Why Holiday House Hunting Makes Sense

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Yeah, we get it. The weather outside is frightful. You haven’t even started holiday shopping. Family is expected any minute. Why in the world would you start looking for a home now — or worse, or in the dead of winter?

Most families wait for the spring market to rev up. More houses are available and that means it’s easier to find a great deal, right? Not necessarily. Here’s why.

The winter can be a great time to purchase a home, especially for buyers without kids or with grown children. No worries about changing schools or making sure they get enrolled for the fall.

There is also a lot less competition. Last year’s peak market had buyers waiving home inspections and increasing down payments — doing whatever they could to get a leg up on other eager buyers while making purchases nearly impossible for those on a tight budget. Because of this, waiting for the spring market can be a mistake. Winter can be a very good time to buy.

So yes, the spring has more inventory, but that brings more buyers. When you look for homes at this time of year, you’ll have a better chance at avoiding aggressive bidding wars. Sellers who list during this time are typically ready to move as soon as possible due to job changes, relocating, downsizing or retiring. They tend to be less ambitious in their asking price. And although it’s never a guarantee, interest rates tend to be lower in a softer market.

If your Thanksgiving dinner conversation includes a friend or family member talking about buying a home — or if you’re considering it yourself — please give me a call at 617-965-1236.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for all of you — friends, family, colleagues and clients.

You have supported me and made Westchester Mortgage successful for many years. I am so grateful for the friendships, connections, and long-lasting, meaningful relationships I’ve built with so many of you over the years. It means so much to me!

My favorite part of my work is helping those who needed guidance in getting approved for a mortgage. People who had no idea that together we could figure out how to come up with a down payment, or navigate through all the variables related to their homes and finances following a divorce or breakup. These are the times I feel like I’m making a difference in peoples’ lives. It means everything to me. I am truly thankful.

So whether you’re celebrating with family and friends or going it solo this year, I wanted to wish you all a wonderful, healthy and happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Home Improver: The Great Cranberry Sauce Debate

It’s that time of year again. Forget about turkey, football, and family — and avoid talk of politics entirely if possible. Instead, focus on that other hot topic that’s become a Thanksgiving tradition: canned or fresh? Yes, it’s time for the Umpteenth Annual Great Cranberry Sauce Debate.

Let’s not kid ourselves here. Fresh cranberry sauce is the only choice for foodies with sophisticated palates. It has the consistency of jam and let’s be honest–it’s far more of an actual sauce than the tart, jellied blob that comes a-slidin’ out of the can. When it comes to pure fruit flavor, there is no debate: fresh cranberry wins in a landslide.

But there’s another side of the argument. For many generations, canned cranberry sauce is both a tradition and a guilty pleasure. Just look at it. It retains the shape of the can, including those lines which canned purists feel adds some extra texture and mouth feel that takes them back to the happy and carefree days of their youth.

Here’s our take: Yeah, we get it. Fresh cranberry sauce tastes great. However, Thanksgiving comes but once a year, and it’s a holiday of family and traditions. That’s enough for us. Slide out that bouncy jellied blob, slice it up and serve it next to the turkey and stuffing!

Solutions for Separations

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Divorces and separations can be very stressful and complex situations to resolve. They are especially difficult when homes and children are involved.

How do you work out a fair arrangement? Can child support be extended? How do figure out what to do when one partner leaves and the other stays?

This is another reason why working with professionals and asking the right questions can reduce the anxiety and help you financially. We all know that attorneys will be involved, but sometimes asking your mortgage broker for advice can be a big help. I’m happy to partner with attorneys and mediators to be a sounding board for things like debt-to-income ratio calculations, housing budgets, realistic mortgage payment options, and income sources. I do not give legal advice but I understand what attorneys look for and provide them with helpful information.

Over the years, I have worked with clients in these situations and offered advice that has made a difference in their lives. Recently I worked with a couple to arrange a buyout when one partner stayed in the home while the other bought a condo nearby and needed a new mortgage. This involved a re-finance on the home which resulted in a lower rate, and the mortgage on the condo.

