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  04/22/2017

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... 02/03/2017

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,... 01/20/2017

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... 12/24/2016

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... 11/26/2016

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... 11/22/2016

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... 09/23/2016

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... 09/16/2016

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... 09/07/2016

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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... 08/26/2016

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... 07/21/2016

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... 07/09/2016

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... 07/04/2016

Day In The Life:  Junk Remover in Boston, MA   Being a junk remover for http://handyjunkremoval.com/boston/ in Boston, MA is a rewarding job and one that requires endless patience and an intense work ethic.Let's break down what a Boston, MA junk remover does on a daily basis while working his/her shift.1) Setup And Determine PickupsThe first step begins with the confirmation process. Where will the junk be picked up from? Is it from a private or public client? Where is it in Boston? All of these determinations are made early on in the day before progressing forward.2) Routine ChecksThe vehicle and equipment used to complete the process are now assessed. This is to ensure the safety of both the junk remover and the tools being used. It will be evaluated based on a checklist provided for ... 06/14/2016

Hello 'Rainers,I am attaching a flyer on Buffini and Company’s MarTech Event Coming to Boston on June 2nd! Today’s Consumers Live in a World Dominated by TechnologyCan you communicate with your clients using their preferred channels, impress them with your technology-based marketing, and outshine your lagging competitors? And, in the middle of this tech-driven world, are you also building relationships with your clients?To Register for the event Call Allie Sarnataro 1-800-945-3485 x 2293Let her know you were referred by me, Praful Thakkar, and you'll get the discounted price. When you sign up through Allie and mention my name you will receive the $29 rate! Take advantage of this great offer!   If anyone else would like to sign up it is not too late, just call the number above! Register ... 05/31/2016

Hello 'Rainers, I am attaching a flyer on Buffini and Company’s MarTech Event coming to Boston in June!    To Register for the event  Call Allie Sarnataro 1-800-945-3485 x 2293Let her know you were referred by me, Praful Thakkar, and you'll get the discounted price. When you sign up through Allie and mention my name you will receive the $29 rate! Take advantage of this great offer!   So far we have a good group attending from the office, if anyone else would like to sign up it is not too late, just call the number above! Register sooner rather than later to be safe on the pricing!  Please call Allie to register so I receive the credit for referring you into the event! If you have any questions about registry, the event, or anything else feel free to contact Allie Sarnataro (contact info... 05/22/2016

Why West Roxbury starter home for sale. 28 LaSell Street in West Roxbury is a three bedroom one full bath and setup for second half bath that has come on the market today.  West Roxbury is located in the southwest side of Boston.  It is a home for people who look for community, safety and the ease of being part of a city while living in a more suburban type community. West Roxbury has always been on the front end of educational reform and community activity. Brook Farm, located in West Roxbury was a utopian experiment in communal living started in the 1840's. Brook Farm was inspired by the transcendental movement of that time and this rugged independent thought still resonates among it's inhabitants.The days of communal living in West Roxbury are over and the love of community still rem... 04/26/2016

Last week, the inaugural “Homebuyer Insights Report” was released by the Bank of America. The report revealed the reasons why consumers purchase homes and what their feelings are regarding homeownership.Consumer Lending Executive, D. Steve Boland, explained:“Homebuyers today are motivated by both emotional and practical reasons. Nearly all want more space, but a majority of homebuyers, especially those purchasing their first home, are also looking for a place to call their own, put down roots and make memories. They value the emotional benefits of owning a home as much as the financial ones.”Boland went on to say:“The path to homeownership is a journey and can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. For many people, this is the single most significant financial transaction they will ever ... 04/17/2016

West Roxbury Boston's haven of innovation and involvement. West Roxbury is located in the southwest corner of Boston boardered by Roslindale, Dedham and Newton. West Roxbury, home to a 19th century experimental, utopian community frequented by such notable writers as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry David Thoreau. Today, West Roxbury is known for its civic activism and youth programming. Its tree lined streets and mostly single-family homes give this city neighborhood a suburban feel. Centre Street anchors the neighborhood's business district, which consists of restaurants, banks, and shops. Residents flock to Millennium Park, a former landfill that has been converted into 100 acres of trails, ball fields, and picnic areas.28-LaSell-West-RoxburyWest Roxbury today is st... 04/16/2016