(As Featured on the Waltham Patch)

There are a few helpful tips that you can do that will put your house at the top of every buyer's list. A little preparation coupled with a great broker who knows the market will ensure your house is sold in record time. 

Here are a few tips to make your house irresistible to potential buyers: 
Curb appeal - First impressions mean a lot! When the buyer pulls up to the house, you want your yard to be tidy and sharp. This means no weeds, the lawn is mowed and trimmed and there are no toys or other clutter. A well maintained yard shows pride of ownership and that the house will follow suit. 

Garages/carports – make sure these are clean, tidy and well organized. If you can park your cars somewhere else that would be ideal. This allows the buyers to visualize the garage as if it were their own. 
Pets – While pretty much everybody loves pets, remember you are showing the house not the dog! Keep your pets away, so the focus is on the house. Also, some people may be nervous around animals. 

Bright and Cheery! Make sure your home is well-lit. Open all curtains and blinds to take advantage of all natural light. Dark and dreary is the enemy. A well-lit house is inviting and happy. 

Closets! – Make sure your closets are clean and organized. This is a good opportunity to get rid of stuff you no longer use. Keeping your closets lean and clean emphasizes potential storage space for the buyer. 

Upgrade in moderation – Upgrades are nice, but too many may give the impression you may be trying to hide something. The money you spend on upgrades may not necessarily reflect in the selling price either. 

However, if you do any upgrades, the kitchen is king! The kitchen is the heart of every home and can be the one room that will make or break a sale. It is so important that your kitchen is clean, functional and inviting. 

Last, but not least – Family photos are fine as they can make a home feel more welcoming and inviting, but you don't want to have too many either. Less is Best. It is important to keep things neutral, so they feel like it is their house. 

Ask your Real Estate professional how these and other ideas can get your house ready to list! 

(As Featured on the Waltham Patch)

The phrase “caveat emptor” – or “let the buyer beware” is an especially important reminder for anyone who is considering buying a new home. It’s can be tempting to be swept away by the first appealing home you visit, but it’s important to slow down and ask a few questions about your home search and the specific property before making an impulsive decision to buy. As with every other major purchase you make, you will want to do a little research to make certain that you’re getting a fair deal.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself, your real estate agent, and your lender once you decide that you want to buy a new home:

What is my budget? 

Determining your home buying budget involves doing some calculations that include your income, your current debt, and how much money you can comfortably dedicate to a down payment, monthly mortgage payments, and necessities like home insurance and utilities. Go over these numbers carefully, and be sure to factor in expenses associated with the home sale itself, like lender fees and closing costs.

What do I want in a home?

Home size, location, condition, and features are all variables that will come together to determine the price of a home. Make a list of what you would like to have in a new home, including number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the type of neighborhood you desire, proximity to services, and other factors that are important to you. Think about whether you wish to buy a house that is move-in ready or whether you’re willing to make some renovations or repairs. Identify which attributes are most important to you in a new home, and which qualities allow for some wiggle room when trying to find a home to fit your budget

What kind of loan will I qualify for?

This is a question that your lender can help you answer. Partnering with a lender at the outset of the buying process can mean the difference between disappointment and success. If possible, have a loan pre-approval letter from your lender in hand before you even start shopping around. Every home loan is different, from conventional loans to VA and FHA loans, and all come with different terms and different rates. Your lender will be able to help you determine which type of loan is right for you.

Is this asking price fair?

Your real estate agent is an asset to you in many ways during the home buying process – not the least of which is his or her experience and knowledge of the industry. Based on comparable nearby properties, your agent can help you steer clear of homes that are overpriced or suspiciously underpriced, which can help you avoid making a mistake that will haunt you later.

How long has this home been on the market?
Properties that have been languishing on the market for several months – especially when the market is brisk– should be approached cautiously. Ask your agent for insight about why a house isn’t selling.

