Who's Your Agent?

More often than you’d expect, homeowners refer to the person they bought their insurance from as their agent. It sounds reasonable but it is definitely not accurate. That person is the agent of the insurance company and they legally represent the company, not the customer. Even an independent agent who can place a policy with different companies is still an agent of the company.

A mortgage officer, in most cases is an employee and represents the company. And the same is true for a title or escrow officer. It’s important to understand the actual relationship to know what you can expect from them. Any businessperson who wants to stay in business must treat their customers fairly and with a high degree of service. As a customer, you should be able to reasonably expect honesty and accountability. The difference is that employees owe their loyalty to their employer and agents owe their loyalty to their principal.

An agent owes more than just honesty and accountability. The principal can expect complete disclosure, obedience, loyalty, reasonable skill and care and confidentiality from their agent. This advocacy is very beneficial during the buying or selling process to coordinate all aspects of the transaction. The agent can bring valuable experience to your side of the transaction to provide confidence that your best interests are being represented from start to finish.

Most states have a recognized procedure for the real estate professional to create a formal relationship between themselves and a buyer or seller. This requires a fiduciary/statutory responsibility that places the principals’ interests above the agent’s own personal interests.

In Massachusetts real estate brokers and salespeople/agents are required to provide consumers the Massachusetts Mandatory Licensee-Consumer Relationship Disclosure form at the first personal meeting with you to discuss a specific property. The form explains the types of agency an agent can provide. Although, this has been mandatory for years, many buyers who have looked at properties with other agents often tell me they have never seen the form! Consumers have a right to know who an agent represents.

Additionally, while a home seller is required to sign a written agreement in order to list their home for sale with a REALTOR (member of the National Association of Realtors), it is also in a buyer's best interest to have a written agreement with an agent who is going to represent them as a buyer agent. It clarifies expectations so there are no surprises or misunderstanding about responsibilities and makes for a less stressful transaction. Click for more information about buyer agency

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About the author: Marilyn Messenger is a local real estate broker associated with Andrew Mitchell and Company, Concord. She has been representing buyers and sellers in Concord, Wayland, Sudbury, Maynard, and the towns west of Boston since 1993. She is a Certified Residential Specialist (less than 4% of Realtors have achieved the CRS® designation), an Accredited Buyer Representative and is an active member of the Real Estate Buyer Agency Council. Messenger is also a Certified Luxury Homes Marketing Specialist and a Million Dollar Guild Member. Visit www.MarilynMessenger.com

Down-Payment Gifts Save Taxes!

What could be a better gift than tax-free help with a down-payment on a home?

Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and even friends can start to pass along/gifting their estates while reducing inheritance taxes and getting to see their family enjoy the benefits of their gift

Under current IRS guidelines (please consult your accountant for tax advice and ramifications) each parent or relative can give up to $15,000 to each child or relative every year. That would mean that a mother and father can each give $15,000 a year to each son, daughter, and/or grandchild that would amount to $30,000 a year in total per couple for each person that you gift. 

If both sets of parents want to help with the down-payment on a house; each of the parents can give each borrower a gift of $15,000 per year. That would add up to $60,000 for both of you! That is a significant amount of tax-free money to help you buy a home for your family! Of course, a gift can also be less than $15,000, so give what you can.

That amount is per calendar year and not based on every twelve months. That would mean that they could give $60,000 (or more) in December 2019 and an additional $60,000 (or more) in January

2020. With less than one-month left , this is the time to bring up the subject with your family. What could make them happier than helping you buy a house and saving money on taxes?

For most types of mortgage loans, you will need to have 5% of the amount of the down-payment on your own, however, there are exceptions. To find out the exceptions and details about how gift money can be applied to your down-payment contact a reputable mortgage broker. 

More about tax-free gifts and life-time limits: https://smartasset.com/retirement/gift-tax-limits  

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About the author: Marilyn Messenger, a licensed real estate broker, Certified Residential Specialist, and Accredited Buyer Representative, and Certified Luxury Homes Marketing Specialist is  associated with Andrew Mitchell and Company in Concord has been representing home buyers and sellers in Wayland, Sudbury, Maynard, Stow, and Concord MA since 1993. www.MarilynMessenger.com for more. Visit www.marilynmessenger.com to see homes for sale, get the latest real estate market reports, and learn about having your own buyer agent on your side. 

