Middleton MA New Construction Under Market Value!

Middleton, MA New Construction Under Market Value
BUILDER WANTS TO MOVE THIS BEFORE THE END OF 2008!30 day close.
Still time to choose carpet, colors & counters (granite)-8 rms, 2400 sqft, hdwd on 1st flr,c-tile,c/air,2 car gar & more.Stunning gourmet kitchen.Large family rm w/soaring cathedral ceilings & gas fireplace w/marble surround & wood mantle. Versatile 1st flr plan,offering both a formal living rm/office,and a formal dining rm.The master bath inc 5’ shower,MUST SEE ADDITIONAL DETAILS VIDEO TOUR AND MORE www.163ForestSt.com

What factors determine the value of your home?

Andover, MA
Many sellers think that the price of their home is determined solely by what they are willing to accept and what the buyer is willing to pay. However, there is one more variable that can affect the sale of a home assuming that a bank loan is involved -- the lender's appraisal.

To protect the interest of their investors, the buyer's mortgage lender hires a licensed appraiser to give an independent, objective opinion of what the property is worth. The appraiser compares the house with similar homes in the neighborhood that have recently sold. Square footage, amenities and the condition of the home are taken into account. Renovations and home improvements made by the seller usually add value to the home, while defects such as needed repairs or code violations decrease the property's value. The seller's real estate agent can provide the appraiser with up-to-date information about neighboring homes that have sold to support the seller's asking price.
Read this online and get more information: Lender Appraisal

Find the most recent sales in your neighborhood online now - instant access http://www.mahomesold.com/

FHA Advisory

FHA Advisory
If you are in default on an FHA-insured mortgage, and the lender intends to foreclose, you should know about the Mortgage Assignment Program. You will have to provide certain information to the FHA to apply for this program.

To be considered eligible for assistance, the home must your principal residence. You must be at least three full payments behind on the mortgage, and the reason for your failure to make the mortgage payments must be due to circumstances beyond your control, such as unexpected unemployment. The FHA must be reasonably certain that you can resume making the payments at the end of 36 months and that the accrued deficiencies will be paid back before taking over the loan.

The Veteran’s Administration also has a mortgage assistance program for those who have VA mortgages.
Read this online and get more information: FHA Advisory

Mark Gracy
mark@gracyteam.com
(office) 978-984-3107
(direct) 978-861-4016 tel & fax
www.GracyTeam.com
Keller Williams Realty
Serving The Andovers and Merrimack Valliey MA

5 Critical Areas to Pay Attention to When Buying a Home

Andover, MA real estate - Looking for a new home can be exciting and frustrating. You can help alleviate the frustration by paying close attention to five key areas of the homes you're considering buying; it may save you money in the long run.
Don Walker is an inspector and owner of Ace Home Inspections. He says there are five areas in homes that he frequently reports problems with. For details on these 5 critical areas click here 5 Areas of Critical Importance When Buying a Home

Mark Gracy
Your Real Estate Resource
The Gracy Team
Keller Williams Realty
www.GracyTeam.com
(978) 984-3107 office
(978) 861-4016 direct
Servicing the Andovers, Merrimack Valley MA and Southern NH

FULL DISCLOSURE

ANDOVER, MA real estate - If you are about to list a home that you have lived there for many years, you know that it is not perfect. For example, there might be a leak in the basement that is noticeable only after a heavy rain. Your garage door might stick, and the dishwasher may be prone to work stoppages.

Every home has a few quirks. When it is time to sell your home, you have a choice of either making the necessary repairs or letting the buyers know about the problems. Material defects must be fully disclosed. Some buyers will order a structural inspection in order to learn exactly what they will be getting. Even if the buyers don’t ask for an expert to look at the house, it is the seller’s responsibility to disclose any known defects in the property. The seller’s agent will provide the disclosure form, wherein the seller may itemize any problems. Sellers may avoid any real estate lawsuits over undisclosed defects by making repairs before the sale or agreeing to a price adjustment during the transaction if defects are discovered.
Read this online and get more information: FULL DISCLOSURE

Andover MA - 4000+ square foot single family only $475,000 ! Act now.

