People, Places, Prices in Real Estate North of Bostonhttp://www.susansells.com/blogAndover MA real estate market news provided by Keller Williams RealtyWed, 27 Jun 2007 12:37:00 GMTThis Week's Top 10 Best Buys   

Andover     $289,900

Turnkey  3  /  4  bedroom  home  on  quiet  street  with  updates  throughout.  This  home features an eat-in-kitchen with sliding doors to a private deck, a large living room plus a first floor master bedroom, both with new carpeting. Upstairs you'll find 2 / 3 bedrooms with  wood  flooring.  The  lot  is  fenced  and  very  private.  A  small  garage  and  shed  add additional storage and the parking is off street. Wonderful opportunity to own a quality home in a convenient location

 

Andover     $349,900

OPEN SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 FROM 11-12:30 111 North Main Street, Andover TODAY'S  ACTIVE,  BUSY  LIFESTYLE  IS  PERFECT  FOR  THIS  BEAUTIFUL  RESTORED ANTIQUE where you can walk almost anywhere; Town shops, morning coffee, T Station, Whole Foods & walking paths. Owners have ambitiously restored much of it with new architectural roof, ext. paint in historic colors, new driveway, new FHA/gas heat and a dry basement warranty, plus newer  appliances,  bath.  An  energy  efficient  Gas  Fireplace  warms  the  Great  Room  on  even  the coldest days. ESCAPE TO A PRIVATE BACKYARD OASIS

 

Reading     $424,900

Beautiful - Move right in!! Rambling Cape. Hardwood Floors, Fireplace, French Doors, Skyklights.  Master  Bedroom  with  cedar  closet.  Great  location,  in  Barrows  School District.  Back  yard  fenced  in  with  play  area.  Finished  room  in  basement-  possible  4th bedroom. Close to routes 93 and 95. Newer roof and heating system. Electrical system updated.

Haverhill  Ayers Village      $339,900

Open  floor  plan-  maple  kitchen,  recessed  lights,  hardwood  flooring  upstairs  &  down. Attached 2 car oversized garage. Flexible rooms on 1st floor and 3 bedrooms with a front

to  back  master  on  2nd.  This  home  is  just  like  brand  new  from  electrical  to  plumbing, heat, roof, siding and windows. Cool down with central air conditioning. INCREDIBLE!

 

OPPORTUNITY!!! 2 More Lots Now Available in Same Blueberry Fields Neighborhood...Early Bird New Construction on

acre lots by quality Farmer Homes. Builder offers choice of floor plans. Call for details $425,000-$450,000. Oversized garages, walk up attic, walk out basement, attention to detail in established high-end neighborhood.

 

Reading     $459,900

This Meticulously Maintained Victorian Offers 4 Bedrooms, Gleaming Hardwood Floors Through-Out,   Completely   Renovated   Kitchen   W/Upgraded   Cabinets   &   Silestone Counters, Living Room W/3 Window Bump-Out, Additional 18 X 15 Family Room w/ Sliders  To  Large  Rear  Deck,  Spacious  Master  Bedroom  W/Generous  Closet  Space  & Access To Full Bath, Beautiful Wood Work Through-Out, New High Efficiency Heating System, Desirable Fenced-In Backyard With Pool & So Much More

 

Andover     $499,900

Splendid Mix of Old and New - Charming Antique Style Home with Smashing Newer Addition  which  includes  Custom  Cherry  Kitchen  with  Butler's  Pantry,  Sunny  Eat-in Area,  Inviting  Fireplaced  Family  Room  and  Master  Suite  Wing.  1st  Floor  Office  or Guest Bedroom with Full Bath. Classic Formal Rooms with Wide Pumpkin Pine Floors and  Fireplace.  Wonderful  Screened  in  Porch  Overlooking  Gorgeous  Level  Yard. Prestigious South Andover Academy Area. Don't Miss This Opportunity!

 

 

 

 

]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/This-Weeks-Top-10-Best-Buyshttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/This-Weeks-Top-10-Best-BuysSat, 19 Sep 2009 13:57:00 GMTClient appreciation- your real estate experience is really important to us! Thank you.Are you a first time homebuyer?

Here's what one recent buyer is saying:

"As a first time home buyer, my goal was to put together a team that would most efficiently guide me though the buying experience, but also educate me on the details of the process.  While searching for the right buyers’ agent, I had interviewed several prospective agents and dealt with two before finally resolving on Susan Sells.

I found that Susan took the necessary time to truly understand our preferences as well as our restrictions. Her confidence and knowledge of small details that I had otherwise missed made her opinion valuable in narrowing down home choices.

Another differentiating factor was that she actually went on house viewings with me and kept on the searching even if we were not together. I found very quickly that these seemingly straightforward activities were not so standard with other agents (a few agents wanted me to look through emailed search results and to just notify them when I found something I wanted to buy) or they wanted me to do drive-bys.

The closing process was extremely straightforward due to proactive work from all involved members and early engagement by Susan with all the parties including a good relationship with the selling agent and other members of my ‘team’ including my lender.  I would be using Susan for all future real estate transactions and recommend her without hesitation to friends and co-workers. "

Thanks.

