We’re delighted to announce that Alferes Realty has a brand new website, which officially launched on May 1.
Our goal was to build a site that gives our colleagues, customers, and neighbors a bright and interesting tool that is easy to use, and reflects our deep love and commitment for the South Coast region.
Our new property search tool is especially easy to use. If you’re looking to purchase or sell, be sure to sign up for My eLISTINGS, a terrific resource that brings daily real estate updates – based on your personal search criteria – right to your email box or desktop.
Take a spin through our pages, and let us know what you think!
May 1st, 2008
Robin and Jeffrey Canastra just completed their fifth annual Scallop Dinner fundraiser. The event was held on March 14 and was tremendously successful. The couple, along with many volunteers, raised $5000 to benefit the Shepherd’s Pantry. This year, they donated a portion of the proceeds to St. Mary’s Church to help with the cost of a new roof.
Over the last five years, a total of over $18,000 has been raised.
April 24th, 2008
What are the advantages to working with an independent agent like Alferes? “You get individualized service, tailor-made for your needs,” notes Tom Alferes. As an independent company, Alferes has the flexibility to adapt more quickly to changes in the market, and to respond to the specific needs of the area we serve.
Another advantage: Most of us have grown up here, or lived in the area long enough to qualify as ex-officio natives. We know our market inside and out, and so we would have a hard time stuffing our feet into a marketing shoe designed by a Madison Avenue franchise consultant.
Give us a try, and you’ll see that local ownership – and the awards and sales records to back it up – gives you the advantage when it’s time to buy or sell your property.
April 21st, 2008
Looking for an ageny to help you find a new home? Your buying experience with us will be similar to the following:
- We will sit down with you and determine what your particular needs are in the category of real estate you are looking to buy.
- Next, we will assist you with getting pre-approved financing (if you don’t already have it).
- Once we know what your approved price range is, we will begin searching the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to find the property meets all your needs.
- When you’re ready to make an offer, we will determine fair market value for that property by using comparable sales data, and then develop an offer that is most favorable for you.
- We will do all the negotiating for you, and keep you informed of all information that is given to us pertaining to the offer.
- Once your offer has been accepted, we will provide you with a list of home inspectors, closing attorneys, and any other professional services that you may need.
- We will accompany you to your closing to ensure everything goes smoothly, and to answer any questions you may have.
- Now you’re ready to start packing! Remember, when the deal is done, Alferes Realty is not. We will be here for you always, even after you have your keys in hand.
April 21st, 2008
We’ve all heard about the “L” word when it comes to real estate: location, location, location. But other variables are just as important in how quickly a house sells, and how close you get to your asking price. We call these the 3 C’s:
- Condition
- Cost, and
- Curb appeal
Which is the most important? They all are, but your buyers ultimately will be the judge. For example, move-in condition is vitally important to many buyers. But does a newly remodeled ranch trump a rickety Victorian? Not always. After all, the demand for vintage Victorian homes is high, and the supply is limited. If the Queen Anne-era house is authentic but a bit rickety, its condition might be less of a drawback to some buyers because they have their hearts set on this type of property.
The moral of the story is this: If your house only has one “L” going for – or maybe none at all – it’s our job to look at the 3 C’s and to work out a strategy that brings out the best in your property so that it will appeal to the right buyers. We’ve done it before, and can do it for you.
April 18th, 2008
Nothing can be quite as much fun for prospective home buyers as attending an open house. But like browsing in a boutique or test-driving a new car, the process can be either informative or blindingly seductive. How can you make sure that you remain in control? Here are a few tips that our seasoned agents have pulled together.
- No need to ring a bell or knock if an Open House sign is posted. Usually, there will be a note on the front door if you need to announce your presence more formally.
- Keep a pad of paper and pencil in your car so that you can be prepared for spontaneous tours. Bring it with you and jot down your observations as you go from room to room.
- If you bring a camera with you, ask the agent if photographs are permitted.
- Be sure to visit every room.
- How far along are you in your house-hunting process? If this is your very first step, and you are truly window shopping, be sure to let the agent on duty know this.
- If you have already teamed up with a Buyer’s Agent, let the agent on duty know this, too. If you don’t yet have an agent, the agent on duty may be a good candidate.
- Don’t expect to see everything and get answers to every question you have during an Open House, especially if it’s crowded. If the property really speaks to you, schedule an appointment for a more lengthy one-on-one viewing, which your agent can attend with you.
