Tuesday, November 13, 2012

WANT TO SELL?? TO WAIT OR NOT TO WAIT ~ WHAT IS THE ANSWER??

I WANT TO SELL MY HOME ~ SHOULD I WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE HOLIDAYS??

Call Nichole R. Willey at 508.737.3567 with questions or to schedule a private appointment. www.aboutcapecodma.com is your real estate resource for finding the perfect home!

Ultimately, that is up to you, but you should keep a couple of things in mind, especially if you want top dollar for your home, and who doesn't, right? There are 4 main reasons to list in winter or near holidays...

1. Smaller Buyer Pool ~ What? Less buyers? Yes, less buyers, which means less showings to deal with, however the buyers that are currently out (buying) are serious buyers who have to buy now. They are not "lookie -loos" who aren't sure if and when they want to purchase. 

2. Less Competition ~ Everyone else is of the same thought, "Let's wait." So, there are less homes on the market, which means less competition, and higher prices according to the laws of economics, right...and you get a say in when the property transfers, so the closing can be scheduled for a time that is convenient for you...Imagine listing now and closing after the holidays...perfection! 

3. Low Interest Rates ~ Not just low, but historically low, which means buyers have more buying power right now than ever before. What does that mean for you...buyers that have a certain amount of money they are willing to spend will be able to purchase a higher priced home right now.  Homes in this market are selling for approximately 95% of list price, or higher, on average! And in many instances, multiple offers are coming in, which is also driving up prices. If interest rates change just a half a point, the buyer's purchasing power drops by tens of thousands of dollars respectively. Keep in mind that many agents are saying they are seeing steady or increased buyer activity right now, so if you want to sell, and get top dollar, don't wait...take advantage of the current market, there is no guarantee it will stay the same or improve.

4. Aesthetics are never better ~ Most people love the holidays, and when does a person's home look better than at the holidays!? Your house will look fantastic decked out for the season! 





Don't miss the out on the opportunity to get the most money for your home in the least amount of time possible...









Now is the time, so call Nichole R. Willey at 508.737.3567 to get your complimentary market analysis. 

Whether you are looking to sell your property on the Cape, buy a dream home on Cape Cod, or invest in Cape Cod Real Estate, Nichole R. Willey is a specialist that will help you get to the closing table.






I am committed to delivering courteous, professional and timely service that will assist you in better understanding the home sale process. I am a trained, certified real estate agent specializing in the Cape Cod market and am prepared to help you find the right home for the best price. Call me now for your confidential  no obligation appointment and see for yourself how I go above and beyond your expectations to get the job done and done well.

Nichole R. Willey
Agent/ Partner
Keller Williams Cape Cod

P: 508.737.3567
F: 508.771.8188











Monday, November 12, 2012

SEARCH SANDWICH, MA HOMES FOR SALE ~ 02563, 02537, 02644, 02542


SEARCH SANDWICH, MA HOMES FOR SALE ~ 02563, 02537, 02644, 02542

Call Nichole R. Willey at 508.737.3567 with questions or to schedule a private appointment. www.aboutcapecodma.com is your real estate resource for finding the perfect home!

Find Sandwich real estate properties, search Sandwich, Massachusetts real estatesearch Sandwich homes for saleincluding newest listings, recently sold properties, foreclosures and short sales, new homes, condos, school information and lots of additional information and statistics at www.aboutcapecodma.com.



For more information or to receive a free market report for the area of your choice, call or text Nichole at 508.737.3567...Retaining my services entitles you to a real estate professional that is committed to helping you complete your goals.
  
Whether it is to buy a dream home on Cape Cod, invest in Cape Cod Real Estate, or sell your property on the Cape, Nichole R. Willey is a specialist that will help you get to the closing table.


I am committed to delivering courteous, professional and timely service that will assist you in better understanding the home purchasing process. I am a trained, certified real estate agent specializing in the Cape Cod market and am prepared to help you find the right home for the best price. Call me now for your confidential  no obligation appointment and see for yourself how I go above and beyond your expectations to get the job done and done well.


Nichole R. Willey
Agent/ Partner
Keller Williams Cape Cod
P: 508.737.3567
F: 508.771.8188

1600 Falmouth Road, Suite 2
Centerville, MA 02632

Friday, November 9, 2012

WHY DO I NEED A BUYER'S AGENT TO PURCHASE A HOME?

