Erica Covelle REALTOR & Interior Designer

THINKING ABOUT SELLING YOUR HOME

The Top 10: Tips to Add Value to Your Home

1) Clean, Organize, and Neutralize Your Space: Unclutter your house to make it look bigger and cleaner. Buyers need to be able to envision their own belongings in the home, so avoid using bright colors and too many personal effects.

2) Keep your lawn green: Get your lawn in shape. A patchy lawn takes away from the home's overall appearance. Your local hardware store has supplies to re-seed those unhealthy areas.

3) Add insulation to save energy: The most inexpensive way to increase your home's energy is to add insulation which can reduce heating and cooling costs by more than 25%.

4) Update Kitchen Appliances: The kitchen is often the room that buyers gravitate towards first, and an updated kitchen can help sell your home. You don't have to remodel your kitchen to give it a new look. Updating your appliances to the current standard and replacing cabinet doors and hardware can make a big impact at a relatively low cost.

5) Update those bathroom fixtures: A little change can go a long way when it comes to the look of your bathroom. Updating simple fixtures such as your sink and faucet can give any outdated bathroom style. And, according to Bankrate.com, minor bathroom remodels typically return over 100% of the initial investment.

6) Build a fence: If you're trying to sell a house, the appearance of a fence adds value to the home overall. Buyers with children or pets will appreciate the privacy and security of an enclosed backyard.

7) Repair the gutter: Ensuring that your gutter is clean is crucial in protecting your home against water damage.

8) Light up the outside: An easy and inexpensive way to increase your home's outdoor space is to add lighting. It makes it more appealing and safer.

9) Store and organize: Ample storage space is a plus, especially when it comes to garages and closets. Efficient closet structures can help keep your clothes organized and can save space.

10) Polish off the basement: Rather than adding an additional room, it is more cost-efficient to remodel your basement. This adds value and usable space.

xoxo

Erica Marie

Century 21 Commonwealth

My Formal Introduction / Press Release!

Erica "DeCrescenzo" Covelle has recently associated with CENTURY 21 Commonwealth. She will be working as a sales associate in the residential division of the company's Somerville office.

Erica has a BFA in Interior Design from Suffolk University (NESAD), she also brings with her experience as a REALTOR and is constantly thinkings of new ideas for marketing her properties, giving her clients unsurpassed service. "My background in Interior Design allows me to help my clients STAGE their listings for maximum appeal, which usually results in extra exposure and a higher sales price."

CENTURY 21 Commonwealth is a full service sales and rental office located at 205 Holland Street, Somerville. For more information, please contact Charlie Ball, Broker/Sales Manager, at 617 666 2121.

www.commonmoves.com

xoxo

Erica Marie

i decorate for the holidays

Medford Housing Authority

before

after

Erica Marie

xoxo

Looking for a REALTOR! thats me ERICA COVELLE!

Erica Marie Covelle

Whether you're buying or selling, there are a few key questions to ask an agent before saying, "You're hired." Before hiring a real estate agent, make sure to ask these questions:
1. How long have you been in the real estate business?
How long has this person been on the job (look for upward of a year), and were they full or part time? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate, like many other professions, is mostly learned on the job.
Almost a year and a half now!
2. Are you a member of the National Association of Realtors?
This organization requires certain standards from its members, and you don't want to worry about having a shady agent.
I am a proud member of the National Association of REALTORS.
3. Are you a member of MLS?
This is the Multiple Listing Service, which gives agents access to houses represented by all agencies -- not just their own. For sellers, this means your home will be posted on the list as well, which means more people will see it.
Of Course!!!
4. Do you work on weekends?Since this is when most open houses take place, the answer to this should be yes.
Every and ALL!
5. Can you outline how you would represent us?
The answer should include your housing inspections, following through with your mortgage approval process, and being present at your closing.
I will make sure that we get the absolute best value for you new purchase and be there every step of the way, all the above is included with each and every customer.
6. Will you show me houses listed by other companies?
Double-check that the agent isn't partial to his or her own realty group.
We only look at homes you approve and want to see, I personally set you up in the MLS system to receive all listing that are available with your matching criteria.
7. Are you familiar with our area?
You'll want the agent to know the ins and outs of your community.
Born in Somerville and raised in Stoneham, went to college in Boston... I consider myself to be a North Shore Expert.
8. How many homes have you sold?
If you're in the market to sell, find out how many homes they successfully sold last year. While those numbers may be low due to market activity over the past six months, it’s a good way to compare candidates.
I've sold and rented over a dozen homes this year that's more than most seasoned brokers and agents can say.
9. What's your business style?
Do you want a broker who calls you once a week or emails daily? Find out how the agent will keep you updated on prospects and inform them about your preferences.
I send daily emails to keep you constantly updated on the market and the listings you might be interested in. I try and make contact to set up appoints to view properties once a week.
10. Major point! If you choose myself to be your REALTOR in finding your perfect there is no FEE to you!
It is sometimes thought that if you purchase a home at an open house that you might get a better deal.. I assure you this is NOT the case. A listing agent has an agreement with the seller to get him the highest possible dollar for his or her home this immediately puts a damper on negotiation... Please keep this in mind and feel free to pass on the information.

xoxo
Erica Marie

Erica DeCrescenzo Realtor / Interior Designer Century 21 GR Associates Stoneham MA, 02180 Tel: 617 962 1591 Fax: 781 438 1844 erica.decrescenzo@century21.com FREE Design Consultation with REFERRAL!

64 Main Street Unit 46 B, Stoneham MA

$205,000

SWELL 2 bedroom condo that STARS a ROOMY floor plan, PERFECT for those who love to ENTERTAIN. The BALCONY that extends off the living room provides a COMPLETE haven that overlooks the central courtyard. A NICE quite cozy condo that offers storage and laundry on the same floor as the unit itself, CONVENIENCE is key! HEAT AND HOT WATER are included in this complexes condo fee's amongst others. A BRILLIANT commute with both 93 and 95 easily accessible, make BUCKINGHAM TERRACE your HOME TODAY!