3 Top Qualities of a Boston Real Estate Agent

Buying or selling a home can be quite an adventure. If you are in the market to sell a home in Boston you likely could go it alone and sell by owner, but why should you? You need a Boston real estate agent if you want to do it right. In today’s Boston real estate market the reasons for needing a professional have been strengthened, due to the limited inventory and rising home prices. So, what makes a good real estate agent? Here are three important qualities a seller’s real estate agent should have:

1. Reliability. Selling a house involves a long process and one that can really drag on if your agent is not really on the ball. Your seller’s agent should be incredibly reliable.
2.  Friendliness. Make sure your personalities mesh well together, you will be working together for the next several months. An agent who is friendly and personable will make the tedious process less stressful.
3. Experience. Nothing beats having loads of experience. An agent who has worked in the industry for several years – if not decades – will help you feel at ease.

With experience also comes a great network of fellow agents and potential buyers, as well as intricate knowledge of your local market. Having a great pulse on your current market is key to setting the right price and is one of the key mistakes that sellers who don’t use an agent make.

As a Boston real estate agent, I am well versed in what it takes to get the job done. Please contact a Boston real estate agent when you are ready to start the buying or selling process. I look forward to hearing from you!

Lucas Garofalo
Keller Williams Realty
(617) 861-3631
Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com
Connect with me:
Facebook
Twitter

Spring Real Estate Market in Boston

Warmer weather will soon be on the way and spring is just around the corner. Spring is well-known as one of the busiest times in the Boston, MA real estate market. If you are you planning to buy a home in Boston, MA this spring, you are not alone. Over the next month or two, the Boston home inventory will soar and you'll have a whole new crop of homes to consider. If you’re a first-time homebuyer or if it’s been a while since you’ve gone through the home buying process, it’s important to know that there are a few items you should start thinking about right away. Here are three tips to ensure you are ready to jump into the spring Boston real estate market.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage. In a competitive real estate market, home sellers favor buyers who have been pre-approved for a mortgage. Though the terms are commonly used interchangeably, pre-approval differs from pre-qualification in that pre-approval includes having your financial information run through the underwriting process. This will give you a pretty accurate picture of how much you can expect to borrow from your lender and therefore how much home you can afford.

Be prepared with a down payment. It’s generally recommended to put 20 percent down when you buy a home. However, this amount can vary depending on the type of mortgage you’ll be applying for. For those seeking a traditional mortgage, it’s important to note that you’ll have to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you don’t come up with a 20 percent down payment.

Choose the right Realtor. Unless you’re a seasoned pro, having a Realtor on your side can make a big difference. Making an offer on a house in a competitive market can require more than just a willingness to pay the price. If a seller must choose between multiple buyers, they’re likely to choose the one that’s coming to them with the best overall package. A good Boston real estate agent will present your offer along with other information, including your ability to get a loan, your down payment, and anything else that might make you more appealing than someone else vying for the same property.

Buying a home in Boston, MA is one of the most exciting milestones you’ll reach during your lifetime. Before you start scouring the Internet in search of your new pad, be sure to keep in mind the three important items above. And when you are ready please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter

Staging Tips for Your Boston Home

Are you trying to sell your Boston Home quickly? In some situations, staging is an option that can yield excellent results. This may seem like a daunting task, however, it is important to depersonalize your home for prospective Boston, MA homebuyers. Some professional staging companies can be costly, however there are other options for Boston, MA sellers. 
 
We've previously discussed Top Tips for Selling your Boston, MA home. If your home is clean and you've decluttered your personal items, removed larger furniture, and maybe even put up some fresh paint, you may want to take it a step further. There are some staging tips you can tackle yourself without hiring a professional. Your goal is to create an environment where potential buyers can picture themselves living in the home and are able to view your home objectively.

Living Room: Create a focal point and arrange the furniture so it is positioned for conversation and entertainment. Bring some of the outdoors in with new plants or cut flowers. Bright fresh flowers will also add a pop of color. 
 
Bedrooms: Make sure each bedroom is set up as such. If needed, an inflatable mattress dressed with sheets and a comforter will do in a pinch. In the master bedroom, update your old boring comforter set with a new luxurious set. It doesn't need to be 'expensive’; many outlets sell full sets for a reasonable price. 
 
Bathrooms: Add some decorative touches with new hand towels and a candle or two. Some dried or fresh flowers to complement the towel color will pull the room together. 
 
Kitchen: In the kitchen, accessorize, accessorize. Since your countertops are nice and clutter free you have space to add a pop of color with a decorative bowl or vase well-placed. If you want to be remembered, put out a colorful bowl filled with candies or prepackaged snacks, like pretzels. Some water bottles will also be appreciated. Tie the look all together with new kitchen towels in coordinating colors. 
 
If you need to move out of your Boston, MA home before it sells you can always hire a professional to fill the home with furniture, but, this comes with a hefty price tag. Empty homes are harder to sell, having furniture helps potential buyers envision the room's size and function. If you cannot afford a professional stager you can go with one of the newest trends - ‘popup furniture’. Companies like NextStage Furniture have created prop furniture made of cardboard that when assembled and covered with a slip cover resembles 'real' furniture. The cost is reasonable and might result in a higher return on your investment.
 
If you still don't know what to do about prepping your Boston, MA home to sell then talk to a professional! As a Boston, MA Real Estate Agent I am well versed in what it takes to get the job done. Please contact a Boston real estate agent and I can point you in the right direction. I look forward to hearing from you!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter