Real estate is one of the best, if not THE BEST, ways to build wealth in America partially because of the tax benefits available to property owners. With that in mind, we have assembled the list of 2022 resources and tax deductions for property owners below. Important Note About Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) For 2022 Returns: Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for principal Continue Reading
How Do Buyer’s Agents Get Paid?
When a home is "listed" for sale, the seller agrees to pay a commission which the seller’s broker typically splits with the buyer's brokerage company. The amount that the buyer’s broker will receive is specified in the Realtor's Multiple Listing Service database (also known as the MLS). In the Greater Boston area, the fee that a seller’s agent splits with the buyer’s agent is often around 5 Continue Reading
Boston Area Fall 2022 Market Update
Greater Boston Real Estate Market Remains Stronger Than Much Of The Country While headlines are shouting about a declining real estate market the fact is that statistics show that, unlike many U.S. cities, there is still a severe shortage of properties for sale in most of Greater Boston Boston's communities. We are still a long way from an oversupply of homes for sale and the 3 to 6 month Continue Reading
Sam’s three strike rule for home and condo buyers
To put things in perspective for our buyer-clients, when we are working with buyers and come across a property that has issues that limit its appeal, we often discuss “Sam’s three strike rule”. Here it is: If a property has one issue but is otherwise great, some, but not all buyers may overlook that issue and buy the property. If it’s an average property, more buyers are likely to Continue Reading
Summer 2022 – Buyer’s Real Estate Market Report
The Greater Boston real estate market is tracking about as expected in our Spring Market Report, however, the rapid increase in recent mortgage interest rates since that report has decreased their buying power more than expected for many buyers. Home prices have remained stable because there is still strong demand and low supply, however, homes are not getting bid up as Continue Reading
FAQ on Asbestos
Some Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about Asbestos from the EPA Site The information below has been sourced and quoted on June 10, 2022 from the Environmental Protection Agency’s website: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/asbestosfaqs_0.pdf How do I know if I have asbestos in my home (in floor tile, ceiling tile, shingles, siding, Continue Reading
Does It Stay Or Does It Go?
Many home buyers and home sellers are confused about what remains with a home or condo at the time of the sale. “Real Estate”, also known as real property, is defined as immovable fixed property, principally land and buildings. That definition includes anything that is attached to the walls of a building. Those items are known as fixtures. Anything that is not attached to the house is the Continue Reading
Home Buying in Massachusetts – The Massachusetts Difference
Home Buying in Massachusetts - The Massachusetts Difference By Sam Schneiderman, Principal Broker-Owner of Greater Boston Home Team Buying a home in Massachusetts is different than in most other states. So, if you've bought or sold a home in another state, this section is dedicated to you. A real estate transaction in Massachusetts typically costs more than in other states and can be Continue Reading
5 Inspiring Home Design and Remodeling Trends for 2021
We’ve all spent a lot more time at home over the past year. And for many of us, our homes have become our office, our classroom, our gym—and most importantly, our safe haven during times of uncertainty. So it’s no surprise to see that design trends for 2021 revolve around soothing color palettes, cozy character, and quiet retreats. Even if you don't have immediate plans to buy or sell your Continue Reading
