Lest it be forgotten in our virus-obsessed state, April in Fair Housing Month. I have been on the Fair Housing Commission in Somerville for seven years. This year, our events were cancelled. There are two things that need to be said: Fair Housing and affordable housing are interrelated in our communities. That is why I
Yesterday's dramatic storm poses this question for homeowners: If a tree falls in a neighborhood, does it make a sound? You bet! It sounds like this: “@%@^#$” What happens if a neighbor’s tree falls on your house? Which insurance company will foot the bill? Damage to property from falling trees or branches Every time a
The rules keep changing: no wonder you’re confused. Here are the Multiple Listing Service rules for this week. In short, properties that are on sale in the MLS do not have to have a virtual tour. They must have a listing contract, but if they cannot be shown, so be it. I am writing this
Below are the steps to closing on a real estate property. Most of these are affected by public health concern about Covid19. The Realtor® association, and individual attorneys, inspectors, lenders, and real estate offices are working to keep business going during times when we are restricted from face-to-face meetings. Moving services: Can you close when
Friday morning, March 20. There are 470 open houses listed for this weekend. Friday afternoon. Several mayors issue statements and business guidelines intended to limit non-family interactions. This included limiting open house activity. Greater Boston Association of Realtors® adopted these guidelines. Saturday morning. There are 444 open houses listed as of 10:30. Monday morning. Real
On March 10, I was sent the National Association of Realtor’s® statement about Covid-19, the coronavirus that has infected people around the world. Risks: For Sellers: Realtors® are encouraged to discuss the risks of holding open houses, or having appointments where buyers come to your house. … Speak openly and honestly with your seller about
Open houses are the way to sell your house or condo, right? Wrong. Veteran listing agents report that open houses are not the best way to sell a property. Most agents find open houses more useful for getting additional business than for selling the house or condo. It is not uncommon for me to go
Eastern Massachusetts, and other areas, have experienced a long period of seller’s market. That’s when there are more buyers (demand) than houses or condos for sale (supply). Sellers and their agents have the upper hand. Because of this, sellers and their agents are trying ways to get the most advantage over buyers. But pre-inspections should
Danger! Open house For sellers: It has long been obvious to us that open houses are not safe for the owners of the house. Agents for the seller cannot protect the house, were someone to come in with a notion to steal. Stealing is common at open houses. Since cameras became common, more thieves are
Here's the second of a series of guest posts on home modifications for accessibility from Terri Williams, of reviews.com. Toilets Technology has great potential to make lives easier, and that includes those who want greater independence at home – and especially in the bathroom. A popular project at the moment is swapping out the existing