Boston Real Estate - How Can a Buyer’s Agent Help 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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What are the Best Beaches in Boston?

One of the best parts about living in Boston is our close proximity to the water. The refreshing ocean breeze, fishing, sailing, and water sports just touch on the numerous ways to enjoy life by the harbor this summer. Because Boston is an urban area, many newcomers aren’t aware of how simple it is to escape to nature for a day. Even those who don’t own a car can easily get away to a local beach for the afternoon. Here are a few recommendations for the best beaches to visit in Boston this summer.

Spectacle Island. Forget driving or parking. Spectacle Island is easily accessible by a ferry, which conveniently runs every half hour. Located just a 15 minute ride from the Boston waterfront, the beaches of this pristine oasis are littered with gorgeous sea glass and seashells. A short hike grants visitors a spectacular view of the Boston skyline. Finally, settle down for the afternoon with a picnic lunch and you have yourself a picture-perfect day.

Castle Island Beach. You get a little bit of everything when you visit Castle Island in South Boston. The relaxation of the beach meets the enjoyment of people watching all while savoring an ice cream cone from Sullivan’s. This is the place to go if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without going too far. Castle Island is just a quick train ride from downtown, and parking is plentiful, too!

Winthrop Beach. While tourists tend to flock to Revere Beach, Boston locals know where to escape to tranquility just minutes from downtown Boston. This no-frills beach is quite small and lacks the shopping and amenities that tend to attract out-of-towners. Winthrop Beach is much less crowded than your other options in the Boston area, and there is always plenty of free parking available. If you want to pack a lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon away from the city crowds, Winthrop Beach is for you!

In addition to the beaches I have listed above, there are numerous other spots you can visit this summer. Once you buy a home in Boston and get acquainted with your neighborhood, you’ll find all of the hidden gems that the locals rave about and return to year after year. Summer is a fantastic time to buy a home in Boston. All your new neighbors come out of hibernation and are outdoors, making it easy to develop new friendships. If you’d like a personal guide to help show you around the city, please contact a Boston real estate agent, it’s my pleasure to show newcomers what a great place Boston is to settle down. I look forward to hearing from you when the time is right!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Close Your Boston Home on Time

So you’ve found the perfect Boston home and the only thing left for you to do is to wait for closing. Closing dates are made in good faith, but sometimes closing dates can get moved for one reason or another. Once you have a closing date set, here are four steps you can take to ensure the process doesn’t get delayed.

Have your agent watch for problems. Once a property is under contract, your Boston, MA buyer’s agent should check in with all parties at least twice per week, if not more. Because a good agent has completed so many transactions, they know to be on the lookout for any surprises or changes.

Keep lenders in the loop. Make sure to check with your lender regularly. Banks require so much paperwork and sometimes need the same information over and over. If your mortgage professional asks for follow-up documentation, get it to them right away. If one document is missing, it can hold up the closing.

Beware last-minute seller surprises. Sellers can sometimes cause bumps in the road by not being able to move out in time or failing to make the agreed-on fixes. If the seller agrees to make repairs prior to closing, put a deadline on those repairs. No matter how big or small the fix, you don’t want to show up at the walk-through to see the seller doing the work. Ask for the work to be completed a week before the closing and put it in writing.

Keep your finances stable. Boston, MA homebuyers obtaining financing should not make any major changes before closing. The littlest change can affect your ability to close. If you purchase a car or apply for a new credit card between the time you sign a contract and close, that debt will affect your loan. If you change jobs, you could lose the loan or delay your purchase.

Nine times out of ten, closing delays can be avoided by planning. If you are in the market to buy a home in Boston, please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent, I know exactly what to do to keep your closing date on time and running smoothly.

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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