Monthly newsletter

Monthly newsletter Megan's monthly newsletter with tips for buyers and sellers and update on current market conditions. http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/blog/1374A71E-5E58-4215-88FC-3F34745F7174/Monthly-newsletter Tuesday, July 26, 2011 10:44:00 AM Megan Tolland Copyright en-us RLS2000.com mtolland@hotmail.com (Megan Tolland) support@rls2000.com (RLS2000.com inc) selling homes buying homes Megan Tolland February Newsletter

Interested in cutting your electric bill by about 20%?

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Recently I investigated installing solar panels on our home. The "new solar panels” are not those huge clunky things of the 80’s, they are much thinner and sleeker now. The best part? They are FREE to have installed and they save on average 20-25% of your current electric bill and they guarantee that rate will be FIXED for thirty years! That means no increase in energy costs over the next thirty years on your home.

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You do need to qualify, and your house or garage must have a southern facing roof, but if you are interested call me and I’ll get you in touch with my solar company.

NAR Home Buyer and Seller Survey Reflects Tight Credit Conditions

Recent home buyers are staying well within their means with notably higher incomes and modestly higher down payments than buyers in the previous year, due to the restrictive mortgage credit...

Mortgage Defaults: Signs of Recovery

The UFA Default Risk Index for the fourth quarter of 2011 edged lower to 131 from last quarter's revised 133, which suggests that residential mortgage default and prepayment risks are continuing...

Back to Basics; 8 common sense tips for maintaining a safe Internet environment in your home.

1. Discussion. Discussion. Discussion. Parents must have a good sense about what's going on in their kids' online worlds. Since Facebooking has become a daily routine for kids, it needs to be part...

The Cost of Not Paying Attention

Three out of every four motorists are focusing on something other than driving, while driving, according to a 2010 poll conducted by Leger Marketing. With the aim of shedding light on the fact that...

Movie: Green Home Market

Movie Title: Green Home Market Description: The market for new "green" home construction is influenced by many factors, including local jump start...

]]> Friday, February 10, 2012 1:48:00 PM B5D4584C-20EA-4140-A667-7E4F8F346BC6 http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/article/B5D4584C-20EA-4140-A667-7E4F8F346BC6 mtolland@hotmail.com (Megan Tolland) http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/article/B5D4584C-20EA-4140-A667-7E4F8F346BC6#comments solar green energy reducing electric bills electricity cost savings January Newsletter

Our Soldiers Return!

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Did you know veterans may purchase a home with no money down?

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The VA loan allows veterans to purchase a home with 100% financing. If you know a veteran that is returning, or perhaps on that is living here renting please pass this information along. They will need a small amount to put down with an offer, and to be able to pay some closing costs, but the total amount needed should be less than $2,500 in most cases.

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WHAT CAN A VA LOAN BE USED FOR?

1. To buy a home, including townhouse or condominium unit in a VA-approved project.

2. To build a home.

3. To simultaneously purchase and improve a home.

4. To improve a home by installing energy-related features such as solar or heating/cooling systems, water heaters, insulation, weather-stripping/ caulking, storm windows/doors or other energy efficient improvements approved by the lender and VA. These features may be added with the purchase of an existing dwelling or by refinancing a home owned and occupied by the veteran. A loan can be increased up to $3,000 based on documented costs or up to $6,000 if the increase in the mortgage payment is offset by the expected reduction in utility costs. A refinancing loan may not exceed 90 percent of the appraised value plus the costs of the improvements. Check with a lender or VA for details.

5. To refinance an existing home loan up to 90 percent of the VA-established reasonable value or to refinance an existing VA loan to reduce the interest rate.

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Contact me for more information!

Kiplinger’s Housing Forecast: Positive Signs Offset the Negative
The median home price in the U.S. has plunged nearly 40% in a little over five years, but the worst is definitely over, according to a recent report by Kiplinger: The market has finally wrung out the.

Credit scores: What you see and what your lender sees
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a report recently examining the differences between credit scores sold to consumers and scores used by lenders to make credit decisions."The.

Does Your Kitchen Work Like a Dream?
Forget about the living room; the kitchen is the social hub of a home. Today's homeowners want their kitchens to reflect their personal tastes and accommodate their daily lives; however, a kitchen...

Almost Half of Americans Do Not Track Their Spending Against a Monthly Budget
A study released recently by Bankrate.com found that only 58% of Americans track their spending against a monthly budget. The study was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International.

Movie: Home Equity Loans
Movie Title: Home Equity Loans Description: Are you considering a taking out a home equity loan? Learn more about the financial benefits and risks of home equity..

