Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Condo Fees in Quincy MA - Edgewater Place, The Falls, Mellon Bray, Louisburg Square
Many condo unit owners question the condo fee and how their fee compares to other complexes in the area. Below is some information pertaining to the condo fee on similar complexes in Quincy. The condo fee for each of the complexes below include only the basic items: master insurance, landscaping, snow removal and water.
Louisburg Square Condo Fees: range from $284-$469. The condo fee averages $0.22 - $0.24 per square foot.
The Falls, located at 200 Falls Blvd. Unique complex, very similar to Louisburg with pool, clubhouse, pet friendly, wood burning fireplaces in every unit and outdoor parking lot: Averages $0.42 - $0.50 per square foot. $324 for a unit with 779 square feet and $575 for a unit with 1205 square feet
15 Bower Rd Condo Fees: This complex is consists of low-rise 3 story buildings and is also a pet friendly complex. $255 for a unit with 1028 square feet. The average condo fee is $0.25 per square foot which is comparable to that of Louisburg.
Edgewater Place located at 133 Commander Shea Blvd – This complex is a high-rise building that offers pool and outdoor parking. Averages $0.41 per square foot. $341 for a unit with 760 square feet.
Mellon Bray, located at 10 Weston Ave Condo Fees: This complex is an old mill that was converted to a condo complex. The complex is well maintained, pet friendly and has covered parking. Averages $0.23 - $0.25 per square foot. $268 for a unit with 1165 square feet.
Louisburg Square Condo Fees: range from $284-$469. The condo fee averages $0.22 - $0.24 per square foot.
The Falls, located at 200 Falls Blvd. Unique complex, very similar to Louisburg with pool, clubhouse, pet friendly, wood burning fireplaces in every unit and outdoor parking lot: Averages $0.42 - $0.50 per square foot. $324 for a unit with 779 square feet and $575 for a unit with 1205 square feet
15 Bower Rd Condo Fees: This complex is consists of low-rise 3 story buildings and is also a pet friendly complex. $255 for a unit with 1028 square feet. The average condo fee is $0.25 per square foot which is comparable to that of Louisburg.
Edgewater Place located at 133 Commander Shea Blvd – This complex is a high-rise building that offers pool and outdoor parking. Averages $0.41 per square foot. $341 for a unit with 760 square feet.
Mellon Bray, located at 10 Weston Ave Condo Fees: This complex is an old mill that was converted to a condo complex. The complex is well maintained, pet friendly and has covered parking. Averages $0.23 - $0.25 per square foot. $268 for a unit with 1165 square feet.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Louisburg Square Quincy Condo Sales Data
A common topic on everyone’s mind these days is real estate. Talks of a declining market and possible recession has everyone on edge. But what does this mean to homeowners in Louisburg Square? The average sales price of condo units in Louisburg dropped 10% in 2007 from 2006. Research shows that the worst may be behind us, with 2008 sales prices estimated at a 1 - 2% drop from 2007. Buyers have access to a plethora of information through the internet and are well educated on current home values. Sellers have reacted to this by pricing their units slightly lower than years past in order to compete in today’s market. Homeowners that are looking to sell their unit should also take into consideration that on average, the actual sale price of a unit will be 3% - 5% lower than the asking price.
“The market has seen an increase in buyer activity since the beginning of April, which is a positive sign that the market is ready to rebound,” stated by Madelene Semeria resident of Louisburg Square and real estate agent for Century 21 Abigail Adams. Units that are currently on the market are experiencing a market time of 6 months. Sales in Louisburg have been stale over the past few months with the last sale occurring in Dec 2007. In the past three weeks, 2 units in our development have accepted offers to purchase and are scheduled to close by the end of May. Louisburg continues to be a desirable complex and the rest of 2008 looks bright!
Current Sales Data:
Number of Units Currently on the Market: 7
Median List Price for units currently on the market: $323,400
Sales History:
Median Sale Price 2007: $304,750
Median Sale Price 2006: $338,000
Median Sale Price for a 2 BR unit in 2007: $302,500
Median Sale Price for a 2 BR unit in 2006: $336,500
Median Price per Square Foot: $215 - $220
Information Provided By: Madelene Semeria real estate agent for Century 21 Abigail Adams.
“The market has seen an increase in buyer activity since the beginning of April, which is a positive sign that the market is ready to rebound,” stated by Madelene Semeria resident of Louisburg Square and real estate agent for Century 21 Abigail Adams. Units that are currently on the market are experiencing a market time of 6 months. Sales in Louisburg have been stale over the past few months with the last sale occurring in Dec 2007. In the past three weeks, 2 units in our development have accepted offers to purchase and are scheduled to close by the end of May. Louisburg continues to be a desirable complex and the rest of 2008 looks bright!
