PEABODY REAL ESTATE NEWS!!

Look for the REALTOR logo

2010-08-03T06:55:00.000-07:00

77% of consumers prefer to work with a REALTOR rather than an agent who is not a member. The REALTOR pin lets you know that you are working with an experienced, knowledgeable and ethical member of the National Association of Realtors. Look for the REALTOR pin or REALTOR logo.

Showing Tips for Sellers

2010-08-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

Get your listing in showing shape with these simple tips.

Lighten up. Some people like to live in dark houses. Leave the shades up and the drapes opened. Homes show so much better with light. −Teresa Boardman, Saint Paul Home Realty, St. Paul, Minn.

Size up the competition. Walk through model homes in your area to see what professionally staged homes look like. You can get a variety of great ideas to prepare your home for sale. −Randy Schulenburg, Mortgage 1st Realty Inc., Elgin, Ill.

Define the space. Creatively define each space to highlight its use. Create a mudroom that is neat and orderly, a home office workspace, or a kids afterschool room with chalk boards and desks. −Elizabeth Lord, Carolina Farms & Estates, York, S.C.

Add simple curb appeal. Thoroughly clear all little branches, rake the leaves, and trim the bushes. Every landscaping detail proves that you care, and this translates to buyer appeal! −Beverly Carlson, Carlson Properties, Abilene, Texas

Give it a power wash. I bought a power washer three years ago, and what a great investment. I always offer it to my clients. You’d be surprised how much better a house looks after a good bath—especially the garage doors. −Jim Cheney, Saint Francis Property, Santa Rosa, Calif.

www.realtor.org/realtormag

Good Smells, Bad Smells

2010-08-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

Sensory research shows that the smell of a home can affect a person’s mood, according to Terry Molnar, executive director of The Sense of Smell Institute, a New York–based organization that focuses on the importance of smell to human psychology, behavior, and quality of life.A light floral fragrance can put people in a more pleasant mood, while citrus scents, such as lemon and grapefruit, tend to have an energizing effect, he says. "Vanilla is one scent that’s universal around the globe," Molnar says. "People find it comforting and relaxing." But be careful: When you add smells to a home, it can be viewed as an attempt to cover up a bad odor. And if that’s the intent, it can make the problem worse. So what if you do need to get rid of a bad smell? Here are some ideas from staging professionals:

- Take the trash out. It’s simple, but it can make a big difference. When the home is being shown, advise sellers to empty the garbage often.

- Snuff out the smoke. Encourage sellers to eliminate all smoking inside and even outside, particularly when the doors or windows are open. An ionizer can help remove smoke smells.

- Watch the cooking. The smell of lamb, broccoli, garlic, fish, and eggs can stick around long after the food has been eaten.

- Wash Fido. Pets can be a big source of smells. Limit the pet to an outdoor area or a certain room in the house that can be regularly cleaned, says staging professional Kellie Frooninckx, owner of Virtual Enriching Homes in Phoenix. Also, clean the pet’s bedding regularly.

-www.realtor.org/realtormag

Smart Ways to Manage, Maintain & Enhance Your Home

2010-08-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

Go to HouseLogic.com for free info and tools to help you become an expert homeowner in areas like home improvement, maintenance, taxes, finances & insurance. Learn how to increase the value of your home by becoming a more confident homeowner.

SMART TIP: for every year of heating system maintenance you skip, energy bills rise 5-10%.

2 NEW LISTINGS: Peabody & Salem

2010-07-23T07:09:00.001-07:00

The Horowitz has 2 new listings on the North Shore!
CHECK IT OUT....