Price Reductions in a Hot Market

Everyone knows the real estate market is hot, right? Low inventory, multiple offers, homes selling at

prices thousands and sometimes tens of thousands of dollars over asking...all good for home sellers! There's never been a better time to sell! Ask the price you want, put a few photos on the Internet, have an open house and voila, SOLD!

With all the hype, it's easy for a seller to over-estimate what buyers will pay and they are surprised to find out that even in the hottest market, an incorrectly/over-priced house will not meet market expectations and it will languish, become stale and buyers pass it by instead of making an offer. Or else if someone does make an offer it may be so much lower that the seller gets upset and refuses to negotiate.

A lot of home sellers are reluctant to acknowledge that their house is not priced correctly. After all, who likes to admit that they made a mistake or that the value of their home just isn't as much as they thought or wanted? So instead they try offering a credit, advertise that they will fix or replace something, take new photos, and insist that their real estate agent provide the "special marketing" to find the one buyer who will be willing to overpay. They will do anything other than what they know they need to do to fix the problem - change the price!

The reality is that sooner or later home sellers who really want to sell (motivation matters), will come around to the fact if they want to sell, they must reduce the price. But who would have thought that is be happening in Concord and Sudbury, two of the most desirable towns west of Boston? Well, it is! In Concord there have been 87 price reductions during the past 12 months and 22 during the month of May - as of 5/18. In Sudbury, there have been 75 price reductions Y-T-D and 36 month-to-date in May. And, it's happening in other places too! Pricing matters in any market, in any location!

Price reductions may not be what sellers want, but getting the house sold is the goal and reducing the price increases the opportunity to get a house listing in front of the right audience, stimulate interest and accomplish the intended goal. 

And of course for buyers, seeing a price reduction might mean you can finally go after the house you've been waiting for! Keep in mind though, if you've been hoping for a price reduction on a particular house, chances are someone else has too. You still need to be prepared to step up and with the right help an experienced buyer broker to negotiate on your behalf, you can make it happen!
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Find your next home at www.marilynmessenger.com - and don't forget to sign up for daily updates so you don't miss out on any new listings and price reductions.

The Gift of Home Saves Taxes!

Holiday time is when people get together with family and friends, to exchange gifts and talk about plans for future which often include buying or selling a house. It’s also year-end and a good time to think about estate planning and taxes. Did you know that parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and even friends can start to pass along/gifting their estates while reducing inheritance taxes and getting to see their family enjoy the benefits of their gifts? What could be a better gift than tax-free help with a down-payment on a home?

NOTE: The following information was provided by a loan officer, however you should always talk

with a tax expert and financial adviser about your specific goals and financial situation.

Gifts are involved in approximately 25% of all of the mortgage loans that are transacted. Gifts from family members and relatives are allowed under IRS and lending guidelines but lenders do not report the parties involved to the IRS.

Under current IRS guidelines (please consult your accountant for tax advice and ramifications) each parent or relative can give up to $14,000 to each child or relative every year. That would mean that a mother and father can each give $14,000 a year to each son, daughter, and/or grandchild that would amount to $28,000 a year in total. If both sets of parents want to help with the down-payment on a house; each of the parents can give each borrower a gift of $14,000 per year. That would add up to $56,000 for both of you! That is a significant amount of tax-free money to help you buy a home for your family! Of course, a gift can also be less than $14,000, so give what you can.

That amount is per calendar year and not based on every twelve months. That would mean that they could give $56,000 (or more) in December 2017 and an additional $56,000 (or more) in January 2018. With only on month left in 2017, this is the time to bring up the subject with your family. What could make them happier than helping you buy a house and saving money on taxes?

For most types of mortgage loans, you will need to have 5% of the amount of the down-payment on your own, however, there are exceptions. To find out the exceptions and details about how gift money can be applied to your down-payment contact a reputable mortgage broker.

Visit www.marilynmessenger.com to see homes for sale, get the latest real estate market reports, and learn about having your own buyer agent on your side. 
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About the author: Marilyn Messenger, a licensed real estate broker, Certified Residential Specialist, and Accredited Buyer Representative associated with Andrew Mitchell and Company in Concord has been representing home buyers and sellers in Wayland, Sudbury, Maynard, Stow, and Concord MA since 1993. www.MarilynMessenger.com for more. 

