Board of Registration of Home Inspectors
A standard home inspection is a visual examination of the physical structure and major interior systems of a residential building consisting of one to four dwelling units. An inspection can be likened to a physical exam by a physician; however, it should be clearly understood that a home inspection is not to be confused with an appraisal, a building code inspection, a guarantee of any kind, and/or an insurance policy on the condition of the property.
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Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
If you engage the services of a listing broker to sell your property, you become the broker's client. That broker represents you, the seller, and owes you undivided loyalty, confidentiality and accountability. In negotiating for the best price and terms, he must put your interests first.
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Carbon Monoxide Law
On March 31, 2006, all homes in the Commonwealth equipped with fuel burning equipment that produces carbon monoxide or which have indoor parking (a garage) adjacent to living areas will be required to have Carbon Monoxide detectors installed. The law, and the regulations that implement it, apply to ALL homes and not just those that are being sold. Below are some frequently asked questions by homeowners:
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Common Selling Mistakes
Mistake #1 -- Placing the Wrong Price on Your Property Every seller obviously wants to get the most money for his or her product. Ironically, the best way to do this is NOT to list your product at an excessively high price!
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Free Credit Report
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) was signed into law in December 2003. The FACT Act, a revision of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, allows consumers to get one free comprehensive disclosure of all of the information in their credit file from each of the three national credit reporting companies once every 12 months through a Central Source.
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“FSBOs” – The Rest of the Story
You own a home in Massachusetts. You know first hand the sacrifice it takes and the rewards it brings. It was probably the single largest purchase of your life, is now your largest asset and, if you’ve owned it for more than a few years, its value has increased far faster than any other asset you own. Before you attempt to sell it you need to know “the rest of the story”.
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Home Preparation Checklist
First impressions are often lasting ones. It is absolutely vital that prospective buyers form a good opinion of your home from the moment they drive up. Homes that convey pride of ownership often sell more quickly and frequently receive the best offers.
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Home Sellers Toolkit
That said, 'For Sale by Owner' may be the four most tempting words in the world to a homeowner who feels the need to earn every penny from the sale of his or her property, but rarely do such solo ventures yield the results a professional can help you achieve.
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Is Hiring a Realtor worth the expense?
‘For Sale by Owner' may be the four most tempting words in the world to a homeowner who feels the need to earn every penny from the sale of his or her property. A ‘For Sale' sign, a classified advertisement, and a telephone seem to be the only tools necessary for you to get underway.
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Massachusetts Consumers Guide
This pamphlet is provided as a consumer service to the home buying and selling public and demonstrates the Massachusetts REALTORS'® commitment to promoting home ownership opportunities for all citizens of the Commonwealth.
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Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification
Under Massachusetts and federal law, this notification package must be given to prospective purchasers of homes built before 1978. This package must be given in full to meet state and federal requirements. It may be copied, as long as the type size is not made smaller. Every seller and any real estate agent involved in the sale must give this package before the signing of a purchase and sale agreement, a lease with an option to purchase, or, under state law, a memorandum of agreement used in foreclosure sales.
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Questions to Ask When Choosing a Real Estate Agent
How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate, like many other professions, is mostly learned on the job.
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Selling a Home
If you’ve decided to sell your home, chances are you’re caught up in a host of emotions. You may be looking forward to moving up to a new dream house or facing the uncertainty of a major move across country. You may be reluctant to leave your memories behind or eager to start new adventures.
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Smoke Detector Inspections for Property Sale
First and foremost, you must be prepared for the inspection. If you are not prepared or the smoke detectors don't work, you will not be issued a permit. You will be charged for a re-inspection and your getting a permit will be significantly delayed.
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Things Sellers Should Know when Dealing with a Real Estate Agent
Often brokers present sellers with a standard listing agreement (an agreement which contains "standard language"). These agreements are certainly acceptable and are commonly used in the practice. (They are not, however, developed by the Real Estate Board or by state government.) You may negotiate different terms that are acceptable to you and the broker.
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Types of Agency Representation
It's important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other parties in the transactions. Ask your salesperson to explain what type of agency relationship you have with him or her and with the brokerage company.
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5 Reasons You Need a REALTOR
A real estate transaction is complicated. In most cases, buying or selling a home requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page government-mandated settlement statements. A knowledgeable guide through this complexity can help you avoid delays or costly mistakes.
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