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Bill Gassett's Real Estate Articles Worth Reading

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Executive Realty 91362

The following Real Estate articles cover a variety of topics including short sales, loan modifications, deed in lieu of foreclosure, USDA Loans, tips on selling your home, tax deductions, internet and social marketing, plus many others.

I hope a few of them you may find useful for your particular circumstances. Hopefully some of the articles may teach you a good tip that you may not have thought about or even cause you to think differently.

Working as a Metrowest Massachusetts Realtor for the last twenty three years I have learned quite a bit. Real Estate is a field where you can learn something new almost every week! Real Estate is one of my passions...enjoy.

 

 

 

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Massachusetts Home

There are a miriad of mistakes you can make when selling a home in Massachusetts. This article details some of the top mistakes and offers suggestions on how you can avoid them. Topics include pricing your home properly, selecting an excellent Realtor, and staging your home to sell among others.

 

 

 

Assessed Home Values Rarely Fair Market Value

This article details one of the top misconceptions in Real Estate. Assessed Home values rarely are the same as fair market value! In fact assessed values are nothing more than a yard stick for a municipality to collect an appropriate amount of taxes to sufficiently cover the state a local appropriations to the city and town.

 

 

Best Remodeling Projects Cost V.S Value For Your Home

There are many improvements that you can make to your home that have very little return. Other home improvements can have a real impact. This article details the average rate of return from around the country for various remodeling projects. The statistics are taken from the annual National Association of Realtors report.

 

 

 

Tax Deductions To Remember When Getting A Home Loan

When getting a mortgage to buy a home there are certain deductions that you are afforded by the Internal Revenue Service that you should be aware of come tax time in April. The article details some of the deductions you may forget about when buying a home.

 

 

 

Selling Your Home In A Buyers Market

There are quite a few people who have thought about selling their home but have not due to the steep decline in market values over the last few years. This is understandable UNLESS you are going to be buying another home under the same market conditions! Sure you will lose some of the equity that was in your home but you will make it up on the other end. Read further for an example as well as some tips on making your home sale go smoother.

 

 

Social Marketing, Blogging, Short Sales and the seller I Never Met

A run down of picking a Realtor with a social media marketing strategy combined with a strong internet presence, can be a tremendous assistance in getting a home sold in today's challenging Real Estate market. Covers an important tip on why your should "Google" the agents names you are interviewing to sell your home.

 

 

Energy Saving Tips For The Winter Months

In this article you will find a number of tips in order to make your home more energy efficient especially in the Winter months. Who doesn't want to save money on their home? Come and take a peak.

 

 

 

Foreclosure Avoiding It Through A Short Sale Or Loan Modification

The last thing anyone wants is to lose their home to foreclosure. There are other options available including a Short Sale and loan modification. Each of these concepts are explained in detail. There are advantages for both the home owner and the bank. Find out why short sales have become a common term in Real Estate.

 

 

 

Deed In Lieu Of Foreclosure And Short Sales

The terms deed in lieu of foreclosure and short sales are both explained as a means for a home owner to avoid the costly and embarrising foreclosure proceedings. Banks are not in the business of owning Real Estate and would prefer not to be a home owner.

 

Selling Your Home Does Not Have To Be A Mystery

Selling your home should not be a mystery when you have it priced properly and have selected a Realtor that knows how to create an online presence for you. A proper price according to comparable market data and a coordinated marketing effort are the two most important factors that will lead to a successful sale. Come in and take a look....let me read your mind.

 

 

USDA Loans Mortgage Option For Low To No Down Payment

With a USDA loan a borrower can do 100% financing! These loans are given to those that live in a rural area. The term "rural" has loose definitions but generally speaking areas with under a population of 20,000 qualify. USDA loans (US Department of Agriculture) aka Section 502 loans are an excellent mortgage vehicle for those who do not have money to put down but have decent credit ratings

 

 

Real Estate Capital Gains When Selling Your Home

There are many who do not realize the current capital gains laws when selling a home. The current capital gains tax law when selling your personal residence allows for an exclusion of up to $250,000 in profit if you are single and $500,000 if married. In order to be eligible you must have lived in your home for two of the last five years. The property must be your personal residence and can not be an investment property. As of January 1st 2009 there is a new modification that eliminates a tax loop hole for the rich. Read further to see how the law has changed.

