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Our Blog

Keeping you updated and informed!

6 Curb Appeal Tips To Attract Buyers        During COVID-19

5/29/2020

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Curb appeal: It's the make-or-break first impression of your home. It either beckons a second look or turns buyers off entirely. And now, in the age of the coronavirus, curb appeal is more vital than ever—since buyers might not be able to tour your home and are placing more weight on the exterior, or might be limiting in-person tours to only their top choices.  If you're trying to sell your home during this pandemic—and the facade is a little worse for wear—don't panic! We consulted with Clint Robertson and Luke Caldwell of HGTV's "Boise Boys" to steal some tricks for curb appeal that's so irresistible, buyers will be clamoring to know what's inside.
1. Keep the yard green and pristine
The lawn is one of the first things buyers notice, whether they are pulling up to the curb or looking at an online listing. When it's lush and green, it creates a favorable impression. "One of the cheapest things you can do to enhance curb appeal is to keep your yard mowed and groomed," says Robertson, who also partners with Caldwell at Timber and Love Realty. "Hire someone to mow it and keep it tidy, or take the time to keep it pristine."

2. Mind your driveway and walkway
Hose down the driveway and walkway before showing your home or taking photos.
You might be inclined to overlook the driveway and front walk—how much can you really do to make concrete look good? But, truth be told, these areas are like the red carpet of curb appeal: They lead buyers to the main event, the inside of your home. A driveway and front walk with minor cracks and weeds popping up through the expansion joints (the straight lines that divide the driveway and walkway) are an eyesore. Luckily, it's an easy fix. Remove the weeds, and patch the concrete with caulk, Robertson suggests. Hose it down or power-wash it. For extra pizazz, finish a concrete driveway or walkway with a clear, glossy sealer. (You can give faded asphalt driveways a face-lift with asphalt sealer.) At the very least, hose down the driveway and walkway before photos, or a video or in-person tour, to give it a fresh look.
​
*Interested in the other 4 tips...  click for the full article on Realtor.com
 Questions for us? Ask in the comments :) 
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A Comparative Market Analysis is NOT just a "Zestimate"!!

5/28/2020

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Thinking of Selling
       ​If you're hoping to sell your home, knowing your property's value is essential for pricing it right to make buyers bite. Or, maybe you don't want to sell your home right now, but are just curious what your house is worth—and whether your real estate investment has risen in value (which would merit some much-deserved back-patting).
       In either case, having an accurate grasp of your home's estimated market value can come in handy. And there are a variety of ways to do that, many of which are free and easily within reach online. Here's how to find that magic number, and why having an accurate estimate matters whether you want to sell your home or own it for the long haul.
       For the most accurate estimate, there’s no substitute for the expertise of a real estate agent, who has access to a vast database of information with recent sales to help you home in on that number. 
How real estate experts determine their own home value estimates
       Real estate agents specialize in answering the question "what is my home worth?" for their clients, which they do by running a comparative market analysis. This process involves finding similar properties (“comps”) that sold within the past 90 days.  See our SOLDS - they make us proud!!  :)
Contact us for a free market analysis...
To read more on this topic, visit the rest of the article at:
​
https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/what-is-my-home-worth/
 
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A look at Interest Rates...

5/26/2020

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Interest Rates over time Graphic
 Some Highlights:         
1. Mortgage interest rates have dropped considerably this spring and are hovering at a historically low level.
2. Locking in at a low rate today could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your home loan.  (*for a home or a RE-FI)
3. Reach out to a real estate professional to determine the best way to position yourself for a move in today’s market.​
Our Brook Realty Home Buying Plan can get you started with a LENDER.
Article Content Courtesy of KCM
https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2020/05/22/interest-rates-hover-near-historic-all-time-lows-infographic/
 

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Thinking of selling? Take a look...

5/25/2020

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The Seller's Journey Graphic
View the ENTIRE seller slideshow. Curious about what your home is currently worth? Use the contact form to request a market analysis! Or text, call or email us!  :)
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More about us...

