The Primary Home Sale Tax Break Exemption To qualify, the home must have been your primary residence for at least two out of the five years before the sale. These don't have to be consecutive years. Both the IRS and Massachusetts are in sync on this one and offer a significant tax break called the Home Sale Exclusion, which allows single filers to exclude up to $250,000 of the gain from Continue Reading
Boston Area Fall 2022 Market Update
Greater Boston Real Estate Market Remains Stronger Than Much Of The Country While headlines are shouting about a declining real estate market the fact is that statistics show that, unlike many U.S. cities, there is still a severe shortage of properties for sale in most of Greater Boston Boston's communities. We are still a long way from an oversupply of homes for sale and the 3 to 6 month Continue Reading
Sam’s three strike rule for home and condo buyers
To put things in perspective for our buyer-clients, when we are working with buyers and come across a property that has issues that limit its appeal, we often discuss “Sam’s three strike rule”. Here it is: If a property has one issue but is otherwise great, some, but not all buyers may overlook that issue and buy the property. If it’s an average property, more buyers are likely to Continue Reading
Summer 2022 – Buyer’s Real Estate Market Report
The Greater Boston real estate market is tracking about as expected in our Spring Market Report, however, the rapid increase in recent mortgage interest rates since that report has decreased their buying power more than expected for many buyers. Home prices have remained stable because there is still strong demand and low supply, however, homes are not getting bid up as Continue Reading
Summer 2022 – Boston Real Estate Market Report
The Greater Boston real estate market is tracking about as expected in our Spring Market Report, however, the rapid increase in recent mortgage interest rates since that report has decreased their buying power more than expected for many buyers. Home prices have remained stable because there is still strong demand, however, they are not getting bid up as frequently or as high Continue Reading
FAQ on Asbestos
Some Frequently Asked Questions & Answers about Asbestos from the EPA Site The information below has been sourced and quoted on June 10, 2022 from the Environmental Protection Agency’s website: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/asbestosfaqs_0.pdf How do I know if I have asbestos in my home (in floor tile, ceiling tile, shingles, siding, Continue Reading
Spring 2022 – Boston Real Estate Market Report
After the Easter-Passover holiday weekend the Massachusetts real estate market typically swings into high gear... or this year we should say even HIGHER gear, again! Over the last year, the average U.S. homeowner saw a whopping $55,000 increase in their home equity! How long can this appreciation rate last, especially with interest rates heading up? Are we likely to see the real Continue Reading
Does It Stay Or Does It Go?
Many home buyers and home sellers are confused about what remains with a home or condo at the time of the sale. “Real Estate”, also known as real property, is defined as immovable fixed property, principally land and buildings. That definition includes anything that is attached to the walls of a building. Those items are known as fixtures. Anything that is not attached to the house is the Continue Reading
2021 – 6 month Greater Boston Real Estate Market Update
July 2021 Greater Boston Real Estate Market Update Good times for sellers and homeowners! The real estate market during the first six months of 2021 has been the best seller's market and toughest buyer's market that we have ever seen. Homeowners and sellers have seen strong price appreciation as a result of a shortage of property for sale. Intense competition between buyers has resulted in Continue Reading
5 Inspiring Home Design and Remodeling Trends for 2021
We’ve all spent a lot more time at home over the past year. And for many of us, our homes have become our office, our classroom, our gym—and most importantly, our safe haven during times of uncertainty. So it’s no surprise to see that design trends for 2021 revolve around soothing color palettes, cozy character, and quiet retreats. Even if you don't have immediate plans to buy or sell your Continue Reading
