It's spring and you've always been told that this is the perfect time to put your Wellesley or Metrowest home on the market. That's TRUE, but what else should you focus on to insure that your home sells quickly; at the highest possible price? Here are a few things to consider when you're looking objectively at your Metrowest Home:

You know you have an incredible house that you've put your loving touch into, but what else can you let potential Buyer's know?

 1. Are you living in an area with spectacular views of wooded lands, water, historical significance?

 2. What is your neighborhood like? Is it extra friendly where neighbor helps neighbor when someone's in need?

 3. Your local schools....what are they like, can you highlight something specific with the teachers, teaching philosophy, awards?

 4. Do you have outdoor living space? Great patio or deck, outside stove for cooking summer meals, plenty of space for entertaining?

5. Is your yard exceptionally large or beautifully landscaped?

6. Do you have a corner lot?

 7. Have you recently put on a new roof, siding, shingles, windows?

Then look inside your home and do the same.

 1. Do you have a fireplace and hearth that is different than many they may see in other homes?

 2. What about your kitchen, the heart of your home? Granite or Marble Countertops? Designed by a Home Interior Professional? Center island with vegetable sink?

 3. Is your home friendly to the environment? Have you used energy efficient windows & doors, do you have solar panels, is the flooring bamboo or cork?

 4. What about storage space, mud rooms, bonus rooms?

 5. Are there beautiful hardwood floors under your carpets?

 The graph above shows the percentage of home buyers that felt these "Hidden Gems" were worth every penny they cost in the overall sales price of a home.

 These are all things that you want to highlight about your home, that shows the buyer the difference and special "gems" in your home versus other ones they may look at... and why your home is the only one they'll want to buy. At Team Lynch Real Estate, we look at all these special selling points with you to develop a marketing strategy that optimizes these features and in turn highlights them for potential buyers.

 If you plan to put your Wellesley or Metrowest home on the market  this spring, NOW IS THE TIME. Give us a call and we'll be happy to come to your home and evaluate all these points with you, and share up to date market conditions here in Wellesley & Metrowest Boston. Buying & Selling homes in the Metrowest area is what we do best! We've lived her our entire lives, and participate in many community projects and events. We have also received the many awards this past year including International President's Elite, joining the top 1% of sales associates both nationally & Internationally, along with the NAR Green Designation. That means a team of Metrowest Community / Real Estate Experts', with exceptional local knowledge, great technology and the most current real estate information, will give your home the exposure and fast sale you deserve.

Hosting a successful Open House isn't  rocket science...but there are some tips I can share that will make it a success!

1  Advertise....a lot!  You want everyone to know, so newspapers, flyers and definitely online!

2. Put out LOTS of signage.  This may sound like a given, but it's so important.  Signs should go all over, and not just in your own neighborhood.

3. Invite your neighbors. Yes, you heard that right..and they want to come anyway!

4. Sign-in Sheet. This will allow you to follow up with anyone that came through, and follow-up is key!

5. Give a Take-away.  Make sure you have a flyer with photos and all the pertinent information.

6. Set the time for the Open.  Since most people expect open houses to be on Sunday afternoon, take advantage of that fact and maximize your success.

7. Food & Water.  Although these are not necessary, the smell of fresh baked cookies always make people feel like they're at "home".  Water is necessary because many people will have been out all afternoon.

8. Lighting. You need to make sure your home looks light and bright. Open blinds, turn on lights in darker rooms and play up the special points of your home.

9. Be Prepared.  Make sure you are organized in all aspects and you start on time! You should also check that you have toilet paper on the rolls just in case someone needs to use your bathroom.

10. Have a bright and cheery disposition. If you love your home it shows...so be genuinely enthusiastic so each person who visits feels the same.

This week I'm going to tackle the age old question.....should I rent my home out, if it doesn't sell?  A recent study did show that 39% of sellers prefer to rent out their last residence than sell it when purchasing a new home. With many homeowners refinancing at a low rate, and the housing market struggling with low inventory, the amount you could charge for rentals has gone up. 

If you are a residential real estate investor, than this tactic makes sense.  However, if you really don't want to become a landlord and are only looking at it as a way to purchase your new home, while covering the mortgage on the original home...then you need to ask yourself these questions:

 1.)  How will you respond if your tenant says they can't afford to pay the rent this month because of more pressing obligations? (This happens most often during holiday season and back-to-school time when families with children have extra expenses).

2.) Because of the economy, many homeowners can no longer make their mortgage payment. What percent of tenants do you think can no longer afford to pay their rent?

3.) Have you interviewed a few experienced eviction attorneys in case a challenge does arise?

