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		<title>Boston is #3 of Six Housing Markets Poised for a Real Estate Rebound!</title>
		<link>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/boston-is-3-of-six-housing-markets-poised-for-a-real-estate-rebound/</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:26:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Mark Strickland Team (at Keller Williams Realty, Boston-Metro)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boston ma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boston real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boston real estate stats]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/boston-is-3-of-six-housing-markets-poised-for-a-real-estate-rebound/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Source: Forbes The folks at Local Market Monitor, a Carey, N.C.-based real estate research firm, helped us compile this list, sorting through housing and economic data for the 100 most populous cities and their surrounding suburbs, defined as Metropolitan Statistical &#8230; <a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/boston-is-3-of-six-housing-markets-poised-for-a-real-estate-rebound/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com&amp;blog=10073037&amp;post=499&amp;subd=themarkstricklandteam&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/boston_backbay_skyline_962460_h.jpg"><img class=" wp-image alignleft" src="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/boston_backbay_skyline_962460_h.jpg?w=380&#038;h=256" alt="Image" width="380" height="256" /></a>Source: Forbes</p>
<p>The folks at Local Market Monitor, a Carey, N.C.-based real estate research firm, helped us compile this list, sorting through housing and economic data for the 100 most populous cities and their surrounding suburbs, defined as Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Metropolitan Divisions by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. LMM assessed the change in home prices over the past 12 months and three years (on the latter, our reasoning is that markets that lost less value in the housing bust have the potential to recover faster), unemployment rates, 12-month job-growth projections, the change in population from 2006 through 2009 (the most recent data available from the U.S. Census) and new-home construction rates for the third quarter of 2011 as compared to the same quarter in 2010.</p>
<h3>1. San Jose, CA</h3>
<p>M.S.A.: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA<br /> Home Prices, past 12 months: 2% decrease<br /> Home Prices, past 3 years: 10% decrease<br /> New Construction: 97% increase<br /> Population Growth: 5%<br /> Job Growth: 3.3% <br /> Unemployment: 9.2%</p>
<h3>2. Houston, TX</h3>
<p>M.S.A.: Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX<br /> Home Prices, past 12 months: 2% decrease<br /> Home Prices, past 3 years: 2% decrease<br /> New Construction: 38%<br /> Population Growth: 7%<br /> Job Growth: 3%<br /> Unemployment: 7.6%</p>
<h3>3. Boston, MA</h3>
<p>M.S.A.D.: Boston-Quincy, MA <br /> Home Prices, past 12 months: 1% decrease<br /> Home Prices, past 3 years: 4% decrease<br /> New Construction: 1% increase<br /> Population Growth: 3%<br /> Job Growth: 2.1%<br /> Unemployment: 5%</p>
<h3>4. Raleigh, NC</h3>
<p>M.S.A.: Raleigh-Cary, NC<br /> Home Prices, past 12 months: 2% decrease<br /> Home Prices, past 3 years: 7% decrease<br /> New Construction: 14% increase<br /> Population Growth: 12%<br /> Job Growth: 1.4%<br /> Unemployment: 7.8%</p>
<h3>5. Austin, TX</h3>
<p>M.S.A.: Austin-Round Rock, TX<br /> Home Prices, past 12 months: 2% decrease<br /> Home Prices, past 3 years: 2% decrease<br /> New Construction: 20%<br /> Population Growth: 11%<br /> Job Growth: 1.5%<br /> Unemployment: 6.6%</p>
<h3>6. Oklahoma City, OK</h3>
<p>M.S.A.: Oklahoma City, OK<br /> Home Prices, past 12 months: 3% decrease<br /> Home Prices, past 3 years: 1% decrease<br /> New Construction: 1% decrease<br /> Population Growth: 4%<br /> Job Growth: 2.6%<br /> Unemployment: 5.5%</p>
<p>You can also see what other houses made the cut on <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/morganbrennan/2012/01/12/cities-where-real-estate-is-ripe-for-a-rebound/" target="_blank"><strong>Forbes.com</strong></a>! If you have any questions about buying or selling a home in <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com" target="_blank"><strong>Boston, MA,</strong></a> don&#8217;t hesitate to <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/contact.php" target="_blank"><strong>contact us</strong></a>! We&#8217;d be happy to help you at any time. We hope to hear from you soon!</p>
<p><strong>The Mark Strickland Team<br /> Keller Williams Realty-Serving Greater Boston and the South Shore<br /> </strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">Check Out Our Website</a><br /> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mark-Strickland-Team-at-Keller-Williams-Realty/147663055285874" target="_blank">Find Us on Facebook</a><br /> <a href="http://twitter.com/markdstrickland" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter</a><br /> <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/bostonrealtormarkstrickland" target="_blank">Connect With Us on LinkedIn</a><br /> <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">Contact Us</a><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank"><br /> </a></p>
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		<title>Your Weekend Roundup for Boston and Surrounding South Shore Communities!</title>
		<link>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/your-weekend-roundup-for-boston-and-surrounding-south-shore-communities/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:55:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Mark Strickland Team (at Keller Williams Realty, Boston-Metro)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Boston community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boston]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boston real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quincy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[South Shore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Things to do in Boston]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Things to do in Quincy]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[As Greater Boston real estate agents, we think that it’s important to keep up with our area’s weekend happenings. After all, when somebody chooses to live in Boston, MA, they are going to want to know about more than just &#8230; <a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/your-weekend-roundup-for-boston-and-surrounding-south-shore-communities/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com&amp;blog=10073037&amp;post=466&amp;subd=themarkstricklandteam&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/hancock_plunge.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-467" title="Hancock_Plunge" src="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/hancock_plunge.jpg?w=584" alt=""   /></a>As <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston real estate agents</strong></a>, we think that it’s important to keep up with our area’s weekend happenings. After all, when somebody chooses to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mark-Strickland-Team-at-Keller-Williams-Realty/147663055285874" target="_blank"><strong>live in Boston, MA</strong></a>, they are going to want to know about more than just the housing market. Choosing a community that is vibrant, active and filled with fun and special events is important to many homebuyers. Thankfully, in <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/city-websites.php" target="_blank"><strong>Boston</strong></a> and the surrounding <a href="http://twitter.com/markdstrickland" target="_blank"><strong>South Shore communities</strong></a>, there is no lack of things to do. You can always find something that will pique your interest, no matter what time of year it is. This weekend is no exception.</p>
