No Home Is Perfect So How Do You Decide?

No Home Is Perfect So How Do You Decide?

While no home is "perfect", you can still find the one that is just right for you.
I am not sure when it happened, but something has changed over my lifetime.   In our quest for "everything perfect",  we have become to expect that all should or will be.   Don't get me wrong.  

In fact, many know that after finding the perfect Bloody Mary, I am on a quest to find the perfect nacho.

Obviously a great goal, but somewhat unrealistic!

When looking for a home, one should understand that no home will be perfect.  Homes are like people.   All have their own personalities and little idiosyncrasies, and, just like people there are some things we can live with and some that we can't.

If you enter the house hunt thinking that you will find "the perfect home", you will never move.    I don't care how much money you have or if you have designed the home yourself.   There will always be something that one would change!    See trade off's in a real estate purchase.

So, How do you decide?  

Here are a few tips to help figure out what's perfect for you.

• Know what you can afford.    Get pre approved.    Be honest with the mortgage person.  Believe me, there is nothing more disappointing that finding "the right" property only to find out it is out of your reach.   What happens after that?   Everything will pale in comparison.
• Be price point realistic.    Many times there is some wiggle room in a price offering, but don't count on that!   We have seen very recently, and in multiple situations, contract price being thousands over asking.   What does this mean to you?  Don't fall into the trap that the property is priced a certain percentage over asking.    If you are looking at it, it should be in your price range.   Looking at $400,000 homes when you can realisticaly purchase a home for $250,000 will just set you up for disappointment.
• Identify the features that you will NOT compromise on.   Make sure those features fit in your budget.  Are they realistic?    I have had many clients that know that they would like a certain size and style home.   They will not settle for less.   That might mean we have to focus on different communities, and that's okay with them.  Use the old Ben Franklin approach of pros and cons.   
• Have a time frame.   This will help you zone in.   If you give yourself years to find a home, you likely never will.
  
• Be Realistic when it comes to inspections.   Every homeowner should own a hammer!     Expect there to be some deficiencies in a home.    Look at the big picture, act accordingly.
• Know what you can and can not do.    How do I laugh when a female partner says "No Way" when her male half says, "no worries, I can handle that!"    More than one lovely lady has said to me on the QT, " he sure can, but will never get to it!"
• Look Big Picture.   Obviously life takes it's twists and turns, but do you anticiapte your needs changing in a few years?  
• Have all decision makeers present on the house hunt!   How disappointing when you think you have found "the one" just to have the other half come a day later only to feel differently,

and lastly,

• If the first house you see meets all your criteria.... Don't fight it.   Don't think it's not right just because you haven't seen others.   So many people have fallen in love with the first house they saw.    Yours truly included!                                                     

Let me help you find your perfect home.   How will I do that?     I will do that by listening to your needs and using my experience and market knowledge to make the right match.   Once we find that right home, I will guide you through the rest of the real estate process from inspection to closing. 
Call me today to set up an interview.

______________________
About the Author

Carol-Ann Palmieri,

is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

 Licensed in MA and RI...

Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

When Does The Spring Real Estate Market Begin?

When Does The Spring Real Estate Market Begin?

I am always asked when is the best time to put a home on the market.    Most people look toward the spring market hoping that it will be the best time to pick up the right buyer for their home.    But, when does that spring market start?


Al's favorite answer to this is, "right after the Superbowl".   Haha.  Knowing what an avid football fan he is it comes as no surprise that his calendar revolves around super Sunday.     But seriously, that is not far off from the truth, and this year,  he is right on!

I smell the winds of change in the real estate market and I think buyers do too.    There is a limited amount of properties on the market in our area, and in many instances a property that hits the market will have an offer or two in days!    Homes that are priced right and staged appropriately are moving quickly. 

What does this mean to you?  

Well, if you are a buyer, you should be ready to move on a property right away.   Have your pre approval ready and know your comps.  Make a compelling offer.   Don't hesitate.

