Wellesley Real Estate

In a Hurry to Sell Your Wellesley Home?

christinenorcross — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:19:36 +0000

If you are considering listing your Wellesley home for sale, recent market studies have indicated that we are entering a seller’s market, so your timing could be perfect! A decrease in inventory in the housing market is good news if you need or want to sell your home quickly.

As a Wellesley home seller, there are three areas where you can have major impact when selling your home.

Of course the appeal of your home is a prime consideration, but did you realize that the marketing efforts and pricing are key as well?

Price to Sell and Expect Results!

When time is of the essence, be careful not to set your price too high. Even if your home is “worth” more than your neighbor’s or “seems” like it should bring a high price, be realistic and aggressive in your pricing. Remember that home searches are typically focused on price, and plan accordingly. Would you rather only appeal to the $500,000 buyer when your home is worth $505,000, or open your options to the buyer who has a search parameter set at $499,000? The key here is exposure – when time is short, you want as many buyers as possible viewing your property! Price your home to sell and look forward to a quick sale and multiple offers.

Harness the Power of the Internet to Sell Your Home Fast!

Recent surveys report that 86% of home buyers begin their search on the web. Your home needs to be there, as well. In addition to having a listing page with property details, consider resources such as Craigslist, Realtor.com, and other sources throughout the internet. Ask about syndicating your home listing to make sure it gets as much exposure as possible.

In your listing marketing efforts, don’t forget pictures – lots of them! Buyers want to “see” what is available before comparing homes in person. Make sure your photos are attractive and will sell your home. In doing so, you create a connection with your buyer before the home has even been visited.

Clutter-free and Clean Make For a Speedy Sale!

Look through your home with a critical eye. Minor repairs and touch-ups should be done to create a well-maintained look and your home needs to be very clean. Remove furniture and clutter as necessary. An orderly home is a home that sells fast!

We have a team of experts to help you with your real estate transaction and assisting you in finding the home of your dreams. Call Christine Norcross for more information – cell 781-929-4994 or to research the Boston neighborhoods, visit my Wellesley Real Estate or Newton Real Estate websites. Search for homes HERE. We have a team, Christine Norcross & Partners, at William Raveis and we can help you find your dream home in the Wellesley Real Estate market – Natick, Newton, Needham, Wellesley, Wayland, Weston and more.

Beat the Heat in Your New Wellesley Home

christinenorcross — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:12:35 +0000

Beat the Heat in Your New Wellesley Home

The approach of summer brings longer days and bright memories of time spent outdoors with family and friends, whether at the beach or in your backyard. This time of year can also bring back memories of heatstroke, sunburns and feeling like you might actually melt. Before the heat hits, be sure to prepare by stocking up on water, sunscreen and snazzy sunglasses, and then take a look at how you can adapt your Wellesley home. The following tips can help you in bracing your Wellesley home for a hot summer so that you can make it a bit cooler as the sun shines down.

First and Foremost, Be Cool

If you have and will be using an air conditioning unit, take the time now to make sure your filter is clean and that the refrigerant level is correct so you do not waste energy when it is being used. Calling a service technician before summer hits will result in a lower check-up cost than needing a emergency call during the heat, and provide you with peace of mind. You may also want to invest in a programmable thermostat to keep your energy costs low this year.

If you do not have an air conditioning unit, you can still stay cool by sealing and caulking windows and doors. Following that, your goal is to circulate air inside your home with fans and strategically opened windows to create a breeze inside your home. You can also install a whole-house fan or ceiling fan (have it rotate counter-clockwise) to take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures all day long.

Second, Consider Harnessing the Sun’s Power

If you have been thinking about installing solar panels on your roof, act now to get the most out of your panels this summer and throughout the years to come. If not, consider solar window film as an option for keeping your home cooler. Lastly, if you can’t beat the heat, embrace it, by lounging poolside or taking advantage of local parks where you can enjoy the sunshine under the shade of well-established trees.

Buying a Wellesley Home Still Considered a “Best” Investment.

christinenorcross — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:12:57 +0000

Buying a Wellesley Home Still Considered a “Best” Investment.

Buying a Wellesley home has several unique advantages when compared with renting. Aside from being to decorate as you choose, receive additional tax benefits, enjoy stability in your housing payments, and increase your ability to make future investments, it just feels good to own your own home!

A survey conducted last month by the PEW Research Center, a non-profit, non-partisan organization considered a “fact tank” on social & demographic trends in America, determined that the majority of adult Americans (81%) still believe “that buying a home is the best long-term investment a person can make.” It is interesting to note that while the same study showed that 47% of those surveyed felt that current economic factors have resulted in a decrease in their current home value, those same home owners felt that their home investment was a safe one.

