- Blog

The Realtor Community Came Together to Celebrate a Most Generous Colleague, George Shahian

2014-04-07T21:24:44-04:00

In celebraton of George Shahian's life and generous spirit, area realtors contributed over $6,000 to Housing Families at an event at the China Sky last Monday evening.

A Brotherhood Like no Other

2014-04-02T13:15:09-04:00

We thank Lt. Edward Walsh Jr. and all his brothers in courage

Light Up Your World (the right way)

2014-03-27T12:39:39-04:00

When we real estate professionals look at homes we see

daily the difference the correct lighting can make. When

we consider lighting we aren't just talking about whether

or not the dining rom chandelier is included in the sale of

the home. This article give the most comprehensive

information about correctly lighting a home. Not only will

it make a difference when you sell but day to day life is

brighter when the light is right!

We're All at The Revere Hotel, Boston Common Today

2014-03-19T10:26:28-04:00

This event will help keep us on the leading edge!

Annette Gregorio with Dan Breault, Regional Director RE/MAX New England

Don't Buy Your Appliances on a Whim

2014-03-18T10:15:53-04:00

September, October, and January when manufacturers roll out new home appliance models, and retailers are eager to move last year’s inventory. (Refrigerators are the exception. New models come out in the spring.)

Last days of the month when stores are desperate to meet quotas and are more likely to dicker over prices.

Thursday, the day before the weekend rush when aisles are less crowded.

Major holidays — Labor Day, Memorial Day, President’s Day, Black Thursday (Friday, Saturday) — when stores take advantage of your day off and slash prices.

Fall and winter are the best seasons to buy air conditioners and gas grills, because few buyers think about warm-weather appliances when leaves and snow cover the ground.

Need Another Reason to Consider Selling?

2014-03-13T18:12:37-04:00

Need Another Reason to Consider Buying?

2014-03-12T10:38:10-04:00

REMINDER ! SPRING IS ON IT'S WAY

2014-03-08T14:08:49-05:00

The Griffin Museum: 8th Annual Taste At The Griffin

2014-03-06T13:44:19-05:00

The Griffin Museum: 8th Annual Taste At The Griffin  
Benefactor: Philip J. Vita – Vita Realty Group, RE/MAX Leading Edge

Looking for the perfect antidote for cold and snowy winter days?  Look no further - the TASTE at the Griffin is just weeks away! There is no better way to celebrate the coming of spring than by attending “The Taste”, Friday, March 28, 7:00 to 10:00 pm at the Griffin Museum of Photography, 67 Shore Road, Winchester, MA. Enjoy sumptuous fare and beverage samples from dozens of area restaurants and vendors. There will be an expanded heated, outdoor area to accommodate the increased number of restaurants, vendors, and attendees and free parking.

This event is 21+.  Tickets are $70 per person; this includes unlimited food, beer, and wine and spirit tastings. Tickets may be purchased at www.griffinmuseum.org , by calling 781-729-1158 or at the Griffin Museum, 67 Shore Road, Winchester.

Come sample springtime inspired food and beverages from dozens of surrounding area vendors while mingling with foodies and art lovers viewing the Griffin’s show, Photography Atelier 19 (March 6 – 30), and bid on the silent auction. All proceeds will go directly to benefit the Griffin's 7 photography galleries located in Winchester, Stoneham, Belmont and Cambridge.  

Highlights for this year’s “Taste” will be a craft spirit tasting with Winchester Wine and Spirits and sparkling wine samples from Pairings Wine and Food; food from Burton’s Grill, The Roast Coffee Co. (new to Winchester), China Sky, D’Agostino’s Foods, Flora Restaurant, Lucia Ristorante, Mama Bakes Cakes, Mamadou’s Artisan Bakery, Sea Dog Brew Pub, Something Sweet Without Wheat, and Whole Foods.

Benefector, Philip Vita's, higher-level of sponsorship helps provided support to the Griffin Museum’s exhibitions, events and programs.

Teeing it up for Children's Miracle Network

2014-03-03T14:18:03-05:00

Julis Sco

Julie Scott and Tina Endicott are getting ready to tee off at the Bali Hai Golf Club in Las Vegas. Again this year the RE/MAX R4 Convention is kicking off with a charity golf tournament to benefit kids in the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Don't know who the photo bomber is in the background. We'll probably never know since "what happens in Vegas...."

