As some prospective buyers continue to wait on the sidelines for the market to hit the absolute bottom, they might want to consider the notion that price should not be their only concern. Cost, a reflection of the amount of the monthly payment, should be buyers� primary concern. However, the monthly outlay is not only a function of how much buyers pay for a home, it is directly influenced by interest rates. With this in mind, buyers waiting for the lowest price may find that their monthly payments ultimately turn out to be higher owing to rising interest rates. As interest rates are projected to rise in the near term, buyers may want to keep this important factor in mind.

Now may be the ideal time to make a real estate purchase. If you are thinking about doing so, contact CENTURY 21 SEXTON & DONOHUE. We have a successful history of assisting buyers to find properties that meet their requirements and budget. To learn how you will benefit from our real estate knowledge, reach us today at (781) 665-6660. As members of the Multiple Listing Service�, we can show you most any property that is for sale in your desired communities. The office is conveniently located at 29 Essex St., just across the street from Shaw�s. We are "A Team Effort�. We will exceed your expectations!

HINT: The purchase of a home is not just an investment, it is a lifestyle choice.

            By some measures, it has been two decades since homes were as affordable as they are now. If affordability is measured as the ratio of median home price to median family income, the ratio on a nationwide basis is 2.6  compared with the long-term average of 2.8 and a peak ratio of 4.1 in 2005. While these figures represent the average, not the extremes, and exceptions certainly exist, they point to a trend. To look at home affordability another way, since 2006, the average principal-and-interest payment has fallen from $1063 to $644. Again, interest rates fluctuate, but the trend is clear. Prospective buyers should take these statistics into careful consideration when it comes to deciding to take action. 

Lower interest rates and home prices have made buyer far more accessible that it has been in a long time. Now may be the time to purchase property. To learn more, reach CENTURY 21 SEXTON & DONOHUE today at (781) 665-6660. We will arrange a meeting when we will discuss your real estate needs and expectations. The office is conveniently located at 29 Essex St., just across the street from Shaw�s. We are "A Team Effort�. Meeting your real estate goals is our #1 priority!

HINT: As many have turned to renting as an alternative to buying a home, rental vacancy rates are generally falling and rents are increasing.

            Homeowners planning on remodeling their kitchens should ask themselves whether they are doing so to enhance their own enjoyment of their homes or to increase resale value. The answer will help them determine the size of their budget and the scope of the project. In some cases, the economical update of a kitchen allows for a recovery of the majority of the initial investment. However, those renovating with resale in mind should be careful not to over-improve. It is best to limit renovations to a few minor improvements that will help show the house well. On the other hand, those planning to remain in the house for some time may want to spend more to get what they want.

  HINT: There is little question that money spent by sellers on kitchen updates is money well spent. The kitchen figures prominently in buyers� purchasing decisions.

            As prospective buyers deliberate about how long they wish to wait before purchasing a home, they should bear in mind that there is more to the homeownership equation than housing prices. The fact is that mortgage rates are at historical lows, and no one can gauge with any certainty how long they will remain so. As interest rates rise, the increased cost of borrowing can add to the cost of homeownership as much as rising real estate prices. At the present time, both home prices and mortgages rates are relatively low, which begs the question: How long can this fortunate set of circumstances be expected to last? We may just look back on this time as a tremendous buying opportunity. 

Are you considering the purchase of real estate? If so, contact CENTURY 21 SEXTON & DONOHUE. We have a successful history of assisting buyers achieve their real estate purchasing goals. We will walk you through the transaction, step by step. To discuss your options, reach us today at (781) 665-6660. We will arrange an initial meeting. The office is conveniently located at 29 Essex St., just across the street from Shaw�s. We are "A Team Effort�.  We will exceed your expectations!

 HINT: To make the most of low mortgage rates, review your credit score and make sure that it accurately reflects your creditworthiness.

            One of the biggest trends in real estate is "house staging,� which involves getting rid of clutter and arranging a home�s existing furniture in an attractive manner. Prospective buyers do not like to see too many of the seller�s personal items, which block their vision of how they might make the house their own. Thus, sellers are encouraged to get rid of unnecessary items and leave only the essentials behind, which can be arranged to showcase the home�s space and architectural features. To this end, it is often a good idea to rid the living room of personal photo collections. A professional house stager can provide the vision needed to see your home through a buyer�s eyes.

CENTURY 21 SEXTON & DONOHUEhopes you found this topic to be both interesting and informative. If you need advice about how to best show your property for sale, contact us today. Many prospective buyers select the homes they wish to see based on photos and videos of the properties. To learn how your property can be best represented, contact us at (781) 665-6660. We will arrange an initial meeting and discuss an individualized marketing plan with you. The office is conveniently located at 29 Essex St., just across the street from Shaw�s. We are "A Team Effort�. Learn how we have earned our superior reputation!

  HINT: House staging involves four general steps: decluttering, repairing, cleaning, and revitalizing.