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Everything to Know About House Showings

For those looking to buy or sell a home in Massachusetts, it’s important to understand what a house show is and how to utilize it. Therefore, in this article, we will be answering some of the most commonly asked questions related to house showings.

 

What is a House Showing

A house show is when a home buyer asks a real estate agent for a private showing of a home they are interested in. During this time the buyer can get a more personable feel for the home and ask the agent any kind of questions they may have. These private showings can greatly increase the chances of a potential buyer closing on a home.

 

Are House Showings the Same as an Open House

Whilst house showings are certainly similar to open houses, they are different in many ways. Open houses in Massachusetts usually have numerous groups of people taking a look at the home at the same time. A house showing on the other hand is very private and only allows buyers who scheduled an appointment to view the home. This can make the buying process much easier by allowing buyers to view the most important areas of the home, whilst actively asking the agent important questions.

 

Who Attends a House Showing

For house showings the only people that should be there are the potential buyers and the agent they schedule with. A homeowner should do their best to make sure they are not in or near the home they are currently selling. This can ruin the experience for buyers and prevent them from imagining themselves within your Massachusetts home.

 

How Do You Schedule a House Showing

To schedule a house showing typically your agent will contact the listing agent for you to find the best possible date and time. If you don’t have an agent then you can also email or call the listing agent yourself to see what time slots are available. Keep in mind that a house show usually lasts around 15-45mins so make sure you have a clear schedule at least for the next hour so.

 

What To Look For in a House Showing

During your house showing it’s important to look around at the areas that matter most to you. For example, if you love your kitchen and bathrooms then be sure to check them for any sorts of wear and tear beforehand. If you find something wrong with the property, be sure to ask questions and see what measures are being taken to fix the issues you see.

 

Get a House Showing Set with Ease!

If you want to get a house showing set up either as a buyer or seller then contact the best real estate agent in the Waltham, MA, area Hans Brings! His team will make sure the entire process goes smoothly and that you feel comfortable and heard throughout everything!

How to Sell Your Massachusetts Home in 2024

Having proper methods in mind when selling your home can be very useful in making the entire process easier and less time-consuming. That is why in this article we will be discussing some key tips for selling your home in 2024. By keeping all of these aspects in mind, you’ll find that the home selling process is much easier than you first thought.

 

Prepare your current home first

One of the most important areas to keep in mind is the preparation for your current Massachusetts home. You want to make sure your current home is in the best condition possible for anyone who is potentially buying it. When you are selling your home in order to purchase a new one, it can be easy to focus too much on your future home goals rather than the current property you still own. Therefore, it's important to manage your time properly to make sure the home you’re selling is always in great viewing condition. 

 

Hire an agent

As a home seller, you will run into many questions and curiosities. To make sure your questions are being answered properly you should look into getting an agent. By having a real estate agent you’ll feel assured knowing that you are getting the best price for your home. Agents also help you become aware of responsibilities and can help remind you exactly how to go through the selling process. Rather than going in blindly, you’ll have an experienced guide who can help handle all the hard parts!

 

Price it correctly

Beautiful houses are being sold every day throughout Massachusetts. This means in order for you to make the selling process as efficient as possible it’s important to price your home competitively. Don’t try to go too high on your home price because it will deter many potential buyers. However, that does not mean you should list your home too low. Try doing your research and find what the best prices are for homes similar to yours in the surrounding area. You can also ask an agent for advice when it comes to pricing your home correctly.

 

Consider a 3D tour

A great innovative way to increase traffic for your home is by adding 3D tours online. This allows home buyers to view your home in the comfort of their own living space. 3D tours let buyers walk through your house and see all of its amazing features without going in person. These tours can be great for bringing in more people to tour your home in person. If buyers love what they see in the 3D tour then that can even help increase the chances of them buying a home from you in Massachusetts.

 

Sell Your Massachusetts Home Today!

Get ahead of all the other homes being sold in the surrounding area by contacting Hans Brings. Hans Brings and his team have helped hundreds of thousands of homeowners buy and sell their homes. If you’re looking for advice and guidance from the best real estate team, get in touch with us today!

 

2024 Best Towns for Young Professionals in Massachusetts

If you’re a young adult trying to pursue a career in Massachusetts then your lifestyle preferences should be very important to you. All of Massachusetts is a great place for those looking to enhance their job opportunities. That being said, when it comes to increasing your quality of life it's important to know what towns might be best suited for you. Maybe you like a fast-paced area with a great nightlife or maybe you want something more relaxed and peaceful. This list will give you the perfect idea of where to start when searching for your next Massachusetts home or rental.

