Archive for the ‘Tips & Tricks’ Category

Halloween Photo Contest in Andover

Halloween Contest in Andover

Halloween Contest in Andover

Has your son or daughter been coming up with the best Halloween costumes for years? Now’s the time to put that special talent to good use and drum up some fame and fortune for a charity of their choice. Here’s how it works:

Come up with a stellar costume idea. Take a photo. Submit it for a chance to win a three day, two night trip for two that includes a meet and greet with Heidi Klum, plus a donation of $1031 to a charity your child chooses. The nine runners up will also be able to make a donation of $1031 to a charity of their choice. This is a national Patch contest, but we know that Andover kids always have great costumes, so let’s see ‘em!

If you’re interested in exploring properties in Andover or elsewhere in MA, contact your local expert Susan Rochwarg at (978) 203-5273 to get started today!

Read current Andover homes news or browse current properties on the market on our Andover real estate search.

Andover Homes: Most Common Buyers’ Mistakes

Buying a home can be stressful, we're here to help...

For most of us, buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions we will make over the course of our lives–so it goes without saying it can be a nerve racking process.

Having a great real estate agent behind you is (of course) the first step toward alleviating these concerns.

Beyond this, I’ve laid out a couple of common homebuying mistakes I’ve seen firsthand among searchers for Andover homes, though these points are equally relevant across the country.

1. )  Buying without the financing figured out – It’s generally a good move to get pre-approved if at all possible.  You’ll have a more realistic idea of what you can afford, and as importantly, sellers will take you more seriously as a result

2.) Neglecting to consider the neighborhood / resale potential – The old adage about not buying the most expensive home on the block is well-known for a reason: it’s generally pretty smart advice!  Nonetheless I’m amazed on how often buyers fall in love with a home and completely forget this rule of thumb.

There’s nothing wrong with finding your dream home and going for it–just be sure to keep in mind the financial implications and consider the resale value / challenges in the equation.

3.) Buying too much – Be brutally honest with yourself: how much can you and your family truly afford?  Work out the month-to-month budget and include a reasonable cushion for unforeseen expenses–and act accordingly.  As tough as it may be to walk away from that dream home that is just too much of a reach, much better than living a financial nightmare if things turn out poorly.

4.) Do your homework – This is one area where you should really leverage your real estate agent as much as you can.  So you’ve found your beautiful new Andover home and it fits your budget.  How is the neighborhood?  How is the local traffic?  Is there a long-term construction project nearby creating extra noise and congestion?  What school system will you be a part of?  Check out the area several times, on different days of the week and different hours of the day, and gather as much info from your professional team as possible.

Avoid these couple of common mistakes and you’re well on your way to landing one of many luxurious Andover homes- providing a perfect place to raise a family, maintain your lifestyle, and keep the bank account in check

Interested in learning more about Andover homes for sale?  Contact us today and check out our Andover MLS search for all Andover real estate currently on the market!

Post sponsored by: Chicago Condos & Boston Condos central

Preparing your Andover Luxury Home for Sale

We all have different ideas on decorating our homes, but when preparing to sell it is best to examine how your decorating will look to a potential buyer.

Styles go from very extreme to basic and sometimes they can lead to a bad impression to the potential buyer.  Neat and orderly with a neutralized décor; with the idea of keeping things simple – is what is best when preparing your home to sell.  It is important that the buyer visualize their style and how their furnishings will look in the home.

Notice every detail – it will matter.  This is the time to take care of; the smudge on the wall, the mark on the cabinet, the deck that may need a touch up.  Make your home shine – wash the windows, clean the light fixtures, replace the tattered rugs, hang fresh new towels, re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.  Make everything neat and organized especially closets and cabinets.  When the potential buyer opens them (and they will) by having things orderly it says that you take good care of your things.

Remember, less is more, take down personal pictures, and de-clutter everything.  Groom your indoor and outdoor plants/ings.

This is not the time for major projects the process should be to simply simplify.

Lastly – bring in some beautiful bright flowers.  Nothing says luxury like gorgeous fresh flowers.