The renovation completes a Summer of change for the team as we have been implementing new looks, new systems, and new ideas into our business. Real Estate can be looked at as a Sales job (which it is of course) but the fact that we provide a service can't be overlooked either. One of our goals was to develop an office with a client-friendly feel where people feel comfortable doing business. When I create a final entry on the renovations I will include pictures to showcase the new suite.

While the economy is still sputtering and we're in a slow time of year as far as sales are concerned, we'd like to take the opportunity to alert our clients that we will be posting somewhere around 2-6 listings over the next couple of months for the fall market so be alert.

We wish you all a relaxing holiday weekend and a reluctant welcome to the Fall season!

Not so fast!  Let’s take a look at what it takes to be a world class marathoner.  He or she is far from alone.  I spoke to a client of mine, Rex Baird who purchased a condominium, with my assistance, a couple of years ago and he trains professional and amateur athletes.  He explained to me some of the people that a typical world class marathoner’s might have as part of his or her team: 

Massage Therapist:  At least once a week, for some, as often as twice a day

Personal trainer:  Supervises weight workouts and may help with stretching

Stretching Specialist:  If not handled by the personal trainer; May just set up the program.

Nutritionist:  Anything from setting up a diet to actually cooking all the athlete’s meals

Chiropractor:  Anywhere from twice per week to an as needed basis

Acupuncturist:  To help with inflammation of various injuries, pain relief, energy levels and immune system boosting, etc.

Running Coach:  Sets up long-range program between races and supervises workouts

Sports Psychologist:  Helps with goal setting, visualizing successful performance, etc.

Agent:  Works with race organizers, books ticket and accommodations, negotiates with race directors for appearance fees, prize money; may handle investments, money management 

In essence, what appears to be a solitary runner striving to cross the finish line alone is really an individual with a full team.  They work together and communicate regularly.  The more focused the runner and more professional the team, the better chance the runner has of accomplishing his/her goal. 

 So, as you embark on a process of finding the right home, be sure you put a team of professionals behind you to help you realize your goals.  Here are some of the professions I recommend you consider for your team. 

Attorney:  Will protect you from the legal pitfalls of a complicated process.  From making sure you have clear title to negotiating your purchase agreements thereby adding a layer of protection to your transaction.  I have been a full time real estate broker for over 30 years and I would not purchase or sell a property without engaging the services of a qualified attorney who specializes in real estate.  In our local market, Kelly Gallagher, Esquire is extremely well qualified and delivers excellent service. 

Real Estate Broker:  All brokers are not created equal.  Seek out a broker who has experience, integrity and works hard.  They should have good negotiating and communication skills.  Is current with the latest technology and is a full time Realtor.  Also look for a broker who holds designations  such as CRS, ABR, CRB, CBR, e-pro, etc.  It shows that they are committed to staying current with industry changes and are interested in delivering the best service possible.  And by the way, I’ve never heard a broker say they don’t work very hard, are dishonest, lazy and part time.  So do your homework, go to open houses, ask for recommendations, interview a few agents and find someone with whom you can trust with your transaction. 

Home Inspector:  This is a key person on your team.  They are your second and third set of eyes.  Be sure he or she is licensed (if your state requires it), knowledgeable and accessible after you purchase.  You’ll want to use this person as a resource when questions arise once you own the home.  I also recommend that a purchaser test for levels of radon gas.  There are varying perspectives in the industry as to just how big of an issue and problem radon gas presents, so go to this web site to start gathering information on the subject.  

Pest Inspector:  Termites, carpenter ants, rodents and other pests can cause a lot of anguish not to mention damage to a home.  Be sure to verify their qualifications and find out if they are state certified.  Understand how they treat a home in the event termites are discovered.  Are they putting chemical in the ground or do they use a bait system such as a Sentricon system? 

Lender:  I am often asked if it is more advantageous to do business with a local lender, a large national bank or a mortgage broker.  It really depends on your personal preference, your financial profile and current market conditions.  I have had great success with Brian Keefe of Prospect Mortgage (one of our partners).  Prospect Mortgage is a large national lender so they offer a complete line of mortgage products.  Yet, Brian gives personalized service and is extremely well qualified having been in the mortgage business for over 20 years.  For a local bank, you cannot find a better lender than Watertown Savings Bank.  They have an experienced staff, solid reputation and competitive rates. But most importantly, their customer service and ongoing customer care is unmatched by any bank that I have dealt with during my years in the business. If you are interested in personalized service at the highest level, Watertown Savings Bank is the bank for you.

 Insurance Agent:  Protecting your home or investment after you purchase is a big concern and having the right insurance agent who specializes in homeowners insurance is extremely important.  I can’t imagine trying to save a few dollars with one of the big national insurers at the expense of not being able to pick up the phone and speak with someone who knows you, your neighborhood and your community.  Another reason I like to work with local insurance agents is because they typically carry a line of insurance companies and can shop rates for you, selecting the best carrier for you in your specific market.  John Kelly Insurance in Watertown and Ark Insurance in Reading are two examples of local agents who know the communities that they serve and sparkle when it comes to serving their clients. 

