Hannon Homes, Jamaica Plain Real Estate Team

2011-04-11T14:43:00.001-04:00

Mary Hannon

Realtor, Green, Accredited Buyer Representative

Story-Teller, Dream Maker, Chapter Starter

Leader of The Hannon Homes Team, Prudential Unlimited Realty

Brookline & Jamaica Plain

www.HannonHomes.com mary@maryhannon.com

617-293-8002

Everyone Has A Story... You are in the middle of yours which way do you Turn? where does your new chapter begin? Home is a place we make most of our stories happen... Happy Beginnings carried to Happy Endings. Mary Hannon, an experienced Realtor who can help you find your way through your story and to your happy ending. Cheer her on in the final Slam (April 26, Copley Library)

Green Links

2011-03-04T08:25:00.000-05:00

Green Links

F inding locations for recycling in your area

Indoor Air Quality

G reen loans

State Incentives for Renewables

Residential Energy Efficiency Incentives

U.S. Green Building Council’s Guide

Waste statistics

Home Improvements

Federal Tax Incentives

home energy audits

Certified Energy Auditors/ Raters and Qualified Contractors/

Making the Move Easy on the Kids

2011-02-17T12:32:00.000-05:00

Moving from one house to another is seldom easy or fun for adults and it can be especially troubling for children. If parents deal with their children’s concerns and needs thoughtfully, much of that distress and discomfort can be avoided.

Children see moves differently than their parent’s do, and they benefit much less from the change in their comfortable routines, or so it seems at the time. Most often, a change in houses or communities heralds an important step forward for the adult members of the family. The family moves because a parent has a great new job or a promotion in reward for years of hard work. They move because financial success has allowed the purchase of a bigger or nicer house. They move because they can afford more space.

In 2000 mobile and hard striving people typically live in a house for about four years and then move on as their careers or fortunes allow. That short time span is only a small percentage of the life-to-date for a 30 or 40 year old, but the same four years is a half the life-time of an 8 year old, and it includes almost all the years he or she can remember. To a parent, this house may be only the place they have lived recently. They think of it as a weigh station on the road of life. To kids, however, it may be the only home they have ever really known. This is their house, the place they feel safe and comfortable and thoroughly at home with. A house is much more than a roof and walls to a child. It is the center of his or her world. A move threatens to take that sphere away and leave something totally strange in its place. The familiar friends, schools, shops and theaters, the streets, tress and parks – all will no longer exist for them. Everything soon will be strange, and they will live in someone else’s world.

The impact of a move on a typical child starts about the time he or she first hears that Mommy or Daddy has accepted a promotion, and often continues for about a year, until the new house becomes home and memories of the previous place fade. It’s not usually necessary to announce this big change to children immediately, although they must hear about it from you before someone else breaks the news. Most teenagers see themselves as adult members of the family, and will probably feel they have been left out if they don’t hear everything from the first day. But it is probably not a good idea to tell toddlers and preschoolers until they have to know. There is no point in making them worry far in advance. Be sure to announce the move in a totally positive way. You might say how proud you are that your company has chosen you out of many other employees to manage a new office in Cleveland. Talk about what a beautiful city Cleveland is how good the schools are and how nice the people are. Tell truthful but very positive stories about how nice the new house will be. Ask them what the favorite things are in their lives now, and then try to make them happen in the new home. If the new home is too far away to allow a visit by the entire family after it has been selected, show the children pictures of it from every angle. Videotape it, if you can. Emphasize the positive views and be sure to include pictures of each child’s new room. Try to name the house with some romantic description like “oak hill” for the big trees and the sloping lawn

Marketing and Selling

2011-01-25T16:24:00.002-05:00

Marketing and Selling

Before we are on the Market:

Stage and have professional photos taken
Prepare brochure for brochure box and postcard for mailing
Prepare large poster for window
Enter in the Boston Homes Magazine (LINK) for open house
Enter into LINK (the MLS for downtown brokers) Deadline
Enter information for the MLS Multiple Listing Service w/as many photos as possible, announcing first open house date as first showing (by Thursday) Realtor.com
List the open house information in the MLS by Friday for the Sunday open house to pop up on Boston.com (we have enhanced presence – photos,etc)
Invite all the local agents to Broker’s preview luncheon, place information in MLS for all brokers to see event. (Typically Thursday 12-1:30)
Enter information/ photos on the www.homes.com (www.maryhannon.com )
www.prudentialunlimited.com (by Friday w/ open house information)
MLS will feed to Zillow, Trulia, redfin, etc.
Enter information by Wednesday 10am for the open house listing in the Globe on Friday
Advertise Friday on Craigslist for open houses
Order sign for yard , rider with cell phone and my website (brochure box)
email to the agents in market (reverse prospecting) inviting them to send their clients to the open house
Help You gather all the condo docs & budget for the potential buyer

Budget must have 10% on top of operating expenses in reserves

On the Market:

Hold first open house on Both Saturday and Sunday from 12-2pm
Follow up with those who signed in and the agents that sent clients
Continue to work on any leads
Manage showings
Handle any “objections” and interview for honest feedback
Check in with you and give you recommendations on any changes to encourage further activity and interest (2 week review)
Continue showing and marketing

Once offers come in:

Review and work with you on a good response to encourage highest possible price and best terms for you
Negotiate
Attend home inspection
Help manage any issues that may come up and negotiate
Coordinate the signing of the purchase and sale
Make sure the buyer’s lender gets a copy to expedite mortgage commitment
Meet appraiser at property
Keep an eye on the bank’s commitment to close the loan
Order 6d certificate from Trustees
Help make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in the correct place and functioning
Order and manage the smoke inspection
Coordinate the buyer’s walk-thru of the property
Make sure the closing Attorney has the smoke certificate and final water reading as well as anything else that they need to go on record and close.
Follow up with you after the closing

Mary Hannon

www.Hannonhomes.com

617.293.8002 (text or call)

mhannon@prudentialunlimited.com

Prudential Unlimited Realty

673 Centre Street/ Boston/ MA/ 02130

What I do for Buyer Clients

2011-01-25T16:21:00.001-05:00

What I do for My Buyer Clients

I am an Accredited Buyer Representative with the National Association of Realtors. I’ve been educated and trained and work by a code of ethics that has the buyer’s best interest in mind. I am interested in having you as clients for life and my number one goal is help you accomplish your goals.

Finding Your Home:

1. Initial consultation to understand your needs, wants and goals

2. Educate you on the buying process (review documents and timeline)

3. Share my market knowledge

4. Provide electronic access to everything on the market in the Multiple Listing Service via daily emails with status updates

5. Representation for any and all properties, including for sale by owners

6. Share my extensive network of professionals, including: lenders, attorneys, and home inspectors

7. Schedule and accompany you to properties you wish to view

8. Provide open house schedules that you may want to visit (please notify open house agent that you have a buyer’s agent)

Ready To Make An Offer:

1. Provide objective feedback for resale & return investment

2. Research permits, tax records, liens and sale history

3. If you are looking at a condominium, research association’s history of condo fees/special assessments/ownership numbers (may need to put that in the offer)

4. Provide an objective analysis of value based on sold properties similar to the property you are interested in.

5. Discuss and write the offer to purchase with you.

6. Negotiate the offer in your best interest.

Under Agreement & Preparing for Home Ownership:

1. C0ordinate and accompany you on the home inspection.

2. Negotiate any issues that arise from home inspection.

3. Coordinate and meet with you for the signing of the purchase and sale (P & S)

4. Protect you by monitoring contingencies and deadlines.

5. Coordinate and accompany you through the final walk through and prepare you for the closing.

Home Ownership & More:

1. Call and check in to see if you have everything you need.

2. Consult with you anytime on anything (neighborhood, community services, home improvements, re-financing, etc.)

Open Houses This Weekend before the Game

2011-01-21T12:36:00.003-05:00

Jamaica Plain:

44 Rockview Street #3 12-1pm

63 Chestnut Avenue #1 12-1pm

12 Pond Street #3 12-1pm

91 Bynner Street #8 1:30-2:30

Roslindale:

80 Aldrich #2, is By Appointment and easy to show!

Fabulous New Service for Our Customers

2011-01-14T10:03:00.003-05:00

Curious about the property behind the sign? Wonder, "how much is it?" "What is it?" We have a new tool for you. I can get the information right to your smart phone in a second. Text the word, "Home" to a specific number (text me to register- 6172938002) and I'll add your number to the acceptable list... this will insure that your information is not shared with other realtors. I'll be your connection and you won't have to worry about being hassled by some strange real estate agent. I am required to call you when you get the information, my phone is notified as well. Don't worry you won't get on some call list. I promise. But you will get all the information right to your phone on the property... It works with GPS and the MLS. For more information. contact me. But register with me before you text the word to any number you see on a rider sign or you'll be assigned some crazy agent who is marketing the property.. I'll take care of you. No hassles just great service!

The Contents of an Offer to Purchase

2010-12-20T17:38:00.001-05:00

Purchasing Real Estate

The offer as an outline of intention on purchasing (when there is a 2 part process to purchase)

Price

Asking price is a marketing tool. Value is established by the most recent sales in the neighborhood of similar homes w/ the same amenities, size, and condition. Value is in the eye of the beholder--the buyer. Value is not established based on how much it was purchased for by the current seller or by the amount of money the seller has invested in the property

Asking price may be above the real value or below value. It is usually in the vicinity of the value but it isn’t the be-all, end-all. The best possible pricing for a seller to get the highest price is to be slightly below value. If there are 3 properties with similar characteristics priced at 100k, and the 4^th property comes on the market for 97k. Which property would you want to see first? The lower the price the more interest with the larger pool of potential buyers (which can drive the price up)

Some information should be taken into consideration as you make an offer:

Are there any offers on the table? Has there been an accepted offer on the property?

Do not ask, “How long has it been on the market?” – Your agent can tell you that, when you sit down to make an offer-- It has nothing to do with what the sellers will accept or the value and is immediately seen as a clue that you are attempting to negotiate the price down and you’ll make the other party defensive.

In some cases you can offer an additional amount to have toward “closing costs.” The typical buyer’s costs are: title insurance for both the buyer and the bank, attorneys’ fees, bank appraisal. Incorporating costs into the mortgage may be helpful if you want to put most of your available money toward the down payment and won’t have a lot of money available at the closing. At the closing (day you buy the property and “close” the deal) you will also need to bring money for “pre-paids” You will pay the interest on the loan for the next month. So ,if you close on Dec 20^th , you would pay interest from Dec 20-January 30 on the loan and your first mortgage payment would be February 1. You will also need to escrow taxes. The lender will want ¼ of the annual taxes put into an escrow account so that it is available for the next tax period.

Terms and Conditions

Things to consider:

The seller’s time frame and situation and use it to your advantage:

v When are they looking to close?

v If it is a family in need of finding suitable housing, you may want to know that going in.

v If it is vacant, you may save some money on price with a willingness to close sooner than later (the sellers have carrying costs and if you can close earlier you can cut the price by the money they will save – we can start with an offer that is lower with an outside closing date..then negotiate the date to an earlier date this will allow you to counter terms not price)

Typically your offer will include “contingencies” time frames to allow you to secure a mortgage and to insure that the property has no major issues that will need to be addressed (termites, foundation issues, problems with the systems and structure) When making an offer it is essential that you know what you are looking at.. what you see is what you are making an offer on.. broken window, peeling paint, the one outlet in the dining room are things that you should be aware of when you make an offer.

Mortgage contingency

v The mortgage contingency allows an “out” of the contract if you cannot get a loan.

v You can remove the contingency and still get a mortgage

v You can ask for typically 3 weeks from the final contract to purchase to get a mortgage

v In the event you are confident that a mortgage company will give you the mortgage you could remove the contingency and improve your offer (this is good when you are competing against investors or have multiple offers) – it is risky but if you have a good pre-approval with a huge amount down, It can allow you to compete with a higher offer that has a mortgage clause

For instance:

Offer 1: 305k, close in 60 days, mortgage amount of 90%

Offer 2: 300k, close in 45 days (property vacant) and no mortgage contingency

Those offers are very close and may be worth taking the 300k offer. In today’s market when mortgages can be difficult this will be appealing.