4.) Have you talked to your insurance company about a possible increase in premiums as liability is greater in a non-owner occupied home?

5.) Will you allow pets? Cats? Dogs? How big a dog?

6.) How will you actually collect the rent? By mail? In person?

7.) Repairs are part of being a landlord. Who will take tenant calls when necessary repairs arise?

8.) Do you have a list of crafts people readily available to handle these repairs?

9.) How often will you do a physical inspection of the property?

10.) Will you alert your current neighbors that you are renting the house?

Once you have answered these questions, you will be in a good position to decide what is best for you and your family.  

(Information courtesy of KCMBLOG)

If you are thinking of buying or selling  a home in Wellesley & Metrowest Boston CT,  your best opportunity could be right now... in January!  Yes, it is cold outside, and rainy, but mortgage interest rates are most likely at their lowest levels for 2014.

The interest rate on a 30 year mortgage, if you were to obtain your loan today, is 4.51%...but predictions show the rates rising by year-end to the 5.75% level.  It is even better for the 15-year mortgage as it is at 3.56% today.  Getting into the housing market early this year is going to make all the difference in the world when it comes to costs. Rates like this make it feasible for Wellesley & Metrowest home buyers and refinancing homeowners, to eventually live mortgage free!

However, with the Fed announcing the pull back of the stimulus packages of the past year, the rates will start climbing soon.  In addition to mortgages and rates, inventory of homes will be a key component in buyers being able to obtain their desired residence.  At present, the Wellesley & Metrowest housing inventory is somewhat low...So homeowners thinking of putting their home on the market, will want to do so now.  This way they are guaranteed more of a "sellers market" and a better chance at getting the asking price of their home. Buyer demand and limited inventory does drive up prices...and the peak selling season is NOW!

Take a look at the most recent Wellesley MA Market Update below:

For more information about the wonderful Wellesley & Metrowest homes for sale, or to learn about our unique Team Marketing & Selling plans, give us a call!  Our knowledge and experience in the Wellesley area marketplace combined with our client satisfaction program will give you the confidence that Team Lynch Real Estate is the only place to call  for all your real estate needs.  Let Team Lynch be your guide to all Wellelsey & Metrowest Real Estate.

In Massachusetts, and our Wellesley & Metrowest Boston area, the housing market had a banner year in 2013.  Home sales and prices hit numbers that haven't been seen in a while...But what does that mean for 2014?   Experts agree that 2014 will be a year that sees continued growth and stabilization in the housing market, with home prices rising, greater activity among underwater homeowners, and fewer foreclosures.

What is important to note is that to buy a home in the 2014 marketplace, you will need incredible credit or have the ability to put together a cash offer.  In November of 2013, the average FICO score for conventional home loans was 756, while the average score for denied applications was 729.  Don't expect the credit standards to loosen up anytime soon, with the new regulations from Dodd-Frank, lenders will be closely monitored to prevent risky products from entering the marketplace.

Still, even Warren Buffett is smiling about the state of the housing market, and knows the numbers will continue to climb- offering many individuals the opportunity to own a home.  What does that mean for the Wellesley & Metrowest area?  Sticking with the 3 elements to home ownership;

1- Fixed Mortgage

2- Affordable Payments

3- Long-term Hold

​If you are looking to buy or sell in the Wellesley MA & Metrowest Boston area....NOW IS THE TIME TO ENTER THE MARKET!  Know what you want, do the research on the home and area you desire, and put together a plan and budget of how you will achieve your goal.

Team Lynch has the knowledge, technology and Real Estate Experience to bring together your dream home...and YOU.  Give us a call today to develop your personal marketing or sales plan.

No doubt about it.....we're having a white Christmas!! It is so beautiful to look outside and see all the sparkling snow tipped trees and children playing outside.  Christmas is such a magical, joyous and blessed time, and we cherish the moments we can spend with all our family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.  After all, that's what Christmas is about....it's the people, not the presents, that make life worth living.

As 2014 comes to an end, We want to thank all of you for your faith and trust in Team Lynch Real Estate to handle all your Wellesley & Metrowest Real Estate Needs!

We've lived here all our lives and cherish the lives we lead in Wellesley and the local area.  We are blessed to have an incredible town to call home;  the natural beauty and all the wonderful people we live and work with everyday.  Building our families and businesses in Wellesley and the Metrowest area  strengthens our town, and local economy....and continues to bring new families to join our fantastic area.

We are  looking forward to 2014 and all the possibilities it will bring for everyone, and wish you and your families an abundance of Christmas Blessings and a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!

Team Lynch

"Your 200% Solution for Wellesley & Metrowest Real Estate"