Real Estate Pepperell MA and Surrounding Communities

The Cascades, 100 Merrimack Ave., Dracut, MA

          The Cascades, 100 Merrimack Ave., Dracut, MA - Unit 136

Integrity Residential Brokerage is proud to announce the sale of 100 Merrimack Avenue, Unit 136, Dracut MA located in The Cascades.  This condominium was a short sale which we closed approximately 30 days from accepted contract!

Anyone familiar with short sales knows they can be very labor intensive and take 4-6 months to complete. Having experience dealing with short sale lien holders is key to successfully completing these transactions and, knock on wood, I've been successful in closing 100% of the short sales that I've worked on. 

There's no way around it, short sales are stressful and complicated transactions. Make sure you're working with an agent who has a strong working knowledge of the short sale procedure. Remember, if you are a seller and you are in financial distress, you may be close to potential foreclosure.  Selecting the wrong Realtor might be a very costly mistake.

Are you in a position where you can no longer make your home payments and need to sell quickly? If so, the first step is to pick up the phone and call. I'll be happy to assist you!

Are you a home buyer looking for real estate in Massachusetts or New Hampshire? CLICK below to begin your search now.

SEARCH 1000'S OF HOMES FOR SALE IN MA & NH FOR FREE!

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Integrity Residential Brokerage, licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, would be happy to assist you in your home buyingor home selling needs. If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you!  We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

If you'd like to search for property currently on the market, click on the link below.  You'll have access to every property currently listed in Massachusetts as well as New Hampshire.

SEARCH 1000'S OF HOMES FOR SALE IN MA & NH FOR FREE!

 CLICK HERE to subscribe to my blog for more real estate information. 

 

Click Here and find out what your home is worth.

Agent pictureCatherine Condon, Broker MA & NH

Integrity Residential Brokerage

www.Integrity-RB.com

(978)433-0000

Foreclosure vs. Short Sale and What it Means to You

Foreclosure vs. Short Sale and What it Means to You

Facing the prospect of foreclosure or short sale on your home is not easy. So many people are struggling with day-to-day expenses, job loss, health issues and, while it's difficult, you may have to consider how to decrease your debt.  If you determine that you must sell your home, or risk foreclosure, Integrity Residential Brokerage, licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire is here to help.

Here is a brief explanation of each process:

Foreclosure - In most cases, a lender obtains a security interest from the borrower who pledges the real estate to secure the loan. When the borrower fails to comply with the terms of the mortgage, the lender has the right to foreclose. Foreclosure is the legal process by which a lender obtains a court ordered selling, or repossessing, of real estate. Furthermore, if the promissory note was made with a recourse clause, if the sale does not bring enough to pay the existing balance of principal and fees, the lender can file a claim for a deficiency judgment.

  • Typically, a borrower whose home goes into foreclosure will not qualify for an FHA home loan for 5 years.
  • On any future mortgage application, you must answer "yes" to the question "Have you had a property foreclosed upon or given title or deed in lieu thereof in the last 7 years?"
  • Some borrowers credit will be impacted more than others for the same payment problem. Your credit score is likely to decrease anywhere between 100-300 points.
  • Employers often run credit checks on potential employees
  • Depending on the loan type, banks can go after more money from the homeowner if the sale price doesn't cover the mortgage amount due which is known as a ‘deficiency judgment'.
  • A Foreclosure can show up on your credit history for 7-10 years.

Short Sale - is a sale of real estate in which the proceeds fall short of the balance owed on the loan.  When the borrower can't pay the mortgage loan on their property, the lender may decide that selling the property at a loss is better than proceeding with a foreclosure. This agreement doesn't necessarily release the borrower from the obligation to pay the remaining balance of the loan, which is known as a deficiency, but many times it is possible to negotiate no promissory note or deficiency judgment.

