The point of a final walk-through before you close on your home is to make sure that the property is in the same condition it was in when you agreed to the purchase. Final walk-throughs are not required, however, Waltham Realtors always suggest having one in case any issues have come up since the last time you looked at the home. In this article, we’ll give you tips and a checklist for you to follow during your final walk-through, so you don’t miss a thing! 

 

When Does a Final Walkthrough Take Place?

The final walk-through is typically completed the day before or morning of the closing date. During the walkthrough, the buyer and their Waltham Real Estate Agent will go through the property. You’ll make sure there is no new damage, that all the home’s appliances and systems that were included in the sale are still working properly, and that the home is vacant and in broom clean condition. 

 

Why Does a Final Walkthrough Matter?

Having a final walkthrough is important because this is a huge purchase you’re about to make! You’re about to be legally and financially responsible for the Waltham property, so it is crucial to make sure it is up to standard and in the condition you agreed on before the official closing. If one were to skip a final walkthrough there’s a chance you could be left with a financial burden if the seller didn’t take care of repairs that they said they would. 

 

Final Walkthrough Checklist 

When you’re excited about your new home it can be easy to overlook certain things during your walkthrough. While your Waltham Realtor will know everything to check, it’s important for you to have some knowledge as well! Here are some checklists that will be helpful to have with you during your final walkthrough. 

 

Outside The Home Checklist:
 

• Make sure the garage door properly opens and closes and that the remotes are working. 
• Check for obvious signs of pests. 
• Check for damage to the yard, mailbox, and other outside appliances. 
• Make sure yard items that were sold with the house are there and haven’t been taken or damaged. This could include fire pits, sheds, landscaping, etc. 

 

Inside The Home Checklist: 
 

• Make sure light fixtures and outlets are accounted for and working properly. 
• Test the faucets and check for any leaks. Test the hot water and make sure all drains are clean and draining water. 
• Keep a lookout for mold or water damage. 
• Check all the appliances. Text the stove, washing machine, dishwasher, etc. Make sure the fridge and freezer are cold. 
• Test that all the doors and windows open, close, and lock properly. 
• Flush the toilets. 
• Observe all the walls and floors to ensure there is no damage. 
• Test the garbage disposal.
• Test the thermostat and check on HVAC units. 
• Make sure all the seller’s belongings are gone and moved out of the home. 

 

Contact A Waltham Real Estate Agent 

As mentioned above, your Waltham Realtor will know exactly what to check during your final walkthrough to ensure that the home is in the best condition for you to move in. Having a Waltham Real Estate Agent is crucial during this process so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance! If you’re looking for a Waltham Realtor to help you get started with the home buying or selling process, contact Hans Brings today!
617-968-0022

 

Over the past decade or so, Waltham Real Estate has certainly evolved. The plethora of online listings have changed the game. People are now used to browsing on their computers or phones from the comfort of their homes. This would make most people assume that open houses are no longer useful, but are they? 

While having great photos and an online presence for your home is important, there are still some advantages to hosting an open house. In this article, we’ll discuss open houses and why they still work! 

 

Who Typically Attends an Open House?

The answer might seem obvious, “people who want to buy your house.” However, some people who attend a Waltham open house might not actually be in the market for a new home says Waltham Realtors. They could just be doing some initial research or there might even be some nosey people who just go to see what the inside of your home looks like. 

But this doesn’t mean an open house is pointless. Instead, you’ll just have to prepare your expectations. Put your focus on preparing and promoting your open house for those who are actually interested in buying a home like yours.

 

Will An Open House Sell My Home?

In most cases, an open house itself won’t necessarily sell your Waltham home. Since there will be many people walking around, buyers won’t feel ready to make an offer right then and there. 

 

Why Open Houses Are Worth It

While you might not get any offers on your home during an open house, they do serve a couple of important purposes: 

Traffic 

The biggest thing an open house can bring to your Waltham home is people! It’s important to get people in there to simply look at your home. If buyers are visiting multiple open houses in a day they will remember their favorites and then schedule a showing through their Waltham Realtor. The more potential buyers you get to walk through your open house the bigger the chance more people end up putting an offer on your home. It’s all about getting people in there to look! 

