Sellers Guide

If you're thinking of selling your home soon, here are some ways to spend a little now…and make a lot later.

In the current financial climate, it is critical for everyone to be thinking forward on their investments. With this in mind, we want to reach out and give three essential tips to help you ensure that your home or investment property is being maximized to its full potential. Don't wait until you are ready to go on the market! Take care of things now, and have it pay off over the years.

Square Footage: Does your home feel larger than the recorded square footage? It just may be! Many condominium conversions in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s were measured by different standards than we use today. Additionally, many mistakes are made in condominium documents and on tax records. Even a small amount of additional square footage can equate to thousands of extra dollars when you sell! The Charles Realty works with certified architects who can be hired to re-measure your property according to modern standards and create a new floor plan that may be used to effectively market your home.

Condominium Documents Restrictions: During the "seller's market" era, it was easy to hold up strict condominium association regulations. But, in today's buyer's atmosphere, it is wise to be attractive to the largest pool of potential buyers. In 2011, Back Bay condominiums described as "Pet Friendly" listed at an average of $923 per square foot as oppose to "No Pet" buildings, which averaged $822 per square foot. An 11% difference! This is just one example of a discussion your association might want to have about keeping your condo docs salable. We are happy to discuss other important restrictions that may be limiting your potential buyers.

Have a Home Inspection: As professional agents, we recommend having your building and your individual condo inspected by a professional home inspector at least once every two years. For a small charge you can be informed about potential issues that could reduce your value when you go to sell. With this information in hand, an association can plan for major and minor repairs, and can avoid bad surprises and large special assessments.

Listing your property with us at The Charles Realty once you're ready to sell will get you and your property the full service treatment that is so rare in today's market. We provide individually tailored service and we have great relationships with the best maintenance workers to save you time, energy and money as you list your home. We have also developed a proven-successful marketing strategy that involves integrated communication about your property and we pride ourselves on follow-through.

Service and professionalism are paramount at The Charles Realty. We protect our sellers, and never lend out keys or use lock boxes. We also are experts in the Boston market and can help you price your home appropriately. Last year, The Charles Realty's properties sold for an average of 97% of the listing price as opposed to Boston's average of 95%. Additionally, we are intimately acquainted with the market and can advise you on how best to list your home. Did you know that last year, apartments sold 12% quicker in the spring than the fall, and at a 6% higher price? We have 30 years of experience in the Boston area, and selling real estate is our passion.