The down payment is a sticking point with many buyers. With escalating home prices and interest rates, of recent, it's easy to see why buyers are concerned when looking at the conventional rule of thumb being 20% down. That's not the case though, as there are programs and mortgage options that exist that do not require a 20% down payment. If you live in a qualified rural area the USDA has a program with no money down. FHA is as little as 3% and the VA does provide no down payment loans to veterans. So, don't get too wound up as there ARE avenues available that can be of great assistance to buyers. Enjoy the article below.Wondering How Much You Need To Save for a Down Payment?   If you’re getting ready to buy your first home, you’re likely focused on saving up for everything that purchas... 01/11/2023

When selling your home it is wise to be diligent in prepping your home for sale. Today I am sharing an article about how to prepare your house for Sale. Keep in mind, the better you prep your house the easier it will be for people to see their "stuff" integrated within the 4 walls, and, the more you will receive for the sale price.How To Prep Your House for Sale This Fall   Today’s housing market is different than it was just a few months ago. And if you’re thinking about selling your house, that may leave you wondering what you need to do differently as a result. The answer is simple. Taking the time upfront to prep your house appropriately and create a solid plan can help bring in the greatest return on your investment. Here are a few simple tips to make sure you maximize the sale of ... 10/08/2022

As you think about entering the real estate marketplace, especially as a first time homebuyer, you are confronted with saving money for a down payment and closing costs for a home.There are many programs that require as little as 3% as a down payment.  For example, a $400,000 home would require a minimum of a $12,000 down payment.On top of your down payment you will also need to bring closing costs to the table.  Closing costs are the hard costs of securing a mortgage and include, appraisals, title searches, title insurance, etc....Your closing costs can run anywhere from 2-4% of the amount borrowed.In this case, you would have to come up with $20,000 to $28,000 to purchase a home. Traditional Down Payment SourceTraditionally, the money for your down payment and closing costs come from ... 12/31/2021

Owning your own home and land is the dream for people all over the world. It provides security and a place in society. It is also a source of wealth-building imho.For men and women who serve(d)in the United States military, our government provides assistance in housing through the VA home loan program. VA Loans: Helping Veterans Achieve Their Homeownership Dreams \ The purpose of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans is to provide a pathway to homeownership for those who have sacrificed so much by serving our nation. As the Veterans Administration  says of the program: “The objective of the VA Home Loan Guaranty program is to help eligible Veterans, active-duty personnel, surviving spouses, and members of the Reserves and National Guard purchase, retain, and adapt homes in recognition of the... 11/18/2021

Today's technology has made in-home security cheap and easy to set up surveillance cameras, hidden cameras and nanny cams in a home.  And when it comes time to sell your home you may already have security cameras set up all over your home.So now your thinking..... maybe I can tap into my cameras in my home at work on my cell phone and see and hear what homebuyers are saying and doing in my home!!  Maybe you'll gain a negotiating edge that will get you thousands more for your home!!The Use Of Video Cameras During Home ShowingsThis begs the question, should you flip that switch and turn on the video cams and microphones so you can spy on your homebuyers?Before you do realize that what you are doing may be illegal and you may be committing a felony.Generally, the use of video alone is acce... 08/26/2021

 Whether you are considering adding on or renovating your current home it is exciting to think about some fresh, new living space.  But does a home improvement really make financial sense?One thing is sure for most homeowners.  At some point, you will be selling your home.  It may be in a few years, or 10 years or more from now.  This can leave one wondering if the home improvement project is worth it.As a Massachusetts listing agent there is nothing worse than showing up at a listing appointment and tell a seller that their recent….$75,000 finished basement….or their $50,000 deck….or their $80,000 kitchen remodel……will not return the money they spent on their home improvement project.  Often, they are angry and try to justify that because they spent the money their house should be wort... 07/15/2021

One of the more critical pieces of selling your home is pricing it correctly and getting the price just right.  Of course, you don’t want to leave money on the table but pricing too high can leave your home stagnating on the market.A home that sits on the market too long leaves home buyers leery about the home…. wondering why no one else wants it.  It is human nature not to want what others don’t want either.Often an overpriced home will go unsold or has to be sold slightly below market to regain the buying public’s confidence in the home.Ultimately, a real estate agent can make a suggestion, but it is the seller who chooses the asking price of a home.  A home seller will often just want to know what a home is worth.  But because of the subjectivity, it is important a seller understands... 03/17/2021

