As of Thursday, March 16, 2023, current interest rates in Massachusetts are 6.70% for a 30 year fixed mortgage and 5.97% for a 15-year fixed mortgage.

Here are the top reasons for sellers to work with a REALTOR®:

Paperwork - REALTORS® can help you wade through the cumbersome and often complicated paperwork that goes hand-in-hand with any real estate transaction, making sure the proper forms are filled out correctly and on time.

Technology - REALTORS® can tap into the latest technologies serving the housing industry today. This includes Web sites and multiple listing services, as well as market reports detailing crucial data, such as pricing trends; time on the market; and historical sales activity in your neighborhood.

Local knowledge – REALTORS® have the ability to provide the “on the ground” perspective that is not available from the Web. They know their market and have first-hand knowledge about a neighborhood's amenities and services, such as schools, zoning laws, and tax rates. There’s also a good chance they’ve been in the other houses for sale in the area.

Negotiation - Selling a home calls for solid negotiating skill. A REALTOR® can assist with the critical negotiations included in every real estate transaction, and help sellers to work with buyers to finalize the many details that comprise a final purchase agreement.  

Representation - As a seller, your REALTOR®'s role may include negotiating a sale price, such as so-called "buyer incentives" that help with a buyer's closing costs or other expenses. Your REALTOR® also can help you determine what, if any repairs you may be responsible for, if requested by the buyer, and negotiate deadlines for their completion.

Pricing - If you're selling a home, a REALTOR® can save you time and money by tapping into market data, reports and local knowledge to help you determine a realistic selling price; screening potential buyers; and managing appointments for showings.

Closing Support - A REALTOR® can provide objective support during the closing process, ensuring both seller and buyer have received the proper documentation for successfully completing a sale transaction and coordinating a final property walk-through.  

What's Different About a REALTOR®

Not everyone who sells real estate is a REALTOR®. Possessing a real estate license does not afford instant REALTOR® status--a distinction of which you need to be aware. A REALTOR® in Massachusetts is a member of National Association of REALTORS®, the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® and a local Association of REALTORS®. By being a member, a REALTOR® subscribes to a strict Code of Ethics, pledges to provide fair treatment for all parties involved, protect the right of individuals to own property, and keep abreast of changes in real estate practice through continuing education and interaction with other professionals.  

REALTORS® also are committed to higher levels of education and professional development; many REALTORS® have earned professional designations or specialty certifications requiring intensive study. For example, REALTORS® who have obtained the Certified Buyer Representative and Certified Residential Specialist designations have been trained in all aspects of serving as buyers' and sellers' representatives in real estate transactions.

Tips on choosing a REALTOR®

Make a thorough search, as you would before hiring a contractor or attorney. Attend real estate open houses to see how agents work and to meet them first-hand. Use directories and the Internet, or use Find a REALTOR®. Ask a prospective agent or broker how long they have been licensed, how long they have been working in this market, or how many sales they have closed in recent months? Always ask if they are a REALTOR® member.

Check references, asking friends and family about their experiences with the REALTOR® you are considering.

http://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/six-open-house-hacks-thatll-sell-your-home-before-buyers-even-knock/

Cleaning out for the sale, or the buy, of a home can be daunting.  The information below can help you get started.

Dumpster Bags: Purchase this dumpster alternative at your local hardware store, then have it picked up by your local waste management company for a flat-rate fee.

Junk Removal Service: For an average of $150-$400, you can hire a junk or trash hauling service. 

Dumpster Rental: 

Ideally you want to tell the dumpster company one or two weeks in advance.  The notice will give the service provider time to organize the unit's logistics.  Also, you may have to obtain a dumpster permit, which can run $10-$100. Check with your municipal building department for more details.

Dumpster Sizes:

10 Yard:  A small size dumpster that can accommodate small-scale cleanups since as an attic or basement.

15 Yard:  A mid-size dumpster for residential and commercial jobs with bulkier materials.  Good for room remodels, basement cleanup or floor removal.

20 Yard:  The most popular size. You can haul away yard waste to roofing shingles.  It can accommodate jobs from home clean outs to light demolition projects.

See Below Pictures to give you an idea on dumpster sizing

Below are a list of local dumpster companies, cost and rental times:

Troupe Waste Management, Phone 781-340-0030, visit their site:  https://troupewaste.com/

10 Yard (2 Ton) $545.00 first 2 weeks, $7.00 more a day after two weeks, Rental time: 1 day up to 2 weeks

15 Yard (3 Ton) $635.00 first 2 weeks, $7.00 more a day after two weeks, Rental time: 1 day up to 2 weeks

20 Yard (4 Ton) $740.00 first 2 weeks, $7.00 more a day after two weeks, Rental time: 1 day up to 2 weeks 

Pro-Rated Cost is $145.00 avgerage for every ton over.   Pricing as of 3/6/23

Daniel J Clifford & Son,  Phone 781-337-7389, visit their site: https://www.cliffordcontainers.com/

10 Yard (1 Ton) $395.00 first 3 weeks (if less time, still $395), Up day to 3 weeks

15 Yard (2 Ton) $495.00 first 3 weeks (if less time, still $495), Up day to 3 weeks

20 Yard (4 Ton) $735.00 first 3 weeks (if less time, still $735), Up day to 3 weeks

Pro-Rated Cost is $145.00 average for every ton over.   Pricing as of 2/3/23

Thompson Waste Removal, Phone 866-447-9278,  visit their site: https://www.discountdumpsters.net/

10 Yard (1 Ton) $430.00 weekly up to 2 weeks, $10 more a day after 2 weeks

15 Yard (1 Ton) $450.00 weekly or (1.5 Ton) $515.00 for two weeks, $10 more a day after 2 weeks

20 Yard (1.5 Ton) $550.00 weekly or (2.5 Ton) $630.00 for two weeks, $10 more a day after 2 weeks

Pro-Rated Cost is $165 average for every ton over

$20.00 off for 1st Responders and Mililtary for all rentals

Call to find out weekly specials

Also Consider:  Best Rate Cleanouts & Estate Sales,  Phone 774-287-0300, 774-287-1123,

visit their site: https://www.bestratecleanouts.com/ 

Family owned 20 years+,  Cleanouts and Estate Sales

Adding a Sunroom to Your Home

Have you been looking for ways to brighten up and refresh your home this spring?  Consider the addition of a sunroom, a space in your home dedicated to bridging the gap between your life indoors with the beauty of outdoors.  As sunrooms are primarily made of glass windows or mesh screens, you'll be able to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine without being completely exposed to the outside weather conditions.  Here are a few options you can look at building.