Real Estate Information Archive

When you purchase a new home in Boston, you may get the urge to spruce it up and make it your own. If you’re looking for a few easy and inexpensive DIY renovation projects, here are some suggestions from the Massachusetts real estate experts here at Greater Boston Realty:

You can’t have a second chance at a first impression. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your front entryway is making the right statement. Spruce up the paint on your mailbox, add a plant or a wreath to your doorway, and make sure that your walkway is smooth and level.

Another simple DIY project is installing crown molding and baseboards in your home.  With relatively little effort, you can make a huge impact on your new home. While you’re at it, it only takes a screwdriver to install new kitchen and bath hardware – the hardest part of that project is picking out new knobs!

There is one thing that every homeowner wishes for: more storage. Take matters into your own hands by installing organizers in your kitchen, bathrooms, closets, garage, and more! A little bit of elbow grease can help you and your family stay organized for years to come!

If you are looking for a new home in the Boston area, contact Greater Boston Realty at 617-469-4040. We can help you find the home that fits your needs in West Roxbury, Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, and beyond! And make sure to Like us on Facebook and share DIY projects that have added a little bit of pizzazz to your home.

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

Looking to buy a home in the Boston area? Don’t take on this task alone. You need someone in your corner that will help with your search to find the perfect place for your family. Here are just a few of the many reasons that you should hire a Boston real estate expert to help with your next home search:

A real estate agent acts as an intermediary. Instead of doing tons of research and then having to call different agents, your real estate agent will help you choose homes with your requirements (after all, they are the neighborhood experts), and will set up appointments for you – this eliminates a lot of hassle!

In addition, your real estate agent will be a huge help when you do find a home that you love. Not only will they help you negotiate the sale, but they will also aid you with some of the necessary paperwork. Agents are an expert at the home buying process, so you can trust them to know the best way to navigate the process.

Once you have successfully purchased your home, your real estate agent will continue to act as a resource for you after closing. If you have questions or need help, your agent will be a phone call away.

If you’re looking for the best Boston realtors, call 617-469-4040.  At Greater Boston Realty, we want to show you how easy it is to find the perfect house. Setting up a meeting with one of our agents is the first step to moving into your dream home.

The saying goes “There’s a first time for everything” and that goes for home buying, too. At some point, everyone goes through the home buying process for the first time – but it doesn’t have to be confusing or scary. Here are a few tips from the Massachusetts real estate professionals about how to buy your first home in Boston:

Take advantage of the First Time Home Buyer programs in the area. If you’re new to the home buying process, you have a lot to learn. The first step in the process should be taking a class where you can learn about the steps that you will need to take in order to purchase your first home. In fact, taking one of these courses is often required for several local first-time homebuyer programs and loan programs. Check out the classes offered by the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance to learn more.

It is also important to make a ‘wish list’ for your home. Make sure that you get all decision makers involved, and consider what is a ‘need’ and what is a ‘want’ when it comes to the home you will buy. You should also decide in advance if you are willing to do any work on the home that you purchase, or if you want something that is ready to move into.

The other key to a smooth first-time home buying experience is having a great real estate agent to guide you through the process. Call Greater Boston Realty at 617-469-4040 to set up a meeting with a qualified Boston real estate professional that you can trust. Our real estate agents know the comparable sales data in the area and can help you navigate the market to find the home of your dreams.