Even renters seem to agree with the idea of investing in a home, with 81% wishing to buy a home at some point, even if individual circumstances prevent it currently. In fact, when asked to rate long-term financial goals, homeownership and “being able to live comfortably in retirement” were rated the highest by 80% of those surveyed. Survey participants seemed to understand that owning a home provides more than an avenue for generating savings – it also is a place to live and provides an element of physical and emotional stability unlike other investment options.

Further pursuing this question, the survey compared investments – trying to determine which held fast in the long run – the stock market or the housing market. The answer was variable, depending on the year of investment, however, and unable to be determined overall. One item not considered in the survey is that owning a Wellesley home provides income tax benefits that are not likely to be found in other investments, which could affect the dividend bottom line and how you choose to invest. Click here to view the survey in its entirety.

Consider Bike Score When Buying a Wellesley Home

christinenorcross — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:46:35 +0000

Consider Bike Score When Buying a Wellesley Home

Location, location,location. You’ve heard time and time again that when buying a Wellesley home, location is what matters most…. and for good reason! For that purpose the concept of Walk Score was created. Dedicated to the idea that “less time in the car means more time for the things you love,” Walk Score, developed in 2008, has made it easier for home buyers to find a home that is closer to the activities and places they love.

TODAY Health recently released the “Top 10 most “bikable” cities“. Boston, MA came in at #4! Great news for us Wellesley home owners.

Providing ratings from 0 to 100 to determine a neighborhood’s walkability, buyers can decide if the area they are considering is more Car-Dependent, Very Walkable, a Walker’s Paradise, or somewhere in-between. If you are searching for a Wellesley home, you will also enjoy visiting tools such as Transit Score which helps in calculating the cost of your commute and the even newer Bike Score!

Bike Score was introduced this week in honor of Bike to Work Week and suggests areas that are best suited and not so desirable for bike riding. Considering such issues as hills and bike lanes, along with “road connectivity” and a town’s biking population, communities have been rated using the same type of scoring system, with 70-100 being named Very Bikeable. Topping that list were Minneapolis, Portland, San Francisco and Boston.

The goal of Bike Score is to help cities measure and then improve their bicycling ridership. Check it out and see where your town rates by clicking here. If you would like more in-depth information about places where you can walk and ride in our local community, please contact me.

Play to Win When Buying a Wellesley Home

christinenorcross — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:36:59 +0000

Play to Win When Buying a Wellesley Home

Many areas of the United States are seeing a shift towards a seller’s market. In a seller’s market, homes for sale may receive multiple offers and are often sold in less time. Home sellers get excited at that news, but if you are trying to purchase a Wellesley home, it may make competition a bit tougher. If you have been searching for a Wellesley home and have finally settled on one that you love, don’t delay on contacting your lender, or you may miss out on the home of your dreams.

Interest rates have been reduced to historic lows allowing you, the Wellesley home buyer, to get more home for the same amount of money, which sounds fantastic. However, if you do not “lock” in your rate and then follow through with providing the necessary paperwork in a timely manner, you could lose your opportunity. More than ever, now is the time for you to know the rules and play to win in the housing and lending market. If you are wondering about how you can make sure you are doing all you need to qualify for your loan and your home, contact me or consult the following list.

DO get your paperwork in time. Whether you are asked for a letter of employment verification or 27 pages of bank statements, do not delay in submitting these documents to your lender. Any delay can result in your loan taking longer than necessary, making the seller potentially question your ability to purchase, especially when back up offers have been submitted.
Do not encourage the seller to begin any construction work until after the appraisal, even if your inspection warrants changes being made. An appraiser could see the hardhats and debris and devalue the property. Wait until AFTER the appraisal is complete to request repairs OR agree to do the work yourself once you own the home.
Do not buy a new car or new furniture or go on a celebratory shopping spree until your escrow has funded! Credit ratios are VERY important at this time and if they become out of balance or new credit is extended, it can make you less likely to qualify for your home loan. It does not matter if the offer is ZERO percent interest… it still affects your credit line.
DO pay your current financial obligations. During the busy home buying time, it can be easy to forget to pay bills or miss deadlines – be careful because late payments will reflect negatively on your credit and could even result in your loan being denied.
Do not make changes in your employment – including changing jobs to make more money. The key to getting a mortgage is showing a picture of stability and a job change could tarnish that image. Wait until after escrow closes to accept the new position.

Selling Your Wellesley Home : Is It A Volvo or a Ferrari?

christinenorcross — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:15:04 +0000

Selling Your Wellesley Home : Is It A Volvo or a Ferrari?

When listing your Wellesley home for sale, you need to recognize what you are actually selling. In some ways, selling your home can be very similar to putting your car up for sale. You are selling a piece of your life, a subset of you, and in doing so, you must be prepared.

