Consumer Confidence at Highest Level in Over a Decade February 10 2015 Two recently released reports reveal that the American public is starting to feel much better about the U.S. economy. The University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers showed that: “Consumer optimism reached the highest level in the past decade in the January 2015 survey…Consumers judged prospects for the national economy as the best in a decade, with half of all consumers expecting the economic expansion will continue for another five years. The anticipated strength in the overall economy has been accompanied by more favorable income and employment expectations.” Here is a chart showing results over the last decade: As all consumers are feeling more optimistic, more young adults are moving out of their parents’ bas... 02/10/2015

    Simplifying the Market™ Making Real Estate Easy to Understand   Moving Across America [INFOGRAPHIC] simplify February 6 2015 It is really something to see where the Americans are moving to and from.  Leaving New York, my opnion TAXES. Illinois could be crime perhaps. Connecticut TAXES. Just opinions.  Washington DC low unemployment and so many government workers.  Florida & Texas better cost of Living.  Idaho and Oklahoma are beautiful.  Pat Baker     Key Advantage Realty Needham, MA Experienced real estate agent intimately acquainted with the Needham, MA and the MetroWest area of Boston, MA. Specializing in home sales, buyer purchases, condominiums, 2nd home purchases,investment properties, and rentals (617) 435-3471 Visit My Website facebook          linkedin Send me an Email    ... 02/06/2015

    Simplifying the Market™ Making Real Estate Easy to Understand   The Difference Between A Home’s Cost vs. Price simplify February 4 2015 As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As either a first time or repeat buyer, you must not be concerned only about price but also about the ‘long term cost’ of the home. Let us explain. There are many factors that influence the ‘cost’ of a home. Two of the major ones are the home’s appreciation over time, and the interest rate at which a buyer can borrow the funds necessary to purchase their home. The rate at which these two factors can change is often referred to as “The Cost of Waiting”. What will happen in 2015? A nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, ... 02/05/2015

Simplifying the Market™ Making Real Estate Easy to Understand 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t For Sale By Owner February 3 2015 Some homeowners consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers. Here are five reasons: 1. There Are Too Many People to Negotiate With Here is a list of some of the people with whom you must be prepared to negotiate if you decide to For Sale By Owner: The buyer who wants the best deal possible The buyer’s agent who solely represents the best interest of the buyer The buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country) The home inspection companies which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the house. Th... 02/02/2015

    Simplifying the Market™ Making Real Estate Easy to Understand   13,808 Houses Sold Yesterday! Did Yours? simplify January 29 2015 There are some homeowners that have been waiting for months to get a price they hoped for when they originally listed their house for sale. The only thing they might want to consider is... If it hasn't sold yet, maybe it's not priced properly. After all 13,808 houses sold yesterday, 13,808 will sell today and 13,808 will sell tomorrow. 13,808! That is the average number of homes that sell each and every day in this country according to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) latest Existing Home Sales Report. NAR reported that sales are at an annual rate of 5.04 million. Divide that number by 365 (days in a year) and we can see that, on average, over... 01/29/2015

Simplifying the Market™ Making Real Estate Easy to Understand Two Great Reasons to Buy not Rent December 17 2014 There are many young people debating whether they should renew the lease on their apartment or sign a contract to purchase their first home. Based on a recent study, here are two reasons buying a home might make more sense:   It it has become so expensive to rent and there is hardly must to pick from besides  I have been embarrassed to sow some rentals in even the   $3000 a month price range.  The inventory is low and not the best    PAT BAKERKey Advantage Realty Needham, MA Experienced real estate agent intimately acquainted with the Needham, MA and the MetroWest area of Boston, MA. Specializing in home sales, buyer purchases, condominiums, 2nd home purchases,investment pro... 01/26/2015

    Simplifying the Market™ Making Real Estate Easy to Understand   Thinking Of Selling? Now May Be The Time simplify January 22 2015   It is common knowledge that a large number of homes sell during the spring buying season. For that reason, many homeowners hold off putting their home on the market until then. The question is whether or not that will be a good strategy this year.  Most of the time sellers wait until spring market and they are competing with so many other properties.  This simplifies the market and less competition.  I suggest that it is a good strategy not to wait. The other listings that do come out in the spring will represent increased competition to any seller. Do a greater number of homes actually come to the market in the spring compared to the rest of the year?... 01/22/2015

