Every profession has it’s own alphabet soup of degrees and designations.  Some are very familiar to us such as  MD., PhD., RN., and DDS.  While some are specific to a particular profession such as medicine, others apply across fields  of study such as a Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree.  What they all have in common, however, is that these degrees and designations identify a level of training or proficiency in a particular field of study.

The same is true in the real estate industry.  Real estate agents are required to have a license and a minimum level of training.  Some of us, however, pursue advanced levels of training and expertise.

When  you see that an agent has multiple letters or designations on her business card or website you can rest assured that your  agent will be among the most highly trained professionals in the industry. It shows you that your agent has pursued advanced training in areas such as finance, marketing and technology so you can be confident that your agent has the dedication, experience and commitment to excellence that you need to guide you through the real estate process.

When chosing a real estate agent to represent you  when buying or selling a home, doesn’t it make sense to chose a agent who demonstrates a high standard of expertise? Here are  the designations and advance training I’ve acheived so far, but stay tuned… I’m working on a new one!

I played golf this Saturday.  Yes, it was a little chilly, especially in the morning.  As I put on my winter golf gloves and set up for my first drive of the round, it occurred to me that playing golf in November in Andover  is somewhat like buying or selling a home in Andover this time of the year.  Golfers who brave the autumn winds and chill to play truly love the game.  Similarly, homeowners who list their homes for sale and  home buyers who are actively searching for homes in the fall and winter, are truly committed to the process.  So yes, now can be a good time to be an active home buyer or home seller and here are 6 reasons why this is true.

1. Sellers, we know buyers must feel at comfortable in a home before writing an offer.  What is more comfortable than a warm, festive home dressed up for the holidays?
2. Buyers, sellers who takes the time and effort to keep their homes tidy and welcoming for you, especially during the busy holiday season, have a sincere desire to sell the their home.  They may therefore be more willing to negotiate the various terms of the purchase contract.
3. Less competition–yes, throughout the year home buyers and home sellers are in competition for one and other.  While there may be fewer home buyers actively searching for homes and fewer homes listed for sale, when the right home comes along buyers will have fewer competing buyers to outbid, and when the right buyer comes along sellers will have fewer listings to outshine.
4. The “off season” makes it easier to schedule related services such as appraisals, movers, attorneys and contractors.
5. Corporate moves.  Corporations make more employee transfers in January than any other time of the year so this is an opportunity to tap into the relocation market.
6. Interest rates, interest rates, interest rates.  You’ve heard this before…interest rates at historic lows and home prices leveling off.  Buyers and sellers can both take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Search for your new home.

1.  Help you understand home values and market trends:   We all want a good value when we make a purchase…no matter what we are purchasing.  Whether it’s a home, a car, a pair of shoes or a loaf of bread, the key to making a good purchase decision is understanding the market value of the product we are purchasing.  When I work with home buyers, we look not only at homes which are offered for sale, but we study recent sales data, and sales trends in the Andover area.  Because the home buyer can’t physically tour homes which have recently sold and I have, my first hand knowledge of the market can be a valuable resource when comparing the condition and amenities of homes which are currently on the market with homes which have recently sold.  Knowing your market will help you make an informed and confident purchase decision.

2. Explain zoning and building codes:   Often a home buyer plans on improving the property he or she is purchasing.   Whether it’s a simple plan such as adding a deck, pool or garage or a more complicated improvement such as an “au pair” suite or significant expansion, your buyer agent should help you research the current zoning and building codes before you buy. The last thing I want for my home buyers is for them discover that they can’t have that hot tub or 2 stall garage after they’ve purchased their home.

3.  Prepare an offer that the seller is likely to accept:  Now here’s an idea!  Why write an offer that has no chance of being accepted or negotiated?  Remember, the terms of the offer include more details then the offer price.  Are your timelines reasonable and realistic?  How much money will be held in escrow accounts? Do you have a solid–I mean SOLID–loan preapproval?  I engage  in ongoing communication with my buyer clients’ lender(s) so that I can leverage my buyers’ financial qualifications when negotiating on their behalf.  A high offer price is of no value to a home seller if the buyer is unable to close the deal because financing fell through.  Furthermore, starting with a poor offer sets a bad tone.  You may win in the beginning but lose later if there is a home inspection issue or a timeline that needs to be revisited before closing.

4. Guide you throught the home inspection:  After the home inspection, I help my buyers research the costs of any needed or recommended repairs and help them negotiate or resolve any  home inspection issues to their satisfaction.  Sometimes, for example, it may be in my buyers’ best interest to make their own repairs after the closing.  Making your own repairs (if the negotiated price is agreeable) gives the home buyer control of the repair and subsequently, confidence that the repair will be completed properly and in accordance witht the buyers’ specifications.

