Real Estate Information Archive

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.

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.