Wicked Local Bridal Guide Features GSGH

Really great article about GSGH. And many, many thanks to Ron and Jenn who gave some great quotes as well. Article courtesy of Gate House Media, NE.

Ron and Jenn Share Their First Time Homebuying experience

Thanks to Ron and Jenn for sharing their experience of buying their first home in Stoughton. Many years of happiness in your new home.

Beth and John Share Their Experience as First Time Homebuyers

Thanks Beth and John for sharing your experience on buying your South Boston condo. I am sure other newlyweds will appreciate your advice.

Beth and John were first time homebuyers and got a great condo in the city. Many thanks to them for being a part of Great Spouse Great House.

HGTV's House Hunters

Great Spouse Great House is going national. National TV that is. My wonderful buyers Rachel and Casey and I were selected to be on an episode of HGTV's #1 show House Hunters.

Being on House Hunters has been a huge dream of mine since beginning real estate and Rachel and Casey were so kind to give it a go with me. After filming a demo tape in their Charlestown apartment and some creative editing on my part, the producer said we were all exactly what they were looking for and couldn't wait to come to Boston to film us.

So about 2 weeks ago we shot the first part of the show which consisted of interviews with all of us. My part was a little stressful because they asked if they could interview me while driving. Of course I said yes (what was I supposed to say?). So picture this, I am driving TJ's cadi (the nicer of our 2 cars and the one I would want to be seen on national tv driving. ) But, it is huge and not the easiest thing to drive around the city streets of Charlestown. The weather is raining. Of course, it was during the period when we had like 4 weeks straight of rain. I am in the driver's seat. The camera guy is the passenger's seat with the camera 6 inches from my face. The sound guy and the producer are in the back on either side of the car seat base for our son. So I am driving around the city, trying to remember where I am going, trying to answer questions that the producer wouldn't tell me ahead of time (they wanted the answers to be natural), trying to avoid the random pedestrians who want to play frogger with traffic while praying that the rain will stop so my hair will not be a total frizzball on national tv. I can barely even remember what I said. But, despite all that, we got back safe and sound and the producer said I did a great job.

Rachel and Casey were awesome as well. Both were very natural on camera and funny too. I think the final episode will be very entertaining for all to watch.

We will be filming the second part in September and hopefully will be on the air in early 2010. Seems so long to wait but I promise it will be worth it.

Commonly asked questions about the $8000 Tax Credit

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT FAQ’s « William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage, and Insura...

Here is a great resource to answer your questions about the $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers.

Congrats to Beth and John!

Congrats to Beth and John on their soon to be new home in South Boston. They found a gorgeous place that I know they will be very happy in for a long time. Stay tuned for their homebuying story after they close in May.

Rate are going down!

Currently the mortgage rate environment is in the midst of quite a rally. Over the last week rates have plummeted following the Fed's announcement that it will buy debt and mortgage backed securities from mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This news has caused rates to drop over 1/2 percent in the last week. For current rates check out www.bankrate.com.

This is good news for buyers, sellers, and even current owners. Buyers can afford more house for their money and may now have the confidence to buy. Sellers may see more buyers out in the market and loan approval may be higher for buyers. And, current owners may be able to refinance saving hundreds of dollars a month in payments. In a recent discussion with a mortgage lender, she mentioned a no points, no closing cost refinance where the bank pays the fees. With no additional out of pocket costs and a savings of hundreds a month, it's a no brainer!

If you would like more info give me a call and I will put you in contact with a great lender to help you out.

Really, really bad real estate photos

For anyone thinking of selling, this is what some agents think will help you sell your home. I thought this was hysterical. Especially the comments!
http://www.visualtour.com/applets/flashviewer/viewer.asp?t=830679&sk=46&dm=teamfisher.com

Interest Rates Down! (But only for a few hours?!)

I received an email today from a mortgage lender I work with saying rates may come down to a 52 week low of 5.875%. That is a great rate especially combined with the low prices already out there. However, rates can change with the blink of an eye so you really need to be on top of things and have a great lender who is even more on top of things. A lower interest rate can mean more buying power. I always tell my buyers, look at your monthly payments rather then the actual purchase price. Don't get hung up on a price especially with the rates jumping around like they are. On a $300,000 purchase, the difference in one percentage point can be as much $200/month. Would you rather spend that $200 on a nicer house or just hand it over to the mortgage company? Personally I would take the nicer house.