Current Sales Data:
Number of Units Currently on the Market: 7
Median List Price for units currently on the market: $323,400
Sales History:
Median Sale Price 2007: $304,750
Median Sale Price 2006: $338,000
Median Sale Price for a 2 BR unit in 2007: $302,500
Median Sale Price for a 2 BR unit in 2006: $336,500
Median Price per Square Foot: $215 - $220
Information Provided By: Madelene Semeria real estate agent for Century 21 Abigail Adams.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Confused about real estate terminology???
UNDERSTANDING REAL ESTATE TERMINOLOGY
Purchasing a home can be a complicated and confusing process, especially for first-time buyers. Throughout the process, first-time home buyers will encounter a variety of unfamiliar real state terms. There are several key terms associates with purchasing real estate that are helpful to learn.
For example, many buyers confuse the terms broker and salesperson. A broker is a properly licensed individual, or corporation, who serves as a special agent in the purchase and sale of real estate, a salesperson is an individual employed or associated by written agreement by the broker as an independent contractor. The salesperson facilitates the purchase or sale of real estate.
Once you decide to purchase, a salesperson will prepare a sales contract to present to the seller along with your earnest money deposit. The sales contract is the document through which the seller agrees to give possession and title of property to the buyer upon full payment of the purchase price and performance of agreed-upon conditions. The earnest money is a buyer’s partial payment, as a show of good faith, to make the contract binding. Often, the earnest money is held in an escrow account. Escrow is the process by which money is held by a disinterested party until the terms of the escrow instructions are fulfilled.
After the buyer and seller have signed the contract, the buyer must obtain a mortgage note by presenting the contract to a mortgage lender. The note is the buyer’s promise to pay the purchase price of the real estate in addition to a stated interest rate over a specified period of time. A mortgage lender places a lien on the property, or mortgage, and this secures the mortgage note.
The buyer pays interest money to the lender exchange for the use of money borrowed. Interest is usually referred to as APR or annual percentage rate. Interest is paid on the principle, the capital sum the buyer owes. Interest payments may be disguised in the form of points. Points are an up-front cost which may be paid by either the buyer or seller or both in conventional loans.
In general, there are two types of conventional loans that a buyer can obtain. A fixed rate loan has the same rate of interest for the life of the loan, usually 14 to 30 years. An adjustable rate loan or adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) provides a discounted initial rate, which changes after a set period of time. The rate can’t exceed the interest rate cap or ceiling allowed on such loans for any one adjustment period. Some ARMs have a lifetime cap on interest. The buyer makes the loan and interest payments to the lender through amortization, the systematic payment and retirement of debt over a set period of time.
Once the contract has been signed and a mortgage note obtained, the buyer and seller must legally close the real estate transaction. The closing is a meeting where the buyer, seller and their attorneys review, sign and exchange the final documents. At the closing, the buyer receives the appraisal report, an estimate of the property’s value with the appraiser’s signature, certification and sporting documents. The buyer also receives the title and the deed. The title shows evidence of the buyer’s ownership of the property while the deed legally transfers the title from the seller to the buyer. The final document the buyer receives at closing is a title insurance policy, insurance against the loss of the title if it’s found to be imperfect.
Buyers should plan on a least four to twelve weeks for a typical real estate transaction. The process is difficult and at times, intimidating. A general understanding of real estate terminology and chronology of the transaction, however, will help any real estate novice to confidently buy his or her first home.
Purchasing a home can be a complicated and confusing process, especially for first-time buyers. Throughout the process, first-time home buyers will encounter a variety of unfamiliar real state terms. There are several key terms associates with purchasing real estate that are helpful to learn.
For example, many buyers confuse the terms broker and salesperson. A broker is a properly licensed individual, or corporation, who serves as a special agent in the purchase and sale of real estate, a salesperson is an individual employed or associated by written agreement by the broker as an independent contractor. The salesperson facilitates the purchase or sale of real estate.
Once you decide to purchase, a salesperson will prepare a sales contract to present to the seller along with your earnest money deposit. The sales contract is the document through which the seller agrees to give possession and title of property to the buyer upon full payment of the purchase price and performance of agreed-upon conditions. The earnest money is a buyer’s partial payment, as a show of good faith, to make the contract binding. Often, the earnest money is held in an escrow account. Escrow is the process by which money is held by a disinterested party until the terms of the escrow instructions are fulfilled.
