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HOW'S THE MARKET?
Summer, 2009
The Fourth of July holiday always marks the end of the spring market. It's been pretty good spring in Newton and surrounding towns in 2009. Buyers have maintained control of property values, and Sellers who have seen the handwriting on the wall have done very well.
There have been multiple offer situations this spring, but many of them are taking place below the asking price, not above, as it used to be in the 1990's.
There usually is a drop off in summer activity but this year, there seem to be more sellers who are serious about selling, and so July/August might be a good time to buy.
I am representing a number of sellers who's properties have lost value in the past couple of years, and we are pushing as hard as we can. Folks who bought years ago have a good amount of equity to play with, but those who bought less than 5 years ago are, in most cases, hurtin'.
Interest rates are still very good, although there is consternation about low appraisals and very tough underwriting standards. My feeling: it's about time. Those dishonest appraisals and completely unethical underwriting standards of the past few years have contributed in a monster way to the credit and housing crises that have hit us all.
I suspect it will take a couple of years for the credit markets to fully recover. Hopefully, they will recover to a better and stronger place than they have been.
Call me anytime at 617-962-1511 if you have questions or want some advice.
And thank you for your past business!!
Charlie McMillan
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (CBRB)
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage was formed in 2002 as a merger of Hunneman and DeWolfe, two of the biggest real estate companies in New England. Together as CBRB, we have more brokers, more experience, more resources and more successful marketing techniques than any other company in the region. Check out our new CBRB Website
CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS TO NATIONWIDE LISTINGS. Members only.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIST YOUR PROPERTY FOR SALE?
Here is a short list of what you'll get if you list with me:
1. Detailed advice on preparing your home for sale.
2. A comprehensive assessment of value and complete marketing proposal.
3. Your property placed on at least 10 different websites.
4. A Coldwell Banker broker preview, broker open houses, public open houses.
5. A professionally done floor plan.
6. Handsome brochures and mailings with professional color photography.
7. Regular print ads in Boston Globe, Newton Tab, specialized publications.
8. Regular updates from me on showings, second showings.
9. Constant communication, with attorneys, mortgage brokers, inspectors, appraisers, fire marshalls, City Hall offices, and others.
10. 100% committment to getting top dollar for you.
If you decide to register on my website, and if you list your property for sale, I will rebate $500 to you the day after the closing. Talk about a win-win situation!
5 Common Mistakes Sellers Make
Making just one mistake can cost you money when you sell your home. Learn how to avoid these common mistakes and maximize return on what is probably your biggest asset. I've been listing property for many years, and my goal is put you into the mistake-free zone.
Here is one of my recent listings in Newton Highlands. Asking price $1.2M. There were three offers in the first seven days.
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Member Benefits I will be happy to provide you with access to information on all homes in the Multiple Listing Service, according to your search criteria.
For Buyers, the convenience and time saving advantages of this website are going to put you far ahead of other buyers you are competing with.
For Sellers, the information is invaluable in understanding market conditions and assessing the value of your home.
Click on "Member Benefits" above or "Register" on the masthead to let me know what towns you are interested in and your price range. All information will be kept confidential and not used for any other purpose 
MY RESUME
I've been involved with residential real estate in Newton and surrounding towns since 1984. I am a member of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, I serve on the GBREB Professional Standards Committee, and I've received numerous awards for outstanding real estate sales.
I am active in Newton civic affairs, serving as a member of the Newton Historical Commission since 1998, and a member of the Newton Community Preservation Act (CPA) committee since 2002. I am also a past co-President of the Mason-Rice School PTO and a former Commissioner in the Newton East Little League. I have been involved in local political activities since 1980.
I have lived in Newton since 1976 with my wife and three sons. I have a B.A. in History from Princeton University, and have done graduate work at Harvard and UMass.
Tips for Home Buyers
Click on this heading if you are planning to buy property. You will find lots of helpful tips and information.
When I work with buyers, I prefer to work as a BUYER'S AGENT, representing your interests in identifying property and negotiating a sale. There is no additional cost involved but the level of service you get is very different from what you will get from a Seller's "subagent." Most savvy buyers know that they need representation to make what is often the biggest purchase of their lives.
Call me or email me and we can discuss the details of BUYER AGENCY. It's very simple and straightforward. DO YOU NEED HELP MARKETING YOUR HOME????
When I market a home, I always work as an EXCLUSIVE SELLER'S AGENT.
"Marketing a home" does not mean simply putting an ad in the Boston Globe and waiting. Much more is required, to find those few buyers who will pay top dollar, who have strong financials, and have a strong commitment to making the purchase. That's why people hire realtors. If it were simple, believe me, real estate brokers would soon go out of business.
If you are planning to sell, or would like a COMPLIMENTARY ESTIMATE OF VALUE and a MARKETING PROPOSAL for your home, please contact me by phone 617-962-1511 or email charles.mcmillan@nemoves.com at any time.
Shopping for a Loan
Start with NEMoves Mortgage. Call our Loan Officer, Rick Harrington, 781-684-5734, or email him at: rick.harrington@nemoves.com, and get preapproved. Rick is extremely efficient at helping you decide how much of a loan you can qualify for. He can write you a preapproval letter, and this will put you in a much stronger position when you make an offer to purchase. Plus, he usually has the best rates in town. Commonwealth Communities
Information on all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts, is right here, at your fingertips. Click on the heading above, and then on the name of the town. Anything you need to know about schools, taxes, services, goverance or resources is right here for members to enjoy. Here are some recent notes that clients have sent me:
"Thank you so much for all your patience and help. We love the house. Warmest wishes." Chris and Alia
"You were wonderful throughout the entire complicated experience and always objective, always calming and knowledgeable. Thanks, Charlie, we won't forget you and we look forward to our move to Newton." Kathy and Russ
"There aren't a lot of brokers out there who could have handled this sale with the skill you displayed...you were persistent, patient, and professional. You also were a wonderful help to me--watching the house, cleaning, going to City Hall, etc. Thank you." Susan
"I wish to express my appreciation to you on the sale of my house. It happened because of your skill and experience...The price you were able to obtain was much higher than I had expected. You negotiation skills made this deal a success. Thank you very, very much." Jim
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CHARLIE MCMILLAN
