Real Estate Information Archive

When you’re looking to purchase a home, you know that you need to get your financial affairs in order so that you can get approved for a mortgage. One of the things that you will need to do to get your dream home is to make sure that your credit score is as high as possible. There are several ways to do this – which methods you use will depend on how much time you have before you want to purchase your home.

For those of you that are just in the starting stages of buying a home, raise your credit score by using a third or less of your available credit. In addition, ensure that you are paying your bills on time to eliminate negative marks for late payments. Hold off on opening new credit accounts or making large purchases until after your purchase is complete.

If you’re further along in the process, there is one more thing that you can do that might raise your score. Check your current credit scores and check for errors. Credit bureaus aren’t perfect, and you may be able to find and clear up a mistake. This could raise your credit score a few points, if any faults exist.

If you want more information about the mortgage process, call the Greater Boston Realty office and ask to be referred to a mortgage professional. We have many contacts in the West Roxbury, Roslindale, and Jamaica Plain areas that will be able to help you on your journey.  And, of course, when you’re ready to look for your next home, we’ll be here for you!

Here at Greater Boston Realty, we work with a lot of first-time home buyers. If you’ve never purchased a home before, it’s an understandably scary process. After all, your home will likely be your biggest investment! Thankfully, many parts of the home-buying process that seem scary at first aren’t quite so bad. Here are a few of the biggest concerns that home buyers have, along with what you can do to lessen your fear:

Having a large mortgage payment: A mortgage payment may seem like a looming and ever-present obligation, but let’s face it – so is paying rent. The good news is that with a mortgage payment, you will eventually own your home and no longer owe!

Buying a home with structural issues: It’s nerve-wracking to think that you may buy something that’s less than perfect and not even know it. But that’s why you will hire a Massachusetts home inspection professional before you sign anything. A qualified inspector will alert you to any issues with the home so that you can make an informed decision.

Maintaining a home: When you rent, you can simply call someone if something breaks. When you own a home, repairs are up to you. This may seem like a big task at first, but often homeowners enjoy learning how to do simple DIY repairs. For bigger tasks, there are many reliable and knowledgeable handymen and tradesmen here in Boston that can help you.  Before you buy, make sure that you get a copy of any Homeowner’s Association requirements so that you can familiarize yourself with the upkeep required in your neighborhood, if applicable.

Still have concerns about whether now is the right time to buy a home in the Boston area?  Call 617-469-4040 to speak to a Greater Boston Realty professional. Our real estate agents can help you understand why owning a home may be the right path for you and your family.

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!

Energy efficient home upgrades are on the rise. Did you know that nine out of ten homebuyers would like to have an energy efficient home – and they’re willing to pay more for a home with ‘green’ upgrades? If you have made efficiency improvements to a home that you’re selling, make sure that you are compensated for the added value that they provide with these tips:

When you begin the process of selling your home, make a list of all of your ‘green’ upgrades. Include anything that improves your energy efficiency - like special windows, insulation, low-flow toilets, gas fireplaces, modern appliances, etc. If you can, include the estimated savings on water, heating, and electricity bills for each of your upgrades.

Listing benefits is a good start, but if you really want to attract buyers you should consider getting an efficiency rating for your home. There are three main scoring systems: the Energy Performance Score, the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, and the Home Energy Score. Find a local professional that will rate your home on one of these scales, and include the score you receive on marketing materials for your home.

Last, but certainly not least, it’s important to work with people who will appreciate the improvements that you have made. Your appraiser should recognize the added value of your energy efficient home. In addition, you need a real estate agent that can sell your property and all of its perks.   If you’re looking for a skilled real estate agent to sell your energy efficient home, just call Greater Boston Realty at 617-469-4040