Simplifying the Market™ Making Real Estate Easy to Understand   Thinking Of Selling? Now May Be The Time simplify January 22 2015   It is common knowledge that a large number of homes sell during the spring buying season. For that reason, many homeowners hold off putting their home on the market until then. The question is whether or not that will be a good strategy this year.  Most of the time sellers wait until spring market and they are competing with so many other properties.  This simplifies the market and less competition.  I suggest that it is a good strategy not to wait. The other listings that do come out in the spring will represent increased competition to any seller. Do a greater number of homes actually come to the market in the spring compared to the rest of the year?... 01/22/2015

Move Up Don't Wait For That House You Always Wanted. simplify January 19 2015 Now that the housing market has stabilized, more and more homeowners are considering moving up to the home they have always dreamed of. In most areas, prices are still below those of a few years ago. Also, interest rates are still near 4%. However, sellers should realize that waiting to make the move while mortgage rates are projected to increase probably doesn’t make sense. You never know what will happen while you sit on the fence.  As rates increase, the price of the house you can buy will decrease. Here is a chart detailing this point: Pat Baker     Key Advantage Realty Needham, MA Experienced real estate agent intimately acquainted with the Needham, MA and the MetroWest area of Boston, MA. Specializing i... 01/20/2015

Dancing With The Needham Stars Feb.7th     The Needham Historical Society is Dancing with the Needham Stars! Dancing through the Ages… A Centennial Gala February 7, 2015, 7 PM – Midnight / Powers Hall, Needham Town Hall The evening will include dancing for guests, cash bar, appetizers, a silent and live auction, performance from Paulette’s Ballet Studio & The Fred Astaire Studio and the Dancing with the Needham Stars Competition. Meet the stars BELOW and cast your Popular Vote HERE! Tickets are $50,  available until February 6th.Tickets are $60 at the door on the day of the event, if not sold out. Order by credit card online here To order by mail:   Make checks payable to the Needham Historical Society. Include your name, email, phone and # of tickets. Mail to:  Needham Historical Socie... 01/20/2015

Needham MA Harvest Fest & Souper Bowl The temperatures on Saturday will be in the 70's, perfect for the fair.   The 2014 Harvest Fair will be held on Saturday September 27th on The Town Common 10am-3pm The Harvest Fair is a family friendly event. It is a day full of entertainment, food, demonstrations and the always popular Souper Bowl. The Souper Bowl is a contest amongst local businesses who enter their very best soups for the public to enjoy & judge. - See more at: Discover Needham Harvest Fair   Come Sample and vote on the best tasting soup at the Souper bowl Such a fun event in Needham, MA every year in a super, fantastic location Needham Town Hall. Cotton candy, popcorn, and other giveaways. Needham, MA Harvest Fair & Souper Bowl http://hometownweekly.net/needham-harvest-fair-spec... 09/25/2014

  Needham Real Estate Market Report August 2014       In August of 2014 there were 35 homes that closed within the month for Needham MA Real Estate. This is an decrease of 3 units, as there were 38 homes that closed in August of 2013.    The Average list price for the homes that closed in August 2013 was $890,126   The Average list price for the homes that closed in August of 2014 was $854,926   The Average sale price for the homes that closed in August of 2013 was $887,702 (100% list price)   The Average sale price for the homes that closed in August of 2014 was $856,816 (101% list price)   The Average Market time for the homes that closed in August of 2013 was 23 days   The Average Market time for the homes that closed in August of 2014 was 45 days.   Highest Price 2013 $1,480,000   H... 09/17/2014

Before You Sell… by PATRICIA BAKER on AUGUST 23, 2014 · in SELLING YOUR HOME You have decided to sell. But before you put the sign in the yard there are some things you will want to make sure you have done. Time spent doing research and setting the right price will most likely yield you a better return in the end. A home is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it. Track your neighborhood valuesFind out what homes similar to yours are selling for in your neighborhood so you will have a good idea what your home is worth. Buyer or seller marketYou need to judge whether it’s a sellers’ market or a buyers’ market in your neighborhood. Remember that all real estate is local. You will want to research things like interest rates, home inventory, job forecasts, and even time of year. R... 08/24/2014

Money Saving Tips on Moving by PATRICIA BAKER on AUGUST 16, 2014 · in MONEY SAVING TIPS, REAL ESTATE Moving can be an expensive endeavor. Even if you decide to rent a truck and move your belongings yourself there are lots of other expenses that can add up. Luckily, there are a few simple ways consumers can save money hauling their belongings from their current home to the next one. Purge your things. Instead of moving things that you don’t use sell or donate them. If you decide to donate items to charity, you could save lots of time and even get a tax deduction. Move on a less popular day. The most popular time to move is at the end of the month. Since most closings happen and leases are up at the end of the month there’s more competition for the trucks and moving crews. Moving at the ... 08/15/2014

