Real Estate Information Archive

Winter is a beautiful time of year here in the Boston area, but it can present some challenges, especially when you’re trying to sell a home. Thankfully, you’ve got Greater Boston Realty on your side! Here are just a few tips from our top-notch real estate agents about what you should do when you’re trying to sell your home in the winter season:

· Before potential buyers come for a showing, be sure that your driveway and sidewalks are free of snow and ice. After all, you don’t want someone’s first experience on your property being a slip and fall!

· Keep your entryway free of snowy or muddy tracks, and have a place for your guests to place their coats so that they are unencumbered as they tour your home.

· Your home should be a pleasant temperature – not too chilly, but also not too warm. Aim for an ambiance that’s just right. Add a touch of coziness to your home with a cozy throw in the living room, or a crackling fire if you have a fireplace.

· Embrace the holidays, but do so tastefully. Homes sell best when there’s not too many personal items, so keep holiday decorations tasteful and generic for the best effect. Also make sure not to overdo it – no one likes to walk through a cluttered home.

· It’s always nice to offer your visitors a refreshment. Consider going above and beyond with a seasonal snack or beverage, like apple cider or a plate of holiday cookies.

If you’re interested in selling your home, just call 617-469-4040. One of the friendly and knowledgeable Realtors here at Greater Boston Realty will be happy to meet with you, and give you tips on how to sell your home for top dollar!

When you’re buying a home, there is one question that you will probably ask quite a few times: “Is that included?” Seeing a home that is well furnished is always a treat, but it is important that you know exactly what is included with the sale. Your real estate agent will often know the answer, but it’s always worth asking, especially on certain items, like these:

Appliances: The refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher may be included in the sale, or they may be taken by the homeowner upon sale of the property.

Window Treatments: Sometimes owners will want to keep custom drapes and shutters, other times they will be a part of the sale. Make sure that you know one way or the other so that you can plan your décor budget accordingly.

Light Fixtures: Often these are considered a part of the home and are included with the sale, but your real estate agent will tell you if the homeowners insist on keeping any of the light fixtures. This most often occurs with chandeliers.

Mounted Televisions: Although they are attached to the wall, it is often up in the air whether mounted televisions are considered a fixture. Ask your Realtor whether the homeowner will be leaving the television, leaving just the mounting hardware, or neither.

Each home will be different when it comes to what’s included with the sale. That’s why it’s so important to get a top-notch real estate agent. If you would like to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Realtors here at Greater Boston Realty, just call 617-469-4040.

Whether you’re just thinking about purchasing a new home, or you’re well into the process, you’re probably touring many houses in nearby neighborhoods, including Jamaica Plain and Roslindale. The next time you see a home, make sure that you keep an eye out for these three positive signs:

• Level flooring is key when determining if the home’s foundation is problem free, so check floors for cracks. Also make sure that the home’s windows and doors are square, as this is another indicator of foundation issues.
• Here at Greater Boston Realty, we want to make sure that you purchase a home that has been taken care of properly. When you’re touring a home, look for signs of prompt maintenance, including fresh paint. If a homeowner has taken care of these simple fixes, they have probably kept the home’s other maintenance tasks up to date also.
• In Massachusetts, our harsh winters make plumbing issues commonplace. When touring a home, make sure that there are no signs of water damage or burst pipes. If you don’t see any water stains on the walls or ceilings, this is an indication that the home hasn’t had plumbing is-sues, or that they have been properly addressed.

If you’re looking for more advice on buying a home in Boston, look no further than the real estate experts at Greater Boston Realty. Call 617-469-4040 to make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable experts today – we want to hear what you’re looking for, and find the home that’s perfect for you.