 

 More Relaxing for Potential Buyers

Some buyers looking around at Waltham Real Estate can hit several open houses in one day. If they were to schedule formal showings for each individual house it would take up so much time and be extremely stressful. With an open house, potential buyers are also more willing to take a look at houses that aren’t at the top of their list. This could bring even more traffic to your open house. 

 

Contact a Waltham Real Estate Agent 

If you’re looking to sell your Waltham home, it’s important to have an awesome Waltham Realtor by your side to help you through the whole process! Hans Brings is one of the best Waltham Real Estate Agents! Don’t hesitate to call today to get started on your Waltham home buying or home selling needs. 617-968-0022

 

 

Trying to decide if the fall is a good time to sell your Waltham home? A Waltham Realtor is here to say, YES! There might not be a better time to list your home on the market than right now. Buyer demands are still high because of low-interest rates as well as changing trends due to the pandemic. We’re still in the sellers’ market, however, it won’t last forever. Here are some reasons why it's best to put your home up for sale sooner rather than later. 

 

Less Competition & Will Sell Quickly

The sellers’ market that we’re in is slowly beginning to cool off. Therefore, Waltham Realtors say that now is the best time to sell your home if you’re looking to do so. There is currently less competition out there which means your home is likely to sell quickly since a lot of buyers are desperate. With the shortage of homes for sale, it’ll be easy to get attention from many different buyers. 

 

Buyers Are Willing to Compete for Your Home

Since there are fewer homes on the market than buyers looking, buyers are willing to compete with one another. It has been found that Waltham home sellers are seeing an average of 4 offers, and Waltham Realtors say they have been very competitive. Buyers in this market know that they are likely going to be in a bidding war and they’re coming prepared with their best offers. 

 

Autumn Ambiance Is an Advantage 

The beautiful fall atmosphere can greatly enhance your home’s curb appeal making it even more attractive to buyers, says a Waltham Real Estate Agent. Maintaining the exterior of your home is always important while selling, however, it’s especially important as the seasons' change. Make sure all the leaves are raked and the gutters are clean, the remaining fall foliage will add a warm and welcoming feel to potential buyers. 

 

Contact a Waltham Realtor 

If you’re looking to sell your Waltham home, don’t delay any longer! With the housing inventory still on the lower end, now is the time to sell. Let a Waltham Real Estate Agent help you with the selling process. Waltham Realtors always work hard to get the best price for your home and you won’t be disappointed with the results. Contact Hans Brings today by calling 617-968-0022. 

 

 

For many real estate investors, buying a foreclosed home has become a popular investment strategy. They believe that buying a foreclosed home is an easy way to make money. However, sometimes it can come with risks and complications, and not all investors are successful. So before you consider buying a foreclosed Waltham home as an investment property, here is some insight from a Waltham realtor! 

 

What Is a Foreclosed Home? 

A foreclosed home is one in which the owner is very much past due on their mortgage payments. When this happens, the mortgage lender will start a legal process to take ownership of the home back. Foreclosure can also happen if the homeowner does not pay their taxes. 

Once the mortgage lender gains possession of the home, it will then be auctioned off. The auction process is very competitive and most people who win the auctions end up being all-cash buyers.

 

How to Buy a Foreclosed Home

If you’re interested in buying a foreclosed Waltham home you need to first know where and how to find them. There are websites available that can help you find them. If you cannot find any online, reach out to your local Waltham real estate agent and they will be able to help! 

Before buying a foreclosure, you should understand that it can be more complicated than you might think. It could also initially cost you more money than you might think. This is because these homes are often in bad condition and require a lot of work to be done on them. 

 

Benefits of Buying a Foreclosed Home

While there might be some risks when buying a foreclosed home, there is also a chance that it ends up being very successful. Here are some of the benefits you can come by!

 

Great Savings

It is very possible to save a lot of money when buying a foreclosed Waltham home. There’s a chance you could find a luxury house in foreclosure and you won’t have to pay the super high price associated with them. Foreclosure homes tend to be 20% - 40% less than the market price.