9 Horton Street, Salem, MA 01970
$319,900
http://www.northshorehomeinfo.com/Properties/PropertyForm.php?ListingID=102845852&return_url=/index.php

17 Arlington Street, Malden, MA 02148
Multi Family, $449,900
http://www.northshorehomeinfo.com/Properties/PropertyForm.php?ListingID=102845705&return_url=/index.php

New Listing; 35 Catherine Drive, Peabody

2010-07-22T12:36:00.001-07:00

35 Catherine Drive, Peabody is a 4 bedroom, 2 full bath Split entry in a desirable West Peabody neighborhood. 2 oversized garages, nice deck sits on large yard, central AC and 2 family rooms...... click here for full property info. http://www.northshorehomeinfo.com/Properties/PropertyForm.php?ViewSrc=7&ListingID=102838285&return_url=back

PEABODY REAL ESTATE EXPERTS HOT FOR SUMMER!

2010-07-22T12:26:00.001-07:00

The Horowitz Team is HOT HOT HOT this summer. Click on this link to view the team's active listings, properties under agreement and recent sold properties. http://www.northshorehomeinfo.com/Properties/AgentListings.php

Peabody Real Estate Agent Earns Lifetime Achievement Award

2010-07-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

HOROWITZ FINDS OPPORTUNITIES IN CHALLENGING MARKET

PEABODY, MASS (06/25/2010)(readMedia)-- Peabody real estate agent Anita Horowitz can now count herself among the elite. On June 15, Horowitz received the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award, available only to agents who have earned more than $3 million in commissions and worked with the company for seven years.

"This award is a tremendous honor, and am I proud to share it with the wonderful people in the community who have chosen us for their North Shore home sales and commercial property rentals over the years," Horowitz said.

Horowitz acknowledged the difficulty her office has faced on the way to this milestone. "Times have been challenging in recent years, but the market on the North Shore has been stronger than some others," Horowitz said. "From the rural charm of Lynnfield and Middleton to the busy commercial areas of Peabody and Danvers, our little corner of Massachusetts offers a lifestyle that is both relaxed and convenient."

Other achievements for Horowitz include the 2009 RE/MAX Platinum Club Award, presented to agents who earn at least $250,000 in commissions, and the 2009 Hall of Fame award, given to agents who achieve more than $1 million in commissions during their RE/MAX careers. She was also nominated for the Fifth Annual North of Boston Business and Professional Women of the Year award in 2005 and has been the top Peabody real estate agent for the last four years.

As a real estate agent since 1986, Horowitz has seen her share of up and down markets and acknowledges that the current market is the most challenging she has faced. She credits her sales approach, which focuses on consultation rather than pressure, for her success.

"I like to let the North Shore speak for itself," Horowitz explained. "We have it all, from quiet neighborhoods and shopping centers to sunny beaches, great hospitals and top schools. Once people see how much there is to enjoy, it becomes a simple matter of finding a property they truly love."

Peabody 18th Annual Summer Concert Series Schedule

2010-06-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

Mayor Michael Bonfanti and The City of Peabody announces the 18th annual summer concert series to be held at Leather City Common. All concerts start at 6:00 pm and end at 8:00 pm
Sunday, July 11, 2010 Grupo Fantasia Quartet

Sunday, July 18, 2010 Beantown Swing Orchestra
Featuring American Idol Finalist “John Stevens”

Sunday, July 25, 2010 Brian Maes Band

Sunday, August 1, 2010 We Are America Productions

Sunday, August 8, 2010 North Shore Accapella

Sunday, August 15, 2010 Rico Barr & The Jump n’ Jive Review

Peabody Real Estate Market Update!

2010-06-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some market statistics for single family and condominium sales in Peabody for the last six months:

Single Family
Total homes sold: 111
Average list price: $329,359
Average sale price: $317,236
Average days on market: 61.88

Condominiums
Total condos sold: 50
Average list price: $235,092
Average sale price: $228,051
Average days on market: 194.54

~NSAR

NEW LISTING! 5 Dublin Rd, Peabody

2010-06-16T08:26:00.001-07:00

$313,000...don't miss this west peabody, ma ranch in a great neighborhood.