Andover, MA home for sale- This spacious 4+ bedroom home has over 4000 square feet of living space. The giant master suite is exceptional with an enormous vaulted ceiling private sitting room, separate office, & loft area. It also features his & hers closets & wood parquet flrs. Relax in the master bath spa tub or the 10x7 foot sauna. If you like to entertain the finished lower lvl with built in bar seats 6+ and large living space has a walk out to the landscaped yard & inground gunite pool & much more! Motivated seller offering this fine home at $475,000.
Details at http://www.MarkGracy.com/35McKenneyCircleAndover

Mark Gracy
mark@gracyteam.com
(office) 978-984-3107
(direct) 978-861-4016 tel and fax
www.GracyTeam.com
Keller Williams Realty
168 North Main St.
Andover, MA 01810
Serving the Andovers~Merrimack Valley

Methuen MA 3 bedroom colonial $199,000

Methuen MA - Only $199,000 This 3 bedroom home features a living room with hardwood floors and a wood burning fireplace. The eat in kitchen opens to the oversized back deck and private fenced back yard. The versatile floor plan features a first floor bedroom possibility or office space, 2 more bedrooms on the 2nd floor and full bath. The oversized 2 car garage includes a bonus room which in was used as an office in the past, great for an in home business. This is a must see.
Details click here http://www.MarkGracy.com/186eastmethuen

Mark Gracy
mark@gracyteam.com
(office) 978-984-3107
(direct) 978-861-4016 tel & fax
www.GracyTeam.com
Keller Williams Realty
Serving The Andovers and Merrimack Valley MA

Beverly MA - opportunity 3 bedroom colonial only $290,000

Beverly MA 3 bedroom colonial opportunity only $290,000 Large home in a great location near downtown. Large living room with fireplace, great dining room and eat in kitchen, Partially finished basement which could be completely finished for more living space. Over sized 2 car garage and flat private backyard. Dont miss this opportunity for a great home at a great value.
More details http://www.MarkGracy.com/7LongviewBeverly

Mark Gracy
mark@gracyteam.com
(office) 978-984-3107
(direct) 978-861-4016 tel & fax
www.GracyTeam.com
Keller Williams Realty
Serving The Andovers and Merrimack Valliey MA

Andover MA determining value of your home

Andover MA determining value of your home
A Market Analysis
Setting the right price is an important first step in the process of selling a home. Is it necessary to spend $200 to $400 for a professional appraisal of your property before placing your home on the market?

A professional appraiser's opinion of a property's market value is based on the recent sales of similar homes in the neighborhood, and on the square footage and condition of the property. Different appraisers might come up with different figures. Even if all of them agreed on a value, there is no guarantee that you would receive that amount for your property.

An alternative to a professional appraisal is to ask a professional real estate agent for a written market analysis of your property. This analysis will include information about recent home sales in your neighborhood, as well as how those homes compare to yours. Real estate agents may provide this service with no charge or obligation. If you are still unsure of the value of your home, you may wish to pay for an appraisal.
Read this online and get more information: A Market Analysis

Find out what your neighbors home sold for www.MAHomeSOLD.com

Mark Gracy Mark@GracyTeam.com
The Gracy Team www.GracyTeam.com
Keller Williams Realty
(978) 861-4016 Direct
(978) 984-3107 Main

Andover, MA real estate financial update

Andover, MA real estate - News of the bailout of the financial institutions sparked a stock market rally last Thurs and Friday. Rates trickled up a bit as oil prices, gold, and commodities are up as well. Rates are 5.75 to 6.25 on thirty year rates. The next economic data will be Wed. as existing home sales figures come out.

To find out more about the hottest real estate in the Andovers contact me

Mark Gracy
mark@gracyteam.com
(office) 978-984-3107
(direct) 978-861-4016 tel & fax
AIM: markjgracy
www.GracyTeam.com
Keller Williams Realty
Serving The Andovers and Merrimack Valliey MA

To search for homes in Andover MA visit www.SearchMLSMA.com

Find out what your neighbors home sold for in Andover, MA www.MAHomeSOLD.com

ANDOVER MA real estate market update

Andover MA Single Family Homes - The percentage under agreement has continued to drop from a high of 26% in June to 12% in Sept.
With the Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae take over, Lehman Brothers failure and continued market turmoil rates have dropped to an incredible low! If you were thinking about trading up to that dream home, buying some great priced investment property or perhaps refinancing your exisiting mortgage from it’s higher rate now is the time!
Call me for details on how to make your real estate dreams a reality and take advantage of the current economic shift.

