1.) The constant shopper. This is the biggest reasons many homebuyers never quite get what they want is home shopping fatigue. With so many choices, you have to pace yourself for showings. Once a weekend is fine, four in a weekend and you risking wearing yourself thin. There’s also the risk that one may buy too early because the price seems too good to last. In reality, they’re often too good to be true.

2.) Going too low or too high on offers. So while the over-jumping offer can leave you paying more, going too low will cause sellers to walk away. There are other costs associated with the home you’re buying, for example the remainder of the mortgage or so, that the sellers will need. Be reasonable, and be open to negotiate if necessary.

3.) Stressing over the process. It’s the reason why you consulted a real estate agent in the first place. They should be able to find a place for you, however, when you fret over the small stuff, the less likely you will be able to find a place or trap yourself with one that isn’t the fit you were looking for. Be careful not overextend yourself and asks questions as much as possible throughout the process in order to be prepared for the paperwork, the loans, and the move.

Hope these small steps can help you towards the home of your dreams. We can help you at Bushari Group Real Estate with buying, selling, or renting. Contact us today!

Graph from the Boston Globe

As time has worn on and the recession has stuck (for now, at least), the rental market has been flooded with potential renters but not much more in rental availability says the Boston Globe. Just as new renters are starting to look for a new place to call home, many experts are concerned that the increase in rent rates will be too much for lower-income families and young adults just starting on their own.

A few commentators acknowledged that this had to do with Boston’s appeal as a place for learning and a relatively steady job market as compared to the national rate. However, this poses still more challenges for those looking for apartments. Since 2005, the average rent has soared 12.5% in the Metro Boston area. To combat the shortage, developers are breaking ground on almost 2,000 apartments, many of which have been deemed affordable.

The tip for renters is to start looking as early as possible. Many apartments are due to start appearing on the market by the end of February, with many more from the surrounding neighborhoods like Brookline and Allston in April or May.

If you’re concerned about whether you should own or rent your home, please contact us. Our expert team will help make the right decision for you and your family.

Read the rest of the Globe article here.

1) Get professional help. You can miss so many extra deductions just because you didn’t know they existed.

2) Keep your receipts. This is especially useful if you use your home for an office.

3) Keep a lookout for your mortgage interest deductions.

4)The same goes for your state property tax. Who knew you home purchase can be its own tax lottery?

5) Whatever costs you paid for a closing is now a tax deduction. Claim it!

Although 2011 is over, there’s still a whole year ahead for anyone who is interested in the 2012 tax incentives for home ownership. Contact us at Bushari Group Real Estate for more info on loft and home purchasing.

The rest of the article can be found here.

1. Have your furnance inspected, cleaned, and maintanced if needed. Try to keep away any belongings to avoid a potential fire hazard.

2. If you have a fireplace, make sure to keep it closed when not in use to avoid pests and losing heat. Have it cleaned if needed. Be sure to store any firewood away from the outside of the house and keep it in a dry area.

3. Check the gutters and roof of your home. Insulate the attic in order to avoid ice dams, and make sure the gutters are clear of debris.

4. Check exteriors, doors, and windows and fix any cracks or damaged parts that could let in cold air or snow.

5. Rake away any debris and seal any cracks you find. No need to pick up any pests this winter. Check with an exterminator if you think you find an infestation.

6. In case of pipe freeze, know where your water main is located in order to shut it off for an emergency. Insulate any exposed pipes to prevent a burst.

7. Install a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, and a fire extinguisher.

8. Move any sensitive plants indoors and trim tree banches away from your home and power lines.

9. Prepare an emergency kit of flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, and a dry food supply in case of a power outage.

10. Make sure you have a good supply of snow salt and shovels.

Keep your home (and your family) nice and warm with these helpful tips.

According to Realtor Magazine, Midwestern states are seeing the largest push forward because of rising farm prices. So what does that mean for Western Massachusetts farms? Well, if they follow the trajectory of the rest of the state, they too stand to gain significant amounts of appreciation. Metro Boston is also seeing one of the best financial recoveries in market gains from the past few years. The month of November was the latest month to report gains during the streak that began earlier this year.

When one part of the market goes up, many others will follow. More qualifying buyers buy up idling supply. The supply of available homes dwindle, so the prices come up do to scarcity. Home values shortly follow if the trend remains steady.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, now is the perfect time to start. Kick off your new year with the ultimate resolution: home ownership!

If you’re looking for realtors to help you with that and more, please contact us! We can help buy your home with ease.

Say hello to the newest member of the Bushari Group team. Erik entered into the world of real estate through his business partner and now is a leader in the market.  He received his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he studied advertising and Cranbrook Academy of Art where he studied print/media. He has worked for publications, software publishers, marketing firms and ad agencies in his career before following an interest in real estate.

Erik is certified as an Accredited Staging Professional who will work with homeowners to prepare properties for sale from curb to closest. As a resident of Boston for over 12 years and as an active member of the Beacon Hill community, Erik brings plenty of local and market knowledge to his clients.  This knowledge with the dedication to his clients combine to provide a higher standard of service, one that Bushari Group is proud to have onboard.

As a new addition to the Bushari Group, Erik looks forward to helping you find the apartment, home or commercial property of your dreams!

