Find a home in Boston, MA, Wellesley, MA, and Needham, MA

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Laughead — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:18:40 +0000

It is almost summertime and the living is easy. But there is some preventative work you will want to do around the house before those lazy days of summer move in. A few quick and easy tasks will have you enjoying your home all summer and for many years to come.

Clean and care for deck
Wash all outdoor furniture
Clean and repair siding and look for loose pieces
Maintain yard growth by trimming the hedges, weeding and mulching
Test and lubricate garage door
Remove rust on railings and repaint if necessary
Check skylights for leaks
Change filters in furnace and air conditioners
Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

What are some of your favorite things to do to get your home ready for summer?

Watering tips for the summer.

Laughead — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:09:52 +0000

With warmer weather comes greater lawn-care responsibilies. If you want your yard looking top-notch this spring, then adequate hydration is key to keeping your lawn green, healthy, and growing. During warmer months, your lawn should be soaking up about an inch of rain a week to ensure adequate root hydration. Unfortunately, New England doesn’t always provide rain like clockwork. When this happens, it’s up to us to guarantee our lawns the proper amount of water.

A good sprinkler system will keep your lawn hydrated and happy. But before you run out and buy a few old-fashioned sprinklers, take a moment to consider other options, like a time-controlled sprinkler system. While they are more expensive, they take a lot of the guesswork out of your watering. Below, I’ll list the various types of sprinklers and sprinkler systems, and the types of yards they are most effective in.

Fixed Sprinklers – Ideal for small lawns, shrubbery, or ground cover, these sprinklers spray a fan of water in all directions at once. This type of sprinkler is also very useful in areas that are hard to reach with conventional watering methods.

Impact Sprinklers – These sprinklers spray a jet of water that gets slightly interrupted every few seconds, causing water to cover more ground, and effectively mimicking natural rainfall. These are the types of sprinkers that make the “clicking” sound that we are used to hearing. While not as widely used as they once were, they are still in use in many lawns that are too cumbersome and large to be taken care of by a fixed sprinkler. Another great advantage of the impact sprinkler is its resistance to clogging, which makes it the ideal candidate for homes that use well water.

Drip Hoses – These are ideal for long strips of lawn, raised vegetable or flower beds, and irregularly-shaped lawns, with the added bonus of being environmentally friendly. Because of evaporation and runoff, most sprinkler systems use more water than they need to. Drip hoses release water directly into the ground, putting water where its needed most; the roots. The drip hose is generally laid out in a pattern, and waters your lawn and garden through small holes spaced throughout the hose. The water pressure generated is also very low, which adds a bonus to people who live in areas where water use may be restriced in the drier months.

In-Ground Sprinklers – While this option will cost more to install, the aesthetic benefits of an easily-concealable irrigation system cannot be denied. In-ground systems can vary from simple layouts with fixed times, to sophisticated systems that utilize many different types of sprinklers, and operate on a need-for-water basis. If you were to decide to install the system yourself, you’ll first need to obtain the layout of the pipes and lines in your property before digging your ditches. Doing the installation yourself will generally save you about 60% in total costs, but will require a fair amount of work on your part. For more information on how to self-install an in-ground sprinkler system, as well as pricing, please visit the following link.
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,641780,00.html

How to Find a Qualified Home Inspector

Laughead — Mon, 06 May 2013 11:16:11 +0000

A home is a very big purchase in your life and one of the most important things you can do before you buy your new home. It can be difficult to find a qualified home inspector. You will want to make sure to do your homework before paying for a home inspection. Here are some tips to help you get on the right track and finding the right home inspector.

Ask for opinions.
Ask your friends and your real estate agent who they recommend who have had an inspection recently. You can also ask the inspector for references. Word of mouth is always a great way to find a reliable professional.

Check with your lender
Some lenders or loan types require a certain type of inspection. You will want to make sure your inspector qualifies and you obtain the necessary type of inspection.

Ask what the inspection covers
No two home inspections are the same so you will want to be sure to know what you are paying for. Ask questions like:

What systems are covered in the home inspection?

Are there some services that require an extra fee?

Ask for an example or outline of the inspection report.

Ask for a resume or background questions

Where was the inspector trained?

Does he or she attend continuing education classes?

Does the inspector belong to a professional organization?
If so, what are the requirements for membership? Entry should require more than just an application fee.

Does the inspector carry Errors & Omissions insurance? This type of malpractice insurance may come in handy if the inspector overlooks a major problem.

At the inspection
A home inspection is not only a time to find the potential pitfalls it can also be a time to learn about your new home. Make sure to attend the inspection yourself. Witnessing problems first-hand will give you a better grasp of the home.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Vacation Home

Laughead — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:14:04 +0000

You have earned it, you have saved your money and now is the time to buy that vacation home you have been wishing for. Buying a second home can be a very different experience than purchasing a primary residence.

So, if you are in the market for a vacation home, there are some things you will need to consider first:

●What is the purpose of the home? Are you buying the second home for vacation or investment? Knowing what you intend to do with the property primarily will help you identify the features that matter most in the home.

