Looking for a condo north of Boston?

October 20th, 2009 pzuena Posted in Buyers, Condominiums, First-time homebuyers Comments Off


Tewksbury Condominium For Sale

Turnkey! Bright, sunny and beautifully maintained both indoors and out this 2 bedroom condominium has much to offer. Appealing floor plan, private deck, plenty of windows,central air conditioning, new windows,ample closet and storage space, in-unit laundry and detached garage all conveniently located near shopping, schools and highways. Great location, terrific value offered  at $199,000.  Search the MLS for other condominiums and single family homes for sale in the Andover area.

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Will the tax credit be extended?

October 14th, 2009 lheraty Posted in Buyers Comments Off


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People ask me everyday whether or not the tax credit for first time homebuyers will be extended.  There has be a considerable effort in the House to get the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit extended, as well as expanded.  Last week the House passed a bill extending the $8,000 tax credit into next year for military, diplomatic and intelligence workers who have been working overseas.  This bill’s passage leaves many hopeful that an extension for regular first time home buyers will pass as well.  Clearly the credit has helped many of my buyer clients in the Andover area purchase their first home and my story is repeated across the nation.  While there are some who feel the tax credit for first time home buyers should expire on November 30 as scheduled (consider this Boston Globe Commentary)….many economists and housing experts, myself included, strongly believe extending the tax credit will be instrumental in stabilizing not only the housing market but the economy in general.  Read this insightful commentary by Gary Rogers, President of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors.

For the latest from Realty Times regarding the tax credit click here.

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Why Use A Realtor?

August 25th, 2009 pzuena Posted in Buyers, Real Estate, Real Estate Information, Sellers Comments Off


Andover Old Town HallHave you ever asked yourself if you really need a Realtor?  Perhaps you’re concerned about saving money or being overwhelmed by phone calls or e-mails.  However, whether you’re buying or selling your home a real estate professional can be an invaluable asset, helping to keep deals together and making sure every important detail is managed in a timely fashion.

Because I know the Andover and North Andover real estate market can help sellers properly price their homes.   As “Your Neighborhood Expert” I advertise and market homes not only to potential buyers but to other real estate professionals as well.  I help home owners present their homes in a way that will appeal to potential buyers. I negotiate contracts and make certain all the essential details are properly coordinated.

My knowledge of the local real estate market is just as valuable for home buyers. I know what homes are available and I know the community, its amenities and all that it has to offer.  I prepare contracts, negotiate offers, help arrange home inspections and coordinate all the steps required for a successful closing.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the Andover area, or know someone who is, I can help diminish the stresses involved with buying or selling real estate.  Contact me at ReMax Partners in Andover to learn more about my buyer and seller services.

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Only 115 Days Left to Take Advantage of the $8000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

August 7th, 2009 pzuena Posted in Andover Real Estate, Buyers, First-time homebuyers, Tax Credit 1 Comment »


Time is running out…November 30, 2009 is the target date. You must close on your new home by then to qualify for this historic tax credit.  Whether you’re looking for a home in Andover, North Andover or a nearby community the time to act is now!  Take a look at this video and then start searching the MLS  for your new home in the Andover area today and contact me, your Andover RE/MAX Real Estate Agent.

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Only 116 Days left to take advantage of the first time homebuyer tax credit!

August 6th, 2009 pzuena Posted in Andover, Andover Real Estate, Buyers, First-time homebuyers, Tax Credit Comments Off


Click on the photo to find out more about the first time homebuyer tax credit

Time is running out…November 30, 2009 is the target date. You must close on your new home by then to qualify for this historic tax credit.  Whether you’re looking for a home in Andover, North Andover or a nearby community the time to act is now!  Take a look at this video and then start searching the MLS  for your new home in the Andover area today!

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Andover Home for Sale–New Price!

July 23rd, 2009 pzuena Posted in Andover, Buyers, Featured Listings, First-time homebuyers Comments Off


New price $329,900!

Andover Home for Sale If you just drive by you’ll never see the surprisingly peaceful backyard retreat that comes with this charming Cape style home.  From top to bottom this bright and sunny home is in truly move in condition.  Close to Andover Center and commuter routes this home offers expansion possibilities as well as an oversized 2 car garage with plenty of storage.  Abuts acres of conservation land!  Contact me for more details or more listings in Andover, North Andover and the surrounding communities in the Merrimack Valley.

