January 24, 2011

Honored as Real Estate Professional of the Month by Credentials Legal

Credentials News Connector welcomes Kristy Bonaventura, Real Estate Professional of the Month. Kristy has been a Realtor® in Massachusetts since 2003. Kristy lives in Medford with her loving family and currently is an agent with RE/MAX Heritage in Melrose. She specializes in the market North of Boston including Medford, Melrose, Reading, North Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winchester. Her education from Emerson College and experience as a Publicist and Marketing Specialist helps her understand the constantly evolving real estate market.

Kristy believes that education is an essential part of every real estate transaction, and that an educated consumer is the best customer. As Kristy, explains, “That’s why I do all I can to explain to my clients the complete home buying (or selling) process, and to prepare them for the inevitable ups and downs of any sale or purchase. Real estate is not a pass time for me – it is a passion. I truly enjoy helping people buy and sell homes, and I do everything I can to make each transaction a success.”

For more information about Kristy or to read some of her articles, visit www.RealEstateSkinny.com and www.KristyB.com.

For more information on Credentials Settlement & Legal Services please visit their website at www.crelegal.com

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January 13, 2011

Ask The Realtor!

What do I need for deposit money?

This question is typically asked by first-time homebuyers as well as buyers who have something to sell. The first thing I can say about the deposit money is to arrange to have it now, so it will be ready when you need it, particularly if your money is tied up in your current home. Even if you are expecting 100 percent financing, it is unlikely that a seller will accept your offer without a “good faith deposit” or earnest monies. Traditionally, 5% of the purchase price is given as a remaining deposit on the home at the time that you sign your purchase and sale (minus your good faith deposit); however, some towns have a norm of 10% of the purchase price. If you need to take a home equity loan out the bank will not give you a home equity loan if you house is on the market. You must get a home equity loan before the sign is in the ground or your property is listed in MLS.

Kristy B.
Your Neighborhood Realtor

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Filed under Ask The Realtor!, Buyers, Sellers, Tidbits of Wisdom

January 6, 2011

Announcing: Ask The Realtor!

Have a question about Real Estate, your community or market trends?
Join me each Thursday when your questions will be answered!

Whether I’m at a party, playdate or the supermarket, I’m typically asked the same questions — How is the market?  Is it a good time to buy?  How much do you think my house is worth?  I quickly realized that it’s not just active buyers and sellers that are curious… everyone wants to know how the Real Estate market is affecting them.  This is what inspired me to to create this new series on my blog.  Throughout the week I will compile a few questions that I am asked and answer them here on the blog so you have them to always refer to.

Here’s how we are going to do it…..

  • You can leave a comment on the blog (under any post)

OR

  • You can email me by clicking the snazzy email button in the right hand column of the blog.

Submit your questions today!  It will be totally anonymous.  Need more resources?  Visit my website to download FREE market trends reports!

Kristy B.
Your Neighborhood Realtor

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Filed under Ask The Realtor!, Buyers, Sellers, Tidbits of Wisdom

October 31, 2010

Home Resources: Kristy’s All-Stars

Looking for a great plumber, electrician or contractor? Maybe you need a mortgage broker, an accountant or an appraiser? Look no further than my real estate Dream Team!

I’ve put together a guide full of great resources that you can count on, now at your finger tips and all in one place. This is a list of professionals that I have used myself and am now happy to share with you.

Would you like to be on this list, or do you know someone who is worthy of your referral? Please let me know and I’d be happy to consider adding their information to my list.

Kristy B.
Your Neighborhood Realtor
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Filed under Buyers, Home Resources, Sellers, Tidbits of Wisdom

October 25, 2010

Community Resources

“Love makes a house a home” ~unknown

Being a Realtor and marketing  properties involves how I present the community to  potential buyers.   It is my responsibility not only to maximize the great features of a home, but also to let buyers know about the great qualities of the community, schools, local parks, etc.

Here are a few resources to help you make your community home as well.