After the buyer and seller have signed the contract, the buyer must obtain a mortgage note by presenting the contract to a mortgage lender. The note is the buyer’s promise to pay the purchase price of the real estate in addition to a stated interest rate over a specified period of time. A mortgage lender places a lien on the property, or mortgage, and this secures the mortgage note.
The buyer pays interest money to the lender exchange for the use of money borrowed. Interest is usually referred to as APR or annual percentage rate. Interest is paid on the principle, the capital sum the buyer owes. Interest payments may be disguised in the form of points. Points are an up-front cost which may be paid by either the buyer or seller or both in conventional loans.
In general, there are two types of conventional loans that a buyer can obtain. A fixed rate loan has the same rate of interest for the life of the loan, usually 14 to 30 years. An adjustable rate loan or adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) provides a discounted initial rate, which changes after a set period of time. The rate can’t exceed the interest rate cap or ceiling allowed on such loans for any one adjustment period. Some ARMs have a lifetime cap on interest. The buyer makes the loan and interest payments to the lender through amortization, the systematic payment and retirement of debt over a set period of time.
Once the contract has been signed and a mortgage note obtained, the buyer and seller must legally close the real estate transaction. The closing is a meeting where the buyer, seller and their attorneys review, sign and exchange the final documents. At the closing, the buyer receives the appraisal report, an estimate of the property’s value with the appraiser’s signature, certification and sporting documents. The buyer also receives the title and the deed. The title shows evidence of the buyer’s ownership of the property while the deed legally transfers the title from the seller to the buyer. The final document the buyer receives at closing is a title insurance policy, insurance against the loss of the title if it’s found to be imperfect.
Buyers should plan on a least four to twelve weeks for a typical real estate transaction. The process is difficult and at times, intimidating. A general understanding of real estate terminology and chronology of the transaction, however, will help any real estate novice to confidently buy his or her first home.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Closing costs - What to expect
Many are taking advantage of this year’s low mortgage rates to purchase a home. Pent up with excitement, many families, who have scrimped and saved for a down-payment, jump for joy when the mortgage lender finally approves their application. But, they should realize that there’s a whole new set of expenses that must be covered before actually closing on the sale.
New homeowners are often taken aback by up-front closing costs such as mortgage and title insurance, attorney fees, recording fees and loan points, which can run into the thousands of dollars. But there is no need to be afraid of these charges. With a little background on their purpose and shrewd financial foresight, closings can be a breeze.
A lender’s charge for processing the loan can be determined at the beginning of your buying process. Referred to as “points,” these charges are expressed as a percentage of the total loan. For instance, three points are equal to 3 percent of the borrowed amount. “Points” can also become a tool for negotiation with the lender and seller. In a buyer’s market, home sellers will often agree to pay mortgage fees in order to close a deal.
Title insurance can be a substantial expense. The policy covers any financial set-back caused by unforeseen defects in the purchased property and home. The one-time title fee, including search and examination, averages around $430 for a $100,000 home, but it’s recommended that you check with a local title insurance agent ahead of time to effectively determine what you’ll owe before closing.
Additional costs, such as attorney charges, and recording, transfer and inspection fees, can also be predicated ahead of time by the buyer. Most often pest and survey inspections, although included in the official closing statement, are conducted and paid for long before the closing date. However, buyers should consider them as additional up-front costs.
Some closing costs, such as “points,” are fully tax deductible that tax year if you show proof of a separate lump sum payment. They are not deductible in a few cases when the loan is the result of re-financing rather than a home purchase. Application, appraisal, documentation and broker fees can not be deducted.
Some states require payment of property taxes at closing. In some instances, buyers and sellers are asked to put money into an escrow account that will cover any past and future tax obligations. Be sure to check with an attorney or real estate agent before the closing to determine your property tax commitments.
Also, be prepared to pay any assessments if buying a condominium or into an association-governed property. Fees for credit reports, notary public seals and assumptions, which includes the processing of official documents, may also arise.
Knowing what total closing costs will be before starting your home search can help you better understand what price range is right for you. In the end, the process of closing on a mortgage will be easier than you think, leaving more time to plan for your new home.
Monday, June 2, 2008
How to spot a good buy when looking for a home
With talks for a declining real estate market many buyer are looking for the perfect house for a good buy
HOW TO SPOT A GOOD BUY...
One of the most attracting features of a home is the price. Finding a home that will retain its value in today’s market is vital. The real problem is figuring out whether that fixer-upper on one street is a better buy than the home in next-to-new condition two blocks away. That’s why knowing what to look for before you buy can save you time, energy and money down the line.