First and foremost, who will you have do the preparation and advertising? Will you do it yourself or have someone you trust to represent you – someone who has experience? Someone who knows your market best?

Secondly you should consider the type of Wellesley home you have – is it more of a sedan-style or do you own a luxury home? Perhaps your home is uniquely architectural in style, a Lamborghini Countach so to speak, and would only appeal to a very select audience? If so, make sure your home receives the proper representation, rather than listing it yourself or through an unknown real estate agent.

Regardless, whether you are selling a favored vehicle or your much loved Wellesley home, these five simple keys will help you to get the most out of your investment.

Key 1: Know the Market – Evaluate information on homes that are similar to your own in your same location. Pay attention to the year, condition, and upgrades of comparable homes, as you would a car. Instead of mileage, however, consider square footage. Use the classifieds or rather Craig’s List to see “real” prices for quick sale homes. Make sure your pricing is in the ballpark before listing your home.

Key 2: Recognize Your Wellesley Home’s “Curb Appeal” - People make impressions quickly, with cars and with homes. Before you list your home, take care to do whatever “detailing” you can to spruce it up. You want your sellers to feel so “at home” that they won’t want to leave, similar to the feeling of wanting to drive a new car off the lot. Maintenance records and warranties that apply to your home are great to show, if you have them. Keep in mind that a well-loved and maintained home is a much more attractive purchase than a neglected one.

Key 3: Showing Your Wellesley Home - When you sell your home, people will also be catching a glimpse into your life. Buyers may be uneasy about their decision and answering their questions openly can smooth things over. If a potential buyer asks to have a home inspection (similar to having a mechanic review a car prior to purchase), recognize the validity of the request and ask to see the report once completed.

Key 4: Negotiate Until Everyone is Happy - Once the inspection or “test drive” has been completed, most buyers will accept the home “as is” or want to negotiate fees in exchange for the “fixes”. As a seller, it is wise to consider all possibilities, perhaps the sale price could decrease to accommodate the needs, or perhaps a favorite contractor could make the changes quickly and easily. Make sure you reach an agreement with a buyer that is contingent on the sale closing before performing any repairs.

Key 5: Finalize the Sale - Rules governing the sale of motor vehicles AND the sale of homes vary from state to state and even county to county at times. Having a trusted real estate agent and escrow company to guide you through the legal jargon can be invaluable. The money from the sale and proper paperwork required with each sale can be overwhelming and you will come to rely heavily upon those guides.

Once your home is sold, remember to remove your belongings, as you would with your car, and don’t forget to hand over the keys.

Feng Shui and Your Wellesley Home for Sale

christinenorcross — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:33:14 +0000

Feng Shui and Your Wellesley Home for Sale

Selling a Wellesley home can be quite challenging at times, causing sellers to question what they can do to make the sale occur more quickly. Service providers such as home stagers, organizers, and professional clutter eliminators can all offer assistance, but many sellers are also considering the art of feng shui, through consulting services or as a do-it-yourself technique. Feng shui offers some universal principles that can benefit in selling a home, whether you subscribe to tenants from the form or compass school, or prefer the eight mansion Bagua theory, so utilize the ones that work best in your Wellesley home. The overall goal is to create “positive chi” or energy flow in each room of your home.

This quote from A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style, by Tim Gunn, can help you understand how something as seemingly insignificant as a closet can affect you and your potential buyer. “Closets are where we hide things: skeletons, forbidden loves, terrible birthday gifts we couldn’t return. It is for this reason that deciding what to wear while staring into those murky depths can be not just daunting, but emotionally exhausting as well.” Using feng shui techniques, you can clear the clutter, along with the negative memories and energy, creating a home that will sell more easily. On that note, let’s move to 5 real tips that will give you positive emotional energy while readying your Wellesley home for sale.

#1 Open the windows and doors. Let a breeze blow through your home to clear the negative energy and refresh you as you begin your work.
#2 Step outdoors onto your walkway, the entrance of your home. What do you see first when you walk into your home? Clear any cobwebs and dust and make sure nothing is blocking the entrance. If you have to step over something, remove it.
#3 Add energy with greenery. Whether an indoor or outdoor plant, make sure your home feels vibrant through adding plant energy. You can do this through exterior landscaping, by adding fresh flowers to the entry, or with the addition of indoor plants.
#4 Add positive energy through art and movement through proper mirror placement. There are tons of books that can guide you through this step, however, remember that the goal is to reflect positivity and not overwhelm or create clutter in your home for sale.
#5 Clear the clutter. Cull what you don’t need and create a “spa feel” throughout your home in all rooms. Counters should be free of objects and papers, furniture should be placed to allow for ease of movement. Any obstacles to interior door entrances should be moved.

