The condominium inventory in the Greater Boston Area is abundant, mortgage rates are good and you found a place that is just right for you….bedrooms, bathrooms, great kitchen, the works and you're ready to buy. Or are you?
When buying a condo, there is more to consider than just your unit. A condo is just one piece of a whole association. Whether you are buying into a two unit association or a 200 unit association, there are things you should know before signing on the dotted line.
1. If there is a deck, patio or yard, is it common space (used by all condo owners) or private (deeded to your exclusive use in the condo deed).
2. What changes are you allowed to make to your unit if any.
3. Are pets allowed, if so, are there restrictions.
4. Who manages the property in terms of snow removal, landscaping, repairs etc.
5. What is the monthly condo fee and what expenses does it cover?
6. Have there been any recent special assessments ( one time, often large, payments from unit owners for a repair cost that exceeds the budget capabilities) or are any planned?
7. What is the balance in the association budget?
8. Is there parking, if so, is it assigned, deeded, or first come first serve.
These are the most significant issues to discuss, but be sure to review the condo documents (most people make their offer to purchase subject to “satisfactory review of condo docs”), for any other items of concern.
Once you have gathered all this information and looked over all the associated documents, go ahead and buy that new furniture that is perfect for your new condo!
Additional Resources:
Search for all current Condo listings in your town of interest: Avenue 3 Property Search
Speak Condo. Understand the terms and know the documents: Avenue 3 Real Estate Condominium Glossary
3 Tannery Brook Row, one of 16 condos currently on the market in Somerville MA.
The current Greater Boston real estate offers condos of every shape, size and price range. The condo inventory in Cambridge MA, Somerville MA and Boston MA is solid and many Buyers are finding the perfect place for them….bedrooms, bathrooms, great kitchen, the works! And you may be one of these Buyers. Do you think you're ready to buy?
When buying a condo, there is more to consider than just your unit. A condo is just one piece of a whole association. Whether you are buying into a two unit association or a 200 unit association, there are things you should know before signing on the dotted line…
1. If there is a deck, patio or yard: Is it common space (used by all condo owners) or private (deeded to your exclusive use in the condo deed)?
2. What changes are you allowed to make to your unit if any?
3. Are pets allowed, if so, are there any restrictions?
4. Who manages the property in terms of snow removal, landscaping, repairs etc.?
5. What is the monthly condo fee and what expenses does it cover?
6. Have there been any recent special assessments ( one time, often large, payments from unit owners for a repair cost that exceeds the budget capabilities) or are any planned?
7. What is the balance in the association budget?
8. Is there parking, if so, is it assigned, deeded, or first come first serve?
These are the most significant issues to discuss, but be sure to review the condo documents (most people make their offer to purchase subject to “satisfactory review of condo docs”), for any other items of concern.
Once you have gathered all this information and looked over all the associated documents, go ahead and buy that new furniture that is perfect for your new condo!
Additional Resources:
Search for all current Condo listings in your town of interest:
Speak Condo. Understand the terms and know the documents:
31 Russell Street, Arlington MA
What's happening this weekend Dec. 15-16 in Arlington MA ?
What better way to be a part of the Arlington MA community than living in one of the towns many condominiums, especially those in walking distance to the vibrant center! Arlington MA prides itself on its many community programs and activities that take place around the center like the weekly Farmer's Market, Town Day festivities and the Patriots Day Parade. This year the Patriot's Day Committee is sponsoring several fund raising activities to fund the parade in April 2013 and one is happening this weekend, Breakfast with Santa. Fun way to start the day before you begin your Open House visits.
And here's the info you'll need to buy a property in Arlington MA:
The housing inventory in Arlington MA Real Estate continues to list a variety of available properties. This week the Multiple Service is showing only 34 active properties in Arlington MA. 12 single family homes - $602,317 average listing price / 20 condos - $416,104 average listing price / 2 multi-family homes- $585,000 average listing price with new properties being added daily.
Also, in the pending sales category MLS lists a total of 5 properties this past week.
There are 5 scheduled open houses in Arlington MA this weekend.