Real Estate Agent with Key Advantage Realty 113011 EMAIL  SHORT URL              Share: May 17, 2014 11:34 AM  Sure sounds like a great idea Huh?  Think again.  Agents know how to sell homes and keep them that way. Think You Should "For Sale By Owner" Think Again Just a little infographic to show how much there is to selling your home.  The biggest thing is that homes sell for more money when sold by agents.  Agents know how to sell homes.  Courses will not help.  Buyers agents prefer to work with listing agents rather than direct to homeowner.  When you need a legal matter taken care of you go to a lawyer.  When you need your property surveyed you call a surveyor.  When you need do home improvements you call in the specialists: general contractors, architects, plumbers, electricians, ... 08/09/2014

How to Choose a Good Neighborhood by PATRICIA BAKER on AUGUST 9, 2014 · in LOCATION When shopping for a home, most people take their time searching for the perfect house. The question is, how much time should be spent searching for the right neighborhood as well? To find the superb setting for your new home, the house and neighborhood need to offer what your family desires.  The following information should be helpful when trying to determine if a neighborhood is right for you. Paint a mental picture of your perfect neighborhood.  Write a list of the characteristics your ideal neighborhood would possess, taking into consideration your long and short term needs. Then answer the following questions: Do you have or plan to have children ? How far are you willing to commute ? How much prop... 08/08/2014

The Carpet Workroom*39 Highland Circle, Needham, MA  as seen Channel 5 Chronicle http://www.thecarpetworkroom.net/ The website is update too! One in a million type of store.   Carpet Work Room. He finishes off carpets that he gets from retailers who do not have the   equipment to finish the area rug. They look great.     For all those who love The Carpet Workroom they are moving and right next to Staples and Petco in Needham now.  It will be bigger I am told and I did not want any of you to miss out by not knowing the new address.  What a wonderful store and so helpful.  So glad they are back in Needham even though they were only over the line in Newton still it is great to have them so central and right off Route 95/128 really neat if you don't happen to live in Needham you can be ther... 08/01/2014

    The Carpet Workroom* New Location* 39 Highland Circle, Needham, MA  as seen Channel 5 Chronicle http://www.thecarpetworkroom.net/ The website is update too! One in a million type of store.   Carpet Work Room. He finishes off carpets that he gets from retailers who do not have the   equipment to finish the area rug. They look great.       These days it is terrific to find a bargain. These are area rugs at an affordable price.    For all those who love The Carpet Workroom they are moving and right next to Staples and Petco in Needham now.  It will be bigger I am told and I did not want any of you to miss out by not knowing the new address.  What a wonderful store and so helpful.  So glad they are back in Needham even though they were only over the line in Newton still it is great to h... 07/22/2014

The Love Letter is Back by PATRICIA BAKER on JULY 19, 2014 · in BUYING A HOME The love letter is back! What is a love letter in real estate? When the market is hot and competition for desirable homes is high buyers can gain an advantage by writing the seller a love letter. You may be wondering why in the world would I write a love letter to a seller? The answer: you want an advantage in a competitive real estate market. What should I put in my love letter? Compliment the seller on their home Tell the seller why you love the home Compliment the neighborhood Make it personal Be genuine Love letters often appeal to a seller’s emotions and often especially if the owner has lived in the home a while the decision to sell a home is a very emotional process. If you find yourself in a bidding w... 07/18/2014

Single-Family – 17 Wildale Circle Needham, MA 02494 is now back on the market!   Cheap Ways to Update Your Home by PATRICIA BAKER on JULY 12, 2014 · in HOME DESIGN, HOME IMPROVEMENTS Everyone is on a budget nowadays so redecorating your house can seem like its impossible. Yet, with some small, inexpensive updates, you can transform the look of your house. The most basic way to update the look of a room is color. A new paint color on the walls can transfer a dull room to a stunning room. With a gallon of paint around $25, you can repaint a room for under $75. Top it off with a chair rail (around $9 for a 8ft piece) and you have a completely different room. Not in the mood to paint? How about some throw pillows on the couch? Or a new comforter? A little splash of color can go a long way.... 07/12/2014

Starting a Vegetable Garden by PATRICIA BAKER on JUNE 28, 2014 · in HELP AROUND THE HOUSE, TO YOUR HEALTH Who doesn’t love a vegetable garden? There is nothing better than fresh green beans or vine-ripened tomatoes. Getting started with your very own vegetable garden is easier than you think. It all starts with choosing the right crops and space for your garden. 1. Choose your vegetables. Only grow vegetables you enjoy eating. Don’t waste your efforts on things you will not eat or give away. There are some vegetable which are extremely well suited for eating fresh. Most people agree that tomatoes, squash, beans and peas are especially good from the garden. 2. Pick your space. You will want to pick an area that is flat, has easy access and gets full sun 3. Prepare your space. Preparing ... 06/28/2014

