When a potential home buyer is considering purchasing real estate one of the first questions he will ask is, is this home affordable? Read the rest of this entry »

When it comes to real estate price matters. Most real estate professionals will aim to price your home at fair market value at the onset and some sellers are on board, others are not. Read the rest of this entry »

People love to say that there is more involved with buying a home than just money, and while this is indeed true, you cannot buy a home without it. Read the rest of this entry »

The home buyer tax credit may be gone but assistance is still out there. Potential first time home buyers have options to explore when considering jumping into real estate. Read the rest of this entry »

Buying a home is always an investment and choosing the best bang for your buck is important. Read the rest of this entry »

Whether you are buying a new home or refinancing one you already own, closing costs can often make the process more expensive than expected. Read the rest of this entry »

1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.

2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.
3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.

5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.

6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

Online resources: To calculate whether buying is the best financial option for you, use the “Buy vs. Rent” calculator at www.GinnieMae.gov.

Contact Pinnacle Residential Properties in Wellesley, MA for the best in real estate service, knowledge and experience.  Click here for a complimentary search of the MLS real estate listings where you will have access to all homes currently on the market in Wellesley, Weston, Needham, Dover and surrounding communities.

Since mortgage rates have decreased and have been hitting record lows lately, many people are considering refinancing their mortgages. This can be a very beneficial thing to do if you have all of the proper information. Read the rest of this entry »

An often perused question is: Should I use a Realtor or not?  Read the rest of this entry »

In a hot real estate market, cleaning your home, decluttering of personal items and a quick paint job usually got the job done. However, in more trying times, professional home staging can really help your home sell quickly at top dollar.

Check out these amazing before/after pics from This Old House. My personal favorite is the Knex ferris wheel that was “decorating” a family room. (Don’t worry- it was indeed the “Before) These pictures are worth more than a thousand of my words!

For a referral to a home stager and/or assistance with buying/selling your home, call me, Jane Neilson, at Pinnacle Residential Properties. 781-223-7338. Happy Staging!