 

Big Return on Investment

Foreclosure homes can be a great way to make a quick and high profit. In some cases, you might find one that is sold under the market value and then you can resell it quickly at market value or even above it. That could end up being an instant profit of up to 40% - 70%. Also, if you hire a Waltham real estate agent to help you sell it, you could possibly get an even higher price for it! 

 

Less Competition than Traditional Home Buyers

Since there are not many traditional Waltham home buyers looking for a foreclosed home, there is less competition for you! This means you’ll have less stress and pressure when bidding on the foreclosed home. 

 

Cons of Buying a Foreclosed Home 

Buying a foreclosed home can also come with many drawbacks. Here are some that you should be aware of! 

 

You’re Buying the Home “as is” 

As mentioned above, a foreclosed home might be in bad condition and in need of a lot of work. You also won’t have the chance to inspect the home and reject it because of anything not being up to code. If you don’t like the structure or the state the home is in, Waltham realtors suggest not to go through with buying it. 

 

Repair Problems

Since you’re buying the home “as is” you might have a lot of repairs that need to be made. These repairs could be costly and you could end up spending a lot more money than you expected. It could be more than just a simple paint job, there’s a chance something like the roof could be falling apart or there’s a bug infestation inside. 

 

Liens on the Property 

There could be liens on the property that you are not aware of. If the former owners took out loans to make repairs or improve the home, there’s a chance they didn’t pay those loans fully off. Therefore, the lien holders might come to you to pay them off since they can’t collect from the previous owners anymore.

 

Contact A Waltham Realtor 

Before deciding if buying a foreclosed Waltham home is the right move for you, consider talking with a Waltham Real Estate Agent. Waltham Realtors know the ins and outs of what comes with buying a foreclosed home and can help you decide if it’s a good idea or not. Contact Waltham Realtor, Hans Brings, today for assistance! 617-968-0022

 

 

A frustrating thing to encounter when getting ready to put an offer on a home is finding out that you are up against someone that has made an all-cash offer. All-cash offers often get chosen because it makes the process much faster and easier for the seller. However, don’t give up hope just yet. By hiring an experienced Waltham Real Estate Agent you’ll be able to have a chance at winning against the cash buyers! Your Waltham Realtor will walk you through some important steps that we’ve listed below that will give you a leg up on your offer. 

 

Get a head start on the mortgage

Waltham Realtors recommend reaching out to your mortgage lender to see if they can speed up the process a little bit. Find out what information they need from you and get it to them as soon as possible. Some mortgage companies are offering pre-commitment documents which help speed up the process. If the sellers are looking for a quick sale it’s important to be completely ready and prepared with your mortgage documents when you go to put in an offer. 

 

Pre-order your appraisal

It might be harder to pre-order your appraisal with larger banks, however, with smaller banks, mortgage brokers, and direct lenders you can get your appraisal put together in advance. Your Waltham Realtor will help you include this information in your offer so that the seller knows that your appraisal has already been ordered. 

 

Up your offer

Cash buyers often get a discount because they are offering cash. If you are able to, Waltham Real Estate Agents will recommend upping your offer on the home. To increase your chances, offering a little more on the home will help you out. If the difference between offers is decent enough, the seller will be intrigued and might not resort to automatically accepting the cash offer. 

 

Introduce yourself to the seller

If you believe this is your dream home, Waltham Realtors suggest writing a letter to the sellers to introduce yourself. This will help the seller get to know you better. Since I’m sure their home is special to them, they’ll want to sell it to someone who feels the same way about it. By telling them a little bit about yourself and why you love their home so much it might push them towards accepting your offer over the all-cash offer. 

 

Give the sellers what they want

Accommodating the seller’s needs is key!  It’s possible that they still need time to find a new home for themselves or they need to rent the home from you for an extra month or so. If either of these is the case and you’re able to make the deal and let them stay for a little longer, say yes! If it means getting your dream home, what’s waiting an extra month or so?

 

Contact a Waltham Real Estate Agent

Waltham Realtors are always here to give you the best advice and insight as you navigate the home buying process. You Waltham Real Estate Agent won’t let you down! Reach out today by giving Hans Brings a call at 617-968-0022.