Move Up Don't Wait For That House You Always Wanted. simplify January 19 2015 Now that the housing market has stabilized, more and more homeowners are considering moving up to the home they have always dreamed of. In most areas, prices are still below those of a few years ago. Also, interest rates are still near 4%. However, sellers should realize that waiting to make the move while mortgage rates are projected to increase probably doesn’t make sense. You never know what will happen while you sit on the fence.  As rates increase, the price of the house you can buy will decrease. Here is a chart detailing this point: Pat Baker     Key Advantage Realty Needham, MA Experienced real estate agent intimately acquainted with the Needham, MA and the MetroWest area of Boston, MA. Specializing i... 01/20/2015

Dancing With The Needham Stars Feb.7th     The Needham Historical Society is Dancing with the Needham Stars! Dancing through the Ages… A Centennial Gala February 7, 2015, 7 PM – Midnight / Powers Hall, Needham Town Hall The evening will include dancing for guests, cash bar, appetizers, a silent and live auction, performance from Paulette’s Ballet Studio & The Fred Astaire Studio and the Dancing with the Needham Stars Competition. Meet the stars BELOW and cast your Popular Vote HERE! Tickets are $50,  available until February 6th.Tickets are $60 at the door on the day of the event, if not sold out. Order by credit card online here To order by mail:   Make checks payable to the Needham Historical Society. Include your name, email, phone and # of tickets. Mail to:  Needham Historical Socie... 01/20/2015

Needham MA Harvest Fest & Souper Bowl The temperatures on Saturday will be in the 70's, perfect for the fair.   The 2014 Harvest Fair will be held on Saturday September 27th on The Town Common 10am-3pm The Harvest Fair is a family friendly event. It is a day full of entertainment, food, demonstrations and the always popular Souper Bowl. The Souper Bowl is a contest amongst local businesses who enter their very best soups for the public to enjoy & judge. - See more at: Discover Needham Harvest Fair   Come Sample and vote on the best tasting soup at the Souper bowl Such a fun event in Needham, MA every year in a super, fantastic location Needham Town Hall. Cotton candy, popcorn, and other giveaways. Needham, MA Harvest Fair & Souper Bowl http://hometownweekly.net/needham-harvest-fair-spec... 09/25/2014

  Needham Real Estate Market Report August 2014       In August of 2014 there were 35 homes that closed within the month for Needham MA Real Estate. This is an decrease of 3 units, as there were 38 homes that closed in August of 2013.    The Average list price for the homes that closed in August 2013 was $890,126   The Average list price for the homes that closed in August of 2014 was $854,926   The Average sale price for the homes that closed in August of 2013 was $887,702 (100% list price)   The Average sale price for the homes that closed in August of 2014 was $856,816 (101% list price)   The Average Market time for the homes that closed in August of 2013 was 23 days   The Average Market time for the homes that closed in August of 2014 was 45 days.   Highest Price 2013 $1,480,000   H... 09/17/2014

Before You Sell… by PATRICIA BAKER on AUGUST 23, 2014 · in SELLING YOUR HOME You have decided to sell. But before you put the sign in the yard there are some things you will want to make sure you have done. Time spent doing research and setting the right price will most likely yield you a better return in the end. A home is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it. Track your neighborhood valuesFind out what homes similar to yours are selling for in your neighborhood so you will have a good idea what your home is worth. Buyer or seller marketYou need to judge whether it’s a sellers’ market or a buyers’ market in your neighborhood. Remember that all real estate is local. You will want to research things like interest rates, home inventory, job forecasts, and even time of year. R... 08/24/2014

Money Saving Tips on Moving by PATRICIA BAKER on AUGUST 16, 2014 · in MONEY SAVING TIPS, REAL ESTATE Moving can be an expensive endeavor. Even if you decide to rent a truck and move your belongings yourself there are lots of other expenses that can add up. Luckily, there are a few simple ways consumers can save money hauling their belongings from their current home to the next one. Purge your things. Instead of moving things that you don’t use sell or donate them. If you decide to donate items to charity, you could save lots of time and even get a tax deduction. Move on a less popular day. The most popular time to move is at the end of the month. Since most closings happen and leases are up at the end of the month there’s more competition for the trucks and moving crews. Moving at the ... 08/15/2014

Real Estate Agent with Key Advantage Realty 113011 EMAIL  SHORT URL              Share: May 17, 2014 11:34 AM  Sure sounds like a great idea Huh?  Think again.  Agents know how to sell homes and keep them that way. Think You Should "For Sale By Owner" Think Again Just a little infographic to show how much there is to selling your home.  The biggest thing is that homes sell for more money when sold by agents.  Agents know how to sell homes.  Courses will not help.  Buyers agents prefer to work with listing agents rather than direct to homeowner.  When you need a legal matter taken care of you go to a lawyer.  When you need your property surveyed you call a surveyor.  When you need do home improvements you call in the specialists: general contractors, architects, plumbers, electricians, ... 08/09/2014