Financial Planner:  It sound odd to be thinking of a financial planner as part of your home buying process, but now is a good time to analyze how purchasing a home will impact your future financial security.  Andrew Betts, MBA of Brickling Financial Services in Lexington, MA is a Registered Investment Advisor who can point you in the right direction.

 So, you’ve conducted your interviews, stopped by some open houses, and constructed your team.  You can confidently go out and be an informed consumer and make solid decisions in finding the right home for you.  Call you Realtor® and get started.

 Oh, and one last person to consider for your team, Kristin Angeli, LMT of Main Street Massage and Wellness in Watertown, MA.  Even with the perfect team, there will be some stress involved with the home buying process.  What better way to heal than from a relaxing massage from a licensed professional?

Are open houses necessary?  No, but they are convenient for buyers who are new to the market and want to see as many homes as possible in a very short period of time.  But is that good for the seller?  Well, in some ways, yes.  You can have a week’s worth of showings in an hour or two.  But what are the qualifications of those visitors to an open house?  Are they running into and out of the home without really appreciating what it has to offer?  How qualified are they to purchase a home?  Did they just see the open house sign while they were driving by and decided they had nothing to do so they might as well stop in?  And how do you help a qualified buyer during an open house if you are engaged in a conversation with another visitor?  Do you have an opportunity to properly serve a visitor and spend the time they need to get all their questions answered?

So, when and how often, should a home be held open?  Although there is no hard and fast rule, here is what I recommend to the sellers I represent.  When a home first comes on the market, there is a lot of activity and buzz surrounding it.  It’s new to the market and the buyers who are actively looking for a home in this price range will want to see it.  For convenience alone it would be a good idea to have an open house within the first 2 weekends of it first coming on the market.  These are also the best buyers for a home.  They are actively on the market searching for a home and they are up to date on value.  If it is priced correctly, it may sell quickly.  But make no mistake here.  If there was no open house, the qualified buyers will still make arrangements see the home with the assistance of their broker.

So in the end, running an open house is a matter of preference and convenience for the owner, not a necessity in selling the home.

Near Watertown, Square 3 rooms 1 bedroom on second floor of house. Wood floors, refrigerator and gas stove. Parking for 1 car. Near 71 bus to Harvard Square. 1 cat is permitted 

Available now $1000 includes heat, hot water and electricity Rent is $900 through August 31 2010

Near Waverley Square Belmont, Spacious 3 rooms 1 bedroom on second floor of multi-family home. Apartment has recently updated kitchen Breakfast Nook, an abundance of kitchen cabinets, gas stove and refrigerator. Also includes wood floors coin operated laundry and parking for 1 car. Near commuter rail to North Station, 73 bus to Harvard square and bus to downtown Boston. Pets are not permitted

In West Watertown, spacious applianced, 6 rooms 2 bedrooms on second floor of two family home. Apartment has replacement windows and refinished hardwood floors through out. Kitchen has refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, disposal and washer. Dryer hook up is in basement . Dining room has built in hutch and is enhanced by the natural wood work. Large front foyer can double as work space and large 3-season porch off kitchen. Basement also provides additional storage. Parking is provided off street for 2 cars, one garaged. Near 70 and 70 A buses. Oil heat and hot water. One cat is permitted.

Available July 15 $1550 doe not include utilities. 

Near Watertown Square, very spacious 5 rooms 2 bedrooms on second floor of Victorian home in the Historic district of Watertown. Galley kitchen has refrigerator, dishwasher and cupboard, Rooms have wood floors and ornamental fireplaces. Dining room has double doors to 3 season porch. Bathroom attached to master bedroom as well as foyer. Washer and dryer is also provided. Parking is available for 2 cars off street . On 71 bus line to Harvard square. 1 cat is permitted. 

Available $1700 includes heat, hot water, electricity

Be sure to contact us today as properties are being leased left and right heading into the fall season. 