Recently, I helped a divorcing woman buy her husband out of the family home. She needed the child support to count as part of her income. The underwriter looked at the children’s ages (18+) and initially declined it. But I knew the kids were still living at home with their mom when not in school. With the help of a family law attorney who provided Massachusetts-specific statutes around this issue, I was able to ultimately get it approved when it would otherwise have been declined.

If you or someone you know is thinking of separating or is in the process of divorcing, it’s worth your time to discuss your options with me. Give me a call at 617-965-1236.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

Autum Musings

The fall season is here and it’s starting to feel like it outside. Mornings are darker and chillier. Leaves are changing color. Pumpkin spice is everywhere. Here are a few things you may not know about the fall.

  1. Leaves don’t actually change color. Well, they do, but they’ve had those colors all along.
    Those stunning red, orange, and yellow pigments are actually present all year; they’re hiding under the surface. When sunlight diminishes in fall, chlorophyll breaks down, letting the plant’s hidden red, yellow, and orange hues shine.
  2. Squirrels get smarter in the fall. When they bury nuts and seeds in hundreds of scattered hiding places that serve as emergency winter reserves, a typical squirrel shows a 15 percent increase in the size of its hippocampus –the memory and emotion center of the brain –compared to the rest of the year.
  3. In foliage-blessed states like ours, “leaf peeping” is a $3 billion dollar business in New England, where millions of out-of-state visitors flock to take in the changing colors.
  4. In Massachusetts, the most popular Halloween candy is Butterfinger. Here’s a map with the most popular Halloween candy by state.

October’s Home Improver: Using the Whole Pumpkin

OK, so for years you’ve mastered the art of pumpkin carving. Your jack-o-lanterns are the envy of the neighborhood. But what have you done with the inside of the pumpkin? Did you just scoop it out and toss it in the trash? If you did, you’ve missed out on the benefits of this versatile member of the squash family.

  1. Pumpkin Stew. It may sound weird, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Pumpkin in stew adds texture and flavor that will make you want to use it for every stew you cook this fall. It’s also delicious (and full of nutrients) in your Chili.
  2. Pumpkin Pie. Where do you get your pumpkin pie? At the store? Come on now! You just pulled the main ingredient out of your Halloween pumpkin. Make a pie out of it!
  3. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. After you’ve taken the time to carefully pick out the, I don’t know, million or so pumpkin seeds, don’t toss them! Roast them.
  4. Make a Cocktail. This Pumpkin Spice cocktail is described as “interesting” by the author, but hey, it’ll be a big hit with the adults at your Halloween party!
  5. Feed the Animals. If you are allowed to feed wildlife that may be passing by your home, consider carving up your pumpkin into chunks after Halloween and leaving it out for deer and other animals who might enjoy it.

Refinancing? Assess Before You Say Yes

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There’s been a recent re-financing boom like we haven’t seen in a few years, when rates dipped to their lowest in decades. Now the fed has dropped rates below 4% and homeowners are considering refinancing now because rates may never be this low again.

Currently the rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is at 3.94%, which is the lowest it’s been since November of 2016. For perspective, the rate was 4.71% a year ago and 4.20% just four weeks ago.

Seeing this sharp decline makes refinancing very attractive to homeowners, but let’s look at three questions you may want to ask yourself before pulling the trigger on a refinance.

Can you say yes to the following?

  1. With the new proposed rate, will I consistently save $80 or more per month off my current mortgage payment?
  2. Am I in a position to eliminate my mortgage insurance based on the remaining balance of my current mortgage and increased property values?
  3. Will I be able to recoup the cost of this refinance in under two years?

If you said yes to all three, then you’re probably in a strong position to refinance your mortgage. If you answered yes to at least one, get in touch and let’s determine if a refi is right for you.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

Happy Independence Day!

This year is flying by and I hope you’re all squeezing in a little vacation time, even if you’re just taking a few days off to relax and not think about work for a while.

Many families will be away over the next few weeks. Whether you’ve planned a fun getaway or you’re simply barbecuing in the backyard with friends and family, time away from the daily grind is essential for recharging your body and brain.

If you are afforded vacation time by your employer and don’t take it, you’re doing yourself (and your company) a disservice.