Are there any hidden or concealed problems with this house that I should know about?
Real estate agents are the experts when it comes to neighborhoods, school systems, and communities. They also know warning signs about a property when they see them. Ask your agent what he or she would want to know about the house you are considering buying. Using your agent’s knowledge as a guide, you can ask informed questions of the seller or listing agent that could yield useful information about a property.

Home buying is a process best approached with eyes wide open. Pairing a little self-reflection about your home needs with a bit of detective work about the home you are hoping to buy will ensure that you end up with fewer surprises in the long term.

Would you like to find out more? Visit www.hansbrings.com for more information.

(As Featured on the Waltham Patch)

With the real estate market heating up, bidding wars seem to be more prevalent with each day.  While we all dream of a smooth and carefree transaction, with the low volume of desirable houses on the market, you may very well find yourself in the middle of a bidding war.  So before you go into battle, let me suggest a few ways to suit up and prepare. 

First things first – Get a great pre-approval letter from a reputable lender.  You want to make sure that your offer has staying power.  Nothing is more heartbreaking than to think you have won only to find out there was an issue with the loan approval. 

This one is just as important – Get the right agent!  You want to choose an experienced and local agent who is well-versed in the area you are looking to buy in. The right agent will have all the right contacts and will make sure that they find the right home for you!

No one likes surprises – Take time to learn the market in the area you wish to buy in.  It’s important to educate yourself on the prices of the homes you are looking to buy.  There should be no sticker shock when it comes to buying a house.  Make sure you have realistic expectations and know your true ceiling.

Ok, you have gotten a solid pre-approval letter from a great broker, found a fantastic agent and you have done your research and now you are ready to go!

Remember, your agent is your local real estate expert.  It is vital that you discuss the pros and cons of each property with them.  Take notes on all the properties that you view.  Write down what you like and don’t like about each.  Keep your agent up to speed as you eliminate properties on your list or re-prioritize your favorites.  Don't get caught in a moment of excitement and then change your mind in the morning.

So now you have found the perfect home and you are ready to proceed.  What next?  Now, you want to find out if there are any competing offers. If there are none, you still want to make a reasonable enough offer to be considered right away as you never know when another offer may come in.  Your agent can help you determine the value of a home based on recent neighborhood sales. 

If there are competing offers, then you need to decide whether you still want to proceed knowing that there will be uncertainty and a fair amount of stress.  If you find out that there are multiple competing offers be prepared to offer at least list price and in many cases even higher. 

The bottom line is that you need to feel comfortable with your offer.  I always suggest applying the $1000 test.  That is, if another buyer is willing to pay $1000 more, would you be ok with walking away from the house?

(As Featured on the Waltham Patch)

Moving can be stressful, especially when you add pets into the mix.  If you are planning on buying a home, you may want to think about how you are going to manage the move with your fur friends in tow.  Here are some tips we find helpful for you homebuyers with pets by your side.

Proper ID
Prior to moving day, ensure that your pets have proper collars and ID tags with your contact information.  If you want to be extra safe, microchipping is a viable backup option if your pet happens to lose their collar.  Remember, moving can be hectic regardless of how careful you are.

Visit the Vet

Is your pet prone to car sickness? It happens. To prevent any issues, you may want to squeeze in a visit to your vet before the big move.  Your vet can provide you with the proper medication and provide tips on how to alleviate the situation.

Consider Distance
Moving down the block is one thing, but if you're driving across the country for your big move you may have to do some planning.  Before you move, look up pet friendly hotels and make reservations ahead of time.  You don't want to be stuck on the road with your pets and nowhere to sleep!

Keep Calm
Before you hit the road, try to keep your pets in an enclosed and quiet area so that they aren't overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the pre-move activities.  If your pets are startled before you take off this can set things off on a bad note.

Control
One of the most important things about moving with pets is ensuring that they are safe.  Keep smaller pets in well-ventilated pet carriers and large dogs on leashes.  Stress from a move can cause pets to take off running, so try to keep them close and under control.
Keep these tips in mind before you make the big move with your pets.  Taking the proper precautions now can help make your move as smooth as possible!