If you are a seller.    Now is the perfect time to get that house on the market.  Buyers are out there looking to take advantage of those interest rates.  Couple that with low inventory and you have some pent up demand. 

When Does The Spring Real Estate Market Begin?   Right Now!

Looking to buy or sell?   Now is the time!    Call me!   

I have been helping buyers and sellers make their move for the past 25 years and can help you too!  

____________________________

About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri, 

is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

 Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Art Exhibit and Sale at the Historic Morse House Norwood March 2013

Art Exhibit and Sale at the Historic Morse House Norwood March 2013

Local artists will be showing their work during the month of March at the Morse House in Norwood MA.

On Sunday afternoons on the 3rd, 10th, 17th and the 24th, from noon to 4 p.m., more than 26 artists will be displaying and selling their art work in this restored antique home.   These local artists are all members of the Norwood Art Association.    They work in different mediums and have different perspectives.   All interesting.    
 
The exhibit was previously slated for February but with all the weekend snow storms has been extended through the month of March! 

This is a wonderful opportunity for the general public, not just to view original art, but to be able to experience history in the restored home of the very historic Norwood family.   

The Morse House.    1285 Washington St.

The home of George H Morse was built 1868 before Norwood became a town.   The house has a long history, but the property it sits on has an even longer one.    It was the site of the Ezra Morse House that was built in 1678.   That was torn down when the now standing George H Morse house was built on the property known as Morse Hill.    145 years ago.  

For more than 12 years, Dale Day and others in the Morse House Restoration Committee  have been instrumental in keeping this piece of history alive.    It hasn't been easy.   They have relied on their hard work and generous folks and business who have donated both money and services.   Having said that they are doing it!   

The Norwood Art Association
The Norwood Art Association was established in 1978.   Their goal is to encourage and promote the arts and provide a community for artists to share and learn.   The Artists are from Norwood MA and the surrounding communities.   

These artists look forward to sharing their work at the Morse House in March 2013.

Please join them.   Admission is free. Refreshments will be served.



  
         

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

                               508-494-9061

   Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.     

Deciphering Your Home Inspection Report

Deciphering Your Home Inspection Report

Gone are the days are the days when I would hear a home inspector shout....  My God!".....and as I would be picking the buyers up off the floor, I would hear, "Great plumbing job!".

Also gone, thankfully, are the days of a home inspection without a written report, something a buyer could hang his hat on.


We all know and agree that the home inspection is a very important part of the home buying process.   In fact,  I emphatically suggest that  every one hire a professional inspector to check out their home prior to purchase.   Please read All About Your Home Inspection.

Over the years and with the progression of technology and I'm sure a ton of law suits the home inspection has changed.

I appreciate the difficult job a home inspector has.  But, in an effort to inform a buyer of all deficiencies, armed with computer and camera, some home inspectors have become more robotic in their inspection and their reporting of it.  The home inspection has become so matter of fact that it is difficult to determine what is really important.  

In the old days a home inspector would point out the "defects" but in general at the end of the inspection would offer their opinion as to whether they thought the home was a good solid home or it wasn't.       Today's inspection report just points out the deficiencies and offers no opinion at all!     Is that really the help that the buyer needs?

A typical inspection report will give the same weight to a broken door bell as a rusted electrical panel.  

Read, (Defective, replace).

That does one of two things.

•   Waters down the major items.  
•   Makes the number of defects appear so large that it becomes overwhelming.

Couple that with a buyer that is not knowledgeable about home systems and it doesn't help them out at all.   Does this sound foolish?   I don't thing so, look at it this way.    It would be kind of like me going to the auto mechanic and having him tell me every little thing that is wrong with the car.  Without getting an actual opinion as to what's a big deal and what isn't, I would be freaked when I might not need be!