<p>As your eyes and ears for the <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/boston-sports.php" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston area</strong></a>, we thought that we’d give you a little bit of insight as to what is happening in <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/boston-weather.php" target="_blank"><strong>Boston</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.quincyma.gov" target="_blank"><strong>Quincy, MA</strong></a> this weekend. Whether you prefer going for a swim or enjoying a film, you’re practically guaranteed to find something on this list that you’ll enjoy!</p>
<p><strong>This Friday night, put on your dancing shoes.</strong> Did you know that during the Great Depression, many people turned to dance to help lift their spirits? It makes a lot of sense, if you think about it. What can bring you more joy than moving to your favorite song? This Friday night, head to <a href="https://artsemerson.org/Online/default.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Emerson College’s Paramount Center</strong></a> for a night of film musicals that will leave you happier than when you walked in. Start the night with 1929’s “The Broadway Melody” and end it with a dose of the classic “Singin’ in the Rain”. The night starts at 6:00, and it costs $15.00 for both films.</p>
<p><strong>Take the plunge Saturday morning.</strong> If you want to support a great cause and go for a daring dip, head to Quincy this Saturday morning for the John Hancock Birthday Plunge. At 10:30am, head to DCR’s Wollaston Beach and register for this unique event that benefits <a href="http://www.interfaithsocialservices.org/network/" target="_blank"><strong>Interfaith Social Services</strong></a>. Plungers will get a free t-shirt and prizes will be given away for the “Most Unusual Get-Up”, “Most Money Raised” and “Oldest and Youngest Participant.” This will be an event that you won’t soon forget, so take some time and participate for a great cause!</p>
<p><strong>Experience some art appreciation around Boston this Sunday.</strong> The <a href="http://www.decordova.org/" target="_blank"><strong>DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum</strong></a> in Lincoln will be filled with a variety of works of art this Sunday! The exhibition is un-themed, and believe it or not, it’s not confined to the museum! Works will also be displayed in Boston and various communities in the area. Museum admission is $14.00, so if you’re in the mood to enjoy some artistic genius this weekend, take some time to stop by and enjoy the work of over 23 artistic and collaborative talents!</p>
<p>One of the many benefits of <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/featured-boston-listings.php" target="_blank"><strong>living in Boston, MA</strong></a> and the surrounding <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mark-Strickland-Team-at-Keller-Williams-Realty/147663055285874" target="_blank"><strong>South Shore communities</strong></a> is that there is never a lack of things to do. Whether you’re looking for cultural activity or physical exercise, there is always something going on that will keep you entertained all month long. As your <a href="http://twitter.com/markdstrickland" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston real estate agents</strong></a>, we like to keep our eye on all of the fun-filled events happening all over the area. It’s just one more way that we go above and beyond for our community.</p>
<p>If you have any questions about <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/buying-home.php" target="_blank"><strong>living in Boston, MA</strong></a> or the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mark-Strickland-Team-at-Keller-Williams-Realty/147663055285874" target="_blank"><strong>South Shore</strong></a>, don’t hesitate to <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/contact.php" target="_blank"><strong>contact us</strong></a>! We would love to answer your questions at any time. We hope to hear from you soon!</p>
<p><strong>The Mark Strickland Team<br />
Keller Williams Realty-Serving Greater Boston and the South Shore<br />
</strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">Check Out Our Website</a><br />
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		<title>Five New Year’s Resolutions for Your Greater Boston Home!</title>
		<link>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/five-new-years-resolutions-for-your-greater-boston-home/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:18:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Mark Strickland Team (at Keller Williams Realty, Boston-Metro)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Boston Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boston real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boston real estate tips]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[We know that it’s already halfway through January, but that doesn’t mean that it’s too late to set some New Year’s Resolutions! For many homeowners in the Greater Boston and Quincy, MA areas, January is a time to regroup and &#8230; <a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/five-new-years-resolutions-for-your-greater-boston-home/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com&amp;blog=10073037&amp;post=462&amp;subd=themarkstricklandteam&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/121593.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-464" title="121593" src="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/121593.jpg?w=584" alt=""   /></a>We know that it’s already halfway through January, but that doesn’t mean that it’s too late to set some New Year’s Resolutions! For many homeowners in the <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/boston-culture.php" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/boston-culture.php" target="_blank"><strong>Quincy, MA</strong></a> areas, January is a time to regroup and get yourself reorganized, and that includes taking some steps to improve your home. As your <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston real estate agents</strong></a>, we thought that we’d come up with a few home improvement resolutions for this year that you can use to make yourself a happy, savvy homeowner. Good luck!</p>
<p><strong>1. Cut energy use.</strong> The majority of the <a href="http://twitter.com/markdstrickland" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston area</strong></a> has homes that suck up energy use and create costly bills each month. This year, dedicate some time to changing that by insulating the ducts in your heating and cooling system. This can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by up to 20%! We think that’s well worth the time and money spent, and you will too once you see those energy bills start to decrease.</p>