Realtor Magazine Reports that Home Improvement Dollars are Recouped upon Resale

2014-02-28T16:07:26-05:00

Midrange	2014 National Averages			New England
PROJECT	JOB COST	RESALE VALUE	COST RECOUPED	JOB COST	RESALE VALUE	COST RECOUPED	CHANGE VS 2013
Attic Bedroom	$49,438	$41,656	84.3%	$51,621	$44,732	87.0%
Backup Power Generator	$11,742	$7,922	67.5%	$12,049	$8,640	72.0%
Basement Remodel	$62,834	$48,777	77.6%	$66,029	$46,299	70.0%
Bathroom Addition	$38,186	$22,940	60.1%	$39,786	$23,193	58.0%
Bathroom Remodel	$16,128	$11,688	72.5%	$16,956	$12,477	74.0%
Deck Addition (composite)	$15,437	$11,476	74.3%	$15,733	$12,202	78.0%
Deck Addition (wood)	$9,539	$8,334	87.4%	$10,116	$10,219	101.0%
Entry Door Replacement (fiberglass)	$2,822	$1,997	70.8%	$2,848	$2,081	73.0%
Entry Door Replacement (steel)	$1,162	$1,122	96.6%	$1,183	$1,285	109.0%
Family Room Addition	$80,765	$55,540	68.8%	$85,074	$56,783	67.0%
Garage Addition	$49,911	$34,598	69.3%	$51,597	$35,199	68.0%
Garage Door Replacement	$1,534	$1,283	83.7%	$1,586	$1,353	85.0%
Home Office Remodel	$28,000	$13,697	48.9%	$29,058	$12,885	44.0%
Major Kitchen Remodel	$54,909	$40,732	74.2%	$56,878	$42,062	74.0%
Master Suite Addition	$103,844	$70,121	67.5%	$108,640	$82,571	76.0%
Minor Kitchen Remodel	$18,856	$15,585	82.7%	$19,554	$17,091	87.0%
Roofing Replacement	$18,913	$12,777	67.6%	$20,473	$14,762	72.0%
Siding Replacement (vinyl)	$11,475	$8,975	78.2%	$11,903	$11,079	93.0%
Sunroom Addition	$73,546	$38,011	51.7%	$75,840	$39,530	52.0%
Two-Story Addition	$155,365	$111,579	71.8%	$159,401	$120,938	76.0%
Window Replacement (vinyl)	$9,978	$7,857	78.7%	$10,252	$8,924	87.0%
Window Replacement (wood)	$10,926	$8,662	79.3%	$11,257	$9,446	84.0%

Upscale	2014 National Averages			New England
PROJECT	JOB COST	RESALE VALUE	COST RECOUPED	JOB COST	RESALE VALUE	COST RECOUPED	CHANGE VS 2013
Bathroom Addition	$72,538	$43,936	60.6%	$74,785	$44,692	60.0%
Bathroom Remodel	$51,374	$32,660	63.6%	$52,547	$33,836	64.0%
Deck Addition (composite)	$35,158	$22,881	65.1%	$36,220	$24,753	68.0%
Garage Addition	$82,311	$48,065	58.4%	$84,601	$47,105	56.0%
Garage Door Replacement	$2,791	$2,315	82.9%	$2,862	$2,483	87.0%
Grand Entrance (fiberglass)	$7,305	$5,163	70.7%	$7,376	$5,343	72.0%
Major Kitchen Remodel	$109,935	$69,973	63.6%	$112,487	$73,989	66.0%
Master Suite Addition	$224,989	$125,920	56.0%	$230,924	$124,528	54.0%
Roofing Replacement	$34,495	$21,731	63.0%	$38,788	$23,859	62.0%
Siding Replacement (fiber-cement)	$13,378	$11,645	87.0%	$13,914	$12,909	93.0%
Siding Replacement (foam-backed vinyl)	$14,236	$11,124	78.1%	$14,674	$12,802	87.0%
Window Replacement (vinyl)	$13,385	$10,252	76.6%	$13,582	$10,763	79.0%
Window Replacement (wood)	$16,798	$12,438	74.0%	$17,060	$13,192	77.0%

Tonight's the Night

2014-02-26T10:26:18-05:00

We're celebrating the launch of our new office in the Back Bay and the Best Places to Live issue of Boston Magazine

Turning the Family Home into a Model Home

2014-02-25T20:51:10-05:00

Breaking News for Real Estate Prices in Greater Boston By: Linda O'Koniewski

2014-02-20T15:38:12-05:00

Breaking News for Real Estate Prices in Greater Boston
by Linda O’Koniewski

Homeowners in and around the market that RE/MAX Leading Edge calls home, Boston and surrounding towns, will be thrilled to hear that home prices have reached an historic high.

