integrity residential brokerage: Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act and What it Means to You - 05/07/12 12:23 AM
In 2007, Congress passed the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act.  Due to the number of foreclosures and homes sold as short sales, Congress passed the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act so that homeowners facing distressed property sales wouldn't be taxed on the cancelled debt.  
What is Cancellation of Debt?If you borrow money from a lender and the lender later cancels or forgives your debt, you may have to include the cancelled amount in income for tax purposes.  The lender is usually required to report the amount of the canceled debt to you and the IRS.
Here is a simplified example: You … (0 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: Tips for Negotiating the Best Offer on Your Home - 05/03/12 02:10 AM
So, you listed your home for sale and you've received an Offer to Purchase, or perhaps multiple Offers.  What is the best way to analyze the Offer?  What should your response to the buyer be? Your Realtor can offer you guidance but ultimately the decision is yours to make.  In order to help you formulate the best response, below are some helpful tips for negotiating the best offer on your home.
1) Understand how the process works - When you receive an offer, you can accept, reject or respond with a counter offer, which is a modification of the terms they've presented to … (0 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: Pepperell MA - Real Estate Homes for Sale Market Report - Spring 2012 - 04/26/12 12:22 AM
Pepperell MA Real Estate Homes for Sale, Market Report, Free MLS Search, Integrity Residential Brokerage, Catherine Condon, (978)433-0000 
Pepperell, MA Real Estate Market Report - April 26, 2012
Currently, there are 65 single family homes offered for sale in Pepperell, MA ranging in price from $109,900 to $2,300,000.  The average list price is $357,923 and the average days on market is 245.
         
There are 13 single family homes are currently under contract ranging in price from $89,900 to $499,900.  The average list price is $273,400 and the average days on market is 174. 
Within the past 6 months, 49 single family homes have sold.  The average list price was … (0 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: Home for Sale - Pepperell MA - Antique Post & Beam Colonial - 01/09/12 03:17 AM
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integrity residential brokerage: Pepperell MA - Old Paper Mill Torn Down - 07/19/11 03:10 AM
After sitting vacant for many years and in very poor condition, the old paper mill, sited on approximately 12 acres in downtown Pepperell, MA, has been torn down.  Quite a few proposals have been set forth over the years to develop the site but today's economy has made it a difficult proposition.  In hopes of making the site more desirable to investors, the extensive mill site has been reduced to a pile of rubble. 
Overlooking the Nashua river and just below a dam on the other side of Main street, the first paper mill was established around 1834 and the Pepperell Paper Company was the final successor to … (0 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: The Disappearing Closing Gift - 07/10/11 04:48 AM
This past Friday, I had a closing on a marvelous new construction home located in Groton, MA.  This lovely cape style home with 2 car attached garage was built by an outstanding builder, Peter Andrews. 
As a closing gift, I got the new homeowner a gorgeous hanging basket for their front porch. They absolutely loved it and the husband immediately went out to buy a hook in order to hang it.  You can imagine my surprise when the buyer calls me shortly thereafter and says, "Catherine, did you happen to come by and take the plant with you thinking we might not be here … (5 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: FHA "Bridal Registry" Downpayment Program - 06/29/11 04:33 AM
FHA "Bridal Registry" Downpayment Program

Recently, I read a blog by Rebekah Radice, titled "Newlyweds say "I DO" to FHA Bridal Registry Gift Funds". I hadn't heard of this FHA Program before, so I did a little research and found out the following:
The FHA Bridal Registry program was originally introduced in 1996 but it still remains a little known fact when it comes to down payment assistance. 
 

