What You Need to Know About Home Improvements

Home renovations can be a huge task for anyone. Before taking on such a big project, it is important to do your research and understand all of the factors involved in successful home renovations. From determining a budget to managing material costs and labor, knowing what goes into home renovations is essential to creating the outcome you desire. 

Here’s everything you need to know about renovating your home.

Popular Renovations

You have many options when it comes to which type of renovation project you want to tackle. Family Handyman notes that some of the most popular choices include bathroom remodeling, and adding new floors or carpeting. A kitchen remodel is another top choice, particularly when an owner is getting their home ready to sell. Keep in mind that there are pros and cons of this sort of undertaking, and you’ll need to budget, plan a timeline, and avoid common kitchen renovation mistakes like investing in expensive countertops while leaving old cabinets in place.

Of course, there are many other types of renovations that homeowners may choose from, depending on their specific needs and budget. A home office/guest room renovation is a great option for homeowners looking to add extra living space. This renovation can free up valuable square footage while providing an area that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The key to success is to plan carefully and take the time to make sure each room serves its purpose. With thoughtful planning, you can create an environment that welcomes visitors or lets you work in comfort with plenty of storage and style.

You Need a Home Improvement Timeline

One thing that many people forget when undertaking a major renovation project is setting expectations for timeline completion dates and creating a budget upfront before construction begins. Working with reputable contractors will ensure that timelines are met, but setting expectations ahead of time will also prevent costly delays down the line due to miscommunication or the lack thereof.

Funding Your Renovation

If you don’t have enough cash on hand for your renovation project, applying for a home improvement loan might be the right option for you. Home improvement loans usually come with lower interest rates than personal loans and credit cards and can be used for any type of renovation project — from replacing old windows or countertops to installing an HVAC system or energy-efficient appliances. Be sure to shop around for the best terms before making decisions about financing your renovation project.

Get the Help You Need

The Better Business Bureau points out that it’s important to do research before hiring contractors for your renovation project. Make sure that they have plenty of experience in the type of work you need done, and ask for references from past clients who were satisfied with their workmanship. Hiring reputable contractors will ensure that your project goes smoothly without any major headaches down the line, like shoddy workmanship or delays in completion times.

Tools of the Trade

These days, there is plenty of software available designed specifically for contractors undertaking major renovation projects such as yours. This software allows contractors to not only save time by automating much of the estimating process but also have access to up-to-date pricing information. This way, they create more accurate estimates of materials costs. Whether it’s HVAC, general, or electrical contractor software, these apps ensure project bids are on point. Knowing what your contractors are likely to use will help you better understand the process of designing a bid.

Protect Your Investment

Once your renovation is complete, investing in a home warranty will give you peace of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong during the first year after completion, it will be covered under warranty. When shopping around for a home warranty, carefully assess annual costs versus deductibles and read the fine print so you know exactly what’s covered.

A major home renovation is a lot to take on, especially if it’s something you’ve never done before. But understanding the basics involved will demystify the process, so you know what to expect. From knowing what types of renovations are popular to working with reputable contractors, all these guarantee success in any kind of major home renovation.

5 Tips for Starting an At-Home Business in the Right Home

Starting your own business is an exciting adventure, but it can become unnecessarily challenging when the space you have will not fit the operation you’re planning. These five tips from Stuart St James should help you start an at-home business and find the right home to suit all your needs.

1. Create a Solid Business Plan

Before you start turning your idea into a tangible product or start spending money on your business, create a solid business plan to help you stay on track. You’ll also need that plan to present to potential investors. A quality business plan needs:

  • A strong executive summary explaining what your business is and what niche it fills
  • Market analysis to show how you fit into the market
  • List of your products
  • Plans for funding 
  • Plan for operations
  • An outline of your daily operations

Now is also the time to plan your marketing campaign. Unlike traditional types of advertising, which are often expensive and static, content marketing gives brands the opportunity to connect with their target audience on a more personal level. With regular content creation and distribution through channels like social media and email newsletters, brands can engage with potential customers in a meaningful way while also helping to boost their visibility online. Click here to learn more about the ins and outs of content marketing. 

