You can improve indoor air quality by routinely addressing sources of dust and mold. The more we insulate our houses against winter cold and summer heat, the less air leaks between the house and the great outdoors. Pollen and dust that gets into the house stays there, unless you pay attention to it. Areas that
Real estate must be insured before a lender will close on a mortgage. First time house buyers need to buy homeowner’s insurance before closing on their property and have the policy approved by the lender before closing. If they buy a condo, the condo association has already chosen the insurance and is paying for it
In February, the Boston Globe published a hyperbolic article about the housing market and how it favored sellers. This is not news. This is advertising that justifies the continuation of seller-centered market practices. I answered it on this blog. Sometimes I am terribly naïve. I thought that was the annual “scare the buyers” article. But,
What is an exclusive buyer’s broker and what is not When we say “exclusive buyer’s agent,” we mean an agent who works in a company that always supports buyer’s in their quest for the best property at the best possible price, without exception. Exclusive buyer’s agents, like us, never represent sellers who are trying to
As if this market isn’t hard enough on buyers, now you are getting hard-sell tactics about the rising interest rates. Buyers who are getting a mortgage to purchase need to pay attention to the interest rate that they are pre-approved at. Their buying power may go down, as interest rates rise. All mortgages are calculated
Sexism is alive and well and living among real estate professionals. It is hard to believe, but they still act the way that was reported in The Boston Globe recently. Real estate paperwork is marriage-based. Deeds refer to marital status because marriage confers rights to both parties on that deed. However, the language “as husband
How is an Offer to Purchase like a love letter? When a buyer makes an Offer to Purchase, it should be clear and complete. It must give the seller the impression that you are a ready, willing, and able buyer. It should reassure the seller that you are organized, have solid financing, and that you
As a house hunter, you are under no obligation to tell your lender that you are pregnant or plan to be pregnant. Pregnancy is not a legal reason for a lender to deny you a mortgage, unless your income changes in a way that makes you no longer qualified for the mortgage. In 2008, when
In August 2021, WBUR published this story about home-buying. The story encouraged buyers to do five things (in bold). A summary of my critiques is in italics after the “advice”: Prepare To Waive Contingencies. No, no. no, no, never. Check The Basement! Seller says you have 15 minutes, good luck! Since you are waiving home
Do you suspect you have mold allergy? Guest blogger Elizabeth Shields writes about mold allergy symptoms and what you can do if you find out that you have a mold issue at home. Mold is a typical issue every homeowner has to deal with from time to time. They’re the slimy black, sometimes greenish, white,