So, you have decided “I want to sell my house”. Selling a home is complex on many levels. You need an understanding of what buyers are looking for so you can properly prepare your home for sale. Setting a house price that attracts the right buyers can sometime be more of an art than a science. Then, it is time to market your home effectively and reach the true buyers for your home. And there will be offers to negotiate and home inspection repairs to consider. Finally, you have an accepted offer, and you have to bring to a smooth closing. What Mistakes I Should Avoid When I Sell My Home? Every step of the home selling process can lead to making a mistake. Mistakes can lead to leaving serious money on the table or your house going unsold. Let’s take a look at a few top mistakes you can ma... 02/04/2021

Massachusetts smoke and carbon detector laws require a seller to get a certificate of compliance for their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors before the transfer of a property.Smoke and CO detectors save lives. Massachusetts law helps provide properly working detectors in the event of a fire or emission of carbon monoxide in a home.  It is your responsibility as a homeowner to keep the smoke and carbons in compliance during your ownership for maximum protection for your family.Preparing for Your Certificate Of ComplianceGetting a certificate of compliance for your smoke and CO detectors starts with getting organized the minute you put your home under agreement.  Start the process immediately so if there are any issues you have time to resolve them. Determine the age and style of your h... 01/19/2021

With Veteran's Day being tomorrow I thought this would be an opportune time to remind veterans about a VA Home Loan.One of the benefits many Veterans do not avail themselves of is a VA Home Loan. A veteran can use this benefit more than once. The VA Home Laon is a 100% government-guaranteed loan. The infographic gives the basics of the benefit. Contact a qualified VA loan provider to start the process. They can walk you through the process right to the closing. Making a Home for the Brave Possible  Some Highlights VA Home Loans provide unique opportunities for Veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families in recognition of their service to our Nation. For eligible individuals, options associated with VA Loans can help make the dream of homeownership a reality. If you or someone yo... 11/10/2020

Today, 18 September 2020, is National POW/MIA Day. It is on this day that we salute the more than 500,000 Americans who endured the horrors of being held as a Prisoner of War as well as the more than 80,000 patriots who remain missing in action.Massachusetts has 1 (one) Memorial honoring the Vietnam POW/MIA soldiers. The Memorial is located at the Essex County Sheriff's Office in Middleton, MA. Each year I attend the public ceremony on this day. BUT, this year the public event was canceled due to the Covid-19 mandates Governor Baker issued for the safety of the citizens of Massachusetts. Sheriff Coppinger decided to film a virtual ceremony to ensure these soldiers would be remembered.  Although this ceremony is to honor MA Vietnam POW/MIA soldiers we will never forget 1 soldier across o... 09/18/2020

Yesterday was a beautiful June day for a Real Estate closing. After a long search, my young single Buyer client closed on a great property in Georgetown. Location, location, location...The home was built in 1982, is situated on just under 2-acres, and set well back from the road. When the trees are in full leaf you cannot see the house from the road. The back-lot line borders the golf club. 6 rooms, 3 br, 1 full bath, detached garage. The buyer is a car aficionado and says he bought a garage that came with a house...lol. It's good to see a happy buyer and seller.Sale Price $402,000                                                                                                                                                The Market in Georgetown has been steady throughout this Covid-19... 06/17/2020

YOUR DOG WILL BE!!!A good idea is always enjoyable BUT when it comes to fruition many get to enjoy the fruits.Today I'm giving a big shoutout to a friend and fellow Veteran, Don Jarvis, for this idea for repurposing old fire hydrants that have outlived their purpose. Here's a picture of the first repurposed hydrant. It was just installed and painting was finished yesterday. As old hydrants become available they will be placed along dog walking routes and dog parks. Each hydrant will have doggie treat bins and doggie poop pickup bags. Of course, the dogs are encouraged to relieve themselves on the hydrant. Talk about a happy dog!!! Don's service dog Mocha got to christen this hydrant. GREAT IDEA Donnie!! Don is also an author. You can purchase a copy of Don's children's book "Mocha, The ... 05/22/2020

Get your crystal balls out! To be honest, I try not to make predictions simply because things can change in an instant, as we are seeing with this current health crisis we find ourselves in.  In Georgetown, MA a small, historic, New England town, prices are up by roughly 5%. There is much pent up demand and in the last 2 months numbers look like this... We have 3 properties with an accepted offer (today), 13 with a signed Purchase & Sales Agreement & 17 of those have closed. Prices are up by about 5% inventory is .68 monthsThis leads us into the age-old question, seen below.  Will Home Values Appreciate or Depreciate in 2020?   With the housing market staggered to some degree by the health crisis the country is currently facing, some potential purchasers are questioning whether home val... 05/12/2020

