Together, as a partnership, we will collaborate in regards to timing and current property values, market conditions, neighborhood information, mortgage pre-approvals, real estate databases, individual showings and open houses (and the feedback), offers to purchase and negotiation strategies, home inspection issues, condominium documents and the final purchase and sales agreement. All the while addressing what is customary in the marketplace in an effort to secure the best possible property for you and your needs at the lowest possible price! In addition, I will credit ten percent (10%) of my gross commission towards your closings costs; provided we perform the vast majority of our business on-line which will be guaranteed in our Sample Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement! Why would I offer this incentive? In an effort to build a mutually beneficial relationship, hopefully securing your future business and referrals...what goes around comes around! I like to refer to this as my Valued Client Service Program VCSP!

You will have 24/7 on-line access to all the real estate tools necessary to research the market and perform our transaction right here totally web-based ...you will be able to monitor the market and your transaction from anywhere in the world! With the help of my 10 Steps to a Smooth Purchase and/or Sale you will have access to all currently Available Properties (Live feed from LINKBoston.com with Google Map), the most recent Sales Data (updated monthly), Open Houses, and my list of Trusted Legal Counsel, Trusted Lenders, Home Inspection Issues and Trusted Vendors. When the time comes, my website provides Moving Information with tips and recommendations as well as little extras like the ability to change your address and utilities on-line, arrange parking permits and much more. Finally, just prior to the actual closing, we will discuss the final Closing Information and coordinate your actual closing schedule. My commitment to you is to provide experience, expertise, honesty and a willingness to do what it takes to deliver in difficult circumstances!

Please Note:  New Legislation in regards to Agency Disclosure has been adopted and I think it is worthy of noting that the vast majority of brokers in Downtown Boston just started practicing Buyer Agency...the same agents that ridiculed Buyer's Agents until the new legislation went into effect July 2005. There are some major changes from the State of Massachusetts in regards to Agency Representation. Please review the new Massachusetts Mandatory Licensee-Consumer Relationship Disclosure  and the Mandatory Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons "Facts for Consumers". If you're going to enlist the services of a buyer's agent, shouldn't they have at least 12 years experience specializing in Downtown Boston's Historic Neighborhoods?

I have been a Realtor®" since 1995 and a member of The National Association of Realtors NAR, The Massachusetts Association of Realtors MAR and The Greater Boston Real Estate Board GBREB. I recommend that you review The Massachusetts Real Estate Licensing Board's "Things Buyers Should Know when Dealing with a Real Estate Agent". You might also want to review industry tips on "What is a Realtor®", Why Use REMAX and "How to Buy a Home".

I pride myself on four tangible items of service: total accessibility and cooperation with constant feedback and follow-up, down to earth honesty and integrity, the latest in technology integrated into all the traditional real estate services, and aggressive yet honorable sales tactics! I will attempt to provide you with an honest assessment of the property of your choice so that if and when you decide to sell (and if you elect to enlist my services) you will have a hot commodity which therefore should then sell quickly at the best possible market value! If you choose to enlist my services, you will not interact with a team of inexperienced assistants. Rather, I will personally oversee all aspects of your home purchase and will be in constant contact with you, your attorney, the seller's agent and your lender throughout the entire transaction in an effort to monitor the process and to assure that your property ultimately closes without incident. In doing so, I have comprised a Sample Buyer Chronological Task List designed to keep myself apprised of every detail from start to finish. You will also have world wide access to your Sample Buyer On-line Transaction right here on my website allowing you to monitor every aspect of your transaction until your property closes! My goal is to provide you with a superior level of high-touch personalized service with the help of my 10 Steps to a Smooth Purchase and/or Sale so that you can feel very much a part of your property transaction while still going about your busy life!

My client base speaks for itself with Testimonials graciously expressing opinions of my services. Over the past several years more than ±95% of my business has been from existing clients and the referrals of their friends, relatives, neighbors and business associates. My promise to you is that I will always remember this is your property and your transaction, to work with you as a partner and to always respect and convey your decisions in the best possible light! I will strive to facilitate your transaction while maintaining client confidentiality and effectively protecting your best interests. Typically I limit my time to only a handful of clients per quarter...this allows me to focus 100% of my energies on your property and not spend my time looking for new business! I hope to prove that after executing our agreement, service will not be an unexpected bonus, but rather another opportunity to earn your trust. In turn, my goal is to prove worthy of requesting the referral of your friends, relatives, neighbors and business associates!

My Real Estate Philosophies

You could buy a home without a buyer's agent....and if the agent in question does not have the necessary experience I respectfully suggest that you do so! You could sign up for various websites including www.boston.com, www.craigslist.org, www.aol.com,  www.msn.com and view all properties listed for sale on the nationwide real estate databases MLS or Realtor.com and various other websites...visit open houses posted in Boston Homes Newspaper...monitor The Boston Globe etc., etc., etc...and you may find just the right property for you and your needs. To be successful in this market, I believe that this process requires the interaction of a professional Realtor®" representing your interests; as the real estate market is a "living and breathing" thing consisting of real people with different needs, wants, preferences, financial issues, time frames, and most importantly; opinions of value! If you're going to enlist the services of a buyer's agent, shouldn't they have at least 12 years experience specializing in Downtown Boston's Historic Neighborhoods?

