How Long Should I Wait Before Buying?
| A young client called, frustrated that she hasn’t found a home that meets her needs. Her name is Julie and she is a newlywed, married this past June. She had hoped to be living in her new home by the fall. Now that the holidays have come and gone, she and her husband are starting the new year disappointed to continue living in her cramped apartment.
When looking for your ideal home, how long should you expect to wait? By “ideal,” we’re talking about location, price range, school system, and, of course, the house itself: design, number of rooms, amount of work to be put into it, etc. One thing we’re finding is certain communities have limited inventory these days. One house may attract a very high number of buyers, and those on a tight budget are often priced out. This can extend the timeline. Choosing the right home for you takes patience, depending on your list of non-negotiables. If you’re willing to settle for something less than what you wanted, you could probably move in within six months. However, buying a home is not the kind of thing you just settle for. It may well be the biggest investment you’ll ever make. It took nearly two years for me to find my home and I’m so glad I waited. It has everything I need in a location I love and it’s a wonderful place for my husband and me to raise our children. I wonder what sacrifices I would have made if I had settled for something that was available but below my expectations. This is the same advice I gave to Julie. Wait. Be patient. It may take more time, but when you see the home you’ve always wanted, you’ll know it–and you won’t regret having waited. Do you know any first-time homebuyers who need help with some of the tough questions related to buying a home or securing an affordable mortgage? Ask them to call me at 617-965-1236. I look forward to answering their questions! |
| January’s Home Value Improver |
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Four Options for Siding Your Home When it comes to making the exterior of your home more attractive, you have several options. The most common ways are to shingle, paint and side. In this month’s home improver, we’ll look at four types of siding for you to choose based on look, durability and price. 1. Wood siding. Wood has a natural, traditional look to it. Best of all, it can be painted any color of your choosing. Another type of wood is cedar shingles, which can also be painted or stained. 2. Vinyl siding. Vinyl is great for homeowners on a budget. Presents a clean, fresh look without spending more than you can afford. Other options in this category are insulated vinyl and shingle vinyl siding. 3. Fiber cement siding. This is in a higher price range and it shows. The texture and look are exceptional. Durability and stability issues are negligible. Options here include vertical siding and trim boards. 4. Composite siding. Ideal for New England homes due to the fact that it is composed of 60% stone and has no wood fibers. This eliminates damage from harsh weather, water and insects. Composite siding is colored, so there’s never a need to paint. People often mistake the embossed woodgrain as actual wood clap board. When it comes to choosing the type of siding for our home, I recommend working with a licensed and experienced home improvement company. |