Here are a few properties that we at Avenue 3 thought you may find interesting based on asking price, location and amenities. You'll find that these properties somewhat represent the style of the town:
1. Single: 78 Dow Avenue $660,000
2. Condo: 31 Russell Street $435,000
3. Condo: 74-76 Hamlet Street $549,000
If you're interested in taking a look at the homes for sale in Arlington MA and would like to have a conversation with an Arlington Real Estate Agent, please Contact Us and you can search all the current Open Houses Arlington MA this weekend right here:
Make the best of an open house visit with the A3 checklist:
With the arrival of the holiday season, a new 'problem' presents itself to homeowners in the Greater Boston Area who are selling a home. What about decorating your home while on the market? Here are a couple of "do's" and a few "do nots" to help you make the most of your home sale and holiday decor!
Do decorate. If you would normally decorate, go right ahead. It is the holiday season so your home should be a part of the season. If you do not add any decorations or decor changes to reflect the season, your home may feel less lively or less inviting to visiting buyers.
Do warm to the season. If you are not a fan of decorating or not celebrating a particular holiday, make some seasonal changes anyway. Changing throws, pillow covers, throw rugs, towels or curtains to warmer colors will make the house feel more inviting to buyers visiting during the chilly winter months.
Do not hide your house - too much is just too much. Keep the decorations to a minimum level so that buyers can see the house and not just the decorations.
Do not decorate to distraction - Although you might love blinking lights and the snowman that sings every time someone walks by, these interactive decorations will only serve to distract and interrupt a home viewing.
Do not supersize your decorations - The seven foot spread on that spruce tree might look great in a parking lot sale, but will most likely take up half of any room in which it is placed. Stick to decorations that fit well within the space you have so that you are not diminishing the size of your rooms or blocking walking passages within your home.
Do not overwhelm the "scents" - Scented candles and decorations might be to your liking but scents are a very tricky thing and can become bothersome to visiting buyers. Avoid scented items and try the old baked cookies if you want to create an inviting interior.
The goal is to make your home as spacious and inviting as possible for all buyers during the holiday season. After all, they may be the ones to provide you with a very substantial holiday gift!
For other selling tips be sure to download our Smarter Seller Kit today!
What's happening in Cambridge MA Real Estate this summer weekend?
The word is that Cambridge MA Condos are bursting on to the market and the Multiple Listing Service is currently showing 171 active properties, 18 single family homes, $1,436, 878 average listing price / 135 condos, $634,034 average listing price / 18 multi family homes, $1,057,350 average listing price with new properties being added daily.
Most of these properties can be seen at Open Houses over the weekend or with a scheduled appointment with an Avenue 3 Real Estate Agent!
There are 23 Cambridge MA Open Houses this weekend and among them are a few newly listed properties that we at Avenue 3 thought you may find interesting based on asking price, location and amenities:
1. Condos:
5 Warwick Park, Unit: $579,900
188 Mass. Avenue, Unit 8: $199,900
3. Multi- Family:
18 Matignon Road: $649,000
Tempted to take a look at all the open houses in Cambridge MA? You can right here: Avenue 3 Open House Search
And while you're at it, search all current and available Cambridge MA Real Estate properties here: Avenue 3 Property Search
If you question how the market drives the asking price, the answer is Sold Properties and you can search all the recently sold Cambridge MA properties here:
What's up this weekend August 4-5 in Arlington MA?
You just have to read this week's entry in the Arlington Patch to see you have a choice of interesting activities to choose from like mill tours and music events at the Regent Theatre.
And for the Arlington MA real estate news: the Multiple Listing Service is currently showing 73 active properties. 27 single family homes - $630,533 average listing price / 40 condos - $366,509 average listing price / 6 multi family homes- $573,367 average listing price with new properties being added daily.
Most of them can be seen at Open Houses over the weekend or with a scheduled appointment with an Avenue 3 Real Estate Agent!
Of the scheduled 22 open houses in Arlington this weekend, here are a few newly listed properties that we at Avenue 3 thought you may find interesting based on asking price, location and amenities:
1. Single: 33 Lombard Road: $924,000
2. Condo: 10 Highland Ave, Unit 1: $369,900
3. Multi-Family: 89-91 Everett Avenue: $649,900
If you're thinking of living in Arlington MA and tempted to take a look at the homes for sale, you can search all the Open Houses Arlington MA here: Avenue 3 Open House Search
And while you're at it, search all current Arlington properties here: Avenue 3 Arlington MA Property Search
If you question how the market drives the asking price, the answer is Sold Properties. Search all the recently sold Arlington MA properties here: Register and get the sold info you need!
