Real Estate News from Westfield, MA: January 2010

Whether you are selling your home this winter or not it is important that you take a few minutes to perform some seasonal maintenance.  Winters in Western Massachusetts and other cold climates can do damage to property that hasn't been looked after.

These ten tips will ensure that your home stays in tip top shape!

#1- Safety First!  Check that your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors have batteries and are functioning properly.

#2- It's f-f-freezing!  Insulate pipes in basements, crawl spaces and attics. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember: the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.

#3- Have you changed your furnace filter?  If you have a forced warm air system, you need to either upgrade to a high grade filter that is intended for several months, or change the filter every month or two.  A clogged filter will reduce your furnace efficiency and can even prevent it from working at all!

#4- If your heating system has a whole house humidifier, it should be cleaned regularly.  Mold and bacteria can build up in there and will be pushed out in the air by the furnace.

#5-  Firewood should never be kept against a home.  It is a fire hazard and also attracts infesting bugs, which will make for long term problems.

#6- Put stormwindows on to save on heating costs.  Keep warm air in and cold out!

#7-  The dryer needs some attention, too!  Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer

#8- Check that the weather stripping around doors is intact, and not brittle. Replace if necessary.

#9-  Check electric outlets for drafts.  If you feel cold air purchase foam insulation kits that are installed between the wall and the plate.

#10- Prepare for Blackouts - winter brings heavy snow that can knock out power and telephone lines, so be prepared. Stock up on emergency items such as candles, flashlights, batteries, etc. Have these items where they can easily be accessible.

 

 

With a few little tasks you can ensure the value, warmth and safety of your home are kept at a premium!

APRIL 30, 2010

That is when the home buyer tax credit expires.  No kidding.  No rumors of extensions.

GONE.

If you are a first time homebuyer, you must close on your new home by April 30, 2010 to collect up to $8,000 in tax benefits.

Other buyers who may qualify for the "Step Up" Home buyer credit must be in contract by April 30, 2010 with a closing no later than July 1, 2010 to collect up to $6,500.  My blog post on the tax credit extension has a complete guideline for your review.

 

Flash-Toys

The clock is running out on your chance to buy a new home while the prices are at historic lows, the rates are still very good

AND you will get a tax credit!

 

 

Don't delay: make an appointment to see this well maintained, updated ranch in desirable Shaker Heights, Westfield, MA! Recently updated kitchen with lovely cabinets and solid countertops, updated bath, refinished wood floors, fireplace, finished basement, inground pool and so much more!

For more information you can: Text 287FALLEY to 368266

The rush of the holidays is over and the real estate market is heating up.  Buyers are contacting me daily and the energy in the Western Massachusetts housing market is GOOD!  What a difference a year makes: this time last year was the slowest I have ever been in real estate....I am glad things are moving in a positive direction for all of us!

The revised tax credit is part of what is stimulating buyers to get motivated early on in the year. 

I wanted to take a moment to make sure that you have current and accurate information about the new Home Buyer Tax Credit.

I always love working with first time home buyers.  There is a blush to the whole process, an excitement and energy that you don't get with anyone except people buying their first home. 

With the tax credits being offered, many people are taking advantage of the timing and credits to get into a new home and it has been my honor to help many of them purchase homes in Westfield, Holyoke, Springfield and surrounding communities. 

Below is a slide show of my most recent buyers who purchased a lovely home in Holyoke.  The transaction was very nice and the seller even threw them a party prior to the closing so that they could meet all of the neighbors and see pictures of the home over the years.  In all my years selling real estate I have never seen this done:  it was simply lovely.

There are many people hoping to take advantage of the first time and step up buyer tax credit extensions, I can help you be in your new home before the credit expires!

I am so appreciative of the people who choose me to help them buy and sell their homes.