  • Typically, after 2 years, a homeowner whose home is sold in a short sale will qualify for an FHA loan.
  • There is no question on a mortgage application regarding whether you've ever done a short sale.
  • Late payments will show up on your credit report but short sales are usually not reported to the credit bureau.
  • Ask your lender whether they will report the short sale as "paid less on a settled account" vs. "settled/paid in full" as this could affect your credit score.
  • Usually, it will take approximately 18 months of consistent, on-time credit payments to restore your credit score.

In conclusion, a Short Sale is far less damaging than a foreclosure. The lender will often allow a short sale if they feel the financial loss is lower than that of a foreclosure proceeding.  As a borrower, you can avoid having a foreclosure on your credit report and the short sale process is typically faster and less expensive.

If you think you may need to sell your home "short", the time to start the process is NOW! Short sales take months to process through your lender. So, if you want to lessen the risk of foreclosure, begin by picking up the phone and calling us today at (978)433-0000.

Integrity Residential Brokerage  located in Pepperell, MA is here to assist you with your real estate needs. So far, we've had a 100% success rate with gaining lender approval on our short sale listings.  If you are experiencing financial distress and need to sell your home, please call right away!  

SEARCH 1000'S OF LISTINGS IN MA OR NH FOR FREE!

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Please note that individual listings periodically mentioned in this blog are accurately described in terms of availability and price at the time of the posting. Because properties are constantly coming on and off the market, please contact Catherine for the latest information on those that are of particular interest to you.

Agent pictureCatherine Condon, Broker MA & NH

Integrity Residential Brokerage

www.Integrity-RB.com

(978)433-0000

Selling Your Home During the Winter Months

Selling Your Home During the Winter Months

Here in New England we are blessed with 4 seasons and we're coming up on winter. Whether you're a REALTOR or the average person, I'm sure you've heard this statement "I'm going to take my house off the market because no one is looking to buy during the winter." Or, how about this? "I'm going to wait until spring to put my house on the market when there are more buyers looking and prices are higher."  While on the face of things, these statements may seem logical, let me point out a few reasons why it may not make sense to wait.

Let's take a look at the first statement:

No one is looking at houses during the winter - Interestingly, we aggressively market and sell property year round but Integrity Residential Brokerage closed more homes from October - February than during the spring.  I find that serious, well qualified buyers look at housing year round. 

Less inventory = Less competition:  That means that those "serious, well qualified buyers" that are looking at homes will have less to choose from. Your home will have less competition which may, in fact, result in a better sale price. 

Young home vs. new construction: Perhaps you own a young home and you've been competing against aggressively priced new construction.  During the winter months, unless the foundation has already been poured, construction of a new home is quite difficult.  Your young home now looks mighty attractive for someone who needs to move now!

Relocation Buyers: Statistically, more relocations happen in January than any other month.  This is an excellent source of potential buyers that you may be missing, if you're waiting until spring.

Less showings: You may get less showings but the folks viewing your home are likely serious, well qualified buyers, who want to move now.  

Now, let's take a look at the second statement: 

I'm going to wait until spring when there are more buyers and prices are higher - Waiting until spring to market your home may result in more showings but how many of those are motivated to buy at that time?  Typically, in the spring, we'll see buyers who are thinking of moving, have a house to sell, haven't been pre-approved, or want to consider owning vs. renting. 

Are prices going to be higher in the spring? Only time will tell but I wouldn't count on it. During the past couple of years, values have been declining markedly.  While "waiting for the spring" might have been a good plan 5 years ago, it no longer has merit.  Every passing month could result in a lower sale price.

In summary, there are plenty of serious, well qualified buyers searching for homes during the winter months.  Interest rates are at a historical low.  Your competition is sitting it out waiting for warmer days.  Now may be the just the right time to sell your house!

Integrity Residential Brokerage, licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, would be happy to assist you in your home buying or home selling needs. If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you!  We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

If you'd like to search for property currently on the market, click on the link below.  You'll have access to every property currently listed in Massachusetts as well as New Hampshire.