 

When To Lock Your Mortgage Interest Rate

One of the considerations when applying for a home loan is when to actually lock the mortgage rate. Of course those that do not lock right away are gambling with their future loan payment. More often than not the best time to lock a rate is right away.    

 

 

 

Massachusetts FHA Morgage Loans

An explanation of FHA mortgage loans and why they can be beneficial to those that do not have a large down payment. Currently you need a down payment as low as 3.5% with an FHA loan.

 

 

 

Buying a bank owned home

Buying a Bank Owned Home

The opportunity to buy a bank owned home is one that many buyers often consider due to the fact that there is a prevailing belief that you can buy them for 50 cents on the dollar or less. While as a general rule many bank owned properties do represent a good Real Estate value, you are more likely to be able to purchase one for around 5-20% less than the going rate for a similar comparable property.

 

Foreclosed home in Massachusetts

Buying a Foreclosed Home or Potential Foreclosure Property

Are you considering buying a foreclosed property? Why not after all there are plenty of them all around the country and they can typically be bought at a discount to the present market value.

Buying a foreclosed home however, is not for the timid at heart and there are many things that buyers need to consider.

 

 

Massachusetts Title V Septic System

   Massachusetts Title V Septic Systems and Selling a Home

When selling a home in Massachusetts and your property is being serviced by a septic system, one of the most important considerations is getting your Title V certification done. The last thing you want is a problem with your septic system!

 

 

Massachusetts Short Sales

  Massachusetts Short Sales Realtor

For those that have been hearing the term "short sale" and don't quite understand what it means, a short sale is a legal lender approved solution designed to assist those home owners who are financially strapped to get out from under their mortgage debt.

A short sale is negotiated through the mortgage holder of an owners home where by the mortgage holder agrees to take less than what home owner owes on the property.

 

 

 

***Comments are welcome and can be done within each individual post at the comment box on the bottom of each article.

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About the Author: The above Real Estate articles worth reading was provided by Bill Gassett, a NationallyRE/MAX Executive Realty Hopkinton MA recognized leader in his field. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-435-5356. 

Have a home to sell in Metrowest Mass? I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my marketing expertise! 

For Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate and homes see Metrowest Mass Real Estate. Want to have MLS access to beat other buyers to your dream home? Sign up with no obligation at my MLS Property Finder Site.

I service the following towns in Metrowest Massachusetts: Hopkinton, Milford, Upton, Southboro, Westboro, Ashland, Holliston, Mendon, Hopedale, Medway, Grafton, Northbridge, Uxbridge, Franklin, Douglas, and Framingham MA.

Click here to view Bill Gassett's Real Estate profile.

 

 

 

 

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Posted by

With three decades of experience, Bill Gassett is an authority in the real estate sector. Bill writes informative articles for numerous prestigious real estate sites to help buyers, sellers, and fellow real estate agents. His work has been featured on RIS Media, the National Association of Realtors, Inman News, Placester, Realty Biz News, Credit Sesame, and his own authority resource, Maximum Real Estate Exposure. Reach out to Bill Gassett for his real estate, mortgage, and financial expertise.

Comments (53)

Pam Dent
Gayle Harvey Real Estate, Inc. - Charlottesville, VA
REALTORĀ® - Charlottesville Virginia Homes / Horse

Bill - What a nice collection of many of my favorite posts that you have written.  Lots of good information all in one place. :)

Jan 27, 2009 12:18 AM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Midori & Pam - Thanks for commenting on some of my Real Estate articles!

Jan 27, 2009 12:30 AM
Erik Hitzelberger
RE/MAX Alliance - Louisville REALTOR-Luxury Homes - Louisville, KY
Louisville - Middletown Real Estate

Bill, this is a great list for anyone invloved in real estate.  I certainly hope that your efforts to educate buyers and sellers in the Metrowest area earns you a great return.    

Jan 27, 2009 12:51 AM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Erik - Thanks I do get quite a few people who are interested in my services after reading my blog. A knowledgable Realtor with a lot of experience who has worked in both good and challenging markets is a big help for those looking to sell their home.