Research consistently shows the health benefits of taking vacation time, like improved productivity, lower stress and better mental health.

So take that vacation (or staycation) and enjoy yourself this summer. You’ve earned it!

June’s Home Improver: Keep Bugs Out of Your Home This Summer

You may have noticed the spring has been particularly rainy and damp this year. You may not have loved it, but the many species of insects thrive on it. That means a summer filled with mosquitoes, ticks, ants, beetles, houseflies, spiders, centipedes and stink bugs.

Those creepy crawlies are bad enough outdoors, but they’re far more annoying when they invade your home. So what can you do to keep those invasive bugs out of your house? Here are a few tips:

  1. Pest control. If you live in a heavily wooded area and you regularly find insects crawling or flying around the house, you may want to call a professional to spray the rooms of your home.
  2. Declutter, clean, vacuum and sweep. Critters love a mess and thrive under boxes, in dark corners and in your carpet. The more you clean, the less chance of infestation.
  3. Seal your doors. The tiniest space in your door is a giant welcome sign to an insect. Head on over to your home improvement center and buy an inexpensive but effective door sweep.
  4. Repair or replace screens. See that tiny hole in your window screen? So do hundreds of creatures flying by and they will make themselves right at home if you don’t take care of it.

Honorable mention: Get some bats! Bats eat insects like people eat potato chips. You can’t have just one. In fact, the average American bat eats up to 1,200 mosquito-sized insects every hour, and each bat usually eats 6,000 to 8,000 insects each night.

When the Best Rate Isn’t the Best Deal

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It can be frustrating when anxious homebuyers call to see if I can match a rate from a big bank because they think they are getting the best deal–and in a way they are, at least on paper. But there’s so much more to consider.

When a client calls me and says they heard about a super-low rate on a 15-year fixed loan, they are thinking in the short-term and it’s my job to talk to them about the ramifications of diving into a loan that could potentially cripple their financial future.

This is what separates me from the competition. I’m not afraid to talk people out of a deal that could leave them with mortgage-buyer’s remorse just weeks after they sign the contract.

I don’t believe in assembly line mortgages that get rubber-stamped just because the buyer qualifies for it. Those companies pay little attention to how your long-term financial well-being is addressed.

I believe strongly in the analysis of each homebuyer’s unique situation and then acting as a sounding board for them to find the right programs and consultants to help them make the smartest decision possible. For example, they may need to meet with a CPA or Financial Advisor first.

Walk into a big bank and the starting point is typically, “What can you afford?” They’re starting with their endgame in mind, telling you about the great rate but not necessarily caring if the payment is too high or if they’ve chosen the right program for you.

Buying a home takes time, care and analysis on my part to help you find the best path to secure and pay off your mortgage. Call me at 617-965-1236 to discuss how I can help.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

Happy 4/20!

That’s the numerical code for marijuana’s high holiday, and millions will be lighting up this afternoon to pay tribute to their favorite weed — for medicinal purposes, of course!

So where did 4/20 (or 4:20) come from? Back in 1971, five high school seniors from San Francisco took a break to take a toke and the code 4:20 soon caught on and “went viral” in the days before things went viral.

My husband, Dr. Kevin Hill, published a book on marijuana and is an expert in his field on the subject. Find out more about it here.

April’s Home Improver: Caulk vs. Grout: What’s the Difference?

There are several choices you must make in life: Democrat or Republican? Cat or Dog? Red Sox or Yankees? But no question confounds the average homeowner more than grout vs. caulk.

You didn’t think they were the same, did you? No worries. It’s a common mistake. While they may look similar, each has a specific function for your tile.

Grout is a kind of cement, and because of its porous properties, water can filter through it. It’s perfect for holding your tiles in place. Unfortunately, it’s less effective at the “joints” where the walls come together and where the walls meet the floor.

Movement happens in all houses. They settle or shift on the foundation. This is what causes those cracks in the grout. Using caulk in these areas is the better solution.

You may have noticed mold and mildew between the tiles and joints. It’s best to scrape it out and start fresh, eliminating grout and using only caulk.

