The search process for a home can vary widely.  Sometimes buyers may find their ideal home among the first few they see and at other times, the search may take a bit longer.  The important point is to find a Real Estate Agent who will assist you every step of the way, helping to prepare and inform you so that you will be ready to take action when you find the best home for your family and helping to make it a smooth transition from one home to the next.  Often times buyer's are so focused on having their offer accepted that they forget it is only the first step in a long process to buying a home.  The following is a list of seven checkpoints outlining the process for a smooth transition from one home to the next.

1.  Be sure the bank has your broker’s name and all telephone numbers - they will need appraiser access to your new home.  In order to ensure that the bank meets contingency dates, periodic calls from you are a good idea and will keep the process moving along.  As soon as you are approved, notify your broker so that they can inform the Seller’s agent.

2. Select a moving company ASAP.

3.  Banks require that you obtain a homeowner’s insurance policy on your new property and that you deliver a copy of it to them at closing.  Check with them to see exactly how they want the loss payee named.  (You’ll be reminded about this by the bank, as well).  Call your insurance company at least two weeks prior to closing.

4.  A week or two prior to closing you should contact the utility companies informing them of the date you are going to take over the property in order to ensure continuance and correct billing.  There may be a deposit required from these companies.

5.  If the home is heated by fuel oil, there are two methods of handling this item:

a)      The day of the closing, the Sellers can read the tank indicator, notify us of their per gallon purchase price and you reimburse them for the cost of the remainder in the tank.

b)       The Seller can have the tank “topped off” on the day before closing, pay the bill and be reimbursed for a full tank at closing.  We highly recommend this option during winter months.

6.  Shortly before going to the closing, the buyer should request a “walk through” of the premises.  The purpose of the walk-through inspection is to ensure that those fixtures which are supposed to remain have and that the premises are free from the Sellers’ personal property.

7.  Your chosen mortgage bank will instruct you regarding the funds you need to bring to closing.  They will want a certified check for the balance of the down payment.  You may also need to bring your checkbook to cover miscellaneous items such a fuel.  You will also need to bring a drivers license or other picture I.D.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in the Wellesley, Weston or surrounding towns please give me a call.

Choosing a backsplash can be intimidating. After all, you will be looking at your selection for a long time. To complicate matters, there is a continuous stream of new products available.

My advice is to do your homework: peruse home magazines, decorating books, and web sites for ideas. Spend some time watching cooking and design programs on HGTV and you'll develop a sense of your personal backsplash style.

Create a file of photos from magazines. Tape them up in your kitchen for awhile so you'll know if a style is going to grow on you. Click here for 10 great backsplashes from HGTV.com. (I love Candice Olson because her designs reflect the personality of the owner, not just her own.)

Hmmn, that carerra marble backsplash would look fabulous in my kitchen....

Jane Neilson, CBR

This beautiful well-appointed 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath duplex-condominium is beautifully sited in a residential neighborhood of single family homes. It is conveniently located close to Natick Center, with a short walk to the commuter train. The sunny formal living room features custom built-in bookshelves and sliders to a private yard. The spacious kitchen offers top-of-the-line appliances and granite countertops. The master bedroom suite includes a 'California Closet' walk-in closet. Other features include central air, excellent storage space, one car garage and a full basement with  potential for expansion.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Natick or surrounding towns please give me a call.