by janet | Apr 12, 2023 | Buyers, Buying a Home, Buying Myths, Down Payments
Have you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are a variety of expenses involved – from your down payment to closing costs. But there’s good news – your tax refund can help you achieve your goals by paying for some of these expenses.
SmartAsset estimates the average American will receive a $1,798 tax refund this year. The map below provides a more detailed estimate by state:
According to Freddie Mac, there are multiple ways your refund check can help you as a homebuyer. If you’re getting a refund this year and thinking about buying a home, here are a few tips to keep:
- Saving for a down payment – One of the largest barriers to homeownership is saving for a down payment. You could reach your savings goal more quickly than expected by using your tax refund to help with your down payment.
- Paying for closing costs – You have to pay fees to your lender, real estate agent, and other parties involved in the homebuying transaction before you can officially take ownership of your home. You could direct your tax refund toward these closing costs.
- Lowering your interest rate – Your lender might give you the option to buy down your mortgage interest rate during the homebuying process. That means, you could pay upfront to have a lower interest rate on your fixed-rate mortgage.
The best way to prepare to buy a home is to work with a trusted real estate professional who understands the process. They’ll help you navigate the costs you may encounter as you begin your homebuying journey.
Bottom Line
Your tax refund can help you reach your goals of homeownership. Connect with a local real estate agent to discuss how you can start your journey today.
by janetporcaro | Mar 30, 2023 | Condos, Featured Listings, Newton
397 Linwood Avenue, Unit D
Offered at $1,069,000
3 bedroom
2 full baths
Living area 1700 sq. ft.
MLS # 73092881
A beautiful 1900s building has been renovated and refined with high-quality craftsmanship. Original architectural details make this home unique, with high ceilings, archways, crown molding, original panel doors, and great light with many windows. Modern details include a chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and a large waterfall-style island. Primary bedroom with a gorgeous en-suite bathroom, closets with built-in custom shelving, and gas fireplace with original decorative mantel. In-unit laundry is a fabulous convenience. Private balcony for gazing at the world going by. A programmable thermostat, recessed lighting, and hardwood floors throughout. Large private basement space is another plus.
The home is in the much-loved Newtonville area with great restaurants and many shopping options, including Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. The Gath Pool, Albemarle Field, and dog parks. West Newton is the bordering village with even more shops and restaurants.
With two parking spaces, this home is a commuter’s dream with easy highway access. The Newtonville Commuter Rail is a half mile away.
Some photos are from other units in the building.
If you would like a Buyer Agent’s advice as you tour the home, contact me at Janet@JanetPorcaro.net or call 617-797-9497.
The Listing Broker is Alexander Haytayan, William Raveis R.E. & Home Services
The information in this listing was gathered from third party sources including the seller and public records. MLS Property Information Network and its subscribers disclaim any and all representations or warranties as to the accuracy of this information. Content ©2011 MLS Property Information Network, Inc.
by janetporcaro | Oct 21, 2022 | Buyers, Condos, Newton
Come home to West Newton!
You will fall in love with this gracious sun-drenched top-floor condominium in a much-loved West Newton neighborhood. Facing east, the sun streams in around the unit all day long.
Enter the sheltering front porch, to the private entrance, and leave your cares behind. Step up to the second-floor foyer, where you will find a deep closet for outerwear, boots, and more. The bright living room opens to the dining room, featuring a chair rail and a charming built-in china cabinet.
The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and granite countertops with plenty of surface space. There are two pantries in the living room, and the hallway leads to an enclosed back porch that looks out to the tree-lined neighborhood.
Two good-sized bedrooms are separated by a hallway and a full bath with white tile.
The lovely front enclosed and heated sunroom looks out to views of Boston.
This home includes a private basement laundry–the kitchen pantry is plumbed and ready for washer/dryer installation if you prefer.
Gleaming hardwood floors throughout, crown molding, central air, tons of storage, and lots of transitional space.
Garage and off-street parking.
Located close to the Albemarle field, swimming pool, West Newton Square with shops, restaurants, Franklin Elementary School, the Commuter Rail, and easy access to Mass. Pike and Route 128. A true gem!
153 Cherry Street, #153
Newton, MA 02465
2 bedrooms, 1 bath
1,180 sq ft
Offered at $629,000
OPEN HOUSES SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, OCT 22, 23 FROM 12 TO 1:30
Call Janet at 617-797-9497 for a private tour.
by janetporcaro | Oct 16, 2022 | Buying a Home, Relocation
Northern California’s Napa Valley is a lovely travel destination with beautiful scenery, an ideal Mediterranean climate, artful cuisine, and a culture of collaboration, camaraderie, and hospitality.
