There is a logic to the way the lenders choose who can borrow for a mortgage. Since 2014, mortgage loans have standard guidelines that require that any mortgage borrower be able to prove that they can repay their loan. Lenders document income, but also debt. How you have been handling debt will affect your mortgage
Women who leave the workforce From March to June 2020, children were going to school via Zoom in most towns and cities in Massachusetts. Someone had to supervise children doing remote learning. Someone needed to be home, if the children were home. That someone was their mother, more often than not. Women who worked essential
I am wondering how many new homeowners -- who waived their home inspections -- are finding out that they don’t have central heating in all the rooms of their million-dollar shiny new properties. I know you are out there. This year, I saw a kitchen in a renovated condo that had no heat. Since I
As of 10:38 yesterday morning, the days are getting longer here in eastern Massachusetts. With the coming of the light, we reflect on 2021, and what lies ahead. 2021: Looking back Health in 2021: Pandemic year number two carried the same uncertainties for us as it did for everyone else. All of our staff, except
Tenants, here are things you can do to increase the heating efficiency of your apartment. Yes, I know that you are stuck with the heating system, doors and windows that your landlord chose. You can still improve your comfort and lower your energy bills. Most of the heat loss will be found around windows and
One of the hardest things for prospective buyers to figure out is what town to house hunt in. This is especially true for relocating buyers and buyers who are making a lifestyle change, such as urban condo to suburban house or vise versa. Before Covid, I recommended that people “test drive” their potential new town.
Who wants to buy a house in the winter? People who want to be in a house before the spring. People who hate the hoopla of the competitive spring market. People who want to save money. Since August, 2021, 4 Buyers Real Estate has been rocking it in the softer, less competitive market. I am
What does your house need from you as winter approaches? Whether you are a tenant or an homeowner, 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
Cities and towns depend on FEMA when a disaster strikes. When there are tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters, national funds are tapped to help communities. As the number and magnitude of disasters increase, it costs our national treasury. If housing (and other buildings and infrastructure) are built or retrofitted to be safer
Are you thinking of moving? Planning is key to any successful move. Some decisions are economic. Others are purely personal. Today, I share some examples of how to create your own plan for identifying your next housing search. Selling your primary residence while buying your next property is more complicated than your first-time purchase. Please