Is someone who participates in discriminatory speech (or hate speech) in their social settings trustworthy to practice Fair Housing Laws? The National Association of Realtors® says, “No.” There’s a new standard of practice being added to the Fair Housing Section of the Realtor Code of Ethics. It prohibits discriminatory or hate speech by Realtors®. How
It has long been a truism in real estate that the number one retirement home location is “where the grandkids are” followed closely by “where the kids live.” According to recent research by the National Association of Realtors®, where the kids and grandkids are is exactly where the older generation wants to be. Apparently, multigenerational
There is high demand to buy housing. In 2020, people had months at home, learning everything they hate about where they live. So, when real estate started up again this summer, buyer demand was high. In the summer, the best sales were on empty houses, since neither buyers nor sellers were comfortable with showings of
When house hunters calculate their monthly costs, some overlook the cost of heating and electricity. However, it is difficult to get an accurate estimate of your future costs. Current usage cost: Electric and gas companies in Massachusetts will provide the current cost at a specific residence. Some listing agents will provide it. It is a
Tenants, here are things you can do to increase the heating efficiency of your apartment. You can save money on your home heating. Yes, I know that you are stuck with the system your landlord chose, but you can make it work better. Windows, the quick fix: Open and close, then lock all your windows.
What does your house need from you as winter approaches? Before the first frosty night, do these things: Close and lock all your windows. They seal better when they are locked. Turn off your outdoor spigot. If you don’t, it might freeze and break. It’s easy. Find the shut off in your basement. Turn it
Given the historic lows for interest rates, it’s a good time for homeowners to review their mortgage information. It’s easy to get excited by low rates, but everyone should evaluate a new loan based on their current financial situation as well as their long-term goals. Do the math to make a better decision on refinancing
When temperatures cooled down in early September, mice started house hunting. They will close on a new place before Halloween. If you ignore one mouse, there will be even more. If you think mice are cute, think again. One may be cute, even two of three. Cute or not, mice reproduce at a rate of
Massachusetts has a halt on eviction until October 17. There is a Federal halt on eviction until the end of 2020. The state rules to qualify for a halt on eviction are not the same as the federal rules. Since the Massachusetts halt on eviction is scheduled to end in a few weeks, people who
How do I choose a town to buy in when I don’t live there? That is one of the most frequently asked questions by prospective buyers. They live in an apartment now. They know it is too small for their long-term use. They want a yard. But, where? You’ll make a better decision if you