2. Find a Home That Fits Your Business

Buying a new home while also starting a business does require you to take on a great deal at once. However, with help from a reliable real estate agent from Stuart St James, you’ll skip much of the unnecessary searching and get into a home quickly. If you’re interested in buying to accommodate your family and your business, make sure you know how much you can realistically spend. Get pre-approved for a loan and start looking for homes in your price range online. Also, spring for a home inspection to protect your purchase.

You shouldn’t take on a burdensome mortgage when you’re trying to build a small business. If you need to fund your business, then renting a home could be the best option. Peruse online listings to find a house or apartment with enough space to accommodate an office and your inventory (if necessary). Look for a home with an extra bedroom to use as an office.

It’s vital that you prepare for protecting your home and your budget. Give this a try—a home warranty is perfect for accomplishing both. A home warranty assures that you don’t have to worry about large out-of-pocket expenses should something break in your new home. Managing your cash flow is vital when launching a new business.

3. Prepare for Your Move Ahead of Time

Never wait until the last minute to begin the moving process. Research shows that you should start planning no later than two months out from the date of your move. That gives you plenty of time to get everything together and organized. You’ll also be able to sell or donate things you no longer need.

4. Plan Your Business Launch After Your Move

Don’t overextend yourself during the moving process. Launching a business is a big moment with many moving parts, and trying to do that while your life is in boxes can be hectic. The disorganization could even be a hindrance, causing you to miss important steps in the launching process. You could even use the launch as the kick-start to your new life in your new home.

As part of your preparations, spend some time designing some free business cards. A business card conveys immediate legitimacy, which is important for a new venture. The design tool is easy to use—you can customize a template and save a design for printing in minutes. You can also return to it online to update it later.

5. Keep Your Business and Personal Life Separate

Creating a work-life balance is a vital part of life. Those lines can easily blur when you run a business out of your home. The best way to keep them separate is to designate work hours and stick to them. Keep your office somewhat separate from the family areas of the home, such as the kitchen and living room. 

Find Your Balance

As you get started with your new business and in your new home, remember to set aside time for family and hobbies. And, whenever possible, outsource activities like marketing to experts so you can focus on other aspects of your business and life. It’s easy to get caught up in work with a startup, but self-care should always be a priority. Make sure you stop to enjoy the progress you make and the experiences you’ll have as a business owner.

Vacation Rental Businesses for Beginners: Tips and Resources to Get Started

While rental properties can be excellent investments, it’s important to have a good plan in place before launching a vacation rental business. After all, you won’t just be investing in rental property: You’ll also be hosting short-term guests, maintaining the property, and continually advertising your rental listing. Let these resources be your guide. 

Beachfront Vacation Rental Property Business

Consider Your Location, Taxes, and Fees

To make the most money as a vacation rental business owner, you’ll need to choose the right locations for your properties and consider the hidden costs of owning vacation rentals. 

Purchase Your Vacation Rental Property

From financing your vacation rental to hiring a real estate agent, these resources will help you to get your vacation rental business off the ground. 

Advertise Your Vacation Rental Business

Once you’re ready to welcome guests to your vacation rental, you’ll need to create a property listing that stands out. 

  • First, look for ways to make your property stand out on- and offline: Purchase completely customizable wallpaper for your walls; invest in upgrades like pools and hot tubs; and consider offering bikes, kayaks, and other popular beach toys for your guests. 
  • Build a website for your vacation rental business and create a rental listing that attracts the best guests. 
  • Make custom logos in an instant for your vacation rental business by using editable logo templates.
  • List your property on websites like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com.

There are lots of advantages of purchasing a vacation rental, from the passive income and tax write-offs to having your own vacation home to visit whenever you’re in need of a getaway. But buying a vacation rental property does have its downsides, and it’s important to do your homework to ensure long-lasting success as a vacation rental business owner. 

Guide to Buying a Larger House to Start a Home-Based Business

Starting a home-based business - working from home

If you’re thinking of running a business out of your house, you aren’t alone. SBE Council reveals that about 50 percent of businesses in the United States are home-based.

Home-based businesses offer distinct advantages, cutting the costs of renting a commercial space and eliminating commute times.

To foster maximum focus and productivity, it’s important that you have dedicated office space in your home

Thank you to Sarah and Mark Velasquez, the creators of Our Perfect Abode, for sharing this content. After years of renting, they recently bought their very first home. They’re currently hard at work turning that fixer-upper into their perfect abode and are sharing their journey and all the tips and tricks they pick up along the way on their website. 