Home Buying and Selling: Who Works For You?

More often than you’d expect, homeowners refer to the person they bought their insurance from as their agent. It sounds reasonable but it’s definitely not accurate. That person is the agent of the insurance company and they legally represent the company, not the customer. Even an independent agent who can place a policy with different companies is still an agent of the company.

A mortgage officer, in most cases is an employee and represents the company. And the same is true for a title or escrow officer. It’s important to understand the actual relationship to know what you can expect from them. Any business person who wants to stay in business must treat their customers fairly and with a high degree of service. As a customer, you should be able to reasonably expect honesty and accountability. The difference is that employees owe their loyalty to their employer and agents owe their loyalty to their principal.

An agent owes more than just honesty and accountability. The principal can expect complete disclosure, obedience, loyalty, reasonable skill and care and confidentiality from their agent. This advocacy is very beneficial during the buying or selling process to coordinate all aspects of the transaction. The agent can bring valuable experience to your side of the transaction to provide confidence that your best interests are being represented from start to finish.

Most states have a recognized procedure for the real estate professional to create a formal relationship between themselves and a buyer or seller. This requires a fiduciary/statutory responsibility that places the principals’ interests above the agent’s own personal interests.

In Massachusetts real estate brokers and salespeople/agents are required to provide consumers the Massachusetts Mandatory Licensee-Consumer Relationship Disclosure form at the first personal meeting with you to discuss a specific property. The form explains the types of agency an agent can provide. Although, this has been mandatory for years, many buyers who have looked at properties with other agents often tell me they have never seen the form! Consumers have a right to know who an agent represents.


Additionally, while a home seller is required to sign a written agreement in order to list their home for sale with a REALTOR (member of the National Association of Realtors), it is also in a buyer's best interest to have a written agreement with an agent who is going to represent them as a buyer agent. It clarifies expectations so there are no surprises or misunderstanding about responsibilities and makes for a less stressful transaction. More about buyer agency...
 -------------------------------------------

 About the author: Marilyn Messenger  is a local broker associated with Andrew Mitchell and Company, Concord. She has been representing buyers and sellers in Concord, Wayland, Sudbury, Maynard, and the towns west of Boston since 1993. She is a Certified Residential Specialist (less than 4% of Realtors have achieved the CRS® designation), an Accredited Buyer Representative and is an active member of the Real Estate Buyer Agency Council. Messenger is also a Certified Luxury Homes Marketing Specialist and a Million Dollar Guild Member. Visit www.MarilynMessenger.com.  

Who's Buying Houses in Stow?

Stow is one of the most beautiful towns west of Boston and the video above shows three properties that my buyer clients including first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and active adults/55+ purchased over the summer.

So what did they buy in Stow? The first home shown, a classic 4 bedroom colonial-style, was purchased by first-time buyers who wanted quiet and privacy and land. They were happy to trade off granite counters and stainless steel appliances for a quiet location and a gorgeous acre lot!
The house needs some updating but the purchase price was under-budget and they are willing and able to do some work to have a place they can call home for many years to come!

The second photo is a new development for seniors/55+ that includes attached and detached townhouses with first-floors master suites, full basements, and 2 car-garages. The buyers are moving to Stow to be closer to their grandchildren in Concord. They are happy to have their own buyer agent helping navigate the buying process and help them get to know the area. More about buyer agency for new construction...

The third house is nicely updated expanded split-level home also on an acre lot with a gorgeous backyard. These move-up buyers who sold their townhouse in Maynard were willing to trade a neighborhood location for a more main road to get the amount of interior space and outdoor area they want for entertaining fiends and family!

Homes for Sale in Stow: There are 19 single-family houses for sale in Stow; last year there were 24 for sale. List prices in Stow range from $349,000 to $1,200,000. Lower inventory is putting upward pressure on prices in Stow but there are still some good values available. The median list price for a single-family home is currently $699,000; last year it was $582,400.

The median home sale price for a single-family home in Stow has gone up 14.91% since 2013!  See the most recent market report for Stow. 

With it's abundant apple orchards, farm stands, and golf courses, Stow is a very popular place for people to visit in the Fall. If you've been in your house for 5 or more years and are thinking about selling traffic will be peaking soon so let's talk - 508-596-3501.

Perfect Fall Day in Stow  - October 2016!

