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A new study on Massachusetts home buyers and
sellers found that over 90 percent of all home buyers
and sellers are using the Internet as part of their
home buying and selling process. Yet despite the
increased Internet usage, over 90 percent of buyers
and sellers are also choosing to work with a real
estate professional as well. The data is from the
2008 Massachusetts Profile of Home Buyers &
Sellers, compiled by the National Association of
Realtors® (NAR), on behalf of the Massachusetts
Association of REALTORS® (MAR).
"The Internet continues to make the home buying and
selling process much more efficient," said MAR
President Gary Rogers, broker at RE/MAX First Realty
in Waltham. "With access to extensive amounts of
real estate data, clients are much more
knowledgeable about the market and focused on what
they want to do, yet at the same time they are relying
more and more on REALTORS® to help interpret that
data, to provide local market insight and to guide them
through the complexities of buying and selling."
The study also found that 47 percent of home buyers
reported using social networking web sites, such as
MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Friendster, which
is up from 34 percent last year. Among home buyers
aged 18 to 24, 87 percent reported using social
networking sites, which is up from 50 percent last
year. Twenty-seven percent of the 18 to 24 year-old
group reported using them every day or nearly every
day.
The study also found that because of the run up in oil
prices in 2008, that commuting costs were
considered as very or somewhat important by 84
percent of buyers when considering which home to
purchase. For the timing of the home purchase, 43
percent of buyers reported it was just the right time for
them, 16 percent noted they had to purchase when
they did, and 30 percent reported it was either due to
improved affordability of homes or availability of
homes for sale. Only four percent stated they wished
they had waited to buy
While the number of foreclosed homes for sale
increased in 2008, only three percent of buyers bought
a home that was foreclosed. According to the study,
35 percent of buyers did consider purchasing a
foreclosed home, but either could not find the right
home, or found the purchase process to be too
difficult.
"The home buying and selling process can be difficult
to navigate in even a 'simple' transaction, and that
difficulty level can go up by a factor of 100 or more
when it comes to foreclosures and short sales. As
these types of deals continue to increase, working
with a REALTOR® who is especially trained in loss
mitigation is often the only way to keep these
complicated deals together," said Rogers.
The median age of home buyers in Massachusetts in
2008 was 39 years old, which was the same as last
year. The median income (which is reported from
2007 household data) was up to $88,100 compared
to $84,400 in 2006. Fifty-eight percent of home buyers
were married couples, 18 percent single females, 12
percent single males, and 10 percent unmarried
couples. Ten percent of home buyers reported they
were born outside of the United States compared to
nine percent nationally.
The median age of the first-time home buyer was 31,
which was down from 32 years of age in 2007. Fifty-
three percent of first-time home buyers were between
25 and 34 years old. First-time home buyers
accounted for 48 percent of recent home purchases
and had a median income of $80,600 compared to
$60,600 among first-time home buyers nationally.
Despite the credit issues in 2008, 90 percent of
buyers financed their home purchase (98 percent of
first-time buyers compared to 82 percent of repeat
buyers). Savings was the chief source of the
downpayment for 74 percent of first-time buyers with
44 percent of repeat buyers using proceeds from the
sale of their primary residence.
Forty-seven percent of all buyers believe that their
home purchase was a better financial investment than
stocks, with an additional 30 percent of buyers feeling
their home purchase was at least as good an
investment as stocks. However, to make their home
purchase, 57 percent of home buyers reported that
they had made sacrifices, such as reducing spending
on luxury items, entertainment or clothing.
The median age of the home seller was 47 years
(which is up from 43 years in 2007) and they had a
median income of $105,500. The typical seller owned
their home for seven years. Sixty-nine percent of
home sellers were married and 61 percent had no
children under 18 years old living at home.
When it came to selling, 37 percent of home sellers
did not reduce their asking price before the home was
sold. Recent sellers typically sold their home for 95
percent of the listing price. Thirty-three percent of
sellers did offer incentives to attract buyers, most often
that assistance was applied to closing costs and
home warranty policies.
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ASAP Environmental
HEALTHY HOMES FOR BETTER LIVING
1 Arcadia St. Dorchester, MA 02122
inspections@asapenvironmental.com 800-349-7779 www.asapenvironmental.com
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The chapter's next membership meeting and
educational program will take place on Thursday,
February 26th at The Lantana in Randolph, MA. The
meeting will start with dinner at 5:00 followed by the
roundtable discussion at 6:00.