Hiring a Buyer's Agent for My Cape Cod Real Estate Purchase ~ by Nichole R. Willey, Your Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist

Visit www.aboutcapecodma.com or call 508.737.3567 for instant service

Making a real estate purchase is a big decision, and an even bigger commitment. For most of us it is the biggest one we will make in our lifetime. Between scheduling appointments and going to look at houses, making offers, negotiating the offers, scheduling home inspections, attending home inspections, closing and moving out of one place and into the new one, there is a lot to do! And yet many people still do not hire a real estate professional to assist them. It is tough to manage along with working full-time and other responsibilities. Looking for a home on Cape Cod? Start here... www.findcapecodhomesnow.com

So, just what is involved in a home purchase and why do buyers need a Buyer's Agent to represent them? Buyer's representation is usually free - for the buyer. Their commission is paid by a split of what the sellers pay the listing agent. A buyer’s agent is an agent who is engaged by a buyer to represent the buyer’s interests. The buyer’s agent does this by negotiating the purchase of a home at a price and on terms acceptable to the buyer. A buyer’s agent has, without limitation, the following fiduciary duties to the buyer: reasonable care, undivided loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure, obedience and duty to account. A buyer’s agent does not represent the interest of the seller. The obligations of a buyer’s agent are also subject to any specific provisions set forth in an agreement between the agent and the buyer. In dealings with the seller, a buyer’s agent should (a) exercise reasonable skill and care in performance of the agent’s duties; (b) deal honestly, fairly and in good faith; and (c) disclose all facts known to the agent materially affecting the buyer’s ability and/or willingness to perform a contract to acquire seller’s property that are not inconsistent with the agent’s fiduciary duties to the buyer. Sounds good, right? The agent is working for the buyer and is legally responsible for representing the buyer's interests throughout the transaction. 

Looking to sell your Cape Cod home? More info here... Now what is a listing or seller's agent? A Seller’s Agent is an agent who is engaged by a seller to represent the seller’s interests. The seller’s agent does this by securing a buyer for the seller’s home at a price and on terms acceptable to the seller. A seller’s agent has, without limitation, the following fiduciary duties to the seller: reasonable care, undivided loyalty, confidentiality, full disclosure, obedience and duty to account. A seller’s agent does not represent the interests of the buyer. The obligations of a seller’s agent are also subject to any specific provisions set forth in an agreement between the agent and the seller. In dealings with the buyer, a seller’s agent should (a) exercise reasonable skill and care in performance of the agent’s duties; (b) deal honestly, fairly and in good faith; and (c) disclose all facts known to the agent materially affecting the value or desirability of property, except as otherwise provided by law.

So, as a buyer, if you go directly to the selling agent for your purchase, you are entitled to fair and honest treatment as defined by Massachusetts state law, however you are entering into the transaction with no representation and working with an agent who is legally bound to look out for the interests of their listing client. The listing agent will negotiate on behalf of their listing client. How does that benefit you, the buyer? 

The Home Buying Process ~ 

For a great run-down on the home buying process check out this blog entry on About.com...Home Buying Path A to Z The Complete Home Buying Process


Whether it is to buy a dream home on Cape Cod, invest in Cape Cod Real Estate, or sell your property on the Cape, Nichole R. Willey is a specialist that will help you get to the closing table.



Nichole R. Willey
Agent/ Partner
Keller Williams Cape Cod
P: 508.737.3567
F: 508.771.8188

1600 Falmouth Road, Suite 2
Centerville, MA 02632

                             

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

SEARCH CAPE COD, MA HOMES FOR SALE ~ TIME IS TICKING!

    

DON'T MISS OUT ON LOW PRICES AND THE LOWEST INTEREST RATES!

SEARCH Cape COD, MA HOMES FOR SALE 

Call Nichole R. Willey at 508.737.3567 with questions or to schedule a private appointment. www.aboutcapecodma.com is your real estate resource for finding the perfect home!   
        

Really Great Cape Cod Homes.              

Make One Yours TODAY!   

               

 >>>  Click for More Information and to Start Your Search Right Now! <<<


Whether it is to buy a dream home on Cape Cod, invest in Cape Cod Real Estate, or sell your property on the Cape, Nichole R. Willey is a specialist that will help you get to the closing table.



Nichole R. Willey
Agent/ Partner
Keller Williams Cape Cod
P: 508.737.3567
F: 508.771.8188

1600 Falmouth Road, Suite 2
Centerville, MA 02632

                             

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

SEARCH BREWSTER, MA HOMES FOR SALE ~ 02631

SEARCH BREWSTER, MA HOMES FOR SALE ~ 02631

Call Nichole R. Willey at 508.737.3567 with questions or to schedule a private appointment. www.aboutcapecodma.com is your real estate resource for finding the perfect home!


