Resources
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Getting past the appraisal
Property appraisals, once a routine part of a real estate deal, are complicating home sales as the slumping market makes it difficult for appraisers to pinpoint values. 
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Resources
Massachusetts Consumer Guide to Home Improvement
Tips from the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation. (Mass.gov) National Association of the Remodeling Industry
Find remodelers and suppliers across the US. (nari.org) Mass. law about home improvement
Resources from the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries. (lawlib.state.ma.us) |
Top 10 remodeling projects for resale
Here is how putting some money into the house now may pay off later. (Bankrate.com) 10 quick ways to upgrade your home
Many people see huge dollar signs flash like neon lights whenever they hear the words "home improvement," but there are many things you can do to spiff up the old place without spending a fortune. (Bankrate.com) More
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Resources
MARealtor.com
Website of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. gbreb.com/gbar
Website of The Greater Boston Association of Realtors. Realtor.com
Website of the National Association of Realtors. Redfin.com
Redfin is an online real estate brokerage. ForSaleByOwner.com
Website for selling your home yourself. |
Should you use a real estate agent?
Saving on commission by selling a home yourself is a tempting prospect. But is it better to just rely on the professionals if you want to sell? (Bankrate.com) In tough market, sell your home yourself
With a wide range of flat-fee and Internet-based services, you may fare well on your own, yet it's still important to know your options. (By John K. Wasik, 08/21/07) More
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Resources
Search recent sales
Find out what homes are going for in your neighborhood. Single family sales
Town-by-town median prices in Mass. from 2006-2007. Condo sales
Town-by-town median prices in Mass. from 2006-2007. CityofBoston.gov
Search for assessed property values, attributes, and owners. Cambridgema.gov
Assessed property values for the City of Cambridge. Property values, region
Links to assessor databases for most communities in Massachusetts. Check your home's Zestimate
Zillow's home valuation formula gives estimated market value. |
The price must be right
This five-bedroom Colonial in Waltham has been on the market for three years. The reason? More than ever, the starting figure is key to quick home sales. (By Kimberly Blanton, Boston Globe) Bottom line for buyers is price – not much else matters
You don't have to be particularly creative in a market glutted with homes. If you really need to sell, price is the one lever that will move a property. (The Boston Globe, 11/21/07) More
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 Open houses Hello, nosy neghbors and looky-loos!
Open houses bring annoyances, but sometimes a buyer walks in.
Resources
Profiles of buyers
Massachusetts Association of Realtors looks at who's buying. (marealtor.com) |
Get to know who's buying
Buyers are becoming more selective, so it's important to know what buyers are looking for. (Bankrate.com) More
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 20 tricks to successful staging
Selling a house can be a lot like romance. It can really pay to set the right mood. |
Catching the eye of buyers
Staging – making inexpensive fixes, setting a mood, and creating an atmosphere – can make your home more attractive to buyers. More
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What a sales contract includes
A quick look at the things that are included in the contract when you sell your home. How much taxes will you owe?
A breakdown of one seller's financial situation after a sale, and before buying in another state. Research communities
Want to learn more about where you're moving, or just interested in your surrounding communities? Check out our communities page. |
Your complete moving guide
It's time to pack up your things and move. Here are all the things you'll need to remember during the moving process.
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Careful borrowing
Matt asked: I need help figuring out how much of my income should be devoted to owning a home. As a 1st time prospective homebuyer...
VIDEO
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Congratulations Local Realtors® of the Year
See the Realtors® who were recently honored for their outstanding leadership abilities and volunteer efforts in both the Association and their local communities.