Real estate transactions are full of ups and downs. There is the excitement and energy of the home search, the nervous anticipation of submitting your offer, the joy at hearing your offer has been accepted. And then comes the home inspection, when you realize your perfect home isn’t perfect in every respect. There is the…
We all go to open houses. Some people are serial open house attendees, approaching them with the focus and thoroughness of an Army drill sergeant. Others take a more casual approach, wandering in on a whim. But no matter how you approach them, if you’re really looking for a home, it’s best to go into…
Why Cash Isn’t Always Best Very little would happen in the world without credit, but in real estate, just like everywhere else, cash is king. And when you put your house on the market, being told by your agent that you have an offer coming from a cash buyer is very good news, indeed. After…
Do You Really Know Boston? Boston is a city of neighborhoods, and because each one is so distinct—the North End’s old world charm, the South End’s Greek Revival architecture, the contemporary steel and glass of Downtown’s new high rises—it’s easy to fall in love with the one you call home. The hazard is, of course,…
Are You Lying to Your Real Estate Agent? The buyers are liars adage is something that you may hear a real estate agent say with some regularity. What does that really mean? Of course, it doesn’t mean that real estate buyers are going around not telling the truth to their agents. What it really means…
Why Tech Doesn’t Matter in Real Estate It goes without saying that technology is an essential component of any industry, and real estate is no exception. When choosing a real estate company to represent you in your home sale or purchase, you are likely noticing more and more brokerage firms touting their technology tools and…
Why You Need a Real Estate Attorney The importance of a real estate attorney to the process of buying or selling a property may seem obvious, but a shocking number of people try to do without. Sometimes it works out fine—but when it doesn’t work out, the consequences are unnecessarily long and complicated transactions. Buying…
How To Save Your Real Estate Transaction If you undertake any sort of real estate transaction, you’re likely to hear the word contingency. In almost any real estate deal, there will be contingencies, and because they generally involve a great deal of your money, you should always understand them. They’re especially important in a competitive…
What Your Agent Isn’t Telling You When you buy or sell a home, chances are that your financial focus will be on your own money. That’s understandable, considering the amounts involved, and some agents barely discuss fees with their clients. But the truth is that no matter how the purchase or sale happens or how…
You’re Probably Ignoring the Biggest Investment of your Life If you’re an investor, you probably meet with your financial advisor at least annually. You talk about your portfolio and get his or her thoughts on its current state; look back over its performance in the 12 months prior; look ahead to the next year and…