Boston, MA - What Does a Buyer’s Agent Do for You?

If you are in the market to buy your own Boston home you likely could go it alone and purchase your dream home, but why should you take on that burden all by yourself? This is likely the biggest financial decision of your entire life, and you need a Boston real estate agent if you want to do it right. Here’s why.

Expertise. A Boston real estate agent has loads of expertise. Real estate has its own language of acronyms and jargon and your realtor is trained to speak that language fluently. Buying a Boston home requires various forms, reports, and other technical documents.  Real estate agents have the expertise to help you prepare the perfect deal, all while avoiding delays or costly mistakes.

Searching power. The internet is awesome, and you can shop for almost anything, including real estate.  But, realtors have access to more listings than you will find on your favorite online real estate listing site. Many times, properties are available, but not actively advertised, they can help you find those hidden listings.

Negotiation. Any time you buy or sell a home, you’re going to encounter negotiations—and as today’s housing market heats up, those negotiations are more likely than ever to get a little heated. Don’t you want a savvy and professional negotiator on your side to seal the best deal for you?

Connections. Real estate agents make it their mission to know everyone who can possibly help in the process of buying or selling a home.  Professionals such as mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, and more are part of your Boston real estate agent’s network.  More connections equal less work and research for you.

This is the biggest financial (and possibly emotional) decision of your life and guiding you through it isn’t a responsibility realtors take lightly. Whether you are in the market to sell your Boston home or you are wanting to buy a Boston home you will benefit from the help of a real estate professional. When you are ready, contact a Boston real estate agent real estate agent.

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston Rent Prices Continue to Rise

Are you currently renting and wondering if now is a good time to buy a home in Boston? The Boston real estate market is in good shape and is expected to continue to rise upward through 2018. The same can be said of the rental market. Rentals are booming – for the landlord. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was released by the Labor Department last week. Rents are up in 62/100 major cities – including Boston. Boston is up .4% month to month and is up .5% from last year at this time.  

Boston rents are expected to continue to climb throughout this year and the next. Home prices and mortgage rates are also expected to rise so it doesn’t make sense to wait another year to purchase a home in Boston as you will pay more in the long run.

Bottom Line. Buying a home now before your rent rises makes sense financially. If you are one of the many renters out there who would like to evaluate your ability to buy this year, meet with a Boston real estate professional who can help you find your dream home.

When you are ready to purchase a home in Boston, contact an experienced Boston real estate agent. I am committed to providing you with the highest quality buyer service. When making the type of investment that buying a home requires, you deserve to have all the latest market information and the very best advice, both of which I can provide you with. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston House Hunting with Kids

Congrats! You’re in the market for a new home in Boston, MA. After searching online for the perfect Boston, MA home and narrowing down your list, you’re ready to start actually going to some prospective homes. Before you go property-hopping, though, there are some pint-size participants to consider: your kids. We all know home buying is a complex and sometimes overwhelming process, especially for children. Here are tips to help survive the house-hunting process with your family while keeping your sanity fully intact.

Whenever possible, don’t bring the kids. Parents might not like to hear it, but most real estate agents agree that its best if kids, especially the 9-and-under crowd, are left at home during showings. They can be a distraction and keep you from fully seeing the new home. You may spend more time watching your kids than looking at the house.

But if they must come, keep them busy. If child care options are scarce and you’re in a time crunch, keep them as busy as possible so you and your spouse can focus on the task at hand. Walking through owner-occupied homes where young kids live can be incredibly distracting for your own children, who will likely be fighting the urge to dig into their toys. Help them fight this temptation by coming well-equipped with their favorite games and activities.

Maximize your time at each showing. Plan on spending 10 to 15 minutes at each property. If you’ve come prepared with diversions, you’ll get in and out with minimal meltdowns and distractions. If you walk into a property and know right away that you don’t love it, speak up so you can all move on to the next listing. You don’t want to waste time when your kids are in tow.

Build the excitement for them. Once you’ve chosen the right home, sit down with your kids (depending on their ages) and explain what they can expect in the weeks ahead. It’s best that kids of all ages know what to expect so you can calm their nerves. Also make sure you talk through the moving process with them as well. 
 
If you’re planning to buy a home in Boston, MA, I’d be happy to help! Please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent to find out how to start the buying process. I look forward to hearing from you!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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