Typical Home Sale Expenses in Massachusetts
What does it cost to sell your home? Some expenses will vary, such as repairs and improvements—either before coming to market or as a result of negotiations with your chosen buyer. There are other standard expenses related to your sale that you can expect: Brokerage commission Brokerage commission is the fee you’ll pay to the real estate […] Read More
Matchmaking in a Secret Garden
I love when we get to do matchmaking. My colleague Jay and I were preparing to bring this listing to market, when an out-of-state buyer of mine came into the picture: a retired couple from Vermont relocating to be near their grandchildren. As they pondered their transition from rural Vermont farm life back to the […] Read More
Boston Summer Fun
Summer in Boston is a great time to explore the city. Whether movies, music, or ziplining (yes, there’s urban ziplining) is your thing, Boston gives you plenty of reasons to stay in town. Events & Activities Boston Pops 4th of July Show Be sure to get to the Hatch Shell early to grab a spot […] Read More
Here Comes the Sun: Solar Energy Options in Massachusetts
Using solar energy is increasingly a viable option for many, even condo-dwellers, renters, and those with imperfect or shaded roofs. Here are four different ways to make use of solar-generated power for any living arrangement. Buying solar panels Homeowners can get the most savings in the long term from buying their own solar panel array. […] Read More
Urban Gardening
I know people who can’t wait to get into their garden each spring. Getting their hands in dirt is a soulful experience. In Boston, you don’t have to have your own plot to experience the rewards of gardening. From community gardens to pots on a deck, urban dwellers have a variety of choices. If you’re […] Read More
Your Home on Vacation
Heading out of town this summer season? Before you go, take these steps to prep your home so your return home is as relaxing as the vacation. Get a little help from your friends The best option for your home is to have someone stay there while you are away. It may thwart break-ins and […] Read More
Celebrating the Eliot School
In celebrating the Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts, of which I’m a trustee, I emceed our 02130 Party fundraiser in April. Hosted in a stately pre-Civil War home, the house was packed with Jamaica Plain neighbors—a lively outpouring of support for the school’s mission to bring art-making to all. Among the afternoon’s highlights, […] Read More
Think Smart about Security for Your Open House
Security is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of preparing for an open house. While the vast majority of guests touring an open house are coming just to see your home, don’t discount the possibility that someone may come with other intentions. Protect your valuables Before open house—and even before your photo session—remove items of […] Read More
Buying a Home with Gift Money
How to use gift funds for your loan down payment As I prepare homebuyers to navigate Boston’s hyper-competitive markets—whether they’re first-timers or multi-homeowners—I inform them that family money has become a significant force behind area home sales. (More than half of my buyer clients are using family funds of some kind.) With inventory super-tight and […] Read More