What's up this weekend in Arlington MA?
You just have to read this week's entry in the Arlington Patch to see you have a choice of interesting activities to choose from like a Mill tour, a concert and a creative arts event!
And for the Arlington MA real estate news: the Multiple Listing Service is currently showing 74 active properties. 30 single family homes - $615,777 average listing price / 39 condos - $345,451 average listing price / 5 multi family homes- $558,060 average listing price with new properties being added daily.
Most of them can be seen at Open Houses over the weekend or with a scheduled appointment with an Avenue 3 Real Estate Agent!
Of the 23 scheduled open houses in Arlington this weekend, here are a few newly listed properties that we at Avenue 3 thought you may find interesting based on asking price, location and amenities:
1. Single: 144 Mt. Vernon Street: $525,000
2. Condo: 975 Mass. Avenue: $299,000
3. Mulit-Family: 1513 Mass. Avenue: $729,000
Tempted to take a look at the homes for sale in Arlington MA this weekend? You can search all the Open Houses Arlington MA here: Avenue 3 Open House Search
And while you're at it, search all current Arlington properties here: Avenue 3 Arlington MA Property Search
If you question how the market drives the asking price, the answer is Sold Properties. Search all the recently sold Arlington MA properties here:
What's Up this weekend in Belmont MA ?
The Belmont May Fair Sat. May 12 and 7 Open Houses, that's what!
And more real estate news for the week: The Multiple Listing Service is currently showing 95 active properties. 50 singles, $1,278,140 average listing price / 37 condos, $542,263 average listing price / 8 multi family homes, $654,488 average listing price with new properties being added daily.
Most of them can be seen at Open Houses over the weekend or with a scheduled appointment with an Avenue 3 Real Estate Agent!
Here are a few newly listed properties open in Belmont MA this Sunday that we at Avenue 3 thought you may find interesting based on asking price, location and amenities:
1. Single: 54 Randolph Street, $895,000
2. Condos: 65 Hamilton Road Unit 65, $669,000
21 Summit Road, $1,339,000
Tempted? You can search all Belmont MA Open Houses here: Avenue 3 Open House Search
And while you're at it, search all current Belmont MA properties here: Avenue 3 Belmont MA Property Search
How does the market drive the asking price? Sold Properties. To search recent sold Belmont properties:
What's up this weekend in Arlington MA?
The Mother's Day Brunch at Tryst and 14 Open Houses, that's what!
And the real estate update this week: The Multiple Listing Service is currently showing 121 active properties. 62 single family homes - $584,419 average listing price / 52 condos - $370,707 average listing price / 7 multi family homes- $590,386 average listing price with new properties being added daily.
Most of them can be seen at Open Houses over the weekend or with a scheduled appointment with an Avenue 3 Real Estate Agent!
Here are a few newly listed properties open in Arlington MA this Sunday that we at Avenue 3 thought you may find interesting based on asking price, location and amenities:
1. Single: 38 Hillcrest Street, $474,000
2. Condo: 132 Warren Street Unit B, $435,000
6 Brookdale Road, $419,000
Tempted? You can search all Arlington MA Open Houses here: Avenue 3 Open House Search
And while you're at it, search all current Arlington MA properties here: Avenue 3 Arlington MA Property Search
How does the market drive the asking price? Sold Properties. To search recent sold Arlington properties:
What's Up this week in Cambridge MA Real Estate?
The Multiple Listing Service is currently showing 259 active properties 40 single family homes, average listing price $1,283,673 / 192 condos, average listing price $524,918 / 17 multi family homes, average listing price $1,161,053 with new properties being added daily.
Most of them can be seen at Open Houses over the weekend or with a scheduled appointment with an Avenue 3 Real Estate Agent!
Here are a few newly listed properties open in Cambridge MA Real Estate this Sunday that we at Avenue 3 thought you may find interesting based on asking price, location and amenities:
1. Single: 32 Decatur Street, $1,399,000
2. Condo: 1802 Massachusetts Avenue, $289,000
3. Multi-family: 78 Oxford Avenue, $511,000
Tempted? You can search all Cambridge MA Open Houses here: Avenue 3 Open House Search
And while you're at it, search all current Cambridge MA properties here: Avenue 3 Cambridge Property Search
How does the market drive the asking price? Sold Properties. To search recent sold Cambridge properties: