Real Estate and *stuff *
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How to de-stress the home buying process!
January 12, 2017
By: Ari Taylor
We have all heard it before, “Buying a home is so stressful!” The home-buying process ranks as one of the top-five most stressful situations that we can face in a lifetime. Who can blame us for getting so stressed out over the process? After all, there are a lot of decisions that go into choosing the right home, and the eviction process is a lot easier for a bank than a landlord!
Following these nine tips will help to take at least some of the stress out of the process!
- Start the process early!
- Build a solid foundation by assembling a great team! Begin by finding a realtor that works in your area, knows your area well and whom you can trust. Next, select a mortgage broker, a lawyer and an inspector. These people will be there to guide you through the entire real estate process. Your lender can give you an idea of what you can afford and your realtor can point you in the right direction.
- Make a list! I can not stress this point enough. Whether it’s just you or you and your spouse/family, you need a “Must-Have” list and a “Definitely-Not” list. Your lists should include things such as location, school system and type of house (condo, single family, multi-family). To do this, think of the following: “How far do I want to commute? Where do I see myself in two years? If I am planning on getting married or starting a family, I may want to rethink a that one-bedroom condo. What is really important to me? Do I need space for my family? What about the school district? What is my proximity to the city? Do I want or need a big yard? Do I want to be a landlord? Am I comfortable with having a shared outdoor space? What is it going to take to make my home the relaxing oasis outside of the everyday stressors that I am seeking?”
- If you are buying with a spouse, compare your lists. One reason as to why home buying is so stressful is a result of one person falling in love with a house and the other saying, “No way! I don’t want to live in that city!” Or, “I need to have a big back yard!” Discussing these things and having a set list before you start looking can really take a lot of that stress away.
- Don’t get too excited… Yet! Yes, you’ve been approved and you have found a house that is perfect for you. You can see it now: Your friends are over, the little ones are running around during BBQs, you know exactly where you will hang that favorite painting and what color you will re-paint the walls and… before you know it, someone offered more than you did for your perfect house. Before you start posting photos of that house on Facebook, and before you start asking your friends if they know a good painter/mover/electrician/whomever… Sit tight. Remember, Facebook now reminds you about every memory you’ve posted about, and having that pop-up resurface every year will really stink! Get through the offer, inspection and purchase and sale before you get too excited about closing. Yes, I know that it’s hard to wait, but in the long run, it does make it easier on you overall. Try blogging about the experience, and when you close, start posting! You can harness that excitement without any major disappointment.
- Don’t fall in love with just any Zillow property. They are not always what they appear to be.
- Do not hesitate to ask questions! Keep on top of straightforward communication and be totally honest! Being honest with the other decision makers on your team (your realtor, your lender and especially yourself). This is going to help smooth out the process in a big way.
- DO expect this process to take some time. I promise you, it will.
- Try to avoid becoming too discouraged! Have faith in yourself and your team!
For more information on building the right team to get the job done, call today!
Just listed on Old Hill Street in Shrewsbury!
January 11, 2017
Just listed! 109 Hill Street in Shrewsbury! This 3 bed, 2.5 bath colonial is listed for $539,900 by RE/MAX.
Just listed on Old Brook Road in Shrewsbury!
January 11, 2017
Just listed! 12 Old Brook Road in Shrewsbury! This 4 bed, 2.5 bath cape is listed for $424,900 by RE/MAX.
Just listed on Elizabeth Drive in Northborough!
January 11, 2017
Just listed! 11 Elizabeth Drive, Unit 11 in Northborough! This 3 bed, 2 bath ranch is listed for $369,900 by Coldwell Banker.
Just sold on Green Street in Northborough!
January 11, 2017
Just sold! 212 Green Street in Northborough! This 4 bed, 4.5 bath cape sold for $1,370,000 by Andrew J. Abu, Inc.
Blithewood Avenue open house on Sunday!