Jan 27, 2009 03:56 AM
Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing and Online Advertising Consultant
Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision - Lake Geneva, WI

Bill, It is nice to delve back into your archives and have this nice resource post at easy disposal for consumers.  Well done.

Jan 27, 2009 05:20 AM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Thanks Rebecca it has allowed me to find some of my better written Real Estate articles all in one place:)

Jan 27, 2009 07:37 AM
Elizabeth Nieves
The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group - Durham, NC
Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team

Oh buddy, this is GREAT!! I've read many, many of these...but now I'm going to bookmark this one so I can find it anytime I need it. ~GBU~

Jan 27, 2009 11:20 AM
Lee & Pamela St. Peter
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices YSU Realty: (919) 645-2522 - Raleigh, NC
Making Connections to Success in Real Estate

Bill you never cease to amaze me!  Having been out of the loop for a bit I'm catching up on your posts and WHAM! I've never seen one so detailed, so organized, and pleasing to read!  You're clients are very lucky puppies.  I hope I get a chance to refer you someday...  it would be a joy!

Your Raleigh Realtors

Jan 27, 2009 11:22 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Bill!  Now this is an awesome source for your clients--email them this link and they have everything at their fingertips!  FABULOUS idea and your layout is very easy on the eyes too!

Debe in Charlotte

Jan 27, 2009 02:22 PM
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman
Liberty Homes - Mililani, HI
(RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE

A lot of great articles all in one place. This will surely be an informational post for all to read and get educated!

Jan 28, 2009 03:03 AM
Barb Szabo, CRS
RE/MAX Above & Beyond - Cleveland, OH
E-pro Realtor, Cleveland Ohio Homes

Bill, I've read a lot of your posts, learned a lot from them,and have subscribed to your blog. For the life of me I don't know why I didn't do it sooner...my daughter says I have CRS--can't remember stuff!

Jan 28, 2009 05:50 AM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Sally & Barb - Thanks I am glad you have learned a few things from reading my posts!

Jan 28, 2009 09:59 AM
Mesa, Arizona Real Estate Mesa Arizona Realtor
Homes Arizona Real Estate LLC - Mesa, AZ
AzLadyInRed

Bill, what a nice summary of your blog posts, and what a great idea for a future one for me. ;-) This way, I can check to see if I missed any. ;-)

I agree Debe....email your clients this link, or put it on your website. Knowing you, you probably already did that. ;-)

Pepper

Jan 28, 2009 01:03 PM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Teri - I am gald you thought my summary of Real Estate posts was a good idea. I would encourage you to do the same:)

Jan 29, 2009 01:02 AM
James Wexler
wexzilla.com - Scottsdale, AZ

stop it bill !!  - too many Really damn good articles !!  and too little time :)  ..... thanks a lot for the helpful and educational and entertaining posts

Jan 29, 2009 02:18 AM
Christine Donovan
Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA
Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Bill,

This is a great resource for all of your clients and demonstrates your expertise.

Jan 30, 2009 03:08 PM
Chris Olsen
Olsen Ziegler Realty - Cleveland, OH
Broker Owner Cleveland Ohio Real Estate

Hi Bill -- Wow, you have put a ton of knowledge, insight and great info out there.  I hope your local buyers and sellers not only read this great blog of yours, but also heed the advice, and hire you as an exceptionally competent and experienced agent!

Jan 31, 2009 02:54 PM
Lori Lincoln And Associates
Top Agent Serving Dighton Taunton, Rehoboth and more! - Taunton, MA
Top Agent Taunton,Dighton Rehoboth &more

Bill, I like this one too!

Jan 31, 2009 03:12 PM
Anonymous
James Bonner

Bill, your articles are not only first class but educational as well.  It will take me some time to read them all but I intend to and updated myself in Real Estate as well - I have been a referral agent for many years but now am an active Realtor.  I just joined Active Rain because of an email received from you.  Thanks.

May 12, 2010 12:08 PM
#52
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Thanks James I really appreciate the compliements.

May 12, 2010 01:05 PM