10 things that add value10 things that
add value
Features that can increase the value of your home.
10 things that reduce value10 things that reduce value
Features that may hurt your home's value.
10 steps to sell your home10 steps to sell your home
It can seem daunting, but stay focused and follow these steps.
Rules for surviving a soft marketRules for surviving a soft market
Things to know before buying or selling.
Resources
As jobs remain elusive, foreclosures rise again

As jobs remain elusive, foreclosures rise again

More Massachusetts borrowers lost their homes to foreclosure in October than in the month before, figures released yesterday show. (By Jenifer B. McKim, Boston Globe)
Making improvements
Don't try this at homeDon't try this at home
Here are eight improvements that are best left to the pros.
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

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
Choosing an agent
How to select the right agentHow to select the right agent
Here are a few tips to help you through the process.
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?

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)
More
Setting the price
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

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.
More
Marketing your home
Hello, nosy neghbors and looky-loos!
Open houses
Hello, nosy neghbors and looky-loos!
Open houses bring annoyances, but sometimes a buyer walks in.
Sellers find action in home videosSellers find action in home videos
Many sellers are turning to videos to market their homes.
Resources
Profiles of buyers
Massachusetts Association of Realtors looks at who's buying. (marealtor.com)
Staging your home
6 ways to clear the clutter6 ways to clear the clutter
Check out these tips to help you clean house.
Set the right mood for good first impressionSet the right mood for good first impression
Sellers need to make their homes distinctive.
20 tricks to successful staging20 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

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
After the sale
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

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.
But for the grace of God…
Due to HVCC and other changes in mortgage lending, the time it takes to get a loan commitment has increased by a week or two,...

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Congratulations Local Realtors® of the Year

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.