SEARCH 1000'S OF HOMES FOR SALE IN MA & NH FOR FREE!

CLICK HERE to subscribe to my blog for more real estate information. 

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Market conditions vary month-to-month and differ depending on location, style, amenities and price range. Please note that individual listings periodically mentioned in this blog are accurately described in terms of availability and price at the time of the posting. Because properties are constantly coming on and off the market, please contact Catherine for the latest information on those that are of particular interest to you.

 

Agent pictureCatherine Condon, Broker MA & NH

Integrity Residential Brokerage

www.Integrity-RB.com

(978)433-0000

THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU MAKE A "STRATEGIC DEFAULT"

THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU MAKE A "STRATEGIC DEFAULT"

Over the past year, I've noticed a trend of homeowners who are simply choosing to walk away from their home.  When I speak with homeowners they sometimes feel that they don't have any other choice but to default and walk away.  They feel hopeless and frequently don't seek guidance from a professional to explore their options. Often, they simply give up, walk away, and start over.  

Homeowners need to think twice before they make the decision to walk away from their loan obligations. Fannie Mae (FNMA) has announced new guidelines making it more difficult for homeowners to strategically default.  Defaulting home owners who have the ability to make their payments, or did not contact their lender to pursue alternatives, will be ineligible for a new FNMA-backed loan for a period of 7 years from the date of foreclosure.

CLICK HERE for Fannie Mae's Selling Guide Announcement.

WHAT IS A STRATEGIC DEFAULT?

A strategic default is when a homeowner chooses to walk away from their mortgage when they have the ability to pay.  Typically, their mortgage is higher than the market value and the homeowner feels their options are limited.  Homeowners who walk away realize they are damaging their credit records, but are making a calculated decision that sticking it out over the long-term would be worse.

If FNMA determines that you have an acceptable hardship resulting in a short sale, you will only have to wait 2 years before obtaining a mortgage backed by FNMA.  Another possibility is "deed in lieu of foreclosure" whereby the homeowner signs over their house to the lender vs. property foreclosure.

For a more detailed explanation of the new guidelines CLICK HERE.

Integrity Residential Brokerage, licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, would be happy to assist you in your home buying or home selling needs. If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you!  We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to my blog for more real estate information. 

 

Agent pictureCatherine Condon, Broker MA & NH

Integrity Residential Brokerage

www.Integrity-RB.com

(978)433-0000

Townsend MA Real Estate Homes for Sale - Timberlee Park, Market Report 6/14/2010, Free MLS Search

Townsend MA Real Estate Homes for Sale - Timberlee Park, Market Report 6/14/2010, Free MLS Search

Are you considering a move to the Townsend, MA area?  If so, you might want to check out Timberlee Park.  This wonderful sub-division is comprised of well maintained ranch, cape, split level and colonial styled homes with schools and shopping nearby. Right now, there are 5 properties for sale in Timberlee Park, Townsend MA ranging in price from $215,000 - $299,900.  Recently, a 7 room, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath split level home came on the market. 

For a complete list of property currently available as of 6/14/2010

Timberlee Park, Townsend MA CLICK HERE.

$263,000

During the past six months, 5 properties have sold in Timberlee Park ranging in price from $215,000 - $249,900.

Townsend, MA is located near Routes 119 and 13.  New Hampshire is located to the north. There are large tracts of conservation land as well as State Forests for hiking, biking, cross country skiing or horseback riding.  During the summer, you can always find something going on at the Town Common such as band concerts, fairs, and bazaars.  


View Timberlee ParkTownsend,MA in a larger map


If you like a rural, community lifestyle yet require the convenience of major routes and shopping centers close by, come check out Townsend, MA and the surrounding communities. 

If you'd like to widen your search to include other towns or properties in the area, click on the link below.  You'll have access to every property currently listed in Massachusetts as well as New Hampshire.

SEARCH 1000'S OF HOMES FOR SALE IN MA & NH FOR FREE!