Yes, your home is most likely worth more than it was at the height of the market, which we have identified as July, 2005, locally. According to MLS data, the median sale price of single family homes in our market area are worth more as of January, 2014, than they were at the high point of the market almost 9 years ago.

Home prices dipped to their lowest point in March of 2009 after the financial crisis (stock market crash and housing decline), which began a serious downward spiral in October, 2008.

The good news for folks who will be selling is that if they have improved or maintained their property condition, they will likely fetch more money now than ever before in the history of real estate.

What’s driving home prices? A strong local economy, consumer confidence, low interest rates and sparse inventory combine to push prices for Sellers.

Folks who bought in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 who were feeling “stuck” in their houses because they could not sell their home without bringing money to the closing table are in the best position they’ve been in since they bought their home.

But good news for Sellers is always bad news for Buyers who have been left frustrated in this market which often sees multiple offers on properties leaving some Buyers, well, homeless so to speak.

For Sellers looking to maximize their sale price, or Buyers seeking good strategies on how to operate in this market, RE/MAX Leading Edge has 175 agents who cover Eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire who can guide you at the highest level.

Training Our Associates to be theMost Effective Consultants in the Industry

2014-02-20T12:32:16-05:00

“Craig did a great job with the CEU class and there was a lot of very useful and informative information provided." - David Dalton, Newton office.

“Great job by Craig...my eyes usually glaze over when people talk about energy but he was awesome” - Deb Miller, Lynnfield office.

"Great job! Great content, well organized. Well worth the time, I came away with more knowledge" - Joanne Hoffman Sexeny, Winchester office.

These are just three of the many enthusiastic comments made by our associates after attending the Feb 19 CEU class. This class was the first of three delivered as part of collaboration between the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and RE/MAX Leading Edge. Our company believes that it is critical to bring an understanding of the ROI of various energy saving initiatives to homeowners, whether or not they are in a selling mode. “”Part of our ongoing mission (via our free Homeowners Seminars) is to give homeowners information to help them make educated choices when they are making improvements to their homes Conversely, homebuyers and professional appraisers need to be able to fairly value these improvements”, noted Linda O’Koniewski, owner and Director of Training.

A Canine Commentary on this Winter

2014-02-18T22:00:11-05:00

Easing Kids' Fears about the Move

2014-02-13T15:50:53-05:00

Parents who had just signed a P & S excitedly took their children to their new house, hoping to calm their young fears. As mom and dad walked the kids through the new house offering upbeat ideas about the adventures that were in store for the kids, the youngest child broke out in tears when he was shown his new bedroom (that he wouldn’t have to share with his brother). Puzzled, the parents asked what was wrong and the young boy explained between sobs, “but I like my own bed”.

As adults we often don’t take the time to understand their fears. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s a list of some things you can do to ease your child’s transition to a new home.

Look for children’s books about packing, moving and getting used to a new house. See what’s available at your local library, or search online for titles. There’s plenty to choose from.
Talk to your kids. Explain why you’re moving in an age-appropriate way. Keep it simple and clear. An older child will understand the concept of a job transfer but a younger child might find the idea of moving to a place with more room to play a more compelling explanation. Understanding the reason behind a move will help your child better absorb the reality.
Changing schools as the result of a move presents its own special challenges. If you have elementary-school age children, try to visit the new school with your child before he or she starts attending. Ask to meet the teachers, tour the classrooms, and maybe spend some time at the school with your youngster. Encourage your older children to do some online research into their new school; help them explore its academic opportunities, clubs and athletics.
Whenever possible, involve children in some of the decisions. If you’re looking at homes for sale together, ask them for their opinions. Ask where they’d place a bed and toys in their new room, or have them pick a new paint color.
You might be ready for new furniture and decor, but young children might have an easier time adjusting to a new home if some familiar pieces from the previous home stick around. So don’t rush to redecorate. Familiar items may ease your youngster’s transition.
Try to set up your child’s new room as soon as possible, even before the rest of the house is under control. Order, calm and your child’s favorite toys easily within reach will go a long way in making him or her feel settled.
If possible, revisit your former neighborhood or invite your child’s friends from there to your new place. That reconnection with the past, even if it’s brief, can help your child move forward.