John DelRose 

The Mike DelRose Real Estate Team
RE/MAX First Realty
142 Galen Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: (617) 926-3611
Fax: (617) 926-3611
john@johndelrose.com

West Watertown, on second and third floors of 2 family house. Features include replacement windows, wood floors updated kitchen and bath. Fully applianced with refrigerator, dishwasher, disposal, washer and dryer. Spiral staircase leads to large third floor bedroom. Office space available in room leading to 3rd floor. Apartment has open covered rear porch, parking for 3 cars off street.. Near 70 and 70 A buses to Central square Gas heat and hot water 1 cat is permitted

Near Brighton Center, spacious beautiful 6 rooms 3 bedrooms on first floor of 2 family. Apartment has gleaming wood floors and natural wood work. Appliances provided are refrigerator, dishwasher washer and dryer. Replacement windows and blown–in insulation keep heating costs low. Shared rear deck along with beautifully maintained terraced garden, with patio overlooking Coy Pond, parking available off street for 1 car will accommodate 2 additional cars during snow emergency. Oil heat and hot water. pets are not permitted 

Available $1850 does not include utilities

For additional photos, go to my website:

www.johndelrose.com

Now, these may not be properties around Greater Boston, but those of you that frequent Florida among other destinations may be interested. The downsides to these sweet deals include complexes that don't allow renting, property tax, and locations. The prices far outweigh some of the negatives though, as long and would be better for vacation spots opposed to investing. 

If the Patriots break their single-season record of scoring more than 75 touchdowns this season, RE/MAX of New England will award one lucky fan $500,000 towards the purchase of a home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATICK, MA – If the New England Patriots "take it to the house" more than 75 times this season, one lucky Pats fan will be able to buy a new one! RE/MAX of New England and the Patriots are launching the "RE/MAX Takes You to the House" program, which will award one lucky Patriots fan $500,000 towards the purchase of a new home if the Patriots break their single-season team touchdown record of 75 set in 2007.

"As a proud sponsor of the New England Patriots, we are very excited about the upcoming season and the added thrill that this new program will offer fans," RE/MAX of New England Executive Vice President Jay Hummer said. "Helping someone to achieve the dream of home ownership, while rooting for the hometown team, will make game days even more special for RE/MAX."

After the purchase of the new home, RE/MAX of New England and the Patriots will host a dedication ceremony at the home to celebrate the winner.

Patriots Wide Receiver, Julian Edelman, stars in a thirty-second video promoting the program that will be debuted on www.remax-newengland.com. "I'm thrilled to be involved in a program that could award someone a half-million dollars towards the home of their dreams," Edelman said. "We will be working hard to take it to the house every game, and I'll be cheering along with RE/MAX for a big winner at the end of the season."

To enter the "RE/MAX Takes You to the House" program, fans must complete a 500 word essay explaining how winning $500,000 toward a new home will make a difference in their lives. Essays and applications can be submitted online at www.remax-newengland.com. Entrants must be 18 years or older and the promotion is open to residents of the six New England states. A special selection committee consisting of local media members and RE/MAX employees will determine the winner of the contest. Deadline for entrees is January 2, 2011.

About RE/MAX of New England
Since its inception in 1985, RE/MAX of New England has grown to over 220 offices and nearly 3,000 sales associates throughout Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, providing residential and commercial real estate. Read more about the industry at the RE/MAX of New England blog at www.remax-newengland.com and follow us on Twitter at @REMAXNE. The RE/MAX web site is www.remax.com. RE/MAX is proud to help raise millions of dollars and support charitable organizations like Susan G. Komen For the Cure and Children's Miracle Network.

About The New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are one of the National Football League's premier franchises. Since Robert Kraft purchased the team in 1994, the Patriots have won more total games (183) than any other NFL team. New England is enjoying a remarkable run of sustained success as the only NFL team to win at least nine games in each of the last nine seasons. The Patriots are one of just two teams in NFL history to win three Super Bowls in a four-year span, claiming titles following the 2001, 2003 and 2004 seasons, and in 2007 became the only team in NFL history to complete a regular season with a 16-0 record. The team is located in Foxborough, Mass. - halfway between Boston and Providence, R.I. - and plays home games at Gillette Stadium. Patriots fans are among the most loyal and passionate fans in the country. The Patriots have sold out each home game since 1994 and their games are consistently the highest rated television programs in the Boston market each year.

Being in this line of work means that we have contacts in every area to complete such renovations, the problem is coordination and timing. That being said, the companies and vendors we use are some of the very best, and while we're just over halfway done with the renovation, we couldn't be more pleased with the results. The companies we have used and plan on using are listed below.

Haddad Hakansson, LLC   Interior Designers

Closet Factory               Custom Furniture 

Mal Elfman's                  Carpet 

Fusco Electric                Electrician

McAdam Painting            Painters

Sign A Rama                  Signs

Complete renovation should be completed by mid-late August (including decor and electronics). I have taken photos of the old office completely gutted and will be posting before and after pictures when the projects done. 

The makeover will entail a cafe style setting where clients will be able come sit down at a glass table next to an agent and talk real estate over coffee (Hello new Keurig coffee maker!) as well as being able to watch a business presentation on a flat panel TV. The new office will be completely wireless and telephone wires haven't even been installed as they're obsolete (now using Cat 5e wiring or ethernet cables). While we don't have all the space in the world, we're doing what we can to maximize space and storage, with a little help from our business partners. 

Stay tuned as I will be posting pictures over the next couple of weeks.