Don't forget to prep your home for winter!
There are a few simple, inexpensive maintenance items that every home owner should do before winter hits. Remember, it's always cheaper to prevent rather than repair, and some of these maintenance items could save your life!Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors!We say this a lot but it can't be stressed enough, especially in the winter when your furnace will be running 24/7.Have your furnace and chimney inspectedThese inspections very important and thankfully cheap to do (usually under $100). Make sure your furnace is running efficiently and that your chimney is properly ventilating your home.Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clearGutters clogged with fall leaves will lead to poor drainage which could weigh them down with ice in the winter and lead to wood rot, which is never fun to replace.Shut-off external water pipesOutdoor spigots and irrigation systems should be drained to prevent freezes and breaks.Remove your window screensThis will prevent them from being damaged by frost and driven snow, plus it will allow more light in during those dreary winter months and increase the passive solar heating from direct sunlight.
Is condo living right for you?
While this might seem like a simple question to answer, it’s helpful to have the important factors laid out in front of you.Living Space:Typically condos are smaller in both living and storage space, which means that there’s less to clean and maintain, but it can also be limiting to certain lifestyles. (Bonus: It keeps you from saving things that aren’t worth saving!)Close Neighbors:Depending on the style of condo you buy, your neighbors will either be next to you, above you, below you, or all of the above! So if you’re someone who has a tough time getting along with others, lives a noisy lifestyle, or is looking for a great deal of privacy, then condo living may not be for you. On the other hand, you could make some great friends and there is alway someone else around to look out for anything going amiss.Outdoor Space:Much like living space, the majority of condos don’t offer much in the way of a yard. This is a nice plus from a low-maintenance / zero yard work perspective.The above points are great to get you thinking about the condo lifestyle. Also, we recommend you take the time to jot down what is important to you in your day to day living. This will go along way to helping you make the decision that’s right for you.Nearly every day we are helping someone buy or sell a condo, feel free to reach out to us with any questions about the condo lifestyle.
Thinking of selling your condo? Read these must-know finance regulations!
One of the most common and tricky hurdles of condo transactions are financing troubles. They can be caused by a variety of factors and unfortunately many times they’re the issue that makes a sale fall apart. Below are some of the most common financing issues:Renter versus Owner Ratio:This is a stat that your Homeowners Association (HOA) should be monitoring. If the percentage of owners renting out their units is too high then many banks will be weary of providing mortgages to that property. Typically they like to see a rental ratio of under 50%.Single Owner Interest:Banks don’t like to see one person or entity owning more than 10% of the units in a community.Commercial Interest:If your community has a portion of that is commercially zoned, banks typically want to see that it is no more than 25% of the community.These are the typical big 3 issues. How to remedy them? Well that’s something that can be tricky in some scenarios and easier in others. It starts with the HOA. They should be aware of these statistics and proactively impose regulations to make sure that they keep the community as “mortgage friendly” as possible.If that has been neglected, then your other hope is that the agent you work with has a network of lenders that can specialize in unique financing scenarios. An agent who is adept at condo sales should have a repertoire of portfolio lenders to navigate these issues.If you have questions, comments, or require lender recommendations please feel free to reach out to us.
7 Nancy Rd #4, Easton, MA
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Under Agreement
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$228,500
2 beds - 1.5 baths - 1,052 sq. ft.
MLSPIN #: 72238363Welcome to one of the premier town homes at Easton Crossing. Ideally located within the complex and meticulously maintained. Unique to this town home are recently upgraded patio door, front door, bath fitter tub, refrigerator and microwave. Your spacious patio has a private setting and offers views of the woodlands, and townhouse living means you can grill to your hearts content! The first floor has an open design dining and living area with spacious kitchen that is only found in a small number of these homes. The master bedroom is very spacious (over 16 feet long!). Also, laundry is conveniently located on the second floor. Easton Crossing is a very desirable community situated on 22 acres and includes a pool, basketball and tennis courts, a dog park, fitness room and club house. The town of Easton offers quality shopping, delicious restaurants, Borderland State Park, and Langwater Farmer's Market. First showings at the open house on Saturday, October 7 from 1-3pm.
Over $13,000 in improvements!
Floor Plan
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Community
Name: Easton CrossingYear Built/Converted: 1976/2005Total Units: 188Parking: 2 deeded outdoor spaces
Utilities
Cooking: ElectricHeating: Electric baseboard, 2 zonesCooling: 2 wall mounted A/CWater: TownSewer: Community treatment plant
Estimated Costs
Taxes: $2,827 per yearAssociation Fee: $406 per monthFee Includes: Hot Water, Water, Sewer, Master Insurance, Swimming Pool, Exterior Maintenance, Road Maintenance, Landscaping, Snow Removal, Tennis Court, Exercise Room, Clubroom, Refuse Removal, Reserve FundsClick here to view the Easton Crossing budget, condo docs and site plan.[/trx_column_item][/trx_columns]
15 Summer St #209, Franklin, MA
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$310,000
2 beds - 2 baths - 1,350 sq. ft.
MLSPIN #: 72230479Welcome home to the heart of downtown Franklin! This well-kept corner condo is just a short drive from I-495 and an even shorter walk to the commuter rail. Condo living provides plenty of time for you to relax or enjoy family and friends. For the nights that you decide to host company the open floor plan has plenty of space to entertain, and your overnight guests will have the privacy of their very own bedroom and bathroom. But it's not always about entertaining, condo living means more time for you! Prepare a cup of your favorite tea (maybe grab a cookie or two) and retire to your master suite to finally read that novel or catch up on some Netflix. In the winter, you'll definitely be appreciative of the garage parking and elevator (especially after a long day of shopping at the nearby Wrentham outlets). Weekends will never be boring now that shops, restaurants, and the train are all within walking distance. Your condo fee includes water, sewer, heat, and more. Call today and come see how condo living is living life at its best!
Floor Plan
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Community
Name: Franklin Center CommonsYear Built: 2008Total Units: 27Parking: 2 deeded spaces, 1 garage and 1 outside
Utilities
Cooking: ElectricHeating: Gas, forced airCooling: Central airWater: TownSewer: Town
Estimated Costs
Taxes: $3,910 per yearAssociation Fee: $457 per monthFee Includes: Heat, Hot Water, Gas, Water, Sewer, Master Insurance, Elevator, Exterior Maintenance, Road Maintenance, Landscaping, Snow Removal, Refuse Removal, Reserve Funds[/trx_column_item][/trx_columns]