Avoid a Low Home Appraisal by PATRICIA BAKER on JUNE 21, 2014 · in SELLING YOUR HOME             A house needs to be sold three times when it is on the market. First it needs to be sold to other agents so they will want to show and sell the home. Second it needs to be sold to buyers and lastly to the appraiser. Even if the buyer is willing to pay a certain price for a home they usually need a mortgage. That means it is actually the bank who is buying the home. The bank wants to protect their investment so they do an appraisal. When the appraisal comes back low or as an under-appraisal deals can fall apart. If you are a seller or a buyer you need to know how to protect yourself from short appraisals? Here are some suggestions from Bankrate.com for buyers and sellers. If you’re a buyer: ... 06/21/2014

Fourth Of July 2014 Needham, MA Always the Best   Fourth of July, 2014 Needham Exchange Club Website     The Needham Exchange Club has planned a special Fourth of July celebration this year in honor of our nations’ birthday.       The Fireworks will be better than ever, and our Grand Parade will feature special guests and new musical groups.   The Fireworks will be at Memorial Park on Thursday evening, July 3rd.   The evening will begin with food, pony rides, face painting and other family entertainment followed by Fireworks at dusk.   The Grand Parade will start at 9 am on Friday, July 4th.   After the Parade on Monday there will be more food, a flea market, an old fashioned baseball game, children’s games and, with participation from Table Talk Pies, a good, old-tyme pie-eating conte... 06/18/2014

Is it Time to Buy? ByPatricia BakerOnJune 7, 2014 · InReal estate   Is it time to buy a home? According to a Gallup poll, 67% of people polled say yes! According to Gallup, “Overall, there is good reason for most Americans to think now is a good time to buy a house. Interest rates remain near historic lows. Home prices are down sharply, providing many incredible buys.” According to the National Housing Survey conducted by Fannie Mae, buyers cited their major reasons for buying a home. Here are the results: 80% Having a good place to raise children and provide a good education 79% Having a physical structure where you and your family feel safe 75% It allows you to have more space for your family 69% It gives you control over what you do with your living space So despite what has been a n... 06/07/2014

Location!! Location!! Location!! Needham, Needham, Needham, Needham Custom and Beautiful Center-Entrance Colonial at the end of a picturesque cul-de-sac   Single-Family – 17 Wildale Circle Needham, MA 02494   ByPatricia BakerOnJune 3, 2014 · Needham MA New To Market Single Family Home  There are so few neighborhoods that are young in the town of Needham, MA.  Many of the streets are in transition.  The homes in this neighborhood were all built around the same time.  It is a breautifully, professionally landscaped neighborhood and although a quiet neighborhood it is an easy commute to the major highways, Boston, commuter rail, shopping malls like Chestnut Hill, Natick Collections, and Legacy Place.  Fabulous location.  It is location, location, location and always will be.       A specta... 06/06/2014

Saturday June 7th 2014 10 to 3- Sidewalk Days in Needham The 2014 Street Fair will be held on Saturday June 7th on The Town Common. Come visit Key Advantage Realty's booth at the Annual Sidewalk Days in Needham, MA on June 7th 2014 and ENTER TO WIN 4 Red Sox tickets, have some popcorn and get some free items too.  This event is a great one every year for one and all. /image_store/uploads/agents/patlaracybaker/files/SidewalkDaysEntertainment.jpg/image_store/uploads/agents/patlaracybaker/files/SidewalkDaysEntertainment.jpg 4 Red Sox tickets - enter to win at Key Advantage Realty booth on June 7th, 2014 The entertainment schedule is also listed below.  This is always fun Needham, MA event.  Scheduled Entertainment 10am-10:45am: Ed the Music Man10:45am-11:15am: Needham Music11:30am-12:15pm:... 05/31/2014

Air Freshening Alternatives ByPatricia BakerOnMay 31, 2014 · InTo Your Health   Did you know that according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) most store-bought air fresheners contain formaldehyde, petrochemicals, p-dichlorobenzene and aerosol pollutants. There seems to be some kind of connection between air fresheners and Asthma problems. It is also thought that air fresheners containing these chemicals can accelerate respiratory diseases and reduce lung capacity. The EPA has not advised against purchasing these air fresheners, but suggests using them with care. If you have concerns about the health risks associated with these products, why not try a natural air freshening alternative. If you have a musty basement or smelly closet, a tray of natural clay cat litter may b... 05/31/2014