Integrity Residential Brokerage, licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, would be happy to assist you in your home buying or home selling needs. If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you!  We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

Please note that individual listings periodically mentioned in this blog are accurately described in terms of availability and price at the time of the posting. Because properties are constantly coming on and off the market, please contact Catherine for the latest information on those that are of particular interest to you.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to my blog for more real estate information. 

 

Agent pictureCatherine Condon, Broker MA & NH

Integrity Residential Brokerage

www.Integrity-RB.com

(978)433-0000

Pepperell MA Home Seller: What you Need to Know about Hazardous Waste

Pepperell MA Home Seller: What you Need to Know about Hazardous Waste

Attention Pepperell MA Home Sellers! As you prepare to market and sell your home, one item often overlooked is the "chemical stuff" that you store in your basement and garage otherwise known as Household Hazardous Waste (HHW).  Often times, Sellers try to leave these items behind and Buyers are not pleased when they conduct a walk through prior to sale and see Household Hazardous Waste items in the basement or garage. On occasion, this can hold up the sale as the seller scrambles to remove the household hazardous waste items.

I wanted to let you know that the Pepperell Board of Health will hold a hazardous waste collection day on Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 10am-2pm at the Jersey Street Fire Station.  For more information CLICK HERE or call (978)433-5574.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) come from everyday products used in the home, yard, or garden.  They can be corrosive, flammable, toxic, or reactive.  Paints and solvents, oven cleaners, pool chemicals, pesticides, drain openers, and auto chemicals are just a few examples.  

Be sure to view the "What to Bring and What Not to Bring" Brochure which you can view HERE.  Make sure you have a form of identification that confirms your Pepperell residency.

Whether you're planning on selling your home or just need to get dispose of unwanted Hazardous Waste, I encourage you to take advantage of the collection day this coming Saturday, June 12, 2010.

I hope you found this information helpful. If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you!  We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

SEARCH 1000'S OF HOMES FOR SALE IN MA & NH FOR FREE!

CLICK HERE to subscribe to my blog for more real estate information. 

Agent pictureCatherine Condon, Broker MA & NH

Integrity Residential Brokerage

www.Integrity-RB.com

(978)433-0000

Nashua NH Home Seller: What you Need to Know about Hazardous Waste

Nashua NH Home Seller: What you Need to Know about Hazardous Waste

Attention Nashua NH Home Sellers! As you prepare to market and sell your home, one item often overlooked is the "chemical stuff" that you store in your basement and garage otherwise known as Household Hazardous Waste (HHW).  Often times, Sellers try to leave these items behind and Buyers are not pleased when they conduct a walk through prior to sale and see Household Hazardous Waste items in the basement or garage. On occasion, this can hold up the sale as the seller scrambles to remove the household hazardous waste items.

I wanted to let you know that the Nashua Regional Planning Commission (NRPC) holds Collections during the Spring, Summer and Autumn seasons to allow residents to properly dispose of these products.  

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) come from everyday products used in the home, yard, or garden.  They can be corrosive, flammable, toxic, or reactive.  Paints and solvents, oven cleaners, pool chemicals, pesticides, drain openers, and auto chemicals are just a few examples.  

This coming Saturday, you can get rid of your household hazardous waste (HHW).  The first collection day is April 24th, 8am to Noon, at the Nashua Public Works Garage on 6 Riverside Street.  The full details are here: http://www.nashuarpc.org/hhw/ 


View 6 Riverside St in a larger map

Residents (both Owners and Renters) of these towns can participate; Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, Pelham, Windham.  Be sure to read the fineprint before coming to the collection site; http://www.nashuarpc.org/hhw/

I encourage you to take advantage of the collection days.  Plan ahead and dispose of any Household Hazardous Waste that you no longer need prior to marketing your home.

SEARCH 1000'S OF HOMES FOR SALE IN MA & NH FOR FREE!

If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you!  We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to my blog for more real estate information. 