]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Client-appreciation-your-real-estate-experience-is-really-important-to-us-Thank-youhttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/Client-appreciation-your-real-estate-experience-is-really-important-to-us-Thank-youMon, 14 Sep 2009 10:22:00 GMTMarket performance through August 2009 Thru Aug 26 2009  Market Analysis by Town and Property Type                 Type Price Range North Andover Andover Methuen Haverhill     Active Under  Agreement 3 Mons. Sold Percent Under Agreement Absorpt Months Active Under  Agreement 3 Mons. Sold Percent Under Agreement Absorpt Months Active Under  Agreement 3 Mons. Sold Percent Under Agreement Absorpt Months Active Under  Agreement 3 Mons. Sold Percent Under Agreement Absorpt Months                                             Single Family $0-100 0 0 0 #### ### 0 0 0 #### ### 0 4 0 100% ### 2 2 3 50% 2.0 $100-200 2 0 4 0% 1.5 1 0 0 0% ### 20 17 28 46% 2.1 13 7 23 35% 1.7 $200-300 9 2 13 18% 2.1 5 4 7 44% ### 47 26 46 36% 3.1 55 16 54 23% 3.1 $300-400 16 4 9 20% 5.3 18 3 13 14% ### 43 12 11 22% 11.7 41 9 24 18% 5.1 $400-500 20 7 21 26% 2.9 22 6 19 21% 3.5 20 2 6 9% 10.0 19 2 3 10% 19.0 $500-600 20 2 27 9% 2.2 17 8 14 32% 3.6 14 2 2 13% 21.0 8 0 0 0% ### $600-700 14 0 13 0% 3.2 15 4 14 21% 3.2 10 2 0 17% ### 2 0 0 0% ### $700-800 6 0 4 0% 4.5 20 4 11 17% 5.5 1 1 0 50% ### 0 0 0 #### ### $800-900 4 0 1 0% 12.0 9 3 8 25% 3.4 0 0 0 #### ### 0 0 0 #### ### $900+-1,000 9 1 1 10% 27.0 6 0 3 0% 6.0 0 0 0 #### ### 0 0 0 #### ### 1,000-1,500 4 0 1 0% 12.0 8 3 3 27% 8.0           2         1.5+ 4 0 0   ### 7 0 2 0% 10.5                     108 16 94 13% 3.4 113 32 89 22% 3.8 155 66 93 30% 5.0 142 36 107 20% 4.0                                                                           Condo $0-100 0 0 1 #### 0.0 0 0 2 #### 0.0 1 2 1 67% 3.0 11 9 14 45% 2.4 $100-200 30 7 11 19% 8.2 16 3 6 16% 8.0 19 11 13 37% 4.4 78 15 36 16% 6.5 $200-300 21 8 12 28% 5.3 12 0 4 0% 9.0 17 4 7 19% 7.3 61 7 14 10% 13.1 $300-400 13 1 2 7% 19.5 15 2 1 12% 45.0 13 1 1 7% 39.0 5 0 0 0% ### $400+ 21 1 4 5% 15.8 12 1 3 8% 12.0 6 1 1 14% 18.0 0 0 0 #### ### 85 17 30 17% 8.5 55 6 16 10% 10.3 56 19 23 25% 7.3 155 31 64 17% 7.3                                             ]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Market-performance-through-August-2009-2http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Market-performance-through-August-2009-2Mon, 14 Sep 2009 03:00:00 GMTNorth Andover market performance data
Prepared by
Susan Rochwarg
Susan Sells Team Keller Williams Realty
168 North Main St., Andover MA
978.470.2048
Center
Jan 2009 
Market Analysis by Town and Property Type                 Type Price Range North Andover     Active Under  Agreement 3 Mons. Sold Percent Under Agreement Absorpt Months           Single Family $0-100 0 0 0 #### ### $100-200 1 2 0 67% ### $200-300 9 0 2 0% 13.5 $300-400 11 3 7 21% 4.7 $400-500 14 0 11 0% 3.8 $500-600 23 0 8 0% 8.6 $600-700 15 0 7 0% 6.4 $700-800 7 0 4 0% 5.3 $800-900 6 1 2 14% 9.0 $900+ 8 0 3 0% 8.0 94 6 44 6% 6.4 Multi Family $0-100 0 0 0 #### ### $100-200 0 0 0 #### ### $200-300 3 0 0 0% ### $300-400 3 0 1 0% 9.0 $400-500 0 0 1 #### 0.0 $500+ 2 0 1 0% 6.0 8 0 3 0% 8.0 Condo $0-100 1 0 1 0% 3.0 $100-200 15 3 14 17% 3.2 $200-300 33 1 10 3% 9.9 $300-400 12 2 2 14% 18.0 $400+ 18 1 2 5% 27.0 79 7 29 8% 8.2 Totals 181 13 76 7% 7.1                   ]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/North-Andover-market-performance-datahttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/North-Andover-market-performance-dataThu, 22 Jan 2009 20:27:00 GMTAndover Market Performance Jan 09 Jan 2009  Market Analysis by Town and Property Type                 Type Price Range Andover     Active Under  Agreement 3 Mons. Sold Percent Under Agreement Absorpt Months           Single Family $0-100 0 0 0 #### ### $100-200 0 0 1 #### 0.0 $200-300 6 0 4 0% 4.5 $300-400 9 6 12 40% 2.3 $400-500 9 3 10 25% 2.7 $500-600 13 1 11 7% 3.5 $600-700 7 2 8 22% 2.6 $700-800 5 0 4 0% 3.8 $800-900 7 0 2 0% 10.5 $900+ 24 1 4 4% 18.0 80 13 56 14% 4.3       Multi Family $0-100 0 0 0 #### ### $100-200 0 0 0 #### ### $200-300 1 0 0 0% ### $300-400 2 0 0 0% ### $400-500 1 0 1 0% 3.0 $500+ 0 0 0 #### ### 4 0 1 0% 12.0       Condo $0-100 1 0 1 0% 3.0 $100-200 12 0 2 0% 18.0 $200-300 6 1 3 14% 6.0 $300-400 5 0 3 0% 5.0 $400+ 11 0 4 0% 8.3 35 1 13 3% 8.1 Totals 119 14 70 11% 5.1               ]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Andover-Market-Performance-Jan-09http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Andover-Market-Performance-Jan-09Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:26:00 GMTYear to date Market Performance Andover-North Andover
Prepared by
Susan Rochwarg
SUSAN SELLS TEAM
978.470.2048
168 North Main St., Andover MA
Center
Oct 2008 
Analysis by Town and Property Type                 Type Price Range North Andover Andover Active Under Agreement 3 Mons. Sold Percent Under Agreement Absorpt Months Active Under Agreement 3 Mons. Sold Percent Under Agreement Absorpt Months                     Single Family $0-100 0 0 0 #### ### 0 1 0 100% ### $100-200 1 0 0 0% ### 0 1 2 100% 0.0 $200-300 11 3 5 21% 6.6 7 4 4 36% 5.3 $300-400 16 4 8 20% 6.0 14 6 9 30% 4.7 $400-500 18 1 12 5% 4.5 30 3 13 9% 6.9 $500-600 18 2 17 10% 3.2 15 8 14 35% 3.2 $600-700 23 2 3 8% 23.0 16 4 8 20% 6.0 $700-800 9 1 8 10% 3.4 9 1 5 10% 5.4 $800-900 7 2 2 22% 10.5 10 2 4 17% 7.5 $900+ 9 0 2 0% 13.5 22 2 6 8% 11.0 112 15 57 12% 5.9 123 31 65 20% 5.7       Multi Family $0-100 0 0 0 #### ### 0 0 0 #### ### $100-200 0 0 0 #### ### 0 0 0 #### ### $200-300 2 0 0 0% ### 0 0 0 #### ### $300-400 3 1 2 25% 4.5 1 0 0 0% ### $400-500 1 1 0 50% ### 2 1 0 33% ### $500+ 2 0 1 0% 6.0 0 0 0 #### ### 8 2 3 20% 8.0 3 1 0 25% ###       Condo $0-100 0 1 1 100% 0.0 3 0 0 0% ### $100-200 24 6 10 20% 7.2 9 0 9 0% 3.0 $200-300 34 7 8 17% 12.8 12 1 2 8% 18.0 $300-400 19 4 5 17% 11.4 6 1 2 14% 9.0 $400+ 12 1 2 8% 18.0 13 3 2 19% 19.5 89 19 26 18% 10.3 43 5 15 10% 8.6 Totals 209 36 86 15% 7.3 169 37 80 18% 6.3 3 months of Solds were used to calculate the Absorption Rate. Pending Ratio of 50% or More = Seller Advantage . Pending Ratio of 50% or Less = Buyer Advantage . ]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Year-to-date-Market-Performance-AndoverNorth-Andoverhttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/Year-to-date-Market-Performance-AndoverNorth-AndoverFri, 21 Nov 2008 11:28:00 GMTCelebrate every little thing!Thanksgiving. A good time to take time.                                     
 