<p><strong>2. Clean up your air.</strong> Did you know that the EPA has listed indoor air quality as one of the top environmental health hazards? Think about it: with all the dust, pollen, viruses and mold spores that could be floating around inside your home, it doesn’t seem so outrageous to think that indoor air could be dangerous. Use a portable air cleaner to cleanse each room, use localized ventilation in the kitchen and bathrooms to avoid excess humidity and change your furnace filters regularly!</p>
<p><strong>3. Get organized.</strong> We know that during the holidays, you probably let more than a few piles of excess papers pop up around the house, or you may have let that storage closet get out of control. Make it an effort to go through and purge items that you don&#8217;t really need. Chances are, if you haven’t used it in over five years, then you’re not going to any time soon. It’s also a great time to organize your piles and create extra storage space where needed.</p>
<p><strong>4. Put your DIY skills to the test.</strong> Calling the repairman every time something goes wrong at home gets costly. Not only is doing minor repairs yourself cost-effective, but it’s also great for your personal health! You can burn 136 calories an hour just by painting the house! Make a list of what home improvement projects are manageable to you, and make a promise to yourself to try and tackle them yourself. It’s a great way to improve your home and get a little exercise at the same time.</p>
<p><strong>5. Learn something new about home finances.</strong> You would be amazed how many people who are looking for a home on the <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/search-mls.php" target="_blank"><strong>Quincy real estate</strong></a> market have no idea about home insurance policies or what they need to get a mortgage loan. While you’re a homeowner right now, there may come a time where you want to put your current <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/featured-boston-listings.php" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston home</strong></a> on the market and find another one in the area. Take a little bit of time to become familiar with your insurance policy and find out what you can do to your premiums from getting out of hand.</p>
<p>As your <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/about.php" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/boston-neighborhood-information.php" target="_blank"><strong>Quincy real estate agents</strong></a>, we want all of the members of our community to succeed at completing their New Year’s resolutions, so we thought that we’d share a few ways for you to make that happen. These home improvement initiatives will not only make you a better homeowner, but it will get your <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/buying-home.php" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston home</strong></a> ready for yet another year!</p>
<p>If you have any questions about your <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/mortgage-financing.php" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston home</strong></a>, feel free to <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/contact.php" target="_blank"><strong>contact us</strong></a>! We are here to help you at any time. We hope to hear from you soon!</p>
<p><strong>The Mark Strickland Team<br />
Keller Williams Realty-Serving Greater Boston and the South Shore<br />
</strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">Check Out Our Website</a><br />
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		<title>What Really Affected the Greater Boston Housing Market in 2011?</title>
		<link>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/what-really-affected-the-greater-boston-housing-market-in-2011/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:43:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Mark Strickland Team (at Keller Williams Realty, Boston-Metro)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greater Boston]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greater Boston real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greater Boston Real Estate Updates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quincy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quincy real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Quincy Real Estate Updates]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[A recent article in Time magazine highlighted some of the key issues that impacted the national real estate market this year. From foreclosure scandals to natural disasters, a variety of issues contributed to the current real estate climate in the &#8230; <a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/what-really-affected-the-greater-boston-housing-market-in-2011/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com&amp;blog=10073037&amp;post=461&amp;subd=themarkstricklandteam&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/current-pretty-207983-m.jpg"><img class=" wp-image alignleft" src="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/current-pretty-207983-m.jpg?w=148&#038;h=218" alt="Image" width="148" height="218" /></a>A recent article in <a href="http://www.time.com/time/" target="_blank"><strong>Time magazine</strong></a> highlighted some of the key issues that impacted the national real estate market this year. From foreclosure scandals to natural disasters, a variety of issues contributed to the current real estate climate in the United States. As we enter a new year, we feel that it is important to look back at some of these prominent factors in order to get a sense of what is to come and how it will affect our clients.</p>
<p>As your <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/boston-culture.php" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com" target="_blank"><strong>Quincy real estate</strong></a> agents, we make it a priority to stay on top of national real estate news, and we aim to consistently share what we find out with our community. Part of advising people on the best course of action for their home sale or purchase is to be honest about what is happening in the current market. In order to give people the best and most informed advice possible, we need to keep track of what’s happening in both the national and <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/mortgage-financing.php" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston real estate market</strong></a> and explain to our clients what factors are impacting their ability to buy or sell a home.<br />Here are some of the most important factors that could have impacted your <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mark-Strickland-Team-at-Keller-Williams-Realty/147663055285874" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston</strong></a> or <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/featured-boston-listings.php" target="_blank"><strong>Quincy real estate</strong></a> transaction this year:</p>