Medford Family Network
Marie Cassidy
www.medford.k12.ma.us ~ 781.393.2106

North Suburban Family Network
Melrose, Stoneham and Wakefield
Franklin School
www.hallmarkhealth.org/northsuburban.html
~ 781.662.2722
nsfamilynet@hallmarkhealth.org

Malden Everett Family Network
781.322.2277

YMCA of Malden
ymcamalden.org ~ 781.324.7680

YMCA of Reading
ymcaboston.org/burbank ~ 781.944.9620

YMCA of Melrose
ymcamalden.org ~ 781.324.7680

YMCA of Woburn
ymcaboston.org/woburn ~ 781.324.7680

Arlington Boys and Girls Club
www.abgclub.org ~ 781.648.1617
abgclub@abgclub.org

Medford Boys and Girls Club
www.kidsclubs.org ~ 781.391.3619

Stoneham Boys and Girls Club
bsgstoneham.org ~ 781.438.6770

Parents of Tots Wakefield
parentsoftots.org ~ 781.246.6300

Arlington Public Schools

Malden Public Schools

Medford Public Schools

Melrose Public School

Reading Public Schools

Stoneham Public Schools

Wakefield Public School

Woburn Public Schools

Local News

     Arlington Patch     

     Malden Patch

Medford Patch

 Medford Transcript

     Woburn Patch

      Wicked Local

For more information or to add a resource to this list, please contact me.

Kristy B.
Your Neighborhood Realtor

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Filed under Buyers, Community News, Community Resources, Sellers, Tidbits of Wisdom

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September 30, 2010

Community News: MFN Swap Day!

Do you live or work in Medford and have gently-used children’s costumes, clothing, toys, equipment, small furniture, or women’s maternity wear? If so, this is a great opportunity to pass on outgrown items and to pick up something that will benefit your child(ren) now or in the future.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2010
3:00 – 4:30 PM

  • Please drop off items at the Medford Family Network on Friday, October 1, 2010 only.
  • Please Contact parent leader, Tamar Siegel if other drop off arrangements are necessary.
  • Donations must be small enough to carry.
  • You are NOT required to bring items in order to take items.
  • Child Care is not available.
  • At the end of the day, items not chosen will be taken to a local charity.


Volunteer Help is Needed!
Please call Marie Cassidy at (781) 393-2106.

Kristy B.
Your Neighborhood Realtor

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Filed under Community News, Community Resources

September 16, 2010

My very first client Video Testimonial

I’m so excited to share my first video testimonial! I’m getting much better with YouTube… I typed “utube” as the url on my first attempt! I even have my own page name titled Real Estate Skinny, naturally. Check it out for more videos… http://www.youtube.com/user/RealEstateSkinny.

In the meantime, meet Sarah and Aldo! I went to Medford High School with Sarah and we reconnected on FB (don’t listen to anyone who says you can’t find business through social networking!) I love working with great people and Sarah, Aldo and their two adorable children, who now refer to me as Auntie Kristy, were truly awesome. They knew what they wanted and what they could afford. Yes, we did run, screaming from a few properties that did not fit their criteria (i.e. they were just gross), but once they found “the one” they were totally focused and organized… my kinda people.

They were gracious enough to do this video for me… hope you enjoy it!

Kristy B.
Your Neighborhood Realtor

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Filed under Client Testimonials

September 13, 2010

What I love about Fall…

After a fantastic, fun-filled Summer (finally just posted some photos on FB), I’m looking forward to sharing some exciting things that I’ve been working on for the Fall. Ah, I love Fall in New England — the warm days and crisp nights, apple picking, leaves blowing about. I especially enjoy showing properties in the Fall. Every home just looks so beautiful surrounded by the lush, colorful foliage.

Stay tuned for new listings, exciting, new Real Estate marketing materials, client video testimonials (I have the BEST clients!) and the big party I’m throwing to introduce my new office (prepare to be wowed!). This is a great time of year… Enjoy it!

Kristy B.
Your Neighborhood Realtor

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Filed under Miscellaneous

May 1, 2010

Featured Listing: Melrose

309 West Foster Street, Melrose $319,900
Welcome Home! Traditional New England Colonial offers great space, high ceilings, crown moldings, and hardwood floors. Other features include a large eat-in kitchen, replacement windows, and a roof deck. The super convenient location is a short distance to Wyoming Train station and the down town area, and across from Gooch Park. Well cared for and in the same family for over 40 years, this property offers a great opportunity to own a comfortable home in Melrose at an affordable price.

For more information please contact KristyB.com or to become a subscriber go to TheRealEstateSkinny.com

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Filed under Featured Listings, Why Wait 'Til Sunday?

April 16, 2010

Open House Pre-Game

OPEN HOUSE PRE-GAME

When: Sunday mornings
10-11:30 a.m.
Where: RE/MAX Heritage LLC,
536 Main Street, Melrose, MA


Every Sunday, from 10-11:30 a.m., stop by our new cutting edge office in downtown Melrose to get a winning game plan. Grab a cup of coffee 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!

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

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