 

To all my friends and clients,

 
Thought I’d take time to send a note of gratitude along with my Top 10 Best Ideas to help you in celebrating and keeping your wonderful Thanksgiving traditions and making new ones as well.
 
Take time at Thanksgiving-
say thank you often, express your gratitude through what you do and what you say, savor the sacred silences, think abundance, listen (to others), give of yourself and of course, celebrate Thanksgiving Day.
This year, please be a part of our family tradition for a Thanksgiving Celebration by making a commitment to take the time… It’s contagious.
I plan ahead for the day in my head and make it a special invitation but keep rules to a minimum
November 27 2008
Time: early a.m.‘til end
Place: someplace where you’ll take the time
Phone: no Blackberry or Iphones allowed
RSVP: not necessary. you’ll be welcome even as a stranger
Well, with the big day still about a week away, now is the time to step back and remember what worked last year and what you want to change for this year’s Thanksgiving celebration.  Maybe I can help.
1. First things first. Check the weather forecast for the big day or the entire Thanksgiving week.
November may be a slow month for travel in New England. Snow has usually arrived in the northern New England states' mountains. Ski resorts begin to make their own snow if nature has not provided the traditional cover.
2 ?Check your complaining, blaming, judgment, gloom and doom at the transfer station and smile alot. Transportation services (airports, planes, trains, buses, highways) are strained to the breaking point as everyone travels to have Thanksgiving someplace where they can take the time. The day before Thanksgiving (Wednesday) is the busiest travel day of the entire year in the USA. Avoid traveling on that day if at all possible!
The Sunday after Thanksgiving is the next-busiest day, so avoid that as well, especially the afternoon and evening. Travel on Friday, Saturday, Monday or Tuesday if possible.
If you must travel on Wednesday and Sunday, have reservations, and take the time to show your gratitude, listen and don’t complain and expect long delays and some inconvenience.
?It’s almost here. The 82nd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. New York is not just another city. Maybe your heading the NYC to celebrate with long standing tradition. Go to the parade http://www.macys.com/campaign/parade/parade.jsp
 
3. Make yours A Healthy Thanksgiving Menu
2 of my favorites:
In our country where super-sized seems the fashion and soaring obesity rates have become the norm, what is the best way to deal with our annual feast day?
Streamlining. The key to a healthy holiday meal, I've discovered, is that less can be more. Less fat. Less sugar. Less salt. And less on the plate. But not less flavor. As a health-conscious cook and passionate eater, I've always loved Thanksgiving.
Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein.
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and potassium.
Pumpkin is an abundant source of beta-carotene, fiber, and iron.
Fresh cranberries contain vitamin C and fiber and can be a magic ingredient when served as more than sweetened cranberry sauce.
Solution? A Healthy Thanksgiving mind-set before the main event means staying with a realistic calorie budget that makes sense, getting some exercise before or after the meal; and lightening up the fat and sugar.
 
