The Alewife

A column by Tamela Roche

Functional conditions

[Tamela Roche was 2006 president of the Cambridge Community of Realtors. She can reached at her office at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (617) 245-4072. Check out her Web site: TamelaRoche.com.]

What are the current homebuyer trends today? We have an inventory of properties that do not match customer’s needs. We have “newly renovated” or “brand new construction” that is not meeting expectations.

From my experience it is all about functionality of the living space and property condition. The slogan years ago may have been “location, location, location.”

Tamela Roche

Thanks to the Internet - buyers will not waste time viewing any property except where they want to live. When a buyer chooses to step foot into any property today - location has already been ruled in or ruled out.

So once a buyer walks in the door –focus is on the space. Well, maybe the first visit focus is distracted by the furniture or artwork or clutter. But when a Buyer thinks they really like a property, the most important decision to make is whether they can actually live in the space. Will my furniture fit? Will the bedroom fit my bed? Are the bedrooms on the same level? Is there at least a half bath on the first floor? Can I entertain in this space comfortably? Will the in-unit heating system be too loud when it runs? Is there in-unit laundry or air-conditioning?

Now, for custom home renovations or for some price ranges this does not apply.
But for newly renovated or newly built condominiums priced in the lower price ranges we have a gap between what available properties offer and what homebuyers want and need.
Property advertised as newly-renovated or newly-constructed, the expectations for quality and comfort rise exponentially with the asking price. There is a clear delineation between a really cool design, and living space in which buyers can see themselves living.

A column by Tamela Roche

[Tamela Roche was 2006 president of the Cambridge Community of Realtors. She can reached at her office at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (617) 245-4072. Check out her Web site: TamelaRoche.com.]

"Welcome to the Neighborhood!"

A wonderful “welcome to the neighborhood” happened the other day …..a nostalgic heart-warming moment that reminded me of my childhood.

While conducting a pre-Closing inspection with my Clients on a new home, the neighbor came out and
introduced herself and her two young boys.

She gave my clients so much more than a few tips about the block.

In those few moments of conversation I watched my clients transfrom from nervous to joyful, their strain turn to smiles.

I could not help but sense a wave of relief that seemed to come over them.

What a wonderful welcome to the neighborhood! So simple. Who knew that just a few minutes of time and compassion could made all the difference in the world.

As if there isn’t enough to worry about when buying a new home, it’s human nature we also worry about our new neighbors.

Will they be friendly?

Will we get along?

Which made me realize – wouldn’t it be great to see this more often? I remember as a youngster my Mother baked casseroles, cookies, cakes or pies to welcome new neighbors. She was a member of the “Welcome Wagon” afterall.

A column by Tamela Roche

[Tamela Roche was 2006 president of the Cambridge Community of Realtors. She can reached at her office at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (617) 245-4072. Check out her Web site: TamelaRoche.com.]

'Working Condition' -- the weight of real estate words, phrases

When advertising property for sale, there are many words and phrases that if used in advertising in any way can be considered to violate state and federal Fair Housing laws.

Fair Housing laws regulate any references to race, color, creed, nationality, religion, education, ability/disability, military status, employment status, professional or trade, income status, etc.

There are also many words used to describe the neighborhood, property, amenities and floor plan that could also be considered in violation. For example, when describing the neighborhood one should be careful using: Quality Area, Quiet Streets, Quiet Neighborhood, Luxurious, Private, Safe, Secure, Mixed, Retirement, Secluded, Traditional, Ethnic, Suitable for, Grandma’s House - just to name a few.

When describing the property or a lifestyle, one should be careful using these examples: Couples Only, Contemporary Lifestyle, His/Hers, Perfect For, Family Room, Professional Home, Play Room, Executive, Quiet Tenants...and there are many, many more.

These laws are for a very good reason – not only to prevent discrimination but how can anyone promise a “safe” neighborhood? “Quiet” is subjective – everyone has a varied degree of noise tolerance. “Easy street parking” is another one that probably cannot be promised.

The Cambridge difference in RE practice

by Tamela Roche

Real estate is indeed local. Just as every city and town has a unique flavor of architectural style, politics and community pride, so too is the uniqueness of how real estate is conducted.

Recently it occurred to me: Perhaps there is a correlation between how real estate is conducted to the value of properties?

Disclaimer: I cannot speak for every single agent as there are hundreds of licensed real estate agents based in Cambridge - but I think many would agree with the following comparisons.

In some towns it is common for the Listing Agent to forego attending the home inspections conducted by the Buyer. This is quite interesting as it means there is no one representing the Seller or the property at a crucial step in the process. In my experience, my seller clients would not stand for this practice – they want to be sure that the home inspector is being reasonable, that the property is protected (and nothing broken or damaged during the inspection) and if any problems are discovered they expect that I will have “been there” to hear it first-hand from the home inspector. How can one negotiate successfully for or against repair requests if one is not present at the home inspection when the condition is discovered?

In some towns it is also common practice for the Listing Agent to forego attending the “Buyer’s

Walk-Through” conducted just before Closing. If the property is not ready for sale as agreed upon this presents a potential financial impact and a delayed Closing. Something as simple a trash left behind or leftover paint can deem the walk-through unacceptable to the buyers.