Caulk is flexible and can help absorb movement so it’s the better choice for wall or floor joints. It won’t crack and will keep your tiles work looking newer for a longer period. Remember to apply it smoothly and accurately to avoid uneven lines and drips.

Finding the Money for Your Downpayment

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In an ideal world you’ll have saved enough money for the downpayment on your home and you’ll be easily approved for your new mortgage. Unfortunately we don’t live in an ideal world and certain circumstances can make you feel like you’ve got no choice but to find a way to raise the funds necessary for your downpayment. Some of these scenarios include:

  • Divorce, especially when children are involved
  • Moving out of parents’ home in an uncomfortable situation
  • Skyrocketing rents that are higher than mortgage payments

Reasons like these and others may inspire you to get creative in finding the money you need to buy your home. The one thing you should never do is take out a big loan. Even if your intentions are honorable, your debt-to-income ratio can be skewed to the point where you’ll be instantly turned down. Here are some other ideas:

  1. Borrow from a family member. Yes, this can be dangerous if you’re concerned about paying it back quickly, but if you have the ability to repay the loan, you’ll probably get it at a very low rate of interest or possibly without interest at all. Some families who have money saved may even gift it to you so you won’t have to pay it back unless you want to.
  2. Cash in your 401(k). Be careful here. Severe penalties and taxes could diminish the total. You may have $30,000 saved, but with penalties and tax payments, it could drop that amount to somewhere around $14,000. Still, dire circumstances call for big sacrifices. This is a personal decision that only you can make.
  3. Take a second job. If you can handle it, the extra money should go straight to your downpayment fund. It’s not easy, but millions of Americans hold down multiple jobs and deposit their paychecks directly into a bank account for their downpayment.
  4. Government programs. Veterans can apply for assistance through VA loans. In some cases you won’t need a downpayment for your mortgage and the rate is usually lower than what is offered by commercial lenders.

Making these hard decisions can require some help. I provide my clients the most sensible options for their unique situations and act like a sounding board to help them make the best decisions.

Buying a home takes time, care and analysis on my part to help you find the best path to secure and pay off your mortgage. Call me at 617-965-1236 to discuss how I can help.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

Om

Today is National Meditation Day, so let’s take a moment to focus on the benefits of this ancient practice.
Did you know that more than 380 peer-reviewed research studies on transcendental meditation have been published in over 160 scientific journals?
The research shows that meditating regularly has some very specific health benefits.
  1. Reduced cortisol. This is a stress hormone. Meditating can reduce the release of it. The studies found a noticeable reduction of stroke and heart attack in those with coronary diseases compared with people who did not meditate.
  2. Reduced anxiety and depression.
  3. Improved memory and brain function.
  4. Reduced insomnia.
  5. Greater inner calm.
  6. Normalized blood pressure.
To learn more about different types and techniques of meditation, check out this article from the Mayo clinic.

May’s Home Improver: Know Your Ants!

There are many types of ants crawling in yards, trees and homes around the world. Some are harmless and others, like the notorious bulldog ant of Australia, will bite and sting you until you’re dead.

In Massachusetts, we mostly have kindler, gentler ants, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be aggressive and hazardous to your health.

Let’s start with the common little black ant. What’s he doing in your house and why is he traveling with so many friends? He’s probably foraging for food. If you’ve ever seen a long trail of ants heading for your trash bin or trudging towards an errant fruit loop, it’s because they’re hungry. They won’t bite you but they have a sweet tooth, so be careful what you leave around the house.

Next, we have the flying ant, also called the swarmer. Mostly harmless, but menacing. I hate these things! Who thought it was a cool idea to give ants wings? I suppose its better than a flying rat, but aren’t those just bats?

OK, time for some next-level ant toughness. The carpenter ant. Now don’t expect them to make you a bookshelf. Their name implies that they’re workers, but they can be quite destructive. Carpenter ants
enjoy infesting wood that’s been weakened by moisture. Some people mistake their them for termites when they gather during mating season. But carpenter ants don’t actually eat wood like termites. Instead, they destroy wood by burrowing down into it and building nests. Fun!

