The South Coast Real Estate Round-Up

One of our home buyer clients recently stopped by our office to thank us for helping them accomplish what they thought was the impossible, becoming homeowners. They had just gotten of the wild roller coaster of the mortgage and home buying process. As we spoke smiles came across their faces as they talked about having their first cup of morning coffee in a home of their own.

They talked about decorating and painting and how much they are going to enjoy having a yard. They talked about having friends over for dinner and family over for the holidays. The more they talked, the more excited they became.

I asked them if many of their friends were also buying. They said they had talked to their friends about buying but that they weren’t. Why not? Their friends believed that home ownership was financially unobtainable right now. Many wanted to own but didn’t think they could afford the monthly mortgage payment. They decided to rent instead.

I said that with interest rates and prices where they are today, owning a home might not be any more expensive than renting one. The couple agreed but said their friends were afraid; afraid they might not qualify for a loan, afraid to handle negotiations with a seller, afraid of the home buying process itself.

Wow!

People should not make decisions out of fear! I’m not saying that every young person should own a home. I am saying that anyone that is qualified and wants to buy should not be afraid of the process. I realize the process may seem daunting but realize over 14,000 homes sell every day in this country. Sit down and discuss your goals with professionals from both the real estate and mortgage industries. Get the facts. Make an informed decision. Don’t let the fear of the unknown prevent you from owning a home of your own, building equity for you and your family and living the life of your dreams.

We are here to help you navigate the real estate transaction!

Christopher Terry is a licensed real estate broker in Ma and RI, has completed the Accredited Buyer Representative Certification, is a graduate of the Certified Distressed Property Institute, holds the prestigious CDPE designation, is a 4-Time winner of the Master Sales Society's 5/50 Award and is the founder of EZ Home Search Real Estate Inc.

Posted by Christopher Terry on June 28th, 2018 12:30 PM


The new tax law affects the mortgage interest deduction and real estate taxes, so what exactly does that mean for you?



Well, if you are looking to buy a property, new mortgages are capped at $750,000 for purposes of home mortgage interest deduction, down from the $1 million cap that we had through 2017. The cap on mortgage interest reverts back to $1 million in 2026 regardless of when the home was purchased.


Unless you have three-quarters of million dollars to put down on a house, that new tax law doesn’t exactly affect you. But, there is a new tax law that will affect almost all homeowners, and that is that tax deductions are capped at $10,000 for state and local sales, income and property taxes.


In states like New York, California and Massachusetts where home prices and property taxes are high, this change means some homeowners could face bigger tax bills beginning this year.  The only way to take advantage of deductions related to homeownership is to itemize your tax returns.


And because the GOP tax bill roughly doubles the standard deduction for all taxpayers — i.e., it goes to $24,000 from $12,700 for married couples — the combined value of all your available deductions would need to exceed that new amount for itemizing to make sense.


There will be a lot of changes this upcoming year, and only time will tell how exactly they will affect the housing market.

Posted in:General and tagged: TaxesNew Tax Law
Posted by Christopher Terry on January 28th, 2018 9:05 AM



Massachusetts is a beautiful state, with so many wonderful places to explore. OnlyInYourState.com is an entire site dedicated to all of the amazing places to see in Massachusetts, and this week Westport made the list. Horseneck Beach State Reservation was named as the “Most Beautiful Campground in All of Massachusetts.”

This stunning campground is a gem on the Southcoast.  With over 100 spots to pitch your tent, this campground is on of the most popular Oceanside campgrounds in the state. The reservation is a massive 600 acres, with both beach and wilderness to explore. Walk over 2 miles of beach with nothing but water and sand as far as the eye can see. Fall asleep to the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore, and the birds chirping in the early morning. 

This quiet spot in the middle of the quant country town is the perfect place to unplug from the world. Roast marshmallows over the fire at night, while the moonlight reflects off the water and illuminates your campsite. Come morning, enjoy a sunrise walk on the sand, or sleep in and spend your day laying on the beach. Your kids will have plenty to do, with plenty of space for sandcastle building and waves to splash in. The campground also has basketball and volleyball courts, ad well as a playground, so there is always something to do. 

The campground includes a full comfort station, with flush toilets and hot showers. Each individual campsite is also equipped with a picnic table and grill, so you can have a home cooked meal right on the beach. 

The campsites are located in the dunes just behind Gooseberry Neck, so you have the option of exploring that beach or heading down toward the sandier Horseneck beach just a bike ride away. 

To reserve your summer getaway, click here!  