(As Featured on the Waltham Patch)

If you're planning on selling your home this winter, you may have to put in some extra work. Between the cold weather, snow, and post holiday blues, a little bit of elbow grease can go a long way. Here are some ways to keep your property in shape for when you show your home this winter.

Clean windows
Your windows can become especially dirty during the winter months. Snow and mud are not a good mix when it comes to keeping things clean. Making sure all of your windows are clean and streak free can also make your home appear brighter. On those overcast winter days, your clean windows can help make your home shine inside and out.

Clear walkways
This is a must if you are going to be showing your home. Make sure walkways are clear of snow, ice and other debris. You also want to make sure you salt any potential danger areas. You don't want potential buyers having to maneuver their way through mounds of snow or slipping before they even make it inside your home.

Add some life
Unfortunately, there aren't any plants blooming in the winter. What you can do is temporarily put out some potted winter flowers to breathe some life into your otherwise dead yard. If your potential buyers aren't thrilled about seeing a home in the dead of winter, this may brighten their mood.

Paint the front door
Has your front door taken a beating this winter? Well, the good news is you can apply paint year round! Try applying a new coat to cover chips or try a new color to give your home a new look. Front doors that really "pop" are a growing trend among homeowners today.

Clean your roof
Ensure that your roof is clear of ice, snow and other debris. Serious homebuyers will notice this because it can lead to ice dams, which can cause serious damage. If you're not taking the time to take care of this, potential buyers may wonder if there are other maintenance issues you aren't addressing.

If you're planning on showing and selling your home this winter, you must be wiling to put in the extra effort. Anything that you can do to make your home more presentable to your potential buyers will pay off in the end. Good luck!

(As Featured on Waltham Patch)

If you have been following the news over the last few weeks, you will have no doubt heard that the Federal Reserve has decided to raise interest rates. The Federal Reserve announced that it is increasing the federal funds rate. These rates were nearly slashed nearly to zero in 2008 to help the economy ride face the financial crisis that turned the housing sector on its head. The federal funds rate determines how much interest financial institutions charge one another to borrow money. This rate has a direct effect on the interest consumers pay on credit cards, or when they take out a loan. Conversely, it also affects the interests consumers make on savings accounts and certificates of deposit.

This rate increase marks the end to historically low mortgage rates. However the impending rise in rates are expected to happen incrementally and take a bit of time. It could be even longer until there is a significant increase in 30 year mortgage interest rates.
However, it is important to keep an eye on these short-term rate increases, because if they continue to climb and inflation rises, prospective homebuyers will see mortgage rates rise significantly.

While this is no reason to go in to panic mode, there are a few things you do want to keep in mind.

Even with rates going up only fractions of a percent, it is still important to consider the long-term effect on a multiyear loan, it could end up being quite costly in the end.

Take the following example – A $300,000 loan with an interest rate of 4% over 30 years has a monthly payment of about $1,400. When you increase that rate to 6%, you will see an increase of $400 per month on your payment, up to $1,800. Over the lifetime of the loan this adds more than $130,000. Combined with the rising prices of homes it can quickly make purchasing a home more difficult, especially for first-time buyers.

If you are considering buying a house or refinancing, it is vital that you evaluate your financial health. Preparation is key to making sure you are well positioned to enter the market. Having a firm grip of your housing budget can save you thousands of dollars in interest.

Does this mean you shouldn't buy now? Absolutely not! It just requires careful planning and astute management of your finances.

Let's put it into historical perspective. For the purpose of illustration, we will say that in three years, the 30 year loan rate will average around six percent. In the 1970's, the average was around nine percent. In the 80's in jumped up to 13 percent and even hit just shy of 19 percent in 1981. In the 90's it was around nine percent. The 2000's have been pretty kind with rates between four and five percent. So all things compared, a six percent interest rate is actually not terrible.