WHAT IS MY HOME WORTH?

 

Agent pictureCatherine Condon, Broker MA & NH

Integrity Residential Brokerage

www.Integrity-RB.com

(978)433-0000

What is that Smell? Prepare Your Home for Sale

What is that Smell? PrepareYour Home for Sale

"What is that Smell?" asks the Buyer.  Whether it's a good smell or a bad smell, too much of either is a bad thing when it comes to selling your home.  Buyers will focus on the odor in a house and not focus on more important details about the property.  Buyers tend to label houses in order to help them remember salient points about the property.  Do your want your house to be remembered as "ash tray house" or "cat pee house"? I don't think so!

Visual and sensory presentation is vitally important in helping you achieve the goal of selling your home for the highest price possible.  So, in preparing your home for sale, consider the following:

Bad Smell Sources

It's important to remove sources that create bad smells.  Many folks try to eliminate bad smells by using some sort of air freshener.  Well...it doesn't work.  The bad smell will always filter through and if you use too much of an air freshener product, the buyer will invariably wonder what you're trying to cover up.

Smoking - Buyers will instantly recognize homes where people smoke indoors.  In some instances, they can even pick up on smoking that occurs outside. For a non-smoker this is usually a big issue as it often requires the removal of carpets and washing/painting of walls to eliminate the smell entirely.  You can help improve this issue by using an ionizer to remove smoke odors and smoking outdoors.

Trash - Empty the trash often.  In particular, it's a good rule of thumb to remove the kitchen trash any day the house is going to be shown.  Do you store the trash can in the garage?  Make sure the lid is tight and secure so that odors don't result from that area as well.

Pets - Pets can be a large source of odor and create a major road block when it comes to selling your property.  Often, prospective purchasers will wonder if the odor is coming from the pet or if the pet has soiled the carpet and/or floor making the odor much more difficult and expensive to eradicate.  So, if you have pets, it's important to do the following:  have your pet bathed regularly, keep all litter boxes immaculately clean, wash pet bedding often.

Cooking - Be careful what you cook and when you cook it.  While we all want to be able to enjoy a good meal, be mindful of the lingering effects particularly of eggs, fish, garlic and foods that have been fried.  

Carpets - You've stopped smoking inside, you've washed the dog, emptied the trash and stopped cooking your favorite fish dish.  Unfortunately, your carpets and upholstery can still be harboring the odors.   A thorough cleaning of your carpets, upholstery and curtains may be necessary to eradicate stubborn odors. 

Basement - Even dry basements can have a musty odor as they are underground which is naturally damp.  Installing a de-humidifier can help eliminate musty/damp odors.  If you can, open a window or door to help freshen the air.

Good Smell Sources

Research shows that the smell of a house can affect a person's mood. When preparing your home for sale, it's important to focus on smells that most people find appealing.  Be very careful if you're going to introduce any scent to your home.  Too much scent can have as much of a negative impact as bad smells (think of the man/woman who wears too much cologne).

Citrus - Lemon and grapefruit scents tend to have an energizing effect that most people find pleasant.  Run a lemon through your garbage disposal or burn a citrus scented candle.

Floral - A floral scent tends to create a pleasant atmosphere if it's not overdone.  Consider adding a fresh bouquet of flowers as a focal point in your dining or eating area.  

Vanilla - Vanilla seems to be the universal scent that people find comforting and relaxing.  Cinnamon also seems to create the same effect.  Burning a vanilla scented candle or soaking a cinnamon stick in water on the stove can help you achieve a comforting and relaxing atmosphere.

Baked Bread - Everyone seems to enjoy the smell of fresh baked bread.  If you can't make the real thing, pour beer into a pan and put it in the oven on low. 

To reduce possible accidents, please don't leave any candles lit or the oven/stove on

during a showing appointment.

