Buying with family to create a multi-generational household works for about fifteen percent of buyers. Multi-generational is defined as more than two generations sharing a living space. [source] 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
If this January is any indication, the seasons are shifting in Boston area real estate. Usually between December 15 and January 15, no one is contacting us about buying a house. This year, prospective clients started calling and writing right after Christmas. Winter buyers: Some clients were looking to get on the road, heeding my
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. When house hunting, feel your way As the weather changes, house hunters have an easy way to check for places for drafts. Use your hands and feet. Notice these
With the market changing, should you prepare to lowball and get a bargain house? Putting in a low offer without the research is futile and likely to ruin your credibility as a buyer. If you are thinking about making an offer well below asking price, there are some things you need to find out first.
The porch made a strong comeback in American home architecture. In 1993, 42% of new houses were designed with a porch. By 2005, more than half of all new construction had porches. In east south central America (Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi) 89% of newly constructed houses have porches. Why does America have a love
Boston is a college town. In June and July, I get calls from parents who are thinking about buying a condo here, so that their college-aged child can save on rent. This is known as a “kiddie condo.” Sometimes, it makes sense. Most of the time, it does not. Condo Pros: If the mortgage is
Real estate sites like Zillow use the data from local Multiple Listing Services (MLS), and then add additional properties for sale by people who are not using the MLS. If you are looking at Zillow, all the properties read, “(type of property) for sale.” That works. However, you then need to click on the property
A thing of beauty is a joy forever! In honor of Valentine's Day, here is a guide to true love between a house and its buyer. Most people think about beautiful houses as those that have outstanding architecture, or high-end, well-chosen tile or other finishes. That kind of beauty speaks to everyone, at some moment.
In real estate a “captured room” is a room that can only be accessed by going through another room. Captured rooms can make the house less usable, thus less valuable. Does it matter? Whether a captured room matters, for value, depends on whether it changes the way people can use the room. Types of captured
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.