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Boston, MA Real Estate News

 Tuesday, July 4, 2017 Happy 4th of July 2017 Independence Day by Robert Vegas Bob Swetz     Robert Swetz would like to personally wish everyone a wonderful Independence Day 2017.   Thank you to all the men and women that fought and helped create the great country we live in today, The United States of America.    Let's Celebrate and "God Bless America"         Posted by Robert "Vegas Bob" Swetz at 8:31 AM   Labels: born on the 4th of july, celebration, God Bless America, holidays, independence day, july 4th, Robert Vegas Bob Swetz, Thank You, United States of America Location: Boston, MA, USA  
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By Endre Barath, Jr., Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties)
Speechless Sundays: Everyone is welcome on the T in Boston  If you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, luxury investment real estate, luxury vacation homes, or luxury beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu, feel free to contact me at 310.486.1002 (m) or homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at  http://www.endrebarath.com.  I am a Pet Friendly Realtor and I contribute a portion of my commission to local animal rescue organizations. 
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Where everyone knows your name!   When we were in Boston for the Boston Marathon we had to make a stop at Cheers!   You remember the Cheers Theme song: Sometimes you wanna go…..where everyone knows your nameAnd they’re always glad you cameYou wanna go where people know People are all the sameYou wanna go where everybody knows you nameIt hasn’t changed much in all these years except now many more tourists reliving the dream!
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By Michael Mahoney, Boston Realtor
(Real Broker, LLC)
The Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo in Massachusetts Before you make your Boston condo purchase, there are a lot of things your should find out when buying. Making a purchase in a condo development is more involved than buying a home here in Massachusetts. The reason being is that not only are you buying a piece of property but that you are also buying a condo association.  In a way you are making two purchases overall.  If you are getting a mortgage to make your purchase, your mortgage lender or mortgage banker will definitely scrutinize the condo association as much as your financial worthiness and in some cases more. When loans are made on condos they are basically underwritten in two ways. First the borrower is underwritten and then the condominium association is closely looked...
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By Michael Mahoney, Boston Realtor
(Real Broker, LLC)
Are you a Social Butterfly or a Social Termite?If you are considering a condo in Boston, then you need to determine if you are social butterfly or a social termite.  In condos you and your neighbors will live in much closer proximity than you would in a free- standing home. If you get crazy when people are too close, then you should probably not consider a condominium in Greater Boston. I have had people tell me that they love to cook but it does not mean that they want to smell the smell of their neighbor’s chicken curry or fish during Lent. Consider whether you can live in that type of environment. You can visit at different times of day to get a feel for noise and activity.Before you get started in looking for condo in the city....read more about these considerations.Want to get a co...
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By Michael Mahoney, Boston Realtor
(Real Broker, LLC)
Boston Realtor Michael Mahoney with Keller Williams on Boston Housing Inventory - Michael Mahoney of Keller Williams Realty in Boston would like you to know that the inventory of homes for sale in Greater Boston is really low at this time and median prices on both condos and homes are up. If you were considering selling your property, now would be a great time to do so.You can get the value of your home here Michael MahoneyKeller Williams of Greater Boston617-615-9435www.RealtorMikeMahoney.com 
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By Jim Mushinsky
(Centsable Inspection)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for all Construction and Building Inspectors, which includes home inspectors, were expected to grow by 8% between 2014 and 2024 (www.bls.gov). As of 2015, the average annual income for building and construction inspectors was $57,340 in May 2015.Are you interested in a career as a Massachusetts Licensed Home Inspector?The home inspector profession in Massachusetts is regulated by The Board of Registration of Home Inspectors.  Step 1 is to complete a Board approved 75 hour training class.  Other requirements include a passing score on the National Home Inspector Exam, the performance of 25 inspections in the presence of a MA licensed home inspector, and an Errors & Omissions insurance policy.Enroll in a Board Approved 75 hour t...