 

Best Massachusetts Towns:

 

1. Watertown, MA Homes & Community

The suburb of Watertown, Massachusetts, is one of the most sought-after areas for young professionals. This very diverse town is known for its amazing activities and easily available commuting. This allows new homeowners to enjoy the surrounding community without having to worry about traveling far distances. Watertown, MA, is well known for its great nightlife as well making it a popular destination for young homebuyers looking to get to know and meet other professionals alike.

 

2. Waltham, MA Homes & Community

It's hard to talk about great places to buy a home in Massachusetts without bringing up Waltham, MA. This beautiful town is known to have a young and very educated community. The majority of residents are between the ages of 18-34 and about 75% of them have some kind of educational degree. With its thriving nightlife life, young adults can now live in an area that has other residents who can relate to similar experiences.  Making Waltham, MA, a perfect home-buying option for those looking to connect and network with other young professionals.

 

3. Belmont, MA Homes & Community

For young adults looking to start a family soon Belmont, MA, is a great suburb to buy or rent a home. Belmont, has great family activities, transportation, and schooling. This area is also well known for having good job opportunities for those looking to be promoted and expand their career options. When you purchase a home in Belmont, MA, you can also feel safe since it's known to have some of the lowest crime activity, especially for a town its size.

4. Newton, MA Homes & Community

One of our favorite picks on this list for buying a home is in Newton, MA. This suburb was named to be the 3rd best suburb to live in Massachusetts. Its schools are unmatched ranking 4th in the entire state of Massachusetts for having some of the best public schooling options. Newton, MA, also holds tremendous opportunity by having a large surplus of jobs in the area! When it comes to buying or renting a home as a young professional in Massachusetts it truly doesn't get better than Newton, MA.

 

Need Help to Find Your Next Massachusetts Dream Home?

If any of these towns piqued your interest and you’re looking to buy or sell your home then get in touch with the best real estate agent today! Hans Brings has sold thousands of homes in these areas and has a great team that will help those looking to take their next step into becoming a homeowner.

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5 Signs You Should Buy a House

When it comes to purchasing a home for the first time, you’ll have a ton of questions and doubts. However, the real answers should come from yourself. By analyzing your current situation, you can deduce whether or not a house is right for you at this time. Hence why, we made this list of tips and questions to ask yourself when deciding on purchasing a home. If you can confidently answer all of these questions then we see you becoming a homeowner in the near future!

Your Rent is Rising

A big reason why most people would rather rent than purchase a house is because of all the costs and extra responsibilities it takes to own a home, especially in Massachusetts. Therefore, if you believe your current rent is too much or you notice your rent rising then it may not be worth it for you anymore. Rather than saving money, you might be paying nearly the same costs a month that it would be for a mortgage on a home in Massachusetts. This is all dependent on whether you believe your rent is rising and would rather put your money toward a future investment.

 

Debts are Being Paid

If you have debts whether they be from student loans, car loans, credit cards, etc, being able to pay them off is essential. Having too much debt can make purchasing a home very hard because you’ll be under a lot of stress and financial pressure. That being said if your debt has lowered to a manageable level or is completely gone then a home is a great option. You can put all of your money and focus on the cost of your new home rather than the debt you accumulated over the years.

 

You Have Good Credit

We encourage finding your credit score and ensuring it’s at a good or even great level before going through with the sale of a Massachusetts home. Although you can still borrow money with a lower credit score even as low as 500 at times, it's not recommended. Lower credit scores cause you to spend much more money down the line. For example, you’ll be asked to provide a large down payment and pay higher interest rates.

 

Have Money Set Aside

Homes can be very costly and can leave you surprised and stressed with new maintenance costs or damages. To ensure you’re ready to buy a home we believe in having extra money set aside for emergencies. This will help lessen the blow if any surprises arise later on. The last thing you want is to spend every penny on home and have nothing left for large issues whether it be associated with your home or other aspects of life.

 

Experienced a Large Life Change

If you recently hit a point in your life that makes you believe a home is the right move then this could be a great sign. Large life changes like big promotions, building a family, marriage, and more can absolutely be great reasons to think about a new home. Being motivated to purchase a home is just as important as any other financial aspect of the home-buying process.

 

Find Your First Home

If you checked off every area of this list and want to start looking for a perfect home then contact Hans Brings today! He’s been helping homebuyers find the homes of their dreams for over 33 years and counting! Get advice and guidance from only the best real estate professionals in Massachusetts!