Find Brewster real estate properties, search Brewster homes for sale, search Brewster, Massachusetts real estate, find Brewster foreclosure properties, search Brewster foreclosure properties, search Brewster REO, find Brewster short sales, search Brewster short sale properties, including recently sold properties, new homes, school information and lots of additional statistics at www.aboutcapecodma.com.


For more information or to receive a free market report for the area of your choice, call or text Nichole R. Willey at 508.737.3567...Retaining my services entitles you to a real estate professional that is committed to helping you complete your goals. 


Whether it is to buy a dream home on Cape Cod, invest in Cape Cod Real Estate, or sell your property on the Cape, Nichole R. Willey is a specialist that will help you get to the closing table.



Nichole R. Willey
Agent/ Partner
Keller Williams Cape Cod
P: 508.737.3567
F: 508.771.8188

1600 Falmouth Road, Suite 2
Centerville, MA 02632

SEARCH HARWICH, MA HOMES FOR SALE ~ 02645, 02646, 02661, 02659

SEARCH HARWICH, MA HOMES FOR SALE ~ 02645, 02646, 02661, 02659

Call Nichole R. Willey at 508.737.3567 with questions or to schedule a private appointment. www.aboutcapecodma.com is your real estate resource for finding the perfect home!


Search lower Cape homes for salefind Harwich real estate properties, search Harwich homes for sale, search Harwich, Massachusetts real estate, find Harwich foreclosure properties, search Harwich foreclosure properties, search Harwich REO, find Harwich short sales, search Harwich short sale properties, including recently sold properties, new homes, school information and lots of additional statistics at www.aboutcapecodma.com.



For more information or to receive a free market report for the area of your choice, call or text Nichole R. Willey at 508.737.3567...Retaining my services entitles you to a real estate professional that is committed to helping you complete your goals.

  
Whether it is to buy a dream home on Cape Cod, invest in Cape Cod Real Estate, or sell your property on the Cape, Nichole R. Willey is a specialist that will help you get to the closing table.




Nichole R. Willey
Agent/ Partner
Keller Williams Cape Cod
P: 508.737.3567
F: 508.771.8188

1600 Falmouth Road, Suite 2
Centerville, MA 02632


Sunday, November 4, 2012

KELLER WILLIAMS HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF EFFORT



KELLER WILLIAMS NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL OFFICES COME TOGETHER TO COLLECT MUCH NEEDED ITEMS FOR HURRICANE SANDY VICTIMS

Call or text Nichole R. Willey at 508.737.3567 for more information...email nichole@aboutcapecodma.com

CAPE COD REAL ESTATE AGENTS

CAPE COD REAL ESTATE AGENTS

508-737-3567 - www.findcapecodhomesnow.com - call Nichole R. Willey Now /
Your Cape Cod Real Estate Agent specializing in all real estate transactions
with Keller Williams Realty Cape Cod




Cape Cod Real Estate by Nichole R. Willey, Realtor/ Partner - Keller Williams Cape Cod

508-737-3567 - www.findcapecodhomesnow.com - Your local real estate expert, specializing in all real estate transactions...my team and I will help you get to the closing table in a fast, efficient, stress-free manner...looking to buy, sell, invest or rent property on Cape Cod - call or text Nichole Now at 508.737.2567 or email nichole@aboutcapecodma.com to get started today.

Ballymeade Estates Homes For Sale in Falmouth, Massachusetts

Luxury Homes for Sale | http://www.findcapecodhomesnow.com | 702.604.7739  | Luxury Homes on Cape Cod























Ballymeade Estates encompass more than 1000 acres of rolling woodlands, offering year-round resort living in quality, "statement" homes with custom designs. Ballymeade Country Club, has it all! An elegant, eighteen-hole championship golf course with ten-court tennis center and full-service clubhouse including a swimming pool, health club and first-class croquet pitch. Ballymeade is a semi-private country club that welcomes public play – every day where visitors and guests can expect the best playing conditions and highest level of service offered on Cape Cod. 
Thinking of SELLING a property in Ballymeade Estates? Call 508-737-3567 or See what your home on Cape Cod might be worth today by filling out a Home Evaluation Request. There is No charge to determine the Fair Market Value of your Cape Cod Property. Yes, We also do Cape Cod Short Sales

See More Luxury Homes For Sale on Cape Cod

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Six " To Do" projects to get your home ready for the winter


Are Your Ready For Jack Frost?

article courtesy of Nichole R. Willey, Keller Williams Realty, Cape Cod MA.

