home buyers: A Home Search is Like a Job - 09/22/13 07:02 AM
Your home search is almost like a second job....so treat it like one.  

No, I don't mean you will get paid for it!  But, searching for the right home is a serious task and is time consuming so make sure you have the time to dedicate to it.  
Every waking hour does not need to be dedicated to looking for a home.  Your buyer agent will help you narrow down your search, answer questions about towns and neighborhoods, email you new home listings and suggest homes that fit your criteria.  
But home buyers do need to have an … (3 comments)

home buyers: What is Considered to be Living Area? - 11/01/12 11:34 AM
What is Considered to be Living Area? I recently received a frantic email from a friend who had his house appraised for a refinance.  The appraiser gave him less living area than he's had for the past fifteen years.  He wanted to know...what is really considered living area?     This is a question that many buyers want to know.  And in fact, I see many errors in this area when homes are input into the MLS.  Many agents include finished basements in the living area.  This is not accurate.   Basements are not considered living area.  If more than half of … (8 comments)

home buyers: I Have the Best Clients! - 09/25/12 09:34 AM
I have to say, I have the best clients!  I was out today and got a call from a florist making a delivery to my house.  He called to let me know he left the flowers at my neighbor's house.  I could not imagine who was sending flowers.....birthday?  A couple of weeks ago.  Anniversary?  Next week.  Daughter's birthday?  Well....tomorrow....but who would be sending her flowers?   I came home and retrieved them only to find that it was a beautiful fall arrangement and a box of chocolates sent to me by clients who had recently closed.  The card read:   "We … (8 comments)

home buyers: Another Satisfied Home Buyer: Congratulations to the New Owners of 562 Norfolk St., Holliston, MA - 03/25/12 05:32 AM
Another Satisfied Homebuyer: Congratulations to the New Owners of 562 Norfolk Street, Holliston, MA
  Congratulations to my buyers who closed on Friday on the purchase of a home in Holliston MA.     Their home search started late last fall and they were focusing on homes for sale in Sharon MA.   They were not finding exactly what they wanted so expanded their search to Holliston MA - a little bit out of my normal coverage area but I knew we would find what they wanted. And, in fact, they did find what they wanted and have closed on the purchase of their first home. … (2 comments)

home buyers: It's a Loan Officer, Not a Serial Killer! - 03/09/12 09:12 PM
Here is a well written post by Eric Michael of Northville MI that all prospective buyers need to read.   Loan officers are not scary!   Eric outlines all the reasons why you should talk to one and get yourself pre approved at the start of the home buying process.
If you are looking for a home in the Canton MA area, and need a referral, I can put you in touch with a number of friendly loan officers who can help!   Just contact me, your Canton MA Buyer Broker.


It's a Loan Officer, Not a Serial Killer!
Scenario … (0 comments)

home buyers: Massachusetts Oil Heat Regulations Take Effect - 10/06/11 09:27 AM
Massachusetts Oil Heat Regulations Take Effect
On September 30, 2011, the Homeowner Oil Heating System Upgrade and Insurance Law went into effect.  It requires that homes that are heated by oil heat either have an oil safety valve or a protective sleeve on the oil supply line installed.  The law also provided that homeowner insurance companies offer coverage for leaks from oil-based heating systems.
Homeowners of 1-4 family homes that heat by oil should have had either the saftey valve or protective sleeve installed on their systems prior to September 30, 2011.  If it is not installed, you need to have … (8 comments)

home buyers: Summer Concerts in Canton MA - 07/20/11 12:31 AM
Summer Concerts in Canton MA
On Wednesday evenings in the summer, the Canton Recreation Department sponsors FREE concerts on the front lawn of Canton High School.  Concert goers can bring chairs, blankets & a picnic. 
It is a great way to get out, see some of your neighbors and enjoy the warm summer evenings.  Remember last winter?  We need to savor all the warmth that we can!
This week's performance is by the group The Infractions.  The concerts start at 7:00 pm and end at 9:00 pm. 
Canton is lucky to have an active recreation department that offers a variety of programming for … (12 comments)

home buyers: Debunking the Myth: You Will Not Save Money By Not Using a Buyers Agent - 06/10/11 10:44 AM
Debunking the Myth: You Will Not Save Money By Not Using a Buyers Agent
Over the past couple of weeks, I have seen several blog posts and news reports about home buyers, who seem to think they will save money by not using a buyers agent.  It is a myth and I thought it was time to set the record straight.
The Commission Is Not Dependent on the  Number of Agents Involved.  (Or, Price is Not Determined by Commission.)  Listing Agents reach an agreement with their clients - the Sellers - as to how much commission is to be earned upon … (61 comments)

home buyers: Why Test For Radon? - 04/05/11 01:27 AM

In the post below, home inspector Reuben Saltzman makes some good arguments on why home buyers should test for Radon when buying a home.  Reuben is from Minnesota, but buyers looking to buy a home in Canton MA or Milton MA or a surrounding town should know that Radon is prevalent in these parts as well due to the high amount of rock and ledge.  The test is relatively inexpensive; the problem can be fixed with a Radon mitigation system - paid for by the Seller; and the risk of not testing can be high.
For more information about home inspections … (2 comments)

home buyers: 10 First Time Home Buyer Mistakes you want to Avoid! - 12/28/10 01:03 PM
In the article below, Mike Ockert does an excellent job of thoroughly pointing out the 10 First Time Home Buyer Mistakes You Want to Avoid. This is a must-read for all home buyers.
All home buyers, but especially first time home buyers too often fail to plan ahead.  This article covers all the tips from making sure you have your mortgage preapproval to really thinking about priorities in deciding which home to purchase.  By avoiding Mistake # 9 (Failing to Hire Your Own Agent) and working with a buyers agent from the start, buyers will have the help and guidance of … (6 comments)

 
Christine Smith, Exclusive Buyer Agent & Attorney, Canton, MA (Buyers Brokers Only LLC - www.BuyersBrokersOnly.com)

Christine Smith

Exclusive Buyer Agent & Attorney, Canton, MA

Canton, MA

More about me…

Buyers Brokers Only LLC - www.BuyersBrokersOnly.com

Address: 95 Washington St., #104-126, Canton, MA, 02021

Fax: (425) 799-8314

Mobile: (781) 799-8313

Author Bio: Christine Smith has over 25 years of experience in real estate. She earned her undergraduate degree from Boston College and law degree from Boston College Law School. She lives and works in Canton, Massachusetts.

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