Finally we have the fire ant. Stay away from these freaks! The good news is they’ll probably avoid coming into your home. But if their nest is upset in the yard, they get mean. They have no problem racing after you and stinging you (yes, they both bite and sting). The stings are very painful and can be dangerous for people and pets with certain allergies. Lucky for us, these fire ants aren’t the same as the venomous South American fire ant, which has made its way to Australia and causes millions of dollars in damage every year.

5 Home Improvement Ideas That Increase Value

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Does your home need a few tweaks before putting it on the market? Let’s take a look at the top ways to increase your property value, even if you’re staying in your home for the next several years.

1. Kitchen Remodel. Here’s an opportunity to improve one of the most important rooms in the home from a buyer’s perspective. New cabinets and countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and beautiful floor covering can instantly increase value. But be careful–don’t go too far with your changes. They should be in line aesthetically with the rest of the home and the neighborhood.

2. Bathroom Addition. Only one bathroom in the home is a big negative for buyers. According to HGTV, adding a new bathroom can net you up to 130% of your investment.

3. New Windows. Here’s one of the most underrated home improvement ideas. Energy Star-rated windows save on heating costs (as much as $500 annually) and yield a green energy tax credit of 10%.

4. Closet Space. Storage is often an issue for families and spacious walk-in closets are big selling point for potential buyers. Even small changes like additional shelving and hooks can make the most of limited closet space. Don’t underestimate the need for proper storage, especially for homebuyers with one or more children.

5. Curb Appeal. When we think of increasing property value, we often focus on the dwelling itself and overlook the all-important first impression people have when seeing your home from the outside. Even before walking through the door, you’ll need to present a well-lit, painted (or sided) home with a manicured lawn, trimmed hedges, and a clean, family-friendly backyard. A landscaper is a good start, but consider a landscape designer first if your home needs a new look from the outside.

Home improvements can be costly but necessary for a solid ROI. Need help figuring out how to finance them? I can help. Call me at 617-965-1236.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

It’s No Treat to Be Tricked Into a Mortgage

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You may have noticed that once you apply for a mortgage, you are almost instantly flooded with emails, calls and letters of pre-approval from competing mortgage companies, even though you’ve never contacted them.
Don’t be fooled into thinking your mortgage company is selling or sharing your information. What’s happening is a function of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This law permits consumer credit reporting companies like Experian, Equifax and Transunion to add your name to lists of companies that provide mortgages, credit or insurance. This process is triggered automatically upon the initial credit check for your mortgage.
The onslaught of calls and mail can be prevented, especially when you’re already working with a mortgage professional you trust. The companies soliciting you may very well be legitimate enterprises, but it’s always a risk when you are unsure about their business practices, service and attention.
To opt out by phone, call 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit OptOutPrescreen.com.
When you opt out online or by phone, your name will be removed from lists for five years. If you would like to permanently opt out, you’ll need to fill out a form downloaded from the OptOut site and mail it in.
Note: Your credit score will not be affected by these companies and they do not have permission to run additional credit checks. All they can do is send you firm offers of pre-screening or pre-approval.
For more information, download this pdf from the Federal Reserve.

October’s Home Improver

Do I Need a Backup Generator?

No matter where you live in the United States, there is always the possibility of a weather-related incident that could leave you without power for days or even weeks.
Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and blizzards are all capable of leaving you without electricity. A backup generator can keep you safe and comfortable until power is restored. It also keeps your refrigerator cool so you don’t have to throw out all your food that would otherwise spoil.
There are two common types of generators: the standby and the portable. The standby generator is also called a “whole house” generator. It is installed permanently outside your home and it runs on either propane or natural gas. The minute you lose power, the generator kicks in and power is restored almost immediately. This type of generator is recommended for homes that are prone to hurricanes and flooding.
The portable generator is usually powered by gasoline or diesel fuel, though natural gas and propane portables may also be available. These are ideal for rare power outages lasting only a short time. Although they are significantly smaller and cheaper than standby generators, they should be used with caution. Because of the carbon monoxide discharge, there is a major risk of poisoning if the generator is run indoors or in crawlspaces, garages or any enclosed fixture. Be sure to run it outdoors only.

