by Marina Bay Realty | Oct 21, 2019 | Boston Realtor
No matter how many episodes of “House Hunters” or “Love It or List It” you’ve watched, buying a home inevitably comes with surprises. Though a sharp real estate agent will help you navigate these hidden challenges, before you start shopping for a house, you should... by Marina Bay Realty | Oct 19, 2019 | Boston Realtor
If you’re selling your home, you might wonder if there are common repairs needed after a home inspection. Most buyers, after all, won’t commit to purchasing a place until there’s been a thorough inspection by a home inspector—and rest assured, if there are problems,...
by Marina Bay Realty | Oct 7, 2019 | Boston Realtor
Merrill and Karen King had just signed a contract last October to sell their four-bedroom, four-bathroom, 3,096-square-foot home, and three adjacent buildable lots, in St. Petersburg, Fla., to a developer for $960,000. Their circa-1925 home was known locally as the... by Marina Bay Realty | Oct 7, 2019 | Boston Realtor, Real Estate News
How long does it take to close on a house? During your house-hunting adventures, you’ve turned on (and hopefully off) at least 20 water faucets and peered into about 50 closets (oh, the things you’ve seen!). And now, at long last, you’ve saved your down payment,... by Marina Bay Realty | Oct 5, 2019 | Boston Realtor
I pride myself on being pretty financially savvy—after all, I’m a personal finance writer. I’m well versed in best practices for saving and spending, the ins and outs of HSAs and IRAs, and the basics of investing. But when it came time to buy my first house, I had to... by Marina Bay Realty | Oct 4, 2019 | Boston Realtor
How much house can I afford? Long before you start asking yourself what type of house you want—condo or house? Craftsman or ranch?—you should ask yourself this pragmatic question. After all, it’s no secret that your dream home can quickly turn into a living nightmare... by Marina Bay Realty | Oct 3, 2019 | Boston Realtor
For a homeowner starting a remodel, the feeling of finally swinging that sledgehammer can be cathartic. Even if you’re not the one doing the dirty work, just knowing that those unnecessary walls and ugly carpet are getting ripped out is exhilarating. However, the... by Marina Bay Realty | Sep 24, 2019 | Boston Realtor
Many homeowners with mortgages have considered refinancing at some point or another. Refinancing a mortgage essentially replaces your current mortgage with a new loan. It’s an especially enticing choice for people who want to decrease their interest rate, lower their... by Marina Bay Realty | Sep 20, 2019 | Boston Realtor
If you’re monitoring the value of your home so you can sell it and reap a worthwhile profit, don’t forget to factor in the closing costs for sellers into the sale price. You may be estimating that your sale price could be $350,000, which could pay off your $200,000...
by Marina Bay Realty | Sep 13, 2019 | Boston Realtor
A lush green lawn full of vibrant plants and flowers can simultaneously be a source of delight and your worst nightmare. The constant mowing. Watering without getting dirty looks from your drought-conscious neighbors. Weeds—so many weeds. And why do things keep dying?...