New codes and regulations from the State Fire Marshall may make passing the required smoke inspection even more confusing then before. If you are currently selling your home or plan to sell in the near future the new code will apply to you now as well as in the future. Every home that is to be sold in Massachusetts will need to pass a smoke detector inspection preformed by the local fire department. Owners and real estate agents have long struggled with the correct placement of detectors as well compliance of additional regulations of the code. This new code may only add to the confusion.
The updated code requires that homes install photoelectric smoke detectors throughout the property. Photoelectric detectors measure light, or the lack of light in a certain area. The change in light can be measured at a distance while in order to trigger a ionized detector the smoke must physically enter the detector to trigger the alarm. The idea of using a photoelectric smoke detector is that the detector will sense visible smoke particles quicker then an ionized detector. Smoke particles accumulate in a slow smoldering fire, which is common in household fires started on furniture or in a bed. The down fall is that photoelectric detectors tend to be larger then typical detectors and more importantly, they are much more expensive.
Photoelectric smoke detectors are less sensitive then the popular ionized version. In the past Ionized detectors have been known to trigger the alarm from steam or even stovetop cooking. For this reason, if the home has ionized detectors they cannot be placed within 20 feet of a bathroom or kitchen to avoid false alarms. Outside of the 20 feet, a combination detector of both ionized and photoelectric detector is required. Correct placement of both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors include: within 10 feet of each bedroom, base of the each set of stairs and one on each finished level. Carbon monoxide detectors are only required in homes that use fossil burning fuel such as gas or oil, as well as homes that have a fireplace. Homes or condo’s that are solely electric and do not have a fireplace will not require a carbon monoxide detector in addition to the required smoke detectors.
Although this new code does not go into affect until January 1st, 2010 many home owners may experience this change immediately.
If you are looking to sell a home in Quincy MA, Weymouth MA, Braintree MA or the entire South Shore Massachusetts call Madelene Semeria at (617) 894-1124 or visit http://www.Ma-HomesForSale.com
Monday, April 6, 2009
Quincy Ma Realtor Madelene Semeria Earns Loss Mitigation Certification Designation
Madelene Semeria of CENTURY 21 Abigail Adams, Quincy, has successfully completed the Massachusetts Association of Realtors Loss Mitigation Certification Course (LMC) offered by the Plymouth and South Shore Association of Realtors. Madelene Semeria adjusts to increasing foreclosures, short sales and corporate owned properties in Massachusetts.
This comprehensive one-day course was developed to educate Realtors on the intricate issues and problems associated with transactions involving foreclosures, short sales, properties being sold by auction, and bank-owned (REO) real estate. The course is taught by national and local industry experts in loss mitigation and is designed to equip Realtors with the tools and knowledge needed to deal with short sales on both the buying and listing side; the process, ethics, laws, contracts and credit issues involved and how best to work with lenders.
Lastly, the course addresses the human element of these transactions as consumers face losing their homes. “These transactions can be hugely complicated with many players, let alone the emotional component,” said Semeria. “I feel better equipped to advocate and advise my clients with the knowledge gained from this course, I definitely have an advantage”.
Upon completion of the Loss Mitigation Certification Course, participants earn lifetime usage of the LMC designation and continuing education credits necessary for real estate license renewal.
Madelene Semeria is a full service real estate agent working out of Quincy MA. As a Century 21 Abigail Adams agent, Madelene has gained experience working with buyers and sellers in Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton and the entire South Shore Massachusetts. Through the LMC designation Madelene is equipped with the knowledge to handle foreclosure properties, and short sales in Massachusetts. Madelene has worked in the local real estate market for the past 5 years and also specializes in helping first time home buyers find their dream home as well as marketing and listings homes for sale. For more information check out Madelene Semeria’s website at http://wwwwww.ma-homesforsale.com/ or contact Madelene at (617) 894-1124.
Lastly, the course addresses the human element of these transactions as consumers face losing their homes. “These transactions can be hugely complicated with many players, let alone the emotional component,” said Semeria. “I feel better equipped to advocate and advise my clients with the knowledge gained from this course, I definitely have an advantage”.
Upon completion of the Loss Mitigation Certification Course, participants earn lifetime usage of the LMC designation and continuing education credits necessary for real estate license renewal.
Madelene Semeria is a full service real estate agent working out of Quincy MA. As a Century 21 Abigail Adams agent, Madelene has gained experience working with buyers and sellers in Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton and the entire South Shore Massachusetts. Through the LMC designation Madelene is equipped with the knowledge to handle foreclosure properties, and short sales in Massachusetts. Madelene has worked in the local real estate market for the past 5 years and also specializes in helping first time home buyers find their dream home as well as marketing and listings homes for sale. For more information check out Madelene Semeria’s website at http://wwwwww.ma-homesforsale.com/ or contact Madelene at (617) 894-1124.
With low home prices, falling interest rates and FREE MONEY, Why Aren’t More First Time Home Buyers Taking Advantage?
Calling the current real estate market a “buyers market” is an understatement! Low interest rates, dropping house prices and most importantly a federal tax credit offered to first time home buyers. Recent changes in the economic stimulus bill offers first time home buyers a tax credit of up to $8000, which does not need to be repaid. The original tax credit offered to first time buyers was more of an interest free loan; however recent changes have increased the tax credit as well as lifted the need to repay the money. “I am surprised that more first time home buyers are not taking advantage of this great opportunity,” states Madelene Semeria a local Quincy Realtor working for Century 21 Abigail Adams.
