Great Conditions for Home Buyers

Take a moment to consider these facts: *There are currently 3.75 million homes for sale. Inventories in recent months have been at record levels, offering consumers the greatest choice in decades. *However, inventory levels are falling, and the selection of homes will be come limited once again. *Interest rates haven’t been this low for nearly 40 years. *The average home value increased by 88 percent over the last ten years. In the decade to come, the number of households is expected to increase by 15 percent, which keeps housing in high demand. Expect change in 2007 as sales pipck up, prices gain traction, and conditions improve for sellers.

Source:  Real Estate Update, August 2007

Torn Between Two Houses?

As you find yourself heavily immersed in the house-hunting mode, you may encounter a situation in which you’re torn between two houses. Perhaps you and your spouse each have a favorite, or perhaps you both like two houses equally - or think you do.

Making a final decision and determining which house to make an offer on shouldn’t be taken lightly. The decision should be made rationally and not guided by emotion.

Of course, you may not have the luxury of taking your time on deciding which house you’d like to pursue. You may be in a market in which homes in your price range get snatched up as quickly as they go on the market, perhaps even attracting multiple offers.

But in some situations, you may find yourself torn between two houses. Sometimes the easiest thing to do is take pen to paper and outline your family’s needs, your budget, and the pros and cons of each house.

Some things you’ll want to compare include:

• The neighborhoods. If the two final contenders are in different neighborhoods, evaluate the pros and cons. If you have kids and being close to a park is important, you’ll want to consider that. How close are shopping, restaurants, church, and other services? Are the streets maintained? Do homeowners landscape and maintain their homes nicely? How long will your commute to work be?
• The schools. If you have school-aged children, you definitely want to consider the reputation of the neighborhood schools. You can usually find general district information and state standardized test results online. But once you’re this deep in the process, you’ll want to visit the schools and receive the information first-hand from school officials. You should also talk to teachers and parents.
• The houses compared to others in the neighborhood. While it may boost your self-esteem to have the biggest house on the block, it’s typically a better idea to stay away from purchasing the neighborhood monster. When it comes time to sell you’ll find that the lower value of your neighbors’ homes will shrink your home’s value.
• Appreciation. If the two homes you’re eyeing are in different parts of town or different neighborhoods, ask your REALTOR® to retrieve sales of homes in those neighborhoods over the past few years. If one neighborhood shows an annual average 8 percent increase and another is skyrocketing at 15 percent, you may have your decision made.
• The sellers’ situations. If you don’t know already, ask your Realtor how long each home has been on the market. Usually the longer a house has been listed, the better chance the seller will accept an offer lower than asking price. Conversely, if the house has been on the market for just a couple days, the sellers will probably wait for a better offer if you offer less than the listed price. Your real estate agent might also be able to dig up additional information about the sellers, like why they’re selling. If it’s a job-related move or a divorce, the sellers likely want to move as quickly as possible, meaning you have a better shot at them accepting a lower price.
• The houses themselves. If you haven’t already, you should make a list of the amenities and attributes you want your house to have. If you want that first-floor home office, a large, open back yard for the kids, or a gourmet kitchen, be sure to include that on your list. Then, rate how each house measures up to each need on your list.
• Drawbacks. Likewise, make a list of the cons associated with each house and determine how much of a negative impact each will have.

As you carefully weigh all the factors, it might become clear that one house is more enticing than the other. Or, you may find the houses are still equally appealing. If that is the case, be sure you look at the homes more than once. You may notice something you didn’t the first time around - something that could sway you one way or the other.

Source: Realty Times

ERA Bay State Welcomes New Associate

ERA BAY STATE REALTY is pleased to announce that KARI ANN MESZAROS has joined our team in the Millis office.  She serves consumers in the Metrowest area.

A resident of Holliston until moving to Medway in 2001, she has excellent working knowledge of the surrounding towns and school systems.  Kari is a graduate from Framingham State College with a degree in economics. 

As part of ERA BAY STATE, Kari will be able to offer homebuyers and sellers a wide variety of valuable products and services including online listings, home warranty plans, the ERA Sellers Security Plan and more.

To find out more about KARI ANN MESZAROS, please visit her online at www.erabsr.com.

ERA Bay State Adds New Associate to Team

ERA BAY STATE REALTY recently announced the addition of Leo W. Bieler, III to its team of real estate sales professionals serving consumers in the Metrowest area.

