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Should You Still Buy or Sell

It’s no secret that the current housing market is more complicated than ever. Numbers alone do not tell the whole picture. We are still experiencing low inventory, and properties are selling – days on the market have not shifted significantly, but it’s important to price smartly. Buyers want to buy but are more risk-averse and less willing to reach past their comfort zone. The good news for buyers and sellers is we are in a market area that has traditionally been resilient. Although the 4th quarter may not see a price increase, we at CHS believe we will hold steady. Buying a home is not a short-term investment – even though this is a cautious market, we will have sellers who want to sell and buyers who need to buy. Things to keep in mind: Over the last year and a half we haven’t seen an increase in market price like this. In some areas the market is up almost 35%. So, as a seller it’s important to remember the value of your home today is already greater than it would have been at this time last year. As sellers voice concerns about missing the market window, we would say […]
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Preparing your Outside Spaces for Sale

Now that the warm weather is upon us, the exterior of a home is on full display to potential buyers. Here is our advice on a few small steps you can take to make sure your home “curb appeal” is at its best. Spruce up the landscaping The first thing potential buyers notice when they approach a home is the exterior. If your landscaping is overgrown and not maintained, it can hinder that “wow” moment. According to a 2019 study from HomeLight, a well landscaped home can sell anywhere between 1%-10% more than a home without landscaping. You can spruce up your simply by making sure your lawn is regularly maintained and mowed. Pruning your trees and bushes, along with adding some simple potted plants or planting some annuals are an inexpensive solution for showcasing your property.  Clean up the driveway/walkway Much like the landscape, a driveway or walkway is an important part of a home’s curb appeal. If these spaces are dirty, cracked, or have weeds sprouting up through cracks and crevices, it might be harder for potential buyers to see the beauty underneath. Simple solutions can go a long way. Try power washing to make the pavement shine, […]
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It’s Never Too Early

It’s never too early to start thinking about how to prepare your home for going on the market. One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need to know the exact time you plan to sell before starting the preparation. We’re here to tell you that that’s not true! We understand that getting started is the most difficult part; here are some tips on the early steps you can take to make the eventual process of selling easier. 1. The Semi-Annual Purge Things pile up. One of the most challenging obstacles when preparing your home for the market is figuring out what to do with all your stuff! Our friend, Professional Organizer Lisa Linard, wrote a blog for us on how to get rid of stuff fast once you’ve determined you want to sell. A great alternative is to stay on top of decluttering on a more regular basis. Take that spring and fall cleaning seriously and try to get rid of those unused items that are just sitting in the back of your closet. Once you decide to sell, the decluttering becomes way less stressful. 2. Taking it one room at a time Some spaces in your home do […]
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Introducing Wendy Matthews

At CHS, we are committed to providing a hands-on, full-service approach to your real estate needs. To provide our clients with the best possible results, we are always on the lookout for exceptional industry professionals to collaborate with or join our team. CHS Founder Irene Kerzner is very excited to announce that Wendy Matthews is the newest addition to the Concierge Home Sales team. Wendy knows the Greater Boston area like the back of her hand. She’s lived here for over three decades and worked in real estate since 1981. She specializes in servicing corporate relocation clients, empty nesters, growing families, and first-time buyers and comes with a stellar reputation for her purpose-driven approach that has resulted in many repeat clients and referrals. In addition to a successful career, Wendy has taught in the Boston Public Schools’ Early Childhood Program and has served as a Mayoral appointee on one of Newton’s Historic District Commissions for several years. We look forward to having Wendy as a valued member of our team, allowing us to provide top-notch services to even more clients — Welcome, Wendy!
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Decluttering on a Deadline

By Lisa Linard, Professional Organizer   So you’ve decided to sell your house and you need to get rid of stuff…fast. Chances are you’ve got a deadline and the thought of decluttering in a short time frame is making you anxious. First, take a deep breath. You’ve got this! You can follow these steps to make the process less daunting, more efficient, and (dare I say it?) more fun.   1. Determine your “why” Why do you want or need to declutter? Some of your reasons might be your own, and some might be suggested by your real estate agent or home stager. Do you want to: Fit all of your belongings into your new, smaller home? Remove personal items for an open house? Get rid of a storage unit? Prepare your home for staging? Make unpacking in your new home go more quickly? Your “why” might be one of these, none of these, or all of these! Write your “whys” down so you can refer back to them if you need to refocus. They will be your North Star.   2. Prioritize and set goals Let’s face it, if you have a short period of time to accomplish your […]
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New on the Market: Hot Finds in Brookline

Much like the weather, the housing market is heating up, and Brookline is hotter than ever! These beautiful properties won’t last long, so if you’re in the market for a new home be sure to contact us for more information before it’s too late. As always, you can stay up-to-date on all our listings and open houses by following us on Facebook and Instagram! Irene Kerzner Phone: 617-731-4644 x347 Email: ikerzner@HammondRE.com   111 Bonad Road, South Brookline/Chestnut Hill $995,000 This striking contemporary-style residence with three bedrooms has a wonderful open floor plan suitable for casual living as well as entertaining. The spacious dining area opens to a large deck and a beautifully landscaped yard with a 2016 retaining wall — perfect for al fresco dining. The main level also features a kitchen with a breakfast bar, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances; a gracious living room with a large fireplace; a 2014 half bathroom; and direct entry into the two-car garage. The second level is comprised of a delightful master bedroom with a walk-in closet and a 2011 bathroom plus two other generously-sized bedrooms and a bathroom. Further enhancing this property are a finished lower level with a full bathroom, steam […]
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You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression

We can always count on the New England weather to throw us for a loop. The combination of blizzards, bomb cyclones, and freezing rain this April has not only delayed spring but also shortened what is typically the busy season for the real estate industry. Now that we’re FINALLY starting to see some peeks of sun, it’s the perfect time to assess your home and edit, edit, edit. Exteriors took a real beating this winter. Painting, landscaping & yard work, gutter repairs, driveway improvements, front porch sprucing, and fence replacements are the most common damage that affects homeowners during the winter, and if you are trying to sell your home, it is crucial to make these projects a priority. The phrase, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” couldn’t be truer when putting your home on the market. So, think carefully about that first impression. It starts the moment someone steps out of their car — take a look at your home through the eyes of the buyer and ask yourself, “is this home well cared for?” “is it in good condition?”. That perception often starts on the outside even before a buyer has stepped through […]
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