Our world is becoming smaller via the internet. There are so many resources out there to help us get through our daily lives that I have a hard time remembering what it was like 15-20 years ago. The transparancy of information is certainly staggering. For example we have been interviewing several candidates to join us as new agents and one of the first thing we do is visit their Facebook.com page. It can be revealing... And there are some other sites that can be useful to you as home hunters.
This week I have spent some time on Apartmentratings.com. This website, if it catches on could serve as a background check on landlords. Personally, I think it is great. Tenants go through a vigorous screening process and it seems silly that they do not get the same opportunity to screen their future landlords. Afterall, this is someone that has a key to your home.
In the past I have also visited Rottenneighbor.com. This site isn't quite up and running yet (I had some issues loading pages) but it promises to provide information that isn't public record and an ethical real estate agent wouldn't touch with a 30 foot pole. I'm not saying that the information is illegal or anything, just that it gets us agents/brokers into a grey area that laywers and lawmakers would rather have us avoid.
Of course, I am sure there will be lawsuits regarding how this information is used and probably a few libel/slander suits. But I think if people are responsible and ethical, it can be a tremendous resource.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Registry of Deeds - Norfolk County where are you?
What's the first thing we do when we are listing a property or researching a property for a buyer? We visit the Registry of Deeds online. Several of the Massachusetts registries are online and available to anyone to puruse and inspect. Much of it is boring stuff. But it also can serve as a resource to investigate properties and people.
I recently found out that an owner of a foreclosure that had recently been ordered, had foreclosure initiated on the property 4 times. The first three times they had refinanced and evaded foreclosure. Finally the $150k property bought more than 10 years ago had a $330k mortgage on it. If the banks or attorneys had done their homework they would've known that the owner should not have been financed another time. Now the property is in foreclosure and ready to be filed with land court and sold through brokerage by the lender.
I can also see employers, nosey neighbors and investigators using the registry as a free source for background information and lenders should be checking the registry prior to any financing.
Currently there are several counties online in Massachusetts. We use them everyday in our search for properties, it might be worth checking out, especially if you own property. In addition to deeds, there are many other documents filed such as condo docs, notices, liens, assignments, etc...
I recently found out that an owner of a foreclosure that had recently been ordered, had foreclosure initiated on the property 4 times. The first three times they had refinanced and evaded foreclosure. Finally the $150k property bought more than 10 years ago had a $330k mortgage on it. If the banks or attorneys had done their homework they would've known that the owner should not have been financed another time. Now the property is in foreclosure and ready to be filed with land court and sold through brokerage by the lender.
I can also see employers, nosey neighbors and investigators using the registry as a free source for background information and lenders should be checking the registry prior to any financing.
Currently there are several counties online in Massachusetts. We use them everyday in our search for properties, it might be worth checking out, especially if you own property. In addition to deeds, there are many other documents filed such as condo docs, notices, liens, assignments, etc...
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Open Houes-Sunday
This week's open houses are on the schedule and we are ready for you to visit.
Check them out at:
12 Victoria Street #1, Dorchester 12-2 PM
22 Upland Ave., Dorchester 12-2 PM
Check them out at:
12 Victoria Street #1, Dorchester 12-2 PM
22 Upland Ave., Dorchester 12-2 PM
Thursday, January 17, 2008
We want you!
Just In Boston Properties is looking for a licensed real estate agent to help our office grow. Our office is a small boutique agency with ties to developers, investors and landlords throughout Dorchester and South Boston. We specialize in all of Dorchester's Real Estate- Investments, Developments, Condos, Multi Families, Single Families, Apartments and Property Management. Just In Boston Properties is based in the Savin Hill area of Dorchester, just a few blocks from the Savin Hill T station. We are a service driven boutique real estate agency offering high end customer service and services to a moderately priced market.
The ideal candidate will have:
A current Massachusetts Real Estate License
A reliable and clean car
Knowledge of Microsoft Office
Cell phone-preferably a smart phone or Blackberry
The desire to hustle and make money
Please email or fax resume, Attention: Justin or Nadine 617-830-0053
nadine@justinboston.com or justin@justinboston.com
The ideal candidate will have:
A current Massachusetts Real Estate License
A reliable and clean car
Knowledge of Microsoft Office
Cell phone-preferably a smart phone or Blackberry
The desire to hustle and make money
Please email or fax resume, Attention: Justin or Nadine 617-830-0053
nadine@justinboston.com or justin@justinboston.com
Monday, January 14, 2008
More snow!
Well the holidays are over and we are getting back into the swing of things. Personally, I had the flu for about a week and am finally feeling human again. The office is in need of a serious vacuuming and we are putting together our 2008 plan. I promise to regualrly update the blog with interesting tid-bits and coerce my fellow agents to participate too. Happy new year!
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