What exactly is a "buyer’s market?"  According to the National Association of Realtors, a "buyer’s market" occurs when there is more than a 6 month inventory of homes for sale in a particular market area. The concept is similar to that of other goods and services and relates to the more familiar economic principle of "supply and demand." For buyers who are able to qualify for a mortgage, this is truly an excellent time to consider purchasing a home and an experienced, professional real estate agent can guide you through the complicated process of buying a home.  Whether your a first time home buyer or currently own a home and are looking to move let Paulette Zuena guide you through the maze of financing options, legal documents, inspection procedures and disclosure requirements so important in today’s market. As an expert in the Andover, North Andover and Boxford Massachusetts communities, I can help you find the home and neighborhood that is right for you.

"Has the housing market reached the bottom or will prices keep falling?"  I get asked this question several times a day and while it seems like a logical question to ask when thinking about when to buy or sell a home, the truth is, housing prices are only part of the equation to be considered.  I came across an interesting statistic…actually presented to me by my colleague Mike Elias, Senior Loan Officer at the Mortgage Network.  Did you know that mortgage interest rates have only been lower than this month’s fixed rate for 48 out of the past 447 months?  It’s important for buyers to remember that a small increase in interest rates can quickly offset any savings they might realize by a reduced asking price.  This chart clearly illustrates this point.  For a copy of this report and other valuable information, contact Mike Elias at the Mortgage Network or Paulette Zuena at ReMax Partners in Andover, MA.  Together we can help you with all of your real estate needs.

I just returned from a few days off and once again was reminded of the amenities and lifestyle we enjoy here in New England.  After considering many possible trips and tourist destinations, we decided to stay close to home after all.  It was a wise decision.  With less than 2 hours driving time we were able to enjoy so much of what summer in New England has to offer.  After celebrating the local July 4th activities we spent a few days at a mountain lake in New Hampshire enjoying swimming, boating and hiking.  We then made a quick stop back in Andover and headed back on the road.   Once again with an easy 2 hour drive,  we arrived on  the spectacular Rhode Island coastline.  We enjoyed  beautiful beaches, local seafood, some golf and a little tennis.  We watched others enjoy fishing, sailing and kayaking. New England truly  is a very special place and here in Andover, North Andover and Boxford Massachusetts we  are in the heart of all the region has to offer. Choosing a home and a place to live is more than just  real estate, houses and rooms.  It’s important that your home suits your lifestyle and is a place your entire family will enjoy.  If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Andover, North Andover, Boxford or any other nearby town, give me call or email me at Paulette.Zuena@REMAX.net.  I’ll be happy to help you suit your home to your lifestyle!

The news reports certainly paint a discouraging picture of the housing market.  Even if we’re not currently considering a move, for many of us our homes are our single most valuable asset.   I believe that is one reason the health of our nation’s housing market is so important to us.  I also believe that it is also the reason the news outlets broadcast reports daily.  For most Americans owning a home truly is the American dream.  Consider this– forecasting national housing market trends is similar to forecasting the national weather. Just like the weather, real estate is local.  Did you know, for example, that while the total number of single family homes sold in Andover and North Andover this year compared to the same time period last year is fewer the median sales price of homes sold in Andover is holding steady at $550,000 and has increased from $494,000 to $500,500 in North Andover?   For the best local and up-to-date information on your neighborhood contact me. I can help you sort through the conflicting news reports and help you determine the true value of your home or home purchase.

 School’s out for summer and all across Andover and North Andover children and adults alike are enjoying vacation and outdoor fun.  The recent flooding in the midwest and the official start of hurricane season remind us that accidents and storms can happen at any time.  Perhaps that’s why June is National Safety month!  My wish for you is to enjoy your summer and please stay safe. Consider these valuable first aid and emergency safety tips. 

 "BIG MAX," the official RE/Max Hot Air Balloon took flight under blue skies this first day of summer 2008!  Visitors quickly gathered to enjoy tethered rides at Smolak Farms annual Strawberry Festival.  Procedes will benefit the Fund for Arts in Education in the North Andover Public Schools. Paulette Zuena and ReMax Partners in Andover, MA sponsored the event. Children and adults of all ages enjoyed juicy strawberries, hay rides and  sunny weather to celebrate the new season.  If you missed this event—join Paulette again on the 4th of July where the ReMax Balloon will again take flight in conjunction with the Town of Andover’s annual Pancake Breakfast and Horribles Parade.  For more information about how Paulette Zuena and ReMax Partners support local charities please contact Paulette.  She’d love to hear from you. ENJOY MORE SPECTACULAR PHOTOS OF ANDOVER’S REMAX HOT AIR BALLOON.

                 COME RIDE THE RE/MAX BALLOON!

Clean out, organize closets. Get sorting—organize your piles into “don’t need,” “haven’t worn,” and “keep.” Closets must be only half-full so buyers can visualize fitting their belongings.

Update window treatments. Buyers want light and views, not dated drapes that darken. To diffuse light and add privacy, consider energy-efficient shades and blinds.

Hire a home inspector. Do a preemptive strike, since busy home owners seek maintenance-free living. Fix problems before you list the home and then display receipts and wait for buyers to offer kudos to sellers for being so responsible.

Install crown molding. Install molding proportional to the room’s size, and architecturally compatible. For ceilings nine feet high or higher, add dentil detailing, small tooth-shaped blocks used as a repeating ornament. It’s all in the details, after all.

Screen hardwood floors. Buyers favor wood over carpet, but refinishing is costly and time-consuming. Screening cuts dust, time, and expense. What it entails: a light sanding, not a full stripping of color or polyurethane, then a coat of finish.

Enrich with color! Paint is cheap but forget the adage that it must be white or neutral.  Just don’t get too avant-garde with jarring pinks, oranges or purples.  Soft colors say "welcome" and lead the eye from room to room.  Think soft yellows and pale greens. Tint the ceilings a lighter shade.

Upgrade the kitchen and bathrooms. These are make-or-break rooms.  Make each room squeaky clean and clutter free.  Update the pulls, sinks, and faucets. In the kitchen add on cool appliance such as an expresso maker.  In the bathroom mimic a hotel or spa.  Fresh towels are a must!