Tax Advantages of Your Mortgage

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It’s tax time already. Although we get a few extra days with this year’s tax deadline falling on April 18th, we’re only a month away. Today we’re discussing the tax advantages and incentives that come with owning a mortgaged home.
If you have recently purchased or are planing to buy a new home, you may not be aware of the significant tax breaks that come from your mortgage and your home itself.
One of the largest tax breaks for homeowners is the
deduction of interest paid for the year. By now, you should have received documentation from your lender indicating the total interest you’ve paid.
Have you recently refinanced? There is a tax benefit. Because you pay more interest than principal in your first few years of a new mortgage, your deductions are higher.
Your property taxes are also a major deduction, especially if you are in a highly taxed city or town. This also applies to homeowners without a mortgage to pay.
Home improvement costs may lead to additional tax breaks. Look for the Energy Star logo on new appliances in your home. Energy-saving water heaters, windows, doors and more may give you a bigger tax break than you had imagined. Check out the Energy Star website to see which changes to your home are tax deductible.
I strongly recommend you meet with a tax professional to understand the opportunities for tax deductions and learn of other breaks you may qualify for as a homeowner. Need a recommendation? I have someone I trust who can help. Call me at 617-965-1236 for the referral or to answer any mortgage-related questions.
Ready to purchase a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

March’s Home Improver
When Should I Seed My Lawn?
A beautiful, green, well-kept lawn makes your home more attractive to potential buyers while becoming the envy of your neighbors who struggle with patchy grass that just can’t compete.
Here are some grass-growing secrets that can help you upgrade your home’s curb appeal.
1. When is the best time to seed my lawn? You would think it would be right now, with the first day of spring just a few days away. Typically, the best time to seed a lawn is in the fall. This is due to cooling temperatures and soil that isn’t too moist from melting snow and seasonal rains.
2. What problems may I run into by seeding now? Cool soil temperatures can slow or prevent seed germination. Springtime weeds can sometimes be a cause for concern.
3. Can I use a weed killer? Bad idea. Liquid and granular weed preventers can prevent germination and kill immature seedlings. In effect, you’re killing weeds and your grass at the same time. The rule of thumb is to work on weeds only after your young grass has been mowed at least four times.
4. What are my options for spring seeding? First, test your soil. Most turf grasses work best with neutral soil. Ask your landscaper to test it before planting. If it’s a DIY project, you can buy a soil test kitfor under $25. Also, be sure to choose a grass that works best for New England climate and sun exposure.
5. How do I improve my lawn quickly before putting it on the market? Calling a professional is always recommended. An experienced landscaper has the knowledge to get the seeding job done with a better chance of success than a homeowner who is not working in lawn care on a daily basis. It may be well worth the investment if your current lawn is an eyesore and you’re getting ready to list your home.
6. What about sod? If you need a lawn in a hurry, sod is the way to go. Although the initial cost is higher and lots of watering is critical, your instant lawn is installed free of weeds and can be walked on very soon after it’s planted.

3 Ways to Stay Ahead of the Competition

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Just because you’ve found the home of your dreams doesn’t mean you’re going to move into it. Many factors including price, location, inventory and time of year may bring in multiple offers from eager buyers. So how can you gain an advantage over the competition? Here are three helpful tips:

1. Pre-approval. Before you even start looking for homes, meeting with your mortgage professional is critical. A pre-approval means you have provided documentation of income and assets. This is different from pre-qualifying, which is typically done in conversation wherein you talk about your income and assets. It’s virtually meaningless until you back up what you say with the paperwork for pre-approval. Also, you should know how much you’re willing to put down. The stronger the downpayment, the more confidence the seller has in you and your offer.

2. Waive the Home Inspection. This saves time and money, but is it smart? There is a way around it. Bring a home inspector to the Open House. While you’re checking out the size of the bathroom and imagining your furniture in this house, your home inspector is walking around checking for things like termite or water damage, asbestos, knob-and-tube wiring, heating and AC issues and more.

3. Write a Personal Letter. You may not realize it, but selling a home can be just as stressful to the owner as it is to the buyer. By writing a personal letter, you are making an emotional appeal to a seller who is probably feeling sentimental about the home. Talk about how you would want to raise your family in this home just as they did; that you want your kids to benefit from attending the same school as their kids. Make a genuine appeal that ties your future to their past and that just might be what tips the scales in your favor.