Mark Gracy
mark@gracyteam.com
(office) 978-984-3107
(direct) 978-861-4016 tel & fax
AIM: markjgracy
www.GracyTeam.com
Keller Williams Realty
Serving The Andovers and Merrimack Valliey MA

ACT Andover - Andover Community Theater Box Office is Open on Latest Production of THE WIZ

ACT Andover - Andover Community Theater Box Office is Open on Latest Production of THE WIZ

ANDOVER, MA A Community Theater of Andover MA is in production for THE WIZ. Set to open on November 7th this modern musical reinvention of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz features a phenomenally gifted cast of local talent. The box office for THE WIZ just opened. If the last ACT production of Spotlight on Broadway this past summer is any indication this show will be a sold out hit. Check out the ACT website today at www.ACTANDOVER.com.

For all your real estate needs in Andover, MA visit www.GracyTeam.com

Diamonds in the Rough

Diamonds in the Rough
There are a lot of "diamonds in the rough" for sale. A property with incredible potential may be in a great location, have large sunny rooms and a big yard, but it may also have dated wall paper, worn carpeting, and uninspired bathrooms. If you can look beyond the surface, you may see a house that could be transformed by a little "elbow grease", paint, and new carpets.

A house that is structurally sound with all the systems in good condition may be only a few cosmetic repairs away from being fantastic! A home that does not show well is usually priced accordingly. If the price doesn't reflect the condition of the house, the seller may be more willing to negotiate than a seller who has made a considerable investment in preparing a home for the market.

Bring your imagination with you on your next house hunting trip! You may be pleasantly surprised to find a diamond in the rough.
Read this online and get more information: Diamonds in the Rough

Mark Gracy Mark@GracyTeam.com
The Gracy Team www.GracyTeam.com
Keller Williams Realty
(978) 861-4016 Direct
(978) 984-3107 Main

Freddie and Fannie Mae

ANDOVER, MA

Government bails out Freddie and Fannie over the weekend

Posted by Mark Gracy under For Buyers, For Sellers, General Information
The government took over Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae this weekend. The lending giants hold approximately 5 trillon of the country’s home loans which translates to roughly half the exisiting mortgages in the USA. The government effectively is placing its guarantee behind the debt of both lending giants and will take over operating control in the form of conservatorship. The private sector translation of this would be someone filing for bankruptcy. The work-out process could take many months.
This bailout is seen as an inevitable stop gap to prevent a crash in the mortgage industry in the USA. While this bailout won’t necessarily directly impact exisiting home owners (other than the potential 200 billion bill which will get passed on to taxpayers) it could mean good news for new home buyers as mortgage rates are anticipated to drop potentially as much as 3/4 of a point. What does that mean? Now is a great time to buy! If you are in an adjustable or higher rate mortgage you now may be the time to look into refinancing. For more information contact me at 978-861-4016.

Mark Gracy
Your Real Estate Resource
mark@gracyteam.com
(office) 978-984-3107
(direct) 978-861-4016 tel & fax
AIM: markjgracy
www.GracyTeam.com
Keller Williams Realty
Serving The Andovers and Merrimack Valliey MA

blog

New Blog Site

We have a new blog site where we will be posting http://andoverexpert.featuredblog.com/

I was looking at the most recent data on sales, under agreements and current inventory and was surprised by a recent change. Given the market shift we have been experiencing I was surprised to see that upper end homes are selling...and relatively quickly. In Andover, MA our current absorption rate is approximately 5 months* for properties with an asking price of between $700,000 and $900,000. *(meaning based on recent sales and pendings from MLSPIN we have approximately 5 months of active inventory currently for sale). There are many great opportunities for buyers and the low inventory in certain price ranges creates a perfect opportunity for some sellers as well.