Don't get me wrong, I get why things have changed.   It is not the home inspectors fault.   It's kind of like the medical field.   No more Dr. Welby's.   It's just the way it is.
So What's A Buyer To Do? 

• Hire a competent inspector.   Ask for referrals.   Do they have certifications?   References?   Don't just hire based on money!
• Attend the inspection.    Not just attend, but follow the guy around.  See what he/she is seeing.
• Ask questions.   When they point out a defect, ask how important it is or how difficult or expensive to fix.   Ask.  Is it a safety issue? 
• Don't be intimidated.   If you knew this stuff you would be a builder.  Forget about the brokers or anyone else present.  This is about you.  
• Don't be distracted.   Same thing.  There will be agents there, maybe other inspectors, etc.   Don't let them distract you.  Follow the guy.  Make sure you can hear him. 
• Insist on getting the report ASAP.   Most inspectors will get the report to you right away.  Many times the reports read differently than what was discussed at the inspection.    Do not let days go by without getting that report.
• Ask for an opinion.   At the end of the inspection ask the inspector what is really important.
• Use common sense.    A clogged drain might read consult a licensed plumber.   Could it simply be a typical hair clog that requires cleaning?
• Can't make sense of the report?   Call the inspector back.  Good inspectors want you too!
•  Remember why you are here.  You wouldn't have gotten this far if you didn't really want this house.   Be ready to face the fact that no home is perfect.

The home inspector's job is to find all deficiencies in the home.    Do not let the list freak you out.    Attend the inspection and ask questions and don't be afraid to ask for an opinion.  


A Great Home Inspection should leave you feeling secure about your purchase! 

  But, You have to find that home first!   So, Call me!    508-494-9061    or email

_____________________________________   

About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri, 

is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

 Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Negotiating What Works and What Does Not

Negotiating What Works and What Does Not

Bringing two parties together in a Real Estate transaction isn't always easy, but it is done by Realtors everywhere, everyday.      It is part of their skill set, part of their job.    A skilled negotiator, in my opinion, is a person that is a good listener and is also capable of detaching themselves from the parties emotions.   They are also able to communicate and think ahead.    

A client of mine recently asked me what I thought made a great real estate transaction.    He was being funny when he said that in his opinion it is when all parties feel like they have been taken.    I guess there are many that think that way.   I don't.

I feel a successful negotiation is when we have a meeting of the minds.   It might be that not everyone always gets exactly what they want.  There can be trade offs and most time there are.    I mean think about it really.   Is it possible for the Seller to get the more than market value and the Buyer of the same transaction "steal" the home?   Of course not.   That's ridiculous.   When both parties are comfortable with the outcome, it is successful. 

For a Realtor, it is very frustrating to see a person who wants to buy a home and a person who wants to sell a home unable to fulfill their desires.    The home buying and selling process is riddled with emotion and is such a big ticket item that one seemingly very small thing can stall and end a negotiation.

In my opinion, it doesn't matter what side of the fence you are on, or if it is real estate that is the issue for that matter. 

Things that kill a deal.    Ego, Ignorance, Fear, Freezing, Stalling, Pit Bull Attitude, Being Unreasonable, and not thinking ahead.  

It is not unreasonable to want the best for ourselves, and I am not saying give in, rather think.   (for example, if you go up on your price 20k after coming down, how will the buyer react to this?   Do you think they will understand this tactic ot walk away??   Flip side, if you ask for the Seller's Jag, will the Seller likely respond??)

What works.   "Think-otiating."   When negotiating, leave your emotions and ego at the door.    Do your homework, listen to the professionals not the well meaning "experts" and remember to think ahead.   Anticipate how the other side will feel and react to your position.   Temper your prompt response accordingly.

Again, not saying give in, rather think.  

Are you looking to buy or sell real estate in the Franklin MA area or surrounding communities?   

If so, I am your gal!     Al and Cal offer years of experience and a service guarantee!

The real estate market is heating up!