And now, here is an opportunity to live in a region known for more than great wine.
Savor Wine Country living from this gorgeous Napa Hillside Chalet located atop more than 2.3 acres. This elegant home is all about views of both vineyards and mountains. Each of the three stories has windows looking at the natural world’s beauty, the surrounding trees’ serenity, and a neighboring equestrian ranch.
The renovated chef’s kitchen has a Wolf gas range, white counters, a tile backsplash, and a wine fridge. Enjoy morning breakfast on the eat-in balcony.
The dining and living room, adjacent to the open kitchen and powder room, features tall, built-in bookcases and a brilliant view of the property’s oaks. The lower-level primary suite boasts a spa-like primary bath with a rain shower, a walk-in closet, automatic blinds, and secluded access to the hot tub. The upstairs bedroom with a peaked roof features a modern tub and shower combo.
Visitors will enjoy the one-bedroom, one-bath guest suite with an outdoor shower.
Bonus room off 1-car garage.
Epic gardens, picnic areas, and a horseshoe pit for endless summer outdoor activities.
Easy drive to downtown Napa and Napa Valley Country Club.
- 2239 1st AVENUE, NAPA
- 2 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,270 Square Feet | 2.3 Acres
- Offered at $1,725,000
The listing agent is ALISON CHRISTIANSON, Keller Williams, Napa Valley
Call or text Janet at 617-797-9497 for more information.
by janetporcaro | Sep 13, 2022 | Buying a Home, Infographic, Selling a Home
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What a long strange trip it has been!” We have lived through one of the most incredible Sellers’ Markets in real estate history. Multiple offers, over-asking sales prices with homes going off the market in record time, low levels of inventory…all of these factors have broken through the typical measuring matrix.
It’s like we are truckin’ down the highway at 120mph, suddenly reducing the speed to 80mph better to see the view and the road ahead, for that matter!
Today we are seeing that days on market are accumulating as levels of inventory increase. Yet supplies are still limited relative to demand. We are still in a Sellers’ Market and shifting towards
a more balanced market with pressure easing up for Buyers even with rising interest rates.
No one can predict the future. Nonetheless, whether you are thinking of selling or buying, it is never a good idea to attempt to time the market. The best route is to find an experienced Real Estate Professional to guide you through a successful transaction.
July 2022 brought 4.81 million in sales, a median sales price of $403,800, and 3.3 months of inventory. The median sales price is up 10.8% year-over-year, and inventory was up 0.7 months from July 2021. ~
NAR
by janetporcaro | Apr 14, 2022 | Buying a Home
It is not easy to get a property under agreement in this competitive market without promising your firstborn. All joking aside, this is a true story that happened to my Buyers. It is about real estate professionals who are absent when they should proactively advocate and advise their clients. But, please don’t get stressed—It’s a happy ending.
After a frustrating period of looking at undesirable homes and losing bidding wars, my Buyers found a home they liked. The offer included a mortgage contingency, and to demonstrate their strong motivation to buy this home, they offered a large deposit to be put in escrow with the Purchase and Sales Agreement.
The Sellers countered by requesting a twenty-day close date which is not something every Lender can pull off. After careful consideration, the Lender assured us that this timeline was achievable.
Bang, accepted offer!
Then came the race to get it to the closing table. Did I mention it was a twenty-day close?
With my Super Hero Team of Professionals, we completed the Attorney’s review, the Purchase and Sale Agreement was signed, rushed title, and the Lender gave the clear to close.
Then two days before closing, we got the word that there was A LITTLE PROBLEM. The Seller decided to refinance a few days before the closing date for some unknown reason. In the process, the closing attorney who did the refinance missed a couple of steps and CREATED (PREVENTABLE) TITLE ISSUES WHICH COULD NOT BE CLEARED IN TIME FOR CLOSING.
The irresponsible decision to refinance and the subsequent chain of events would delay the closing. Why? Maybe they didn’t understand. Possibly, no one was there to advise them. Furthermore, perhaps no one told them how unreasonable it is to ask for a twenty-day close.
All Realtors® with high professional standards prepare their clients by setting expectations and maintaining tight communications between all parties.
This was not a total disaster because:
- It was only a short delay because our Attorney stepped in and corrected the situation.
- There was a rate lock in place.
- The Buyers had not scheduled a moving day and had a place to live.
Thanks to the incredible Super Hero Team of Professionals, this transaction closed within two weeks. The irony is that the close date was the original date the Buyers had wanted, and it was the seller who pushed for a quick close. Karma. Story ending: my wonderful clients are happy with their new home and the transaction results.
Buying or selling, It matters who you work with…
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The Super Hero Team of Professionals
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