Released on: October 8, 2008, 8:41 pm

Press Release Author: Madelene Semeria Century 21 Abigail Adams

Industry: -- Choose an Industry --

Press Release Summary: Today's real estate market offers buyers many opportunities
for low priced homes and good home buys.



Press Release Body: 2008 - With talks for a declining real estate market many buyers
are looking for the perfect house for a good buy. One of the most attractive
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

ABOUT MADELENE SEMERIA

Madelene Semeria, (http://www.Ma-HomesForSale.com) a Quincy resident, is a member of
the National Association of Realtors and the South Shore Association of Realtors.
She has gained a great presence on www.Realtor.com by providing clients with
enhanced listings, which gain over twenty times as much traffic as regular listings.
Madelene Semeria strives to provide 100% professional quality service to all of her
current and future clients. Madelene Semeria always goes that extra step for her
clients. Madelene Semeria services Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton and
surrounding South Shore areas. Madelene is a well rounded real estate marketing
professional with a record of top performance in delivering successful marketing
initiatives. A result oriented team player with a wealth of experience in marketing,
internet marketing and public relations.
Madelene Semeria Real Estate Agent Quincy MA 617-894-1124 Ma_homesForSale@Yahoo.com



Web Site: http://www.Ma-HomesForSale.com

Contact Details: Madelene Semeria Real Estate Agent
Century 21 Abigail Adams Quincy MA
617-894-1124
Ma_homesForSale@Yahoo.com