Posted by Christopher Terry on June 22nd, 2017 3:57 PM

The South Coast is a great place to buy a home. We are just an hour away from the trendy buzz of Boston, but with the quiet slow pace of small-town living. We are just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Atlantic Ocean and there is never a dull moment on a beautiful summers day.


Here at EZ Home Search Real Estate our agents live and work on the South Coast. We’ve composed a list of all of their favorite places to go and things to do on the South Coast.


Below is a list of some of our favorite places to grab food to go. Try them out for yourself and see if you agree with us!



Riccardi’s Restaurant:

Riccardi’s is one of the favorites here at EZ Home Search. Whether it is a party where we feed 30 people, or just a night in with the family, Riccardi’s has food for you! At both Riccardi’s locations you can either enjoy a sit down italian meal, or you can head to the counter and pick up a meal to go. We suggest trying their lasagna, it’s easily the best in the area. Here’s their website so that you can try it for yourself! http://www.riccardis.com/


Marcucci’s:

Forget Subway, if you want a fantastic sandwich stop in at Marcucci’s in Fall River. Marcucci’s is a family owned sub shop that has been serving Fall River for the past 30 years. The bread is baked in shop everyday and the grinders are some of the best in the city. Don’t believe us? Well then check out their website where they announce that they are finalists in Herald News’  “Reader’s Choice Awards” for Best Deli and Best Subs. For hours and locations go to their website. http://www.marcuccisbakeryandgrinders.com/


Ma Raffa’s

Another Italian place is added to the list but that is simply because they serve up some of the best take out. Ma Raffa’s has a home in both Somerset and New Bedford, with some of their bestsellers being garlic bread, salad, lasagna and chicken parmigiana. Their homemade pizza is also fantastic! Directions to their two locations are online right here! http://maraffas.com/


Family Ties

The best food that your mama didn’t make. That should be the slogan for Family Ties. It is the perfect place to grab a homecooked meal when you’re simply not in the mood to cook. You can order all kinds of different comfort food at Family Ties, I suggest their baked mac & cheese because it is simply delicious. Warning though, don’t go to Family Ties if you are on a diet! With their diverse home-cooked menu and their hefty portion sizes, you will not want to be worrying about calories as you are eating up your yummy meal. For a full menu and a list of their daily specials go to http://eatatfamilyties.com/


Ten Cousins

Looking for a great brick oven pizza? Well how about ordering one from Ten Cousins in Westport?! Ten Cousins is family owned by the Lafrance’s and serves up delicious gourmet pizza made by the locals. The Lafrance’s own quite a few restaurants throughout Westport, but Ten Cousins is especially special because it is named after CEO Richard Lafrance’s 10 grandchildren. It is a family owned restaurant with great food. Stop in at 977 Main Rd, Westport. For their phone number and menu at http://www.tencousinsbrickoven.com/.


Kozy Nook

Kozy Nook is the go to take out place in Westport. The food is alway delicious and the prices are great when compared to other places around town. Check it out if you want a tasty homestyle meal or an all american burger. For more information check out their website at http://www.kozynook.com/


Patti’s Pierogis

Like Pierogis? Well then Patti’s Pierogis is the place for you! Choose from over 25 different Pierogis and mix and match to get a taste of all of your favorites. If you are in the mood for sweet treat instead you can try one of their 20 dessert flavors. See the full list of pierogis flavors at http://www.pattispierogis.com/home.html


Author Profile:

Mariah Terry is passionate writer and blogger studying Journalism at Emerson College with a minor in Marketing. See her work at mariahterry.jimdo.com.


Posted by Christopher Terry on September 26th, 2015 9:53 AM
Spring is closer than you think! Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted another 6 weeks of winter today, but that does not mean you should wait until spring to put your home on the market. Many sellers feel that the spring is the best time to put their home on the market, however getting started now has it's advantages.

Reasons to Start Now.

Demand is Strong.
Technology has made it easier to track just about everything. One of the ares tracked in real estate is foot traffic. Foot traffic refers to the number of people out looking at homes. The numbers show that right now there are more people out looking at homes than any other time this year, including last years spring market. Making right now the perfect time to put your home on the market. 

Less Competition.
Let's face it, if most homeowners are waiting until the spring to put their home on the market it stands to reason that you will have less competition now. In addition, we know that inventory has dropped from this time last year meaning that in many cases there simply is not enough homes for the buyers in the market. If putting your home on the market now means less competition and more money in your pocket, why wait until spring?

The Process Takes Time.
A challenge the real estate market is facing is the length of time it takes to complete a transaction. Banks are requiring more and more paperwork before approving a loan. For this reason, many buyers who want to move in the spring, are starting earlier.

