A Treat or a Trap? 🎃👻

🎃 Hello and Happy October! 🎃

As the pumpkins get carved and the costumes get prepped, our excitement bubbles up, not just in our homes, but also in this festive edition of our newsletter! Sometimes, we wonder if our kiddos adore the spookiness of Halloween even a smidge more than the twinkling joy of Christmas! 😄 But before we dive into a cauldron of candies and fun, let's unwrap some crucial tidbits in today’s newsletter:

- 🏡 Avoiding Home Buyer Mistakes: Unearth the secret to a smooth and savvy home buying experience by avoiding common pitfalls.

- 🍁 Zillow's Fall Forecast: Discover why Zillow believes that this autumn could be a golden opportunity for potential home buyers.

- 🏀 Jrue Holiday to the Celtics: Catch up on the latest buzzer-beater in the NBA.

- 👻 Haunted Happenings in Salem: Join us tonight at one of our absolute favorite events - experience the spectral and spirited activities in Salem.

Stick around and let's unravel each of these exciting stories together. May your October be spooktacularly delightful!

MARKET

YOUTUBE
Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

Embarking on the journey to purchase your first home can be thrilling yet daunting. Here are five crucial tips to guide you through this significant milestone, ensuring you make informed and beneficial decisions along the way. In this video, I go over all of the bullet points below in detail so you can avoid a disastrous home purchase.

🚫 No Perfect Home Exists

• Focus on needs vs. wants.

• See potential, not just present

🕵️‍♂️ Avoid Listing Agents

• They prioritize sellers

• Choose a buyer’s agent instead

💻 Beware Online Values

• Often inaccurate

• Trust professional appraisals

💸 Know All Expenses

• Down payment, closing costs, etc.

• Don’t forget maintenance

📊 Stick to Your Budget

• Explore various payment options

• Plan for all possible costs

NEWS & FUTURE VIDEO
Zillow Spots a Homebuyers' "Sweet Spot" This Fall: Key Takeaways

🏠 Zillow identifies this fall as a potential "sweet spot" for US homebuyers despite the rise in home prices and mortgage rates. A recent report shows 9.2% of home listings experienced a price cut in mid-September, the highest since last November, and there was an unusual increase in new listings in August. While buyers face an 18% increase in typical monthly mortgage payments compared to last year, the flexibility in asking prices and increased listings present more opportunities to find suitable homes amidst the complex housing market landscape.

• 📉 Price Cuts: 9.2% of home listings saw price reductions in mid-September.

• 📈 New Listings: An unexpected rise in new listings was observed in August.

• 🚀 Mortgage Rates: A 23-year high, with typical monthly payments up 18% from last year.

• 🏡 Market Value: US housing market value has surged about 50% since January 2020.

Despite higher prices and mortgage rates, Zillow suggests opportunities for buyers with increased listings and sellers showing flexibility in asking prices. However, navigating through the complex market requires strategic planning and budgeting amidst the fluctuating conditions.

Full Article found: Here

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
🏀 Jrue Holiday Joins the Celtics: A Quick Dive

Holiday, with his defensive acumen and championship experience, is all set to bolster the Celtics' roster, aiming for another title run amidst the passionate and “insane” Boston fans. His journey from Milwaukee to Boston has been a “whirlwind,” but the guard is ready to “push and grind” with his everything for the Celtics.

• 🔄 Busy Week: From the Bucks to the Trail Blazers, and finally landing with the Celtics.

• 🛡️ Defensive Prowess: Known for his tenacious defense and playmaking, Holiday is a valuable addition.

• 🏆 Chasing Championships: With a previous title with the Bucks, he's eyeing another alongside Tatum, Brown, and Porzingis in Boston.

• 🤝 A Perfect Fit: Appreciating the hardworking and aggressive nature of Celtics fans, Holiday feels at home.

• 🔄 Trade Details: Boston traded Rob Williams, Malcolm Brogdon, and two first-round picks to acquire Holiday.

• 🎯 Main Goal: Winning is paramount for Holiday, even if it means facing his former team, Milwaukee.

Full Article found: Here

LOCAL EVENTS
🧙‍♀️ Haunted Happenings (We will be here Today!)

Salem Haunted Happenings" is a festival in Salem, Massachusetts, USA, that celebrates Halloween and the fall season in a town famously known for its historical witch trials in 1692.

The festival typically takes place throughout the entire month of October and attracts people from all over due to its unique and spooky charm.

For more info check it out: Here

TESTIMONIALS & SUCCESS STORIES
1 of 100+ 5 Star Reviews

“There is no realtor like Mike Urban. He is energetic, a step ahead of everyone and extremely knowledgeable. He went above and beyond his responsibilities as a real estate agent. He was extremely patient and understanding of any and all situations we were faced with. Mike made our experience a positive one! We will miss him.” - Karen Stanley, Home Seller

EDUCATE
Question of the Week:

“ What Should Buyers Know About Home Inspections?"

Answer: A home inspection (if elected) is a step in the homebuying process that can significantly impact the transaction. Here are a few key points every buyer should know:

Here's a quick guide:

• Purpose: Evaluate property condition.

• Choosing an Inspector: Select experienced, certified professionals.

• Attendance: Be present and ask questions during the inspection.

• Negotiation: Use findings to negotiate repairs or pricing.

• Decision Making: Inform your purchase choice with the report.

• Future Planning: Utilize the report for upcoming maintenance planning.

— Mike Urban

Reply with any questions you'd like us to address!

LETS WORK TOGETHER
Need a Realtor?

Looking for a Realtor in or around the Boston Area? Book a one-on-one consultation with Mike Urban - Here