The tax credit is applicable on the purchase of a primary residence on or after January 1st, 2009 and before December 1st, 2009. The credit is only offered to first time home buyers, which is identified as any purchaser (and purchase’s spouse) who has either never owned a property or who has not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years prior to the purchase. This option opens up the opportunity to buyers who may have sold their property in the past and were unable to buy a home in the past few years when prices began to skyrocket. Applying for and receiving the credit is a seamless addition when filing your taxes, since it will simply be claimed on the tax return. It is suggested that first time home buyers consult a tax professional before applying for this tax credit.
While the tax credit available is up to $8000, or 10% of the home’s value, some income limits do apply. For a married couple the combined income cannot exceed $150,000 in order to qualify. The availability of this tax credit is an outstanding opportunity for buyers. This additional money can be used to help furnish the new home or to make wanted improvements. First time home buyers should not miss out on their window of opportunity to receive this credit, which is truly a gift.
Current homeowners looking to make energy efficient improvements to their current property may also be eligible for a tax credit. An additional aspect of the stimulus bill includes a tax credit of 30% of the cost of the improvements, not to exceed $1500, for any energy efficient improvements. The type of improvements eligible for this credit include: energy efficient insulation, heating/cooling units, doors and windows. Again, it is recommended that you discuss these items with a tax professional in order to maximize your return. For more information on the current real estate market or for help buying a home in Quincy, contact Madelene Semeria at (617) 894-1124. You can also obtain additional information by visiting her website at http://www.ma-homesforsale.com/. Madelene has worked in the local real estate market for the past 5 years and specializes in helping first time home buyers find their dream home.
The tax credit is applicable on the purchase of a primary residence on or after January 1st, 2009 and before December 1st, 2009. The credit is only offered to first time home buyers, which is identified as any purchaser (and purchase’s spouse) who has either never owned a property or who has not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years prior to the purchase. This option opens up the opportunity to buyers who may have sold their property in the past and were unable to buy a home in the past few years when prices began to skyrocket. Applying for and receiving the credit is a seamless addition when filing your taxes, since it will simply be claimed on the tax return. It is suggested that first time home buyers consult a tax professional before applying for this tax credit.
While the tax credit available is up to $8000, or 10% of the home’s value, some income limits do apply. For a married couple the combined income cannot exceed $150,000 in order to qualify. The availability of this tax credit is an outstanding opportunity for buyers. This additional money can be used to help furnish the new home or to make wanted improvements. First time home buyers should not miss out on their window of opportunity to receive this credit, which is truly a gift.
Current homeowners looking to make energy efficient improvements to their current property may also be eligible for a tax credit. An additional aspect of the stimulus bill includes a tax credit of 30% of the cost of the improvements, not to exceed $1500, for any energy efficient improvements. The type of improvements eligible for this credit include: energy efficient insulation, heating/cooling units, doors and windows. Again, it is recommended that you discuss these items with a tax professional in order to maximize your return. For more information on the current real estate market or for help buying a home in Quincy, contact Madelene Semeria at (617) 894-1124. You can also obtain additional information by visiting her website at http://www.ma-homesforsale.com/. Madelene has worked in the local real estate market for the past 5 years and specializes in helping first time home buyers find their dream home.
South Shore Real Estate Company opens real estate school offering real estate salesperson pre-licensing courses to prepare you for your career.
Century 21 Abigail Adams Agency opens The Abigail Adams Real Estate School in Quincy, Norwell and Marshfield offering pre-licensing courses and continuing education. Abigail Adams Real Estate School is now open to enrollment of students for pre-licensing and continuing education classes at their Norwell, Quincy, and Marshfield locations. Classes commence Monday, January 5, 2009.
School director and owner, Jayne Magown, is an experienced broker licensed since 1979. She earned her Commonwealth of Massachusetts Instructors license in 2007. She is a member of the Plymouth and South Shore Association of Realtors where she serves on the Board of Directors and as Chair of Education to its 2480 members.
“After hearing so many stories from new licensees regarding the impersonal nature of listening to tapes or sitting in a room with 30 students, I immediately recognized a need for small classroom live instruction,” said Director Jayne Magown. “Classes will be kept small in order to enhance the learning experience. With the failure rate now exceeding 50% on the State exam, smaller classes should provide the learning platform for many more to pass.”
For more information on classes, visit our website at http://www.abigailadamsrealestateschool.com/ or please call 781.837.2832 or email: abigailadamsRES@aol.com.
School director and owner, Jayne Magown, is an experienced broker licensed since 1979. She earned her Commonwealth of Massachusetts Instructors license in 2007. She is a member of the Plymouth and South Shore Association of Realtors where she serves on the Board of Directors and as Chair of Education to its 2480 members.
“After hearing so many stories from new licensees regarding the impersonal nature of listening to tapes or sitting in a room with 30 students, I immediately recognized a need for small classroom live instruction,” said Director Jayne Magown. “Classes will be kept small in order to enhance the learning experience. With the failure rate now exceeding 50% on the State exam, smaller classes should provide the learning platform for many more to pass.”
For more information on classes, visit our website at http://www.abigailadamsrealestateschool.com/ or please call 781.837.2832 or email: abigailadamsRES@aol.com.
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