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.
October 2, 2009
For Sale: 2BR/1BA Single Family House in Medford, MA, $284,500
September 15, 2009
Time is Ticking
Don’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
May 17, 2009
Don’t End Up House Poor
When 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.
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!
April 19, 2009
When a property speaks to you… Don’t wait!
Do you want to get in a bidding war? If you want to make a commitment to a property follow Nike’s advice, “just do it.” If you wait for another offer to come along the property will probably be more expensive. Even in a slow market many homebuyers will recognize a good house at the right price, so you don’t want to wait if one of the good ones comes along – that’s when the price is driven up. Competition is good for the seller, not the buyer.
I am imploring all serious, qualified buyers… DO NOT hurry up and wait. You will loose the home that you love and then search for it for the next 18 months… “Just do it!”
April 1, 2009
Make Yourself at Home with History
Ask anyone what comes to mind when you say “Boston” and I’ll bet that right after “Red Sox” you’ll hear “history.” The same could be said for many of Boston’s neighboring cities and towns.
In Medford, for example, home buyers have the chance to own a piece of local history. Old Medford High, built in 1896, was largely abandoned as an educational and municipal property in the 1970s, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. About a year later, it was sold to a developer and turned into a truly unique collection of condominiums.
This well-maintained, centrally located building offers condos filled with light and all the modern conveniences. I currently have a one-bedroom unit listed there for just $189,900 that features berber carpet, cathedral ceilings, central heat and air, two deeded parking spaces (one in the garage, one outside), and much more. The building itself offers many amenities, too, including a heated indoor-pool, resident-only tennis court, and close proximity to public transportation and downtown shops and restaurants.
If you’re interested in the building’s full history, visit the condo association’s web site at www.OldMedfordHigh.org, and to see more information about this highly desirable condo, visit www.KristyB.com.
March 21, 2009
What’s the Deal?
What does the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act mean for me?
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, passed this February, offers some much needed good news for home buyers. The most talked about provision of the bill includes a tax credit for first time home buyers (or consumers who haven’t owned a principal residence for the past three years). Qualified buyers who purchase a home between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009 may be able to subtract up to $8,000 from their 2009 federal income tax bill. Buyers will receive the full $8,000 credit as long as their joint income does not exceed $150,000 (or $75,000 for individuals).
To obtain the credit, buyers claim it on their tax return, which will reduce their income tax liability. (Any unused credit will be returned to the tax payer.) This great tax incentive applies to the purchase of both new and pre-existing homes, whether they are single family homes, townhouses, or condos. And buyers are not required to repay the tax credit unless they sell their home within three years.
Additional provisions of the bill benefit both new and existing homeowners. For example, the bill reinstates higher loan limits for FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac that were first introduced in 2008, making loans more affordable for consumers no matter where they live.
Click here for more information on the benefits to home owners provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