What to Look For in a Property When Starting a Home-Based Business

Before you dive into the real estate market, write down your needs. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want? Do you need a yard? Is location a consideration? While large homes are helpful for work-from-home (WFH) situations, when it comes to home-based businesses, you have to look beyond just square footage. For example, you should know whether you will need storage space for inventory and whether you anticipate growth, which may mean accommodating employees.

Once you have an idea of what you want in a property, you can start searching. While there are online guides to home-buying that will get you started, covering everything from why you should get pre-approved for a mortgage to how to make an offer on a house, you’re best off partnering with a trustworthy real estate agent early in your search. They can help you find properties not currently listed or other homes which might meet your needs by thinking outside the box. 

You may want to save up money for a down payment first. As Money.com explains, if you manage to make a down payment of at least 20 percent, you will likely be able to avoid private mortgage insurance.

Before you close a deal on any property, there are a few steps you should take to protect your investment. A home inspection is one item that should be on your to-do list. In this process, an objective third-party examines the property, flagging issues that would make it unsafe or detract from its value — like a leaky roof to a cracked foundation. 

How to Keep Your Home Business Address Private

Think ahead about safety and privacy when using your home for business. Consider getting a business address for your at-home business – a virtual office address is super convenient, quite affordable, and can completely hide your home address from the public. Many virtual office providers cater to home-based business owners and offer full remote management of mail through a mobile app. If you do not want to make your home address public, go the virtual business address route from the beginning – most, if not all, corporate entity formation filings are public record, so get your virtual business address setup before filing the necessary paperwork to form your corporate entity.

How do I make my home address not public?

How to Set Up and Manage Your Home-Based Business Successfully

So that you can hit the ground running, you’ll need to decide how to structure your business. Will you be a sole proprietorship? A partnership? Operating as an LLC is a good choice for many home-based small businesses, as it offers liability protection of your personal assets, tax advantages, less paperwork, and flexibility in how you run your venture. If you’re wondering how to start an LLC in Massachusetts, know that it can be complex and costly, especially when an attorney is involved. Thankfully, using an online formation service like Zen Business streamlines the process. Such a service also takes care of filing paperwork like annual reports, ensuring it’s done properly and on time.

Starting a business out of your home offers notable advantages. Low overhead costs are one significant benefit. You don’t have to pay to rent a commercial space, plus you save money on gas and other costs associated with commuting. That said, you will have to invest some money in equipping your home office. The right furniture, technology, and tools can foster productivity.

There are several items you can use in a home office setup. For starters, you need a good computer. You will use this for everything from client communication to website management. Beyond this, you should get a desk, comfortable chair, and storage. Finally, don’t forget personal touches, like family photos. Workers who feel their office reflects their self-image feel more comfortable at work, so think in terms of tailoring the space to suit your personal sensibilities.

With your furniture and personal aesthetic touches in place, you can move on to figuring out what technology you need to effectively manage your business operations – check out 5 actionable ways to make your home-based business more productive for suggestions that can provide inspiration, including project or task management software and web-based communication tools. These products will help streamline your day-to-day business life.

Moving to accommodate a home-based business can be the first step towards entrepreneurial success. While it will take time to find and secure the perfect property, it will be well worth it once you’re set up in an office space where you can focus fully on your work.

Renovate or Move? 4 Tips on How to Decide What to Do With Your Massachusetts Home

Home improvement can be costly and time-consuming, but it can also be preferable to moving if you really love your neighborhood. On the other hand, your dream home might be sitting on the market right now, waiting for you to snatch it up. There are so many factors to consider when you’re thinking about whether you should fix up your current place or make a move, and the process can be stressful. Make it easier with resources and tips here, with advice for buyers and sellers alike. Then, check out all your options and weigh the pros and cons of each choice.

Thank you to Sarah and Mark Velasquez, the creators of Our Perfect Abode, for sharing this content. After years of renting, they recently bought their very first home. They’re currently hard at work turning that fixer-upper into their perfect abode and are sharing their journey and all the tips and tricks they pick up along the way on their website. 

Check Your Budget for a New Massachusetts Home

If your heart is set on a move, it’s wise to take a look at your financial situation before diving into the home search. Once you have a budget, research all your loan options to find out what you’re eligible for.

