Have you ever seen the phrase “sold as is” in a description of a home for sale? What exactly does that mean and why write it into the property description?  In my opinion all homes are offered for sale  in “as in condition.” While many sellers make repairs and improvements to their homes before listing them for sale I have yet to find a PERFECT home. If you’ve ever shopped for a home you’ll know there is quite a range in the condition of homes offered for sale. An important step in the home buying process, therefore, is the home inspection.  Once a buyer negotiates a contract to purchase a home, it’s recommended that he or she hire a professional home inspector to assess the condition of the home.  If the inspection identifies unexpected  defects or problems with the home, the buyer has several options….proceed with the purchase under the initial agreed upon contract, ask the seller to make repairs, ask the seller to renegotiate the price with the buyer assuming responsiblity for making repairs, or give written notice to the seller that he will not be proceeding with the sale, cancel the contract to purchase and request that his or her deposit be returned.  In each of these options, the seller has the right to say no. If he or she  does and the buyer still wants the home, the buyer purchases the home in “as in condition.”  While it be more prudent for the seller to negotiate to make repairs  than to insist on the home being sold in “as in” condition the seller is under no such obligation.  As you can see the home buying process can become complicated as the process unfolds.  The consequences to both  the buyer and the seller during this process can be quite serious. As your REMAX real estate agent I am trained to guide you through the home buying and selling process. I can save you time and money and help you with all your real estate needs.

So what does the phrase “sold as is” mean in an Andover real estate listing? is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

One of the signs of the active real estate market here in the Andover area is that we often see multiple offers on a home listed for sale.  Yes, that’s correct…multiple offers!  If you’re selling a home that’s a nice feeling.  For buyers it’s a different feeling.  Some buyers are tempted to retreat….fearful of competing with other buyers–fearful of paying too much for a home—fearful of engaging in a ”bidding war.”   Others are tempted to jump into the competition and make a needlessly high offer.  My advise to buyers in this situation is to study the market with your Realtor.  If the home suits your needs , is in your price range and is to your liking….make an offer.  But make an offer based on a careful analysis of the market.  Your Realtor can show you what similar homes have sold for in the  neighborhood or in the Andover area in recent months.  Make your offer based on that analysis….not based on what the competing offer(s) may be.  Remember also that there are other points to consider in preparing and negotiating an offer.  Financing criteria, closing dates, and escrowed payments are other important points your Realtor can negotiate  on your behalf.  The offer that is ultimately accepted may not be the one offering the highest price.  To learn more about buying a home here in the Andover area  contact Paulette Zuena at REMAX Partners, Andover, MA.

What to do when there may be another offer on the home you want to buy….. is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

Flood waters in Andover Subside

The sun is shining again today and for most of us that is a welcome sign of relief.  Many homeowners are still cleaning up, drying out wet basements, and beginning to assess the damage to their homes.  While Governor Patrick declared a “State of Emergency” this weekend, that declaration does not mean that the state will provide financial assistance to cities and towns or homeowners affected by the disaster.  Rather, the law authorizes the governor to take measures to protect our  health and safety.   There are areas in Andover and the Merrimack Valley which are prone to flooding during heavy storms like the one we just experienced.  Your buyer agent will guide you through your home search and help you learn about your new neighborhood BEFORE you buy.

Flood waters in the Andovers subside is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

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.

Looking for a condo north of Boston? is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

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.

Will the tax credit be extended? is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

Have 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.

Why Use A Realtor? is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

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.

Only 115 Days Left to Take Advantage of the $8000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

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!

Only 116 Days left to take advantage of the first time homebuyer tax credit! is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

New price $329,900!

 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.

Andover Home for Sale–New Price! is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News