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Reasons to Move to Waltham MA

One of the hardest decisions to make when purchasing a home in Massachusetts is deciding on the neighborhood you wish to settle in. There are so many wonderful areas however a favorite of ours and many others is the city of Waltham, MA. It has many great qualities that make it one of the most ideal areas to buy a home. In this article, we will discuss key factors of Waltham, MA, and why you should consider it for your next home purchase!

The Waltham Community

The Waltham, MA, area is perfect for those looking for a great mix of urban and suburban living. The neighborhoods in Waltham are beautiful with great greenery and community. With a population in the 60,000s, each resident has plenty of space for their property whilst also being close enough to make meaningful relationships with neighbors. Compared to many other communities in Massachusetts, Waltham, also has a low crime rate that makes it even better for families looking to move.

Outdoor Activities in Waltham

If you’re a fan of the outdoors then Waltham, MA, might just be perfect for you. Waltham has so many different hiking trails and monuments that you can discover during the nice weather. They also have many different sculptures and historical museums that can keep you interested for hours on end. If you’re worried about the nightlife in Waltham, then rest assured they also have many different breweries and restaurants for you to choose from. With a growing community and numerous activities Waltham, MA, is a perfect home location for those looking for a more active way of life.

Opportunities in Waltham, MA

When looking for your next home it's important to take into account what opportunities are available in the area. Whether you're a young professional or want to further your career Waltham, MA, is great. There are so many different jobs located in or around Waltham, making the move to this town that much easier. The town of Waltham even has many different commuting options that can help you get to work or school easier than ever before.

Waltham Schooling

If you have a family or are looking to grow one in Massachusetts then a good schooling system is even more important. The schooling system is great in Waltham compared to other areas and has continued to grow throughout the years.  Waltham also has a brand new high school opening in Fall of 2024 which will be one of the newest most high-tech high schools in Massachusetts.  Therefore if you want to feel easy when buying your home look to Waltham, MA, to fill the majority of your needs.

Home Buying Advice & Help

For more information regarding Waltham, MA, benefits, and homes, contact the best real estate agent in the area. Hans Brings and his team have extensive knowledge and experience with the buying and selling process of Waltham, MA. Get in contact with Hans Brings today and get started on buying your new home!

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3 Ways Technology is Changing Real Estate

No matter where we look, new technology is popping up. Whether it be in the cars we drive, our home appliances, and yes, even in real estate. While you might not have purchased a Massachusetts home recently, we’re excited to share some of the ways technology is changing real estate, but also how it can make your next real estate transaction super easy.

Here’s what’s up with the latest and greatest in real estate technology.

Real Estate Technology: Simplifying Your Next Waltham Home Purchase

Have you ever wondered how many homes are bought and sold each year in the U.S.? It’s a pretty impressive statistic. In 2023 alone, there were about 4 million transactions including single-family, condo, and co-ops—and that’s just for existing home sales, not including new construction. And that’s all happening despite high interest rates on mortgages.

One of the reasons we think that real estate continues to thrive is because the industry is continuously looking for ways to simplify the process for home buyers (and sellers, too). Here are just three of the ways technology is making the real estate industry more efficient than ever before.

1.    Online Listings and Pre-Listings: Be First in Line

The rise of online listings has totally overhauled the way we buy and sell homes. Platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com display Massachusetts’ homes as they hit the market and feature pre-listings. These pre-listings allow potential buyers to be prepared to act quickly when a Waltham, MA, home officially becomes available. This is a great way to help you snatch up an amazing property in a super competitive market.

2.    Mobile Apps: Convenience at Your Fingertips

Mobile apps have transformed the real estate search process, offering unparalleled convenience. With a 157% higher conversion rate than mobile websites, apps like Redfin and Trulia allow users to browse listings, schedule viewings, and receive instant notifications about new properties from Massachusetts on their smartphones. This ease of access means buyers no longer need to be tied to their laptops or desktops; they can look up properties anytime, anywhere.

3.    Virtual Tours: See Before You Visit

Virtual tours have become an invaluable tool in real estate, providing a detailed view of properties from the comfort of your home. This technology allows buyers to explore Massachusetts homes through high-quality, 360-degree images and videos, offering a comprehensive look at the space without needing to be there in person.

 

For out-of-town buyers, virtual tours are especially beneficial, enabling them to narrow down their options and decide if a property is worth a physical visit. This innovation saves time and travel expenses and helps buyers make more informed decisions about their potential new homes. Many homebuyers are happy to trust in the expertise and recommendations of their real estate agent, especially if they can “see” the home online before making an offer.

Ready to Buy or Sell?

Are you ready to buy or sell a home in Waltham, MA? Looking for a new home to expand your family? Or, are you looking to downsize and lessen your mortgage payment? Contact the team at Hans Brings Realty today. Our real estate services not only leverage the best in real estate technology but also make home purchases an enjoyable process!