If you’re a veteran or an active military member, VA loans (available through a program established by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)) are available that come with several benefits such as no required down payment and a lower minimum credit score requirement. They also guarantee repayment of the loan to private lenders, giving you an advantage for approval should you meet VA mortgage requirements. While there’s more flexibility involved with VA loans, you’ll still want to take a look at the interest rates, APR, and term and find out how much your monthly payment will be. Before you get pre-approved, boost your credit score as much as possible by paying down debt so you can get a great rate.

Get Your Massachusetts House Appraised

Appraisals are beneficial whether you’re going to stay in your current home or sell it, especially if you decide to seek a loan to finance repairs and renovations. You can also schedule an inspection to make sure there are no major problems before you start the process of selling or improving; this could save you quite a bit of money down the road and is highly advisable. Common issues found during inspections include water damage, faulty wiring, and poor drainage. If your home is less than 20 years old, you may be able to fix smaller issues yourself and save money on a contractor, but leave electrical, plumbing, and other big repairs to the pros.

How Long Will You Stay?

After the inspection and/or appraisal, weigh the benefits of making repairs and improvements against how long you’re planning to stay in the home. If it’s the house you know you want to grow older in, making changes now can help you age-in-place safely down the road and will keep you comfortable for years to come. If you think you might sell at some point, certain changes might be better than others. For instance, a bathroom or kitchen upgrade would be a great selling tool, but a sun porch addition might only appeal to you. Do some research to find out what kind of remodels and improvements bring the most return on investment in your area.

Location is Everything

Outside of the costs associated with moving or remodeling, it’s also important to think about your location. Are you in a place you love? Will the school district be as great if you move to a new neighborhood? It can be a challenge to find the perfect home in the perfect spot, which is why so many homeowners choose to renovate and stay where they are. If you’re not attached to the area you’re in, moving is a great opportunity to find a better community – in Massachusetts, during the pandemic, for several reasons, residents sought out large custom homes outside Boston.

Making a decision between renovating and moving can be difficult, but by weighing these factors and considering all your options, you can make the right choice for the needs of you and your family. Look for resources online that will help you make informed decisions throughout the process.

3 Things You Need to Know When Downsizing from the Suburbs to the City

Downsizing from Suburbs to City Condo

It seems like everyone is talking about downsizing lately, and for good reason.

People are looking for ways to save money and focus on living a life free of clutter. They’re moving into town to be closer to entertainment, food, and shopping.

But first, it’s important to plan.

These three tips from Seth Murphy will help you downsize from a suburban home to a smaller townhouse, condo, or apartment in the city.

Who is Seth Murphy? Seth Murphy first dabbled in DIY projects because it was cost-effective, but it quickly became a passion and hobby. He hopes his blog, Papa DIY, will help you with your own projects and encourage you to take a chance at tackling a hands-on project.

1. Figure Out How Much Space You Need 

Downsizing means moving into a smaller, more affordable place that is easier to maintain. But to avoid moving into a place that’s too small, determine how much space you need. Think about the rooms you spend the most time in, and which activities you enjoy doing at home. If you love to cook, for instance, ensure your new place has a kitchen and dining area large enough to suit your needs. 

You can make up for the extra square footage in these rooms by finding a place with smaller bedrooms or fewer total rooms. On a similar note, consider your future goals to determine what size your new home should be, including whether you plan to have children or will soon face an empty nest.

Next, measure the furniture you want to keep so you can pick an appropriately sized home. If you need to accommodate a large table because you host holiday gatherings, will your new home accommodate it? The Plan Collection recommends looking for homes within a specific square footage range and then using floor plans to sketch where your furniture will go to make sure you can fit everything into the smaller place. This is helpful for people who can’t decide which furniture to keep, too, because it forces you to determine which pieces you can live without.

2. Get Organized to Confirm the Amount of Space You Need

Supposedly, goldfish grow to suit their tank. People are similar because we continually add stuff to our lives that we don’t need just to fill our homes. The prospect of downsizing all that stuff is daunting, even for the most organized people, but that’s exactly what needs to happen to fit into a smaller home. You probably have filled your suburban home to the gills, and now you have to decide what to keep and organize it so you can confirm the amount of space you need. Keep in mind that there is some stuff you should never throw out, according to House Beautiful.

