January 6, 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The New Year always gets me thinking about resolutions and goals. If, like most people, you are feeling motivated to do some home projects or wondering what your home is really worth; I’m here to help! The month of January I am dedicating my time to helping you find ways to maximize the equity in your home. Whether you are thinking of a move now, or five years from now, I can help you make smart, economic choices so that you can enjoy your home and reap the financial benefits.

Personal Consultations can include, but are not limited to:

Recommendations for Small Projects that will add HUGE Value;
With a little imagination, you can make your home look like a pottery barn showroom. Seriously!

Tips for Choosing the Right Paint Colors
Paint is the easiest way to update a room and freshen up your interior, but the right color can create a mood, add height or bring warmth to your space. What colors are most attractive or offensive to buyers?
You would be amazed!

How to Organize, Declutter and Simplify (and donate)
A well-built home in good condition will be assumed as neglected by a buyer, if there is clutter.

Answers to Popular Questions, like; Are we Overspending or Upgrading?
Did you know that nine out of ten buyers would prefer a new kitchen to a new roof?

Helping You Get all this Done
I have a list of reliable and dependable resources for you like roofers, electricians, painters, etc. Just call me!

What is Happening in the Market Right Now and What Does is Mean for You?
I can provide you with real-time market intelligence reports that analyze the market trends, absorption rates and months of inventory. Accompanied by a market analysis, these reports will indicate the current value of your home.

I look forward to helping you now and in the future with your Real Estate needs.
This is a no obligation; no fee service being offered to you. Please contact me today so that we can get started! kristybonaventura@remax.net 781.479.4066

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December 21, 2009

Happy Holidays!

Thank you to my clients, friends and associates for being such a big part of a great year!

(photos from 2009 Client Holiday Party)

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Filed under medford, real estate, winter

December 3, 2009

“Bribery gets you everywhere!”

Clean Room Award Cuties, Camden & Jude

When you are getting ready to sell your house there is a lot to do and think about, and keeping your home tidy  is usually at the top of the list. There is no reason that this should be an adults only job.  I found a great way to get the kids on board to help with the everyday messes. Bribery!

If your child can be motivated by money, I will give each of your children $50 for keeping their rooms clean, coats hung, toothpaste cleaned out of the sink and evidence of play, snack and homework gone for all showings.  Kids usually respond positively and clean after themselves, I am not their parent, they listen to me! I will also check in to make sure they have done their part and am always happy to talk to them directly if they need a little extra push in the right direction. Trust me, it works!

Contact me at kristybonaventura@remax.net or 781-479-4066, and learn more about my creative approaches to selling your house.

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Filed under real estate, sell now, selling your home

November 25, 2009

“Don’t Be A Turkey!”

If you are looking to buy there is no better time than now.  The tax credit has been extended!

Here is the Skinny:

* First time home buyers or buyers who haven’t owned a principal residence for the past three years  are eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000

* Single or head of household buyers can claim the full amount as long as the modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) does not exceed $125, 000

* Married couples who file jointly cannot exceed the $225,000 MAGI

If you don’t fit into the above guidelines, read on:

* Single or head of household taxpayers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000, and married couples who earn between $225,000 and $245,000 can be eligible for a partial tax credit

* Existing homeowners who have resided in their principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight and are purchasing a home to be their principal residence may be eligible for up to a $6,500 tax credit.

Important Dates to Remember:

* Homes must be purchased after November 6, 2009, and before May 1, 2010.

* Home purchases subject to a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010, will qualify for the tax credit provided closing occurs prior to July 1, 2010

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Contact me for more up to date information and a free buyer consultation at 781.479.4066 or kristybonaventura@remax.net

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Filed under $8K tax credit, buyers

November 14, 2009

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November 4, 2009

Put away your rubber gloves and bleach!

Experts agree, one home improvement that pays off most at the least cost is to “clean and declutter. ” You have enough to worry about when you decide to put your house on the market, let me help by taking one thing off your to do list and make the whole process a smooth one.

I understand the amount of stress one endures in preparing a home for showings and open houses. Upon listing your home with me you will get a complimentary professional cleaning service.

So, put away those rubber gloves and bleach and set your mind at ease, help is on its way!

Contact me at 781.479.4066 or kristybonaventura@remax.net for a free consultation to see how I can help you.

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October 2, 2009

For Sale: 2BR/1BA Single Family House in Medford, MA, $284,500

For Sale: 2BR/1BA Single Family House in Medford, MA, $284,500

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September 15, 2009

Time is Ticking

kristyb.com 8ktax creditDon’t let this be the market that you regret NOT buying in. Free money is free money.
What could you do with $8,000 (?!)