●If the second home is for investment and you plan to rent it you will need to research how the property’s use will affect your financing options, taxes and insurance. Before you buy consult an accountant or financial planner to determine which of these factors could impact your financial situation.

●How far are you willing to travel? If you are using the home as a vacation spot, think realistically about how far you are willing to travel. According to the National Association of Realtors, 31 percent of vacation homes are typically within 100 miles of the owner’s primary residence.

●See what the area is like off-season. Many times vacation homes are in seasonal destinations and the surroundings can change significantly throughout the year. Find out what challenges you may encounter in the off-season with the home.

If you are thinking of buying a second home it is important to use a real estate professional with knowledge of the specific marketplace.

Moving Checklist

Laughead — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:05:36 +0000

Moving can be stressful. The best way to not get overwhelmed is to have an organized plan and a step-by-step timeline. A little preparation will help make the move go a lot smoother.

Here is a checklist to help keep you on track:

60 Days Before You Move

Sort and Purge-Go through every room, decide what needs to come with you and what can go. Make piles of things to throw away and things to donate.
Plan a Yard Sale-Start planning a yard sale to reduce the amount of stuff you need to move. Some extra money for the move will also come in handy.
Hire a Mover-Contact at least three moving companies. On-site estimates are better than over the phone or internet estimates. Get each estimate in writing, and make sure it has a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number on it.
Create a Moving Binder-Store all of your move-related paperwork (checklists, contracts, receipts) in a binder. You may also want to inventory all of your items with photos or lists.

Six Weeks Before Your Move

Get Packing Supplies-Determine how many packing supplies you’ll need and designate a room where you can begin to store and organize.
Take Measurements-If possible get room dimensions of your new home. Make sure large pieces of furniture will fit. Don’t forget to take measurements for appliances too.

30 Days Before Your Move

Confirm with Mover-Check with your mover the details of your move.
Start Packing-Begin packing out-of-season clothes and unnecessary items.
Label-Make sure to label boxes with what rooms the boxes will go in at your new home.
Start/Stop Utilities-Make arrangements to connect and disconnect your cable, internet and utilities.
Change your Address- Contact or visit your local Post Office to obtain a Change of Address form. You can also obtain this form online at http://www.usps.com.
Make Notifications- Change your address to the following: registry of motor vehicles, banks, schools, friends & family, insurance companies, doctors and specialists, cell phone providers, credit card companies and magazine and newspapers.
Contact Service Providers—Notify landscapers, cleaning services that you are moving, and look for new ones in your new hometown.

Two Weeks Before Your Move

Call Locksmith- Have your new home’s locks changed on moving day or before.
Arrange Services- Have a cleaning company prepare the new home before you arrive and tidy the old home after you leave. Arrange for carpet cleaning too.
Pack the bulk of your items.
Start Cleaning-Begin cleaning any rooms in your house that have been emptied, such as closets, basements or attics.

One Week Before Your Move

Pack Suitcases- Finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Pack suitcases for everyone in the family with enough clothes to wear for a few days.
Gather Keys- Organize all keys, alarm codes and garage door openers so that you can be prepared to hand them over to the new owner or real estate agent.

A Few Days Before Your Move

Defrost the Freezer- Empty, clean and defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before moving day.
Make Payment Plans- You will need to make sure you have made arrangements to pay the mover and have a tip (usually 10%-15%).

Moving Day

List Contact Info- Write out a list for your movers of things they’ll need: phone numbers, exact moving address and maps.
Take Inventory- Before the movers leave, sign the bill of lading/inventory list and keep a copy.
Walk-Through- Do a walk-through of your new home with your real estate agent.
Layout New Home- Tape names to doors to assist movers in placing furniture and boxes.
Have Director- Arrange for someone to direct the movers at your new home.

Baby Proofing Your Home

Laughead — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:24:18 +0000

Bringing home baby can be stressful but making sure your home is safe for baby is a part of being a new parent. You may think that there isn’t much a newborn can do or get into but before you know it your tiny little baby will be toddling around and getting into everything.

Here are some quick baby proofing tips to get you started:

-Check the crib slats and make sure they are no further than 2 3/8th inches apart.

-No soft bedding, blankets or toys in the cribs which can cause suffocation.

-Remove hanging cords and secure them from window blinds and treatments.

-Plug all electrical outlets.

-Set the water heater to no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

-Install locking lids on all toilets.

-Store poisons, including medications in a high cabinet. All medications and toxic chemicals should also have safety lids.

-Use foam corners to soften all the hard and sharp corners of tables, the hearth etc.

-Install baby proof locks on drawers and cabinets.

-Door locks and hinge protectors are also good ideas for doors to rooms and closets.

These are just a few tips for baby proofing your home. You can find more information on how to keep kids safe from the American Academy of Pediatrics at HealthyChildren.org.

Another Property Sold in Lynn, MA

Laughead — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 10:00:29 +0000

Lynn, MA:
This Single-Family in Lynn, MA recently sold for $215,000.