- Take off the rose-colored glasses, and pay attention to details. For example, if your current house has a postage-stamp kitchen and the one at the open house is huge, don’t let the size blind you to drawbacks that might exist. Look at the condition of the appliances, the location of work surfaces, the overall flow of foot traffic. This “to die for” kitchen may turn out to be a killer when it comes to upkeep and functionality.
April 17th, 2008
When you are looking at properties – perhaps in response to a newspaper ad, a For Sale sign, or an open house – your first contact with a real estate agent is likely to be with the Seller’s Agent. A Seller’s Agent is contractually obliged to represent the best interests of the person who currently owns the property. No matter how reputable, this agent’s efforts will be focused on securing the best possible outcome (regarding sales price and terms) for the Seller.
If you are eager to negotiate the lowest possible price and terms that benefit you, we encourage you to seek the services and counsel of a Buyer’s Agent. The Buyer’s Agent has the duty to represent the buyer’s interests only, to negotiate the lowest possible price with the best terms for the buyer, and to be honest and forthcoming with all information concerning the property you intend to purchase. What’s more, the Buyer’s Agent will also provide valuable counsel and time-saving services that enable you to continue with your regular responsibilities. For example:
- If you have found a property you like and are ready to make an offer, we will determine fair market value for that property by using comparable sales data, and then develop an offer that is most favorable for you.
- We will do all the negotiating for you, and keep you informed of all information that is given to us pertaining to the offer.
- Once your offer has been accepted, we will provide you with a list of home inspectors, closing attorneys, and any other professional services that you may need.
- We will accompany you to your closing to ensure everything goes smoothly, and to answer any questions you may have.
- Now you’re ready to start packing! Remember, when the deal is done, Alferes Realty is not. We will be here for you always, even after you have your keys in hand.
April 17th, 2008
At Alferes Realty, many of us are do-it-yourself kinds of people. We understand the appeal of taking charge of a project and reaping the rewards of seeing it through from start to finish.
Perhaps this is why the “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) concept is initially enticing to many prospective sellers. On the surface, it appears that with the right amount research, elbow grease, and the free time to conduct open houses and field inquiries from prospects, you can make a bigger profit than you would if you used a real estate agent.*
We really believe that if you feel up to the challenges and legal responsibilities, and have the time, patience, persistence and money, and are willing to learn and implement the entire process involved in selling your property, you should go for it. You might beat the odds. However, statistics show that most sellers who attempt a FSBO end up listing with a real estate professional.
If you decide somewhere along the way that it’s a lot more work and responsibility than you anticipated, give us a call. We’d be happy to sit down with you for a FREE consultation with no guilt trips, hassles, or pressures to list your home with us. After talking with us and you choose to continue with the FSBO process, we will respect your decision and always be available if you change your mind. But if you prefer to handle the ball over to us, we will enthusiastically roll up our sleeves and get to work.
It’s your call. We’ll be ready to answer it.
*On average, FSBO sale prices in Massachusetts are 13% lower than comparable house sales in which a Realtor was involved.
April 17th, 2008
Alferes Realty is pleased to announce that three of their Realtors – Darlene Alferes-Azevedo, Stacie Hallal-Moussa, and Melody Martin – have recieved their Brokers licenses after attending class with Anjos Realty Institute.
These three Realtors have also attended the GFRAR 2007 convention and successfully completed the R.I. Lead Hazard Awareness class.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them for furthering their education and knowledge of the real estate industry.
To contact these agents, you may reach them at 508-998-6900, or individually: Darlene (508-989-1263), Stacie (508-496-5975), and Melody (774-263-6027).
March 18th, 2008
Many first-time buyers come to us asking to view duplex or multi-family property. Their reason: the income from the extra unit(s) will help defray their monthly mortgage payments.
Our advice is to ask these buyers to think about their skills and lifestyle. Do they have strong fix-it skills, or a budget to cover handyman expenses if/when a repair to the renter’s unit is necessary? Do they have the time and personal skills to deal with the sometimes frequent interruptions that come from renters? Have they ever lived above (or below) another family? Most importantly, do they have a clear understanding of Massachusetts landlord/tenant law?
After thinking about these matters, some buyers conclude that it’s a wiser move to opt for a modest single family home or condominium, or to delay their purchases until they have accumulated a larger down-payment.
March 18th, 2008
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