Call Nichole at 508.737.3567 or email nichole@aboutcapecodma.com for more information or to find the right people to help you be winter ready...Find your next home at www.aboutcapecodma.com now.

Before the temperatures really start to dip, consider these home improvement projects that can keep you warm and save you money. 



Jack Frost is licking his chops - or whatever he does - to commence his favorite time of year. But is your house prepared for his blustery arrival?
If not, you could feel more than chills running up and down your spine once the weather turns nasty.
According to general contractor Larry Taff, past president of the local chapter of the National Association of the Remolding Industry in Madison, Wis., homes that are ill-prepared to cope with the winter months could cost their owners plenty of dollars in repair bills - and a whole lot more.
"Frozen pipes, if they aren't properly insulated, can burst and cost tens of thousands of dollars," Taff says. "Furnaces that aren't working properly can release CO2 (carbon dioxide) and kill people. I don't want to be an extremist, but it has happened."
Fall might be the right time for you to fix minor issues before they turn into larger problems.
But how do you prepare before Mr. Frost starts nipping at your nose? Consider tackling the following list of fall home projects either on your own or with professional help.

Project #1: Update Insulation

Not only could a poorly insulated home lower your thermostat, it could also lower your disposable income. Think about updating your home's insulation as a smart investment.
"Insulation helps you minimize utility bills and maximize the comfort level inside of the home," Taff says. "A lot depends on the condition of the house, but it can be as simple as replacing weather-stripping around the door."
Weather-stripping, according to a U.S. Energy Department article on the subject, is designed to "seal air leaks around movable building components, such as doors or operable windows." On top of that, it's a relatively inexpensive way to reduce drafts and a common DIY project for homeowners.
Once you locate leaks around your house, there are numerous types of weather-stripping from which to choose. The Energy Department article reports that depending on a home's needs, weather-stripping materials include self-stick plastic and plain felt.
But insulation projects can range from the very simple - like weather-stripping - to the highly complex, which might require a pro's touch.
In its article "Types of Insulation," the Energy Department reports that depending on your home's characteristics, you could use insulation products such as blankets (batt and roll), foam board (layered plastic foam), loose-fill (cellulose, fiberglass, or mineral materials), and sprayed foam to insulate the following spaces:
  • Crawlspaces
  • Attics
  • Floors
  • Walls
  • Ductwork of heating and air-conditioning systems
  • Over garages
You can check these spots to determine how much insulation you might need, or you can call upon a qualified energy auditor, your local utility company, or state energy office for recommendations on improvements.

Project #2: Clean and Reseal Outdoor Deck

The winter months can be hard (and heavy) on your outdoor deck, so don't ignore it. While the temperatures are still relatively warm, you can help save decks from deterioration, says Taff.
"With wood decks, mold can get in there and they can rot away," Taff says. "Water can penetrate concrete decks, and the freezing and thawing can pop the surface off."
Whichever deck type you have, Taff suggests cleaning and resealing it once every one or two years. Cleaning can be accomplished simply by renting (or buying) a pressure washer and giving it a once over with a cleaning compound.
Once you have washed and cleaned your deck, it might be wise to reseal it to help prevent future damage caused by inclement weather. The website for the Weather Channel, the around-the-clock cable network devoted to climate, offers the following tips for sealing:
  • When choosing a sealant, consider one that contains a water-repellant, a UV blocker, and, perhaps, an insecticide to keep wood-eating bugs at bay.
  • Apply stains and sealants with a brush, paint roller, or paint sprayer, which is the fastest method.
  • If using the spray method, be careful not to damage plants with any over-spray.

Project #3: Insulate Exposed Plumbing

During the coldest months of the year, plumbing pipes are a nightmare waiting to happen, so you might want to take advantage of the fall season to keep your "pipe dreams" happy.
"If you are gone for a vacation or an extended period during cold weather, [pipes] can freeze," Taff says.
To help keep your home's cold water pipes from succumbing to frigid temps and potentially exploding, the Energy Department recommends figuring out if you have any pipes located in "bad places" or colder parts of your home. According to Taff, a bad place for a pipe would be on the outside of a home.
If you have any of these delinquent pipes, consider insulating them yourself or hiring a professional to do the work. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a federal nonprofit agency and part of the U.S. Department of Energy based in the Pacific Northwest, offers these suggestions for DIYers:
  • Before installing pipe insulation, clean dirt and rust from pipe.
  • Apply pipe-insulating sleeves according to the manufacturer's directions, if you decide to use them.
  • Apply batt insulation, which are pre-cut panels made of fiberglass or wool, by wrapping the pipes in a spiral fashion, overlapping each successive layer by half.
  • Wrap the insulation as loose as you can, as compressing it can reduce the R-value (a rating for thermal resistance and insulating effectiveness).
  • Attach insulation with wire or plastic ties, or with tape.
Taff adds that you also should insulate around the holes where plumbing pipes go into the walls and enter the attic.
"If you don't seal those, you will get what's called a chimney effect," he says. "The air will come into the basement and go alongside the pipes. Most of the warm air will go right out through the roof."