You Are Ready to Buy When There is More Inventory
If you are thinking of selling and want to make another home purchase NOW is the time to start! By finding a buyer now you are ready to buy in the spring market when there is more inventory for you to choose from. 

There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move Up
As the real estate market improves mortgage lenders become more confident in the market and loosen credit standards. The availability of more credit means more families can qualify for mortgage financing. Home price are projected to appreciate over 23% between now and 2019. In addition mortgage rates are projected to increase a full point by the end of 2015. If you are moving up to a more expensive home NOW is the time!

It's Time for New Beginnings.
It's been 7 years since the market crashed making it financially impossible for many homeowners to move on with their life without causing great harm to their credit. Since then market prices have improved and more and more homeowners are finding that they are no longer underwater. Maybe NOW is the time. Consider your reason for selling and whether it is worth continuing to wait. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should? Only you can answer those questions. The great news is you have the power to take control of the situation. Perhaps now is the time to for new beginnings and to start living the life you desire.

That is What is Truly Important.

Christopher Terry is a licensed real estate broker in Ma and RI, has completed the Accredited Buyer Representative Certification, is a graduate of the Certified Distressed Property Institute, holds the prestigious CDPE designation, is a 4-Time winner of the Master Sales Society's 5/50 Award and is the founder of EZ Home Search Real Estate Inc.
Posted by Christopher Terry on February 2nd, 2015 11:56 AM

 




Becky Pulley, sales associate with EZ Home Search Real Estate, has earned the National Association of Realtors® Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation. The SRES® Designation is NAR's only 50-plus education based designation. 

What is an SRES®?
A Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) is a Realtor® who is uniquely qualified to assist seniors in housing sales and purchases. The SRES® designation is awarded only to Realtors® who have successfully completed a series of educational courses on how to help seniors and their families with later-in-life real estate transactions. They also draw upon the expertise of a network of senior specialists, such as estate planners, CPA's, and elder cares lawyers, and are families with local community resources and services. Their mission is to help seniors and their families navigate the maze of financial, legal and emotional issues that accompany the sale of the home.

What qualities make an SRES® different?

  • Has knowledge, experience and compassion in dealing with senior issues.
  • Works first and foremost with the best interests of the client in mind.
  • Can suggest housing alternatives, including ones that may allow an aging parent to remain in the home instead of selling it.
  • Takes a no-pressure approach to the transaction and has a strong service orientation.
  • Will take the time needed to make a client feel comfortable with the complex selling process.
  • Understands the emotional demands a sale can make on a senior, and tries to minimize them.
  • Tailors the marketing of a home to the needs of an older clients.
  • Can interact easily with all generations, including seniors, adult children and caretakers.
  • Is knowledgeable about local senior housing options and elder support services.
  • Has a wide network of other senior-focused professional who can assist in tax counseling, financial and estate planning, and other aspects of the sale and move.

To speak with your local Seniors Real Estate Specialist, Becky Pulley, about your real estate needs call her direct call 774-488-6158.

Posted by Christopher Terry on November 13th, 2014 11:00 AM

 





When Old Man Winter settles in for a long chilly season, follow these simple guidelines to winterize your home and save money on utilities.

Inside Your Home

  • Have your furnace system serviced to ensure it's working efficiently and not emitting carbon monoxide.
  • Clean permanent furnace filters and replace paper or disposable filters.
  • Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • If you have a wood stove or fireplace, have your chimney swept thoroughly. It should be cleaned before the soot build up reaches one-fourth inch thickness inside the chimney flue.
  • Check your hot water heater for leaks and maintain proper temperature setting (120 degrees recommended by Department of Energy). On older water heaters with less insulation, for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit you lower the temperature, you save 6 percent of your water heating energy.
  • Check the attic to see if insulation needs to be added or replaced. This is the most significant area of heat loss in many homes, so it is also important to see that it has proper ventilation. Inadequate ventilation could lead to premature deterioration of the insulation materials. You may also need to check insulation in exterior walls, crawl spaces and along foundation walls.
  • Check all windows and doors for air leaks. Install storm windows and putty, caulk or add weather stripping as needed.
  • Check basement and cellars for seal cracks or leaks in walls and floor.
  • Clean and vacuum baseboard heaters, heating ducts and vents.

