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- 8 Answers
- 2 Useful Answers
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About Me
I am a native of Massachusetts and have been a real estate broker/agent in Sudbury and the towns west of Boston for 15 years. I love the area and helping people achieve their housing goals is the best! My business mostly from personal referrals from clients and colleagues and Internet. I value education and I work continuously to educate myself and my clients so they have the best information available to base their decisions.
My relationships with my clients and my professional associates are based on mutual respect, trust, and communication. I offer extensive on-line services and information, but nothing beats personal interaction and the opportunity to really listen to my clients, help them focus on what's important to them and make the buying and/or selling process as efficient and stress-free as possible.
I love to walk, read, listen to blues, soul, and jazz; and vacationing at the beach. I like volunteering and making decisions so I have served for more than a decade on a local planning board. I am also on the Board of Directors for the MA chapter of CRS (Certified Residential Specialists). I am a published blogger and market conditions reporter for multiple on-line networks. And, most important is spending time with my husband and the good friends that I appreciate so much.
My relationships with my clients and my professional associates are based on mutual respect, trust, and communication. I offer extensive on-line services and information, but nothing beats personal interaction and the opportunity to really listen to my clients, help them focus on what's important to them and make the buying and/or selling process as efficient and stress-free as possible.
I love to walk, read, listen to blues, soul, and jazz; and vacationing at the beach. I like volunteering and making decisions so I have served for more than a decade on a local planning board. I am also on the Board of Directors for the MA chapter of CRS (Certified Residential Specialists). I am a published blogger and market conditions reporter for multiple on-line networks. And, most important is spending time with my husband and the good friends that I appreciate so much.
My Q&A
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Marilyn Mess…'s Answers (8)
Marilyn Messenger answered:
Well, that depends on the seller and their agent, assuming the house is listed. Some sellers understand that an offer is "just an offer "; it's not personal; it's not even a reflection of what a buyer thinks he house is worth - it's really just the beginning of a discussion. Others take it personally, get stubborn and insulted. In this market some sellers are happy to have an offer from a qualified buyer and will try to negotiate - it depends on how long the house has been on the market, whether or not they've had a recent price reduction, why they are selling.
How an offer is presented makes a huge difference. Do you have a Buyer Agent who knows the market, how to negotiate with other agents, and is making sure that the seller's agent knows you are a serious, qualified buyer? Or, are you going directly to the seller's agent who doen't know or care about what you want? Buyers have no idea what goes on behind the scenes - it is so important to have the right agent representing you. If you're going directly to listing agents, don't expect much help - they're job is to help the seller, not you!
How an offer is presented makes a huge difference. Do you have a Buyer Agent who knows the market, how to negotiate with other agents, and is making sure that the seller's agent knows you are a serious, qualified buyer? Or, are you going directly to the seller's agent who doen't know or care about what you want? Buyers have no idea what goes on behind the scenes - it is so important to have the right agent representing you. If you're going directly to listing agents, don't expect much help - they're job is to help the seller, not you!
Marilyn Messenger answered:
Home prices are based on supply and demand. There are very few properties in Arlington for $219,000 and Arlington is a very high demand town, which is not to say the property may not be overpriced - the value of any property in any market is only worth what buyers are willing to pay.
An experienced buyer broker/agent who knows the local area will have the information you need to get the house you want for the best terms - an offer is more than price. If the house is listed with a real estate agent, they will pay a buyer agent, so there is no reason for you to go it alone. The seller has representation, why wouldn't you want a real estate professional working in your best interest? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If you would like help let me know - good luck, Marilyn
An experienced buyer broker/agent who knows the local area will have the information you need to get the house you want for the best terms - an offer is more than price. If the house is listed with a real estate agent, they will pay a buyer agent, so there is no reason for you to go it alone. The seller has representation, why wouldn't you want a real estate professional working in your best interest? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If you would like help let me know - good luck, Marilyn
Marilyn Messenger answered:
Home prices are based on supply and demand. There are very few properties in Arlington for $285,000 and Arlington is a very high demand town. An experienced buyer broker/agent who knows the local area will have the information you need to get the house you want for the best terms - an offer is more than price. If the house is listed with a real estate agent, they will pay a buyer agent, so there is no reason for you to go it alone - why not have someone working on your behalf? The seller has representation. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. If you would like help let me know - good luck, Marilyn
Marilyn Messenger answered:
Hi D, There are two ways to buy or sell a house. With representation and without. With representation you have an agent who works for you -in this case a Buyer Representative/Agent. That person should be an expert in the local market where you plan to buy - trying to do this on your own by comparing Lexington to other towns is not going to work. Every market and every house has it's own nuances and a professional with know what they are. I highly recommend that you sign up with a buyer agent. Make sure the agent is an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) and also look for a CRS - Certified Residential Specialist. - these are brokers/agents who are in the top 3.5% of all REALTORs nationally. Anyone can call themselves a buyer agent - you want someone who has the experience and education to represent you properly. If would like a recommendation for someone in Lexington -let me know. Good luck, Marilyn
Marilyn Messenger answered:
Hi DM - a condominium is a legal entity and is established according to all kinds of rules that involve both the state and the town. Amending documents can sometimes also require that the mortgage holders approve the changes, since they are really the ones that own the units -- they need to make sure that the changes meet their mortgage underwriting requirements. It will require an attorney and can be a long and costly process. Why go through all that? With the number of condos and homes on the market it's a lot easier to find another place to buy where you have more control. Good luck! Marilyn
My Blog Posts
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My Listings
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Specialties
Single family and townhouses - resales,and new construction. First-time buyers, move-up buyers, Seniors/over 55. Sudbury, Wayland, Weston, Maynard, Stow, Hudson and west of Boston. Looking outside my area, let me refer you to a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) anywhere is in the state or country.
Certifications & Awards
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) - the highest certification a residential agent/broker can earn - less than 4% of realtors nationally have earned this designation.
Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) - national designation; Certified Buyer Rep (CBR) - MA designation
Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) - helping clients over 50 years of age.
GRI - Graduate, Realtor Institute.
Licensed Broker - the highest license available to agents selling real estate. Most agents have a salespersion license that anyone can get by taking a weekend course and passing a test.
Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) - national designation; Certified Buyer Rep (CBR) - MA designation
Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) - helping clients over 50 years of age.
GRI - Graduate, Realtor Institute.
Licensed Broker - the highest license available to agents selling real estate. Most agents have a salespersion license that anyone can get by taking a weekend course and passing a test.
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