 

While searching for Waltham Real Estate online you might often come across a listing that states it’s “contingent” or “pending.” If you’re not familiar with what these terms mean you’re probably confused as to what the difference between them is and whether the home is actually available or not. A Waltham Realtor is here to give you all the insight! 

 

What Does Contingent Mean in Real Estate?

When you see that a home is contingent it means that the seller has accepted an offer on the home, however, before the home is completely off the market some specific requirements need to be met. Once certain requirements are met the status of the property will switch from an active listing to a pending status until the home is finally marked as sold. 

 

What Does Pending Mean in Real Estate?

When you notice on a listing that the home is pending, Waltham Real Estate Agents suggest moving on from that home. A pending sale means that the offer has been accepted, the contingencies are all set, and the buyer and the seller are moving forward with the sale. A pending offer is the time period between the contingencies being met and the close of the sale.

 

Common Contingencies in Real Estate

As mentioned above, when a Waltham home is contingent it means there are still some requirements that need to be met before the sale can continue. Examples of contingencies include:

 

Home Inspection 

Buyers may put a home inspection contingency on an offer to make sure the home is in satisfactory condition prior to purchasing.  Home inspections many issues such as bug infestations, foundation issues, mechanical issues, or mold issues. 

 

Appraisal Contingencies

Appraisal contingencies are also often required by lenders to make sure the house is at least worth the price of the accepted offer. The appraisal will look into amenities, location, home add-ons, or other higher-value features that might add or detract from the home's value. If the appraiser finds issues that make the home worth less than the offer that was accepted there could be issues with the sale. 

 

Financing Contingencies

If you’re taking out a loan to purchase a home, Waltham Realtors will often suggest a financing contingency before the sale is final. A financing contingency allows you to back out of a sale if for some reason the loan does not end up being granted. 
 

Common Pending Types in Real Estate

There are a few kinds of pending sales in real estate, the common ones include: 

 

Pending - Short Sale 

A pending short sale means the home is awaiting approval from the bank. The bank has to approve all aspects of the sale which Waltham Realtors say could greatly slow down the closing process of the sale. Within short sales, deals often fall through because the banks take so long and the buyer ends up finding another home with a quicker closing process. 

 

Pending - Taking Backups 

When the status of a listing says “taking backups” this means the seller believes the deal is likely to fall through. Waltham Real Estate Agents say sellers may notice some financial problems or other issues and want to make sure they have some backup offers just in case. However, the offer has to fall through on its own, the seller cannot drop the offer if they happen to get a higher one. 

 

Can You Make an Offer on an Active Contingent Listing?

Until a home is officially sold you can always make an offer. However, Waltham Real Estate Agents say the best time to make an offer on a home is when there are no pending sales or contingencies in the way. The next best time to make an offer is when the pending status says “taking backups.” 

 

Contact A Waltham Real Estate Agent

If you’re looking for a reliable Waltham Realtor to assist you throughout the home buying or selling process, contact Hans Brings today! Hans will assist you every step of the way helping you get your dream home or the best possible offer on your current home. 617-968-0022

The process of buying a home is similar to playing a sport. You must get in shape and understand the rules before hitting the field, and then be able to overcome challenges to secure your win. In 2021, you’ll win in your Waltham Real Estate game by understanding how to stack up against lender qualifications, how to compete with other buyers, and how to navigate through a socially distanced home buying process. This article will give you some insight into what it looks like to buy a Waltham home in 2021 and how to prepare yourself for the process. 

 

It’s Currently a Seller’s Market

Lately, there have been a ton more buyers than sellers in the Waltham Real Estate market. Therefore, when you find a home you really love chances are you won’t be the only one submitting an offer. If you’re currently looking for a new home you’ll need to make sure you’re flexible and going in with an open mind. For example, in today’s market, it’ll be tough to win over a seller if you make your offer contingent on the sale of your current home. To figure out how to navigate the local market and make a strong offer on a home, talk to your Waltham Real Estate Agent! 

 

Home Prices Expected to Increase

Since it’s currently a seller’s market, Waltham Realtors are saying that they expect home prices to continually increase. Prices on homes also can vary by season, so if you’re on a tight budget it’s important to buy within certain months to save you money. Waltham homes are normally more expensive in the warm summer months and less expensive in the winter months. 