4. Do something you’ve never done before. It’s the 21st Annual Feaster Five Road Race in Andover. Sign up today and Join the fun and make exercise and physical activity a part of your Thanksgiving.
 
Consider a walk on the Freedom Trail and make a visit to the only museum open on Thanksgiving Day in the Boston area, the USS Constitution.
 
If you’re really wanting to let go of some traditions but stressed about how to really let go, I’ve got an idea. (Remember what I said about parting from some traditions) Perhaps gorging yourself and waddling to the family room to your favorite cushioned chair to watch football is not on your list this year. What is? 8 things to do besides watch foot ball
 
5. Yes, the turkey may be traditional fare but there are lots of alternatives. Renew your menu, with a Gentle Thanksgiving consistent with your compassion for Animal Rights. For those who prefer to celebrate together with others who support a compassionate holiday and a cruelty-free diet, there are vegan celebrations where the feast is wonderful and free of all animal products. Open to the families and their friends in the Boston and Metrowest area. http://www.gentlethanksgiving.org/events/tevents02.htm#MA
http://www.gentlethanksgiving.org/
http://www.gentlethanksgiving.org/TopTen/TopTenList.htm
6.Express yourself. Let stress go. There are as many Thanksgiving celebrations as there are unique ways in which we are thankful. Or find History of Thanksgiving from myths, proclamations, myths and more. Learn something new and get excited.
Some of the planning and stressing is made more challenging by its midweek date and often hours of travel and of course the pressures of maintaining family traditions including recipes, centerpieces, house cleaning, preparation and more.
7. Need help? Here’s a life resource for far more than simple answers but a real true tip and problem tackling site. www.Life123.com visitors need only type "Thanksgiving" into its search box to pull up tips on everything from hosting a first Thanksgiving and creating crafty table settings and cornucopia to safe food handling and recipes.. For those who love historic Thanksgiving traditions, there's even a section of Native American and Colonial recipes. (For a related topic, type "football" into the site's search box). There's even a wealth of money-saving tips.
8. Find Boston Restaurant options for feasts of every variety  Celebrate in your own way. If you don’t want to cook at all, there are lots of special events including the All-day Thanksgiving Celebrations at Plimoth Plantation offering breakfast, lunch or dinner.
www.plimoth.org/dining-functions/thanksgiving-dining/
 
 
9.  Spice it up! Discover new and exciting spices and spend some fun time with a special friend or family member and experiment with the flavor and whimsy of spices.
  • Allspice – Columbus discovered this spice in 1494. It is the ripe sun-dried berry of an evergreen tree. Its flavor resembles a blend of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. It is available whole or ground. Use sparingly. Cooking Uses: Whole allspice can be added to soups, stews, and pot roasts,  Ground allspice can be used when cooking meat loaf, or non-meat loaf, tomato based sauces, squash, sweet potatoes and carrots. It also goes well in apple pie filling, cakes, cookies, puddings, and in mulled cider.
  • Cinnamon – This spice widely known and available in sticks or ground and comes from the bark of an evergreen tree. Cooking Uses: Use a cinnamon stick as a stirrer in hot coffee, tea or spiced cider. Break a cinnamon stick in half and add to your coffee maker along with ground coffee when brewing a pot of coffee. .
  • Pepper – Pepper is the world’s most popular spice. It is the dried fruit of the flowering pepper vine plant and can be native to the East Indies. Cooking Uses:. Fresh ground and organic pepper has a more vibrant fragrance than commercial ground pepper. Season stuffing, meats, salad dressing, to flavor freshly diced tomatoes,
10. Discover all there is to be grateful for. And make yours a wonderful life you deserve. Thanksgiving is of course an American tradition but the mystical power of a new personal commitment to gratitude in everything you think and do has much farther reaching impact. Everyday Peace. Everyday Purpose. Everyday Love. You can make your Thanksgiving a big opportunity to be happy. You are entitled. A friend gifted me a book just a few weeks ago and wanted to share it with you. “Everyday Grace.” By Marianne Williamson.
In the spirit of sharing, I have dream about a Thanksgiving Celebration filled with many moments of sacred silence to reflect on so many of the blessings. Some that I have received, some as though from magic. My best friends are invited and will be my guests to enjoy all that the celebration has to offer. So much of the event is the result of the people and the mix. The location would be a simple farmhouse. We’d un-chill the stone of the walls with a slow-burning fire in the fireplace and good wine. We’d be in the Tuscany region of Italy. For me, this is a unique place in the world.
First on the menu at my Thanksgiving Menu:    Acquacotta Soup
Ingredients:
  • 1 large red onion or 1 leek, roughly chopped
  • 1 1/2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 pound Swiss chard, cleaned and torn in half, or 1/2 oz. porcini mushrooms, soaked and drained
  • Half of a peperoncino or any hot red pepper, fresh or dried
  • 1/2 cup tomato pulp from plum tomatoes (seeded, juiced, and chopped if fresh) or drained and diced if canned)
  • 3 cups simmering water
  • sea salt
  • 2 eggs (preferably organic)
  • 2 slices rustic, country-style bread, lightly toasted
  • 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Tuscan pecorino cheese
Preparation:
Place the toasted bread in two soup bowls.
Place the onion and celery in a 3-quart, heavy-bottomed, nonreactive pot. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and stir to coat. Cook over a medium-low heat, or until the onion is translucent but not brown. Add Swiss chard (or porcinis, if using) and stir briefly to wilt. Add hot pepper, tomatoes, and simmering water. Season lightly with salt and cook over a low heat (barely a simmer) for 20 minutes, until vegetables are very soft.
As vegetables are cooking, bring about an inch of water and a half teaspoon of salt to a boil in a deep skillet. At the end of the vegetables' cooking time, turn the skillet heat down to a gentle simmer. Add the parsley to the soup.
Break the eggs into a small bowl, one at a time, and slide them into the simmering water. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the whites are set, but the yellow is still runny. When done, use a large slotted spoon to place one egg on each toast slice in bowls. Ladle broth and vegetables over each egg and top with a generous sprinkling of the chees
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Celebration.
 
