How do you know when it’s time to go?

More about the process of selling your home and moving on..

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” ~source unknown I’ve been asked time and time again by homeowners, “When should I sell?”  And the answer is different each time because the right time for each of us varies, depending on our own personal circumstances. Many people are under the false impression that they must sell their house in the spring, partially due to the real estate industry’s emphasis on the “spring market”.  It is a phrase that is widely used to refer to the end of the dreary New England winter in late March and early April when spirits are high and the melting of the ice and snow brings new hope, renewed energy and new life. Along with it, many new homes are put …

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Realtor Insight

Is There An Acronym For That?

Home buyers and social media teach us the art of text messaging.

Acronyms or abbreviations have been a part of our everyday lives for a long time. We’ve used them easily in conversation with mention of the IRS, OSHA, DSS, DOR, DOE, and often DWI … but today, with Twitter and text messaging, the use of acronyms has become more widespread. Teenagers are often criticized for always being on their cell phones or computers, texting or instant messaging to friends in a language not all parents can understand: Wazup. Howru. OMG Thx 4 the tix! The concert was gr8. Im glad I went wit u. I hope 2 c u soon! KIT!  Luv u. bye. Translation:  “What’s up? How are you? Oh my God, Thanks for the tickets! The concert was great. I’m glad I went with you. I hope to see you soon. Keep in touch. Love you – Bye”  Sweet and …

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Realtor Insight

Show Me The Money!

Mortgage money is available for qualified buyers and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are still popular.

Many reports are circulating as to mortgage activity and product availability. One week is it reported that mortgage applications fall, while the next week it's just the opposite. The media often implies it's difficult to secure financing. So, what do we believe?  Here in the MetroWest area the local Realtors have been busy. New listings are coming on the market every day. The question we ask is, are there enough qualified buyers out there to take advantage of all of the wonderful properties currently for sale, particularly first time buyers? According to local mortgage expert Nicole Kittredge, "It has been a very busy and consistent spring with many buyers taking advantage of exceptional market conditions AND being able to qualify for …

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Realtor Insight

Understanding the Short Sale

The short sale may be an option for the homeowner, who is upside down, of a buyer with lots of patience.

It was the Spring of 2004 and the market was HOT – houses came and went within hours of listing, some before the For Sale sign was installed. But you were lucky, because you were able to take a lunch break from work and make a full price offer on your dream house before someone else snatched it up. Your mortgage broker said you could buy it with no money down, so you did. And a year later, took advantage of another bank’s offer for a HELOC, a home equity line of credit to fix the roof, remodel the kitchen and finish the basement … but an unanticipated job layoff in late 2006 required a temporary halt to the basement project, now only half done. The kitchen looks good, but there’s no money left for the new appliances to complete the update…

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Donna Moy-Bruno, Metrowest Realtor/Marketing

10:13 pm on Monday, April 11, 2011

Perry, thanks for reading - yes its a tough place to be in but a good number of people are finding themselves upside down or as some would say, under water. Not all short sales were caused by predatory lending practices, 100% financing or balloon loans with adjustable rates or "first and second loans" - Some folks in this situation have been in their homes for decades and were mortgage free at …   more ›