Of course, there are no guarantees. But these suggestions have proven successful for many happy new homeowners. For more ideas, please give me a call at 617-965-1236.

February’s Home Improver
Re-painting Kitchen Cabinets

Replacing your kitchen cabinets can be cost-prohibitive. But what can you do when your formerly new cabinets have lost their looks over the years? If you’re up to the task, painting your cabinets can make them look like new for much less than the cost of replacing them.

Here are step-by-step directions:

1. Remove the cabinet doors and hardware. (Tip: Put a note on each one indicating location so they’ll go back in the right places.)

2. Clean all cabinet surfaces and allow them to dry completely.

3. Sand down the surfaces enough so that the paint adheres and lays flat.

4. Apply primer-sealer first. Let to dry, before painting.

5. Apply paint with a spray, brush or roller (for flat surfaces only). Let it dry. Put hardware back on doors and hang them on the cabinets.

Remember to use a drop cloth and tape off the areas around the cabinets. If you think a project like this is beyond your skill set or patience, hiring a professional painter will still cost significantly less than bringing in all new custom cabinetry. Good luck!

What is TRID and How Does It Affect the Closing Process?

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On October 1, 2015, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau created two new forms designed to protect the home buyer by streamlining two federal acts regulating the mortgage process. The TILA RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID, for short) is now required as part of the closing process to:
  • simplify mortgage documentation
  • use language that is easy to understand
  • limit fees charged to home buyers
  • prevent unexpected issues at closings

The first form (Loan Estimate) replaces the Good Faith Estimate and the Truth in Lending disclosure. It details the mortgage terms, including key features, costs and risks of the mortgage, in clear language that makes it understandable for the buyer.

The second form (Closing Disclosure) replaces the HUD-1 Settlement Statement. It is provided three business days prior to the closing and may not be modified once it is submitted. The new form is designed to provide any and all disclosures that will help clarify all of the costs involved in the purchase of the home. If there are changes after the the Closing Disclosure form is sent, a new three-business-day waiting period applies.
Orchestrating a closing involves a number of variables, including coordinating the closing with the real estate agent and the closing attorney. While TRID protects the buyer, it can cause scheduling delays if the mortgage lender is not managing both the financial obligations and the timeline.
TRID can be a beneficial addition to the mortgage and closing process, but it takes a dedicated mortgage professional to manage it so there are no unexpected delays that affect timing — this also includes the scheduling of your moving company, delivery of appliances, transfer of utilities, time off from work, and more.
If you have questions about TRID or you are preparing to purchase a new home, please get in touch and I’ll be happy to help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

December’s Home Improver

Cleaning Drapes, Curtains, Shades and Blinds

If you’re planning a New Year’s Eve bash and you want everything in your home to look beautiful for your guests, you may want to have a look at your drapes and curtains. When was the last time you had them cleaned? Drapes, curtains, shades and blinds are sometimes overlooked in terms of general housecleaning.
The cleanliness of your window coverings depends on several factors. More frequent cleaning is required for homes that include pets and cigarette smokers. Other factors include dust and dirt entering from drafty windows along with heating and air-conditioning vents, soil kicked up from vacuuming and dust particles falling from ceiling fans.
For the most part, drapes should be cleaned every two years. The best way to tell is to simply have a close look or shake them out in sunlight to see how much dust and pet dander has built up.
If your drapes must be dry-cleaned but you don’t want to go through the drudgery of taking them down and driving them over to your local dry cleaner, there are companies that do in-home cleaning of fine fabrics.
Your curtains, especially if they are machine washable, should be cleaned every six months to a year. Have a look at dusty shades and blinds. Shades are easily cleaned, but discoloration from the sun may be the reason you have them replaced. Blinds, on the other hand, should be vacuumed with the brush attachment or wiped clean with a feather duster. Fabric blinds should be dry-cleaned.
Keeping your window coverings clean adds a freshness to your home that you may not notice until after you clean them. After years of hanging, they collect more dust and dirt than you may have realized.