RE/MAX Innovations

Somerville, MA MLS Map Tool

Search all Somerville, Massachusetts MLS listings by location (street or neighborhood) price, criteria and keyword phrases with the results shown on a map.  View listing information including interior and exterior pictures of the properties. 

For a map search all Somerville, Massachusetts MLS listings visit

Somerville MLS Map Search

RE/MAX Innovations provides the consumer with a free service that allows for a thorough and efficient map search of the Massachusetts Multiple Listing system for Massachusetts real estate. 

To sign up for this service click on

Massachusetts Home Search

 For a direct search of all MA MLS listings, go to Massachusetts MLS.  If you want to receive a list of Massachusetts bank owned properties, go to MA Foreclosures.  Go to the Massachusetts Homebuying Guide to view the ultimate MA real estate resource.  To search for properties in multiple states visit Virtual Homes real estate.

 

 

Boston, MA MLS Map Tool

Massachusetts MLS Listings Map Search

Search all Boston, Massachusetts MLS listings by location (street or neighborhood) price, criteria and keyword phrases with the results shown on a map.  View listing information including interior and exterior pictures of the properties.  Go to Boston MLS Map Search.

Visit Boston MA Homes and condos for sale for direct MLS access of Boston properties.

RE/MAX Innovations provides the consumer with a free service that allows for a thorough and efficient map search of the Massachusetts Multiple Listing system for Massachusetts real estate. 

To sign up for this service click on

Massachusetts Home Search

For a direct search of all MA MLS listings, go to Massachusetts MLS.  If you want to receive a list of Massachusetts bank owned properties, go to MA Foreclosures. 

Go to the Massachusetts Homebuying Guide to view the ultimate MA real estate resource.  To search for properties in multiple states visit Virtual Homes real estate

Waltham MA MLS Real Estate Search

Waltham Massachusetts Real Estate

Buying a home is an important investment however your primary focus should be to solve a housing need.  The process can be very complicated if you do not work with industry professionals that can provide accurate information and advise you.  The professionals include mortgage lenders, Realtors, Attorneys, Home Inspectors and Accountants.  If you are a first-time home buyer, you may qualify for a tax credit ($8000 in 2009) and could be eligible for special financing programs.

For a map based search of all properties listed in the MA MLS go to

WALTHAM MA MLS MAP SEARCH

Waltham MA MLS Search is a valuable resource to assist you in finding the perfect property. The Massachusetts home search is easy with "quick search" options to search for MA real estate. The Virtual Homes MLS Map Search provides all MLS listings plotted in each town on a map.  

RE/MAX Innovations real estate agents can assist you in your search for the perfect home ((877) 266-9747.

Massachusetts Multiple Listing Service- Search the MLS for all NH property listings.   Go to MA MLS.

Massachusetts  Foreclosures and Bank Owned Homes - Register to receive New Hampshire foreclosure (bank-owned) listings and short sale opportunities.  Go To MA Bank Owned

Home Search Service- Home search is a web-based real estate software tool (MLSpulse) that keeps you continually informed of your local real estate market.

Mansfield, Massachusetts Property Search

Mansfield, Massachusetts Real Estate 

Through this resource you will find extensive information on buying or selling real estate in Mansfield, Massachusetts. If you are looking to invest in Mansfield real estate you will find a variety of opportunities available to you. Mansfield Massachusetts real estate offers relocation information, residential real estate, new home construction and development, condominiums (condos), adult living communities (55+ communities), retirement homes and facilities, land, waterfront properties and multi-family investment properties. Mansfield, MA, and the surrounding areas offer vacation homes, farms, equine facilities, country properties. Mansfield MA MLS search  provides more information about the statewide MLS (multiple listings service).

Let Mansfield MA real estate assist you in finding the right property to meet your needs from local area homes for sale, foreclosure listings (bank-owned), country properties, land, condominiums and equine facilities -- all through the MA real estate Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Request relocation, school and demographic information.

The Massachusetts home search is easy with "quick search" options to search for MA real estate.  Let us assist you in finding the property that meets your needs. The Virtual Homes MLS Map Search provides all MLS listings plotted in each town on a map.   RE/MAX Innovations real estate agents can assist you in your search for the perfect home ((877) 266-9747.

For a map based search of all properties listed in the MA MLS go to

 MANSFIELD MA MLS

Massachusetts Multiple Listing Service- Search the MLS for all NH property listings.   Go to MA MLS.