“We’re delighted to have Leo join our winning team,” said Janet Potts, Manager. “He brings experience and leadership that will certainly benefit our company and our customers.”

As part of ERA BAY STATE, Leo will be able to offer homebuyers and sellers a wide variety of valuable products and services including online listings, home warranty plans, the ERA Sellers Security Plan and more.

To find out more about LEO BIELER, please visit him online at www.erabsr.com to see how he can make your dreams of homeownership come true!

Michele Bliss Office Coordinator of the Year

Michele Bliss of ERA Bay State Realty has received the ERA® 2006 Office Coordinator of the Year Award from the Greater Boston Broker Council.  Award ceremonies were held May 7, 2007 at the Newton Marriott.  This award is given to non-brokers for their outstanding commitment to their offices and to their customers.

“Michele has been with us for 3 years in her capacity as Marketing specialist and as all of our agents will tell you, we couldn’t live without her” says Jeffrey Germagian, Broker/Owner of ERA Bay State Realty.  Michele is also a Residential Sales Associate. 

Visit our web site www.baystaterealty.com to contact Michele or any of our agents.

Team Jeffrey & Janet Receive Award

Jeffrey Germagian and Janet Potts of ERA Bay State Realty have received the ERA® 2006 Top Broker Team Award from the Greater Boston Broker Council.  Award ceremonies were held May 7, 2007 at the Newton Marriott. 

Jeffrey Germagian is the Broker/Owner of ERA Bay State Realty, a family owner business since 1968, specializing in all facets of real estate. 

Janet Potts, Manager of ERA Bay State Realty, a life-long resident of Metro-west, has been serving buyers and sellers for over 18 years.  Together, Jeffrey and Janet have received annual awards for their service and dedication to their customers.

To find out more about Jeff and Janet visit them online at www.baystaterealty.com

 

Team Reger Receives Award

Babe and Jim Reger of ERA Bay State Realty have received the ERA® 2006 Ambassadors Circle Award from the Greater Boston Broker Council.  Award ceremonies were held May 7, 2007 at the Newton Marriott. 

Babe and Jim Reger have been selling real estate for the past 30 years.  They have consistently been high achievers, and their professionalism and service to their buyers & sellers is second to none. 

To find out more about Babe & Jim visit them online at www.baystaterealty.com and see why Babe and Jim’s customers become customers for life!

Cathy Schultz Receives Awards

Cathy Schultz of ERA Bay State Realty has received the ERA® 2006 Leaders Circle Designation Award and the ERA® 2006 Top Producer Bronze Award from the Greater Boston Broker Council.  Award ceremonies were held May 7, 2007 at the Newton Marriott.  The prestigious Leader’s Circle awards recognize those sales associates internationally who reach outstanding individual achievements and generate success through their effort.  She was present the award at the International Business Convention in Las Vegas, NV.  She was also presented the 2006 Agent of the Year for ERA Bay State Realty.  “Cathy has gone above and beyond everyday responsibilities to reach exceptional success” says Jeffrey Germagian, ERA Bay State Realty’s Broker/Owner.

To find out more about Cathy please visit her online at www.baystaterealty.com to see how she can make your dreams of homeownership come true!

ERA Bay State Realty Receives Awards

The Greater Boston Broker Council recognized ERA Bay State Realty of Millis in ceremonies held May 7, 2007 at the Newton Marriott.  Jeffrey Germagian and Janet Potts received the ERA® 2006 Top Broker Team Award, Cathy Schultz received the ERA® 2006 Leaders’ Circle Designation and the ERA® 2006 Top Producer Bronze Award, and a special award went to Michele Bliss who was named the 2006 Office Coordinator of the Year.

Cathy Schultz received top honors for receiving the prestigious ERA® 2006 Leaders’ Circle Award.  This award was present to her at the International Business Convention in Las Vegas, NV.  Leader’s Circle designation recognizes those sales associates, internationally, who reach outstanding individual achievements and generate success through there effort. “Cathy has gone above and beyond everyday responsibilities to reach exceptional success” says Jeffrey Germagian, ERA Bay State Realty’s Broker/Owner.

ERA Bay State Realty has offices in Millis and Milford, and is licensed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

To find out more about ERA Bay State Realty, their team members, or what they offer their agents in industry leading training, technology and marketing support, visit their website at www.baystaterealty.com.