]]> Tuesday, January 10, 2012 5:11:00 PM 80EC2AFC-C39E-46A9-89FD-FCBFE431BA73 http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/article/80EC2AFC-C39E-46A9-89FD-FCBFE431BA73 mtolland@hotmail.com (Megan Tolland) http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/article/80EC2AFC-C39E-46A9-89FD-FCBFE431BA73#comments loans for vetrans no money down loan va loans va homes va financing November Newsletter

Winter is a fantastic time to purchase a home or investment property. Right now there are few buyers and lots of inventory. If you know someone considering a purchase please send me their info and I'll take great care of them!

"Wishing you all the best this season has to offer! "

Megan Tolland

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Back in Action: Consumer Confidence on the Rise?

Consumer confidence improved in November, rising 15 points and reaching its highest level since July. With consumers' view of business conditions perking up, and their opinion on job conditions...

Investor Sales Surge

Low home prices and strong demand for rental properties are causing a surge in investor buying, driving up the market share of homes purchased by investors.According to the latest Campbell/Inside...

Proactive Car Care Pays Off Down the Road

Gas prices and tough economic conditions are affecting Americans' driving and spending habits. According to a recent survey sponsored by AutoZone, more than half of U.S. drivers are making sacrifices.

10 Ways to Make a Small Room Look Larger

Most people have one: that room in the house that they wish was just a little larger. What many don't realize is that with a little work and some TLC, they could have exactly what they're looking...

Movie: Economic Recovery

Movie Title: Economic Recovery Description: A dozen US markets are showing sustained growth and recovery from the economic downturn. Which areas are showing the...

]]> Tuesday, November 22, 2011 10:28:00 AM 79483079-3BE8-4704-83C6-BCC26D5B6BA5 http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/article/79483079-3BE8-4704-83C6-BCC26D5B6BA5 mtolland@hotmail.com (Megan Tolland) http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/article/79483079-3BE8-4704-83C6-BCC26D5B6BA5#comments Housing Inventory October Newsletter

October! Yes, real estate is still selling, we are seeing most activity/ pending sales occurring in the $200-$375k price point for single family sales in the Metro-west area. We are now at record low interest rates, as low as 3.5% for a 15 year mortgage and about 4% for a 30 yr fixed!

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In addition to that veterans are able to buy with no money down! If you know of anyone returning from military service please let them know to contact me for more information.

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By the way I’m never too busy for your referrals, if you know of someone thinking about buying or selling real estate please send me their name and number and I’ll take great care of them!

How to get your home more energy efficient for FREE:

Did you know Massachusetts homeowners can have and energy assessment for absolutely no charge? I’ve done it myself so feel free to call me to discuss what they did for my home, Mass Save is a...

Living on a Budget - Home Remedies Better, Cheaper

At a time when it seems that prices are soaring everywhere we look, it is no wonder that cost conscious homemakers are now saying, "Ouch!" at the cost of some popular household cleaning...

Saving Strategies That Work

If you find spending money a lot easier than saving it, you may need to back your way into some out-of-the-box savings strategies, say the financial mavens at Money Magazine, who offer seven ways.

Six Tips For Free Vacation Perks

So you think you can't afford a vacation. "Well, maybe you can't this year," says Laguna Beach travel consultant Ricardo Gomez. "But if you play your cards right, you can plan ahead for a 2012...

A Moving Guide for Pets

Moving to a new home and a new town can be challenging, especially when the move involves a beloved family pet. In order to meet the needs of families facing this difficult transition,...

Movie: Finding a Home that’s right for you

Movie Title: Finding a Home that's right for you Description: Finding in a new home for you can be tough, even in today's market. Here are a few steps to help...

Mortgage Calculators - Links

1015 Highland Street
Holliston, MA
$644,900

206 Allandale
Boston, MA
$$895,000

88 Londonderry Road
Framingham, MA
$269,900

]]> Saturday, October 08, 2011 2:02:00 PM F6343032-CC8D-48E9-9EF9-3B82E164E34E http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/article/F6343032-CC8D-48E9-9EF9-3B82E164E34E mtolland@hotmail.com (Megan Tolland) http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/article/F6343032-CC8D-48E9-9EF9-3B82E164E34E#comments interest rate military purchase energy assesment moving pets September Newsletter

September's Hurricane Edition

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Did you know that I could recommend all sorts of professional to help with the clean up/ repair work from the storm? Let me know if you need a recommendation for a tree service, carpet company, electrician, landscaper, home insurance rep, carpenter etc…And if you were quite frightened I also have a great life insurance and estate planning contact!

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Many of these people came recommended to me by my clients so if you have someone you feel provides excellent service please email me their info, people new to the area are always asking me for reputable people!

Megan

Making the Most of Small Rooms

"There are no small rooms," says Trudy DeFalco, a Palm Springs, Calif. decorator who specializes in maximizing the space in smallish vacation condos. "But there are ways to enhance visual space...

