Distinctive Homes Magazine - Boston - Volume 4 Issue 3 - (Page 5)

We’ve asked Lillian Montalto, the Broker/Owner of Lillian Montalto Signature Properties to eld some questions sent to us by readers, as her experience and Real Estate market knowledge has made her one of the most successful boutique real estate brokers in the country! Q: How long will my house sit on the market if I list it today? It all depends on the “price” you list your home at. is is not a market to test by pricing high. You have a lot of competition out there and you should be the most appealing home in both condition and price against your competition. e ideal position is to have buyers walk into the other homes and have those homes sell your home because the buyer perceives your home to be the best value in that price range. Q: What does a home stager do and do I need one? Most homes do need a stager. e way we live in a home and the way we present it for sale are totally di erent. It is very di cult for a seller to step back and be critical about what needs to be decluttered, rearranged to give the perception of great space, freshened with paint, etc. A few cans of paint may bring you thousands of dollars in your sale price. Make sure the Realtor you hire “tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear”. is is great example of why you should avoid listing with a friend. A friend most o en times will not want to hurt your feelings about the interior condition of your home. Q: I’ve heard horror stories about moving companies holding people’s belongings for ransom. How can I make sure this doesn’t happen to me? How can I make sure the rate quoted to me is the rate I will pay to move? I’ve heard stories about people having to pay thousands more once their belongings are delivered. I’m going to defer this question to Jon Rapp, the General Manager of Graebel New England Movers, Inc. Jon answers, “Never select a mover on price alone. By gathering three written estimates, you can identify unrealistically low prices that could mean extra charges later. Compare estimates and all other services for a thorough picture of your total costs, and always require a physical in-home estimate. Seeing rsthand the size and quantity of your goods is the only way to e ectively estimate costs.” Movers are legally required to deliver your goods for no more than 10-percent above a non-binding estimate unless you change the scope of services a er the estimate was provided. Question your mover if they require an upfront deposit or pre-payment in cash. If so, stop the move. Always ask about additional fees and get answers in writing. Never let your mover leave before you receive a written copy of your contract, inventory paperwork, and any possible guarantees or warranties. You should also ask for your driver’s full name, driver’s license i.d., truck number, and cell phone for easy contact during the move. When an interstate move takes place, Federal law requites movers provide you with a Rights and Responsibilities booklet. Read the entire booklet as it explains what to expect from your mover.” Q: Why do I need a real estate attorney if I am selling a home? I think the answer to this question can be best answered by a legal professional. I’ve asked Bill Dalton, a partner at Dalton & Finegold, LLP in Andover to eld this inquiry. “Selling a home can bring up a myriad of problems. Undischarged mortgages, outstanding taxes, payo s, and proper deed preparation are just a few of the challenges that can arise. A real estate attorney can help guide you through the challenges and ensure a smooth transaction. Most real estate attorneys are willing to help you with both your sale and your purchase. Dealing with one law o ce can make your transactions less stressful.” If you have any questions you would like to direct toward Lillian or her partners, Jon Rapp or Bill Dalton, please email Lillian directly at: Lillian@DistinctiveHomesBoston.com. Should you be in need of a Real Estate expert contact Lillian directly at 888.861.0001. �sk �illian by Lillian Montalto

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Distinctive Homes Magazine - Boston - Volume 4 Issue 3

Distinctive Homes Magazine - Boston - Volume 4 Issue 3 Ask Lillian Welcome, Sandy Thompson Tips for Lowering Your Monthly Energy Bill

Distinctive Homes Magazine - Boston - Volume 4 Issue 3

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