When the Listing Agent (or a representative) is on site at the walk-through most minor problems such as these can be resolved immediately.

In some towns it is common practice for “Buyer Agents” to merely send their buyers to Open Houses; they do not visit properties with their buyers to gain a better understanding of the buyer’s preferences to pro-actively help in the search process. I cannot imagine how a “Buyer Agent” can feel that they are truly helping their clients if they never once visit some properties together with their clients in person to discuss preferred characteristics such as room dimensions, floor plan, condition, etc.

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What did you expect?

by Tamela Roche

[Tamela Roche is the former president of the Cambridge Community of Realtors and works at Coldwell Banker. she can be reached at (617) 245-4027.]+

Recently I met someone new who shared with me their experience buying a new home. It was not a pleasurable experience. There were some things that went wrong during the transaction and the other party caused a great deal of stress. When I asked for more details on some of the specific problems that happened during the transactionóthe buyer couldn't remember specifically. But - in the final analysisóthey told me that the buyer's agent did a good job overall and made the buyers feel good about their purchase. The buyer's agent helped the buyers find acceptable solutions throughout the transaction and they highly recommended their agent to friends and family.

So this story made me think of one of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Even a bad transaction can yield a positive outcome; not just because problems were solved, but because how the problems were solved

Cambridge Real Estate by Tamela Roche

Lucky for us, Punxatawney Phil did not see his shadow on Groundhog Day--and lately, neither are homebuyers!

Spring has indeed sprung in the Cambridge real estate market with crowded Sunday open houses, multiple offers and bidding wars. You wouldn't even know we had an ice storm given the amount of activity over the Presidents Day Weekend.

Tamela Roche

Thanks to Mother Nature, my car was frozen to the street and despite efforts to free my vehicle; for two days I decided to re-aquaint myself with public transportation en route to my appointments. Good thing, too. For a change of pace I walked down side streets I usually miss while driving. I am embarrassed to admit the last time I took the T there were still tokens to be purchased from a live person behind the window. My clients may have thought I was crazy turning down rides, but honestly, it felt good to stretch the legs, run for the bus and learn the new Charlie Card computer system.

When a client asked me: how far is the Porter Square T? I could tell him first-hand how long it took me to walk the distance even with icy pavements: about six minutes.

While the ice is taking its time melting, the market activity certainly has a spring in its step.

Who we are by Tamela Roche

Cambridge Community of Realtors

We are dedicated to improving the standards of real estate practice and the level of professionalism within our industry.  The Cambridge Community of Realtors is a non-profit organization comprised of Real Estate Professionals whose primary business is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  A majority of our members also belong to the Greater Boston Association of Realtors®, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors® and the National Association of Realtors®.

Tamela Roche

We offer educational programs at business meetings and networking events to help broaden the knowledge base about real estate, about our community, and to raise awareness and funds to help break the cycle of homelessness.  We encourage real estate professionals who practice in Cambridge to join us—please contact any of the Officers or Trustees for more information and visit our website for upcoming events.

We passionately volunteer our time toward fundraising in our community.  Each year we raise funds for “Our Place” – the Salvation Army Day Care Center for Homeless Children.  On January 20th we presented a donation of $40,000 to “Our Place” thanks to many sponsors, local businesses, individual agents and dedicated volunteers. 

The Cambridge Community of Realtors is a co-founder of the Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund – “CHAF” – which assists homeless and near-homeless families and individuals with initial apartment rental costs like first and last month rent and security deposit as well as many support services for individuals and families.

CCR 2005-2006 Officers
Tamela Roche, President        Phone: 617-245-4072
Peter Cote, Vice-President        Phone: 617-245-3915
Terrie Hayden, Treasurer        Phone: 617-576-3800
CCR Planning Committee:
Louise Olson, Robin Kelly, Carol Kelly, Judy Ober
CCR Trustees:
Paul Turcotte, Terrie Hayden, Louise Olson, Carol Kelly
Supporters Of:
OUR PLACE, Salvation Army Center Day Care Center For Homeless Children
Co-Founders of:
CHAF - The Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund

FALL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
We are planning our Fall Calendar of Events, the next business meeting will be held in September.  Visit our website for details to be posted soon!
www.CambridgeCommunityofRealtors.com

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We have several volunteer opportunities for Public Relations & Marketing, Event Coordination and especially our Annual Fundraiser Committee.  Are you looking for a great organization to sponsor or become a volunteer?  The Cambridge Community of Realtors needs your help!  We have several opportunities for speakers, sponsors and volunteers.  If you’d like to join us in our efforts, please contact any of the officers for more information. 

SPONSORS & SPEAKERS
Become a meeting or event sponsor to help us defray the cost for meetings and events ...at the same time you will be helping us to raise funds for Our Place! 
If you are interested in being a sponsor, speaker or volunteer, please feel free to contact any of the officers for more details!

Tamela Roche joins The Alewife

Read the new column by Tamela Roche, president of the Cambridge Community of Realtors, in the Real Estate section of the September editon of The Alewife.