Good Morning,With all this COVID-19 Coronavirus activity I was wondering what the year over year activity is for our small historic New England town of Georgetown, MA is. Here are the numbers showing how Georgetown, MA is faring with Real Estate sales from 24 April 2020 to 24 April 2020. (all numbers from our MLS)  Number of Single-Family Listings on April 242019 - 18               2020 - 6Median Days on Market2019 - 21               2020 - 29Inventory2019 - 2.08 months     2020 - 0.63 monthsListing Activity from January 1 - April 242019 - 43               2020 - 38# SOLD from January 1 - April 242019 - 18               2020 - 19Median Sales PriceThe median sales price is up 5.78% to $439,000 If you are selling or buying or both please make sure you take all safety precautions for keepi... 04/24/2020

I was sitting here with thoughts of Spring and decided to take a look at the whole Georgetown, MA Real Estate Market. Mind you, Georgetown is a town of roughly 8700 with approximately 3000 households. Here's a March 7 look at the Georgetown, MA Real Estate Market: There are currently: 6 Single Family residences on the Active Market 3 Condominiums 1 Multi-Family 4 Tracts of Land 2 Commercial Rentals Meanwhile, there are 16 properties currently progressing to closing. And 13 more properties have SOLD/Closed in the last 3 months (typically slow months) Diagnosis: The Georgetown Real Estate Market is Alive and Well. AND the SPRING MARKET is starting. Are You Ready?   03/07/2020

I'm always amazed at how mobile our society is. It's also amazed me how many people move to other states seemingly at the drop of a hat. We moved a handful of times when I was a kid but as an adult, we bought our house with the intention of staying there until we left this Earth. Some move for jobs, some for health, some to escape the colder climates, some to be closer to family. Whatever the reason, It's a lot of people. The folks at KCM put together a top 10 list of where people are moving to and moving from. Is your State in the list.The Top States Americans Moved to Last Year  Some Highlights: Americans are on the move, and the most recent Atlas Van Lines Migration Patterns Survey tracked the 2019 traffic flow from state-to-state. Idaho held on to the top spot of ‘high inbound’ stat... 02/09/2020

These are always interesting. For 2019 our little town of 8700 we had an increase in the number of closed sales from 100 in 2018 to 113 in 2019 a 13% increase. I fully expect 2020 to be a GREAT YEAR for people looking to buy and sell. As far as a potential recession all I have to say is markets go up and markets go down. The same holds true with economies. People buy and sell in ALL markets.  The 2020 Real Estate Projections That May Surprise You This will be an interesting year for residential real estate. With a presidential election taking place this fall and talk of a possible recession occurring before the end of the year, predicting what will happen in the 2020 U.S. housing market can be challenging. As a result, taking a look at the combined projections from the most trusted enti... 01/02/2020

Imagine you've found that home you've been looking for & it's at the head of a rambling country road in historic Rowley, an area providing a rich and beautiful environment for all to enjoy. Easy access to RT 95 & RT 1, Shopping, Schools, Oceans, Ipswich River, Commuter Train, Bike Trails & many other amenities. The property you've purchased is a cared for 2076 sq.ft. 8 room 4-BR, 2½ bath Gambrel Cape, attached 1-car garage walk-up attic for storage and is situated on a 10,000 sq.ft. lot, fenced backyard, shed, compost system, garden & firepit. New Central Air for the Summer & Forced Hot Air by Oil heat for Winter (2018). You don't have to worry about water or dampness in the basement since the perimeter drain, waterproofing, sump pump & Humidex take care of that. The basement is also re... 07/18/2019

I've burned myself several times in life by procrastination or thinking I was smarter than I actually am. In Real Estate, the market changes day by day. Waiting could cost you plenty of dollars OR you just might luck out. When Pam & I bought our house in 1985 the interest rates were at 13% and rising, as were prices, BUT, we knew the market and knew that rates would not remain high even though the rates went to 18% before correcting. On that one occasion, we did not hesitate/wait...We Bought! My advice is Do Not Wait. My motto is "It's what stays in Hip National Bank (HNB) that counts" HNB translates to...Your Pocket! You can always adjust to changing market conditions. Here's an Infographic/chart from the folks at KCM. What Is The Cost Of Waiting Until Next Year To Buy?  Some Highlight... 06/12/2019