Frequently Asked Questions about the tax credit –

When does it expire? You must close, let’s say that again, You must close (not write a contract) before December 1st, 2009.

How much time do I have to “identify” a property? We should be out looking NOW, but realistically you should have a property under agreement on or before October 19th (YOU STILL HAVE TIME)

What if I can’t find a property in time? I work with buyers two ways –
1.) Passively — this means that you want to search at your own pace and do not have a clearly defined timeline. I will set you up to receive daily emails of properties that fit your search criteria and if you see something of interest we can coordinate a private showing or I can send you to the open house, if there is one being hosted – no pressure.
2.) Actively – this means that you are ready to buy once you find the right property. Together we will identify one night per week that we will be out looking at properties. I will also send you to open houses every Sunday fully armed with a list and map. This process will get you out there looking at every new property as it enters the market so that you will never miss an opportunity. I will also be previewing properties for you twice a week to help you make the most of your time. This is the best way to meet the December 1st deadline!

Who qualifies for this Tax Credit? First time home buyers or anyone that has not owned a property in the past 3 years.
Is there income levels? Yes, single $75,000 and married couples $150,000. Remember I am not an accountant, so please seek specific advice for any tax issue’s you might have.

What kind of home can I buy? Most Single Family homes, Condominiums, Town homes, Manufactured Homes, and Houseboats. I strongly advise against considering short sale properties at this time. Given the typical turn around time on this type of purchase, it’s highly likely that the transaction will not close before December 1st, 2009

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Filed under $8K tax credit, buyer agency, buyers, homes for sale

May 17, 2009

Don’t End Up House Poor

Monthly Expenses WorksheetWhen I meet with buyers for the first time, I always ask them what they’re most concerned about regarding the home buying process. I’ve had a wide variety of responses over the years, but by far, the most common response is the fear of over-extending. And let’s face it, just a few years ago at the height of our most recent real estate boom, many people did just that. Home prices were high but mortgage loans were relatively easy to obtain, and today, many home owners are struggling to keep up.

Even in this economy, when home prices have stabilized AND banks are being more selective than ever in their loan approvals, it is possible to bite off more than you can chew. Just because you’ve been pre-approved for a $400,000 mortgage doesn’t mean you can afford the resulting monthly payment – not when you factor in property taxes, insurance, utilities, groceries, other debts, and the many lifestyle factors that can create a significant drain on one’s income. It is very important to examine every facet of your spending, job security, and lifestyle goals before making a home purchase that could leave you “house poor” or worse – at risk of one day losing your home and your investment in it.

If you’re considering a new home purchase, download my monthly expenses worksheet and use it to examine your spending. Be honest – make sure every non-negotiable expenditure (car payments, minimum credit card payments, etc.) is listed accurately. For those expenditures that vary (utilities, auto fuel and repairs, etc.), make the best estimates you can. And for those that may be considered optional (dining out, vacation, etc.), consider your life goals and budget accordingly. When you have put some time and effort into completing this worksheet, you will have a better understanding of your financial situation and whether or not you can afford the home of your dreams. Then, if necessary, you can seek the assistance of a financial planner to help you adjust your spending and saving to meet your goals.

Download my Monthly Expenses Worksheet here.

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Filed under buyer agency, buyers, real estate

April 30, 2009

Join Me At An “Open House Pre-Game”

When:
Sunday mornings
10-11:30 a.m.

Where:
RE/MAX Heritage LLC, The Cyber Café
248 Main Street, Suite 201, Reading, MA

Every Sunday, from 10-11:30 a.m., stop by the Cyber Café at our Reading office to get a winning game plan. Grab a cappuccino or latté and pick up a list of the day’s open houses, area maps, community information and more to help you get the most out of your tour.

If you are a current client or someone looking for buyer representation, contact me ahead of time for a more detailed list of properties to visit and suggested routes that will help you cover the most ground in the least amount of time.

First time home buyers are encouraged to stop by for a free buyer’s consultation and to meet with a mortgage broker to get pre-approval – a step critical to almost any home search. Current home owners are also welcome to stop by and test the waters, or speak to a mortgage broker about refinancing.

Whatever you’re looking for in your next home, stop by before heading out on the open house trail. Fill your coffee mug on me and pick up a complimentary open house survival kit – bottled water to keep you hydrated, granola bars for energy, maps to keep you on track, and much more.

House hunters, get your game on!

Note: This is a kid-friendly event! Crayons and snacks will be provided to keep kids happy while we chat!

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Filed under area home sales, buyer agency, buyers, condo, homes for sale, open house, real estate

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