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About the author: Marilyn Messenger, a licensed broker, Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified Luxury Homes Specialist and Million Dollar Guild Member associated with Andrew Mitchell and Company, has been representing buyers and sellers  in Stow, Maynard, Concord, Sudbury, Wayland & west of Boston since 1993.

Permits Matter!

True story - my client is in the process of buying a home, no easy feat in this crazy spring market, and just as the attorneys were putting the finishing touches on the Purchase and Sale agreement (MA is an attorney state), the buyer called the town building department to make sure permits were on file for all of the nice improvements the seller had made to the house.

Guess what? The 2015 roof did not have one, and the signing of the documents had to be delayed. While it will be taken care of, who needs the extra stress of a delay?

Whether you're doing some renovating or adding an addition or deck, replacing appliances or systems, make sure the contractor pulls a permit and that the inspector from the town signs off after the work is done. It's very easy to find out if one is needed; towns have the information about permits on their web sites or you can call the building inspector.

Most people don't think about it. They assume that their contractor will take care of everything and especially because most include the cost of a permit in their quote.

Unfortunately, contractors often do not follow through with applying for the permit(s) and scheduling the inspection after. Whether it's a lack of time, or someone just forgets to do their job, the bottom line is that permits are important for your protection, protection of the town, and the protection of future owners.

When you sell your house, if a home inspector sees a problem and there is no permit on file, even though it's not your fault, it raises suspicion that will ultimately cost you; buyers will question what else is wrong or missing and start looking for reasons to reduce the price! This has happened to many of my clients who paid top dollar to reputable contractors who never followed through on the permit.

Advice to homeowners and sellers: ask the contractor when the inspector from the town will be coming by to sign off on the work done. If they can't answer, make sure you follow up with the contractor. Or, you can call the inspector yourself then you know it will be done. It will save you money and stress. Enjoy your new home improvements!

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About the author: Marilyn Messenger, CRS has been representing buyers and sellers west of Boston for 23 years. Having attended 100s of home inspections, she knows first-hand how important building permits are to the home buying and selling process. You can reach Marilyn at 508-596-3501 or visit www.MarilynMessenger.com for buyer and seller information, free home searches, and market conditions reports for Concord, Maynard, Wayland, Sudbury, and the towns west of Boston.

New Construction - Common Misconceptions

Everyone Loves New Construction!

Builder confidence is up! New single-family homes and condominiums are finally being built again and what’s better than having everything shiny and new, built with state-of-the art materials, energy efficient systems and appliances, and everything to fit the way you live, work, and play?

Given the choice, a lot of home buyers would prefer to purchase a new home than a house that someone else has lived in; especially buyers who don’t have the time, interest, or money for repairing or renovating a house that someone has lived in.

Whether you are a first-time buyer, moving-up, down-sizing/right-sizing, or someone who has bought and sold multiple times, if you have not purchased new construction before or you did it along time ago, you may have some misconceptions about buying new construction. Here are a few common misconceptions about new construction.

Expectations
The biggest misconception about new construction is that because it’s new, it will be perfect! New houses are built by people and we all know that people are never perfect. A new house can have defects just like a resale. While home buyers expect and even look for things to be wrong with an older house that has been lived in, they don’t expect any issues in new house. Realistic expectations are important when buying any house so remember, there is no such thing as perfect!

Selections and Upgrades
One of the most fun things about buying a new home is that you get to pick out flooring, cabinets, counter-tops, appliances, tile, fixtures, etc. and have everything color-coordinated, up-to-date and just the way you want it. With so many choices it’s easy to get carried away with making selections that are so trendy that you may grow tired of them in a short-time. And, it’s also easy to pay for extra for upgrades that you may not need and that really don’t add value.

While it’s nice to have everything done at the same time by the builder, sometimes waiting and getting things done later on your own can be a better and more cost effective choice. If you decide to buy upgrades, buy for own enjoyment and don’t expect that you will get your money back when you sell. What you sell for will depend on the market at the time and as soon as you move-in, your new home becomes used! Buy what you like, don’t over-personalize and don’t do anything because you think it will be a money-maker later especially if you are buying in a large development of similar homes.

Home Inspections
A lot of people have the misconception that they don’t need to do a home inspection when buying new construction because everything is new, under warranty, and you’ll do a final walk-through and prepare a punch-list of items that the builder will fix.

