Great article from Realtor.com and it's not what you might think! Almost 30 years in this business, I've been asked the question many times: "What makes a great real estate agent?" My response would be, "What does 'great real estate agent' mean?" Makes the most money? Provides the best customer service? Accomplishes both of those goals with refined ethics?" 

Ideally, you would have a skill set that included not only a psychology degree but be as gifted as one of the most eminent psychologists of the 20th century, have legal experience equivalant to one of the most influential laywers in the world, possess the most powerful secrets of super negotiators, be in the top 500 for marketing & advertising, globally. And let us not forget patience; you would have to have the patience of Job.

Of course, I'm speaking dramatically and quite sarcastically, but seriously, none of the necessary skills required to be GREAT in this profession are magically granted upon passing the Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson License Exam. NONE. Anyone can attend the required hours and pass the test; many, who do, never go on to be great. Furthermore, we all measure "success" in our own way. I'm a big proponent of ethics, maybe because I like to sleep at night. I can say the same for my team.

Take a peek at this list of what your real estate agent SHOULD be doing behind your back. This is just a snapshot of what you should expect, in the least, when hiring a real estate PROFESSIONAL. Ask about experience, not how long they've had their license, ask how many transactions they've completed in the last year, 2 years, 5 years, etc. Ask for testimonials. Speaking of testimonials, here's a long list of the kind of service you can expect from Windhill Realty. Do your research. Your REALTOR® is your professional partner in one of the most important and largest business transactions of your financial history. Not getting the answers you need to make your decision? Call me. I'm not in sales. My job is to help people and that includes you!

Over the years there have been many down payment programs rolled out by by cities and towns that offered similar down payment assistance and guidelines; however, the funding was often limited and would run out quickly. This plan seems a bit more robust on the surface. The Boston Globe shares details on the new Mass Housing Down Payment Program here and it looks like "eastern Massachusetts" (Essex County?) falls into the median income guideline of $103,400 or less. What's your take? Have questions? Give us a call. We have seven preferred mortgage lenders who are willing to help you understand the mortgage process. 

Don't get shut out! Today's real estate market here on the north shore of Boston is tough! Be first to know about new listings! Like our facebook page. Often times new listings show up there first. It might help you get your foot in the door...or the key to the door!

New to the market and offer already accepted! THAT WAS FAST!!!   4 Fox Run Road, Ipswich, MA - Drenched in NATURAL LIGHT, this CONTEMPORARY COLONIAL is adorned with many TIMELESS DETAILS attributing to it's broad appeal. A LARGE SUNLIT KITCHEN w/SS APPLIANCES & GRANITE COUNTERTOPS opens to a CASUAL DINING area adjacent to one of the many EXTERIOR spaces to just sit & enjoy NATURE. The CLASSIC FLOW of the FLOOR PLAN highlights HW FLOORS throughout the main level adding warmth & casual elegance. The ample MASTER SUITE features a large CUSTOM WALK-IN CLOSET & spacious ENSUITE BATH. CUSTOM CLOSETS also in Bedrooms 2&3! The lower level FAMILY ROOM walks out to a deck w/PATIO ideal for ENTERTAINING or roasting marshmellows by the FIRE PIT. Enjoy a lovely CUL-DU-SAC neighborhood surrounded by FOREST & close to CONSERVATION LAND w/miles of HIKING/BIKING TRAILS. It is conveniently located close to DOWNTOWN IPSWICH, SHOPPING, TRAIN, RESTAURANTS, CSA FARMS, GREENBELT properties & just 7 miles to CRANE BEACH! An easy commute to BOSTON, NBPT, GLOUCESTER, EBSCO, NEW ENGLAND BIOLABS & areas NORTH. 

Check with our office for availability! The market is hot and moving fast. 978-356-8922. 

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. 

 

Top spots to live in Greater Boston in 2018 - Click here!

Wait. What? Okay, but it's more like, 'every year', not just 2018! Thank you Boston Globe for pointing out the obvious. Most here in Ipswich MA would like to keep it a secret but the secret is out! Boston Globe asks, "...who'd want to leave?" The answer is, "nobody!" The reason? "Warm and honest residents," says Kerrie Bates; I agree! 

 

Just listed by Aalin Hubbard! OPEN HOUSE's Sat. 5/5 10-12 & Sun. 5/6 11-1. Downtown classic mill style colonial on a picturesque dead end street in coastal downtown Ipswich. This home is in close proximity of the upper Ipswich River and playground just steps from the front door. This home also boasts 4 bedrooms, updated 1.5 bathrooms, and updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Hardwood and tile floors in living areas as well as berber wall to wall carpeting in bedrooms make for a homey and warm space throughout. Many updates include new energy efficient windows throughout, new stainless steel appliances, radiant heat in both bathrooms, and blown in insulation throughout. Town sewer is a great advantage of living in this downtown location! Move right in and experience what Ipswich, 30 min. north of Boston, has to offer including close proximity to downtown businesses including EBSCO and New England BioLabs, the riverwalk, picturesque Crane Beach, shopping, and MBTA commuter rail.  Full details on 4 Sixth Street, Ipswich here!

This just may be one of the best quotes I've read in my 33 years of being in real estate... “Just because you know a realtor doesn’t mean they’ll do the right job for you,’’ Presti said. “They may not be working full time in the business or have the right experience for selling the type of property you want to sell or they may not be committed enough to put your needs first.’’  "In fact, an experienced agent, if you listen to their counsel, can help you avoid most of these mistakes, save for one: picking the wrong one in the first place."

There are a lot of "realtors" with real estate licenses these days but it takes much more than a license to be a REALTOR®. Boston.com's article on The Things Home Sellers Do That Can Turn Off a Buyer or Kill a Sale hits the nail on the head! Great read if you're thinking about selling your home now or ever! 

Windhill's real estate advisors are experienced and willing to answer any questions you might have about the home buying or selling process. 

Have you seen Netflix's new show yet? "Marriage or Mortgage"? Being in the biz, we love the concept! No surprise that millennials lean towards putting off buying a home, which is especially understandable in the current market. The really interesting component of the show is for the guests who choose mortgage, the negotiating powers of an experienced real estate professional are on full display. The entire industry is cheering because for every seasoned full-time pro, there's someone out there with a newly acquired real estate license who just came on the scene. These are the moments that put us to the test! We thrive in these familiar waters! Going to bat for our clients is what we've been doing for years. It takes experience to work your way around 33 offers in bidding war, whether you are representing the buyer or the seller! It's a skill set that ends up being priceless for both buyers and sellers. In my 30+ years, this is the riskiest market for a FSBO (for-sale-by-owner) and for unrepresented buyers. Thank you NAR for pointing out Marriage or Mortgage and the critical role of real estate professionals!  And I quote, "Find yourself a good agent that you trust - a good negotiator, find an agent who has lots of experience." We agree!