However, we may have different opinions of what my job is? You may think that my job is to show you property until you buy? I really do try to do things differently...I think that my job is to find the right property at the lowest possible selling price...I only get paid if I ensure that your property closes! I believe you need an experienced negotiator with a comprehensive overview of the market and an innate understanding of seller's motivations combined with the expertise and experience to close the deal! What separates me from the average real estate salesperson is honesty and intuition; two things that can't be taught. Combine this with a strong knowledge of the market and you have an ally in residential search that is difficult to discover; anywhere!

My philosophy is that real estate as not a science…I liken it to cooking; not as exact as baking, but not as easy as roasting a pop-up chicken. I think it is more like the type of cooking that requires constant monitoring so we don’t spoil the soup. You'll be the Executive Chef designing the menu and controlling the temperature and timing…I will oversee the kitchen respecting and conveying your decisions based on your time frame and preferences. While other agents may be debating the current market conditions, I will remain focused on creating strategies and maintaining a strong negotiating position with aggressive yet honorable sales tactics!

"No one in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX®!" With more than 125,000 Sales Associates in more than 6,500 offices worldwide. RE/MAX is the world's largest Real Estate Company. I have been representing buyers since 1995 specializing in Downtown Boston's Historic Neighborhoods with the proven experience of closing ±300 properties totaling over a quarter of a billion dollars! I am also a Realtor®" and have been a member of The National Association of Realtors NAR, The Massachusetts Association of Realtors MAR and The Greater Boston Real Estate Board GBREB since 1995. Blah blah blah...right?

Why do I choose to associate with RE/MAX? Because "each office is independently owned and operated" as franchises throughout Boston's historic neighborhoods affording me the ability to truly represent your best interests in almost all instances. The most significant benefit that I offer as a RE/MAX agent is the lack of Dual Agency Disclosure which is very much an issue you should be aware of in this market. In my humble opinion Dual Agency is without doubt an irreconcilable conflict of interest for the vast majority of buyers!

I am also proud to say that with every property I sell, a donation is made to the Children's Miracle Network and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation through RE/MAX International. If you are considering selling and/or buying property now or in the future, please feel free to call my cell phone at (617) 283-5044 or email Rich@RichHaen.com to discuss your particular concerns and/or schedule a private consultation. I look forward to the opportunity to earn your trust and your subsequent business.

Children's Miracle Network and RE/MAX are joined by their desire to provide local community hospitals with modern tools and information. Since RE/MAX became the exclusive real estate sponsor of Children's Miracle Network in 1992, RE/MAX Associates have raised nearly $75 million for the cause. Founded in 1983, Children's Miracle Network generates health care funds and awareness programs to benefit children. The nonprofit organization's 170 participating hospitals across North America help 17 million children annually... read more »

 

With its "RE/MAX Racing for Life®" slogan, RE/MAX is proud to be a co-sponsor of the National Series Breast Cancer Survivor Recognition Program at Komen Race for the Cure events. Together with its affiliate network, corporate partners and various donors, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has invested more than $630 million in research, education, screening and treatment since 1982. The foundation is best known for its Race for the Cure events, the world's largest series of 5K runs and fitness walks. Komen estimates that more than 1 million people participated in its 2006 races... read more »

As your exclusive Buyer's Agent, I can register you to receive automatic emails of all available inventories from all agencies of your choice as they hit the market including new property listings, price reductions and property listings that come back on the market...these automatic emails are the best way to keep an eye on the market daily! Throughout the entire process you will have 24/7 on-line access to all currently Available Properties, the most recent Sales Data, and Open Houses. If you are not already pre-approved for a home mortgage if applicable, please feel free to review my list of Trusted Lenders. Also, I respectfully suggest you seek legal counsel for this transaction and invite you to review my list of Trusted Legal Counsel.

LinkBoston.com is Downtown Boston's #1 Multiple Listing Property Database of Choice!!

Downtown Boston's #1 local database Link-online is the live-feed for Boston Homes Newspaper, and without doubt is more complete than Multiple Listing Service MLS. Redundant and duplicated information is cycled throughout all of the consumer websites including: www.realtor.com, www.remax.com, www.aol.com, www.msn.com, www.google.com, www.yahoo.com, www.boston.com, www.craigslist.org as well as all the other major real estate company's websites!