<p><strong>The robo-signing scandal.</strong> Many of you who have been following this debacle from the beginning can agree that for the major lenders, 2011 was not the best year. Banks all over the country were accused of signing off on several foreclosures without properly reviewing each property’s case. While this issue came to light at the end of 2010, it continued well into this year. While this slowed down foreclosures significantly over the course of the year, it did force the government and lenders to re-examine the foreclosure policies and take extra precautions.</p>
<p>The good news is that at the moment, the government is working on a settlement with the major lenders. Once that is in place, foreclosures will pick back up again over the course of this year, which will lead to a faster housing recovery.</p>
<p><strong>Natural disasters.</strong> Mother Nature isn’t always kind to real estate. Between massive snowstorms in the <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/city-websites.php" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston area</strong></a> and tornadoes, hurricanes and floods all over the country, many homes suffered from severe damage, leaving homeowners in a lurch. This brought an interesting issue to light, and that’s homeowner’s insurance. The onslaught of natural disasters forced many to re-examine their home insurance policies and ensure that they’re covered in the event of a disaster.</p>
<p>This will certainly prove helpful for <a href="http://twitter.com/markdstrickland" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston real estate</strong></a> in 2012! It creates a smarter home buyer who will make sure that they have the proper insurance coverage for their home.</p>
<p><strong>The conforming loan limit.</strong> In October, the government lowered the conforming loan limit for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-backed mortgages to $625,500 in many areas. This also applied to FHA loans. Many in the real estate industry urged the government to keep loan limits higher, and eventually, FHA loan limits were raised back up to higher standards. For Fannie and Freddie-backed loans, however, the limit has remained low.</p>
<p>This has created one semi-convenient perk for <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/boston-weather.php" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/buying-home.php" target="_blank"><strong>Quincy home buyers</strong></a>: now, many lenders are charging lower rates for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-backed loans. Interest rates have been at an all-time low this year, and the Fed promises that they will continue to stay that way throughout 2012. This creates the perfect opportunity for buyers to start their <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/search-mls.php" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston home</strong></a> search!</p>
<p>While 2011 was a turbulent year for the national real estate market, many experts are optimistic about the year to come. As your <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/about.php" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston real estate agents</strong></a>, we take it upon ourselves to analyze how these national factors affect our local market. We also try to explain how each factor could potentially benefit our real estate customers.</p>
<p>If you have any questions about whether or not now is a good time to sell or buy a <a href="http://bostonrealestateobserver.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Greater Boston</strong></a> or <a href="http://www.quincyma.gov/" target="_blank"><strong>Quincy</strong></a> home, don’t hesitate to <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/contact.php" target="_blank"><strong>contact us</strong></a>! We’d love to help you out in any way we can. We hope to hear from you soon!</p>
<p><strong>The Mark Strickland Team<br /> Keller Williams Realty-Serving Greater Boston and the South Shore<br /> </strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">Check Out Our Website</a><br /> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mark-Strickland-Team-at-Keller-Williams-Realty/147663055285874" target="_blank">Find Us on Facebook</a><br /> <a href="http://twitter.com/markdstrickland" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter</a><br /> <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/bostonrealtormarkstrickland" target="_blank">Connect With Us on LinkedIn</a><br /> <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">Contact Us</a><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank"><br /> </a></p></p>
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		<title>When is the Right Time to Sell Your Metro Boston Home?</title>
		<link>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/when-is-the-right-time-to-sell-your-metro-boston-home/</link>
		<comments>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/when-is-the-right-time-to-sell-your-metro-boston-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:41:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Mark Strickland Team (at Keller Williams Realty, Boston-Metro)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Boston Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Selling a Boston Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2012 Boston real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[foreclosure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greater Boston real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Metro Boston homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Quincy MA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quincy real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Selling your Boston home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Mark Strickland Team]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Welcome to 2012! Are you thinking of selling your home this year? Here at the Mark Strickland Team, a popular question we get is, &#8220;When should I put my home on the market?&#8221; It&#8217;s a perfectly natural question. You want &#8230; <a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/when-is-the-right-time-to-sell-your-metro-boston-home/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com&amp;blog=10073037&amp;post=372&amp;subd=themarkstricklandteam&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/color2012.jpg"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-374" title="color2012" src="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/color2012.jpg?w=207&#038;h=188" alt="" width="207" height="188" /></a>Welcome to 2012! Are you thinking of selling your home this year? Here at the <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">Mark Strickland Team</a></strong>, a popular question we get is, &#8220;When should I put my home on the market?&#8221; It&#8217;s a perfectly natural question. You want the best market exposure for your home, and you need the best possible offer. Wouldn&#8217;t timing play a role in that?</p>
<p>Not as much as you might think. In fact, now could be the best time to put your <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">Boston or Quincy home</a></strong> on the market, and we&#8217;ll explain why!</p>
<p>The <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/search-mls.php" target="_blank">real estate market in the Greater Boston area</a></strong>, like so many other areas of the country, has its&#8217; share of distressed properties in a &#8220;shadow inventory.&#8221;  Banks have a lot of bad loans on the shelves, and sooner or later those homes will be processed through foreclosure and hit our market. There is no telling how many we&#8217;ll see come through the pipeline, or when. They can come in ones or twos, or in a glut.</p>