In his spare time, Joe has contributed to various blogs including his own and the ActiveRain Real Estate Network. Additionally his opinions have been quoted in Financial Times, The Boston Globe, Boston Homes, Cambridge Homes and on National Public Radio. Professionally, Joe has been recognized for industry excellence from the Massachusetts Association of Realtors and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Realtors as well as the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. Additionally Joe chairs the Technology Committee for the Greater Boston Association of Realtors and serves on its Education Committee.

So, please welcome Joe to Bushari Group Real Estate, where his expertise will help you find the home of your dreams.

Loft with 180-degree views of the Boston City Skyline

Bushari Group Real Estate is pleased to present 141 Dorchester Ave Unit 101, in the McCallen Building, in South Boston for purchase. This property offers a chic contemporary loft-like feel with two generous sized bedrooms. The open kitchen/dining/living layout, sleek cabinetry and high-end stainless steel appliances bring out a modern sophistication; one that you’d be likely to see in LA or NYC, but a true rarity in Boston.

The living space has wall-to-wall windows with views of the the Downtown Boston skyline. Just outside your door is a huge private patio with a 4-person jacuzzi. The master bedroom offers an ensuite bath and a generous dressing room, just off the main room. The second bedroom also offers a large closet system and an oversized window that brings in an abundance of morning light. The home comes with one deeded garage parking space.

The McCallen building is a full service luxury building with many common amenities such as a common heated lap pool, Movie screening room with a full kitchen attached for entertaining, a common yard and grills for your Summer enjoyment, gym and 24-hour concierge services.

The McCallen Building in South Boston is in a prime location. It’s just across the street from the Red line Broadway T Station (just one stop from South Station to connect to silver line for the air port). There are bus lines that go direct into the city in with varying drop-off spots- from Back Bay to Financial District. The property is within a 10-15 minute walk to South End, Financial District and the heart of the Seaport District.

The location offers many entrainment choices from casual local pubs to fine dining. Here are just a couple to check out:

Local 149- Upscale Comfort Food, lounge-like feel (but your favorite sports games will still be on).

Amrheins- Best known for their amazing brunch has been rated “Best of Boston” in 2006 and 2009. For Dinner enjoy scrumptious steaks, seafood and overstuffed sandwiches.

Stats- This bar is packed on game nights. Come with your jersey on and be prepared to eat, drink and cheer.

American Provisions- This is a local, organic, gourmet grocery store. The store has a varietal of cheeses and cured meats. There is always fresh fish on Fridays (the owner head’s to the Cape that morning). You never know what it’s going to be, but you know that it will always fresh!

There is so much more to South Boston from the parks, the beaches, the harbor, Castle Island and all the other wonderful local establishments that make this neighborhood one of the best (yet underrated) neighborhood’s in all of Boston. I can talk about this area for days; perhaps because I live here, but also because their is so much to do and see!

If you want to learn more about South Boston, or would like to set up a showing for this listing, or others in the neighborhood, do not hesitate to contact me.

Andrea McDonough
Bushari Group RE
Email: andrea@bushari.com
Cell: 617-733-1238

Jamina Coleman is one of the newest members of the team here at the Bushari Group. Jamina received her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Lousiana State University and her MBA from Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. She enjoys traveling the world, fine dining, museums, architecture, shopping, the arts, and reading. After years of working in luxury vacation properties, Jamina relocated to Boston, bringing in a sunny attitude and a passion for working with people to help them find their new home.

After receiving her Real Estate license she immediately entered the fierce market here in Boston.  Together they are able to provide a higher standard of service, therefore increasing productivity and overall client satisfaction. With her tenacity and determination, Jamina will work hard to ensure her clients find the perfect home.

As a new addition to the Bushari Group, Jamina looks forward to helping you find the apartment, home or commercial property of your dreams!

Clear out temporary clutter

You know the kind: bills that pile high, children’s old homework, last Sunday’s newspaper, and the sweater you wore last night you were too tired to hang up. This simple step of organizing items the moment you bring them into the house will go a long way to clear up living spaces and help keep up the appearance of clean home should you not sell your home after the first showing. Plus, this step has been known to help individuals reduce stress in their day-to-day life once they can finally find where they left their keys.

Detangle messy spots

If you can’t walk into your closet, it needs cleaning. If can’t find where the crock pot went in your kitchen, it needs organizing. These are tall-tell signs that these spots require a bit more attention than others. Be prepared to spend a lazy Sunday re-organizing your desk or shelves. It can make all the difference to a potential home buyer if they can see inside the closet or  look at how spacious the kitchen is.

Small steps go a long way

Don’t feel as if this is a race to the finish line and rush to get the job done haphazardly. Like the previous step, identifying problem areas will help deal with the monumental task of shifting through years of history and droves of sentimental attachment. Give yourself time. Which also means, don’t wait until the night before your first showing to start cleaning.

Make it a family affair

Getting other members of the household in on the action will not only help alleviate the pressure, but also keep up the look of a show-ready home in less amount of time. Phew, now if only we can get the kids to clean up their rooms.

Lastly, keep a list of what need to be done visible

Some realtors will have such a form to give you once you decide to sell your home. This visual reminder will also help you keep tract of the chores that need to be done. It’s okay if potential buyers see this list; they know a family already lives in the home here. Plus, other members of the household can pitch in and help as long as the list can be easily found in the hallway, living room, or posted on the door of the refrigerator.

Hopefully, these tips can help you on your way to selling your home. If you’re looking for realtors to help you with that and more, please contact us! We can help buy or sell your home with ease.