January 11, 2017
Wonderful 3 bedroom town home in Hickory Hill Estates is new to the market! Don’t wait because these homes go fast! Three living levels to accommodate your lifestyle with a garage! Main level has a half bath, updated kitchen (granite) with breakfast nook and hardwoods through to the dining room. Sunken living room with newer sliders opens to the deck with grilling area and a quiet view. 2nd level has hardwoods throughout with two generous sized bedrooms and full bath. Master has a walk in closet and 2nd bedroom has double closets. Upper level loft with cathedral ceiling and skylights makes a perfect 3rd bedroom, home office, play room or family room. Gas heat, central a/c, pets allowed, garage and a full unfinished basement with laundry if you need even more space. Flexible closing date. Easy commuter location (Mass Pike) and walk to Blithewood Park and Audubon conservation center! Come see what you can have in this well managed complex for such a reasonable price! Listed at just $214,999! Open house on Sunday 1/15 from 1:30pm-3pm.
Check out the 3D walk through HERE!
Lancaster colonial for sale!
January 11, 2017
Newer colonial in a premier setting in Lancaster! Cul-de-sac location and set back from the road to maximize the privacy of the 3.62 acres. 4 beds, 2.5 baths and nearly 3000 sq feet that includes a full Master Suite with private bath, first floor office, formal dining room and family room. Large kitchen features a center island that can seat 6 people. This custom kitchen with granite counters has expanded features to include a pantry, wine rack and china cabinet. Additional seating area with wood burning fireplace with easy access to the back deck through the sliders really makes this a space to be in! The upper level features generous bedrooms with a full Master Suite that includes a walk-in closet and private bath with Jacuzzi tub. Additional space can be had in the unfinished walk up attic or unfinished walk out basement. Central a/c, workshop and 2 car garage! Listed at just $424,999!
Poniken Road in Worcester!
January 11, 2017
Don’t miss out! With inventory so tight it isn’t often that you can find a great updated house for this price! Tucked away in Indian Hill on the Worcester / Holden line you can have over 1400 sq ft of beautiful wood work and original details with all the right upgrades! Gas heat! New electric, plumbing, gas furnace and insulation (Mass Energy Audit done). 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths with a private back yard and deck. Hardwoods throughout both living levels and a full basement. Updated tile full bath with soaking tub. Expansive sun filled living room with fireplace that is great for plants and family gatherings. Full dining room with slider doors to the back yard. Country kitchen with butcher block counters and stainless steel appliances. It is hard to find what this house doesn’t have! Great commuter location with easy highway access. Now listed at just $199,999!
Holden colonial for sale!
January 11, 2017
Beautiful Village Colonial in Holden! Low energy and low maintenance living with this fully renovated 4 bedroom, 2 bath Colonial near the town center but with an easy commute to the highway. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout with many delightful features including built-ins and cedar breezeway. The charm carries through this lovely home with french doors to the four season porch. Nothing is missed with the Low-E window upgrades, newer roof, full insulation and Hardie Plank cement board exterior siding. LED recessed lighting throughout! Flexibility with a first floor master bedroom that can also be a family room to enhance the open floor plan. Large level lot is perfect summer evenings with patio and pergola. This home has it all with nothing to do but move in! Listed at just $324,999!
Check out the 3D walk through HERE!
Kosmas Street in Marlborough!
January 11, 2017
Houses like this don’t come on the market often! Completely renovated contemporary 5 bedroom 3 bath home on a secluded wooded lot in a premier cul-de-sac location in Marlborough! Open concept main living area with real solid hard wood floors and transitional kitchen with custom cabinets; smudge proof stainless steel appliances and granite counters with offsetting island. Bright and airy with vaulted ceilings and with double slider doors to the deck and expansive wooded back yard. Full master suite with a vaulted ceiling and skylights, brand new bathroom and walk in closet. Main level bath complete with ceramic tile floor and double vanity to accommodate a growing family. Lower level family room with fireplace and full bath allows for flexible living arrangements with in-laws, teenagers or an au pair. With over 2200 sq feet of top quality living space this is a house to make a home! 2 car garage, gas heat, central a/c and location location location! Near shopping (Soloman Pond Mall), restaurants, movies, sports complex and major commuting routes but nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac location with sidewalks. Voted a “2016 Game Changer” in the Boston Globe Marlborough enjoys easy highway access and has a top rated (#3 in the country according to US News) AMSA school. Now just $484,999!
Check out the 3D walk through HERE!
Real Estate and *stuff * 