<p>But as they become part of the <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/featured-boston-listings.php" target="_blank">active listings</a></strong>, those discounted homes will affect the values of the properties around them. This is an issue beyond our control, and beyond your control. The experience of one <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/boston-neighborhood-information.php" target="_blank">neighborhood in Boston</a></strong> could be entirely different from another; it depends on the number of distressed properties in a given area.</p>
<p>As an aside, there is also competition from the traditional market &#8211; especially the spring and summer sellers. In short, <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/search-mls.php" target="_blank">homes in the Metro Boston real estate market</a></strong> will always have some competition. Fortunately the <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/invest.php" target="_blank">Greater Boston area</a></strong> is among the most sought-after markets in the country.</p>
<p>In fact, putting your home in the market now could give you an advantage. There are fewer homes on the market in the first couple months of the year. Serious <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/buying-home.php" target="_blank">buyers</a></strong> are looking at <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/featured-boston-listings.php" target="_blank">homes in the Greater Boston area</a></strong> right now, including corporate <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/relocate.php" target="_blank">relocation buyers</a></strong>, and those who have been pre-approved for a mortgage. You may have fewer window-shoppers, but that&#8217;s ok! They do not have the same motivation as buyers working with deadlines on their relocation, mortgage approval, or apartment lease.</p>
<p>Ultimately, the right time to sell your home comes down to when it&#8217;s right for you. As experts in the <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/about.php" target="_blank">Greater Boston-South Shore and Quincy</a></strong> real estate markets, we have the <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/about.php" target="_blank">experience</a></strong> that you can rely on. No matter the season or the market conditions, <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/testimonials.php" target="_blank">we can help you</a></strong>! If you&#8217;re thinking of <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/selling-home.php" target="_blank">selling your home</a></strong> during 2012, <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/contact.php" target="_blank">contact us today</a></strong>. We will help you with all of your questions, from the <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/selling-home.php" target="_blank">value of your home</a></strong>, to the condition of the market in your neighborhood.</p>
<p>Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year,</p>
<p><strong>The Mark Strickland Team<br />
Keller Williams Realty-Serving Greater Boston and the South Shore<br />
</strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">Check Out Our Website</a><br />
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		<title>Will the New Year Bring a New Real Estate Market for Boston?</title>
		<link>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/23/will-the-new-year-may-bring-a-new-real-estate-market-for-boston/</link>
		<comments>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/23/will-the-new-year-may-bring-a-new-real-estate-market-for-boston/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:53:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Mark Strickland Team (at Keller Williams Realty, Boston-Metro)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Boston Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Selling a Boston Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2011]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boston Metro]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boston real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greater Boston and South Shore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greater Boston real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Metro Boston real estate agents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quincy]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The holidays are here and the New Year is coming fast! As we close out 2011 and look forward to 2012, people are wondering what direction the greater Boston area&#8217;s real estate market will take in the New Year. While we are &#8230; <a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/23/will-the-new-year-may-bring-a-new-real-estate-market-for-boston/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com&amp;blog=10073037&amp;post=359&amp;subd=themarkstricklandteam&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/working.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-366" title="working" src="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/working.jpg?w=584" alt=""   /></a>The holidays are here and the New Year is coming fast! As we close out 2011 and look forward to 2012, people are wondering what direction the <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/featured-boston-listings.php" target="_blank">greater Boston</a></strong> area&#8217;s real estate market will take in the New Year.</p>
<p>While we are going to stop short of making a blunt prediction, we do have some current trends to share with you. Here&#8217;s what we&#8217;ve gathered up:</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/relocate.php" target="_blank">The greater Boston area</a></strong> is usually among the top-searched metros in online real estate. Last month we ranked #12 in searches; in October we stood at #10. This is out of 142 metros.</p>
<p>The average listing price for a <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/invest.php" target="_blank">Boston home</a></strong> is currently $329,000.</p>
<p>Existing home sales in the Northeast region were up 9.8% as of November. They are up 7.7% since last year. Home prices in the region are down by 0.1%. from a year ago.</p>
<p>New construction starts are up nationally by 9.3% in November. Most of the new construction was for multi-family housing consisting of 4 units or more. Builder sentiment improved for the third straight month in November.</p>
<p>A prominent real estate economist predicts that home sale prices will increase by about 2% on a national average in 2012. Home sale activity is expected to increase by about 4% nationally.</p>
<p>The number of distressed homes that are in some stage of foreclosure, but not yet on the market, is estimated to be over 2 million. However, this number is not evenly spread; there are several states with a high concentration of foreclosures, such as Florida, Texas and Illinois.</p>
<p>Most economists in the industry agree that many potential <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/buying-home.php" target="_blank">home buyers</a></strong> have been kept out of the market due to strict lending guidelines. Help is allowed for down payments, but credit score requirements remain lofty. On a positive note, mortgage interest rates are low, and per Federal monetary policy, are not expected to significantly increase.</p>