 

Mortgage Rates Are Expected to Stay Low

A positive fact about the current Real Estate market is that mortgage rates are expected to stay low in 2021. Even though rates are currently lower, Waltham Real Estate Agents still suggest shopping around and doing your research when looking for a mortgage lender. Contact multiple lenders and compare their offers so that you can get the best deal possible. 

 

Digital Tools Are Changing the Home Buying/Selling Process

New digital ways to sell and buy homes are taking over the real estate market. Virtual home tours, online closings, smaller open houses, and Zoom meetings have allowed people to continue to sell and buy homes during this pandemic. While the social-distancing rules have started to lift, online and digital tools will continue being used even after the pandemic is over. 
 

Credit Requirements Are Still Tight

The credit score you need in order to buy a home will depend on your mortgage type and the lender. If you have a low credit score it will be tougher to qualify for a loan. Waltham Real Estate Agents say that some lenders might loosen credit requirements as the economy improves, but it might still be tough to find a lender if you have low credit. If you’re looking to boost your credit score, here are a few tips! 

 

Contact a Waltham Realtor

With today’s crazy real estate market it’s crucial that you have a knowledgeable and experienced Waltham Realtor to help you along with the buying or selling process. Your Waltham Real Estate Agent will work hard to help you get your dream home or sell your current Waltham home. Contact Waltham Realtor, Hans Brings, today at 617-968-0022!

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re probably also thinking about how much you can sell it for. You might try some online home value estimators, however, most of those tools won’t give you very accurate results. They might be great starting points but they won’t be able to factor in specific details about your home. The best way to determine how much your Waltham Real Estate is worth is by conducting a Comparative Market Analysis or CMA. To do this you should work with an experienced Waltham Realtor who understands the local market entirely. 

 

What is a Comparative Market Analysis?

A Comparative Market Analysis or CMA is the method of calculating the value of a home based on recent sales of similar homes in the same area. Waltham Realtors use a CMA to help accurately determine what your property is worth. They will assess all of the features of your home and compare them to similar properties in the area to see exactly how much your home should be listed for. 

 

What Should a CMA Include? 

When conducting a CMA with your Waltham Real Estate Agent, it will likely include several comparable sold properties, sale pending homes, and currently listed homes.  These properties will have similar features to your home and are located in the same or similar area to your home. The analysis will include the price these properties sold for and a proposed price for your home’s listing.  

 

Is a CMA Accurate?

As mentioned above, a Comparative Market Analysis is a fantastic way to accurately determine your home’s market value. However, it is never guaranteed that your home will sell at the exact price provided in the CMA. The best way to get the most accurate CMA is to work with an experienced Waltham Real Estate Agent.

 

Can You Get a Comparative Market Analysis for Free?

Most agents, including Waltham Realtor Hans Brings, will provide you with a CMA for free. This is a great way to get to know your local Waltham Real Estate Agent and see exactly how they can help you in your home selling process. 

 

Contact a Waltham Realtor

To get your free Comparative Market Analysis contact Waltham Realtor, Hans Brings, by filling out a form or giving him a call at 617-968-0022. Being in the industry for over 31 years has given Hans the experience and knowledge to help all home sellers determine their selling price as well as end up selling for the best amount. 

 

 

Some homeowners believe that the value of their home will automatically increase if they have a unique feature. They assume that they can ask for more money for their home than other homes in the area just because they have some of these features. However, a Waltham Real Estate Agent is here to tell you that’s not always the case. While yes, sometimes these features can increase the value of your home but sometimes they might decrease the value of your home. Here’s some insight on what kind of features we’re referring to. 

 

Swimming Pools 

Increase Value

For beautiful luxury homes that have a big backyard, swimming pools can add value. If your pool includes extras like a hot tub, waterfall, is a unique shape, and maybe even features a slide or diving board it can definitely be valuable and allow you to increase your asking price. Waltham Realtors say that in order for a pool to add value to your home, it must be in great condition.