Home inspection contingency

v The inspection is a time to reconsider your offer.

v Having a licensed professional home inspector go over the property point of possibly backing out or renegotiating your original offer

v You typically have a week to complete a home inspection

v You could have the inspection but NOT make it a “contingency” but use it to get more information. In the event you do want “out” of the contract and do not have a clause to protect you, you would lose your 1000. Offer deposit.

v If you are in a competing offer and you don’t want to increase your offer price you can remove this contingency or add a dollar amount, “if there is more than $10,000 worth of work, then I want to reconsider my offer

Even in a buyer’s market there are times when you want to structure your offer in a favorable light to the seller. Your goal is to get your offer accepted. There are instances when you want to protect yourself but improve your offer without improving price or when there are competing offers.

Pest, radon and lead inspections:

Pest- can be discovered as you have a regular inspection (ask your inspector if they will do a “preliminary” pest inspection, if they will and they find signs, they will suggest you get a full pest inspection)

Radon- #2 leading cause of lung cancer it costs between $1000-1500 on average to add a ventilating system to mitigate radon. You should test for radon, especially if you have finished basement space or live below grade. Radon is a natural occurring gas that is produced with the breakdown of rock, primarily granite. Circulating air mitigates radon.

Lead paint exists in properties built before 1978. It is a hazardous material that causes brain damage; in particular, to children, who are more at risk because of their size and nutritional needs. Never sand paint unless you know it is free of lead. The presence of lead in a property will not affect the value. Most sellers will not renegotiate the value of a property because there is lead paint. An offer that requires that the buyer test for lead paint is a more cumbersome offer, you can always test for lead paint and not make it a “contingency”. If it is a serious worry or concern, buying property just for your information.

All contingencies are cumbersome for the seller. They are to protect the buyer and allow the buyer an “out.” If a buyer is not capable of getting a loan or is not happy with the detailed information on the property, they may want to get out of the deal; but many buyers use the contingencies as an out when they have “buyer’s remorse.”

Buyer’s remorse is just that-- a second thought on whether the property is the right decision. Having 2^nd thoughts is a natural reaction. It happens all the time. If you were talked into buying the property by your real estate agent or a partner or friend you may have more of the feeling that you made the wrong decision. It is an important decision and you should have moment to pause. It is essential that you have as much information about the property in order to make the best decision. Having a Realtor who is familiar with the location and is experienced with the process and real estate who is a trusted advocate --is worth their weight in gold. A trusted consultant will guide you effortlessly through the process and offer you opportunities the entire way to allow you to make the right decision.

NEW PRICE 215,000 | 91 Bynner Street # 8, Boston, MA 02130 | Beds: 1 | Baths: 1/0 | Sqft: 500

2010-12-09T16:03:00.004-05:00

Text me at 61-293-8002 for open house NEW PRICE "Sunny Top Floor Corner 1Br With 9 Ceilings & Private Deck.Completely Renovated Bath & Kitchen. All New Electric. Refinished Hw Floors Throughout. Eat-In Kitchen W Granite, Dw, & Stainless Range.Br Has Nice Views To Horizon. Low Condo Fee Of $190 Includes Heat & Laundry Fac. In Prof Managed Bldg. 2/3 Owner-Occupied & Pet-Friendly(With Few Pets). Basement Storage W/Bike Room. Great Jp Location Near Pond, T, & Longwood.

Perfect Pied A Terre

2010-12-08T13:01:00.002-05:00

Perfect spot in Jamaica Plain, near Jamaica Pond....

