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
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
Short-term rentals have their place as a way to make money in real estate. Like any other new business model, it functions like the Wild West. Some people make a fortune. Some of those people do a good business. Some use the loosened regulation as a way to rent poor-quality spaces and avoid taxes. When
Snow season! Here we go. As a real estate agent, I get asked about who is responsible to shovel -- the landlord or the tenant? Since that's a legal question, I depend on Attorney Richard Vetstein for accurate legal answers to general legal questions. He keeps an eye on legal changes that affect homeowners. Here
Boston and Somerville have both sent home rule petitions to the State Legislature that have been written to assist tenants in properties that are being sold for development. Boston’s involves increasing the amount of notice that tenants get, if their leases are not going to be renewed. It requires landlord sellers to report their sales,
Here’s how James Morrison at Banker and Tradesman reported on Dave Twombly, my favorite agent of the week (wink!) Buyers Need Protection Just down Mass. Ave. at 4 Buyers Real Estate, also in Cambridge, the exclusive buyer agents tell the buyers they work with that home inspection contingencies are a must, according to agent Dave
Where is the line between taking care of the property and leaving the tenants alone? One of the sore-points for tenants is that some landlords are not respectful of the tenant’s right to “quiet enjoyment” of their space. A landlord may come in too frequently, may not give notice, and may not cooperate to enter
When a brokerage serves both the buyer and the seller, what can go wrong? The seller’s agent – who must get the best price for the seller – is the same company that must get the best price for the buyer. Legally, and structurally, companies are run by a broker. This is the person responsible
Winter. Yes, the days are short now. Soon we'll see (and be shoveling) snow. Will we see white stuff like last year, or the year before? I get asked questions about snow removal, as a real estate agent. Since they are legal questions, I depend on Attorney Richard Vetstein for accurate legal answers to general
Seller’s Statement of Property Condition is a standard form. As a buyer, you may see this 8-page form at an open house. It’ll be on the table with a big “DO NOT REMOVE” written across the top. If you like a house and are considering making an offer, you should be reviewing this paperwork before