Old Colony Real Estate Market News

One unique feature of the real estate market is that it doesn’t close for the holiday season. It is always open, every day of the year.  Like other businesses, the real estate market can be cyclical. This can be based on mortgage rates or economy but can also be based on the time of year.

Fall is a busy time of year for many activities, including housing. There are certain advantages to buying or selling during the autumn months, including end of year tax breaks, greater selection of homes to choose from and good moving conditions. Mortgage interest and property taxes can be deducted from gross income and in some situations if interest is prepaid before the due date of the first house payment toward the end of the year it can be deducted.

Fall is also an optimum time t...

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Swimming pools can be a draw for some who are house hunting. According to experts in real estate, buyers of middle age with children in their teens are the biggest group of buyers. However, there are those who view having a pool as a liability and a safety issues. In areas where there are a large number of pools, in warmer climates, experts say that a pool can increase the attractiveness of a property and in many cases the trend now points toward focusing on landscaping, decks and other amenities.

Regarding adding value to the home, pools in some cases can add value but not in every instance. In terms of cost, the Wall Street Journal reports that these can be more than what is advertised. Why is this? Because the cost may not just be the pool. It may be additional costs such as landscaping and service year round that could add to the initial cost. It is important to make sure to keep service records to make sure that the pool is in working order.

Location is another...

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If you are finally ready to purchase or sell, chances are you will spend quite a bit of time deciding on the right home or property. This will be one of if not the single largest expenditure in your lifetime and it would only make sense to make sure you are making the best decision possible. So, with that said, would it not also make sense to make sure you choose the right REALTOR® as well?

Your REALTOR® will serve as your partner through this process so before doing anything else, picking a REALTOR® should be the first step. The REALTOR® will have the tools and knowledge to help narrow your search or help with the tasks that need to be completed for property to be marketed properly. They will help guide you through the process and serve as a subject matter expert.

What can you do to make sure you pick the right REALTOR®? First, make sure that you pick a REALTOR® you are comfortable with saying no to if you aren’t happy with their recomm...

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Retirees and those nearing retirement age are currently the largest generation.  This group is widely known as the Baby Boom generation, or baby boomers.

This generation is not only active but they have particular tastes and wants in their homes. Sometimes this is due to downsizing after children leave, retirement or perhaps just a redesign that will better go with their lifestyle after retirement. There are particular features that baby boomers look for, including:

• Home Offices/Technology – many baby boomers may be self employed on a part time basis or perform consulting work and want the advantage of a home office and technology to support various devices such as smart phone, Ipads and wireless Internet access.
• Wider Access in Doorways/Hallways – in anticipation of possible life changes, baby boomers are looking at wider access for mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walkers and additional equipment should t...

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Open Houses are essential when trying to sell a home. Potential buyers have the ability to come in and see not only a house is laid out but can gain perspective and ideas on how to turn it into their own home with their own signature style.

So, what are the steps to a successful Open House? Here are some tips on how to bring out the best in your home and make the right impression to potential buyers.

• Keep it clean. Not having a clean home can be the make it or break it for a potential buyer. Don’t have time? Hire a professional cleaning service and be specific about what needs the most attention.
• Light it up. Make sure all bulbs have been replaced and that the lighting brings out the best in the rooms. If a bulb is too bright, consider a lower wattage bulb that provides a softer light for certain areas.
• Make it look like a home. Serve cookies, tea, coffee or water so those visiting during the Open House feel welcome. The more you can make...

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