Project #4: Repair Your Roof

Speaking of the roof, your expenses could go right through it if it's not properly maintained and ready to withstand the icy hands of winter. Take action during the fall, either on your own or with a roofing contractor, to keep it in good shape.
"If [roofs] aren't sufficiently built to handle heavy snow loads, they can collapse," Taff says. "Newer homes have more stringent requirements of construction, but you have some homes built even thirty years ago that can have multiple problems."
Taff says one such problem caused by a faulty roof is called "ice damming," where snow melts on warmer parts of a roof and creates an ice dam on lower parts.
"Melted snow can go under shingles and create mold and water damage on the inside of the house," Taff says. "Unless somebody is trained, there is no way to easily recognize that."
To nip winter-related roofing problems in their frosty buds, Taff recommends hiring a roofing contractor to inspect for trouble spots, which might include poor insulation of an attic, improper roofing materials, and incorrectly sized vents on the roof and soffit (the underside portion of an overhang).
For people who want to perform DIY roof repairs, the Weather Channel's article "Winterize Your Roof" suggests you perform interior and exterior roof repairs on a seasonal basis to avoid needing professional help later. Projects include the following:
  • Trim any overgrown vegetation.
  • Clean debris off the roof and inside the gutters before hosing them down.
  • Remove crinkled caulking and roofing cement and reapply where needed.
  • Check flashing (metal areas) for warps and holes and secure with roofing cement.
  • Apply roofing cement under loose asphalt shingles.
  • Check and clear vents of obstructions.
  • Install attic insulation to help prevent icing.

Project #5: Replace Old Doors

When winter comes calling on your home, doors are a favorite point of entry. Even if they appear closed, cold air can travel through them with the greatest of ease when they're outdated or in bad shape.
Before the cold winds start trying to sneak inside your home, Taff says to inspect doors and make sure they are in good working order.
"A front door, aesthetically and for security purposes, is one of the most important aspects of your home," Taff says. "But if it's not kept up, the door's bottom seal can rot away."
What can go wrong with doors? Faulty seals, improper insulation, and aging are among the major causes of air leakage. One easy remedy is to apply weather-stripping, but for more protection, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends the following solutions:
  • Select and install new interior doors, which often fit and insulate better than older doors and can save heating costs.
  • Replace or buy swinging "patio" doors because they offer a much tighter seal than sliding types.
  • Replace weather-stripping on sliding glass doors.
  • Think about adding storm doors if your existing door is old but in good condition.
  • Use insulated drapes for cold winter nights to help combat air leaks.

Project #6: Replace Old Windows

Windows are also potential passageways for air leaks - and human intruders, too - when they have missing or cracked panes and broken latches. "A window that won't latch in today's society is asking for trouble," Taff says.
That said, consider using the fall as an opportunity to shore up windows in advance of cooler climes.
To help windows combat nature's troubles - and, in some cases, society's troubles - you might want to take a cue from the Energy Department, which has these suggestions:
  • Improve the efficiency of windows by adding caulking, weather-stripping, or window treatments, such as blinds or draperies.
  • Reduce heat loss by adding interior or exterior window shutters.
  • Lower heating (and cooling) costs by replacing old windows with double-glazed windows.
  • Add storm windows or storm panels as a cost-efficient alternative to replacing old windows.

The Bottom Line

No matter which winterizing project you choose to tackle during the fall, Taff emphasizes it will be worth the investment once the temperatures really start dipping.
"A lot of times people don't want to spend the money until they realize they could have prevented more losses by doing a few things to protect their house for a long time," Taff says. "You can only put off things for so long."

Looking to invest in real estate while the rates are low and the prices are too? Call me to start your search for the perfect home now! Nichole R. Willey 508.737.3567 or goto www.aboutcapecodma.com and register for an account...no costs, no obligation...search like a pro in seconds...

re-blogged from Tony Morton - Yahoo! Homes