Massachusetts  Foreclosures and Bank Owned Homes - Register to receive New Hampshire foreclosure (bank-owned) listings and short sale opportunities.  Go To MA Bank Owned

Home Search Service- Home search is a web-based real estate software tool (MLSpulse) that keeps you continually informed of your local real estate market.

 

Congress Modifies Tax Credit for First-Time Homebuyer

Both the House of Representatives and the Senate approved the American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009 (commonly known as the stimulus package) on Friday, February 13, 2009.  This bill modifies the 2008 legislation which provided for a tax credit to first-home buyers.  The following are the highlights of the changes to the 2008 Act that will be enacted upon the President's signature early this week.

• The tax credit the lesser of 10 percent of cost of home or $8000.

• Purchases who utilize revenue bond financing can use the credit.

• No repayment for purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

• If the home is sold within three years of purchase, the entire amount of the credit is recaptured on sale.  Applies only to homes purchased in 2009.

• Termination - December 1, 2009

• Revisions become effective as of January 1, 2009.

The first-time homebuyer tax credit chart compares the modifications to the 2008 legislation.

Qualifying homebuyers can utilize FHA mortgagesto take advantage of low-downpayment programs with credit scores of 600.  Low fixed rate financing and affordable housing prices provides consumers with an exceptional opportunity to own their own home.  Experienced real estate agents at RE/MAX Innovations can assist you with Massachusetts real estate, Rhode Island real estate and NH homes for sale.  In Massachusetts, Virtual Homes MLS provides a map based search of all MA multiple listing service properties. Visit Virtual Homes real estate for information in other states.

Massachusetts Real Estate Home Search Service

MA MLS Search Service

 RE/MAX Innovations provides the consumer with a free service that allows for a thorough and efficient search of the Massachusetts Multiple Listing system for Massachusetts real estate. Our home search service saves you time and provides you with current inventory of homes available through the MA MLS home search is a web-based real estate software tool (MLSpulse) that keeps you continually informed of your local real estate market. This service searches for MA homes for sale, condos, land, and multi-families.  Look at some of the features offered:

• Daily/real time alerts of new listings!
  Delivered by email or thru your desktop.
• Direct access to the Multiple Listing System
  Advanced search capabilities including searching the remarks for items of interest (pools, barn, in-law, views, etc.)
• Property Addresses and Mapping!!!

To sign up for this service click on

Massachusetts Home Search

 

For a direct search of all MA MLS listings, go to Massachusetts MLS.  If you want to receive a list of Massachusetts bank owned properties, go to MA Foreclosures.  To search for properties in multiple states visit Virtual Homes real estate.  Go to New Hampshire MLS listings and NH Home Search Service for New Hampshire real estate.  Visit Real Estate in a Virtual World for look into the world of real estate.

A Windfall for the Homebuyer - The $15,000 Tax Credit

On February 4, 2009, the Senate passed an amendment to the stimulus package which will provide all home buyers with a $15,000 tax credit.  For many potential homeowners, this could be a "once in a lifetime" opportunity.  When combined with the FHA mortgage financing that requires a 3.5% down payment ( which can be gifted), average credit, and the Seller contribution to cover closing costs, the buyer will now have sufficient backup funds to cover unexpected expenses and provide a "cushion" for monthly mortgage payments.  The highlights:

1.  Effective date will be when the President signs the bill.

1. 2.  The tax credit is limited to 10% of the purchase price or $15,000.

2. 3.  This is for all buyers of primary residences for one year after the bill is signed.

The amendment received quick approval as most legislators realized that the housing market is a critical element in stimulating the economy.  Once first home buyers purchase a home, other home owners will now be able to move up and buy their second and third homes.  The builders will now be able to build and meet the needs of those move-up buyers.  The is process creates jobs and allows for the sales of goods and services.

There are other issues that still need to be addressed in the stimulus package such as foreclosures and the banking crises.  However, the $15,000 tax credit will have a significant impact and achieve the intended results. 

Now is the time to contact your lender and real estate agent to evaluate your options in taking advantage of this exceptional opportunity. 