Check out some of the luxury homes currently offered for sale here Luxury Homes For Sale

Mark Gracy
The Gracy Team
Keller Williams Realty
GracyTeam.com
(978) 984-3107 Office
(978) 861-4016 Direct
mark@gracyteam.com

live blogging

Loss Mitigation Certification

Yesterday my transaction coordinator and I completed certification in Loss Mitigation a present and growing change in the face of the real estate market.
The course gave us additional tools on how to work effectively with complicated transactions involving foreclosures, short sales, properties at auction or bank owned (also known as real estate owned or REO), and how to protect buyers and sellers as they work through the process.
Taught by national and local experts in loss mitigation, Val Gehringer, Linda Kody and Wayne Robison, the course equipped us to deal with short sales on both the buying and listing side; additionally we learned best approaches to lenders; and are prepared to assist clients with the complicated information they will be required to produce.  Unfortunately since not all short sales avoid foreclosure, we also learn the auction process including viewings, financing, and bidding.  These types of transactions are difficult on the parties involved and we are now better prepared to assist, council and guide our clients and help ensure a smooth transition and new beginnings for the parties involved.
If you know someone who could use our assistance in guiding them through their options and opportunities please give me a call at 978-861-4016. My team and I look forward to being of assistance to you.

Shift Happens - Real Estate Opportunities in a shifting market

Shift Happens

Undoubtedly, as many of you have heard in the media, the real estate market is BAD. But I say “its unbelievable”. You might say “What does that mean Mark?” In a downward trending market the opportunities are staggering.

Over the past few years the inflated housing market has precluded many people from making investment property purchases. Any financial planner would tell a smart investor to diversify their portfolio. How many properties, for your retirement, do you own?

At present the prediction for the correction of the housing market is somewhere between 2010 –2015. BUY LOW SELL HIGH, isn't that the rule for any investment. The market is ripe for investing now! Not in recent history has the housing market been on a downward trend with all time low interest rates, allowing you to get great buys using cheap bank money.

You might say “ Well Mark if we are still in a downward trend shouldn't I wait till the market bottoms out and purchase then?” How do we know when the market will hit bottom, maybe its already there. Real estate is a micro market and many areas have seen increases in sales price over the last month. Additionally, If you wait what will the interest rates be then? You can never completely time the market. One thing is for certain - as any serious investor will tell you - Now is the time to buy!!!

Sellers don't be discouraged because if you Sell in a down market you will also buy in a down market. And if you don't need to Sell, sit tight. Real Estate is cyclical and right now we are in a shift.
But let me tell you
SHIFT HAPPENS!

35 McKenney Circle Andover MA Real Estate for sale

Andover MA Just Listed 35 McKenney Circle Andover
Over 4000 square feet of living space, 4+ bedrooms, huge master suite. Check out more details, photos and tours at our website


Check out this video tour



MARK GRACY
THE GRACY TEAM
Keller Williams Realty
(web) www.GracyTeam.com
(mail) mark@gracyteam.com
(direct) 978-861-4016
(office) 978-984-3107

FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME. SEARCH ALL OF MLS FOR THE HOTTEST NEW LISTINGS IN MA AND NH AT www.SearchMLSMA.com

Shift Happens!

Shift Happens

Undoubtedly, as many of you have heard in the media, the real estate market is BAD. But I say “its unbelievable”. You might say “What does that mean Mark?” In a downward trending market the opportunities are staggering.

Over the past few years the inflated housing market has precluded many people from making investment property purchases. Any financial planner would tell a smart investor to diversify their portfolio. How many properties, for your retirement, do you own?

At present the prediction for the correction of the housing market is somewhere between 2010 –2015. BUY LOW SELL HIGH, isn't that the rule for any investment. The market is ripe for investing now! Not in recent history has the housing market been on a downward trend with all time low interest rates, allowing you to get great buys using cheap bank money.

You might say “ Well Mark if we are still in a downward trend shouldn't I wait till the market bottoms out and purchase then?” How do we know when the market will hit bottom, maybe its already there. If you wait what will the interest rates be then? You can never completely time the market.

Sellers don't be discouraged because if you Sell in a down market you will also buy in a down market. And if you don't need to Sell, sit tight. Real Estate is cyclical and right now we are in a shift.
But let me tell you
SHIFT HAPPENS!