The first step is figuring out what kind of house you need. A good buy is only a good buy if it meets your current and future living requirements. Before shopping for a home, decide how much space you and your family require. How many bedrooms, bathrooms? Is a family room necessary? Do you need a layout that will accommodate a lot of entertaining? Do you prefer a spacious or compact work space in the kitchen? If you have small children, can the house easily be childproofed?
Next, determine how much work is required to make the house you are considering livable. Make an honest assessment of your fix-it abilities. How much work are you willing to do or pay someone else to do? Do you have basic decorating, carpentry and plumbing skills? If you plan to learn as you go, make sure you have accurately determined what you are getting into. Ask an experienced friend, family member or your real estate agent for their opinion, and be sure to consider how much remodeling inconvenience the rest of the family can handle.
Unless you are ready and able to tackle a major remodel, look for a house or condominium that needs only cosmetic improvements. These include painting, wallpapering and replacing items like flooring, window treatments, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, light fixtures, cabinet and interior door hardware and appliances. Remember that even these simple changes can be costly if you have to make many of them.
Beware of improvements that seem easy enough at first glance buy may turn into major headaches and require a lot of money once you’ve moved in. Remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, changes to the floor plan, room additions and redesigned landscaping are examples of seemingly minor changes that can easily eat away the money you thought you saved by selecting a so-called “bargain priced” home. Of course, you may be perfectly willing to spend whatever money is needed to customize the house to match your tastes and needs.
Make sure major systems in the house are in good working condition. The furnace, air-conditioning and plumbing should be up to date, since repairs can be costly. Your agent can arrange to have a professional inspector determine whether the electrical wiring and any room additions are to code. Local utilities often offer free or low-cost inspections to tell you if the house is energy-efficient.
Look for a house with universally popular selling points. If you’re impressed, the next buyer down the line is bound to be, too. For example, a roomy, modern east-to-clean kitchen is the best selling point a home can have. A house with only one bathroom is less desirable than a house with two or more. Many buyers expect at least three bedrooms, with a master bedroom that offers a feeling of privacy. Lots of storage space and closets, especially walk-in closets, will be a real selling point. Family rooms or “great rooms” also are desirable. On closer examination, a house that looks like a bargain may lack some of these key features.
Don’t forget the old adage: location, location, location. Unless you’re looking for a fixer-upper, the house should be in a condition that is comparable to other homes in the neighborhood. Avoid buying the biggest or fanciest home on the block. Consider the amount of traffic or noise. Homes located in a quiet area away from a busy street will command a higher price. Make sure the schools in your district have a reputation for quality education and safety. Nearby supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants and theaters also will make a location more desirable.
Good community facilities also add appeal; pools, athletic fields, community centers, libraries and hospitals all add to a neighborhood’s value and desirability. Transportation needs also should be considered. Is local public transit available? How long are typical commutes to places of current and potential employment? Are there several alternate route? How close is a major airport? All of these can affect a home’s pricing.
Consider the cost of living in a home. It’s important to consider not only purchase price but the monthly cost of living in a home. Estimate your utility and maintenance costs. For example, will the house need to be painted on a regular basis and will you need to spend money maintaining a swimming pool? Ask your agent about the property tax rate and whether increases are anticipated. Will you have to pay special assessments for a homeowner’s association? Consider the point in the life cycle of major household systems, such as the furnace, air conditioning, roof and kitchen appliances.
You can find a bargain! With the number of foreclosure homes and short sales rising, many homes are selling for lower than they have in years. My advice, “DO YOUR RESEARCH.” Your first step should be to seek out a knowledgeable real estate agent with experience in the market areas where you wish to purchase a home. Your agent can help you locate those properties that truly are “bargains” and help find the home that most closely matches your desires and needs.
HOW TO SPOT A GOOD BUY...
One of the most attracting features of a home is the price. Finding a home that will retain its value in today’s market is vital. The real problem is figuring out whether that fixer-upper on one street is a better buy than the home in next-to-new condition two blocks away. That’s why knowing what to look for before you buy can save you time, energy and money down the line.
The first step is figuring out what kind of house you need. A good buy is only a good buy if it meets your current and future living requirements. Before shopping for a home, decide how much space you and your family require. How many bedrooms, bathrooms? Is a family room necessary? Do you need a layout that will accommodate a lot of entertaining? Do you prefer a spacious or compact work space in the kitchen? If you have small children, can the house easily be childproofed?