‘til next time,
Susan

]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Celebrate-every-little-thinghttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/Celebrate-every-little-thingFri, 21 Nov 2008 11:20:00 GMTBEWARE of the perfect house syndrome!       “If we’re patient and look long enough, we’ll find the perfect house.” That’s what some people say when new home shopping.

      Of course, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to find a place that meets most of your needs and wants. But waiting for perfection may be a mistake.

By comparing houses on the with only the “dream” in your head, you risk missing out on properties that meet most of your requirements. These may be terrific homes, well priced in the that ultimately go to another buyer.

Instead judge each house by its own merits. Compile a list of items and features that are important to you and place them in order of importance. Then evaluate houses against these criteria. Ask yourself: Does it meet my most important criteria? How do I really feel about not getting certain items on my list? Will I be really disappointed when somebody else buys this house? Then, be careful not to let every item become a roadblock that prevents you from buying what is truly a dream home.

 

]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/BEWARE-of-the-perfect-house-syndromehttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/BEWARE-of-the-perfect-house-syndromeWed, 07 May 2008 12:39:00 GMTChoosing A Best Buy HomeHow do I go about finding these “Best Buys?” I’m a student of the real estate market! Every day I spend several hours searching through the MLS listings for my clients. I get into as many of the homes for sale as I can so I have first hand knowledge about location, condition and price. Here’s how I select the 10 homes you see here...

    First, and you’ve heard this before...Location, Location, Location! I rate each property by its location and compare it to its competition in the .

Second, I look to see that it’s the cheapest house in its category and neighborhood.

Third, I calculate its VSF or Value per square foot. Now using all three criteria I’ll start to make my list and then pare it down to what I think are the very best values for the week.

Where should you start? Hire an agent to look out for your interests, one who knows the inside out and can advise you. Having a knowledgeable Buyer’s Agent at your side will pay huge dividends by not only helping you to find your next home but by guiding you throughout the entire process.

Compare the neighborhoods you might be interested in. Look at things like location, schools, convenience. Check out the neighborhood itself, are the homes well kept.

Get pre-qualified by a lender so that when the right home comes along you’ll be ready to go.

If you’re a first-time buyer, attend a Home Buying Seminar.  Come to one I’m having on May 3 from 2-4. Call me at 978-470-2048 for details.

 Sign up at SusanSells.com for our HomeSearcher Program. It’s FREE and it will update you daily as new homes hit the . Remember, it’s called a Buyers for a reason!

Want to get my Top 10 sent to your email every week...drop me an email at homes@susansells.com and ask for it!

 

]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Choosing-A-Best-Buy-Homehttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/Choosing-A-Best-Buy-HomeSun, 27 Apr 2008 20:03:00 GMTIt's Only A Buyer's Market If You Buy!I’ve been watching the little pile of snow under the laurel bush at the end of our driveway, waiting to catch the last moment of its existence as a sign that Winter is finally over. I know I’ll never catch the exact moment because it’s always changing and it will disappear before I actually see it so I won’t be able to crow about my un-official beginning of Spring.

    The same holds true for those Buyers waiting to see when the will hit bottom. Before they’re able to recognize it the moment will be gone and prices will have begun to move back up.

A recent article in TIME presents a compelling case. Even if home prices drop by as much as 10 percent, a slight uptick in interest rates stands to raise monthly payments to levels that exceed or even cancel out the lower price!

Remember, It’s Always A Good Time To Buy Good Real Estate!

Did you see my Top 10 Best Buy List for this week? What!?!  You don't get my list emailed to you? What are you waiting for...send me an email at homes@SusanSells.com and I'll send it right off to you. These 10 homes are great values and 10 sharp Buyers will get themselves a really great deal. But act fast...they probably won't be here next week. Don't let someone else get your best buy! Call or email me today.

]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Its-Only-A-Buyers-Market-If-You-Buyhttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/Its-Only-A-Buyers-Market-If-You-BuySun, 13 Apr 2008 11:29:00 GMTTop 10 of the Week Best Buys!Not everything is a great buy but these listings will not likely be here next time you check. Inventory is level to this time last year and some sellers are getting traction in the market with aggressive pricing and/or conditioning with location on their side.

Andover:

In town small solid colonial $324,900 Short sale

Almost new 2400 sf colonial $594,900 Seller relocation

Waterfront 2 acre lot with water and sewer. $645,000 Rare offering.

North Andover:

Pretty setting, solid 9 rm coln- great value. $609,000 Bear Hill

Best 1st time homebuyer colonial home in the area $449,900 Motivated Sellers

Luxury 10 rm young home in New Castle estates area- $840,000 Incredible deal!

Call for the rest of the list and ask for the Top 10 Best Buys this week. 978.470.2048.