<p>These trends give us some clues about where the <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/develop.php" target="_blank">Metro Boston real estate market</a></strong> is today and what could influence it going forward. Whether you see the glass as half-full or half-empty is in the eye of the beholder. Markets change, and economies can be influenced overnight by events half a world away. Trying to time your real estate transaction isn&#8217;t realistic.</p>
<p>Knowing the <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/about.php" target="_blank">Greater Boston-South Shore and Quincy</a></strong> markets as we do, we can help you succeed in your <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/selling-home.php" target="_blank">home sale</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/search-mls.php" target="_blank">home search</a></strong> and home purchase. <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">As your Metro Boston real estate agents</a></strong>, you can count on our experience and professionalism to provide you with the guidance you need. Whenever you have questions about the Metro Boston real estate market, <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/contact.php" target="_blank">contact us</a></strong>! We will be happy to help you.</p>
<p>We wish you all the best during the holidays and into the New year!</p>
<p><strong>The Mark Strickland Team<br />
Keller Williams Realty-Serving Greater Boston and the South Shore<br />
</strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">Check Out Our Website</a><br />
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		<title>Holiday Greetings</title>
		<link>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/holiday-greetings/</link>
		<comments>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/holiday-greetings/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:44:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Mark Strickland Team (at Keller Williams Realty, Boston-Metro)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

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		<title>Have a Holiday-Filled Weekend in Boston!</title>
		<link>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/have-a-holiday-filled-weekend-in-boston/</link>
		<comments>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/have-a-holiday-filled-weekend-in-boston/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Dec 2011 22:55:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Mark Strickland Team (at Keller Williams Realty, Boston-Metro)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Boston community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boston ma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boston real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boston real estate agents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holidays in boston ma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[things to do in boston ma]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/?p=351</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Whether you live in the downtown Boston area or in one of the many beautiful Boston suburbs, there’s one thing that is great about living in or around such a great city: there is never a lack of things to &#8230; <a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/have-a-holiday-filled-weekend-in-boston/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com&amp;blog=10073037&amp;post=351&amp;subd=themarkstricklandteam&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/christmas-tree-balls-88252-h.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-352" title="christmas-tree-balls-88252-h" src="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/christmas-tree-balls-88252-h.jpg?w=212&#038;h=152" alt="" width="212" height="152" /></a>Whether you live in the <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/boston-culture.php" target="_blank"><strong>downtown Boston area</strong></a> or in one of the many beautiful <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/city-websites.php" target="_blank"><strong>Boston suburbs</strong></a>, there’s one thing that is great about living in or around such a great city: there is never a lack of things to do. With Christmas only a couple short weeks away, the holiday season is really picking up in the <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/newsletter.php" target="_blank"><strong>Boston area</strong></a>. With schools being let out for winter break this week, it’s the prime time to get the entire family together and plan a few fun-filled family activities for the season. It’s a way to take a break from all of the holiday shopping and enjoy the city at its most beautiful: lit-up and full of holiday cheer.</p>
<p>As your <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Boston area real estate agents</strong></a>, we make it a priority to stay on top of what is happening all over town. That way, we can let the people in our community know exactly what is going on in the area so that they can enjoy the holiday season in <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/selling-home.php" target="_blank"><strong>Boston, MA</strong></a>! This weekend, there is no shortage of activities that will put you in the Christmas spirit. Here are a few of the more fun activities going on around town. Enjoy!</p>
<p><strong>Attend a concert, Harry Potter style.</strong> We know that the epic film series ended over the summer, but that doesn’t mean that the fun has to end! Head to Middle East Downstairs in Cambridge on Sunday night and attend the “Yule Ball”. This all-ages concert includes bands such as Potter Puppet Pals, Harry and the Potters and Draco and the Malfoys. If you’re a fan of the book series, this event will be perfect for you and a few friends!</p>
<p><strong>Attend a traditional Christmas concert.</strong> If you’re more into traditional holiday entertainment, then the “Laud to the Nativity” Holiday Concert is perfect for you. Head to Old South Church in Boston this Friday and see the nativity tale told from the point of view of the sheperds and told through music. You’re guaranteed to leave feeling the spirit of Christmas!</p>
<p><strong>Celebrate with Charlie Brown.</strong> For a more family-friendly performance, head to this ImprovBoston performance that shows what would happen if Charles Schulz’s “Peanuts” combined with Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.” If you’re interested in seeing Charlie Brown play Scrooge, then this may be just the performance for you, and chances are, you’ll get a few laughs out of it.</p>
<p><strong>Get carried away with The Nutcracker.</strong> This beautiful ballet is a classic for a reason; it’s a Christmas tale that has kept many a family captivated year after year. This year, you can see the classical performance at the Boston Opera House. Besides, if a Christmas tree that stands over 40 feet tall doesn’t you in the Christmas spirit, then I don’t know what will!</p>