JUST SOLD! 15 Forest St, Peabody

2010-06-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

sold for 99.6% of asking price....search all peabody, ma real estate listings at our website! thinking of buying or selling? you can click on our sidebar to compare the cost of living and school systems of different MA cities and towns.

New Fannie Mae Rules

2010-06-07T13:37:00.001-07:00

click on the link below to read about new Fannie Mae Rules
http://www.massrealestatelawblog.com

Existing-Home Sales Up 7.6% in April

2010-05-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

Existing home sales rose again in April with buyers motivated by the tax credit, improving consumer confidence, and favorable affordability conditions, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Existing-home sales — completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condos, and co-ops — increased 7.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.77 million units in April from an upwardly revised 5.36 million in March, and are 22.8 percent higher than the 4.70 million-unit pace in April 2009. Monthly sales rose 7.0 percent in March.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the gain was widely anticipated. “The upswing in April existing-home sales was expected because of the tax-credit inducement, and no doubt there will be some temporary fallback in the months immediately after it expires, but other factors also are supporting the market,” he said. “For people who were on the sidelines, there’s been a return of buyer confidence with stabilizing home prices, an improving economy, and mortgage interest rates that remain historically low.”

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 5.10 percent in April from 4.97 percent in March; the rate was 4.91 percent in April 2009.

Total housing inventory at the end of April rose 11.5 percent to 4.04 million existing homes available for sale, which represents an 8.4-month supply at the current sales pace, up from an 8.1-month supply in March. Raw unsold inventory is 2.7 percent above a year ago, but remains 11.6 percent below the record of 4.58 million in July 2008.

“Although inventory levels remain above normal and much of the gain last month was seasonal, the housing price correction appears essentially over,” Yun said. “In fact, a majority of the markets have seen price gains recently. A return to old-fashioned responsible lending and buying will help the housing market avoid disruptive and painful bubble-bust cycles.”

Home Prices Improve

The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $173,100 in April, up 4.0 percent from April 2009. Distressed homes accounted for 33 percent of sales last month, compared with 35 percent in March.

Single-family home sales rose 7.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.05 million in April from a pace of 4.70 million in March, and are 20.5 percent above the 4.19 million level in April 2009. The median existing single-family home price was $173,400 in April, up 4.5 percent from a year ago.

Single-family median prices rose in 18 out of 20 metropolitan statistical areas reported in April from a year ago; six of the areas experienced double-digit increases. In data recently reported for the first quarter, 91 out of 152 metros saw price gains.

Here’s a look at the number region-by-region:

• Northeast: Existing-home sales surged 21.1 percent to an annual level of 1.09 million in April and are 41.6 percent higher than a year ago. The median price was $243,000, up 2.1 percent from April 2009.

• Midwest: Existing-home sales rose 9.9 percent in April to a pace of 1.33 million and are 29.1 percent above a year ago. The median price was $146,400, up 5.8 percent from April 2009.

• South: Existing-home sales increased 8.6 percent to an annual level of 2.14 million in April and are 23.0 percent higher than April 2009. The median price was $150,000, up 1.2 percent from a year ago.

• West: Existing-home sales fell 6.2 percent to an annual rate of 1.21 million in April but are 5.2 percent above a year ago. The median price was $212,400, up 3.8 percent from April 2009.

— Article Copied from Realtor.org/Realtormag

Horowitz Team Receives Rave Review...

2010-05-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

"Remax peabody is amazing. Anita and her team worked so hard to find my husband and I the perfect home. The team is qualified, patient, knowledgeable and professional. When you buy with Anita and Bernie you know you are buying right!" ~ Dr. Lindsay Weiss

Homeowner Oil Heating System Upgrade and Insurance Law

2010-05-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

By July 1, 2010, you must upgrade your home heating system equipment to prevent leaks from tanks and pipes that connect to your furnace. By making a relatively small expenditure now, you can prevent a much greater expense in the future.