Next we welcome Sonia Hart of National Grid where
she is a member of the Channel Management group
in the Energy Solutions Services department. She is
responsible for establishing and maintaining
relationships and associations with various entities
that have an impact on the National Grid footprint (both
natural gas and electric consumers). Reducing the
carbon footprint and minimizing the impact on the
environment by way of educating and promoting
energy efficiency, energy conversions, rebates and
engaging contacts in renewable technologies
discussion is Sonia Hart's responsibility in New
England region. For ASHI-NE, Ms. Hart will address
Energy Options from National Grid including
weatherization, energy audits and rebate programs
available to home and business owners. She will
also discuss energy conversions (to natural gas),
discuss energy and cost saving options also available
to their electric customers. Her remarks will also
share information you can use to talk to potential
homeowners about ways to make their homes
more "green", including loan programs and rebates
for various energy saving installations, including
windows. Time will be provided for questions and
answers.
I look forward to seeing everyone at this membership
meeting to hear one of the areas excellent speakers.
Bob Mulloy, Education Chairman
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FREA
E&O Insurance for Home Inspectors
800-882-4410 www.frea.com |
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The Board of Examiners of Plumbers and Gas fitters
voted, at their meeting on February 4 to reinstate all
CSST products. Manufacturers are expected to
reeducate their customers (installers) about
the "additional bonding" requirements in their
manufacturer's instructions.
On January 16 the Board of Fire Prevention
Regulations issued an interpretation finding that
additional bonding required by manufacturers would
not violate the Massachusetts Electrical Code but
made no statement on the enforceability of said
requirements.
Plumbers and gas fitters are not licensed to perform
electrical bonding.
Plumbing and gas inspectors will be educated to
require an electrical permit before they can approve
any CSST installation.
The Plumbing Board will post the details of their vote
on their website.
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CORCORAN & HAVLIN INSURANCE GROUP
THE SUPERIOR HOME INSPECTOR ERRORS &
OMISSIONS INSURANCE PROGRAM!
Underwritten by AIG's Lexington Insurance Company - Rated A++ by A.M. Best Home Inspector E&O Coverage offers these features:
For a quote or more information, please call Debi
Drury (x244 or ddrury@chinsurance.com) or
Mike Curtis, Marketing Manager (x243) or visit
website at www.chinsurance.com
287 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA 02482 800-304-8242 Fax 781-235-7190 |
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) is again reminding public pool and spa
owners and operators nationwide that the Virginia
Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act become
effective on December 19, 2008. This law requires
installation of anti-entrapment drain covers and other
systems as outlined in the Act.
The Pool and Spa Safety Act was enacted by
Congress and signed by President Bush on
December 19, 2007, and is designed to prevent the
tragic and hidden hazard of drain entrapments and
eviscerations in pools and spas. Under the law, all
public pools and spas must have ASME/ANSI
A112.19.8-2007 compliant drain covers installed and
a second anti-entrapment system installed, when
there is only a single main drain. Congress gave all
affected pool and spa operators one year to comply
with this law.
Public pools and spas that operate year-round are
expected to be in compliance by December 19, 2008.
CPSC staff has taken the position that seasonal
public pools and spas that are currently closed must
be in compliance with the law on the day that they
reopen in 2009.
"Our mission at the CPSC is to keep American
families safe," said Nancy Nord, CPSC Acting
Chairman. "CPSC will enforce the requirements of
this pool and spa safety law with a focus on where the
greatest risk of drain entrapment to children exists,
such as wading pools, pools designed specifically for
toddlers and young children, and in-ground spas,
particularly where these types of pools and spas have
flat drain grates and single main drain systems."
Nord added, "State health and enforcement agencies
share the responsibility to ensure this law is properly
enforced. I recommend these agencies take the same
approach as CPSC concerning enforcement
priorities."
Pool and spa operators are encouraged to continue
working as diligently as possible to come into
compliance, as the agency and state Attorneys
General are empowered to close down any pool or
spa that fails to meet the Act's requirements.
For more information about the Pool and Spa Safety
Act, how to comply, and which companies have been
certified to manufacturer drain covers and safety
vacuum release systems, please log on to:
www.cpsc.gov/whatsnew.html#pool
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CRACK-X
Got water in your basement?
Since 1985, CRACK-X has been a full service company specializing in residential and commercial foundation welding of cracks and other concrete repairs such as bulkheads, penetrations, cold joints, elevator pits, and slabs. We are committed to 100% customer satisfaction and back up all vertical wall crack repairs with an unconditional 10-year warranty. 25 Washington Avenue, Natick, MA 01760
877-272-2539 www.crackfx.com |
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B-Dry Systems
20 YEARS OF SOLVING WATER PROBLEMS
Written warranty for the full life of the structure. 800-320-2379
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The Residential Design and Construction convention
is coming to the Seaport World Trade Center in
Boston on April 1-2nd. This is a two day convention
and trade show featuring more than 220 product
exhibits, 85 workshops and special events focusing
on New England's residential design and construction
industry.
This event should not be missed. To get further
information, please go to www.rdcboston.com
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Vent Master
ATTIC VENTILATION SPECIALISTS
Inspectors, when you see signs of:
Recommend Vent Master For a FREE consultation, call Don Marcoux at Vent
Master
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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today
announced a voluntary recall of the following
consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise
instructed.
