Thinking about buying or selling? Either way, unless your next step is renting, you will want to read this...

Mortgage rates are at their highest levels in 4+ years and there's potential for further increases this year. The National Association of REALTORS® shared a relatable example of what this could mean for the average mortagee: On a $300,000 house with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and 20 percent down payment, the difference between a 4 percent and 5 percent mortgage rate is $142 a month. Calculated over the life of the loan, that is more than an extra $51,000. Read the full article here.

Looking for direction? Reach out to us any time 978-356-8922 info@WindhillRealty.com. Our team is prepared to answer any questions you 

Ipswich MA is home to a vibrant boating community. The back side of Crane Beach on any given summer day will host a large number of boaters. Ipswich Bay Yacht Club will soon be surrounded by a full field of occupied moorings. Our United States Coast Guard will be running a beginner boating class at the Ipswich Town Hall and it will cover boating law, boat safety, equipment, navigation, trailering, storing, fishing, water-skiing and river boating. Reserve your spot today here...it starts April 9th.

Beverly on the North Shore of Boston, Masschusetts - A charming seaside community with miles of coastline, islands, oceanscapes, open space, home to the Cummings Center, Beverly Hospital, Endicott College, Montserrat College of Art, Prides Crossing, Beverly Farms, Beverly Cove, numerous marinas, yacht clubs, The Cabot Theatre, 5 MBTA commuter rail stations a thriving town center and so much more...watch!

The media has a lot to say about the current real estate market. It's true; we are seeing multiple offers and bidding wars on certain properties north of Boston. The interesting reality, here in our small corner of the country, is that things look quite similar year-to-date this year as they did last year. Note that the days on market is a smaller window, which makes sense, meaning listings are getting snagged quicker which is condusive to a spring (fever) market. 

Beautifully renovated Great Neck home with addition of 900 square feet of living space in 2003. Home takes full advantage of AMAZING ever-changing panoramic views reaching to New Hampshire and Maine over Plum Island Sound, Eagle Hill, the Rowley & Parker Rivers, Plum Island Creek, marshes & our magnificent ocean. Direct access to  Ipswich Bay across street with possible mooring option. Large, open concept living areas & decks which makes for great entertaining inside & out. Plenty of storage, large walk out lower level with heated mud room area, den, workshop with built-ins & laundry area. Home has 1 bdrm septic but can accommodate guests in 3 other rooms. Vacation every day. Enjoy bird watching, boating, storm watching, or just relaxing on the deck or beach with a book. Great Neck offers a private beach for residents only. There's also nearby Pavilion Beach, Ipswich Bay Yacht Club and Crane Beach, the train into Boston, unlimited nature trails, an historic downtown with great restaurants and shops. https://www.windhillrealty.com/listing/72299300/31-north-ridge-road-ipswich-ma/

Yes, Boston was one of America's Hottest Markets for Real Estate in 2017. Here on the north shore we concur. The current, extremely tight real estate inventory is causing bidding wars and the result is (too) many disappointed, discouraged and frustrated buyers. If you're actively looking to 'get your foot in the door', literally, we are here to help. This would be a great time for you to be in a 'committed relationship' with a REALTOR® you trust. Ask friends and family for a referral, search online and read some REALTOR® bios, then interview a few real estate professionals (more than 1!). It's a little like dating; you'll know when you've found the right fit. There are at least 10 ways to help get your offer accepted in a seller's market (thank you Inhouse Realty!) and if 'your agent' is working on your behalf you know what I'm talking about. One powerful tool in a real estate professional's repertoire is an escalation clause. An escalation clause is language added to an offer that states that you are willing to out-bid any other offer up to a certain dollar amount, with a cap or maximum of what you are willing to pay. Escalation clauses aren't for everyone but an educated buyer should be fully aware. Our agents are well-versed in how to best compete in the current highly-competetive real estate market. Give us a call or reach out via web/email and put your best foot forward! 

Speaking of committed relationships, have you heard about how the real estate love letter has helped many of our home buyers get their offer accepted? Tune in to next week's blog...