Real Estate Information Archive

I have attempted to show some of the more outstanding Franklin, MA properties that are currently on the market through these Best Buy lists.  These homes may or may not be my listings, rather they are, in my opinion only, the best choices for the money...

Here is this week's home...

This lovely 10 room, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Contemporary home is located on a 3/4 acre in a very desirable neighborhood in Franklin, MA. 

It offers a spacious 2054 living area and many updates have been done.  Among the many reasons why this is a BEST BUY is that it is in very good condition, it is located in a walk-to-school location and the asking price is $399,900.

If you would like to view this or other metro west of Boston homes, please email me at franklinmahomes@comcast.net or give a call at 508-369-5131.

If you are trying to determine what your home would sell for in today's changing real estate market, give me a call and I can help--without any obligation...

I have attempted to show some of the more outstanding properties that are currently on the market through these Best Buy lists.  These homes may or may not be my listings, rather they are, in my opinion only, the best choices for the money...

Here is this week's home...

This pristine 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath Colonial is in a neighborhood location at 12 Symmes Road, Franklin.  It features a 2 car garage, has some hardwood floors and many updates.  It shows nicely for $369,900.

  If you would like to view this or other metro west of Boston homes, please email me at franklinmahomes@comcast.net or give a call at 508-369-5131.

Finally it seems that appraisals will be more accurate in reflecting the true market value of homes.  It used to be that appraisers were easily swayed by the pressures placed upon them from some Realtors, the bank or other insiders.  A recent lender bulletin from Freddie Mac says appraisers "must be familiar with the local market," select "appropriate comparable sales," and certify them as "most similar" to the property in question.  An appraiser can only include distressed properties in their comparables if those homes represent the majority of properties in that area.

This is a huge benefit to both buyers and sellers.  A homeowner or potential seller can be more certain of the value in their property when it comes time to sell.  A buyer can know exactly what kind of value they are getting in the home.  Local appraisers, just like local Realtors, know their area and its nuances.  Knowing the local market means knowing that certain neighborhoods are worth less than others even though it may not otherwise be indicated on paper to an outsider.

These new restrictions are sure to bring back a stronger housing market instead of the less than "above board" ways of the past few years.

If you are not sure what your home is worth, please feel free to call or email me at 508-369-5131 or franklinmahomes@comcast.net.  I promise to provide you a no cost, pressure-free estimate that will be within $10,000 of your final selling amount.

What exactly is home value?  Some people would say that buying the cheapest home is the best value but that may not be the wisest route to take.  Some buyers have gone against advice and purchased in distant towns with minimal industry just because the price was significantly lower.  However, as the market has downturned, those same areas became foreclosure meccas as people were laid off. 

Home value really is all about the best balance between low price, reasonable taxes and the optimal location.  Most of us cannot "have it all" but we can certainly try to get the best we can for our money.  If a home is structurally sound, well-cared for, in a good location and in a town that has held up to the downturns of the market, a buyer can rest assured that a purchase at a decent price will provide good appreciation within a few years.  This purchase will become a good investment as long as the buyer stays put for at least  3-4 years.

This entry will focus on the typical first time buyer couple who may be searching in the west of Boston suburbs, such as Franklin, Massachusetts for example. Their concerns may be the neighborhood location, tax rates and quality of the schools as well as price affordability.

My advice to a young couple on a tight budget is to focus on the most stable towns regarding appreciation rates and chose the smallest home in the best condition in a good neighborhood.  It does not matter if there is only one bath.  What really matters is that the couple maintain the home, keep the lighting/paint updated so that when it is time to upsize in a few years the sale will be relatively effortless.  It really does not make sense to expand a home when there are many similarly-sized homes in the neighborhood because you will only raise everyone else's valuation.  Many expanded homes seem out of line with the others around them and often do not flow well. It is best to sell when you have outgrown its size and put money into the next purchase.  Of course, any costly roof, window or kitchen improvements will be attractive to the next buyer.

A buyer can be easily enticed by low prices but many other things must be taken into account.  A resale in a few years is likely so a good Buyer agent will always remind a buyer of these important issues.

Please call or email me if you could use guidance as you prepare to search for homes.