Real Estate Information Archive

As the saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This couldn’t be truer than when you’re selling your home. The first time a buyer sees your home in person, it is up to the front of your home to leave them wanting more. Here are a few simple ways to increase the curb appeal of your home:

Make sure that your walkway is clear and level. People touring your home are going to start forming opinions the minute they step foot out of the car. This makes your walkway very important – it should be free of clutter (leaves, snow, bicycles, etc.) and should have no major cracks or tripping hazards.

The area near your front door should be neat and tidy. If you have a porch area with furniture, make sure it is clean and looks welcoming. A potted plant or a simple wreath on the door can go a long way forward helping make a good impression on people there for a showing.

Your home’s front door should be clean and inviting. Take an extra minute before a showing to make sure that your front door is clean. Windows should be free of smudge marks, and handles should be wiped down. Also make sure that the door’s paint is in good condition.

For more tips on how to sell your home from the real estate experts here at Greater Boston Realty, just call 617-469-4040 to make an appointment. We help sell homes in all of the Greater Boston area, including Roslindale, West Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain. Don’t hesitate to call us today!

When you’re buying a home, there is one question that you will probably ask quite a few times: “Is that included?” Seeing a home that is well furnished is always a treat, but it is important that you know exactly what is included with the sale. Your real estate agent will often know the answer, but it’s always worth asking, especially on certain items, like these:

Appliances: The refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher may be included in the sale, or they may be taken by the homeowner upon sale of the property.

Window Treatments: Sometimes owners will want to keep custom drapes and shutters, other times they will be a part of the sale. Make sure that you know one way or the other so that you can plan your décor budget accordingly.

Light Fixtures: Often these are considered a part of the home and are included with the sale, but your real estate agent will tell you if the homeowners insist on keeping any of the light fixtures. This most often occurs with chandeliers.

Mounted Televisions: Although they are attached to the wall, it is often up in the air whether mounted televisions are considered a fixture. Ask your Realtor whether the homeowner will be leaving the television, leaving just the mounting hardware, or neither.

Each home will be different when it comes to what’s included with the sale. That’s why it’s so important to get a top-notch real estate agent. If you would like to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Realtors here at Greater Boston Realty, just call 617-469-4040.

As real estate agents in Boston, we work with a lot of people who are new to the area. It is always such a pleasure to see our home buyers take in the local sights, and to help them plan a future in this great city. So, whether you move to Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Roslindale, or any of the other neighborhoods around, you will be ready to embrace the Bostonian mindset:

· Most of the country seems to have a Starbucks addiction, but here in Massachusetts, we also run on Dunkin’ Donuts.  And remember – asking for coffee ‘regular’ isn’t black.   Here, ‘regular’ coffee has cream and sugar.

· You should probably get up to speed on the Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots – they’re always a talking point for Boston locals. Also, the Green Monster isn’t actually scary – it’s the name of the left field wall at Fenway Park!

· Don’t call the MBTA “the subway” unless you want to be ridiculed. Here, it’s “the T” and nothing else. It’s also a great way to get around town if you don’t want to brave the (sometimes crazy) traffic.

· There is history everywhere. In fact, you will be hard-pressed to find a place that isn’t historically significant in some way. If you want to experience the city’s offerings, the Freedom Trail downtown is a great place to start.

And if you’re looking to move to the area, the best place to start is with a five-star Realtor. Call Greater Boston Realty today at 617-469-4040 to make an appointment and speak with a real estate agent that can help you choose the right neighborhood for you and your family.