Having a home inspection is just as important for a new house as for a resale. Remember, new is not perfect and there may be items that weren’t installed or not connected properly, etc. A walk-through is not the same as a thorough inspection by a professional home inspector. Buying a home is a big investment; don’t be “penny-wise and pound foolish.” Also, make sure you know exactly what items are under warranty and for how long!

Non-Negotiable
That builders/developers don’t negotiate is another misconception about buying new construction. This is something that home buyers are led to believe by the on-site salesperson who represents the builder, and while most buyers would never accept that premise if they were buying a resale property, for some reason they believe it about new builds.

Builders are like every other seller and whether or not they will negotiate depends on a number of variables – the market, the size of the development, how far along the project is, how qualified you are, which items you want to negotiate about – price, terms, features, etc. Like every other seller, some builders are easier and friendlier and more financially stable than others; some are good business people and know when it pays to be flexible and others just dig in.

On-Site Sales
Another great thing about about buying new construction is that builders make it so easy to buy by building sales models and having an on-site agent/salesperson to help you.

The most important misconception that buyers have about new construction is that they cannot have or don't need a buyer agent/broker on their side. While the majority of home-buyers know that it makes sense to have their own buyer agent represent them and they want a professional whose fiduciary responsibility is to work on their behalf to get them the best deal, help them understand their options in the local market, help them do their due diligence, and negotiate on their behalf when they are buying a resale, many still think that when buying a new home it's OK to go directly to the on-site agent/salesperson and do whatever that seller's agent tells them to.

Unfortunately, too many buyers don't even think about getting their own representation until they've already been to the site, talked with the on-site seller's rep, given up a lot of personal and financial information, and decided to buy. And by then, it's too late!

Yes, you can have your own buyer agent and buying a new house does not take away your right to representation. The majority of new homes are listed on MLS (multiple listing service) just like resale listings, and the listings include an offer of cooperation and compensation to buyer agents. The builder will pay your agent's fee out of the proceeds of the sale, the same as any other seller!

BUT, some new construction seller agents will often include a note on the MLS that buyers do not see that stipulates "buyer agent MUST be present at the first showing." There's the catch! They know that buyers drive around and will often stop at a model home "just to look" and the next thing they decide to buy. On-site agents do not want buyers to have a buyer agent on their side; the seller's agent want to control the buying so they can maximize profits for the builder (and themselves!) I have had buyers tell me that they were told that they could not have a buyer agent because they came to the site without their agent.

Take away
If you already have an agreement with a buyer agent to represent you, make sure you do not go to any new construction sites without your agent.

If you are thinking about buying new construction and do not have a buyer agent, get one before you visit any new construction sites and before you talk with anyone on-site. That way when you decide to buy, you will have a agent on your side! By the way, make sure your agent knows the area and has experience as a buyer agent for new construction.

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About the author: Marilyn Messenger is a licensed broker, Certified Residential Specialist, and Accredited Buyer Representative, associated with Andrew Mitchell and Company in Concord MA. She has been representing new construction home-buyers in Sudbury, Wayland, Maynard, Stow, and the towns west of Boston since 1993. Her clients have purchased new single-family homes, luxury properties and condominiums from both local and national builders. Her experience experience on a local Planning Board, Zoning Board, and board member of an HOA has been especially helpful to her new construction clients. Visit www.marilynmessenger.com for more.

Concord MA Mid-Year Housing Report

There were 91 single-family properties sold in Concord during the first half of 2016; a 12.5% increase over the same period in 2015 and the median sale price of $979,000 was 1.6% higher.

 There were 25 condominiums (including garden-apartment, attached and detached town-homes) sold between January 1 and June 30, 2016; exactly the same number as in 2015. However, the 2016 median sale price of $473,000 was 24.3% less than for the same period in 2015.

See the full market report for Concord.
Click to see all of the homes for sale in Concord.

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About the author: Marilyn Messenger is a licensed real estate broker, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) associated with Andrew Mitchell and Company in Concord. She has been representing home sellers and buyers in Concord, Sudbury, Wayland, and the towns west of Boston since 1993. Her clients appreciate her responsiveness, attention to detail, follow-through, area knowledge, and her marketing and negotiating skills. MORE....