HERE IS HOW IT WORKS 
 
Register with a bank and open an interest bearing savings account prior to the wedding Then, your family and friends can make gift payments into the … (2 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You - 12/16/10 12:05 AM
"Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You", Integrity Residential Brokerage, Pepperell, MA
One of my clients, Al,  sent me the following article titled "Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You". There are a lot of helpful suggestions so I thought I'd pass it along to you. 
1. Of course I look familiar.  I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love … (30 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: Home Buyer Tax Credit - Possible Pitfalls - 08/23/10 05:32 AM
Home Buyer Tax Credit - Possible Pitfalls
Recently, I read some articles pertaining to homeowners who took advantage of the Home Buyer Tax Credit and then sold that home within a short amount of time. The common thread was that the homeowner seemed unaware that selling the property, within three years from initial purchase, could result in a significant unexpected tax bill. As real estate professionals, we need to be aware of potential future consequences relative to the Home Buyer Tax Credit so that we can advise our clients to seek professional guidance should the situation call for it.
I believe that during the … (3 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: FHA Loans: Gaining Popularity - 08/18/10 09:26 AM
FHA Loans: Gaining Popularity
Working as a real estate broker with Integrity Residential Brokerage, I've noticed a significant increase in buyers utilizing FHA loans.  FHA Loans are mortgages issued by lenders and insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This federal government insurance gives lenders some assurance that they will be repaid if the borrower defaults. Even with the popularity of FHA loans, many buyers do not understand the potential benefits of these loans. Below, are some frequently asked questions about FHA Loans.
Are FHA Loans Only For Low Income Borrowers?  The good news is FHA loans are available to everyone. There are no income restrictions. Similar to most … (3 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: Loan Modification and Short Sale Tips - 07/31/10 03:47 AM
Loan Modification and Short Sale Tips
Are you a homeowner seeking to lower your monthly mortgage payment through a loan modification application? Perhaps you're attempting to process a short sale application.  The application process can be challenging and lengthy.  Oftentimes, paperwork gets lost, your file gets transferred to a new processor, or additional information is needed.  Above all, diligent follow-up and patience is needed.
Below are some tips you might find helpful. 
Contact Your Mortgage Company - Every lender is different so contact them to find out exactly what documentation they require from you. Make sure you send them everything they requested. Typically, … (2 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: Hollis NH - Trail Maps, Search MLS Real Estate - 07/28/10 04:49 AM
Hollis NH - Trail Maps
As a busy real estate Broker with Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, it's sometimes challenging to carve out some time for R&R.  One of the ways I like to relax is to take my wonderful registered Morgan and hit the trails on weekends.  I always try to explore new trails and thought I'd try the Hollis NH Town Forest.  A quick internet search for Hollis NH Trail Maps and I was on my way!
I live in Pepperell, MA and arrived at the Hollis NH Silver Lake State Park  parking lot in approximately 10 minutes. Parking the horse trailer … (4 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: Is Market Recovery Possible? The Elimination of the Mortgage Interest Deduction - 07/22/10 09:23 AM
Is Market Recovery Possible? The Elimination of the Mortgage Interest Deduction 
Lately, I've read a few articles about the possibility of reducing or eliminating the mortgage interest deduction.  What next? I'm thinking... How can the nation ever expect to recover?
The tax credit stimulus was a nice short-term success but since then, sales of existing homes have decreased and new home sales are at the lowest level they've been in about 50 years. On the upside, the tax credit stimulus helped move foreclosed property, improve bank balance sheets and increase buyer confidence about purchasing a home. Also, of great importance … (0 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: Townsend MA Homes and Real Estate, Market Report, Free MLS Search - 07/22/10 03:28 AM
Townsend MA Real Estate Homes for Sale, Market Report, Free MLS Search, Integrity Residential Brokerage, Catherine Condon, (978)433-0000 
Townsend, MA Real Estate Market Report - July 21, 2010
Currently, there are 84 single family homes offered for sale in Townsend, MA ranging in price from $68,111 to $775,000.  The average list price is $301,665 and the average days on market is 396.
         
