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Recently perceived changes to the structure of real estate commissions haven’t really changed things much at all. This was noted in the Professional Insights article published in the Dec. 18, 2024, issue of the Hopkinton Independent. Many home buyers have long had the...
The inflation rate is closer to the Federal Reserve's target of 2%, sitting at 2.7% as of December 2024; a significant decline from 9.1% in June 2022. The Fed cut its rates for the first time in four years on Sept. 19, 2024, from 5.5% to 4.5% on Dec 18, 2024, and...
As most have heard, changes with how real estate commissions are structured for buyer agents have “changed.” Well, not really. In 2019, Midwest anti-trust lawsuits claimed sellers were paying inflated costs, that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) was...
Doesn’t it feel good to turn a healthy profit in a real estate transaction? Selling your property can be a lucrative move, but capital gains taxes can reduce your profits. Understanding how to reduce these taxes allows you to keep more money in your pocket. In...
Looking to enhance your retirement income? Real estate investing is a great option. We all know saving for retirement is important. Diversification is key, so why not add some real estate investments to your traditional investment portfolio? Whether your interest lies...
Thinking about selling and wondering what improvements will yield the biggest return on your investment? Let’s start with the entryway! Curb appeal is the first impression. With the snow gone, now is a great time to walk around the home and see how it fared over the...
Spring has arrived, and the real estate market is blossoming alongside the flowers. If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, spring and early summer offer a strategic advantage for sellers. Trends in home sales show that sellers could potentially get...
Whether you’re buying or refinancing your home, getting a home appraisal is crucial for securing a mortgage or determining the fair market value when buying or selling a property. Real estate agents are not licensed appraisers. They can provide a comparative market...
According to Forbes Magazine, in 2021 there were almost 700,000 divorces reported by 45 states. Divorce is thought of as an ending, but it’s also the beginning of a new life for all involved, so it’s crucial to wrap up loose ends and let everyone move on without being...
We all hear about homes selling so quickly because there is no inventory, but we may not realize all the prep work that goes into getting those homes ready. Real estate agents often are called in months in advance of selling a home, as people want to plan ahead and...
When it comes to finding your ideal home, there are many factors to consider. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in the details, but don’t overlook the importance of finding a home that’s the perfect size for you. Consider how many people will live in your new home. Are...
Have you ever seen a classified ad for a used car that reads, “Take over payments?” When it comes to houses, the same thing might be possible. An assumable mortgage is what is sounds like — a mortgage that’s assumed by someone else other than the original mortgage...
Home inspections are an invaluable part of the home-buying process when you’re making a decision on one of the biggest investments in your life. Your real estate agent can tell you things like how a house is priced in relation to “comps” (comparable properties)...
With the last heatwave of summer behind us, the arrival of fall is a good time to start thinking about winterizing your home. This is especially important if you are a snowbird who’ll be spending the colder months elsewhere. A good place to start is by cleaning out...