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Buying A Home? This Information Could Help Improve Your Credit Score.

July 3rd, 2009 lheraty Posted in Buyers, Financing Options, First-time homebuyers, Mortgages Comments Off

Your credit score is critically important if you're buying a home.  A favorable credit score will not only make it possible for you to obtain a lower mortgage interest rate, but will be an important factor in determining whether or not the lender approving your loan. Hand holding blank cardIf you are concerned about your credit score, there is new information about what credit scoring companies deem important. One change that is being made is that there is a significantly more negative importance on a person that carries their credit balance near the limit. Experts are suggesting that people try to keep all balances owed near 30% of available credit. Another important fact is that you should never close an account with a zero balance. If you close the account, it can alter your total Debt to Credit ratio. It works in your favor to have a long credit history. Also, do not apply for too many credit cards, especially from companies that do not set a spending limit.  To raise your score, always pay your debts ON TIME. Your payment history makes up 35% of your score. A late payment can actually drop your score by up to 100 points and these late payments could last on your report for seven years. Bankruptcies last for ten years. If your score is below 620, people assume you are a bad risk dooming you to credit denial, sub prime interest rates, higher home insurance premiums, and possible checks form landlords withholding a lease. To order a free report go to annualcreditreport.com.
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How To Find The Neighborhood Of Your Dreams

June 26th, 2009 lheraty Posted in Buyers, Real Estate Buyers and Sellers Comments Off

Choosing the right community is so important, as how you can you really love where you live unless you love the neighborhood?  There are many different neighborhoods in Andover and North Andover.  Some may suit your needs more than others. In the frenzy of finding a home and scheduling moving day, many people forget that researching the neighborhood is one of the most important ways to insure happiness at your new destination. Before making your final decision on a home, don’t forget to:
  • “Profile” the neighborhood. Ask yourself these questions: Is the quality of the school system important? Is the commute do-able for you? Do you like to be within walking distance to shops and restaurants? Do you like quiet?
  • Once you zero in on a neighborhood you like you must research all school information, crime statistics, parks and recreation, neighborhood association fees and tourist attractions. Armed with this information it will be easy to make a wise decision for you.
  • Take the time to visit. Don’t downplay your first impression. Take note of the community’s rush hour patterns, it’s social ability factor, it’s streetlights at night. Drive by the schools. Shop in the local grocery store. Try to meet some of your potential neighbors. All of these visual clues can be very revealing.
For more interesting ways to figure out if a neighborhood is right for you click here.  And be sure to ask me about my Buyer Agent services, I will develop a customized home search specifically taylored for  your homeownership needs. Also have free email alerts sent directly to your inbox for homes for sale in your favorite Massachusetts neighborhood.
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Elegant North Andover Home For Sale — New Listing

May 30th, 2009 pzuena Posted in Andover, Buyers, Featured Listings, North Andover Comments Off


Elegant North Andover Colonial home for sale

Elegant North Andover Colonial home for sale

 Elegant Colonial set on a picuresque acre lot. Sophisticated style and first class amenities throughout including central air conditioning , hardwood flooring, custom built-in cabinetry, 5 true bedrooms, 3.5 baths and more than 1000 square feet of beautiful lower level living space. In home office, plenty of storage and desirable cul-de-sac location.  Take a virtual tour  of this fine home, schedule a private showing by contacting me at RE/MAX Partners in Andover, MA or search the entire MLS and sign up for free email updates!

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Andover Home For Sale–New Listing

May 28th, 2009 pzuena Posted in Andover, Buyers, Featured Listings, North Andover Comments Off


A surprisingly peaceful backyard retreat that comes with this charming Cape style home. From top to bottom this bright and sunny home is truly move in condition. All systems go-including new roof 2004, oil tank and chimney 2006 and bonus pellet stove to reduce heat costs. Close to Andover Center and commuter routes, this home offers expansion possibilities as well as an oversized 2 car garage perfect for storage, workshop or hobbies. Abuts acres of conservation land. To schedule a private showing contact me at RE/MAX Partners in Andover.  To search all current listings and recieve free email updates in Andover, North Andover and all of Massachusetts sign up for my MLS Property Finder!

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