Buying and selling real estate seems to get more complicated every day.  You might think that with all the media reports on housing, market data and the mortgage crisis a home buyer or seller has all the information he or she needs for a successful and efficient transaction.  My experience suggests the opposite. The challenge … Continue reading A new year, a new real estate market!

The average homeowner in North Andover will see his or her real estate tax go up again in 2010.  An average home valued at $447,800 will soon pay  property tax of $6502.  Selectman voted earlier this month to set the North Andover residential property tax rate at $12.74 per $1000 valuation. See the current valuation of … Continue reading North Andover Real Estate Taxes Also Going Up in 2010

First time homebuyers responding to the federal tax credit continue to drive sales of existing homes nationally and in the northeast.  Figures released by the National Association of Realtors showed November 2009 sales of existing homes up 53%.  The median price in the northeast was $223,400, down 13.1% from the same period last year. Inventory fells to a … Continue reading Existing Home Sales Continue to Make Gains in the Northeast

As we finish digging out from the weekend snow storm, I’m reminded that we have a long winter ahead of us here in Andover and North Andover.  President Obama is considering federal incentives to homeowners who make energy efficient improvements to their homes. The possible legislation could provide 50% rebates up to $12,000 in incentives … Continue reading Winter solstice is a good time to think about your home's energy efficiency.

I’ve been talking to alot of people this month.  It’s been fun connecting with people at holiday parties and meetings.  Many people are asking me about the real estate market and when I tell them homes are selling, many folks are pleasantly surprised to hear the answer to that question is YES!  In fact, the inventory … Continue reading Should you really wait until spring to sell your home?

The Andover Board of Selectmen vote to increase the tax rates for both residential and commercial and industrial properties.  According to the Eagle Tribune, the average home will se a tax increase of $185 —the largest tax hike since 2002.  Not sure what the assessed value of your Andover home is?  Check here.

You may have heard the comment — “our perception is our reality.”  However, I find it helpful to check the facts every now and again.  As I study the daily updates for homes for sale in Andover and North Andover it seems as though there are fewer new listings and homes for sale in the Andover … Continue reading Are there fewer homes for sale in Andover or does it just seem that way?

On Monday the U.S. Treasury announced new guidelines to streamline short sales and help families facing forclosure. With my special training as a Certified Distressed Property Expert  I can help families avoid foreclosure and get back on the track to financial stability.