This past weekend in Boston the Hynes Convention Center hosted the 2nd Annual Massachusetts Home Show. Over 200 vendors and exhibitors represented all of New England with the finest displays imaginable. Experts in nearly every home improvement area such as remodeling, custom kitchen, bathroom and flooring specialists, landscaping, plumbing, insulating, paving, cleaning services, "Green" energy innovators, mortgage lenders and financial planners, out door pool and hot tub specialists and unique vendors were all on hand to share their knowledge. This thriving event also gathers some of the great businessmen and women in our region as well as local chapters of national organizations like co-sponsor NARI all in once place. The show was run by Jenks Productions, nationally known for Home, Bridal and Pet shows, exhibition and convention excellence for over 32 years.

Fitting for a technology haven like Boston, some vendors were premiering some ground-breaking advances such as inventor Bob Mann, creator of the Tree Top Wind Mill technology, Interglass By Maverick Pools and many Solar energy experts like SunBug Solar. They were on hand to demonstrate their latest innovations, proving that emerging technologies are still very strong in this market. Not only were national names like Renewal by Anderson Windows present, but many thriving small businesses were there in an impressive array. The vast majority of the local contractors, remodeling and landscape specialists described the outlook for business as "potentially brisk" and "good for this early in the year" pointing towards raised spirits all around.

If you are a homeowner, future seller, vendor or just like staying on the cutting edge of these related industries make sure you make it to the next years' event or another one in the New England area this spring.

Amid some of the more dire predictions about the US economy is the growth of already bursting Foreclosure market. At the same time as some families are losing their homes other people are applying for Mortgages in equally large numbers. Often times choosing a specific lender is too daunting a task for the homebuyers or homeowner looking for a loan and they reach out for help. The reach out for a Mortgage Broker. A licensed Mortgage Broker or Brokerage representative helps you find the best possible deal for you from all the potential lenders in the field.

Top Three Things To Know To Hire A Mortgage Brokerage

1. Ask The Important Questions First

In years past individual lenders sold their own mortgage loan products and were fairly an exclusive enterprise. As those institutions and the market for business became much more competitive, this gave rise to the Brokerage. Knowing this the mortgage seeker is at an advantage providing you do you prepare properly. A good mortgage broker will help you navigate the field, but first helping you discern the difference between the lenders and the different kinds of products they tend to offer. A mortgage banker for instance is a lender who directly makes real estate loans to consumers. Consumer Finance Companies are a non-depository institutions that may make high-risk loans to you with higher rates of interest than a traditional financial institution. Due to many of the Commercial Banks pairing up with traditional financial institutions (IE: Bank of America and Merrill Lynch) they have more attractive mortgage options for you, especially if said institution happens to also be your commercial bank. Unless you are a high risk to lenders, the mortgage seeker is in high demand and in full control, if approach this first step correctly.

2. What Are the Best Available Interest Rates

These two points are crucial and will likely be the first step in eliminating a lot of potential lenders who are not a good fit for you. The interest rates vary from lender to lender and also depends mostly on your own financial information such as your liquidity and credit score. As we mentioned above some lenders will take a high risk on a mortgage for the trade off of higher interest or greater monthly payments. A lower interest rate results in lower monthly payments or the ability to buy a higher priced home. Some loans offer an extremely low interest rate or payments. Payments on some of these loans may be too low to pay the monthly interest and will increase your loan balance, known as negative amortization or deferred interest, rather than decrease it. Payments on these loans can also increase substantially after several years.. The other factor that goes hand in hand with an attractive interest rate is whether it will locked in or not. If you can get a great rate and keep it locked in for part of or the duration of the loan you are in luck and in the minority these days. Helpful tip: if your APR is unusually high, your credit is good and you are not cash poor, you may be getting charged for hidden fees by either the lender or the brokerage.

3. What is the Length of the Loan

The third most important thing to know when dealing with a Brokerage is to find out the length of loans being offered by potential lenders. This requires that that you, the future borrower have a clear picture of your future financial ability, career stability and other questions that are not for the average joe or the faint of heart. Choose a length you can handle and account for your savings and investment strategy so another huge downturn, a loss of career or life changing illness will not hamper your ability to fulfill your obligations. The Golden Rule for mortgages should be do not get into a situation you can not potentially meet to completion, ever.

As you get ready to bring your home to market, it is a good practice is to go outside of you own home, step back and just look at it. Stare at it for a long time with a critical eye and ask yourself if the outside of your home has enough pop to draw in a prospective buyer. When some one drives by your house do they say "wow" or "ugh"? You may love your home so much this honest self-assessment may be difficult for you. If so bring in a friend or someone you trust to be blunt with you. You may be too close to the flaws everyday to really notice them. Improve that Curb Appeal and turn your humble abode into a sexy home someone will want to snap up at the first viewing.

Bring The Sexy Back To The Outside of Your Home

1. Front Porch and Door Appearance:

As we have said in this space recently the front of your home really is calling card to what is inside. The handshake that will invite interested parties inside to see more and get to know the house better. If you haven't upgraded your porch in a while before you go to market, this is a great time to do so. New paint or finishes are inexpensive and even classy new fixtures will cost you short money and add good value points.

2. Windows and Shutters:

No one wants to look at a house with decrepit windows or shutters. Because they are an investment financially homeowners statistically replace their windows once every ten years, often not doing this before selling. Still, if your windows say "old fashioned" to your senses, they probably are outdated. New Shutters, if appropriate are an easy way to improve some older windows that are not too out of style yet. Again, if this area is sagging give it the attention it deserves.

3. Ready, Set, Paint!

A new Paint job in some cases can make an older home look like a million bucks. In the least case, you ought to paint your home before a sale as a courtesy. New paint is just as noticeable as old, weather beaten houses and it will stand out for the better. You will even feel better about your home when it is done, I promise.

4. Landscaping Love:

Depending on your home and where it is, Landscaping could be costly, but oh so worth it. You always want the outside of your home to look pristine and beautiful. A professional landscaper can take an average area and make it dynamic looking. This is a sure value booster if you can swing it into you pre-sale budget. A stone walk way, interesting new shrubbery, fancy plants or just proper care of the existing foliage and trees can make a huge difference between someone liking or loving the outside of your home.

#5 The little things matter.

When you live somewhere for a long time you tend to become accustomed to the way your home looks. You take things for granted. Little things like door knobs and knockers, gate handles and inexpensive but nice accents can be huge. It will prove your attention to every last detail outside and speak volumes about how you feel about your home without saying a word. Be critical in this area and you will be surprised how much upside there is here.

When you put a little effort in, your home might really surprise you with how great it can be. Of course if you are at a loss where to begin, our agents always have great ideas to share!