T H E  B L O G

Summer is here, finally! Will you be using your central air conditioning?  If so, there are some common issues that crop up with the systems.  Here are some tips to try before calling for service. - Not Powering On.  Check to see if your a/c breaker has tripped or the fuse has blown.  If so, turn th

There are many parts of an appraisal, all of which are taken into account by a licensed appraiser.   - Condition of the home.  The appraiser will take note of the general details of the home, ranging from the materials used throughout the house to the property's overall condition.  If anything is un

What is the Purpose of an Appraisal? A home serves as collateral for the mortgage loan, so the lender needs to make sure that the home is worth the price being paid.  An appraisal provides a means for the lender to determine the value and condition of the property, and analyze the fair market value

Just what is the difference between appraised value, assessed value, and market value? Does it matter if a home is "listed below appraised value"? Are the terms interchangeable? No. Each is very different so it's important to understand the differences between them.  Assessed Value  Each city and t

Do you think Boston made the list of the Top 50 Greenest Cities in the US?  Yes, it did!  Check out the list to see the criteria used in this study, and find out where Boston (and some other favorite cities) landed. Thinking of moving? Don't forget that with the RE/MAX nation-wide and world-wide co

There's just something about a FLW house that draws everyone's attention, even decades after his death.  Built in 1959, the home features both custom-designed built-in furnishings and some updates that blend perfectly with the original aesthetic.  Oh, and the views! The house has sweeping views of

Memorial Day honors service members who have died in military service to the nation.  The holiday has roots dating back to the post-Civil War era, when citizens would informally place spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen soldiers.  On May 5, 1866, the town of Waterloo, NY, formalized thi

Yes!  Unless you a paying cash for a property, you will need to speak with a mortgage lender or two or three, and get a preapproval before you head out to search for a new home.  The lender will ask you to provide documents such as recent paystubs, job history, debts and bank account information, an

Saving for a home is an essential step in the homebuying process. Understanding what you need to save will help you plan for a down payment, closing costs, and other expenses. By setting clear savings goals, you can make the journey to homeownership smoother and more achievable.

Guide to HOAs Whether you're a new homeowner or just a homeowner new to an HOA, it can be confusing to understand exactly what your responsibilities are and how these new rules will be enforced. A homeowners’ association, commonly referred to as an HOA, is an organization in a neighborhood, communit

A common question from home inspectors (in this area at least) is "do you want to do a radon test?"  So what is radon, anyway?   Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring gas.  It is formed by radioactive decay of radium atoms, a byproduct of radium and uranium.  Both of these elements are