Do You Know the Cost of Waiting?

2014-02-10T16:39:27-05:00

Let the Games Begin

2014-02-06T16:41:03-05:00

Best of luck to all the athletes participating in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics! What sport are you most looking forward to watching?

http://www.sochi2014.com/en

Who is the Super Bowl Champ? (in real estate, that is)

2014-02-02T13:18:05-05:00

As Seattle and Denver prepare to face off on Sunday in Super Bowl XLVIII, where do these cities score points when it comes to real estate?

ZipRealty Inc. recently compared the housing stats in Denver and Seattle to see which metro is better at “gaining yardage”; has the most “veteran” players; moves the fastest; offers the most expensive “players”; and features the best “coaching” staff, or real estate agents in this case. In other words, ZipRealty analyzed average lot size, new construction versus existing home sales, median days on the market, median sales price, and agent ratings and reviews on ZipRealty.com.

Here's how the two cities stacked up against one another:

1.) Which metro gains the most yards?
Denver’s average lot size: 74,636 square feet
Seattle’s average lot size: 60,754

2.) Where are the most veteran players located?
Denver’s percentage of new homes: 5.4%
Seattle’s percentage of new homes: 5.3%

3.) Whose players move the fastest?
Denver’s median days on the market: 18
Seattle’s median days on the market: 32

4.) Which metro has the most expensive players?
Denver’s median home sales price: $259,000
Seattle’s median home sales price: $285,849

5.) Whose coaching staff is the best?
(Based on ZipRealty’s agent ratings and reviews from customers)
Denver’s average agent ratings: 4.91 out of 5
Seattle: 4.84 out of 5

Compare some of the players’ real estate choices at realtor.com®. For example, it’s a duel for the most luxurious wine cellar: Denver’s quarterback Peyton Manning’s 16,600-square-foot mansion home versus Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch’s 7,000-square-foot, $3.6 million waterfront estate.

Source: ZipRealty

Let's Pedal Our Way to a Greener Planet

2014-01-28T18:50:18-05:00

If you are a biking enthsuast but not in shape for the Tour de France you could be

a candidate fo the Copenhagen Wheel. As we all try to be a better stewards

of our planet, here's an idea that might change our transportation habits.

Thank you MIT

Happy Birthday, Mac - 30 Years!

2014-01-24T20:22:58-05:00

Anyone remember what personal computing was like before the Mac was introduced?

2013 Overview

2014-01-22T11:08:25-05:00

Call your RE/MAX Leading Edge Agent for your town's stats

NAR has Always Supported the Goals of MLK

2014-01-20T13:30:29-05:00

The life of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. is closely linked to the National Association of REALTORS®. In the summer of 1966, he moved to Chicago and engaged in a series of marches, appealing to real estate practitioners in the city to end discriminatory housing practices. King's call for open housing led to the 1968 passage of the Fair Housing Act.

In February 2007, underscoring its mission to make home ownership viable for all Americans, NAR made a $1 million contribution to the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation.

Pat Vredevoogd Combs, then NAR president, remarked: “NAR is an outspoken advocate for fair housing, an ally in the fight against predatory lending practices, and an organization that prides itself on building communities. We are proud to be a part of the effort to build a permanent home to honor Dr. King on our National Mall.”

To this day, the Association continues to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. NAR's Diversity & Fair Housing Program enables REALTORS® to help buyers of any cultural background achieve the American dream of homeownership.

Manage Your Email Subscriptions with Unroll.me

2014-01-15T21:39:12-05:00

Of all the email newsletters and automatic email notices you receive on a weekly basis, how many are truly helpful? Odds are, very few. But is "manage my email subscriptions" ever a priority on your to-do list? It's almost easier to simply delete email than it is to navigate the unsubscribe or update your account's email preferences. Unfortunately, these little interruptions add up. They can distract you or divert you from important email. Unroll.me is a free service which allows you to clean up, consolidate, and automatically unsubscribe from the thousands of email messages that flood your inbox throughout the year. You'd be surprised how many email subscriptions you're "managing" on a monthly basis. It's not uncommon for people to discover upwards of 100 separate subscriptions. Check out Unroll.me if you're looking for a way to simplify inbox: https://unroll.me/