One of the best ways to downsize is going through your home one room at a time and honestly surveying your stuff. What can you live without? What have you not used for at least six months? What would you not save if there were a fire? Use these tough questions to take a hard look at your stuff and decide what to keep, trash, donate or sell. 

If you start this process and find that you still have far too many belongings for a smaller home in the city, it’s time to enlist the help of a professional home organizer. You’ll be astonished by how quickly a home organizer can help you sort through your stuff, and the amount of time you’ll save is well worth the cost.

Your next step is to find qualified local movers in your area to move you into your new home. Before you start getting quotes from moving companies, you can evaluate them by reading feedback and testimonials from past customers. You can also look into which companies are currently offering discounts on moving services. 

3. Know Your “Why” and Stay Focused

Downsizing is a process that will take time. It’s easy to give up and stay in your large house outside the city. But remember why you’re wanting to make the move, including nixing a large house payment, expensive insurance, and higher taxes and utility bills.

Work From Home Boston Real Estate

If you don’t have the privilege of working from home, downsizing to the city will likely save you time on your commute, put you in a convenient location, give you access to nightlife and entertainment, and give you amenities you likely can’t find in the suburbs.

Downsizing will save you time and money. You just need to carefully choose a new home of the right size and get organized. Then, start enjoying the perks of living in a smaller home. 

What to Do with the Family Home 
When Making a Senior-Friendly Downsize

This unique article was contributed to the Boston Real Estate Observer by Tina Martin. Tina’s job is to help others achieve their dreams, so she started Ideaspired to inspire a wider audience.

Sometimes downsizing is a no-brainer.

Maybe you’re tired of the empty nest, your budget is getting tight, or you simply have too much house and not enough time to deal with it.

Sometimes it’s a tougher choice, especially if you can’t make up your mind about what to do with the old home.

Deciding what the future holds for your current house can be complex, especially if you have lived in it for a long time. 

Your decision might be further complicated if you’re planning to move to an assisted living community.  These communities are a terrific downsize choice for seniors, offering safety, comfort, and independence, and you can have an apartment-style home. Some offer holiday parties, fitness and entertainment centers, and transportation services, and all provide help with your daily tasks as needed. 

If you’re going that direction, seeing communities first-hand is the best way to make a selection. You can always do a little window shopping in the meantime by looking online. 

While you’re exploring your moving options, heed the following advice from Stuart St James when deciding what to do with the family home:

Real Estate for Seniors Downsizing

Put Your House to Work

Some seniors like the idea of both hanging onto the house and making money from it in the form of rent. However, as The Balance Small Business points out, landlords have a variety of responsibilities, and those responsibilities go on 24/7. 

Maintenance is an ongoing burden, and you need to do things like collect the rent, advertise for tenants, keep your books, and deal with problematic tenants. On top of all that, you’re still paying for insurance coverage, property taxes, and utilities. Those costs might be fully offset (and then some!) by your rental income, though.  

Those seniors who plan to live close and like the idea of tinkering with the old abode might find some of those aspects appealing. If you’re game, there are apps that lighten your workload. Another idea is to hire a property manager to take on the rigamarole, allowing you to just take in the rent checks – just remember a property manager will take about 10 percent out of the rent you earn, plus extra for fees and maintenance. 

Seniors Put Homes Up for Sale

Probably the most obvious option is to list the house for sale. It frees you up from the burden of ongoing maintenance and financial responsibilities, and the hassles of dealing with tenants. 

You do have to prepare the house for the listing, which might include cleaning and making upgrades to get a good offer. Sometimes sellers decide to sell a home furnished, which might be ideal if you’re heading to assisted living. Similarly, if your home needs major work, selling it as-is is an option. Your real estate agent can give you practical insights into the local market and help guide your choices. 

Seniors Pass Home to Family Members

When it comes to following your heart, passing your house to family members might sound like the best solution. However, Bankrate points out this option becomes complicated quickly. It could be included in your estate after your death, but that doesn’t free you from ongoing taxes, insurance, and so forth. Giving it to someone right now, outright, will sometimes involve gift tax. 

Some people think they can sell the property for $1, but that can get you in trouble because of fair market value principals. Additionally, it’s important to understand Medicaid has a look-back period of 5 years. That means if you apply for Medicaid within 5 years of the sale, your status could be affected. Because this choice is so complex, we recommend homeowners visit with an estate planning attorney before jumping into a decision. 