]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Top-10-of-the-Week-Best-Buyshttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/Top-10-of-the-Week-Best-BuysSat, 05 Apr 2008 09:35:00 GMTWhy Settle For Less When You Can Have An Expert?    I've just been searching our MLS looking at properties for a client and I'm amazed at how many listings have only a few photos (a lot with only one!), no room measurements, no features, no visual tours...nothing to excite buyers and make them want to pick up the phone and call and make an appointment to see the house. 

    It takes an expert to be known as the REexpertTM and Susan Sells has been selected by the only 3rd party advocate company for real estate, the Real Estate Advocate as Greater Boston's expert.

    Today, with the Internet used by 80% of the Buyers searching for homes, listings with more than 20 photos, virtual tours, and property details are what they're looking for. After all, the Internet is all about information. A listing with only a photo and little else will be overlooked by all but a few lookers.

    Why some Sellers allow their agents to short change their listing baffles me.  Why, when they're interviewing agents to hire to sell their most valuable asset, do they not look at the agent's marketing effort for other clients. Folks, we agents all charge about the same fee. Why not get the best marketing for your dollar? Why Settle For Less? 

    My Seller's Edge Marketing Program includes multiple photos on line, at our web site, in our MLS, at Realtor.com and more than 30 other sites that I have linked to the listing. You'll get a first class Visual Tour with numerous photos, descriptive copy, and tools like mortgage calculators and maps to help Buyers key in on your property.  We pay for a Showcase Listing on Realtor.com to get better viewership.

    We do an impressive full color Feature Brochure with multiple photos for the house, neighborhood mailouts, Property Information Books, and dozens of other services that build value and get Sellers TOP DOLLAR!

    There is a difference in Realtors and what you get for the service you're paying for...check it out, compare what's being offered. Don't settle for less than an expert!
    
   

]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Why-Settle-For-Less-When-You-Can-Have-An-Experthttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/Why-Settle-For-Less-When-You-Can-Have-An-ExpertFri, 04 Apr 2008 14:26:00 GMTYes...We're Selling Homes!If you're a Buyer who's been sitting on the fence, waiting for the market to bottom out...Don’t Wait Much Longer! In the past 30 days, we’ve seen increased activity in the Andovers.

    Is now the right time to buy a home? I feel very optimistic about the current state of the housing . In fact, I think it's always a good time to buy a house if you buy the right home, at the right price, in the right location.

    If you fumble on any one of these caveats, you could wind up with a home that never feels quite right, or is difficult to sell on the other end.

How do you make sure you're buying the right place, at the right price, in the right location? Unfortunately, there are no easy answers. First and foremost, work with a Buyer's Agent who knows what's going on and can advise you properly. A good Buyer’s Agent will know the inventory and neighborhoods and can alert you to good values. (I think Kelly Gooltz, our Susan Sells Buyer’s Agent, is one of the tops in our area!).

Remember that, for most folks, real estate is a long term investment. Industry experts are predicting that the real estate will recover in 3-5 years and you’ll be able to capitalize on your investment by then. Here’s the good part...you’ll have lived in that investment and called it your home all that time! Provide shelter and make money, too...what a great concept!

If you see a good value and it meets the right place, right price, right location criteria, I suggest you move on it because chances are another Buyer has also spotted it. I’ve seen too many Buyers decide that maybe they’ll wait a couple more days to see what happens or they need to wait until the weekend to see a hot property and by then it’s gone. Then they kick themselves for waiting.

My suggestion? Do your homework, get your finances in order, get pre-approved by a lender and you'll be ready to find a home that's right for you. Call me or Kelly at 978-470-2048 and we’ll help you find your Best Opportunity!

 

]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/YesWere-Selling-Homeshttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/YesWere-Selling-HomesThu, 03 Apr 2008 09:08:00 GMTHow's The Local Market Lookin'?Monday, March 31, 2008

Continued Buyer's Advantage Conditions
Months of inventory available is up 51.5% from December 07 to March 2008 in North Andover and up 48% in Andover for the same period, while year over year inventory levels are down 50% tempering a free-fall in values.

Good selling opportunities are available this week in Andover with the % of homes going under contract month to month jumped up from 12 to21% February to March. Sellers must be priced and conditioned competitively compared to the top 3 choices in their category to sell.

In North Andover, the % of inventory going under contract is down overall since December causing sellers to have to price below all choices in the to effect the sale they want. An expert agent representative, will
highlight their home on their Current and well-read BEST BUY List.

The best buyer opportunities this week are in the $700-800,000 range in North Andover with 42 months inventory and 13% of the inventory pending and $300-400,000 and $600-700,000 offering the best opportunities in Andover.

]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Hows-The-Local-Market-Lookinhttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/Hows-The-Local-Market-LookinTue, 01 Apr 2008 13:34:00 GMTARE YOU MY BUYER?Are you my Buyer?
 
As the president of your own professional sales corporation, your job is to create and keep customers with whom you enjoy working and who appreciate the extent of the job you do for them and how you treat them. Then you’ll have an abundance of ‘clients for life” and remember, not everyone is a GOOD buyer for you.
 
CHANGE: And just as a company must continually restructure and redesign its product and service offerings to satisfy the changing tastes of a demanding and competitive customer marketplace, you as a salesperson must constantly upgrade the quality and sophistication of your sales procedures and approaches if you are going to create customers in sufficient quantity.
 
QUALIFYING: There are countless ways of attracting buyer prospects but determining when they are a good buyer match for your real estate corporation is the key to enjoying what you do and having fun while you’re funding and fulfilling your life’s dreams and theirs too.
 
INTERVIEW: Anything can be (and should be) handled at the initial interview and then referred to later as necessary and appropriate. Don’t forget, it’s got to be a win-win for your clients AND you. Clients must understand that your rewards come after a high level of risk and liability, hard work, many hours of preparation, negotiation, and research before the sale is solid and possibly (and most likely) a long lead time. You’re front loading the opportunity for them and they should be clear that’s the case. Remember, you’re taking the risk so make it the right interview.
 
