Buyers

Let's keep this simple: you fall in love with a home, we'll take care of the rest.

Whether you're a first time-buyer or a seasoned investor, we'll work to make this transaction as easy as possible. Every deal has its own nuances and we'll customize our strategy accordingly. Bottomline? We're the Advil to your headache.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.  How long does it take to buy a home?

30 - 45 days. Of course the timeline for finding a house varies greatly from person to person. Once you find a house and have an accepted offer, it usually takes around 30 days to close.

2.  what do YOU do?

We will walk you through every part of the home buying process. We will educate and inform you of all your options. We will represent you throughout the transaction and beyond. 

3.  how much do WE PAY YOU?

Nothing. The seller pays their real estate agent a fee and then that listing agent pays the buyers agent for bringing the buyer and facilitating the transaction. 

4.  What's your best advice for first time home buyers?

Trust the professionals. Beware of advice from people who do not work in the industry. Real estate is a popular topic and almost everyone feels like they have some great insight to offer. In reality, the people who know best are the people that work in the business. Good REALTORS® have sold hundreds (maybe thousands) of properties. We know what to expect and what to look out for. Friends and relatives have [usually] only bought and sold a few homes,. Buying and selling a couple of homes does not make someone a well-rounded source of information. We’ve seen too many first-time buyers become persuaded by well-meaning friends and family, only to be disappointed later. Be confident in your decisions and trust the professionals. 

5.  how much money do i need for a down payment?

It depends. Usually around 3-5% of the purchase price. FHA loans just dropped their requirement from 3.5% to 3.0%. There are also some conventional loans that only require 3% down. Veterans are usually eligible for a VA loan, which requires no money down. Properties in rural areas are usually eligible for a USDA loan, which also requires no money down.

6.  WHAT KIND OF CREDIT SCORE DO I NEED TO BUY A HOME?

A 620 credit score, or higher, is recommended. As you are probably aware, a higher credit score offers better lending terms. This is an ever-evolving topic, however, as loan requirements are constantly changing. There are some lenders who will approve buyers with a 580 score, sometimes even lower. Your loan officer will be the best source to give you a current answer for today’s lending requirements.

7.  what other fees are there besides the down payment?

The downpayment is usually the largest cost associated with buying a house. Lending fees are the second largest costs to homebuyers. Most lenders will charge between 2% to 4% of the loan amount for loan origination fees, depending on the loan type. Conventional loans usually have lower loan origination fees, but require more money down. Your loan officer will be able to help you determine how much you can expect to pay towards loan origination and closing costs.

Let's go global!

Broaden your horizons... and your real estate portfolio.

January was a long year, wasn't it? You deserve a break. How does a vacation home in the Caribbean sound?

There's no place like paradise

There's no denying the virtues of New England, but every year in January, we start feeling a little bit nostalgic for color. And light. And the warmth of the summer sun. Until recently, we thought the best way to combat the winter blues was with a little vacation. Head south, get our fix, and then brace ourselves against the following four months. Maybe you know what we're talking about?

If you're like us, an alternative solution may have seemed possible but far-reaching. You've heard people talk about real estate investing but maybe you imagined it to be a lot of work. Perhaps you've scrolled through listings in the Caribbean when you were planning a vacation and thought 'What if?'

What if we told you it wasn't nearly as complicated as you think it is? What if we told you there are lots of tax benefits to owning a property outside the United States? What if we told you that the Caribbean is over 1,000,000 square miles and the vast majority have never been touched by hurricanes? What if we told you that your vacation home could also function as passive income? What if we told you every nagging fear that's kept you from pursuing this possibility can be debunked? We've worked locally in real estate for almost three decades. We're passionate about providing our local community with opportunities for increasing their wealth and their overall quality of life. This isn't some time-share sales schtick; it's about empowering individuals and families to live their best life. If you'd like to learn more, let's talk.