The Full Financial Picture

There is a lot to consider as you piece together the right solution for your circumstances. Remember that your new home might need aging in place changes, and even if you sell your house or keep it for passive income, you’ll have ongoing living expenses wherever you decide to live. 

Budgeting for your move is another must. Make sure you get prices from several professional movers, and compare what their quotes include as you do so. Also research what previous customers have to say about their experiences so that you can make an informed decision. Go the extra mile in checking them out; an ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure when it comes to finding a mover who is reliable and trustworthy. 

Deciding what to do with your home can be tough. Sort things carefully and get professional insights when necessary. There are several financial and personal motivations to contemplate, and you need to do what’s right for your future.  

7 Tips for Selling Your MA House Faster During Winter

This unique article was contributed to the Boston Real Estate Observer by Pavel Khaykin. Pavel is a licensed Massachusetts real estate expert, specializing in creating custom property solutions for home sellers facing different types of situations.

It is true that most homes are sold in the spring and summer months, but that doesn’t mean you can’t successfully sell your property during winter, even a Massachusetts winter!

One season is not necessarily better than the other. Each has its own unique set of challenges. You may be forced to move during the offseason for reasons such as a new job or other life circumstances.

Regardless of the situation, here are 7 tips for selling your home faster during winter

Winter Home Massachusetts - Sell Your House Even While It's Snowing

1. Decorate According to the Season

Make the house feel warm, cozy, and inviting. A home is a place to rest and unwind from the day. Fortunately, it can be easier to create this relaxing environment during the winter months. You can decorate the house with blankets, pillows, rugs, and other accessories to set a calming tone. If the home has a fireplace, try to have it going during showings. Not only will this warm a cold house, it will also make the space more attractive to buyers. 

If you are selling your house around the holidays, don’t be afraid to put up decorations for this as well. Keep it simple and try not to go overboard. You may also want to refrain from religious decorations as this can deter buyers. Small touches of decoration can go a long way when it comes to selling a home. 

2. Fix Any Drafts

Windows and doors with drafts will be especially noticeable during winter with the cold wind blowing outside. When you are preparing the house, check windows and doors for noticeable gaps or cracks. Be sure to have these fixed before a showing. Even though it is a minor repair to you, but it could suggest further imperfections to an interested buyer.

3. Emphasize Lighting 

Winter days are typically shorter, and sometimes gloomier, than the average summer day. You want to make sure your home is well lit for buyers. For a showing during the day, open the blinds and draw back curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. If you have a showing at night, turn on all lights and lamps. It would also help to light some candles. Don’t forget to turn on the lights outside as well!

4. Don’t Forget Landscaping

It can be easy to neglect the front yard with colder weather. Curb appeal is very important, no matter the season. Be sure to have the driveway and walkways shoveled and salted, if needed, to prevent someone from falling. The landscaping still needs to look clean and trimmed. You should also consider decorating the front porch to add a pop of color. 

5. Focus on Online Marketing  

During the winter, people are more likely to be searching for homes on the internet rather than driving through neighborhoods. You want to make sure you are taking advantage of every opportunity to present your house for sale online. Have high-quality pictures made and engage with anyone showing interest.  

How to Sell Massachusetts House Faster During Winter

6. Post Pictures of the House in Summer

If you have recent pictures of your house during warmer months, don’t forget to include those in the listing. It can be tempting to concentrate only on making the house look good during winter. However, you want buyers to picture themselves living in your house year-round. 

7. Make Your House Stand Out 

With fewer properties on the market, you can make your house stand out. Most buyers are more serious about purchasing a home during this season. This can be very advantageous because anyone interested can receive more personalized attention. Be sure to highlight important details of your house that makes it unique and desirable. 

With fewer buyers, it might take more time for the house to sell. You will need to be patient and not lose hope if it doesn’t sell as soon as you expected it to. If you are looking to sell the house quickly, or don’t want to want to go through the process of putting it on the market, consider selling it to a professional home buyer. This is an option that will help you avoid repairs, showings, and all of the paperwork involved with using a real estate agent. 

If you are selling your house in winter, don’t be worried about the connotation this season has about the real estate market. You may need to shift your focus in other directions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t successfully sell your house for a great price. By emphasizing the key features of your property and strategically preparing it for buyers, you can make the home selling process a positive experience and lucrative decision. 

