When you’ve found that perfect home in the Natick real estate market, closed the sale and started moving in, what’s next? Besides the fact that you can finally start unpacking and settling into your new place, there are a few steps everyone should take when they move into a new home. Change the Locks Change the locks on your home when you move in. This is a safety precaution, since you don’t know who has copies of the keys or if the previous owner lost a set of keys and didn’t replace the locks. When you make spare keys, don’t hide them in obvious places like in the mailbox or under your doormat. Now is also a good time to install a home security system if you don’t already have one. Use signs to let people know your home is protected and make sure all alarm system wires are out of sit... 01/30/2014

There are few things more exciting than finding your dream home and closing on it. You are about to move into a place that is going to be the perfect home for your family, where you can grow and have fun together. As you prepare to close on that home, sign the paperwork and make things final, there are some things you should know. If You are Making a Wise Investment Before you close on a home in the Natick real estate market, make sure you are making a wise financial investment and aren’t just choosing a home based on a few features you like. When you go house hunting, it’s easy to get distracted by fun features, but make sure the home you ultimately choose has what your family needs. What Kind of Insurance You Will Need It’s a good idea to contact your insurance company to find out wh... 01/23/2014

House hunting is one of the most important steps when it comes to home buying, and when you go house hunting in the Natick real estate market you can do some things to ensure you get the most out of the process. Successful house hunting trips will make it easier for you to find your dream home faster.  Set a Budget and Get Preapproved for a Mortgage It may seem like it should go without saying, but setting a budget before you go house hunting is important. Decide now how much you want to spend on a mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance and other expenses. Then, get preapproved for a mortgage so that you know what your budget is while you are house hunting. This makes the buying process easier and will help you avoid the disappointment that can come if you find out you don’t quali... 01/16/2014

Updating your home this year is an excellent way to increase its value before you list it on the Natick real estate market. Even small improvements make a big difference and attract more buyers and more offers.  Install New Flooring The floors are sometimes neglected when it comes to styling a room. But, installing a new floor in your kitchen, living room or bathroom can make a big difference. Go for new carpet, hardwood or tile and give a room a much-needed update that impresses buyers. Redo Your Kitchen Cabinets and Counters The kitchen is one of the major rooms in any home, whether you consider yourself a chef or not. Make this space the ideal gathering place to meet with family and friends and enjoy a good meal. Updated kitchens are also highly sought after by house hunters, so thi... 01/09/2014

Adding security measures to your home this year is a great way to keep your family and belongings safe. But, when you do this before you list your Natick home for sale, you could also attract more buyers. A home security system, and other security features, will put buyers at ease as they know they are putting an offer on a home that will be safe for their family. When these features are already installed, you’ll also be helping the buyer save time and money, which is another attractive benefit. Install a Home Security System Installing a home security system is a great first step to take as you secure your home. There are all kinds of systems available and some even call for help if someone breaks into your home. When you do install a security system, make sure all the wires and cords ... 01/02/2014

Basements seem to collect clutter in ways no other area in the home does. If your basement is looking a little messy and unorganized, it could actually deter potential buyers. But, don’t worry. These simple steps can help you regain control of your basement so it’s another usable space for your family and so your home is more attractive to buyers. Step 1: Sort Through Everything  Start by going through everything in your basement and dividing it into three piles: “keep,” “throw away” and “donate.” Everything that is in your basement should be categorized. After you have done this step you will only have to work with the items that you want to keep, which will make your job much easier. Step 2: Deep Clean the Rooms Now is the perfect time to give your basement a deep clean to make it mor... 12/26/2013

Sometimes it seems nearly impossible to maintain a garden and attractive landscaping during the winter, but with the right approach you can increase your home’s curb appeal and even sell your home faster in the Natick real estate market. While you may not be able to add a lot of new plants or take advantage of leafy trees and blossoming flowers, these tips can help you make the most of winter landscaping. Clear Debris and Dead Plants Make sure leaves are raked out of your yard and gardens and that debris like sticks, dead grass and anything else that has found its way into your yard is removed. These things distract from your landscaping and make your home look unkempt. Trim Shrubs and Trees During the winter, the branches on your shrubs and trees tend to stand out more. There may not ... 12/19/2013

