3 Reasons Boston’s Housing Market is Tight

Where Do You Fit in the Picture? With limited homes for sale over the past five years, Boston’s real estate markets are increasingly competitive and expensive—similar to other in-demand cities like Los Angeles and Seattle. Here, three reasons home buying options remain limited, competition stiff and prices high. If you’re relocating to the area—or if […] Read More

4 Events to Hit at This Year’s Boston Design Week

Sashya Thind Fernandes, an interior architect and principal of Boston-based ID8 Design Studio, offers her top picks for Design Week Boston. Boston Design Week (March 29–April 9, 2017) is upon us, and there are several events that are must-see for designers and non-designers alike. All of these panels speak to the growth and future of Boston, […] Read More

How to Use an Open House

There will be times where you will need to attend an open house without a member from our team. During our buyers meeting, we’ll go over: Be prepared to take notes as you tour a property and debrief afterward. Do’s and don’ts of open houses Here, some pointers on what’s best to do—and not do. […] Read More

Home Appraisal: What If It Comes in Low?

Most sellers want as much as they can get for their property, but that doesn’t come without risks. Unless a buyer is purchasing entirely in cash, a seller should evaluate an offer price for its ability to match or exceed a potential appraised value. In a seller’s market, competing buyers’ offer prices are likely to […] Read More

Renting Now and Planning to Buy?

Read your lease terms and plan ahead If you are renting now and planning to buy, be sure to understand what, if any, flexibility your lease allows. Why? It’s currently a strong seller’s market in Boston. It is typical for a seller to receive numerous offers, and you don’t want lose out due to your […] Read More

Where to Donate Items

Seller’s often ask about staging their home to sell. While that may be necessary, often simply editing a space will suffice. Accomplish a good portion of your editing by donating items you don’t want that have accumulated over the years. Double bonus: you’ll have less to sort through when packing to move. There are many […] Read More

Staging Your Home to Tell a Story

When presenting your property to the market, your goal is to attract serious buyers to cross the threshold and tour your space. But we don’t always keep our space in magazine-ready condition. That’s quite alright—that’s where my discerning eye comes into play. Below, view examples of homes that have been staged to varying degrees. When […] Read More

Home Buyers and Sellers: How Appraisals Fit into Your Strategy

In Greater Boston, buyers gearing up for the spring’s purchase market will need to plan how they’ll navigate the very competitive terrain. If you’re buying with financing, your offer strategy will need to address appraisals. If your appraisal comes in below your offer price, you may need to make up the difference––in addition to the […] Read More

Reduce Your Property Tax with a Residential Exemption

Do you own your primary residence in the Boston area? Be sure you’re not overypaying your property tax. If you own the property you live in as your primary residence, you may qualify for a residential tax exemption, which will automatically reduce your property tax each year. You may seek assistance from 1031 Specialists. For […] Read More

Rent or Own, Tax Deductions for Your Home

Tax time is just around the corner. Whether you rent or own, there are home-related deductions you’ll want to make sure to keep track of. Property owners have substantially more deductions related to their home than renters. But even renters in Massachusetts can deduct some home-related expenses. Massachusetts rent paid deduction Massachusetts allows a deduction […] Read More