There are 7 properties currently under contract ranging in price from $69,000 to $235,000.  The average list price is $149,614 and the average days on market is 83. 
Within the past 6 months, 40 properties have sold.  The average list price was $258,815 and the average sale price … (0 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: You Can Stop Sweating Now - Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended - 07/01/10 03:47 AM
You Can Stop Sweating Now - Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended
According to the National Association of Realtors®, up to 180,000 home buyers could lose their tax credit through no fault of their own.  These buyers met all the qualifications for the tax credit but delays and workflow jams with lenders prevented purchasers from completing their purchase prior to the June 30, 2010 deadline.
Down to the wire, Congress passed an extension of the Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act (H.R. 5623).  This extension only applies to transactions with ratified contracts in place as of April 30, 2010 which haven't closed yet.   The … (0 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU MAKE A "STRATEGIC DEFAULT" - 06/27/10 05:48 AM
THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU MAKE A "STRATEGIC DEFAULT"
Over the past year, I've noticed a trend of homeowners who are simply choosing to walk away from their home.  When I speak with homeowners they sometimes feel that they don't have any other choice but to default and walk away.  They feel hopeless and frequently don't seek guidance from a professional to explore their options. Often, they simply give up, walk away, and start over.  
Homeowners need to think twice before they make the decision to walk away from their loan obligations. Fannie Mae (FNMA) has announced new guidelines making it … (5 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: Unemployed Need Not Apply - 06/18/10 10:32 AM
Yesterday, I was on the Yahoo Home page and an article titled "Out-of-work job applicants told unemployed need not apply" caught my eye.  The article references a growing trend of employers who will only interview candidates who are currently employed.  According to the article, some job postings include restrictions such as "unemployed candidates will not be considered" or "must be currently employed." What??? Can this be for real??? 
The thought process of companies not hiring "out of work job applicants" seems to be that they believe the job-seeker must've been laid off due to performance issues.  While I would agree that some … (6 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: Townsend MA Real Estate Homes for Sale - Timberlee Park, Market Report 6/14/2010, Free MLS Search - 06/14/10 07:51 AM
Townsend MA Real Estate Homes for Sale - Timberlee Park, Market Report 6/14/2010, Free MLS Search
Are you considering a move to the Townsend, MA area?  If so, you might want to check out Timberlee Park.  This wonderful sub-division is comprised of well maintained ranch, cape, split level and colonial styled homes with schools and shopping nearby. Right now, there are 5 properties for sale in Timberlee Park, Townsend MA ranging in price from $215,000 - $299,900.  Recently, a 7 room, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath split level home came on the market. 
For a complete list of property currently available as of 6/14/2010
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integrity residential brokerage: Pepperell MA Home Seller: What you Need to Know about Hazardous Waste - 06/11/10 03:50 AM
Pepperell MA Home Seller: What you Need to Know about Hazardous Waste
Attention Pepperell MA Home Sellers! As you prepare to market and sell your home, one item often overlooked is the "chemical stuff" that you store in your basement and garage otherwise known as Household Hazardous Waste (HHW).  Often times, Sellers try to leave these items behind and Buyers are not pleased when they conduct a walk through prior to sale and see Household Hazardous Waste items in the basement or garage. On occasion, this can hold up the sale as the seller scrambles to remove the household hazardous waste items.
I … (0 comments)

integrity residential brokerage: NEW MASSACHUSETTS LEAD PAINT REGULATIONS and How They Affect You - 06/03/10 08:37 AM
NEW MASSACHUSETTS LEAD PAINT REGULATIONS and How They Affect You, Integrity Residential Brokerage, Catherine Condon, (978)433-0000
Do you own a home that was built prior to 1978?  If so, you might be interested to learn that there are new lead paint regulations regarding any renovation, repair or painting (RRP) projects undertaken on your home.  Below, I've outlined the EPA Regulation and how it may affect you.
New Regulations for Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP)
Under the Residential Lead-Based Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, the EPA developed regulations regarding renovation, repair and painting (RRP) activities in single and multi-family homes built prior … (0 comments)

 
Catherine Marrone, West Newbury MA real estate, Essex County (Integrity Residential Brokerage LLC)

Catherine Marrone

West Newbury MA real estate, Essex County

West Newbury, MA

More about me…

Integrity Residential Brokerage LLC

Address: West Newbury MA, Newburyport MA, Groveland MA, Newbury MA, Amesbury MA, Middlesex County, Essex County, West Newbury & Pepperell, MA, 01985

Office: (978) 363-2628

Mobile: (978) 433-0000



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