In conclusion, when it comes to how your home smells, your goal is to leave the buyer with the impression that your home is clean and fresh.  Try to maintain a neutral smell when preparing your home for sale. If you feel the need to introduce a scent, try vanilla, cinnamon, lemon or apple scents in small quantities. Remember! Less is better.  Overdoing it can have negative results.

SEARCH 1000'S OF HOMES FOR SALE IN MA & NH FOR FREE!

If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you!  We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to my blog for more real estate information. 

WHAT IS MY HOME WORTH?

Agent pictureCatherine Condon, Broker MA & NH

Integrity Residential Brokerage

www.Integrity-RB.com

(978)433-0000

Home Staging Tips: Prepare Your Home for Sale

Home Staging Tips: Prepare Your Home for Sale

Why bother with home staging? Doing so will help you sell your home faster and for the best possible price!  Strapped for money? The good news is you don't need a big budget to stage your home effectively. Below are inexpensive and no-cost home staging tips to effectively stage your home, which will result in a great first impression and quick sale.  

At Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, we are here to assist you with all aspects of marketing and selling your home in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  So, if you'd like our help in preparing your house for sale, let us know.

Living Room

Home buyers want to see a living room area that is open, inviting and conducive to spending time with the family as well as entertaining guests. 

If the furniture size and/or the way it's arranged make it difficult to walk through the space, remove items and put them in storage.

If your furniture has seen better days, consider renting quality pieces.

It's important to remove family photos and other personal items from the room and the mantel. Your goal is to make them want to sit down and spend time in the room.

 

Baths

Your plan-of-attack for the bathrooms can be summed up in two words - cleaning and updating. It is imperative that the bathroom is spotless.  Update items as needed so that the space is clean, bright and modern.  Here are some ideas that will greatly enhance the space without breaking the bank.

Replace outdated fixtures (faucets, tub fixtures, mirrors, etc).  This will do wonders for helping you sell your home.  Only a small percentage of buyers like brass fixtures so do not choose this style as a replacement.

An easy way to update a bath is to use high quality towels coordinated with an area rug, and bath accessories.  Make sure to choose subtle colors.

Nothing turns off a buyer faster than a dirty glass shower door.  Scrub, Scrub, Scrub!  If the shower door is dated, replace it with a new one or install a curtain rod and coordinating shower curtain.

 Kitchen

Of all the rooms in your home to put money into when selling the home, the kitchen should be at the top of the list. Investments in kitchen design and improvement typically contribute more toward resale value than improvements in the rest of the home.

Clean your kitchen like the sale of your home depends on it, because it does. Pay extra attention to the sink, counters and stove. Your kitchen design is important but cleanliness is a must.

Kitchens tend to attract clutter and it's important to keep countertop appliances, coffee pots, utensil holders, knick knacks, and mail out of sight. 

If your cabinets and counters are outdated or ugly, upgrading them could make a big difference in resale value.  If you don't have extra money available for the expenditure, consider painting or staining the cabinets and adding new hardware. If your cabinets are in great shape, consider replacing the countertop with granite or similar product for an updated look!

Replace the sink faucet. This can make a big improvement at a fraction of the cost. 

Bedrooms

When staging the bedrooms, keep them neutral, spacious and comfortable.

Make the bedrooms seem larger by reducing the amount of furniture. Limit yourself to a bed, dresser and a couple of small items.  Are you guilty of having a treadmill or other similar item in your bedroom?  Remove it!  

Soft, neutral colors such are beige, cream or soft brown works well.  The space should convey a feeling of tranquility.

Clean and organize the closets.  Make them seem larger by removing 80% of the clothing items.  You have to pack anyway so start now!

Has your bedding seen better days? Consider buying new luxurious neutral bedding with coordinating accent pillows and window treatments. 

Remove personal items such as family photos and keep surfaces free of clutter. 

If your home is being listed as a 4-bedroom house, show it as one. If you are using one of the bedrooms as an office, craft room or junk room, clear it out and set it up as a guest room. If you don't have an extra mattress set, ask neighbors, friends and family to see if you can borrow one while your home is on the market.