First Homebuyers and the FHA

The FHA (Federal Housing Administration) Mortgage Highlights

As a potential first home buyer, the best mortgage option available to you will likely be a FHA program.  The following list details some important facts:

1.  You can qualify for a mortgage with 3.5% down (FHA)

2.  You can qualify with a 600 credit score (FHA)

3.  You will receive a $7500 tax credit as a first home buyer

4.  Your down payment can be gifted (FHA)

5.  The seller can pay up to 6% in concessions and closing costs

6.  30 year fixed rates at 5.5% (February 3, 2009)

7. The FHA mortgage is assumable

8.  FHA has flexible re-finance options (benefit if the rates go down)

9.  The 203k Streamline Rehab and Repair provides funds to fix up properties

10, Obtain credit approval from an experienced FHA lender

This is the Time to Buy

Interest rates are at historic lows, price reductions in housing values are down 10-35%, and a $7500 tax credit are three of the major reasons that buying a home is more affordable and offers exceptional values.  If you considered buying a home for $300,000 a year ago, today's relative value is $230,000 combining the drop in price and interest rates (based on 10% drop in value).  In some markets the relative value is down to $150,000.

Visit Virtual Homes real estate to visit cities and towns to obtain home buying information.  The Virtual Homes MLS Search provides a map based search and locates properties in their locations in each town.  RE/MAX Innovations real estate agents provide buyer agent services in multiple states.

For real estate related information visit Real Estate in a Virtual World. 

Call To Action - We Can Tell the Truth to the Consumer

  The Press Is Doing a Disservice to Potential Home Buyers

We know how important it is for us to be honest about the market with customers and clients.  If we   can't be trusted, we won't be successful.

Unfortunately, the press dominates the flow of information and they aren't being totally honest with the consumer.  Last week, a CNN "commentator" was emphatic in her claims that you needed a 20% down payment and a credit score of 700 to obtain a mortgage.

Have your heard the press talking about the opportunities to buy in this market with the FHA programs, low interest rates and lower prices?  How about your local real estate board, state association or the mortgage banking associations?

Consumer confidence is the key to the turnaround in the real estate economy.  While we wait for that process to occur, we should take the opportunity to be honest with the motivated and qualified buyers that need to take advantage of this market and need our professional guidance.  The facts:

• First-home buyers - the rent vs. buy analysis (tax benefits of home ownership).  In many cases tenants can own their rentals for less than the monthly rent payment.
• Move ups - When is the best time to move up?  In a downward or flat market.
• Investors - What are you waiting for?

We have to take the responsibility to get the message out. We can't afford to let other messengers control our business and the consumers thought process. 

View a recent article on first home buying with no money down.

Managing Your Agents' Mindsets

It is no wonder that consumer confidence is at an all time low with the stock market in flux, credit tightening and the government introducing various financial “bailouts” for our financial and insurance institutions.  Qualified buyers are waiting on the sidelines hoping to obtain bargains at the bottom of the market.  As a broker/owner, my management challenge is to motivate my agents to do what they do best — list and sell real estate.  My responsibility is to provide a path or a course of action that will result in agents having success in this market. 

Since we can’t control the market, our focus is on market share.  Agents must work on activities that will increase their business opportunities. In addition, agents must believe that the outcome they want will happen.  An agent’s mindset is critical in communicating the opportunities to qualified buyers. 

There will be a substantial number of transactions that will occur by the end of the year.  How will we get our share?

Here are some business activities that will lead to successful transactions:    

1.       Target first-home buyers and move ups.  These are buyers and sellers who have the most motivation to take advantage of the market.

2.       Develop relevant messaging for consumers on topics like current market data, financing options, etc.. Communicate this information in a clear, concise and timely manner. Establishing yourself as a source of information consumers can trust will benefit youm in the long run.

3.       Provide training and education to you agents. For example, agents must have a working knowledge of the new FHA programs ($7500 tax credit), and the tax benefits of home ownership.

4.       Identify the motivated, qualified buyers.  Filter your database, re-connect with your past customers and clients and present the opportunities.  Call all of them.

5.       Participate in networking events with other agents. Social interaction that allows agents to talk (or even vent) and listen to others having success is a great way to keep agents in the game.

6.       Offer incentives. Partner with lenders and title companies to offer consumers incentive packages such as $1000 Off Closing Costs.

Consumers receive information from a number of sources including the press, friends and family.  As the real estate professionals, it is our responsibility to make sure they have information they can trust so that they have the ability to make an informed decision.