NEEDS/WANTS: You must discover what’s important to your Buyer prospects like timing, pricing, ease of process, comfort with the level of information and data, the best deal, the property that fits their lifestyle, winning the negotiation or no-hassle. That’s where you’ll be spending much of your time and the house is secondary and fills the needs almost naturally.
 
FEES: Your fee must be a reflection of the value you bring to the equation and don’t compromise your fee for a client just because the client asks. Does the client really want you to negotiate their deal as quickly and readily giving up money as you did your fee? You’re capable of making a better deal for your client that’s worth the full fee compensation to you and as a buyer’s agent, the seller pays the full fees most of the time either through compensation offers in MLS, credits to buyers at closing or a combination of both. If you work with a loyalty agreement, this agreement has benefits of understanding and communication for both the agent and the buyers. Of course you can extend a Satisfaction Guarantee in the event they are not satisfied with your delivery on the service of the contract. If you’re front loading the opportunities for your buyer, they should be willing to protect or guarantee your fee. With resistance, I ask, “with your guarantee for my fee, I have the obligations and incentive to find the best homes and negotiate the very best deal for you and will be compensated a fair fee in exchange. If I agree to work for what ever fee I can get or not then I have no incentive to work for you- I do what ever deal I can make for you as fast as I can make it Which would you prefer?
 
AGREEMENT: If you have a loyalty agreement with buyers, then that applies to all buyers or it’s not fair to Buyer A if Buyer B says she/he doesn’t want to sign a loyalty agrement. If you don’t present and they don’t get the VALUE in your taking the time and making the commitment to evaluate and update the full breadth of their wants, needs, timing, motivation and price, they probably aren’t your buyer so go on to the next.
 
You’re better off to let them go in the beginning than to let them down later as it is discovered that no matter what, you can’t meet their expectations and demands and you’ve risked hours and energy, money and resources, taking away from other buyers, sellers, prospects and team members who want you and need you.
 
 
]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/ARE-YOU-MY-BUYERhttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/ARE-YOU-MY-BUYERWed, 22 Aug 2007 10:16:00 GMTIs a short sale for you?WHAT ABOUT SHORT SALES?

For those who do not know what a 'Short Sale' is, but think you want to do one, now is a great time to learn. The number of Short Sales in the adjusting/declining market has increased dramatically this year.

In short, a Short Sale is when the Bank holding the mortgage on a property, negotiates with a Buyer and sells the home for less than the amount owed. Obviously, the Seller gets nothing as he/she owes more than the property will net when sold in the open market in a reasonable marketing time. The property is sold short of or less than the mortgage debt due, hence the name Short Sale.
 
How likely are you to find a Short Sale and successfully negotiate a deal? Your chances are 50/50 in getting one of these to happen.
 
No Bank wants to lose money, so they would rather work it out before the home goes to the REO Department at the Bank.
 
TIPS FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS REGARDING SHORT SALES
(Request a 'Short Sales Package' from the bank as soon as the mortgage is 90 days late)
This request will include:
A required Financial worksheet,
Proof of Income reported, (2 recent pay stubs from all mortgagors- all named on the mortgage debt)
A letter explaining the hardship
A copy of your most recent tax return (1040 Form, only the first 2 pages)
Seller's Listing Agreement.
Signed Purchase Agreement, or Sales Contract.
Sellers Net Sheet
Buyers Pre-Qualification Letter from the lender, or if a cash buy, proof of funds from Banking institute.
Put the Mortgage Loan number on every page.
Send the whole package Fed Ex, and keep the tracking number.
 
SELLERS: If you do not have a Buyer yet. Get a Realtor to list your house who knows how to do Short Sales, and have them help you with the hardship letter, and getting the package to the right person. (PS Call us)
Try and do the package with a 24 hour turn-a-round.
Call the contact you now have at the Bank on a weekly basis.
BE PATIENT
Allow 2 months, so a good Buyer would be an Investor who is not working to a ridged time line.
BUYERS: If you are a Buyer trying to buy a Short Sale, the Bank is more likely to work with a Realtor than the Buyer directly. The Bank likes to see the comps, and to be send quotes to fix up the house, to have a properly prepared and marketed home.
For more, call us.
Remember you have a 50/50 chance of success.
 
]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Is-a-short-sale-for-youhttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/Is-a-short-sale-for-youFri, 17 Aug 2007 18:57:00 GMTREExpertTM selected for Andover, North Andover, Boxford areaThe first consumer's advocate for real estate, The Real Estate Advocate, chose the Susan Sells Real Estate Team as the exclusive specialist to help hundreds of home buyers and sellers in the Andover area! You've seen the Susan Sells Mobile and the Susan Sells yard signs. Now you know, that's the RE Expert!

I am very proud to be a part of this network of the best real estate agents nationally, hailing from many different company affiliations but committed to work at a higher level of service and commitment to results than the majority of agents. Consumers deserve to work with the best of the best. Sometimes # 1 or the office with the biggest ad, is not the best agent for the buyer or sellers.

At Susan Sells, the question we ask ourselves each day is "would you recommend us to a good friend?"' and we want the answer to be 'YES' 100% of the time. In the absence of value, the cost of a having a Realtor you can count on is too much no matter how low or high the fee is.