This is a Cape style home and features 6 total rooms, 1 full bath, 3 bedrooms, 0.19 acres, and was sold by
Janet Laughead – CENTURY 21 Commonwealth

Here are some other properties available in Lynn,MA you may like:

Lynn
$229,900Lynn
$285,000Lynn
$149,900Lynn
$223,000

When Not to DIY

Laughead — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:16:00 +0000

It can be tempting to tackle home projects yourself but in the long run it may be better to leave some home renovations to the professionals.

Here are a few projects you might want to leave off the DIY list:

1. Roofing-Roofing can be a time sink. As a do-it-yourselfer you probably will not be able to complete the project in a short enough period of time to avoid exposing your home to damage from the elements.

2. Electrical-Poor electrical work is a safety hazard. There are safety codes that need to be followed and just because you were able to wire something and it worked, doesn’t mean you haven’t created a safety hazard.

3. Insulation-Homeowners often assume that installing insulation like fiberglass is an easy project. It can be easy to leave gaps that draw heat and moisture into your walls creating a much bigger problem. Insulation contractors usually get a much better deal on the material costs than you would, offsetting the cost of the labor.

4. Structural work-The structural work on a home should always be left to a professional. Structural work or changes should be drawn or approved by an engineer, whose specifications should be followed to the letter. Don’t take chances here.

Have you ever tackled a DIY project you thought should have been done by a professional? Share your story.

Tips for Building a New Home

Laughead — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:02:38 +0000

Have you noticed the number of new construction homes going up lately? A recent report by The U.S. Census Bureau and US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) showed single-family home building permits up almost 5%.

The process of building a new home can be stressful; there are lots of decisions to be made and obstacles to overcome.

Here are some useful tips to keep stress at bay when building a new home.

1. Get pre-approved for a loan. Make sure that you do all the steps necessary to put the proper loan in place. You will need to fill out a mortgage application and provide the necessary documentation to check your financial background and credit rating. This process will let you know exactly how much you can afford to spend. You will also need to make sure your lender knows you are planning on purchasing new construction.

2. Do your homework. Check the reputation of your builder. You can search for information online, contact the better business bureau or ask your friends for recommendations. If you are building in a subdivision you may want to ask some neighbors who have already moved in about their experience.

3. Watch you budget. The advertised price of a new home is rarely the final price. The price can escalate quickly when you start upgrading the standard flooring, cabinetry or lighting. Plan on how much you can afford to spend before you start upgrading and budget accordingly.

4. Don’t forget about resale. You may love the upgraded plumbing and light fixtures but know that those things rarely bring in a good return. You will not be the last owner of your home. Be mindful not to add so many upgrades that you overprice your home for the neighborhood.

5. Keep the lines of communication open. Communicate with your builder, ask questions and make sure you know where your money is going. You may want to keep a running list of quotes for extras and upgrades. Be comfortable asking even the simplest questions.

6. Be prepared for delays. Building a home can be a long process. Depending on the size of your home it can take anywhere from three months to a year or more. Get an estimate of when the building of your new home will be completed and plan accordingly.

Is It Time to Buy a Second Home?

Laughead — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:22:10 +0000

If you have been dreaming of owning a vacation home now may be the time to buy. Home prices and mortgage rates continue to fall and there are some great deals for buyers looking for a second home.

Here are five things you need to know before taking the leap.

1. Prices are at all-time lows
In many second-home hot spots, prices are still close to their five-year lows. When the real-estate bubble burst, some of the hardest-hit markets were vacation destinations. Many vacation home areas experienced overgrowth and may now be suffering from foreclosures.

2. Think ROI
Consider the possible return on your investment. Whether or not you decide to rent the home out, you will want to consider buying a place that has good rent potential. That’s because a home’s rent ability can affect its resale value. Before you bid on a house, make sure the homeowners association or township allows short-term rentals.

3. Don’t count on rental income
If you are planning on counting on rental income to cover the costs beware. According to HomeAway.com, a typical second home property rents out just 17 weeks a year. Make sure to account for the weeks the home won’t rent. Plus, you’ll need to pay for cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and maybe management fees. Make sure to plan on the maintenance costs of the property being at least 15% of the income.

4. Your mortgage rate depends on how you use the home
How you use the home depends on the mortgage rate you will receive. If you plan to use the property primarily as a second home and you’ll pay about the same mortgage rate as you would on a primary residence. If your plans are to use the home for rental income and need that income to qualify for the loan, you’ll need to have as much as 25% for the down payment and pay up to one percentage point more in interest.

5. Take advantage of tax benefits
Talk to your tax guy before you buy. If you rent the home out for two weeks or less you won’t have to report a cent of income to the IRS. The good news here, you can still deduct property taxes and mortgage interest. On the flipside, if you stay there for less than two weeks or 10% of rental days, you can deduct operating costs in addition to interest and property tax.

But where should you buy? According to CNBC here are the top places to buy a second home. If you are thinking about buying a second home I can help you find a professional agent in that area.