<p>All of these fun-filled holiday activities will keep you busy and entertained this season! Not only will they put you in the spirit of the season, but they will also leave you more excited than ever for Christmas day! As your <a href="http://twitter.com/markdstrickland" target="_blank"><strong>Boston real estate agents</strong></a>, we like to keep our community in the know about what’s happening around town. If you have any questions about what it’s like to <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/search-mls.php" target="_blank"><strong>live in Boston, MA</strong></a>, don’t hesitate to <strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/contact.php" target="_blank">contact us</a></strong>! We’d be happy to answer your questions at any time. We hope to hear from you soon!</p>
<p><strong>The Mark Strickland Team<br />
Keller Williams Realty-Serving Greater Boston and the South Shore<br />
</strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">Check Out Our Website</a><br />
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		<title>Prepare Your Metro Boston Home for Winter!</title>
		<link>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/prepare-your-metro-boston-home-for-winter/</link>
		<comments>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/prepare-your-metro-boston-home-for-winter/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:07:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Mark Strickland Team (at Keller Williams Realty, Boston-Metro)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Boston Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[metro boston]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[metro boston real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[metro boston real estate tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quincy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quincy real estate]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[We know that we have already seen the first snowfalls hit the metro Boston area, but winter is still in its very beginning stages. As a homeowner, it is important that you make sure your home is fully prepared for &#8230; <a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/prepare-your-metro-boston-home-for-winter/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com&amp;blog=10073037&amp;post=347&amp;subd=themarkstricklandteam&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/58533307_d0204da06a.jpg"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-349" title="58533307_d0204da06a" src="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/58533307_d0204da06a.jpg?w=216&#038;h=166" alt="" width="216" height="166" /></a>We know that we have already seen the first snowfalls hit the <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/boston-neighborhood-information.php" target="_blank"><strong>metro Boston area</strong></a>, but winter is still in its very beginning stages. As a homeowner, it is important that you make sure your home is fully prepared for the harsh weather and winter snowstorms that tend to come our way between now and March. Thinking about the winter season tends to bring an understandable chill to many <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/buying-home.php" target="_blank"><strong>metro Boston homeowners</strong></a>, however if you want your home to stay in tip-top shape come springtime, then it’s important to address some important issues with your home as soon as you can.</p>
<p>As your <a href="http://twitter.com/markdstrickland" target="_blank"><strong>metro Boston real estate agents</strong></a>, we feel that it is important to remind our clients as the weather gets colder to take care of their homes! Whether you live in Boston’s downtown metro or in a suburb nearby like <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/newsletter.php" target="_blank"><strong>Quincy, MA</strong></a>, it is important that you take care of your home in the best way you can, and that means preparing your home for the weather to come. Here are a few steps you can take to insure that come springtime, you won’t even know that your home went through a Northeastern winter.</p>
<p><strong>Take care of the exterior.</strong> Any overgrown shrubs or plants need to be trimmed back now, in order to avoid serious snow damage later. The harsh winter weather can ruin your carefully planted lawn and garden. Take precautionary steps now, before the temperature gets to frigid levels, and that will help you avoid damaged greenery and shrubbery when the weather gets warm again.</p>
<p><strong>Drain your sprinkler systems and blow out your irrigation systems.</strong> When the weather gets colder, your sprinkler and irrigation systems will freeze. Draining them now will help you avoid irritating fixes come springtime.</p>
<p><strong>Clean your gutters.</strong> Get rid of any leftover leaves from fall before the snowfall gets too heavy. The last thing you need is ice damage when the snow melts!</p>
<p><strong>Tune up the boiler.</strong> Giving your boiler a much-needed tune-up will help add life to your furnace, and changing the filters will insure that you have little to no issues with your heat during the winter months.</p>
<p><strong>Inspect the chimney.</strong> Winter means that it will be time to use your fireplace to get warm! If the chimney isn’t cleaned, then make sure you do so and get it inspected by a pro. After that, you can start lighting the fireplace with peace of mind.</p>
<p><strong>Get rid of the cool drafts by doors and windows.</strong> There’s nothing that is more irritating than feeling those cold drafts of air by your doors and windows when all you want is to stay warm inside of your home. Weatherstripping will help you get rid of the unwanted air that comes in around you. This can also help you save energy, as you won’t be as inclined to crank up the thermostat if you’re not experiencing drafts from the outside.</p>
<p><strong>Seal air leaks.</strong> Nothing is worse than ice dams on the roof, and given the harsh nature of the last two winters, sealing air leaks is one way to avoid them. You should also add insulation and make sure that your roof is vented properly. Roof damage is one of the biggest occurrences during the winter, and you can avoid it by taking these precautionary steps!</p>
<p>We know that in a lot of ways, winter is well under way in the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mark-Strickland-Team-at-Keller-Williams-Realty/147663055285874" target="_blank"><strong>metro Boston area</strong></a>, however there is still time to take some extra steps and make sure your home is protected against any and all possible damage from the harsh Massachusetts weather. As your <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/about.php" target="_blank"><strong>metro Boston real estate agents</strong></a>, we want to make sure that you’re a happy homeowner, so we try to give as many helpful tips as possible!</p>
<p>If you have any questions about <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/boston-culture.php" target="_blank"><strong>living in the metro Boston area</strong></a> or Quincy, MA, don’t hesitate to <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/contact.php" target="_blank"><strong>contact us</strong></a>! We make it a priority to be available to you at all times. We hope to hear from you soon!</p>
<p><strong>The Mark Strickland Team<br />
Keller Williams Realty-Serving Greater Boston and the South Shore<br />
</strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">Check Out Our Website</a><br />
