Cambridge Views…

“Sea Creatures In Glass”
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Begins March 21, 2008
Open daily from 9:00am - 5:00pm
Visit www.mos.org

Are you in the process of purchasing a new home? With oil prices soaring through the roof be sure you understand how all utilities will be treated … especially if the sellers plan to fill the oil tank just prior to closing as this could increase your Closing Cost expenses! Discuss this with your real estate attorney and buyer agent. Understand clearly how all utilities will be transferred before you reach the closing table. Ideally, these items are discussed before you sign a purchase and sale agreement so that you know exactly how much oil is currently in the tank and you have a choice as to whether the sellers fill that tank (at your expense or theirs) prior to closing! Has your buyer agent or real estate attorney discuss utility transfers with you?

“Our Place” was established by the Salvation Army striving to break the cycle of homelessness for Cambridge families by providing a program that meets the educational and emotional needs of each family member.  The Savlvation Army day care program now serves approximately 38 children every day.

While their children are enrolled in “Our Place“, parents have the opportunity to work, seek permanent housing, attend school, receive counseling, volunteer in the center, and more.  Staff, parents and children work together to create a safe, stable, and caring environment where children can grow and learn.

In 2005, “Our Place” proudly received the National Accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals - a very significant achievement!

For over 16 years the Cambridge Community of Realtors® has raised funds with the help of local businesses, corporations and private donations in support of the children and families of “Our Place“.   

To see a video of the day care center or for more information, visit Cambridge Community of Realtors® website and click on “What Is Our Place?”.

If you would like to make a donation or find out how you can help, please comment with your contact information.  Help us break the cycle of homelessness for Cambridge children and families.

Everybody Wins! founded in 1991 by New York City business executive Arthur Tannenbaum launched “Power Lunch” as a mentoring and literacy program pairing elementary school students with volunteer mentors who read aloud to students once a week during lunchtime. Today this program is a national public-private partnership and Everybody Wins! Metro Boston was founded in 2002. As a child I loved to read and still do to this day. I am thankful to my parents for instilling in me the joy of reading and learning. In 2006 I began as a volunteer in this program and I find that the time I spend reading to a child is one of the highlights of my week. Visit www.ewmb.org for more details, to make a donation or to volunteer!

Your real estate experience will depend upon the team of professionals you hire. There are many parties involved in a property purchase and sale; invest the time to interview and choose your team carefully. ONLY discuss specifics of your purchase with those you hire to represent you and your best interests!

Buyers: Exclusive Designated Buyer Agent
*Represents only your best interests, not the seller’s
*Accountable for all fiduciary responsibilities to which you are entitled
*Helps you complete due diligence and research specific details about a property
*Provides strategies for effective negotiation
*Helps to manage all deadlines for a smooth closing

Sellers: Designated Listing Agent
*Request that your Listing Agent only work for you; not as a Dual Agent
*Explains vicarious liability to you & explains your option to “deny Sub-Agency”
*Represents only your best interests, not any buyer interested in purchasing your property
*Accountable for all fiduciary responsibilities to which you are entitled
*Helps to manage all deadlines for a smooth closing

Buyers & Sellers: Real Estate Attorney
*Represents your legal interests; interprets all legal statements
*Ensures your legal rights are protected & advises clients during decision-making
*Works directly with the attorney representing the other party during all negotiations

Buyers & Sellers: Mortgage Consultant
*Provides Mortgage “Pre-Approval” to determine buyer financing capabilities
*By Mass. law must provide buyer a “Good Faith Estimate” within 3 Days of Application
*By Mass. law must provide buyer a HUD Statement at least one day prior to Closing
*Can help seller by validating buyer pre-approval letters from unknown lenders

Buyers & Sellers: Home Inspection Services
*Provides general home inspection & overall evaluation of condition to buyers
*Presale general home inspection & overall evaluation of condition for sellers
*Only use inspectors who are licensed in Massachusetts
*Some inspectors are also licensed to conduct Pest Inspection, Radon Testing, etc.

One of the most important steps you will take during the home buying process is the home inspection.

Before selecting your home inspector, please refer to the online state and national services below for guidance:

American Society of Home Inspectors
Website: www.ashi.com
Phone: 800-743-ASHI/2744
The American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.®
932 Lee Street, Suite 101, Des Plaines, IL 60016

As explained on the ASHI website:
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is a not-for-profit professional society established in 1976. Membership in ASHI is voluntary and its members include private, fee-paid home inspectors. ASHI’s objectives include promotion of excellence within the profession and continual improvement of its members’ inspection services to the public

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Board of Registration of Home Inspectors
Website: www.mass.gov/reg/boards/hi
Reference: “Facts For Consumers” by Board of Registration of Home Inspectors
Phone: 617-727-4459
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Board of Registration of Home Inspectors
239 Causeway Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114

As explained on the Board of Registration website:
The Board of Registration of Home Inspectors is charged with evaluating the qualifications of applicants and granting licensure to those who qualify. It establishes rules and regulations to ensure the integrity and competence of licensees. The Board protects the public health and welfare through regulation of the profession in accordance with the state statutes and board regulations. The Board is responsible for insuring that licensed home inspectors have proper training and experience through an education program and meet minimum inspection requirements in each inspection performed. Applicants are required to pass a board approved examination prior to licensure and fulfill continuing education requirements for license renewal.

Suggested Questions to Ask Home Inspectors:

Here is just a sample of questions you should ask home inspectors as you determine the best choice for you:
1. Are they licensed, insured & bonded?
2. Do they offer customer references?
3. What are the total fees for the home inspection? What optional services do they offer?
4. Do they use a digital camera to provide photographs as part of their report for any concerns found during their inspections?
5. How quickly can they provide their report to you and in what format?
6. Do they provide any general home maintenance tips as part of their report?
7. Do they offer pest inspections?
8. Are they licensed to perform Radon testing?
9. How quickly can they provide results from Radon tests?
10. Have they earned any industry recognition and/or awards within the last 5 years?