Here are the two most important things you can do to help you on the path to homeownership in these changing times.

First – Know your score. Your credit score is key to securing the lowest rate possible. Make sure that you are reducing any debt and are making timely payments on your other accounts. Pull up your credit report to ensure that it is correct and that your credit has not been compromised.

Save, save save! While 5% to 20% down may be the average down payment in the area, there are programs such as VA for veterans and FHA that require anywhere from 0 down for VA loans to as little as 3.5% down for an FHA. However, any amount you can provide above and beyond the minimums can help reduce rates even further.

For first time homebuyers, probably the biggest impact will be on how much house they can buy. These new prospective homeowners may need to reevaluate how much house they can afford. Speak with your Realtor or loan professional to help determine how these new rates may affect your borrowing power.

On the bright side, the higher rates should help ease lending criteria. The extra security these higher rates bring will help offset the risk, therefore increasing the pool of qualified borrowers. It is conducive for lenders to make more loans. Also remember, if rates are rising it is because the economy is improving.

If you already own a home, should you refinance? For the last six years, we typically refinanced about every two years. This will probably slow down considerably now. If you have a fixed rate loan look at your current rate to see if it refinancing makes sense for you. However, if you have a have an adjustable-rate mortgage and plan to stay in your home for some time, you would definitely want to consider refinancing into a fixed-rate loan. Of course, you'll need to calculate fees and closing costs to have a sense of your overall costs.

Reading the writing on the wall, one thing is for certain. Rates are not going down any time for the foreseeable future. If you are looking to buy, now is the time to act.

(As Featured on Waltham Patch)

If you are buying or selling a home in a specific area, choosing to work with a local real estate agent can pay off big time. Local agents can help you secure a much better deal and can make your entire real estate transaction move more quickly. More specifically, working with an agent who is familiar with the local area can provide you with these three advantages:

Knowledge of the Area
Local agents will know the most about the area that you are planning to buy or sell in. With a local agent, you shouldn't have to wait for them to look up every single thing about the area. They should know their area inside and out, which can make everything move more quickly. A local agent will know the best neighborhoods, schools, and amenities close by if you are buying. They will also know the average market price and trends of the area if you are selling. A local agent will always have valuable information at their fingertips for their clients.

More Availability
If you are using a local agent to help sell your home, they will be able to physically meet up with you more often. This will also make it easier for your agent to assist you in presenting your home for sale. If you are buying, a local agent will be able to schedule showings for you and get you in to see homes more quickly. Meeting up with an agent rather than just exchanging phone calls and emails can make it easier to communicate what you need and can help avoid confusion.

Following Up
Local agents may be more likely to keep in touch with you after your transaction is complete. If you need anything more from the agent, they will be close by to assist you. Local agents may also provide closing gifts, or show some sort of client appreciation because they really care about the specific area that they are servicing. With a local agent, you won't have to worry about them vanishing the second that everything is finalized.

Great Network 
Local Agents know the other agents in town that they may feel more comfortable working with if you have an offer on their listing. Local agents also know great local contractors and other good contacts that could help you with your home during and after the sales process.

 Buying or selling a home is much more than just a real estate transaction. Before you choose who you want to represent you, make sure that you are considering all of your options. Look up local real estate agents that specialize in the area that you want to buy or sell in. A local agent may be your best bet when it comes to your home buying or selling experience.

For more information, contact us today!

(As Featured on Waltham Patch)

If you're looking for a new home, or your first home, you may feel overwhelmed by all of the options and decisions. So, you've found a great listing online that looks like your dream home, but now what? Before you head to that open house, remind yourself to look for these five things that can help you decide the value of a home.

Exterior 
As a potential homebuyer, you may be eager to rush into an open house and compare it to the listing that you saw online. However, before you step inside, you might want to take a look at the perimeter of the home. Gutters, roof shingles, and exterior paint can all show signs of neglected maintenance, which may lead to larger issues down the road.