Next, determine how much work is required to make the house you are considering livable. Make an honest assessment of your fix-it abilities. How much work are you willing to do or pay someone else to do? Do you have basic decorating, carpentry and plumbing skills? If you plan to learn as you go, make sure you have accurately determined what you are getting into. Ask an experienced friend, family member or your real estate agent for their opinion, and be sure to consider how much remodeling inconvenience the rest of the family can handle.
Unless you are ready and able to tackle a major remodel, look for a house or condominium that needs only cosmetic improvements. These include painting, wallpapering and replacing items like flooring, window treatments, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, light fixtures, cabinet and interior door hardware and appliances. Remember that even these simple changes can be costly if you have to make many of them.
Beware of improvements that seem easy enough at first glance buy may turn into major headaches and require a lot of money once you’ve moved in. Remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, changes to the floor plan, room additions and redesigned landscaping are examples of seemingly minor changes that can easily eat away the money you thought you saved by selecting a so-called “bargain priced” home. Of course, you may be perfectly willing to spend whatever money is needed to customize the house to match your tastes and needs.
Make sure major systems in the house are in good working condition. The furnace, air-conditioning and plumbing should be up to date, since repairs can be costly. Your agent can arrange to have a professional inspector determine whether the electrical wiring and any room additions are to code. Local utilities often offer free or low-cost inspections to tell you if the house is energy-efficient.
Look for a house with universally popular selling points. If you’re impressed, the next buyer down the line is bound to be, too. For example, a roomy, modern east-to-clean kitchen is the best selling point a home can have. A house with only one bathroom is less desirable than a house with two or more. Many buyers expect at least three bedrooms, with a master bedroom that offers a feeling of privacy. Lots of storage space and closets, especially walk-in closets, will be a real selling point. Family rooms or “great rooms” also are desirable. On closer examination, a house that looks like a bargain may lack some of these key features.
Don’t forget the old adage: location, location, location. Unless you’re looking for a fixer-upper, the house should be in a condition that is comparable to other homes in the neighborhood. Avoid buying the biggest or fanciest home on the block. Consider the amount of traffic or noise. Homes located in a quiet area away from a busy street will command a higher price. Make sure the schools in your district have a reputation for quality education and safety. Nearby supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants and theaters also will make a location more desirable.
Good community facilities also add appeal; pools, athletic fields, community centers, libraries and hospitals all add to a neighborhood’s value and desirability. Transportation needs also should be considered. Is local public transit available? How long are typical commutes to places of current and potential employment? Are there several alternate route? How close is a major airport? All of these can affect a home’s pricing.
Consider the cost of living in a home. It’s important to consider not only purchase price but the monthly cost of living in a home. Estimate your utility and maintenance costs. For example, will the house need to be painted on a regular basis and will you need to spend money maintaining a swimming pool? Ask your agent about the property tax rate and whether increases are anticipated. Will you have to pay special assessments for a homeowner’s association? Consider the point in the life cycle of major household systems, such as the furnace, air conditioning, roof and kitchen appliances.
You can find a bargain! With the number of foreclosure homes and short sales rising, many homes are selling for lower than they have in years. My advice, “DO YOUR RESEARCH.” Your first step should be to seek out a knowledgeable real estate agent with experience in the market areas where you wish to purchase a home. Your agent can help you locate those properties that truly are “bargains” and help find the home that most closely matches your desires and needs.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
ZoomInfo: complete your registration
Thank you for registering with ZoomInfo-you're almost done.
To complete your registration, please confirm your information by clicking the following link or copying it into your browser:
http://www.zoominfo.com/Registration/VerifyIdentity.aspx?a=QEDhBF7k
ZoomInfo must confirm your identity to ensure that you are the person updating your profile. This protects both your ZoomInfo profile and your privacy. Once your account has been activated, we will publish the updated information.
Thank you,
The ZoomInfo Product Team
Copyright © 2008 Zoom Information Inc.
307 Waverley Oaks Road | Waltham, MA 02452 USA
http://www.zoominfo.com
This email was sent as part of the registration process for www.zoominfo.com. If you have received this message in error, please contact us.
To complete your registration, please confirm your information by clicking the following link or copying it into your browser:
http://www.zoominfo.com/Registration/VerifyIdentity.aspx?a=QEDhBF7k
ZoomInfo must confirm your identity to ensure that you are the person updating your profile. This protects both your ZoomInfo profile and your privacy. Once your account has been activated, we will publish the updated information.
Thank you,
The ZoomInfo Product Team
Copyright © 2008 Zoom Information Inc.
307 Waverley Oaks Road | Waltham, MA 02452 USA
http://www.zoominfo.com
This email was sent as part of the registration process for www.zoominfo.com. If you have received this message in error, please contact us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