Name of Product: Rheem, Ruud and United
Refrigeration Oil-Fired Furnaces
Units: About 14,000
Manufacturer: Air Conditioning Division of Rheem
Manufacturing Co., of Fort Smith, Ark.
Hazard: If the furnace is not properly wired, the oil
burner can continue to operate when the blower shuts
off, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Rheem has received one report in
which the furnace was incorrectly wired. No injuries or
property damage have been reported.
Description: This recall involves oil-fired furnaces sold
under the Rheem, Ruud and United Refrigeration
brands. Only the models beginning with the model
numbers listed in the chart below and with date codes
ending in 0106 through 5206, 0107 through 5207, or
0108 through 4808 are included in this recall. The
model number and date code (designated by the four
digits following an "M" in the middle of the serial
number) are printed on the unit's rating plate, which is
on the left wall of the furnace's interior just above the
burner. The rating plate can be found by opening the
unit's burner access door, which has slotted
openings.
Model # Brand & Description
ROBF Rheem Classic/Ruud Achiever High Efficiency Upflow Oil Furnace ROPF Rheem Classic/Ruud Achiever High Efficiency Downflow/Horizontal Oil Furnace TZOUP United Refrigeration "Thermal Zone" Upflow Oil Furnace TZODH United Refrigeration "Thermal Zone" Downflow/ Horizontal Oil Furnace Sold by: Contractors nationwide to consumers from
January 2006 through December 2008 as part of
installed systems for between $1,500 and $10,000.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact the
contractor who installed the oil furnace to arrange for a
free inspection and repair, if necessary.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact
Rheem at (800) 577-3960 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site
at www.rheemac.com
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Peter Greifer Enterprises
ASBESTOS REMOVAL & MOLD REMEDIATION
Serving Eastern Massachusetts & Rhode Island 800-582-5288
401-946-4506 (Rhode Island) peter.greifer@verizon.net |
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The ASHI NE Chapter maintains a library of
educational books, video tapes and CD's for Chapter
members and candidates to utilize for personal and
business growth. Those who wish to sign materials
out may do so for a fee of $16 per item ($10 per
tape) which covers two-way shipping and handling.
Library materials may be used for a two week period,
beginning on the date of shipment. Those who fail to
return library materials on time will be assessed a
fine
of $1 / day. If the materials are not received back
within two months of date of shipping, you will be
charged the cost of replacement. To sign materials
out, there is a form that is posted on our web site
that is to be completed and sent to the executive
office. It is always recommended that you call the
executive office to check on the availability of an
item. Once this form is received, the executive office
will ship the items out with a postage paid return
envelope. The list of the materials that are currently
available in the chapter library is on the web site as
well.
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Rene Mugnier Associates
When in doubt, refer to a structural engineer
specializing in the investigation of homes and
commercial structural problems.
REHABILITATIONS & INVESTIGATIONS
777 Concord Ave., Ste. 201, Cambridge, MA 02138
617-547-7773 |
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The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Home
Inspectors holds meetings on a regular basis that are
open for home inspectors to attend. These board
meetings are usually held at 239 Causeway Street,
2nd Floor, Room 204 in Boston from 10:00 am to 3:00
pm.
The meeting dates for 2009 are as
follows:
March 18, 2009 May 13, 2009 July 15, 2009 September 16, 2009 November 18, 2009 You are encouraged to call the board office at 617-727-
4459 for any posssible changes in location and time
of these meetings.
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Atlas Watersystems
WE DON'T MAKE THE WATER.
WE MAKE THE WATER BETTER!! Residential & Commercial Water
Filtration & Purification Water Testing & Analysis
Radon & Arsenic Remediation Softeners * Filters * Purification 800-215-9966 www.atlaswater.com "Bringing Technology to Water"
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President
Lisa Alajajian-Giroux /
homequest1@comcast.net
Vice President
Mike Atwell /
m.atwell@rcn.com
Secretary Donald Bissex /
dbissex@comcast.net
Treasurer
Paul Kristenson /
absinspections@comcast.net
Directors
Paul Cornell / pcornell@inspecthouses.com Paul Rogoshewski / paul@harmonyhomeinspection.com Council of Representatives
Paul Kristenson / absinspections@comcast.net Lisa Alajajian / homequest1@comcast.net Bill Sutton / wsuttoninspector@hotmail.com Committee Chair
By- Laws: Mike Atwell / m.atwell@rcn.com Communications: Education: Bob Mulloy / rmulloy@verizon.net Legislative: Membership: Executive Director
Walter Perry /
wperry@choiceonemail.com
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We look forward to seeing you at our monthly membership meeting on February 26th !
Sincerely,
ASHI New England
email:
clough@choiceonemail.com
phone:
800-248-2744
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