Layout & Flow 
As you walk through an open house, be sure to pay close attention to the layout of each room and how they flow together. As the kitchen is usually the heart of most homes, notice which rooms and areas flow from that central space. Is there a dining area off of the kitchen for family or guests? How about a large enough living room for leisure or entertaining?

Storage 
Don't just look for extra space when you're viewing an open house, look for smart storage space. Today, it isn't enough to just have a garage to throw your extra clutter in. Look for deep closets with shelves, and hidden, built in space in bedrooms and bathrooms. Clever storage spaces that are out of sight keep a home clean and organized.

Light & Air 
Be sure to take note of the number of windows and if they allow natural light inside. A good amount of windows in the right places can make a huge difference in a home. Lots of natural sun and air can also mean less of a chance of mildew and mold in the home as well.

Neighborhood 
As you leave an open house, take a look around the neighborhood and get a feel for the area. Notice how close neighbors are and if there are any amenities close by. If there are minor issues in a home you are thinking of buying, but it is in a great neighborhood, it may be worth it. You can always save up and have things fixed or take on some do-it-yourself projects.

As a potential homebuyer, you have many important decisions that you need to make. Hopefully these tips help you narrow down your search and get you steps closer to buying your perfect home! 

(As Featured on Realty Times)

When dealing with tenants, there are many things you can do to create good landlord-tenant relationships that are mutually beneficial to one another. Here are a few points that will help you understand what rights each of you have and how to be a successful landlord.

First of all, thoroughly screen all potential tenants. Let's ensure we start off on the right foot by only renting to tenants with a good track record. Make sure you are doing your due diligence by running credit checks, screening their employee references and looking for prior bankruptcies. A track record of evictions, late or non-payments with former landlords. Bad credit and gaps in their rental history and suspect landlord references are all red flags.

You've done a great job screening and have found great tenants for your property. So what's the next step? Well, like any relationship you want to establish boundaries right off the bat. Make sure they clearly understand your expectations and that you understand theirs. Communication is always key. Your tenants must have a reliable way to get hold of you. However, you may set guidelines as to when is the best time to contact you for routine issues.

Make sure you have a good lease. Ensure the lease you are using is legal and comprehensive. Retain a lawyer who specializes in landlord-tenant law reviews it. Make sure it clearly spells out each party's obligation in detail. A good understanding of what is expected at the outset will save many headaches down the road.

I've already got the tenant from hell and I am about to lose my mind. What can I do? Basically there are three broad areas for eviction. They are ‘eviction for non-payment',' eviction for cause' and a ‘no-fault eviction'.

• Eviction for non-payment – to evict a tenant for non-payment you must send your tenant a statutory 14 day "notice to quit" before starting the eviction process. The 14 day notice to quit should be drafted carefully, and served by a constable or sheriff to ensure proof of delivery.
• Eviction for cause - This covers the range of violations of lease provisions by the tenant. These may include, but are not limited to illegal activity, drug use, excessive noise, uncleanliness, harassment of other residents, and non-approved residents. As is the case in all other evictions, you must issue a notice to quit to the tenant stating the specifics of the offenses. Evicting for cause can take up quite a bit of your time since you have to offer live testimony of your tenant's violations and getting any police officers to show up in court to corroborate for you can prove difficult. In the case of drugs and other illegal activity, there is a special expedited eviction process.
• No-fault eviction – Landlords must give their tenants a '30 day notice to quit' before serving the eviction. At a minimum it needs to have an eviction date and a reason for eviction. These must be drafted with care and according to Massachusetts Tenancy law or it will never make it through any court proceeding.

When seeking to become a landlord, nothing will beat preparation, knowledge and diligence. Make sure you have the law on your side and that you fully understand your rights and responsibilities and that is clearly communicated to your tenant. As with anything an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.