March 14th

Well this Sunday is March 14th.  This is when we set AHEAD our clocks.  Yes we loose an hour, but we get more of an evening to enjoy.  Before we know it....it will be light out still at 7:30pm. I know it does not seem like it now but just you wait the Spring ushers in those long Summer days to come.  Enjoy this Spring I intend too.  So set those clocks AHEAD this Saturday night, but mentally.....jump into Spring!!

Oh another thing about March 14th, it's my Birthday!!!

Picket Fence Bench

So here is my picket fence bench and one painted.  Just wondering if I'll paint mine this Spring.  It needs a face lift.

A few of my Pics

Here are a few of my pics I have taken between here in MA to ME of New England barns.  I will be taking more pics of barns I just love these old Americana structures.

When selling your home it's so important to hire someone who is knowledgeable in helping you to get the best possible price for your home.  It is hard for the seller most of the time to be objective about their home.  After all it's been "your space", "your home".  Now you must look at your home as the potential buyers home.  How is this done?  It's a process but it does not have to be a difficult one.  

1. Get information: Hire a real estate agent to help you get on your way to selling your home.

2. Allow this person to give their professional opinion about your homes current state. How to get your home ready for sale. 

3. Some easy tasks to get started:
   a. de-clutter
   b. clean, clean, clean
   c. take down dated wallpaper-pic a current neutral color to paint.
   d. paint risers to stairs, paint the front door to give it a face lift.

   e. Examine your bathroom, and kitchen with your agent.  What improvements if any are needed to spruce up these rooms.  Remember new prospective buyers eye you must now adopt.

   

   f. Clean, simple, nuetral, clear flow of pathways.

   g. Remember: you are selling, your thumbprint is being removed and a clean canvas is being created for the new prospective buyer. 

There are many more ideas and suggestions in preparing a home for the market.  A real estate agent is versed in this area of preparing a home for sale.  Hire an agent, trust your agent!
Thanks, Karen

Does this winter weather affect selling real estate?

                Can our winter weather with the slush and snow and frigid temps get in the way of selling real estate?  I say of course if the weather is dangereous to travel in then yes, stay where you are and we will reschdule.  However..... the serious buyer will be looking at homes and what is for sale... no matter what.  I will accomadate that serious buyer the best that I can and  make those appointments and show the buyer properties   I won't say we real estate agents are like the mailman, but close.  We go out and brave the elements.  So for the most part I will answer " no" real estate goes on regardless of the New England winters.

As Your Listing Agent.....

I take alot of pride in saying these next few words...which are... I accompany brokers/agents when showing my listings. I feel that is part of my service to the seller, my client. I will set up appointments for the buyer's agent to come and view the listing I have and will make sure I can be there.  What do I do? Here'sjust a few things I do for my seller:

     1. I arrive a few minutes before the expected agent and their client and open up the home. 

            2. I will make sure the home is presentable, (the seller always does) but I like to just make sure.

     3. I like to put lights on, (if needed), Lights create a warm feeling as well as a function.

     4. I make sure doors are open, garage door openers are in hand and available, to operate for the agent to show their prospective buyers.

     5. If there are any questions who knows best the answers than me the listing agent, and I am there to give the answer right on the spot.

     6. I allow the agent with the buyer to show my listing property without me right beside them but my presense is there.

     7. I just might be able to also "get an idea" how serious of a buyer this person is who is interested in the home I've listed.  This helps because I am getting some "instant" feed-back.  Which in turn I can give to my seller.

     8. One thing also by me being at my sellers showings (and not just slapping a lock-box on the door and having an agent show with out me)..is I get to meet the agent face to face, and my sellers potential buyer.

     9. I am able to make sure for myself and for my sellers that their property is just how they left it, for the showing.  Doors that were are shut.  The garage is closed securely, and the doors to the home are locked and secure.

    10. My seller has entrusted me as their listing agent and this is a service that I feel I must do.

If you are thinking of selling let MJ& Associates Real Estate help you. It would be our pleasure to serve you.  Karen

The #1 Question I'm asked?

     The number one question I am asked as a real estate agent is....yes you know what it is "Karen, how's the market"?  That is a very general question, a loaded question because the "housing market" is vast.  It pertains to the "seller" to the "buyer" to the "investor with deep pockets", and to the banks.  When I say banks I don't just mean the lendors, I am also referring to the banks who are holding the notes to the forclosured properties.  So you see the question has to be more specific.  Are you buying?  Are you thinking of buying an investment property?  Are you thinking of selling?  So with the #1 question that is directed toward me I have to return with the above questions to give an answer.

     I will say this in todays housing market the public has so much information at their fingertips to educate themselves, but it is always wise to consult with a professional real estate person.  You will be correctly directed in your real estate needs.  So, I love that #1 question to be asked to me, it opens up lots of real estate converstation, which is my passion.