Fall is beginning to settle in around the North of Boston area, and it’s always exciting to embark on this great season.  Cool, crisp air greets you as you step outside and is a welcome change from the long, hot summer.  As the leaves begin their yearly show of vibrant colors and visions of apple cider and football games dance through your mind, you may be wondering how the North of Boston Real Estate market is fairing during this transition into the cooler months.

If you’ve held off on buying a home this summer, but are interested in available homes in the North of Boston area; now is the ideal time to buy a home.  The fall is the second busiest time in the real estate market (with spring being the first) as home owners are hoping to sell their home before the holiday season and buyers would like to settle into their new abode prior to the holidays as well!  It seems to be a win-win, but with the North of Boston market being so competitive at this time, there are a few tips for buyers to ensure a quick home purchase.  Frontdoor.com put together the Ten Tips for Buying a Home Fast which can put you ahead of the competition this fall.

1.    Start Your Search Online- Instead of spending your time perusing neighborhoods for open houses or for sale signs, get online to streamline your search.  There are many great homes available in North of Boston and more specifically, Winchester which you can view online.

2.    Get Pre-Approved- Finding the home of your dreams and then shopping for a loan is a risky move, as most home sellers won't even look at an offer that's not accompanied by a pre-approval letter.  Getting pre-approved ensures you know your exact budget and can save you from a bidding war if many are vying for the same home.

3.    Look for Motivated Sellers- Again, this shouldn’t be hard to find motivated sellers in the fall since they’re more than likely wanting to sell before the holidays.  Don’t settle for sellers who aren’t willing to budge on a home at the top of your price range; there are too many other great North of Boston home out there that will have motivated sellers.

4.    Prioritize Your Housing Needs- Finding a home fast means being flexible.  The longer the list of requirements, the harder it will be to find a home.  Keep your list short and to the point.  Focus on the key elements you’re looking for and let the extras fall as they may.

5.    Find a Great Agent- This may seem easy, but finding an agent that truly knows the North of Boston Real Estate market and can show your properties that are right in your price range and meet your style and needs can be challenging.  Of course, I’d love to help you in your home search and know that my experience and proven success will make the home buying process an easy one, but my point is to do your homework and really research local agents. 

6.    Steer Clear of Short Sales- While short sales seem to be flooding the market across the country; if you’re looking for a quick buy, short sales are not the way to go.  There is a long process involved with these homes and complications are almost always in the cards.

7.    Try a Real Estate Auction- While not common, auctions make the purchasing process quick and streamlined -- in many cases, you tour the property beforehand, make your bid, and close in 30 days if you're the highest bidder.

8.    Negotiate Repairs- If an inspection reveals that the home you want to buy requires repairs, taking the responsibility off the seller can help you close the deal quicker. After obtaining estimates, ask the seller for a credit rather than asking them to complete the repairs themselves.

9.    Have Cash Ready for Closing- You don't want to be scrambling for funds at the last minute, so be prepared for this important date. A day or two before closing on your North of Boston home, you'll get the final settlement statement, detailing the terms of your loan and all the closing costs. Be sure to get a certified or cashier's check made out for the total amount you owe at closing, including the down payment since you can’t use a personal check.

10.    Have a Plan B- Because not every transaction goes smoothly, be sure you have a property or two as a backup; you don’t want to have to start from scratch!


If you have questions about the North of Boston Real Estate market or are ready to start your home search; let me know!  

Searching for a new place in Winchester to call home? The Sven Andersen Team makes it easy for you to search for your new Winchester home. This FREE, NO-OBLIGATION service can help you find the home of your dreams! Simply visit http://www.northofbostonlistings.com/ and fill out the form to start your auto-email home search today! It's just that easy! The Sven Andersen Team is always willing to help and will always respect your privacy; we leave it up to you to contact US when you're ready to buy or sell in the Winchester area.

If you want to learn more about selling your home visit: www.PriceMyNorthofBostonhome.com
If you want to get our 450 ways to sell your home fast visit: www.450waystosellfast.com
If you would like to take a video tour of Winchester, MA click here

If you, friends, relatives, or colleagues are considering buying or selling a home, condo, or land, please consider contacting Sven for assistance in your search. Sven coverage area includes: Winchester, Belmont, Medford, Woburn, Lexington, Arlington, Melrose, Stoneham, and Reading.  We also offer a complimentary referral service, called "Anywhere Agents," to assist folks who are looking to buy or sell outside our coverage area, including international locations. We will interview prospective agents in the area(s) you or a family member are considering to assure you get the most knowledgeable Real Estate Professional to assist in your home buying/selling needs.