Home Buying: The Benefits of Buyer Agency Agreements

Written Agreements Benefit Buyers
 

Most consumers know that if they want to “hire” a real estate broker/agent to sell their home and represent their interests, they must sign a contract. Realtors® are not allowed to list a property without one. The contract clearly spells out the terms of the agreement including length of time, compensation and each party’s responsibility.
While buyer agency is not a new concept – it has been legal in MA for 15+ years and a few years ago the law that governs agency relationships was updated to further ensure consumer protection, many buyers and some agents still don’t understand the benefits of a written Buyer Agency Agreement/contract.

Buyers often call me to ask for help finding a home and many tell me they have had disappointing experiences with "their buyer agent." When I ask if they had a contract with the agent, they answer is almost always “no”.  Well, of course they are disappointed! How did the agent know what the buyer expected? And were the buyer's expectations realistic?
The benefit of a contract is that both the buyer and the agent know what to expect and that each is accountable. The buyer knows which geographic areas the agent covers, they know how the agent is going to be compensated, and that the agent is legally obligated to act in the buyer’s best interest.

Buying a home is a process not an event - there is a lot more involved than finding a picture on the internet or going to open houses to "look." Successful negotiations are based on trust, confidentiality, and mutual respect. Buyers, you are entitled to have a qualified broker/agent on your side to ensure you get the representation you deserve and a written agreement is the first step.
While any agent can call themselves a buyer's agent, an ABR, Accredited Buyer's Representative has additional training and is part of a network that continues to provide education and new tools for representing buyers.
Before you start looking for a house find a qualified buyer agent/broker who will listen to you and respect your needs; one who knows the market in the area, knows how to negotiate, has a network of resources - lenders, home inspectors, attorneys, movers, etc.; and who will educate you so you can make the best decisions about your new home. Real estate is about relationships so make sure you have an agent who knows and cares about your well-being.
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Marilyn Messenger is an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) licensed real estate broker associated with Andrew Mitchell and Company in Concord MA. She has been representing home buyers in Sudbury, Maynard, Wayland, Stow, and the towns west of Boston since 1993. If you are thinking about buying a home, contact Marilyn at 508-596-3501.
Search for homes
Connect with Marilyn's real estate profile on Google+
- See more at: http://www.marilynmessenger.com/Web/AR438531/CustomContent/index/5492216#sthash.rRphUgHr.dpuf

Written Agreements Benefit Buyers
 

Most consumers know that if they want to “hire” a real estate broker/agent to sell their home and represent their interests, they must sign a contract. Realtors® are not allowed to list a property without one. The contract clearly spells out the terms of the agreement including length of time, compensation and each party’s responsibility.
While buyer agency is not a new concept – it has been legal in MA for 15+ years and a few years ago the law that governs agency relationships was updated to further ensure consumer protection, many buyers and some agents still don’t understand the benefits of a written Buyer Agency Agreement/contract.

Buyers often call me to ask for help finding a home and many tell me they have had disappointing experiences with "their buyer agent." When I ask if they had a contract with the agent, they answer is almost always “no”.  Well, of course they are disappointed! How did the agent know what the buyer expected? And were the buyer's expectations realistic?
The benefit of a contract is that both the buyer and the agent know what to expect and that each is accountable. The buyer knows which geographic areas the agent covers, they know how the agent is going to be compensated, and that the agent is legally obligated to act in the buyer’s best interest.

Buying a home is a process not an event - there is a lot more involved than finding a picture on the internet or going to open houses to "look." Successful negotiations are based on trust, confidentiality, and mutual respect. Buyers, you are entitled to have a qualified broker/agent on your side to ensure you get the representation you deserve and a written agreement is the first step.
While any agent can call themselves a buyer's agent, an ABR, Accredited Buyer's Representative has additional training and is part of a network that continues to provide education and new tools for representing buyers.
Before you start looking for a house find a qualified buyer agent/broker who will listen to you and respect your needs; one who knows the market in the area, knows how to negotiate, has a network of resources - lenders, home inspectors, attorneys, movers, etc.; and who will educate you so you can make the best decisions about your new home. Real estate is about relationships so make sure you have an agent who knows and cares about your well-being.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marilyn Messenger is an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) licensed real estate broker associated with Andrew Mitchell and Company in Concord MA. She has been representing home buyers in Sudbury, Maynard, Wayland, Stow, and the towns west of Boston since 1993. If you are thinking about buying a home, contact Marilyn at 508-596-3501.
Search for homes
Connect with Marilyn's real estate profile on Google+
- See more at: http://www.marilynmessenger.com/Web/AR438531/CustomContent/index/5492216#sthash.rRphUgHr.dpuf

Most consumers know that if they want to “hire” a real estate broker/agent to sell their home and represent their interests, they must sign a contract. Realtors® are not allowed to list a property without one. The contract clearly spells out the terms of the agreement including length of time, compensation and each party’s responsibility.