10 Tips for a Successful Garage Sale

Whether your goal is to thin out the household clutter or simply to take in some extra cash, having a garage sale is a good way to get the whole family to help you reach the goal. "Nothing...

Basement Flooding, Debunked

Most basements will suffer some form of basement flooding at some point in their life, simply due to their location as the lowest point in the home. So property owners who have basements should...

8 Tips for Protecting Kids from Cyberbullies

1. Discussion. Discussion. Discussion. Parents must have a good sense about what's going on in their kids' online worlds. Since Facebooking has become a daily routine for kids, it...

Movie: If I Knew Then...

Movie Title: If I Knew Then... Description: Buying a home can be a tough experience, especially if it's your first time. Get tips from experienced home owners so you don't...

]]> Tuesday, September 06, 2011 4:23:00 PM D1DC4296-C277-4B6E-8939-4F1B094C9E14 http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/article/D1DC4296-C277-4B6E-8939-4F1B094C9E14 mtolland@hotmail.com (Megan Tolland) http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/article/D1DC4296-C277-4B6E-8939-4F1B094C9E14#comments recommended electricians carpet cleaners tree service home insurance carpenters August Newsletter

Megan's Market Update

Wondering how the market is doing now compared to last year?

Comparing last years single family July sales to this year: In Framingham July 2010 there were 35 single family sales with an average price of $310k and 81 days of marketing time. July 2011 has 29 sales with an average sales price of $328k and 89 days of marketing time.

For condos last July there were 10 sales per MLS with an average price of $105k. This July there are 5 sales reported with an average sales price of $99k. This may be due to more difficulty in condo financing options.

For the record "July is the first "apples to apples" comparison from last year as the 2010 homebuyer tax credit ended last June.

Top Trend in Kitchen Remodeling Uncovered

For years, we've heard that if you want to sell your home, start by remodeling your kitchen. Why? Because it has the highest return on investment. But in today's age, when most homeowners are...

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9 Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed by Rogue Movers

Each year, about 15 million American households move, and the majority do so during peak moving season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. By planning ahead and doing some simple research, consumers can.

more >>

Small Money Saving Tips That Add Up

By Barbara Pronin Let's face it: A dollar only goes so far, especially these days with the price of gasoline at outrageous highs. Saving, for many, has been put on the back burner in favor of.

Home Emergency Tips; What to Do Until Help Arrives

The following helpful tips will guide you through the dos and don'ts of any home emergency. Water Damage: Do: Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and.

Movie: Finding a Home That's Right for You

Movie Title: Finding a Home That's Right for You Description: Don't waste time while looking for the home of your dreams! Use these quick tips to make finding a new home as...

]]> Thursday, August 04, 2011 10:34:00 AM E06114A6-73E8-4C48-8BC1-409100936609 http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/article/E06114A6-73E8-4C48-8BC1-409100936609 mtolland@hotmail.com (Megan Tolland) http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/article/E06114A6-73E8-4C48-8BC1-409100936609#comments Framingham real estate market Framingham house sales 2011 Metro west Boston Real estate kitchen remodeling trends movers home saftey tips July newsetter

Summer is here and I’m off to a great start at Realty Executives Boston West! This month is a fantastic time to buy, invest and refinance. I’ve just sold a few condos and the monthly payments for those buyers have been far less than what they had been paying for rent.
If you know of anyone renting now or looking to invest for long-term profits, please forward them this email and have them contact me.
Happy 4th!
Megan Tolland

To Buy or Rent - Now’s the Time to Follow the American Dream
With home prices dropping, minimal interest rates and the cost of rental properties on the rise, now may be the time for renters to seriously consider buying a house. When the housing bubble...

Spending Smart: Prune Your Landscaping Costs
By Gregory Karp As weather warms in most parts of the country, many homeowners will incur the expense and hassle of hiring professionals to help beautify their yard through grass mowing,...

NAR Study Finds Americans Prefer Smart-Growth Communities
Americans favor walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods, with 56% of respondents preferring smart growth neighborhoods over neighborhoods that require more driving between home, work and recreation....

Simple Tips to Help Slash Your Gas and Grocery Bill
Despite declining incomes and challenging economic times, the cost for food and gasoline continues to rise. As gasoline inches closer to $4 per gallon and the cost of many basic food items has also..

Movie: Important Tips when Buying a Home
Movie Title: Important Tips when Buying a Home...

]]> Tuesday, July 19, 2011 10:38:00 AM 1683F6AA-3654-420D-A398-6B7A3D148E66 http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/article/1683F6AA-3654-420D-A398-6B7A3D148E66 mtolland@hotmail.com (Megan Tolland) http://www.realestateinmetrowest.com/article/1683F6AA-3654-420D-A398-6B7A3D148E66#comments