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Kristy Bonaventura

Join Me At An "Open House Pre-Game"

When: Sunday mornings 10-11:30 a.m.

Where: RE/MAX Heritage LLC, The Cyber Café 248 Main Street, Suite 201, Reading, MA

Every Sunday, from 10-11:30 a.m., stop by the Cyber Café at our Reading office to get a winning game plan. Grab a cappuccino or latté and pick up a list of the day’s open houses, area maps, community information and more to help you get the most out of your tour.

If you are a current client or someone looking for buyer representation, contact me ahead of time for a more detailed list of properties to visit and suggested routes that will help you cover the most ground in the least amount of time.

First time home buyers are encouraged to stop by for a free buyer’s consultation and to meet with a mortgage broker to get pre-approval – a step critical to almost any home search.

Current home owners are also welcome to stop by and test the waters, or speak to a mortgage broker about refinancing.

Whatever you’re looking for in your next home, stop by before heading out on the open house trail. Fill your coffee mug on me and pick up a complimentary open house survival kit – bottled water to keep you hydrated, granola bars for energy, maps to keep you on track, and much more.

House hunters, get your game on!

Note: This is a kid-friendly event! Crayons and snacks will be provided to keep kids happy while we chat!</em>


Time to Buy? The Time Could Be Now

If you’re planning a change of address this year, consider starting your search sooner rather than later. While the real estate market typically slows during the winter months, there are many good reasons to buy now.

Interest rates are low. Mortgage rates have now fallen for six straight weeks! They are now at near historic lows, making for more affordable mortgage payments.

Inventory is high. Supply is greater than the demand, which means there are more homes for sale and more to choose from. That is likely to change come spring, when more people are out looking and offers become more competitive.

Prices have fallen. Because the market is flooded with inventory, prices are at an all-time low and sellers are more eager to sell which means you’re likely to get a better deal.

Lenders are still lending. Don’t let last year’s mortgage industry crisis keep you from your dream of home ownership: lenders are still lending to qualified buyers. A high credit score and proof of employment will assist you in obtaining a mortgage.

If you are a growing family in need of more space or a better location, don’t let the possibility of losing money on the sale of your current property stop your move. For all the reasons listed above, you will make up your property sale loss (if any) on the buying end.

And if you’re a first-time home buyer, you have even more reason to buy now: the federal government has instituted a $7,500 tax credit for first-time home buyers.

If you're planning to buy (or sell) your home this year, contact me for more information, including a complimentary buyer consultation. You can reach me by phone at 781.479.4066 or by email at kristybonaventura@remax.net.

The Right Time to Sell... Is Now!

Common practice is to "wait 'til spring" to list a home for sale. But today's real estate market is anything but common, and if you're planning to sell your home, there are many reasons to consider an uncommon approach. In the winter months, sellers may benefit from:


An improved buying position. When you sell during the winter months, you have the opportunity to buy during the spring, when more homes are on the market. You might even be able to stay in your home for awhile by arranging for a delayed closing.

More serious prospects. you may have fewer showing -- due to the weather, the holidays, or your personal family events -- but your prospects will be more qualified and motivated. Winter prospects are more serious buyers; open houses see far fewer Sunday drivers dropping by.

Decreased competition for buyers. Even in this depressed market, people are still relocating, outgrowing their homes, or downsizing. In fact, January is traditionally the biggest corporate transfer month, and many of those buyers can't afford to wait until the spring to buy. By listing now, you'll beat the majority of sellers to the punch.

If you're planning to put your house on the market, contact me for more information: 781.479.4066 or kristybonaventura@remax.net

How long will it take to find the right property?

I get asked this question quite often, but what buyers really want to know is ~ How do I know if THIS is the right property... That depends on your karma. You could find a fantastic house the first day, or it may take months. Ask yourself; are you ready to pull the trigger if you find something right away? I see buyers who find a good house, and then pass because it was so easy to find so fast, and then search for that house for the next 18 months! Now let me ask you... Are you ready to buy if a home speaks to you? According to the Massachusetts Association of Homebuyers, the average homebuyer in Massachusetts, because they know the market so well through the internet, takes 10 weeks in their search and views 11 properties. How long will it take you? That depends on what sites you are using to search for properties and how carefully you choose a buyer agent. Please contact me and see how I can simplify the buying process for you! 781-479-4066 Kristy B.