Forbes published an informative perspective that echoes what we are experiencing here in our neighborhoods, north of Boston. 

"It's important to remember that people have to buy and sell homes in any market." An accurate statement and why I believe the real estate industry was deemed essential in Massachusetts. Our experience thus far has been that there are a multitude of buyers out there, still needing and wanting to buy. Buyers who are willing to abide by stringent showing instructions necessitated by Covid-19 represent a new level of seriousness, eliminating the "lookey-loos" and tire kickers.

Forbes makes a good point, "working with a strong real estate agent is even more vital now than ever before". Why? Because, of course many sellers who have taken their homes off the market for various personal reasons due to the pandemic but that does not mean they don't want/need to sell. It more likely means that they do not want showings right now. A professional Realtor embedded in their community is a key part of that equation, more so now than ever. Forbes' Key Questions for Buyer or Selling a Home During the Pandemic offers some valuable insight and guidance for those of us who need it.

We've been here for you since we opened our doors 15 years ago and we are still here, for you. 

Here in Ipswich, MA as well as across the north shore, we have a high number of septic systems and Title V is commonly part of most real estate transactions. We make it a priority to be well-informed and current on all changes by having regular sessions with our board of health director and constant information sharing. There are many nuances to managing a transaction with a septic system and I highly recommend you hire an agent who truly understands Title V. Thank you to the Massachusetts Association of Realtors for sharing these important facts: 

Q. I am selling a home that has a failed Title 5 inspection. What are my seller’s options?

A. Aside from very limited circumstances, a property must have a passing Title 5 inspection within 2 years before a transfer takes place. An inspection is not required before a transfer in the following situations:

1.     Refinancing or any situation where no new parties are introduced;

2.     a transfer between spouses;

3.     a transfer between parents and child(ren);

4.     a transfer between full siblings; and

5.     where the property is held in a trust.

A property owner or buyer of a property with a failed inspection may also enter into an enforceable agreement with the Board of Health requiring them to upgrade the system or connect to the public sewer within 2 years following the transfer of title. If a property owner has entered into this type of agreement, they must disclose it to prospective buyers, and it must be binding on subsequent owners.

The most straightforward option available to sellers with a failed Title 5 inspection is to repair or replace the system prior to transfer. However, this may not be a viable option for all sellers because of the expense involved. In these situations, the seller and buyer may negotiate a resolution that satisfies both the requirements of the law as well as the financial well-being of all parties involved.

Have you heard the term "Gateway City" yet? Massachusetts has a relatively short list of cities that have been designated as such. Why is that important? In terms of first-time buyers working hard to break into this tight real estate market, it means they have two new options for down payment assistance. (Mass housing says you do not have to be a first-time buyer if you are purchasing in Boston, Chelsea, Cambridge, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lynn, North Adams and Somerville.)

Option 1: Qualified buyers who earn up to 100% of the area media income (or 135% of AMI in Boston or a Gateway City*) can get down payment assistance of up to 5% of the purchase price or $15,000, whichever is less. Eligible properties are single families, condos and 2, 3 and 4 family homes. Down payment assistance comes in the form of a second mortgage loan with a 2% interest rate and a 15 year term. 

Option 2: Qualified buyers who earn up to 80% of the area median income and who buy in Boston or a Gateway City* can get down payment assistance of up to 3% of the purchase price or $15,000, whichever is less. Eligible properties are single families and condos. Down payment assistance comes in the form of a second mortgage loan with a 1% interest rate and a 15 year term. 

I know what your next question is.."Where are the gateway cities in Massachusetts?" *PEABODY, SALEM, LYNN, HAVERHILL, REVERE, Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Malden, Methuen, New Bedford, Pittsfield, Quincy, Springfield, Taunton, Westfield, Worcester.

For more information give us a call at 978-356-8922 and work with one of our north shore real estate specialists in combination with an experienced lender. 

Mayor Marty Walsh said Monday that after months of working with the City Council, he signed a home rule petition that would give Boston the ability to implement a transfer fee of up to two percent on the purchase price of any private real estate sale over $2 million. Read the US News Report here.

If approved, the cost of the fee would be split between the purchaser and seller. The funding generated would go to the Neighborhood Housing Trust Fund or would be appropriated through the annual budget process to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing in the city.

Currently Sellers pay for a mandatory real estate tax stamps at the rate of $4.56 per thousand for all Massachusetts sales with a few counties charging more.

My estimations show that in 2019 with 80,000+ sales in MA this year (not including auction or non-mls) with a volume of $41,581,812,351…Wouldn’t that be $189 million paid in tax stamps in 2019? Where does that money go?

Team Windhill bowling for a great cause at Kings in Lynnfield. Our six strong bowlers Kathy Hughes, Tracey Berger, Aalin Hubbard, Nicole DiCarlo, Tim Lasquade and Shawn Cayer got a boost from Aalin with her strike streak and the entire Windhill Warrior team made the most noise at this sold-out evening! Sarah Winderlin, Andrea Della Valle, [...]

Born and raised in Ipswich, Tracey can appreciate the beauty of the North Shore and all it has to offer. Keeping her thumb on the pulse of Ipswich through work and play has kept her close to home and tied to the community. Once employed by Hills Family Store, The Clam Box, Agawam Diner and lifeguarding at Pavilion Beach, you could say Tracey has the local landmarks covered!  She also has a unique insight into the Ipswich school system as a volunteer and substitute teacher. Also, her humor and wit will undoubtedly make your buying and selling experience with her unforgettable!

Having purchased and sold 3 of her own homes, including one in-town and one on Great Neck, Tracey understands the importance of a positive customer experience and has often been complimented on her professionalism and genuine care for others. Maintaining friendships and family connections are important to her and are on the forefront of her mind when helping to select a home or neighborhood. Strong customer service skills will assure that she will always get back to you in a timely manner and will never leave you in the lurch.

A graduate of Westfield State College, Tracey began her career at Massachusetts General Hospital in procurement, contracts & accounts payable.  That experience has gifted her a key skill set of precise planning and attention to detail. Later, joining forces with a top-producing Windhill agent, as a marketing assistant, Tracey gained the knowledge needed to succeed in real estate. That’s how she got the real estate bug!

Experiencing the “sandwich generation” first hand, caring for her handicapped mother after her father’s passing, Tracey renovated her own home, which gave her insight into the building process and the care that needs to be taken so that no detail is overlooked.  Through that caregiver role, Tracey’s experience with delicate choices that sometimes need to be made along with her compassion will inevitably transfer over to the service she provides her clients. Everyone’s story is different.  There is no cookie-cutter approach to life’s curveballs.  Tracey knows that the buying and selling process can be stressful and her life experience compels her to ensure that the process is smooth and seamless. 

Tracey makes her home in Ipswich with her husband, Eric and their children, Audrey and Nathan.  In her spare time, Tracey enjoys traveling in her RV with her dog, Billy.