5/23/2020

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Photo of Missy And Paul Farias
Missy & Paul Farias of Brook Realty...
We are a married Realtor team who joined broker, Ruth Thetonia, in 2016. We work in partnership with Ruth who has 25+ years of experience. We have loved real estate since we bought out first house in Fairhaven in 1999.  I am a former teacher and now work full time in real estate.  Helping people understand buying/selling is very important to us.  Buying or selling is a PROCESS not an event and when clients know that we are with them every step, it lessens the stress. We love helping people. Our clients would be happy to talk to you about us if you want a personal referral. Together with Ruth we have a powerful team that truly keeps the needs of our clients at the heart of what we do.
          Our network of trusted and reliable lenders, attorney, inspectors and contractors is vast.  If we don’t have an answer to your question, we know people who do! They are awesome!
       Paul and I live in Rochester with our 2 teenage children. Our older daughter & son-in-law and our two fabulous granddaughters live close by. We work all over the South Coast, South Shore, Rhode Island and wherever our client referrals take us! Have questions? 
Text, call or email us- 508*207*2501- missy@brookrealty.com  or JUST click the CONTACT tab​  

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#1 Financial Benefit of Homeownership:                         Family Wealth

5/21/2020

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heart in house graphic
​
While growing up, we were taught by our parents and grandparents that owning a home is a financially savvy move. They explained how a mortgage is like a “forced savings plan.” When you pay rent, that money is lost forever. When you make a mortgage payment, much of that money accumulates as equity in the home. So, what exactly is equity?

        The equity in your home is the amount of money you can sell it for minus what you still owe on the mortgage. Every month you make a mortgage payment, and every month a portion of what you pay reduces the amount you owe. That reduction of your mortgage every month increases your equity.
        A recent study by CoreLogic explained that homeowners gained substantial equity over the last twelve months, and are essentially sitting on large sums of cash in their homes. In the study, Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for CoreLogic explained:
“The CoreLogic Home Price Index recorded a quickening of home price gains during the fourth quarter of 2019, helping to boost home equity wealth. The average family with a mortgage had a $7,300 gain in home equity during the past year, and a total of $177,000 in home equity wealth.”
        For most families, their home is their largest financial asset. This increase in equity drives the net worth, or family wealth, of the homeowner. Renters are not earning that benefit. Instead, they’re building the net worth of their landlord.

Bottom Line
Home price growth will moderate during the pandemic. But once a cure is available, most experts agree that home values will again begin to appreciate at levels similar to what we’ve seen over the last several years. In the long run, our family elders will be proven correct: owning a home is a savvy financial move. 
 
Content Courtesy of KCM Real Estate
https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2020/05/18/1-financial-benefit-of-homeownership-family-wealth/

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Starting our Blog...

5/21/2020

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heart in house graphic

Brook Realty's motto is "Keeping the Needs of our Clients at the heart of what we do".  In light of our new world normal, this has become even more important to us. Please take care and visit our blog often.

​Today's Topic:  How the Housing Market will help drive economic recovery...
        All eyes are on the American economy. As it goes, so does the world economy. With states beginning to reopen, the question becomes: which sectors of the economy will drive its recovery? There seems to be a growing consensus that the housing market is positioned to be that driving force, the tailwind that is necessary.
Some may question that assertion as they look back on the last recession in 2008 when housing was the anchor to the economy – holding it back from sailing forward. But even then, the overall economy did not begin to recover until the real estate market started to regain its strength. This time, the housing market was in great shape when the virus hit.
         As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist of First American, recently explained:
“Many still bear scars from the Great Recession and may expect the housing market to follow a similar trajectory in response to the coronavirus outbreak. But, there are distinct differences that indicate the housing market may follow a much different path. While housing led the recession in 2008-2009, this time it may be poised to bring us out of it.”
Fleming is not the only economist who believes this. Last week, Dr. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for CoreLogic, (@DrFrankNothaft) tweeted:
“For the first 6 decades after WWII, the housing sector led the rest of the economy out of each recession. Expect it to do so this time as well.”
         And, Robert Dietz, Chief Economist for the National Association of Home Builders, in an economic update last week explained:
“As the economy begins a recovery later in 2020, we expect housing to play a leading role. Housing enters this recession underbuilt, not overbuilt…Based on demographics and current vacancy rates, the U.S. may have a housing deficit of up to one million units.”
Bottom Line
Every time a home is sold it has a tremendous financial impact on local economies. As the real estate market continues its recovery, it will act as a strong tailwind to the overall national economy.
 Content Courtesy of KCM Real Estate
​https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2020/05/19/housing-market-positioned-to-bring-back-the-economy/

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    I am a 20 year educator turned realtor! I love my family, my animals and of course real estate! 

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