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		<title>Use a Creative Strategy When Selling Your Metro Boston Home</title>
		<link>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/use-a-creative-strategy-when-selling-your-metro-boston-home/</link>
		<comments>http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/use-a-creative-strategy-when-selling-your-metro-boston-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:54:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Mark Strickland Team (at Keller Williams Realty, Boston-Metro)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Boston Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Selling a Boston Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boston real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boston real estate market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home selling tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[selling a home in Boston]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/?p=338</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Whether you live in the beautiful city of Boston or the South Shore town of Quincy, MA, selling a home in this market is not easy. That’s why many sellers today have to think outside of the box when marketing &#8230; <a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/use-a-creative-strategy-when-selling-your-metro-boston-home/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=themarkstricklandteam.wordpress.com&amp;blog=10073037&amp;post=338&amp;subd=themarkstricklandteam&amp;ref=&amp;feed=1" width="1" height="1" />]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/how-to-think-outside-the-box.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-339 alignleft" title="how to think outside the box" src="http://themarkstricklandteam.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/how-to-think-outside-the-box.jpg?w=194&#038;h=151" alt="" width="194" height="151" /></a>Whether you live in the beautiful <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/boston-neighborhood-information.php" target="_blank"><strong>city of Boston</strong></a> or the South Shore town of <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/relocate.php" target="_blank"><strong>Quincy, MA</strong></a>, selling a home in this market is not easy. That’s why many sellers today have to think outside of the box when marketing their home. Instead of sticking to the traditional fresh flowers and cookies at an open house or relying on For Sale signs and online marketing to do the trick, today’s seller has to get a little creative. Whether it’s offering incentives or letting a potential buyer spend the night in their home, the seller in today’s real estate market has to know how to be competitive.</p>
<p>As your <a href="http://www.topbostonrealestate.com" target="_blank"><strong>metro Boston real estate agents</strong></a>, we make it a priority to help you come up with creative and innovative ways to market your home. We aim to help you navigate the local real estate market and stand out from the competition. We utilize our many years of experience in <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/search-mls.php" target="_blank"><strong>metro Boston real estate</strong></a> to help our clients market their homes creatively and get them sold quickly for the best price. Here are a few ideas that we have on outside-of-the-box home marketing:</p>
<p><strong>Make your open house a bit of a party.</strong> During your open house, up the ante a bit by serving wine, hors d’oeuvres and even a raffle with a gift card or other prize incentive. Adding a little pizzazz to your open house will create a buzz and get those <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/buying-home.php" target="_blank"><strong>metro Boston home buyers</strong></a> through the door. Even if they’re only coming for the free food, there is still a possibility that they could see your home and fall in love with it.</p>
<p><strong>Stage your home a little more creatively.</strong> More and more home stagers are using feng shui techniques to promote a feeling of calmness and tranquility throughout the home. This is just one of many ways that you can get a little creative with home staging. While you want to keep staging clean and neutral, you can mix things up by rearranging furniture in rooms in between showings or trying new ideas in each room every so often. This allows you to showcase the potential of each room in a different way, which will draw more homebuyers.</p>
<p><strong>Run a Facebook ad.</strong> This might sound too simple, but using technology to advertise your home is incredibly important. Did you know that 96% of adults on social media sites are on Facebook? Running a Facebook ad is inexpensive and it will give your home even more exposure on a site that people in the <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/boston-neighborhood-information.php" target="_blank"><strong>metro Boston area</strong></a> use every day. The best part is that Facebook ads are very targeted, so you can target people in a specific area, age group or profession. You can also target based upon interests. If you live in one of <a href="http://www.topbostonrealestate.com" target="_blank"><strong>metro Boston’s luxury neighborhoods</strong></a>, you can use the targeting features to ensure that the people who see your ad are the Facebook users who would buy a home in that price range. If you need help running your Facebook ad, ask your <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/about.php" target="_blank"><strong>metro Boston real estate agent</strong></a> to help you out!</p>
<p>These techniques and tactics might sound too simple to truly be effective, but when you’re competing against homes that might be using more tried-and-true marketing techniques, thinking outside of the box can be effective. Selling your home on the <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/selling-home.php" target="_blank"><strong>metro Boston real estate market</strong></a> is not an easy task in this economy, but if you use some creative marketing ideas, you might find that you’re getting more traffic in your home. As your <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mark-Strickland-Team-at-Keller-Williams-Realty/147663055285874" target="_blank"><strong>metro Boston real estate agents</strong></a>, we want to help you market and sell you home in the best way possible. If you have any questions about how you can market your home creatively, don’t hesitate to <a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/contact.php" target="_blank"><strong>contact us</strong></a>! We’d be happy to help you in any way we can.</p>
<p><strong>The Mark Strickland Team<br />
Keller Williams Realty-Serving Greater Boston and the South Shore<br />
</strong><a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">Check Out Our Website</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mark-Strickland-Team-at-Keller-Williams-Realty/147663055285874" target="_blank">Find Us on Facebook</a><br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/markdstrickland" target="_blank">Follow us on Twitter</a><br />
<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/bostonrealtormarkstrickland" target="_blank">Connect With Us on LinkedIn</a><br />
<a href="http://www.isellbostoncondos.com/" target="_blank">Contact Us<br />
</a></p>
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