Real Estate in MetroWest, Massachusetts: February 2009

There are so many choices for buyers these days. Of course budget is key. It's important to look in the proper price range so there's no dissapointment when you compare these homes to what you can actually afford. Also, geographic location are vital.Do you need to live near public transportation? How long will your commute to work be? Do you want city or country living? Is a neighborhood a requirement? Could you live on a main street? Knowing your priorites will help not only to narrow down your search, but your ultimate happiness with your new home.

 Think about what's important to you. Make a list of the "Must Haves", the "I'd Like to Have"s and the "I Could Live Without's".

For some people it's the kitchen and bath. Is a granite counter a must have or a I'd like to have? Your priorites are your own.

House size such as number of bedrooms and bathrooms is important. Determine if this will be a "forever "home or a "For Now" home.

People with children need to consider such factors as school system and town safety. Lead paint is another important issue that involves children. Any home built prior to 1978 has the possibility of having lead paint.

Check out the tax rates for various towns. make sure this is an amount you feel comfortable with.

Choosing a real estate professional is an important first step in the beginning of your search. Working with an Accredited Buyers Representative is key. You also want a Realtor who you feel a rapport with. You will be spending a great deal of time with this person. You need to bond and trust each other.

Feel free to check references from other Buyers your Realtor has worked with.

Written by Randi Steckler, Realtor, Accredited buyers representative.www.rebac.net

RE/MAX Executive Realty www.remaxexec.com

References from my previous buyers gladly furnished.

For a free search of MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to see all homes currently on the market visit my website, www.randisteckler.com  This is the easiest way into your new home!

A Warm Home is a Sign of a Happy Heart!!

With spring coming, it's time to lighten up and  spruce up your home

With warm weather coming, now's the perfect time to spruce up your decor. Update by bringing in some sheer fabrics, pretty florals and garden elements. Here are some Spring Spruce Up Ideas:

• Lighten Up!

If you have dark drapes or a heavy corduroy sofa, consider some lighter alternatives. Remove the drapes and replace with sheers. Slipcover the sofa or chairs with paler tones or florals.

• Think again about your rugs

Warm and cozy area rugs that look just right in winter, but as the temperatures rise, it may be time to roll them up and replace with light cotton rugs in cool colors. This gives you an opportunity to clean winter rugs!

• Change Your View

Think about rearranging your furniture. Instead of facing toward the fireplace, change the focal point to a garden to take advantage of those lovely spring blooms and fresh green grass.

• Create an Inviting Porch

Spring and summer is the time to enjoy your porch or deck. Even if your home doesn't have these amenities, bring the look of the porch inside. You can do this by adding some pretty garden chairs, accessories and floral fabrics into the family room. This will give the illusion of being outside.

• Do away with Silk Flowers

Remove dusty arrangements and store them away. Bring in fresh green plants and flower arrangements. This will bring a breath of fresh air into your home!

• Reorganize Your Accessories

Clean off dusty shelves. Move accessories to other rooms to bring new life to them.

• Think Sheer

To say spring loudly, bring in the sheers! Sheer curtains, tablecloths, bed skirts and pillows. Plain or fancy, choose as your taste suits you.

• De-Clutter

Look for organizing solutions for your home. There are many great products on the market such as wicker or cloth covered bins to hold your excess papers, clothes etc. You'll be surprised how pretty your home will look when the "mess" is hidden away.

• Keep your Front Steps Beautiful

This is the first thing people see as they come to your home. Keep the steps swept. Change your mat to a fresh clean one.Paint your front door if it is looking worn. Consider a floral wreath, or as weather allows pretty flower pots.

Posted by Randi Steckler, Realtor, Acrredited Buyers Representative,RE/MAX Executive Realty. You can reach me at 508-944-0090 or by e-mail: randisteckler@comcast.net

For free viewing of MLS and to see all homes on the market, please register at my website, www.randisteckler.com

Bringing you one step closer to your dream home!

Electric lighting burns up to 25% of the average home lighting budget. Switching from standard incandescent bulbs to energy efficient will save about $30 or more in electrical costs over each bulbs lifetime. They also use about 75% less energy and last 10 times longer!

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) are mini versions of full sized fluorescents. They screw into standard light sockets and give off light that looks like standard incandescent light. The lighting actually looks warm and inviting.

Although they cost a bit more initially, in the long run, they save money. Who doesn't want to save money these days?

Since these bulbs use less electricity, they help prevent greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global climate change.

These bulbs can be used in family rooms, living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, and outdoors.

I can't think of any reason not to switch to CFL, can you?