Contact me today   cal@alandcal.com     508-494-9061

_________________________________________  

About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri, 

is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

 Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Loving My Listings

Loving My Listings

Falling in love with your listings sure makes it easier to sell them!     Way back in the infancy of my real estate career, a wise old, well maybe not so old, broker/owner advised us that we should love our listings.     Today, thinking back, I am sure that she meant that they were the bread and butter of a real estate career.


But, as an eager young agent,  I didn't know that and took her advice literally.   Funny thing.  For the past 25 years, that advice, although taken the wrong way at the time has served me well.

I've always had a love affair with homes.    It started when I was really young watching my Dad make a model of a most needed addition for our modest ranch home.   After that, I learned a lot being his "helper" as he toiled away making us all bedrooms and another bath.   I watched the planning, the demolition, and learned as he moved walls and built staircases.   The transformation was amazing.

As I grew older, looking at homes was always a joy.  Before getting into real estate, I was the type of person that would get lost in my walk by looking at the architecture of homes and their surroundings.   With that and the well meaning pushes from co workers it became easy to get my license and begin a terrific career in the home selling business.

With that background, Loving my listings came naturally.      I don't care if it is the shack on Mirror Lake.    (No offense Rich.)   It's easy to see the potential and visualize what a fabulous lake home it will become when the buyer puts his personal stamp on it, or maybe the listing is a new home and doesn't need a thing! 

Either way, focusing on the possibilities and potential of a home, finding the things to love about it just makes it easier to express and point out to a potential purchaser!

Over the years, I have loved each and every one of my listings, finding a uniqueness and personality in every one.  Once you find that special something, it becomes easy to convey the beauty of each home to it's potential new owner.

Loving my listings.   Just makes it easier to sell them!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Memories of Showing Homes in a Snowstorm

Memories of Showing Homes in a Snowstorm

The blizzard of 2013 has just begun.  Unlike the blizzard of '78 (yes, I was around then) when we really didn't have much notice, the weathermen and the politicians have advised us all to stay in and off the roads.   The offices in our area are closed and agents are already canceling appointments and open houses for the weekend.    (Quick note.   Unless we lose power, my open house and appointments are still happening for Sunday!)

So here I am, making calls and finishing up for the day.   The snow is falling at a good clip and as I look out the window it reminds me of my very first buyer. 

They were relocating up, or down, from New York and as relocating couples sometime have, their company had given them a weekend in Boston for a house hunting trip.    We had been in communication over the phone, (computers were not really heard of in our business at the time), and I was prepared for their trip, ready and anxious to help them make the move to our area.

As luck would have it, the forecast for their trip was snow and lots of it!    It didn't phase these buyers and the wife was ready for her new adventure while the husband went to the office to get acquainted.   Fortunately, I had access to a 4 wheel drive vehicle and took advantage of using that.    I picked Marlena up at the hotel and off we went on our house hunt in the snow.

It wasn't too bad when we started out, but it started to get worse as the day got longer.   Pretty soon it was getting close to dark and we had a few more homes to see.    We pulled up in front of a new build in a neighborhood that seemed perfect for their family.   I remember the house well, still 25 years later.   Why?   Because the driveway was not clear and neither was a walk to the home.    We trudged through now pretty deep snow and when we got to the house, the steps were not in yet.

Determined to make my first sale, I found myself giving this gal a "ten finger" boost into the house.   With no cell phone or way of communication in my pocket, and with what little daylight we had leaving us fast, it was kind of foolish to be entering a half built house with no stairs, especially being surrounded by high winds and swirling snow.

I remember thinking, this job is just crazy!

Fast forward 25 years.   Marlena and I have been friends ever since.   Her quest for a new home and mine for a first sale brings a large smile to my face. 

I have to say though, I am not sure that today I would be giving anyone "ten fingers" to get into a home, but hey, who knows!   

__________________________________

About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri,  a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with Al Mussi have helped hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

 Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061