How to Choose a Good Neighborhood by PATRICIA BAKER on AUGUST 9, 2014 · in LOCATION When shopping for a home, most people take their time searching for the perfect house. The question is, how much time should be spent searching for the right neighborhood as well? To find the superb setting for your new home, the house and neighborhood need to offer what your family desires.  The following information should be helpful when trying to determine if a neighborhood is right for you. Paint a mental picture of your perfect neighborhood.  Write a list of the characteristics your ideal neighborhood would possess, taking into consideration your long and short term needs. Then answer the following questions: Do you have or plan to have children ? How far are you willing to commute ? How much prop... 08/08/2014

The Carpet Workroom*39 Highland Circle, Needham, MA  as seen Channel 5 Chronicle http://www.thecarpetworkroom.net/ The website is update too! One in a million type of store.   Carpet Work Room. He finishes off carpets that he gets from retailers who do not have the   equipment to finish the area rug. They look great.     For all those who love The Carpet Workroom they are moving and right next to Staples and Petco in Needham now.  It will be bigger I am told and I did not want any of you to miss out by not knowing the new address.  What a wonderful store and so helpful.  So glad they are back in Needham even though they were only over the line in Newton still it is great to have them so central and right off Route 95/128 really neat if you don't happen to live in Needham you can be ther... 08/01/2014

    The Carpet Workroom* New Location* 39 Highland Circle, Needham, MA  as seen Channel 5 Chronicle http://www.thecarpetworkroom.net/ The website is update too! One in a million type of store.   Carpet Work Room. He finishes off carpets that he gets from retailers who do not have the   equipment to finish the area rug. They look great.       These days it is terrific to find a bargain. These are area rugs at an affordable price.    For all those who love The Carpet Workroom they are moving and right next to Staples and Petco in Needham now.  It will be bigger I am told and I did not want any of you to miss out by not knowing the new address.  What a wonderful store and so helpful.  So glad they are back in Needham even though they were only over the line in Newton still it is great to h... 07/22/2014

The Love Letter is Back by PATRICIA BAKER on JULY 19, 2014 · in BUYING A HOME The love letter is back! What is a love letter in real estate? When the market is hot and competition for desirable homes is high buyers can gain an advantage by writing the seller a love letter. You may be wondering why in the world would I write a love letter to a seller? The answer: you want an advantage in a competitive real estate market. What should I put in my love letter? Compliment the seller on their home Tell the seller why you love the home Compliment the neighborhood Make it personal Be genuine Love letters often appeal to a seller’s emotions and often especially if the owner has lived in the home a while the decision to sell a home is a very emotional process. If you find yourself in a bidding w... 07/18/2014

Single-Family – 17 Wildale Circle Needham, MA 02494 is now back on the market!   Cheap Ways to Update Your Home by PATRICIA BAKER on JULY 12, 2014 · in HOME DESIGN, HOME IMPROVEMENTS Everyone is on a budget nowadays so redecorating your house can seem like its impossible. Yet, with some small, inexpensive updates, you can transform the look of your house. The most basic way to update the look of a room is color. A new paint color on the walls can transfer a dull room to a stunning room. With a gallon of paint around $25, you can repaint a room for under $75. Top it off with a chair rail (around $9 for a 8ft piece) and you have a completely different room. Not in the mood to paint? How about some throw pillows on the couch? Or a new comforter? A little splash of color can go a long way.... 07/12/2014

Starting a Vegetable Garden by PATRICIA BAKER on JUNE 28, 2014 · in HELP AROUND THE HOUSE, TO YOUR HEALTH Who doesn’t love a vegetable garden? There is nothing better than fresh green beans or vine-ripened tomatoes. Getting started with your very own vegetable garden is easier than you think. It all starts with choosing the right crops and space for your garden. 1. Choose your vegetables. Only grow vegetables you enjoy eating. Don’t waste your efforts on things you will not eat or give away. There are some vegetable which are extremely well suited for eating fresh. Most people agree that tomatoes, squash, beans and peas are especially good from the garden. 2. Pick your space. You will want to pick an area that is flat, has easy access and gets full sun 3. Prepare your space. Preparing ... 06/28/2014