While these tips may not offer a “cure all” to getting your home sold, they can definitely point you in the right direction. Stop by the library and get a few books on feng shui to increase your knowledge. As you do, take care to notice your landscaping and apply some shine and good chi to your Home for Sale sign, too.

Buying a Wellesley Home? Don’t Forget the Inspection!

christinenorcross — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:55:23 +0000

Buying a Wellesley Home? Don’t Forget the Inspection!

You’ve finally found the Wellesley home that is just right and made an offer and it was accepted. Now you just wait for escrow to close, right? Wrong.

Now is the time to have the Wellesley home inspected to make sure you are aware of any possible issues in the home before it’s too late and the deed has been transferred. An independent inspector can evaluate your potential home on a structural and functional level and give you a full report, generally in under two hours. This report can help you feel at ease with your purchase and alert you to any areas of concern.

If there is a swimming pool or spa or unusual home appliance or fixture, you may want to have that inspected individually by a reputable repairman in that field. Questions and concerns relating to asbestos, lead or chemicals, mold and mildew, or pests will need to be directed to an inspector licensed in those specific areas of expertise.

Generally speaking, a home inspection on a property for sale will cover the following areas:

An evaluation of the walls, ceiling, floor, roof, firewall, windows, foundation and slab.
Inspection of the landscaping, looking particularly at grading and drainage, although drives and walkways, fencing, trim, doors, windows, and outlets will be checked as well.
General framing as seen in exposed beams or attics, ventilation, duct and plumbing systems, and the condition of roofing materials, plumbing and rain gutters will be noted, too. Water heaters, fireplaces and the sprinkler system should be evaluated.
The electrical sources and wiring in the home will be inspected, from circuit breakers and grounding systems to exhaust fans and receptacles.
All appliances, including the garbage disposal, alarm system (if needed) and all smoke detectors.

Every county and state has different regulations in regards to home inspections, so it it best to use a local inspector recommended by someone you trust. If the inspection uncovers issues in the home regarding health and safety issues, a need for the roof or ventilation system to be replaced, a problem in the home’s foundation or significant drainage concerns, you will want to further explore the problem at the seller’s expense.

How Buying a Wellesley Home is Like Finding the Perfect Shoe

christinenorcross — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:09:32 +0000

How Buying a Wellesley Home is Like Finding the Perfect Shoe

The adage “one shoe fits all” does not work when buying a Wellesley home. It doesn’t work when shoe shopping, either, for that matter! Homes, like shoes, are very personal, and often emotionally-based purchases.

Try as they might to create a home that will meet every need and every taste, home builders are aware that it just can’t be done. As with shoes, versatility lies in key components – simple design, elegant tones, and a combination of shine, style and comfort.

As with your shoe purchase, buying a Wellesley home requires you to consider what is most important to you and your future plans.

Open design vs. cozy comfort?
Modern storage options vs. vintage style?
Planned, pre-designed landscaping vs. creative gardening?
Modular vs. eclectic structure?

You should also consider how and who will be using the home. Should it be tailored to you or is it an investment property?

Primary residence or vacation home?
Adults only? Adults and pets? Adults, children and pets? Renters? College students?
Will it be used to entertain often and is parking sufficient? Do you need a guest room?

Of course, there are many other questions to be considered, so take your time with your home purchase. Enjoy the journey as you find the Wellesley home that is the perfect fit for you and your circumstances. And when you find the home that makes you want to click your heels so you can return? Make an offer! As to shoes? If the shoe fits… buy it in every color!

March 2012 Realtor.com Study Shows Upward Trends

christinenorcross — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:04:40 +0000

March 2012 Realtor.com Study Shows Upward Trends

March 2012 totals are in and show some trends that you will want to consider if you have a home for sale or will be buying a home soon. According to Realtor.com, housing market indicators are looking up. The national median list price has increased between February and March, displaying a steady, slow rise. The median list price averaged $189,900 in March of 2012, versus $179,900 in March of 2011. Market recovery seemed to be more dependent on local economy than on housing developments at large.

Actual national home inventory displayed an increase between February 2012 and March 2012, as well, and the average days on the market for a home decreased from 111 days to 89 days in that same month span, which are other positive indicators. While median list prices vary across national markets, the data collected by Realtor.com indicated a slight upward swing, causing many a home owner to take note.

If you are considering buying a home or selling your current home, these statistics can provide insight into the current real estate market. Combining these statistics with historically low interest rates (3.88% for a conventional 30 year mortgage last week), could help you in determining your decision. To get more details on the study and comparisons to previous months and years and see the actual graphing trends, please click here.