5. Stay in touch after the closing:  Often times there are considerations that come up after closing.  When is trash pick up?  The seller’s mail is still being delivered to the home, what should I do with it? Where can I find a good doctor, hairdresser, birthday cake?!  I have a client appreciation program that keeps me in touch with all my clients.  I provide them with valuable information and resources long after they move into their new homes.

I spoke with a homeowner the other day who asked if she should put hardwood floors or carpeting in her family room. She wondered which one would add more to the value of her home. I thought this was a curious question since she is not planning to sell her home in the near future. I asked her what she prefers and suggested she go with that. Has HGTV made us all a bit crazy? Are we over analysizing this real estate market? While it’s not unwise to invest thoughtfully in home improvement projects at some point we might relax and enjoy our homes for what they are–our homes–a place to enjoy family and friends according to our own personal lifestyle and taste.

When you are ready to buy or sell Essex County real estate, Paulette Zuena is your neighborhood expert. With the knowledge and skills to guide you successfully through the real estate process, I am dedicated to providing you with quality service to negotiate the best possible terms for you during your transaction. I encourage you to use my website as a resource for useful information about buying and selling Andover, North Andover and Boxford real estate. Buyers and sellers can search properties, sign up for listing updates by email and request a CMA report to estimate their home’s value in today’s market. Other resources on this website include a business directory, blog and relocation information. Come and discover the charm of our wonderful New England towns.

Whether you’re a “do it yourself” remodeler or hiring a contractor or handyman to help with your remodeling project, be sure you follow your town’s building and permiting process.  Here in Andover and North Andover, most licensed contractors will handle the permiting details for the homeowner.  Because they understand the procedures and know the town officials involved in the process, your contractor(s) will  fill out the paperwork, collect fees and be present for the required inspections on your behalf.  All too often, however, homeowners will complete home improvement projects on their own and skip the permitting process. When they do they risk problems later on—often when the home is offered for sale.

The purpose of the permit is to insure that the work being done meets all safety codes.  Ignoring building approval processes in not only poses safety and legal problems but it can also dismantle a smooth sale.  Home inspectors, home buyers and appraisers routinely ask if permits were obtained for remodeling work done to a home.  Records of all permits are available to the public at our local town halls so information is easily verified.  Without proper approvals and inspections on record home buyers may decide not to buy the home and lenders may refuse to finance the home purchase.  An even worse case scenario could occur if, with lack of proper permitting, the town levies fines or requires the project be torn down and redone.

Think your in the clear after the closing?  Think again! If the problem isn’t discovered until after the closing, you could be subject to a lawsuit.

If these are not enough reasons to follow proper building practices and procedures, consider the peace of mind knowing your home remodeling project was completed properly and that your home is safe for you and your family.

Contact me at ReMax Partners if you need help with your home improvement project or have questions about the permitting process in Andover or North Andover.

With Labor Day comes the start of the fall real estate market. Here in Andover it can be a busy season for home buyers and home sellers. Last evening I installed a “For Sale” sign for a new listing here in Andover. For the sellers it was an exciting moment. It was an exciting moment because it culminated months–even years– of careful planning, hard work, difficult decision making and yes, preparing their home to present to the marketplace. Listing your home of 35 years for sale is a very big deal! For these home owners, the sale of their home will launch a new life in a new place, with new friends, new activities, new surroundings and a new life style they have worked towards for decades. How lucky am I to be able to share these moments with my clients? It’s what I love about my career, my profession and why I work so hard to help my clients achieve their goals.

With the average sales price of a single family home in Andover of $563,450, many home buyers are simply priced out of the Andover real estate market.

“The Andover Community Trust selecting a qualified first-time homebuyer to purchase a permanently affordable three bedroom home located at 57 North Street in Andover,” according to The Andover Patch. “All interested potential buyers are required to attend one of the information sessions to be held at the Memorial Hall Library in September. The dates are Sept. 7 at 7 p.m., Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. or Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.”

Many people are surprised to hear that multiple offers are happening, especially in a real estate market where the media broadcasts gloomy housing and economic data on a daily basis.  Rather than being an anomaly, however,  a well priced home will very likely attract more than one offer.

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.

While it is possible that the seller has an unrealistic expectation about the true market value of his or her home, it’s also possible that the appraisal is inaccurate.  You might ask to see a copy of the appraisal report to see which comparable homes were included in the appraiser’s analysis.  Were the homes truely comparable in terms of size, condition, amenities and location?  Was the appraiser familiar with the neighborhood? When was the appraisal completed?  Most appraisers use only very recent market data in evaluating the value of a home.  Your real estate agent can help you review the appraiser’s report and understand how the appraiser determined the value of the home.  It is possible that the seller, for whatever reason, has overpriced his home. In that case, the buyer would be wise to continue his search for a properly priced home.