Sunny Top Floor 1 Bedroom
Brand new bath and Kitchen
Refinished oak floors throughout
Private deck off of Living room
Brand new updated Electric
All new paint throughout
All new light fixtures
Low condo fee of 190 (includes heat and hot water, plus free laundry in the basement
Private storage in basement
walk out basement with Bike storage
7 out of 11 owner occupied
Pet friendly (but few pets)
Easy overnight parking on the street
walking distance to everything
Near to public transportation, Pond, Longwood Medical Area

Neighborhoods of Jamaica Plain

2010-11-10T10:24:00.001-05:00

There are many neighborhoods within Jamaica Plain. Here is a map provided by the Jamaica Plain Gazette that shows the basic outline of the different neighborhoods. The price ranges vary depending on the neighborhood.

The most expensive properties are found in the Sumner Hill, Pondside and Moss Hill neighborhoods, The least expensive would be Egelston and Hyde Square.

For a first time home buyer looking for a condominium in the $300,000 range or lower you would find roughly 900 square feet in the South Street, Forest Hills and Parkside neighborhood. This would be where the typical triple decker condo would exist. A single family in the 400-600 range in the Woodbourne neighborhood or maybe a few streets in the Arboretum neighborhood (Jamaica Street, St Rose Street, St Joseph St) You may also see a single family on McBride or a few others in the South street neighborhood.

The Brewery neighborhood (Brookside) is up and coming and has a lot to offer now that the neighborhood is home to Bella Luna and The Milkyway, as well as, Oola's Cafe and Mike's Gym. For an unlimited education on the neighborhoods and the streets of Jamaica Plain. I'd be glad to chat with you and fill you in.. look back for more information on the neighborhoods as I feature one each week.

Sunny Tree-top Condominium with Downtown Views

2010-09-25T21:29:00.005-04:00

80 Aldrich Street, #2,
Sunny 2 bedroom
renovated kitchen
extra large living room
formal dining room w/built-in
low condo fee of $150
pantry w/laundry
wonderful location between Rossi Sq and W.Rox
lovely detail and wood floors
$299,000
Great views from front deck

Centre and South Street Redesign

2010-09-19T10:32:00.001-04:00

Click on the link above to see the last presentation given July 2010

Why You Should Buy NOW

2010-09-17T09:35:00.000-04:00

2010-05-22T23:37:00.000-04:00

Miss Laura's on South Street

2010-05-05T20:12:00.003-04:00

Went and had my hair cut today... love this little funky shop in JP on South Street... way hip and down to earth and affordable. Good vibe and you can't go wrong.

Affordable kitchen Renovation

2010-05-03T12:19:00.009-04:00

Here is our gutted kitchen. We brought it to the studs.

Insulated with new walls

Cabinets going in

more cabinets and walls

Still haven't uncovered the cork floors, lots of lighting to add, some water hook-ups and cabinet pulls... ceiling needs more plaster, etc...

Over all this kitchen was very affordable:

Ikea cabinets: $2850

Appliances: $3000

Cork floor: $750.

Quartz counter: $2700

Sink: 250

vent fan: 290

faucet: 150

Insulation and walls: still figuring out

Labor: still figuring out but should be about $5k

We expect the total to be $13000.

Making Your Own Green Cleaning Supplies is Essential for Environmental Sustainability

2010-04-21T23:18:00.006-04:00

Environmental Sustainability is critical if we are to keep our planet alive and be healther. The amount of cancer has risen to 1 in 3 since the introduction of over 80,000 different chemicals and products into our lives since WWII.

We need to focus on prevention as much as finding cures when it comes to our health.

Stop using chemicals and return to pantry items to do the cleaning that you need.

Stop buying plastics and Click on the link for a full information and everyday recipes for cleaning in your home.

2010-03-29T09:32:00.003-04:00

This was a wall of a property I sold that was an estate sale. Clearly a smoker lived here. The images left behind on the wall from years of smoking left a lot to the imagination. This could have been 3 sibling portraits as babies or high school graduates.

