Northshore Home

Fall 2015

Northshore Home magazine highlights the best in architectural design, new construction and renovations, interiors, and landscape design.

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162 FALL 2015 real estate PHOTOGRAPH BY JOE FERRARO N OW'S A GREAT TIME FOR HOME BUYING AND selling on the North Shore. "The market has been robust since spring," says Jon B. Gray, president, CEO, and RealtorĀ® at J Barrett & Company, an independ- ent real estate firm with offices in Beverly, Gloucester, Ipswich, Manchester, Marblehead, and Prides Crossing. "Interest rates are expected to remain low at least until December 2015." New construction and multifamily investment proper- ties are in high demand. Moreover, Gray says there is cur- rently a shortage of homes for sale in many North Shore communities, and buyers are even sometimes making offers that are over the asking price. Despite the great market, there are certain things that people should know, do, and understand as they buy and sell their homes. Here are a few of Gray's top tips. TOP 5 TIPS FOR BUYERS Start with financing. Gray says the first step for home- buyers is to get a preapproval commitment for financing. "Every buyer should have a clear understanding of what they can afford," he says. Get to know the place. "Learn about the towns you have interest in," he says. For instance, find out the town's tax rate, whether there are any overrides or sewer better- ments being discussed, or whether there's an additional charge for trash pickup or recycling. Consider home improvements. "Think about buying a home that may need some updating to build equity in your investment down the road," Gray says. He also suggests making a list of the top 10 "must haves" for your potential home and then considering how many of those things you could actually add to the new home yourself. If renovations are in the cards, remember, they're not as BUY AND SELL TOP TIPS FOR BUYING AND SELLING YOUR HOME By Alexandra Pecci President and CEO Jon B. Gray at the J Barrett & Company Beverly office

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