Massachusetts has a new law to address oil leaks from home heating systems (see Chapter 453 of the Acts of 2008). This law has two major provisions that require:

the installation of either an oil safety valve or an oil supply line with protective sleeve on systems that do not currently have these devices; and
insurance companies that write homeowner policies to offer coverage for leaks from heating systems that use oil.

Most homeowner policies do not currently include such coverage, leaving many to pay for costly cleanups out of their own pocket. Although it is mandatory that insurance companies offer this coverage, the insurance is an optional purchase for homeowners. The effective date for both provisions is July 1, 2010.

Log onto http://www.mass.gov/dep/cleanup/laws/hhsl.htm for more info!

Horowitz Team welcomes newest Trilingual member!

2010-05-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

Robert Saenz has joined RE/MAX Advantage Real Estate in Peabody as the newest member in Anita Horowitz's dynamic team! As a Trilingual agent, Robert Saenz, husband of long time Peabody resident, Catarina Veludo, has helped English, Spanish and Portuguese speaking clients achieve the American Dream by servicing them in their own language. Known to his clients and associates as an ethical and hard working Realtor, he has found success throughout his career both in the RE/MAX system and in independent brokerages. As a life long North Shore resident along with his long career in real estate he can help any seller or buyer navigate the North Shore real estate market.

"I am very proud and happy to be back in the RE/MAX organization and to be part of the RE/MAX Advantage real estate team."

RE/MAX Advantage Real Estate is located at 515 Lowell Street, Peabody, MA 01960. Reach Robert directly at 781.244.7727 or Rob@northshorehomeinfo.com. Visit us on the web at www.NorthShoreHomeInfo.com.

SEARCH ALL MLS HOMES: www.NorthShoreHomeInfo.com

2009-01-22T17:24:00.000-08:00

SEARCH AND LEARN ABOUT ALL MA REAL ESTATE : www.NorthShoreHomeInfo.com

Just 25 miles north of Boston, Peabody remains to be the best in housing value on the North Shore. Miles to the ocean, convenience of every major highway and sufficiently packed with shopping, medical facilities and approximately 200 acres of orchards and nature.

Be sure to visit the official site for the City of Peabody:

http://www.peabody-ma.gov/

HOUSING PROGRAMS
The City of Peabody offers housing programs that are designed to create and improve housing opportunities for all people at all stages of life.HOMEOWNERSHIP: The City of Peabody encourages homeownership throughout the City of Peabody by offering loans to first time homebuyers through our first time home buyer down payment assistance program.

HOME REPAIR AND REHABILITATION: Through the Peabody housing rehibilitation program income eligible homeowners may receive loans to repair or modify their homes.

LEAD PAINT REMOVAL: The City of Peabody utilizes funds from the Get The Lead Out Program and the Gap Filler V Program to assist homeowners and landlords in the removal of lead based paint hazards.

STAFF
Stacey BernsonHousing Program ManagerTelephone: (978)-538-5776
E-Mail: stacey.bernson@peabody-ma.gov
Jack CellaHousing Rehabilitation SpecialistTelephone: (978) 538-5775
E-Mail: jack.cella@peabody-ma.gov

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERDOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMDown payment assistance is available to income eligible first-time homebuyers through the First Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program (FTHB). The FTHB Program is a no interest deferred payment loan that may be used for down payment assistance or closing costs. The homebuyer must contribute their own funds and the program will provide a dollar for dollar match; maximum $6,500.00.First-Time Homebuyer Pamphlet 2007 FTHB Application (Updated July 2007)

HOUSING REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMHousing rehabilitation assistance is available income eligible homeowners of homes with one to four units and mobile homes. Funds may be used to address the following: Elimination of code violations; Deleading of units; Providing handicapped accessibility; Removing serious or potential hazards to health and safety; and insuring that property meets Federal Housing Quality Standards (HQS). Interested homeowners should submit a completed Pre-Application to be placed on the waiting list.