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HOW'S THE MARKET?
Summer, 2010
Hot enough for you? No, not the real estate market, the weather. I'm getting some extra Vitamin D, so that is good.
The first six months of 2010 were pretty good. Inventory was down, but the number of sales was up, and prices were steady. A little down in Newton, and little up in Wellesley, Weston, and Belmont. But mostly steady, which is just fine.
You can find just about anything in the daily news: gloom and doomers look at the possibility of another recession. The optimists say the worst is behind us, and, by the way, Massachusetts is such a great state that we are somewhat recession proof.
It's good water cooler conversation. Truth is, nobody knows. But we all know that both sides will find enough data to support their positions. But you know, there is a funny thing about markets. For every transaction, there is a buyer and a seller. Buyer thinks he made a killing; seller smirks, wait and see. Seller thinks he sold at top dollar, buyer knows about new development in the area and thinks long term. It takes two to make a deal. And life goes on.
So I'm just keeping my head down. I represent both buyers and sellers (in different transactions, of course), and I know that everyone is fighting for the last penny of advantage. It's always been very interesting to me to watch how people negotiate. Some people are trusting, some are not. Some people like to ask for advice, some don't. Some are eager to compromise. Some are more eager to fight. Even within marriages, there are sometimes more than two points of view. Some people are quick to take offense, some let criticism roll off their backs.
It's very hard to talk about rules of negotiating, because every deal is so different. Some sellers may appear "desperate," but they may turn out to be tougher than the buyers. Some buyers may have a million bucks extra, but they will fight over lawn chairs. Some people are easy to deal with...............those are my favorites!!!
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)
If you want the best company website in town, click on the CBRB (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) website:Click here for CBRB website
CLICK HERE FOR ACCESS TO NATIONWIDE LISTINGS.
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 staging and preparing your home for sale.
2. A comprehensive assessment of value and complete marketing proposal.
3. Your property placed on multiple websites, local and worldwide.
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,and all buyer feedback.
9. Constant communication, with attorneys, co-brokers,mortgage brokers, building 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! Call me at 617-962-1511.
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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My Zillow Connection
I just signed on with www.zillow.com to act as a local Z-estimate specialist. Zillow is great resource, but it's not always on the money, in terms of value. It's often too high, and often too low. But still, it is a good starting point. Call me if you want to do a little Z-Fine Tuning on any property, to buy or sell. Member Benefits ---access to information on all homes in the Multiple Listing Service, according to your search criteria.
---for Buyers, find out what just came on, what just sold, what just went under agreement.
---for Sellers, check out the competition, look at sample listing sheets, see how it's done.
---click on "Member Benefits" or "Register" above and 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 1998-2009, and a member of the Newton Community Preservation Act (CPA) committee 2002-2009. I am also a past co-President of the Mason-Rice School PTO, a former Commissioner in the Newton East Little League, a volunteer on the Newton Human Right Commission and the Newton Energy Commission.
I have lived in Newton for more than 30 years 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
When I work with buyers, I always work as a DESIGNATED BUYER'S AGENT, representing your interests in identifying property and negotiating a sale. There is no additional cost involved to the buyer but the level of service you get is far superior from what you would 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, Lesley Santini, at 781-640-0319, or email her at: lesley.santini@nemoves.com, and get preapproved. Lesley is extremely efficient at helping you decide how much of a loan you can qualify for. She can write you a preapproval letter, and this will put you in a much stronger position when you make an offer to purchase. Plus, she usually has the best rates in town. Schools, City Services, and Town Information in every Massachusetts community
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 for everything that you did for us over the past 2...or was it 3 years. Your patience and expertise in all matters made buying and selling the house a much better experience than the anxiety dreams that I had.........Charlie, it was a great experience working with you and I will always recommend you to everyone and anyone who is buying or selling real estate." Colleen and Malcolm (sold in Brookline, bought in Belmont.)
"Charlie McMillan is superb, knows his stuff, and is kind and not pushy. I highly recommend him." Camille and Darrell (sold in Brighton, bought in Newton
"Thank you so much for all your patience and help. We love the house. Warmest wishes." --Chris and Alia (bought in Wellesley)
"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 (bought in Newton)
"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 (sold in Newton, lives in NYC)
"Hi Charlie: Just wanted to thank you for a fantastic job helping us find and purchase a house. We really love the house and the boys are having so much fun in the backyard. It's perfect for us." --Jason and Regina (bought in Wellesley)
"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 (sold in Newton, lives in Texas)
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Charlie McMillan