Outside Your Home

  • Store or cover outdoor furniture, toys and grill.
  • Purchase rock salt for melting snow and a shovel or snow blower if you don't already have one. Make sure you have the right kind of gas and oil on hand for your snow blower in the case of an unexpected snowstorm.
  • Insulate exterior spigots and other pipes that are subject to freezing but can't be drained or shut off.
  • Rake and compost leaves and garden debris, or put out for yard-waste pickup.
  • Clean storm drains, gutters and other drain pipes.
  • Check the foundation for proper drainage. To do this, spray yard with a hose to see if water runs away from the house. A little shoveling to reshape the earth next to the house may make the water run away from the foundation.
  • Make sure dirt or piles of wood don't come into contact with or touch siding, inviting termites and carpenter ants into the house.
  • Seal driveway and walkway cracks, if needed, before ground freezes regularly.
  • Inspect the roof for loose, damaged or missing pieces.
  • Check attic vent openings for nests or other blockages.
  • Caulk joints and minor cracks on exterior walls and siding.
  • Look for deteriorating finishes. Minor problems can be patched to preserve the wood. Put bigger jobs, such as scraping and refinishing painted or stained areas, on the calendar for next spring or early summer.
  • Drain and shut off sprinkler systems and other exterior water lines to avoid frozen and broken pipes.

In addition, if you live in Massachusetts visit http://www.masssave.com , they can provide you a free energy audit to help you find additional savings.

Christopher Terry is a licensed real estate broker in Ma and RI, has completed the Accredited Buyer Representative Certification, is a graduate of the Certified Distressed Property Institute, holds the prestigious CDPE designation, is a 4-Time winner of the Master Sales Society's 5/50 Award and is the founder of EZ Home Search Real Estate Inc.

Posted by Christopher Terry on November 8th, 2014 8:38 AM


Buy Fall River is a financing solution program for low and moderate income homebuyers who are purchasing properties in the City of Fall River.

 Buy Fall River program is supported by the Fall River/New Bedford Partnership Program which includes local lenders and support agencies such as BankFive, Bank of Fall River, Bristol County Saving Bank, Bristol Elders Services, Catholic Social Services, Bay Coast Bank, Fall River Affordable Housing Corporation, Fall River Community Development Agency, Fall River Municipal Credit Union, Fannie Mae, First Citizens Federal Credit Union, MassHousing, St Anne's Credit Union, Money Management International, New Bedford OHCD, New Center for Legal Advocacy.

The program offers low down payment options and fixed rate financing.

Benefits of the program are:
  • One fixed monthly payment
  • Mortgage insurance, if required, with mortgage payment protection. Borrowers are covered if they are ever unemployed.
Features Include:
  • Up to 100% financing w/no cash required on single families and condos
  • 97% financing available for 2 families (3% down)
  • 95% financing available for 3 and 4 families (5% down)
  • Approved community second mortgages allowed
Advantages:
  • Competitive interest rates
  • Lower monthly payment with low mortgage insurance coverage requirement
  • Even lower monthly mortgage insurance costs for low income borrowers
  • Fixed payment
For more details about this program contact one of the local community lenders or agencies above. E Z Home Search Real Estate offers a Free, No-Obligation First-Time Buyer Consultation where we walk you through the home buying process. For details visit: http://www.ezhomesearch.net/save.

Christopher Terry is a licensed real estate broker in Ma and RI, has completed the Accredited Buyer Representative Certification, is a graduate of the Certified Distressed Property Institute, holds the prestigious CDPE designation, is a 4-Time winner of the Master Sales Society's 5/50 Award and is the founder of EZ Home Search Real Estate Inc.
Posted in:General
Posted by Christopher Terry on October 23rd, 2014 12:54 PM
Header
Header_2
Listings Photo
$149,900.00
418 Hooper St

Tiverton, RI 02878



Beds: 2 Rooms: 5
Full Baths: 1 Sq. Ft.: 898
Garage: 0 Built: 1949
 

Great home at an affordable price.
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google? Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Chris Terry
EZ Home Search Real Estate
5086464777
www.ezhomesearch.net



 
  Visit this listing here
Posted in:General
Posted by Christopher Terry on October 16th, 2014 11:08 AM
Header
Header_2
Listings Photo
$229,900.00
28 Emmett St

Fall River, MA 02721



Beds: 4 Rooms: 8
Full Baths: 2 Sq. Ft.: 2436
Garage: 0 Built: 1963
 

Beautiful Custom Built Cape in Maplewood neighborhood. 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Fireplace, Large 2 Car Garage.
This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google? Earth satellite
images, and much more.
 

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Chris Terry
EZ Home Search Real Estate
5086464777
www.ezhomesearch.net



 
  Visit this listing here
Posted in:General
Posted by Christopher Terry on October 15th, 2014 3:50 AM

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