All the holiday décor we like to get out at this time of year can actually help you increase your home’s appeal and sell it in the Natick real estate market faster. Excellent curb appeal is important when you want to sell your home, and holiday décor can make your home more attractive and cozy for potential buyers. The secret to making holiday décor work for you is to make sure everything you use complements your home, making it more attractive, and doesn’t just add clutter and distract from your home’s beauty. Hang Lights for added Curb Appeal Holiday lights are a classic decoration and will make your home stand out and look warm and welcoming. Hang lights around windows, pillars, rooflines, window boxes and anywhere else you can imagine. Don’t forget to drape some around your shrubs ... 12/10/2013

There are benefits to buying an older home and buying a newer home, and if you are house hunting you may be wonderinng if buying a newly constructed house is the best choice for you. Before you decide on a home, evaluating the pros and cons of investing in a new home can help you make a wise decision. Pro: You Can Move in Faster When you buy a newer home, with working heating and electrical systems and newer carpet, paint and appliances, you can usually move into it faster. This is beneficial if you are trying to relocate quickly or are just anxious to get into your dream home. Con: Fewer Chances for Customization With all the new features, like paint, carpet, appliances and flooring, you may not have as many chances for customization. You can always replace these things, which isn’t di... 12/05/2013

Sometimes when we consider making changes to a home to help it sell faster when listed on the Natick real estate market, we think we have to make big changes. Bigger, major projects can make a very good impact on your home, but smaller changes can also help you upgrade certain areas and sell it faster. Paint the Walls Adding a fresh coat of paint is a very simple way to make a big impact. Consider painting your walls a fresh, neutral tone so that it will complement any style and so that more buyers will be able to envision their own décor in the home. Install New Doorknobs, Cupboard Knobs and Drawer Pulls While it is nice to be able to install new cupboards, counters and doors, that isn’t always possible. You can give these features a fresh look by adding new doorknobs, cupboard knobs a... 11/27/2013

If you are looking at homes in the Natick real estate market, you may be wondering if you want to invest in a new home or an older home. Some buyers are looking for the simplicity of buying a newer home while others want to find a historic home that may take some work, but that they can restore or personalize in ways they wouldn’t be able to with a new home. Which type of buyer are you? Buying a New Home The first benefit of buying a new home is that all the features, including the roofing, flooring, cabinets and even appliances will be newer, and most likely in better shape. This is an attractive perk for buyers who want a home that is move-in ready. If you are a fan of new architecture, modern design and current styles, buying a new home might be a good option for you. New homes have ... 11/19/2013

If you are in the middle of planning a relocation, you have probably wondered if it is better to sell your home or buy a new home first. This is a common question for buyers and sellers in the Natick real estate market, and one that doesn’t necessarily have one right answer. Analyze Your Financial Situation If you are able to afford the mortgage for your new home in addition to your current mortgage, you may be able to buy a new home before you sell the home you live in. If you don’t have a mortgage now, you will also have more financial flexibility as you buy a new home. On the other hand, if you aren’t able to afford two mortgages, you may qualify for a home-equity line of credit on your current home, which could make it possible for you to move into that dream home faster. Some peopl... 11/12/2013

Hosting a successful open house includes highlighting the best features in your home so you can generate more interest and more offers. The features you highlight depend on your home, and your real estate agent can help you decide what features will appeal to buyers, but these three things are sure to make your house stand out. Bonus Rooms Rooms that can be used for any purpose a buyer wants, or bonus rooms, are an attractive feature. You may already use your bonus room for something, but your realtor can explain to buyers at the open house that the room can be used for anything from an extra bedroom to a home office. You can create a bonus room by transforming an extra bedroom or storage space into an office, entertainment room or library. Then, when people come to your open house, you... 11/05/2013

Some homebuyers dread the buying process because they fear the challenges they may face. When you work with an experienced Natick real estate agent, finding a home, putting an offer on it and then closing the sale is a smooth process. And, with a little planning and by following these tips, you will come out on top, regardless of what kinds of circumstances you face. Problems with the Home are Discovered After the Sell Everyone dreads finding problems with a home after they close on it. This situation can be easily avoided by having the home inspected before you put an offer on it. This easy process will alert you of any potential problems so you can take care of them, or negotiate with the seller, before you put an offer on the home. The Seller Wants to Negotiate Don’t let negotiation ... 10/31/2013