Survival Tips for the Traveling Sports Fan

This article was thoughtfully written and contributed by Luke Murray from Council of Neighbors.

If you really love your team, there’s a good chance that you’ve at least considered making a trip to a different city to support them at their away games. Leaving the comfort of your own home, your own local bar, or your own stadium or arena (all filled with like-minded fans) can make even the most ardent sports fan a bit apprehensive. If you’re heading to Fort Point or elsewhere in the Boston area to follow your team, here are a few essential tips for finding a little piece of home.

The internet is your best friend

Before the internet, it was tough or often even impossible to track down a bar or restaurant friendly to your team when you were in a different city. Tracking down like-minded fans to enjoy the game with? Even harder. Today, the internet – especially through social media – connects anyone and everyone and makes it fairly easy to find your colors amidst a sea of opposing fans.

For example, TeamBarFinder is a crowdsourced site where you can search for a friendly bar wherever you are, for a variety of sports teams from the NFL, NBA, NCAA, and more. There are also plenty of fan-centric apps that allow people in the same vicinity to connect with each other and watch the big game together.

It may even be worthwhile to place a personal ad on a site like Craigslist, simply saying I’m a fan of X team and will be in X city for the game, does anyone know where I can find some like-minded fans?

Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget the massive power of social media like Facebook and Twitter. It’s easy to put out an open call for sports fans wherever you are, and any social media post has the ability to reach hundreds of people who can help.

Know the area you’re traveling to (do your research)

Showing up in the Boston area without any knowledge of its sports culture or fandom is a recipe for disaster. Get to know about the Red Sox, for example, if you’re going to be watching your team at Fenway or at a local sports bar. Areas like Fort Point are wonderful to visit on a sports-related vacation because of the wonderful sports bars that cater to a fervent fan base. If you do intend to make it to Fenway here are some great tips and tricks for having a great time while you’re there.

Be respectful

No matter where you find yourself (even among friends), you’re likely to also be surrounded by fans of your opposing team. It’s important to remember that, as an away fan, you may not be entitled to the exact same amount of in-your-face fandom as the fans of the home team.

“By all means, wear your team colors, but do it with restraint. A hat or scarf is great. A jersey is fine. A full team warmup suit accompanied with team pom-poms and face paint? That’s a little too much. Save that for when you are going to a home game,” notes DearSportsFan.com. “The same holds for your behavior. Don’t get belligerently drunk and scream. That type of behavior is permissible (some might say ideal) when you are rooting for the home team, but as an away team fan, you should be more demure.”

Don’t be afraid to travel to support your team. Boston will be happy to have you! If you brush up on our sports culture, remember to be respectful, and use the internet to find people and places friendly to your fandom, you can have a great time, even away from home. We think you’re going to love it here.

Garage Parking Space for Sale at Boston Ritz Carlton

Perhaps one of the most unique property ownership opportunities in Boston has emerged once again with the listing for sale of a Ritz Carlton self-park secure garage parking space for $110,000.

What’s so unique about a garage parking space available for sale in the middle of downtown Boston?

Well, a lot.

Boston garage parking space B3 16 in the Ritz Carlton garage carries no real estate taxes, no HOA fees, and no expenses of any sort, in perpetuity.

Not your standard piece of land in the middle of Boston, by any stretch of the imagination!

Boston Ritz Carlton Parking Garage Entrance

The Ritz garage offers owners the ability to self-park, something nearby condominium developments like Tremont on the Common or Grandview do not allow, which creates parking spaces that trade for less than $50,000, but carry exuberant monthly expenses (as an investor, it’s really hard to make the numbers work).

The Ritz Carlton garage has no residency requirements, so while it makes sense for a building resident to marry another parking space to their condo, investors, and even commuters can get in on the action at the Ritz.

Ritz parking space B3 16 is a reserved parking spot located near the garage elevator on level B3, and is a single non-tandem space.

The secure Ritz Carlton garage is located east of the intersection of Boylston and Tremont Streets, available to enter by vehicle on the north side of Boylston Street, while also accessible by foot via elevator off Avery Street. An Orange line T stop is adjacent to the garage.

For more information regarding this Ritz Carlton parking space for sale, listing your parking space for sale, or buying a downtown Boston garage parking space, contact us today.

2 Avery Street Ritz Parking Garage