What's New | Wellesley, Weston and Needham MA News and Real Estate

Buyer Checklist: 7 Steps For a Successful Real Estate Transition

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:49:24 -0400

Pinnacle Residential Properties Outlines the Buyer's Checklist and Will Assist You Every Step of the Way

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.

Maureen McCaffrey

Office: 781-237-5000

Cell: 508-494-0811

email: mmccaffrey@PinnacleHouses.com

Pinnacle Report for Wellesley, MA Real Estate

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:16:37 -0400

Real Estate Activity for Wellesley, MA - June 16th - 23rd, 2008

Since June 16th, 4 properties were introduced and 6 sold. As of June 23rd, there are 116 single family properties remaining on the Wellesley market versus 143 last year. Despite national news to the contrary, Wellesley continues to benefit from a relatively healthy real estate market. Why? Outstanding public education, proximity to Boston, beautiful homes, a wonderful downtown, and great natural beauty.

Single Family Activity

	New Since 06/02	*Sold Since 06/02**	Remaining as of 06/16
$ 300,000 -$ 600,000	2	1	19
$ 600,000 - $ 800,000	2	2	19
$ 800,000 - $1,000,000	0	0	11
$1,000,000 -$1,500,000	2	2	19
$1,500,000 -$2,000,000	7	4	22
$2,000,000 -$2,500,000	0	0	10
$2,500,000 -$3,000,000	0	0	6
$3,000,000 - Plus	2	1	17

*sold here means “pending/under agreement” and not yet closed.

Based on information provided to and compiled by MLS Property Information Network, Inc. covering the period 06/16/08 - 06/23/08

Ten Backsplashes That Will Rock Your World from HGTV.com

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:06:34 -0400

Design Ideas to Update or Create a Fabulous Backsplash

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

Pinnacle Residential Properties - for the Pinnacle of Service

jneilson@prphomes.com

Office: 781-237-5000

Cell: 781-223-7338

Pinnacle Report for Wellesley, MA Real Estate

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:28:22 -0400

Real Estate Activity for Wellesley, MA - June 2nd - June 16th, 2008

In the 2 weeks since our last report, 15 properties were introduced and 10 sold. As of June 16th, there are 123 single family properties remaining on the Wellesley market versus 143 last year. We are at the end of the Spring Market and there should be relatively few houses added to the inventory over the summer. Usually, however, more relocating executives look at property at this time of year. These transferring families typically buy brand new or completely renovated homes.

Single Family Activity

	New Since 06/02	*Sold Since 06/02**	Remaining as of 06/16
$ 300,000 -$ 600,000	2	1	19
$ 600,000 - $ 800,000	2	2	19
$ 800,000 - $1,000,000	0	0	11
$1,000,000 -$1,500,000	2	2	19
$1,500,000 -$2,000,000	7	4	22
$2,000,000 -$2,500,000	0	0	10
$2,500,000 -$3,000,000	0	0	6
$3,000,000 - Plus	2	1	17

*sold here means “pending/under agreement” and not yet closed.

Based on information provided to and compiled by MLS Property Information Network, Inc. covering the period 06/02/08 - 06/16/08

Featured Property in Natick, Massachusetts

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:33:36 -0400

Spectacular Duplex Condominium in excellent Natick Center location

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.

Maureen McCaffrey

Office: 781-237-5000

Cell: 508-494-0811

email: mmccaffrey@PinnacleHouses.com

Featured Listing in Needham Massachusetts

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:44:38 -0400

Fabulous 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo available in excellent Needham Heights neighbhorhood

Beautiful, well-appointed 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhouse beautifully sited in 8 unit complex in convenient Heights neighborhood. Lovely formal living room, spacious kitchen, fabulous family room with fireplace and sliders to delightful, private yard. Spectacular oversized master bedroom with cathedral ceiling, Closet-Tec walk-in closet, whirlpool bath. Central air, excellent storage space and one car garage. Walk to train and shops. For information on this property or others in Needham, call me today!

Jane Neilson, CBR

Pinnacle Residential Properties - for the Pinnacle of Service

jneilson@prphomes.com

Office: 781-237-5000

Cell: 781-223-7338

Pinnacle Report for Wellesley, MA Real Estate

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:45:19 -0400

Real Estate Activity for Wellesley, MA - May 26th - June 2nd, 2008

Since May 26^th, 12 properties were introduced and 8 sold. As of June 2^nd, there are 121 single family properties remaining on the Wellesley market versus 157 last year at this time. There should be fewer properties added to the inventory as the Spring market typically tapers down at this time.

Single Family Activity

	New Since 05/26	*Sold Since 05/26**	Remaining as of 06/02
$ 300,000 -$ 600,000	1	1	18
$ 600,000 - $ 800,000	4	0	18
$ 800,000 - $1,000,000	2	2	11
$1,000,000 - $1,500,000	0	2	19
$1,500,000 - $2,000,000	3	0	22
$2,000,000 - $2,500,000	0	2	11
$2,500,000 - $3,000,000	0	0	7
$3,000,000 - Plus	2	1	15

*sold here means “pending/under agreement” and not yet closed.

Based on information provided to and compiled by MLS Property Information Network, Inc. covering the period 05/26/08 - 06/02/08

Weston, Massachusetts Pinnacle Real Estate Report

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:32:24 -0400

Real Estate Activity in Weston, Massachusetts, 5/12/2008 - 6/1/2008

Fourteen new properties were introduced to the Weston, Massachusetts real estate market since May 12, 2008 and sixteen properties have sold. There are 92 properties remaining on the market as of June 1, 2008 compared to 93 a year ago.

	New Since 5/12/08	*Sold Since 5/12/08	Remaining 6/1/08
$ 0 - $ 600,000	0	0	0
$ 600,000 - $800,000	0	1	4
$ 800,000 - $ 1,000,000	2	4	9
$1,000,000 - $1,500,000	3	2	19
$1,500,000 - $2,000,000	5	5	21
$2,000,000 - $2,500,000	2	1	13
$2,500,000 - $3,000,000	0	2	9
$ 3,000,000 - $3,500,000	0	0	5
$ 3,500,000 - $4,000,000	1	1	5
$ 4,000,000 - 4,500,000	0	0	1
$4,500,000 - $5,000,000	1	0	2
$ 5,000,000 - Plus	0	0	5

Based on information provided to and compiled by MLS Property Information Network, Inc. covering the period 5/12/08 - 6/1/08.

* sold here means pending/under agreement, not yet closed.

For more information about these sales and how they may affect the value of your home, call or email us:

Ann Burford, ABR, Pinnacle Realtor

Cell: 781.910.1419

Office: 781.237.5000

aburford@PinnacleHouses.com

Maureen McCaffrey

Office: 781-237-5000

Cell: 508-494-0811

email: mmccaffrey@PinnacleHouses.com