Real Estate Information Archive

Here at Greater Boston Realty, we give people advice on the best way to get their home ready to sell. We always recommend that a home look fresh and clean, and one of the best ways to make a good first impression on a potential buyer is with clean and stain-free carpets.

· Carpets should be vacuumed regularly to remove the everyday grit and grime that accumulates. To go above and beyond, use a carpet cleaning powder. These often help with set-in stains and eliminate odors.

· If something is spilled, take care to blot the stain to absorb the excess liquid. Don’t rub it in – this will only spread the problem and push it further into the carpet’s fibers. There are many household products that will help remove a stain if blotting alone doesn’t solve the problem. These include vinegar, club soda, and even shaving cream!

· Spot cleaning isn’t a long-term solution. Deep cleaning your carpets before you list your home on the market will ensure that it looks new when buyers come to tour. You have the option of purchasing your own carpet cleaner or hiring a local professional to do the job with their commercial grade equipment.

Want more advice on how to get your home ready for a showing? Read our blog post on being showing-ready and call our office at 617-469-4040 to learn more home staging tips. Our agents will help you sell your home for top dollar, so don’t hesitate – call Greater Boston Realty to tell us about your home!

Starting something new can be intimidating, and this goes double for buying your first home. Thankfully, houses are a great investment, and can provide a great foundation for a person or couple. If you’re thinking that it might be time to buy a home, here are the answer to frequently asked questions from first time home buyers:

Am I Ready for Home Ownership?

There isn’t one definitive signal that you’re ready, but if you’re in a place financially that you can handle a mortgage payment, and if the Greater Boston area is going to be your home for at least the near future, you should look into the benefits of owning your own place.

Why Should I Buy Instead of Renting?

The biggest reason that home ownership makes more sense than continuing to rent is that your monthly payments are put toward an investment. When you pay off your mortgage, you will own your home, instead of paying off a lease and having nothing to show for it.

Do I Need a Real Estate Agent?

Buying a home, especially your first home, is very hard to do on your own. As experienced real estate agents, the staff at Greater Boston Realty are trained to help you find the right home, and will also help you navigate the process of purchasing the home. We can introduce you to other Boston professionals, like lenders, appraisers, home insurance providers, and more.

Having a great real estate agent can take a lot of stress out of the first-time home buying process, so call Greater Boston Realty at 617-469-4040 today. We can help you hit the ground running in the search for your new home.

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First Time Home Buyers, Frequently Asked Questions, Home Buyer FAQ, Boston Real Estate Agent, Advice for Home Buyers, Roslindale homes for sale

Winter is a beautiful time of year here in the Boston area, but it can present some challenges, especially when you’re trying to sell a home. Thankfully, you’ve got Greater Boston Realty on your side! Here are just a few tips from our top-notch real estate agents about what you should do when you’re trying to sell your home in the winter season:

· Before potential buyers come for a showing, be sure that your driveway and sidewalks are free of snow and ice. After all, you don’t want someone’s first experience on your property being a slip and fall!

· Keep your entryway free of snowy or muddy tracks, and have a place for your guests to place their coats so that they are unencumbered as they tour your home.

· Your home should be a pleasant temperature – not too chilly, but also not too warm. Aim for an ambiance that’s just right. Add a touch of coziness to your home with a cozy throw in the living room, or a crackling fire if you have a fireplace.

· Embrace the holidays, but do so tastefully. Homes sell best when there’s not too many personal items, so keep holiday decorations tasteful and generic for the best effect. Also make sure not to overdo it – no one likes to walk through a cluttered home.

· It’s always nice to offer your visitors a refreshment. Consider going above and beyond with a seasonal snack or beverage, like apple cider or a plate of holiday cookies.

If you’re interested in selling your home, just call 617-469-4040. One of the friendly and knowledgeable Realtors here at Greater Boston Realty will be happy to meet with you, and give you tips on how to sell your home for top dollar!