With so many excellent options in the Natick real estate market, how do you make the most of each open house you attend? How do you find the perfect home for your family? The trick is to pay attention to the details while you are house hunting. Look past things like landscaping and the color of the carpet and look at the structural integrity of the house. You can do some preliminary checking to decide if a home is worth looking into, but don't forget to hire a home inspector to do a more thorough investigation before you put an offer on a home. The Foundation and Structure Make sure there aren't any cracks in the foundation of the home, since cracks can signal problems that can lead to costly repairs. The Home’s Exterior The outside of a home can tell you if it can stand up to the eleme... 10/22/2013

                                                                    One of the best ways to speed up the selling process is to increase your open house attendance. When more people see your house, get to see its features first hand, and can envision themselves living there, you'll be more likely to get an offer quickly. So how do you get more people to your open houses? A real estate agent can help you plan for and follow through with a successful open house, but these tips can help you get started. Take time to Publicize Well First, spread the news about your open house. Remember that the first impression most people will have of your house is through your advertising, so make sure your listing shows off your home and its features. Use online postings, yard signs, fliers and social med... 10/17/2013

Natick MA, Real Estate Market Report 2012 vs2013year to date Single Family Homes   1/1 - 6/30 MLS Stat's  # sold Avg. Sold Price Days On Mkt active inventory 2012 111 $487,000 77 92 2013 154 $499,000 88 56 Trend up up up down Sales are up,prices are up and inventory down creating a Sellers Market. More Natick Market Stats                     Click-what's the value of my Natick MA home     If you would like more information as it pertains to your real estate needs and price range- Call John 508 625-0059 When you are buying a home or selling a home start by working with a seasoned real estate professional who will keep your best interests at heart! I have helped home buyers and sellers for over 25 years. I’ll be there for you throughout the entire process! I can also refer you to reputab... 07/23/2013

  Natick MA, Real Estate Market Report 2012 vs2013year to date   Single Family Homes   1/1 - 4/30 MLS Stat's  # sold Avg. Sold Price Days On Mkt active inventory 2012 56 $430,000 84 91 2013 72 $477,000 114 97 Trend up up up up   Sales are up,prices are up and inventory down creating a Sellers Market.   More Natick Market Stats                       Click-what's the value of my Natick MA home     If you would like more information as it pertains to your real estate needs and price range-   Call John 508 625-0059   When you are buying a home or selling a home start by working with a seasoned real estate professional who will keep your best interests at heart! I have helped home buyers and sellers for over 25 years. I’ll be there for you throughout the entire process! I can also refer you ... 05/09/2013

  Natick MA, Real Estate Market Report 2012 vs 2013 year to date   Single Family Homes   1/1 - 3/31 MLS Stat's  # sold Avg. Sold Price Days On Mkt active inventory 2012 42 $462,000 98 82 2013 53 $452,000 129 80 Trend up down up     All indications are the Natick MA single family market is Very Active.   More Natick Market Stats                       Click-what's the value of my Natick MA home     If you would like more information as it pertains to your real estate needs and price range-   Call John 508 625-0059 When you are buying a home or selling a home start by working with a seasoned real estate professional who will keep your best interests at heart! I have helped home buyers and sellers for over 25 years. I’ll be there for you throughout the entire process! I can also refer you t... 04/05/2013

Natick MA, Real Estate Market Report 2011 vs 2012 year to date Single Family Homes 1/1 - 12/31 MLS Stat's # sold Avg. Sold Price Days On Mkt active inventory 2011 286 $463,000 86 55 2012 289 $504,000 69 58 Trend up up down All indications are the Natick MA single family market is improving. More Natick Market Stats Click- what's the value of my Natick MA home  If you would like more information as it pertains to your real estate needs and price range- Call John 508 625-0059 I am always glad to help.   Don’t forget, you can stay on top of Metro West real estate with my FREE monthly newsletter and market updates! The Market Insider report is also free and packed with  useful information.  When you have questions about real estate, contact me first! I will provide the latest sales data and... 01/26/2013