, encourage one another - show up to work. The office motto this year is All Hands on Deck!

People 1st

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:56:16 -0500

People 1^st

It is easy to get wrapped up in the business and busyness of real estate and forget the impact we have on people's lives. Successful agents understand this; it is what keeps the phone ringing, even in a slow economy. Their buyers and sellers get top shelf service and refer their friends and family members.

Realtors should have to move a few times over the course of their careers... and not represent themselves! It would help to keep us in touch with what our buyers and sellers are experiencing. I used to say to people with whom I was working that I understood this is my job but it is your life.

I have bought, sold and moved several times over the last few years. I believe it has made me more empathetic and certainly has helped me to remember to always put people 1^st!

My dad once had a doctor who referred to his patients as, ‘the man with the leg problem in room 302' as opposed to ‘the leg in room 302'. He humanized each of his patients (think transactions). It made him a better doctor. Shouldn't we do the same?

Have a great weekend!

RE/MAX Executive Realty — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:28:19 -0600