While buyer agency is not a new concept – it has been legal in MA for 15+ years and a few years ago the law that governs agency relationships was updated to further ensure consumer protection, many buyers and some agents still don’t understand the benefits of a written Buyer Agency Agreement/contract.

Buyers often call me to ask for help finding a home and many tell me they have had disappointing experiences with "their buyer agent." When I ask if they had a contract with the agent, they answer is almost always “no”.  Well, of course they are disappointed! How did the agent know what the buyer expected? And were the buyer's expectations realistic?

The benefit of a contract is that both the buyer and the agent know what to expect and that each is accountable. The buyer knows which geographic areas the agent covers, they know how the agent is going to be compensated, and that the agent is legally obligated to act in the buyer’s best interest.

Buying a home is a process not an event - there is a lot more involved than finding a picture on the internet or going to open houses to "look." Successful negotiations are based on trust, confidentiality, and mutual respect. Buyers, you are entitled to have a qualified broker/agent on your side to ensure you get the representation you deserve and a written agreement is the first step.

While any agent can call themselves a buyer's agent, an ABR, Accredited Buyer's Representative has additional training and is part of a network that continues to provide education and new tools for representing buyers.

Before you start looking for a house find a qualified buyer agent/broker who will listen to you and respect your needs; one who knows the market in the area, knows how to negotiate, has a network of resources - lenders, home inspectors, attorneys, movers, etc.; and who will educate you so you can make the best decisions about your new home. Real estate is about relationships so make sure you have an agent who knows and cares about your well-being.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Marilyn Messenger is an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) licensed real estate broker associated with Andrew Mitchell and Company in Concord MA. She has been representing home buyers in Sudbury, Maynard, Wayland, Stow, and the towns west of Boston since 1993. If you are thinking about buying a home, contact Marilyn at 508-596-3501.

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Most consumers know that if they want to “hire” a real estate broker/agent to sell their home and represent their interests, they must sign a contract. Realtors® are not allowed to list a property without one. The contract clearly spells out the terms of the agreement including length of time, compensation and each party’s responsibility. 

While buyer agency is not a new concept – it has been legal in MA for 15+ years and a few years ago the law that governs agency relationships was updated to further ensure consumer protection, many buyers and some agents still don’t understand the benefits of a written Buyer Agency Agreement/contract.

Buyers often call me to ask for help finding a home and many tell me they have had disappointing experiences with "their buyer agent." When I ask if they had a contract with the agent, they answer is almost always “no”.  Well, of course they are disappointed! How did the agent know what the buyer expected? And were the buyer's expectations realistic?

The benefit of a written contract is that both the buyer and the agent know what to expect and that each is accountable. The buyer knows which geographic areas the agent covers, they know how the agent is going to be compensated, and that the agent is legally obligated to act in the buyer’s best interest.

Buying a home is a process not an event - there is a lot more involved than finding a picture on the internet or going to open houses to "look." Successful negotiations are based on trust, confidentiality, and mutual respect. Buyers, you are entitled to have a qualified broker/agent on your side to ensure you get the representation you deserve and a written agreement is the first step.

While any agent can call themselves a buyer's agent, an ABR, Accredited Buyer's Representative has additional training and is part of a network that continues to provide education and new tools for representing buyers.

Before you start looking for a house find a qualified buyer agent/broker who will listen to you and respect your needs; one who knows the market in the area, knows how to negotiate, has a network of resources - lenders, home inspectors, attorneys, movers, etc.; and who will educate you so you can make the best decisions about your new home. Real estate is about relationships so make sure you have an agent who knows and cares about your well-being.

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Marilyn Messenger is an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) licensed real estate broker associated with Andrew Mitchell and Company in Concord MA. She has been representing home buyers in Sudbury, Maynard, Wayland, Stow, and the towns west of Boston since 1993. If you are thinking about buying a home, contact Marilyn at 508-596-3501.

Search for homes