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By Jim Mushinsky
(Centsable Inspection)
Common home inspector folklore includes the term "Major Defect".  Are Massachusetts home inspectors required to find "major defects"?Massachusetts Home Inspector regulations (266 CMR) are absent of a definition for "major defect" and criteria to determine a "major defect".  What does this mean to the home buyer?  First, beware of anyone (blogs, real estate agents, first-time home buyer seminars or Internet reviews) that represents a MA home inspector as informing the Client of "major defects".MA Home Inspector Regulations (266 CMR 2:00) include definitions for "safety hazard" and "in need of repair".  These are terms that are left to the judgment of the home inspector.  The regulations do not specify a list of "safety hazards" nor criteria to determine "in need of repair".  Furthermore,...
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By Jim Mushinsky
(Centsable Inspection)
Who is responsible for informing Clients on the nature and extent of a Massachusetts home inspection?A. The home inspectorB. The seller or seller's representativeC. The buyer or buyer's representativeD. The Director of Consumer Affairs and Business RegulationsMassachusetts has some unique laws regarding home inspections.  A common assumption would be that the service provider (home inspector) is responsible for informing their client on the nature and extent of their service (home inspection).  This is NOT true in Massachusetts. According to Massachusetts General Laws (MGL chapter 13 section 97); The director of consumer affairs and small business regulations shall publish an informational brochure on home inspections.  The brochure shall include a definition of a home inspection such t...
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By Larry Lawfer, "I listen for a living." It's all about you.
(YourStories Realty Group)
Boston Artist loft living is living by your own rules. Boston Real Estate.Lofts are very different than condo's. Lofts do not have the structure or structures that exist inside condo's. For instance a loft may have 1800 square feet of open space for you to decide how you want to split it up. Condo's provide that structure already complete.1391 Hyde Park Ave Unit G Hyde Park MA 02036 is not only a great loft it is also a live/work space. This unit is zoned Mixed Use Commercial and Residential and that makes it even more unique. Unit G is open space design and there are two levels. The Owner has the bathroom and kitchen on one side and the living area is broken into living and office/work. The upper space in the unit he is using as a bedroom, sitting room, tv room and closet.Large private...
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By Larry Lawfer, "I listen for a living." It's all about you.
(YourStories Realty Group)
I am an early riser and my clients know that.  I had wrapped up my reading, my affirmations and my meditation.  I was feeling great.  I heard the familiar ping of a text and I reflexifly reached for it. "I can't believe I wake up every morning and this is my reality, sheesh!" was what it said.  It was 6:30AM, start of another day in the life of a Realtor.  Since Andrew had just texted me I gave him a quick call.Breathlessly he said, "do you have the news on?"  "No", I responded.  I thought to myself I can't remember the last time I turned on news in the morning, especially since this election cycle.  I know there is nothing there to uplift me, make me feel good about myself, or my country at the moment.  I never start my day with my parking brake on and that is what watching or listenin...
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By Jim Mushinsky
(Centsable Inspection)
The public hearing date for the changes to the Massachusetts Home Inspector Regulations (266 CMR) is Friday October 14, 2016 at 10:30 am at 1000 Washington Street Boston MA.Governor Baker's Executive Order 562 requires review of all regulations.  The proposed amendments are on the Division of Professional Licensure's website. The current regualtions can be viewed on The Board of Registration of Home Inspectors website.Redline proposed amendements: Proposed amendments to 266 CMR 2:00 Proposed amendments to 266 CMR 3:00 Proposed amendments to 266 CMR 4:00 Proposed amendments to 266 CMR 5:00 Proposed amendments to 266 CMR 6:00 Proposed amendments to 266 CMR 8:00 Proposed amendments to 266 CMR 9:00 Proposed amendments to 266 CMR 10:00 Proposed amendments to 266 CMR 11:00 Written comments wi...
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By Jim Mushinsky
(Centsable Inspection)
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Home Inspectors is now on elicensing.  This eliminates the "old" list of licensed MA Home Inspectors.  Yes, this means that there is a new link or URL to obtain a list of MA Home Inspectors.Does your website or Blog reference a link to the list of MA Home Inspectors?  If so, then you may want to update your web pages before the old link redirect expires.Remember the MA Board of Registration of Home Inspectors provides a web page titled "Information for Real Estate Agents about Home Inspector Licensure".  This web page has been updated with the ePlace link.The "old" list format and the "new" list format kind of makes me wonder how the "new" list format benefits the consumer?New "benefits" ?All registered users of the ePLACE Portal are required t...