First Time Buyer? HGTV is looking for you in Boston

2010-03-26T09:14:00.002-04:00

MY FIRST PLACE, HGTVs hit series, is coming back for an eighth season and were looking for first-time homebuyers (and their agents!) in the Greater Boston area RIGHT NOW! We are looking for fun, high-energy people who are just starting the home-buying process for their first place and would like to share their story with HGTV! Our goal is to capture all the trials and tribulations of looking for, bidding on and buying your first place. Taping takes place this spring and summer. Ideal candidates will be enthusiastic buyers with a great story to tell and a desire to share their experiences. Singles, couples and families are all invited to apply! Candidates (including realtors) who complete taping of a My First Place episode will receive a DVD copy of their show so that they can relive their first-time home buying experience for years to come!

If you want more info or application - let me know and I'll send you the contact info.

The Beginning of a New Kitchen

2010-03-23T23:34:00.003-04:00

89 for a Walk Score... not to mention.....

2010-03-17T23:06:00.000-04:00

Mary Hannon Prudential Unlimited Realty 617-293-8002

26 Custer Street #1, Jamaica Plain, MA

Isn't It Romantic? 2 bedroom decorated in soft tones with private patio for intimate dining, woodburning fireplace for cool evenings and....

2BR/1BA Condo

offered at $345,000

Year Built	1905
Sq Footage	802
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	2,300 sqft
HOA/Maint	$132 per month

DESCRIPTION

Just move in! This sweet 2BR condo is located in a beautifully kept 2 family house on a side street off of South, and is primed and ready to be yours. The layout is welcoming as you enter the LR w/fireplace. The kitchen was completely renovated in 2005 and is well designed with gorgeous granite and stainless. Washer and dryer are right outside the amazing bathroom w/calming ocean colors and glass details. Every bit of this condo was carefully planned, and has been meticulously care for- Live blocks from markets, shops, restaurants, Library, Public Trans, cafés, parks, etc….Low condo fee. First OH Sat 3.20 and Sun 3.21

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Fireplace	- Hardwood floor	- Tile floor
- Living room	- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Granite countertop	- Stainless steel appliances
- Washer	- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside
- Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Fitness center	- Swimming pool(s)	- Tennis court(s)
- Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Blocks to Arboretum and Jamaica Pond

- Blocks to Markets, Cafe's, Shopping, Restaurants

- Blocks to Bus / Train

- Gut Renovation in 2005

- Spa Bath w/jacuzzi, glass bricks

- Large well appointed eat-in-kitchen

- Living room w/bay window

- woodburning Fire Place

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

Mary Hannon

Prudential Unlimited Realty

617-293-8002

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 17, 2010, 6:54pm PDT

'City Feed's Values & The Value of City Feed'

2010-03-10T11:01:00.000-05:00

'City Feed's Values & The Value of City Feed' It is a win-win for the community to pay a little more for better local products and have an inviting community setting to enjoy good coffee and conversation and buy items that you can be sure are supporting our local economy. Its worth every dime. Thanks City Feed!

A Stately Adams Colonial on the Arborway

2010-03-01T10:01:00.000-05:00

66 Arborway

Above is a link to the virtual tour and photos of this rarely available home on the Arborway. Stately Colonial is in the Georgian family of architecture and known as an "Adams Colonial". This home has every update you need for the structure and systems: New roof, new exterior paint, updated electric with 200 amps, new wiring and a back up generator, seller has rebuilt the large front patios and has added patios in the back of the house with flower beds and a new composite deck off of the dining room. The landscaping has been thoughtfully designed to offer 4 seasons of gardens and plants.

This property is easy to show but will be appointment only. Please call me for a private showing.

Sustainable Location for this 3 bedroom Victorian Condominium

2010-02-12T17:18:00.000-05:00

A perfect location in Boston, you can walk, bike, commute via public transportation to everything... 2 blocks from Jamaica Pond, 1 block to Centre Street shops and restaurants, 39bus to Longwood area or a short walk to the Orange line. Step up to your top floor with 3 bedrooms, formal living and dining room with pocket doors, foyer and eat-in-kitchen w/pantry plus in unit laundry. 6 closets and good size storage downstairs. Petite private deck off of kitchen. Park your car on the street (no permit) and forget about it. Classic style in one of the Greenest neighborhoods in Boston.