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5 Myths About Real Estate

When learning about real estate it can be difficult to know what areas are factual and what areas are known to by common myths in the industry. Therefore, we wanted to help spread light on common misconceptions by going over each one in detail. The myths listed below are some of the most mistaken facts we typically see when helping homeowners and homebuyers!

 

All Real Estate Agents are the Same

A big misconception is that all real estate agents are the same and will give you the same amount of professionalism and service as all the others. If you have a bad experience with a real estate agent then it's best advised to try another one rather than never wanting to deal with them again. One agent might be bad but another can be amazing waiting for you just around the corner. Also, the opposite can occur as well if you have a great experience with an agent then the best decision is to always do business with them. That way you can avoid having a bad experience with a different agent in the future.

 

Renting is Always Cheaper than Buying

Renting may always seem like the cheaper option, especially in great towns like Waltham, MA. However, this is not always the case for most people. If you believe you have the money and time to purchase a home then it may be the better option. A home is an actual investment in which you can earn money for years. therefore, if you can see yourself living in the same area for at least 10 years then buying a home may make more sense.

 

Price Your Home Higher When Selling

When selling a home, a lot of new sellers believe it's best practice to list your home higher than the typical market price to leave room for negotiation. Whilst this can help in some instances, it is known to do more harm than good. This is because a very high price can scare off potential buyers from submitting offers. Some may think you are too far to negotiate to a real price and would rather go to a more reasonable home. Therefore, make sure to keep your price in a reasonable range that would make both you and the buyer happy.

 

You Should Always Renovate First

One of the biggest misconceptions about home selling is the need to renovate your home. Most homes are already in pretty good condition and do not need large renovation projects. Whilst remodeling a bathroom or kitchen is great it is certainly not necessary. Typically simple fixing up, cleaning, and a paint job can do wonders for you on its own when selling your home.

 

You can Pass or Fail a Home Inspection

A huge myth around home inspections is that you can pass or fail one. In reality, there is no letter grade or fail options when dealing with a home inspection. Instead, an inspection is meant to give a detailed view of which areas of the home need to be serviced and which areas are beginning to deteriorate. It is meant to be used more so as a guide and a home review rather than a passing or failing grade.

 

Get Help From a Professional Realtor

If you’re looking to purchase a home in Massachusetts then contact the best real estate agent in Waltham, MA, Hans Brings. He and his team have helped numerous homeowners sell their homes and buyers purchase their dream home. If you’re looking for a real estate agent you can count on, then call Hans Brings today!

 

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    How to Make a Competitive Offer in a Hot Market

    In today's competitive housing market, taking all the necessary measures when submitting an offer for a home you’re interested in is important. By incorporating small details and utilizing numerous tips you’ll be able to get the home you’ve always imagined. In this article, we will discuss some advice that can help make your offer much more enticing!

     

    Offer a Good Price

    When looking for homes in highly sought-after areas such as Waltham, MA, it’s important to keep your offer competitive. In recent years home prices have only continued to increase. This means that for the best possible results, most advise offering above the listing offer to gain attention from the seller. However, you should always stay within your budget and not allow yourself to spend more than you can afford.

     

    Get Pre-Approved

    A great way to let sellers know you are a serious buyer is to get pre-approved for a mortgage. If you are pre-approved then sellers know you can afford the amount you are offering. Pre-approval is also perfect because it means you now know the price range you should stick with when purchasing a home. No need to guess what you think you can buy instead you’ll have an exact amount in mind.

     

    Reduce Your Contingencies

    If you find yourself bidding on a home in a great location like Waltham, MA, with plenty of competition then reducing contingencies can be a great move to try. Contingencies add extra steps and hardships for sellers making them less appealing. Therefore, getting rid of certain contingencies you do not see as necessary can become very beneficial. The best approach to deciding which contingencies to reduce is by working with a real estate agent. A professional can find out the exact path to take in order to help close a deal.

     

    Keep the Seller in Mind

    Lastly, what's most important is to always keep in mind the seller's perspective and emotions. It's best to always be polite whenever you are negotiating an offer. If the seller needs certain accommodations, then you should try your best to help them. However, another way to help sellers is by asking for less or not asking for too many extras. You want your offer to be direct and specific so that you do not inconvenience the seller or give them the notion you are an unsure buyer.

     

    Learn More with Hans Brings

    If you’re looking for help with purchasing your first home or selling a home make sure to get in contact with Hans Brings. He is the most well-known and trustworthy realtor located in the Waltham, MA, area!