At Susan Sells we are so committed to our client's success, satisfaction and happiness in achieving their life's goals, we don't have a rigid or limited business perspective and marketing plan, or fee structures that are inflexible. We will always negotiate a fair fee (generally a % of sales/purchase price) for the job at hand.. When we work with you, our buyers and sellers, we invest our time, our energy, our expertise, our resources in your goals and we take many risks in  our partnership with you towards accomplishing them before we are rewarded. You make decisions with our expertise, advice and representation along side.

 

We welcome suggestions and feedback anytime and of any kind. Feedback is the the breakfast of champions and we are a championship real estate team. Thank you

 

PS For a copy of our

1. comprehensive Marketing Plan from Susan Sells for Sellers

2. Buyer representation commitment from Susan Sells

3. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

please call me anytime.

978.902.1231 Susan Cell

 

]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/REExpertTM-selected-for-Andover-North-Andover-Boxford-areahttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/REExpertTM-selected-for-Andover-North-Andover-Boxford-areaWed, 01 Aug 2007 12:11:00 GMTHow's The Market Lookin' Today?    Pricing to sell seems to be a moving target in a market where inventory is higher than in a faster moving, Seller’s Market . Some homes that you might think will never sell at the asking price are selling while others that compare favorably to competition can sit on the without logical reason or concrete objections. Although conditions including interest rates impact Buyer and Seller attitudes, such pricing challenges are the impact of the emotional bandwidth of the residential buyer in today’s rather than a rational analysis of the facts.

    I have seen that some consumers are uncertain about the , getting mixed signals about the housing from a combination of sources, which is causing some of them to stand on the sidelines or hesitate.  Mortgage loan interest rates have risen recently, and tightening lending standards are continuing to hamper sales and the pre-approval and mortgage commitment process. Although general buying conditions remain favorable for long-term home buyers, it appears some buyers are looking for more signs of stability before they have enough confidence to make an offer.

Single family home for sale (Inventory as of 7/27/07):

Andover: 149        Down 54 homes over this date                                         last year 5 months Supply

North Andover : 170    Up 8 homes over this date                                                last year9½ months Supply

Pending sales:

Andover: 50

North Andover: 29

Sold past 6 months:

Andover: 174   64% occurring since 5/1/07, down 5% from ‘06

North Andover: 108 60% occurring since 5/1/07, down 10% from ‘06

    A real estate agent who does their home work and has experience working in all markets is essential to get a realistic assessment and good advice to respond appropriately and recognize the opportunities and associated risks of today’s .

 

]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Hows-The-Market-Lookin-Todayhttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/Hows-The-Market-Lookin-TodayMon, 30 Jul 2007 17:42:00 GMTIt IS Easy Being GreenAlas, Kermit was wrong...it is easy being green! The pulse for green homes has increased dramatically in the last year. From a low whisper to a roaring engine, green is growing, and it's much more than a trend. With rising energy costs to widespread climate awareness, home buyers are looking to be eco-friendly at home.

      And going green isn’t just for buyers of new homes, a "green" home improvement, just like a newly built green home, is built with more sustainable and conservation-minded materials, designs and technology. The work helps the home use less energy, water, or other natural resources and it helps generate less waste. And the finished product makes for generally healthier and more comfortable conditions for the occupants than work performed otherwise.

Less energy needed, means less dependence on fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels contributes to pollution, depletion of natural resources and potentially disastrous climatic change, which can affect the health of the planet and its inhabitants, according to the vast majority of scientists.

The nearly 85 percent of remodelers are poised for growth in green demand and already use low-energy windows, 65 percent upgraded insulation, and 56 percent installed high efficiency HVAC systems, according to NAHB's study released during the recent Annual National Green Building Conference in St. Louis.

Top 8 list for home owners who want to remodel green.

· Install maximum insulation in the area to be remodeled.

· Install high-efficiency windows instead of those that just meet the energy code.

· Seal all exterior penetrations in the area being remodeled.

· Purchase only Energy Star & Reg; rated appliances.

· Install only low-flow water fixtures.

· Upgrade to an Energy Star® rated water heater, or better yet a tankless water heater.

· Purchase the highest efficiency HVAC system you can afford.

 

]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/It-IS-Easy-Being-Greenhttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/It-IS-Easy-Being-GreenMon, 30 Jul 2007 17:39:00 GMTBaby it's hot!
Shades down. How many times have I been in houses where I feel they are dark and really lacking natural light that makes a home from my perspective? My advice includes remove the curtains, tie them back, increase the bulb wattage, add lamps, open the shades all the way, open the windows for an airy feeling. My place feels a bit like a tomb today but I've got the temp down probably 10 degrees and it's nearly mid day.

I see alot of houses and many of them have central air. It sure does dry the air out of intense July (it's only June 27th but) humidity. I've said it before and I'll say it again: what is it that they don't understand about cross breeze??

Some houses, the windows are painted shut and never opened. Others, no matter the time of year, the windows are open. Somehow, I find the 2nd category feels better, so much more healthy and 'natural.' It will get hotter than today and I'd be ready for an a/c unit around 4 days in a stretch over 90. Weather reporters say the weekend will cool but the dog days are comin'. When we bought the place, there was an oldie in the office window. It's a casement window and so it was a casement style unit. It died shortly after we moved in and we replaced the window with a double hung. No a/c unit. It's not good for me or the environment!

3rd day over 90 today. You need a nice pitch down for drainage and probably a bracket to hold it up. I don't think I'd use it anytime soon so I'm going to save my money. Of course, when we sell, they'll want central air and all my considerations for cross breeze and environmental friendly may go out the window.

Stay cool!]]>http://www.susansells.com/Blog/Baby-its-hothttp://www.susansells.com/Blog/Baby-its-hotWed, 27 Jun 2007 12:37:00 GMT