Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1-2 of 2

Getting the Most Out of Your “Green” Upgrades

by Alisa Coyle

Energy efficient home upgrades are on the rise. Did you know that nine out of ten homebuyers would like to have an energy efficient home – and they’re willing to pay more for a home with ‘green’ upgrades? If you have made efficiency improvements to a home that you’re selling, make sure that you are compensated for the added value that they provide with these tips:

When you begin the process of selling your home, make a list of all of your ‘green’ upgrades. Include anything that improves your energy efficiency - like special windows, insulation, low-flow toilets, gas fireplaces, modern appliances, etc. If you can, include the estimated savings on water, heating, and electricity bills for each of your upgrades.

Listing benefits is a good start, but if you really want to attract buyers you should consider getting an efficiency rating for your home. There are three main scoring systems: the Energy Performance Score, the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, and the Home Energy Score. Find a local professional that will rate your home on one of these scales, and include the score you receive on marketing materials for your home.

Last, but certainly not least, it’s important to work with people who will appreciate the improvements that you have made. Your appraiser should recognize the added value of your energy efficient home. In addition, you need a real estate agent that can sell your property and all of its perks.   If you’re looking for a skilled real estate agent to sell your energy efficient home, just call Greater Boston Realty at 617-469-4040

 

Is it Time to Downsize Your Home

by Alisa Coyle

How do you know when it’s time to move into a smaller home? Some people do so for retirement, or when children leave the nest. If you’re thinking of downsizing your Boston area home, here are some questions that you can ask yourself to help determine if purchasing a smaller home is the right move:

Will I miss having more space? – Some people like having a large space to call their own, while others relish being able to spend less time cleaning the house and doing yardwork. If you’re in the latter group, a downsized home is right for you.

Can I downsize without consequences? – Nowadays, it’s common for grown children to want to come back home after college. If you want to provide a potential landing pad just in case, you may want to make sure that your retirement home has at least one extra bedroom as a fallback for family members.

Have I considered the hidden costs? – It’s important to remember that everything nowadays has hidden costs. Consider the fact that moving will cost you. You may also need to purchase new furniture to suit your smaller place, and rent a storage unit for the things that you can no longer store in your home. On the whole, however, living in a smaller home will likely save you money in the long term – and that’s what is most important.

If you have considered these questions and are ready to talk to the Massachusetts real estate experts about moving into a smaller home, just call Greater Boston Realty at 617-469-4040. We have helped many people in the Boston area downsize, and we can help you find a home that fits your needs.

 

Displaying blog entries 1-2 of 2

Share This Page

Contact Information

Alisa Coyle
Greater Boston Realty
4 Pearl Street, Suite 5
Dedham MA 02026
6173475589