     

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      The Perks of Choosing to Buy Your First Home

      If you are currently trying to decide whether you should begin saving for your first home, then look at all the benefits it brings you. Owning a home is more than just a place to rest your head at night. Your first home is a long-term investment that’ll be deemed a lifelong achievement. In this article, we will go more in-depth on the benefits of owning a home and why we believe you should start saving today! 

       

      Increase Your Home Equity

      A great part about owning a home is the equity that you gain over time whilst paying your mortgage. With each payment, you are slowly gaining more ownership of your property rather than paying a landlord. As time goes on your land will also appreciate and continue to help build a bigger investment. Having full ownership of your home is always amazing especially if your home is located in a wonderful location like Waltham, MA, for example.

       

      Have a Better Sense of Stability

      When you decide to purchase your first home it gives you a sense of stability like no other. Unlike when you rent a property your monthly expenses are typically consistent and won’t randomly increase without cause. Your home is also completely under your control and allows you and your family to do whatever they please. Your environment overall feels much more stable and protected compared to renting a property. 

       

      Customize Your Home 

      Being in charge of your home means you can now customize it to your exact needs and specifications. However, you envisioned your first home can now become a reality rather than a dream or idea. Even in beautiful towns like Waltham, MA, you can still have your home stick out amongst others by adding your own touch. Regardless if you want to change the interior or exterior of your home, you can now do that with complete privacy and freedom. 

       

      Create a Community in Your Neighborhood

      Lastly, a big benefit of investing in a home is the sense of community you can get from a neighborhood. Many towns and cities that are located in Massachusetts like Waltham, MA, have beautiful neighborhoods with amazing people all around you. Moving into a good neighborhood can make the transition to a new home much easier. Allowing you to adjust to a new lifestyle rather quickly.

       

      Get Your Dream Home From Hans Brings Today

      If any of these benefits convinced you to start saving for your first home then get in touch with a top real estate agent from Waltham, MA, Hans Brings. The team at Hans Brings Results has helped thousands of homebuyers find the perfect home in Massachusetts! Get in touch with us today and receive great service from a top Massachusetts Realtor!

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      The Best Tips to Sell Your Massachusetts Home

      In highly competitive Massachusetts towns like Waltham and Watertown, it can be hard to sell your home quickly. So many other homes are beautiful and give many reasons for buyers to be interested. Therefore, it's important to try and make your home stand out as much as possible during the selling process. Hence why we will be going in-depth on some tips that we believe can help accelerate the sale of your Massachusetts home.

       

      When to Sell Your Massachusetts Home 

      A great way to boost your entire home selling process is to know the perfect time of year to list your Massachusetts home. Over time what we’ve noticed is that the warmer months tend to be the best time to sell in Massachusetts. More specifically the spring months such as March to June can be perfect. It’s important to note that you can still sell a home at any time throughout the year, but the spring is just considered the most optimal. 

       

      Make Changes and Fixes as Needed

      When you are selling a home in great areas like Waltham, MA, you should ensure that everything is up to date. This means you should check all areas of your home for any minor damage, leaks, or scuffs. If you can repair these small problems then it will show potential buyers that you cared about the house and maintained it. Therefore, buyers will give your home more consideration because they will believe your home has fewer initial problems or headaches than others in the surrounding area. 

       

      Invest in Staging for Your Home

      Similar to taking care of small repairs on your property, staging can help boost a buyer's first expectations of your home. By viewing a house without personal belongings and beautiful aesthetics a buyers is able to visualize themselves in the home. If a buyer can see themselves living in your home then that's a perfect start for potentially gaining an offer. Staging can have amazing results for enhancing the beauty of your home. Therefore, we recommend looking at staging options and seeing if any companies are the right fit for your Massachusetts home.

       

      Keep a Competitive Selling Price 

      Selling a home in a competitive area such as Waltham or Watertown, MA, then it's important to also keep your price competitive. You don’t want to be left thinking you could have gotten more money or left without any offers because your price is too high. This is why viewing other homes with similar size and condition that are selling in the area can help a lot. By taking into account surrounding home prices you can determine what a fair price for your home would be. If you are still unsure then hiring a professional real estate agent or appraiser can benefit you a lot when trying to gain the most amount of money from your investment. 

       

      Get Help From a Top Waltham, MA, Realtor

      If you still feel overwhelmed after reading this article and viewing our list of Massachusetts home-selling tips. Then we recommend you reach out to one of the best Realtors in Waltham, MA, Hans Brings. Their team can help you sell your Waltham or Watertown, MA, home at the best price possible! By choosing Hans Brings Results you’ll never settle for less again! 

       

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