Ready to take the plunge into home ownership? Get information on nearly 200,000 homes in Massachusetts. http://vow.mlspin.com/clients/SignUp.aspx?id=58510&PageType=11 ...read more

Wiling away the hot summer days in your new pool is a lovely fantasy, but taking care of one can be time-consuming.; test the waters before diving in If you’re thinking of buying a house with a pool, you are a rare breed. Many house hunters shy from homes with pools because of the maintenance and the potential for costly repairs if the pool hasn’t been properly maintained. Consider your resale value before you make an offer on a home with a pool.However, pools can be great fun for a family. So if you can handle the maintenance, follow these tips to make sure your new pool is ready for fun.Make sure to get a thorough inspection, preferably by a pool specialist. Some of the most important things the inspector should look for are:Leaks.You can’t enjoy your pool if it won’t hold water. Leaks can come from various sources within your pool, including tears in vinyl-lined pools, cracks or loose tiles in and around cement or granite pools, the filtration system, underwater lights, the heater and the skimmer. Some leaks are relatively inexpensive to repair. However, other leaks can undermine the structure of the pool and erode the soil around it, which could be a very costly repair.Functional equipment.Pool equipment and plumbing can be very expensive to replace. The inspector will check them to make sure they’re working properly and have been adequately maintained. Some inspectors may charge extra for anything other than a visual inspection, but the cost might save you money in the long run.Safety.To prevent accidental drownings, many communities have enacted strict codes regulating pool safety. Some include the requirement of multiple barriers (such as fences) to prevent children from wandering into pool areas unsupervised. Your pool inspector can offer more detailed information on requirements in your community, as well as additional safety measures you can take for your family and neighbors.In addition to an inspection, here are a few more questions to ask and things to look for:Ask who installed the pooland who has been looking after it. Your REALTOR® should know whether the pool company is reputable.Imagine what the backyard will look like in summer, or ask to see photos. Make sure it gets adequate amounts of sun and shade, and check for overhanging trees that will drop leaves in the pool.Ask for a written assurancefrom the owners that all pool equipment works.If there are signs of repair, ask what happened.The water should be crystal clear. If it isn’t, ask why.Review the operating costs. For an average 12-by-24-foot pool, the pump shouldn’t cost much more than $40 a month to run. The heating costs shouldn’t exceed $100 a month. And the chemicals should be approximately $400 a season. If costs are higher, it could be an indication that the equipment will need to be replaced soon.Ready to take the plunge into home ownership? Get information on nearly 200,000 homes in Massachusetts.http://vow.mlspin.com/clients/SignUp.aspx?id=58510&PageType=11 ...read more

The winter is a good time to find home bargains The holiday season (late November through early January) is a great time to find a bargain on a home, so instead of hitting the malls, you might want to take advantage of the slower market.Home sales peak in spring and summer in most parts of the United States. As the weather turns colder and kitchens everywhere begin churning out a series of holiday feasts, people become too preoccupied with the festivities to go house hunting.The slower market has its advantages: Supply and demand.With fewer home buyers demanding a dream house and plenty of listings still sitting on the market, prices tend to drop. Sellers may be motivated to make a deal, especially if the house has been on the market for a while. And you are less likely to enter a bidding war with other potential home buyers, which could increase the cost.Better interest rates.Lower demand also affects mortgage lenders. You may get a better interest rate or see fewer mortgage-related fees at the closing table. Definitely do some comparison shopping to find the best deal for your circumstances.Tax deduction.If you close on or before December 31, you may be able to deduct the interest on your first monthly mortgage payment from your taxable income. You may also be able to deduct any money you pay for points to reduce the interest rate on your loan. Consult a tax advisor to find out exactly what deductions you can claim.Ready to take the plunge into home ownership? Get information on nearly 200,000 homes in Massachusetts.http://vow.mlspin.com/clients/SignUp.aspx?id=58510&PageType=11 ...read more