Decrease Value 

Swimming pools can also decrease the value of your home and here’s why. Swimming pools can take up a lot of backyard space and are often expensive and time-consuming to maintain. If your pool needs a lot of repairs and fixing, your home's value can be negatively affected. Unless the buyer is willing to put in all the work, they are likely not going to want to deal with the maintenance and cost that having a pool would come with. 

 

In-Law Apartments 

Increase Value 

An in-law apartment that is updated and well maintained can be very attractive to buyers who are looking for just that. Waltham Realtors say that if you have a beautiful and cohesive in-law apartment you can certainly raise your asking price for people who find that a must-have home feature. 

Decrease Value 

Waltham Real Estate Agents also mention that in-law apartments aren’t always the most popular. Therefore, some people aren’t willing to pay more for a home when that feature is not something they need. 
 

Garages/Sheds

Increase Value 

Garages and sheds that are in good condition can usually add value to a home, especially if they are attached to the house. A lot of people find value in garages and sheds because they add extra storage space to a home while also protecting cars from harsh weather conditions. 

Decrease Value 

However, Waltham Realtors mention that functionality and condition are two big factors when it comes to determining whether the garage or shed could take away value from the home. If it is too big for the yard, looks out of place, or is in need of great repair, buyers might be turned off and not want to deal with them. 

 

Contact A Waltham Realtor

If you’re looking to sell your home in Waltham, MA, and think that you have some features that could add value to your home, consult with a Waltham Real Estate Agent! We will help you determine the perfect asking price for your home based on the features your home offers. Give Waltham Realtor, Hans Brings, a call today at 617-968-0022 or fill out a contact form! 

 

Once you finally find the home you want, the process isn’t over quite yet. Next, you need to figure out how much you should offer on the house. While a Waltham Real Estate Agent can help give you insight, it’s also a good idea to do some research on your own. The most important part of your offer is the price and sometimes this can be the hardest part of the home buying process. Below are 3 questions to ask yourself (and your Waltham Realtor) to guide you in this process. 
 

1. What have similar homes sold for? 

Waltham Real Estate Agents suggest that the best place to start is to research similar homes in the area and see what they have recently sold for. Gather a list of recent, similar, and nearby home sales. When comparing these homes to the one you want to put an offer on consider the following: 
 

• Location Construction type 
• How many bedrooms and bathrooms
• Square footage
• Condition (new, updated, or needs to be updated)

 

All of this information can help you begin to put together a range of possible prices that you should offer. Your Waltham Realtor will be able to help you access all of this information. 
 

2. How long has the home been on the market?

When figuring out your offer price, a factor you should consider is how long the home has been on the market. Waltham Real Estate Agents say the length of time a home has been on the market sometimes affects how much it's worth and will help give you insight on what to offer.

The longer a house has been on the market, the lower your offer can be. On the contrary, if a home has just been put on the market your offer price should usually be a little higher. If you offer too little on a newly listed home you are going to risk the seller turning down your offer for another one. However, if a home has been on the market for a while the seller will likely be more open for a lower price or some negotiation.

Keep in mind that some sellers are not in a rush, even if their home has been on the market for some time. Therefore, offering a price way below the asking price may not work for all homes. If you are interested in offering a price below the asking price, make sure to consult with your Waltham Real Estate Agent first to see how far under the price you should go.

3. What is the condition of the home?

This is likely obvious, but the condition of the home is an important factor in how much you should offer. A home that does not need much fixing will typically get higher offers than a home that needs work. Homes that need some work can be great opportunities to save money, however, make sure to consider how much work it needs and how much work you’re willing to put into it. Pay attention to these factors when evaluating a home:

• A damaged roof
• Cracks in the foundation
• Rusted plumbing fixtures
• Water damage on floors or walls
• Uneven floors 
   

Contact A Waltham Realtor

 

At the end of the day, the ultimate goal is to come up with an offer that will win over the seller. Figuring out the right price to offer can take some time but it doesn’t need to be too difficult. With the help of a Waltham Real Estate Agent you’ll be able to figure out the perfect price to offer that will give you the best chance at getting your dream home. Contact Waltham Realtor, Hans Brings, today to get started in your home buying process! 617-968-0022