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By Michael Mahoney, Boston Realtor
(Real Broker, LLC)
Sales Slow in Summer Dog Days Michael Mahoney Keller WilliamsTrend of decreasing inventory and new listings continue to inflate pricesWALTHAM, Mass. - August 23, 2016 - The Massachusetts Association of Realtors® (MAR) reported today that home sales decreased for the first time in 14 months, after a year of several record highs. Prices pushed up again for the fifth month in a row as inventory continues to slide. Condominium sales also closed lower with median prices up from 2015. This information is from the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. About the Massachusetts Association of Realtors®:Organized in 1924, the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® is a professional trade organization with more than 22,000+ members. The term REALTOR® is registered as the exclusive designation of m...
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By Jay McHugh, YOUR SendOutCard Mentor
(SendOutCards-Appreciation Marketing Expert)
 There is no secret to follow up...there is just Follow up .... start doing it more and more and watch your business soar.... Click here to learn more and thanks for sharing Look forward to seeing your 3rd and 4th quarters results rise by practicing better follow up... cheers...  Jay
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By Jim Mushinsky
(Centsable Inspection)
Massachusetts regulates home inspectors as of 2001. Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) and Codes of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) include definitions for Home Inspection, Home Inspectors and the conditions when the terms apply.Can anyone conduct a home inspection in MA?Yes.  As long as no compensation is paid to the person performing the inspection.No.  A person performing a home inspection in MA for compensation is required to be licensed by the Board of Registration of Home Inspectors.MGL Chapter 112 Section 222 - No person shall conduct a home inspection for compensation unless licensed by the board in accordance with this section and said sections 223 to 226, inclusive, and unless he provides a written report of the home inspection. CommentsThe term home inspection was widely used p...
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By Jim Mushinsky
(Centsable Inspection)
Are Massachusetts home sellers prepared to provide a home energy rating to prospective buyers?There is a proposed bill to do just that.  Bill S.1761 - An Act Relative to Home Energy Efficiency  Here are some excerpts from the Bill: The seller or agent acting on behalf of the seller shall disclose to a buyer or prospective buyer information obtained from the energy assessment of the dwelling at the time of listing or prior to the signing of a contract to purchase, whichever comes first. The department shall design and implement an energy rating and labeling system for use by sellers of residential dwellings to disclose the energy performance of that dwelling to potential buyers at the time of listing. Contact the Bill Sponsor and your District Representative if you have comments/concerns...
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By Larry Lawfer, "I listen for a living." It's all about you.
(YourStories Realty Group)
I miss you. Real Estate; Boston Area Move in Homes. Real Estate is such a complex business that you will never know until you live the life. What I have learned from five years as a Realtor® is to never have a judgment.  What I want, what I think is best just doesn't matter.  It is all about you. Today was weird, out of the usual, but then again what is usual?  Really.I am hired to do a sale, way below my price range, but referred from a former mentee and I got sucked into the story.  A Realtor® pledges Confidentiality.  Fiduciary responsibilities as well as community and highest and best use considerations and we are human.  We want to help. We want to get a deal done. We want to help you and help ourselves, at least that is what you think.  I think differently.It's all about you is ho...
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By Jim Mushinsky
(Centsable Inspection)
Below is a paragraph from the mass.gov web page, A Clearer Code.On March 31, 2015, Governor Baker issued Executive Order #562 commissioning a complete and comprehensive review of all existing Executive Branch regulations. Since issuing the executive order, state agencies across the Commonwealth have collaborated to begin this project with a goal of establishing a regulatory code that speaks using one voice with the people of the Commonwealth.Massachusetts Home Inspector Regulations (266 CMR) is one of the many regulations included within the Regulatory Review Executive Order #562.Please visit The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations - Proposed Amendments web page for a copy of the proposed amendments and dates for a public hearing.Informational Links: Executive Order #562...
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