Curb Appeal

Potential home buyers will see the exterior of your home before they see the interior. If the outside of the home (the yard, paint, entryway) makes a bad first impression, buyers will often choose not to view the interior of the home. So, it's vital to make the exterior as appealing as possible. 

Keep the lawn mowed and neatly edged. A healthy, weed free, nicely mowed lawn does wonders for curb appeal.

Evaluate your entryway and gardens - Are your shrubs overgrown?  Is the walkway cracked or heaved? These are critical items that should be remedied.  Trim back or remove overgrown shrubs and make sure your walkway is safe and esthetically pleasing. Freshen up garden beds with dark colored mulch.  Have your windows professionally cleaned.

Paint schemes are a big part of curb appeal. So if your home's exterior paint is faded, chipped or otherwise in bad shape, if possible, give it a fresh coat. Give special attention to doors, shutters and trim.  Be sure to choose a neutral color.  Shutters and doors should be painted the same color.

Remove toys, bikes or extraneous items from the front and back yards. Make sure any walkways, patios and/or decks are clean and swept up.  

Put a new doormat at the entryway and, if possible, a colorful pot of flowers.

 Low Cost Staging Ideas

A coat of neutral paint in all the rooms will go a long way in presenting your space in a fresh updated fashion. Choose a nice warm color in the tan/beige, taupe family as that appeals to most people.  White is too stark and cold.  Stay away from bold/strong paint colors which are too taste-specific.

Replace any old, outdated light fixtures. Newer designs in brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze appeal to almost all buyers. The same can be said for the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom, and hardware such as pulls and knobs on the cabinets.

Replace or remove old, outdated window treatments. Sometimes less is better.  Consider installing faux wood blinds.  Your goal is to make the room look fresh and current.

So, in conclusion, the way your home is furnished and decorated may make perfect sense to you and work with your lifestyle but your goal is to view your space through the eyes of a buyer.   Make changes that will help your home appeal to the widest range of tastes. This will help you attract more showings and increase your chances of making the sale.  

Consult with a real estate professional before undertaking any large home improvement expenditure.   It's important to make sure that any large renovation and/or improvement directly correlates with the added value and buyer appeal for your home and does not exceed your neighborhood price range.

If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you!  We are licensed real estate brokers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

If you'd like to search property, use the link below.  You'll have access to every property listed in MLS located in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

SEARCH 1000'S OF HOMES FOR SALE IN MA & NH FOR FREE!

CLICK HERE to subscribe to my blog for more real estate information. 

WHAT IS MY HOME WORTH?

 

 

Agent pictureCatherine Condon, Broker MA & NH

Integrity Residential Brokerage

www.Integrity-RB.com

(978)433-0000

New Massachusetts Smoke Detector Requirements

Effective April 5, 2010 there is a new Massachusetts regulation regarding the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors.  This regulation is for single and multi-family dwellings that were built prior to Jan 1, 1975 and selling on or after April 5, 2010.  Properties built after January 1, 1975 already fall under these requirements and restrictions, as outlined in the State Building Code.

The new regulations are as follows:

  • In zones within 20' of a kitchen or bathroom, smoke detectors must utilize photo-electric technology.
  • Outside of the 20' kitchen and bath zone(s), both ionization and photo-electric technology must be installed.
  • At the State level, the battery/hard wire rules are not changing.

CLICK HERE - MASSACHUSETTS SMOKE ALARM REGULATION

Research showed that ionization smoke detectors were frequently giving a false alarm because of cooking fumes or shower steam. As a result, people were removing the smoke detector batteries. 

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At Integrity Residential Brokerage, located in Pepperell, MA we strive to offer you a high level of professional assistance in MA & NH, making your desires and goals a reality. 

Agent pictureCatherine Condon, Broker MA & NH

Integrity Residential Brokerage

www.Integrity-RB.com

(978)433-0000