I have been in this business long enough to know that prices are ultimately dictated by "how much the market will bare" which is always based simply upon the current level of market activity and the particular seller's motivation. However, if we position ourselves properly we should be able to secure an offer that will satisfy your needs and one that will consummate at the true market value. As your buyer's agent, I would be more than happy to share the litany of strategies and experiences I've witnessed negotiating hundreds of offers to purchase real estate in downtown Boston's historic neighborhoods. An experienced buyer's agent can represent your best interests; navigating to avoid many of the possible pitfalls that you may experience in your pursuit to purchase real estate. With 12 years experience in  Downtown Boston's Historic Neighborhoods closing ±300 properties totaling over a quarter of a billion dollars, I provide the experience, expertise, honesty and a willingness to do what it takes in difficult circumstances!

Is this a Buyer's Market? I am very confident that it always depends upon whether or not the property in question has been priced appropriately! If a seller prices their property clearly better than the competition, that property will most likely sell at or near the listed price and within a few short weeks. However, if there ever was a time to find a "deal" it would be if you identify and match a property that suits your needs and wants with a truly motivated seller. During these uncertain economic times, I highly recommend that you focus on new inventory that has been priced attractively and/or properties that have been appropriately reduced...and hold steadfast to the adage "location, location, location! By the way, if you will also need to sell your current home, remember that real estate prices are relative provided you negotiate a financially lateral transaction!

A "Home Inspection" is a very common contingency for the purchase and sale of most properties. Customarily the home inspection which is not mandatory but highly recommended, should be completed within the next seven (7) calendar days.  A home inspection covers serious structural or mechanical defects as well as the facade, roof, windows, basement, heating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, outside spaces, parking, etc. In addition, all appliances as well as the kitchen and bathroom fixtures are assumed to be in "good working order" unless otherwise already disclosed. However a home inspection is not intended to cover cosmetics and/or routine maintenance! Please keep in mind that it is customary for the buyer to assume responsibility for the first one thousand dollars in aggregate repairs in an effort to avoid disputes over minor issues. I respectfully suggest that all home inspection issues and repairs be negotiated by your legal counsel, and not the real estate agents!

All buyers should absolutely be present for the home inspection which usually takes anywhere between one to three hours depending upon the square footage and the number of questions you may have. Please call me with at least 24 hour notice and I will schedule the appointment with all the other necessary parties and provide access to whatever is applicable: systems and/or basement, utilities, roof, facade and rear of building, outside space and parking. Please call my cell at 617 283-5044 or email: Rich@RichHaen.com to schedule the home inspection. Please avoid nights and weekends!

Current legislation requires home inspectors to be more accountable to consumers. The State has also created a board of registration to issue state licensed requiring home inspectors to attend yearly continuing education and carry errors and omission insurance coverage. Please check out The American Society of Home Inspectors www.ashi.com which offers information in regard to home inspections, building defects and various issues you may want to review. A list of licensed home inspectors can be found by searching the Division of Professional Licensure website at www.state.ma.us/reg/boards/hi.  You might also like to read the Legal Update in regards to home inspection issues as well as the State of Massachusetts Facts for the Consumer in regards to Home Inspection issues.

The experiences of most buyers have shown that the home inspector should be familiar with condominiums as well as single family homes. It is a good idea to consult with friends, relatives, neighbors and business associates for home inspection recommendations. Alternately, most attorneys would also be a good resource for an unbiased recommendation. The cost is customarily between $250.00 and $500.00 (depending upon the square footage of the property) and would be non-refundable should the buyer not proceed with this transaction. An inspection can usually be scheduled with a 2-day advance notice and most home inspectors will submit the written report on the spot or within 24 hours.

Recommendations

More importantly, you will learn many things about your new property such as maintenance schedules, location of mechanicals and to receive a general sense of understanding the basics of your new home. If I am representing you as a Buyer's Agent I can recommend licensed home inspectors. Here is a list of my personal favorites. Please allow at least 24 hours for return phone calls:

Neither REMAX nor its agents assume any responsibility for the services of the aforementioned parties. This list is simply a matter of courtesy, consult your yellow pages for additional companies. We strongly suggest that you contact the Better Business Bureau @ 617 426-9000 or write The BBB @ 20 Park Plaza, Suite 820, Boston MA 02116-4404 (www.bbb.org).

Once you have an accepted and fully executed "Offer To Purchase Real Estate" the property is considered "Under Agreement". Please note that recent changes adopted by the MA Superior Judicial Court has determined that Offer to Purchase Real Estate Documents are Legally Binding provided that all contingencies have been satisfied. Customarily, the Purchase and Sale Agreement (commonly know as the P&S) is usually executed within the next fourteen (14) calendar days. The balance of the five to ten percent (5-10%) cash down payment is also customarily collected and submitted for deposit into the Seller's Real Estate Agency's Escrow Account (a personal check made payable to the listing agency is sufficient at this time). If this transaction is in conjunction with a 1031 tax-free exchange, please seek legal and/or tax advice ASAP! Please review the Estimated Closing Costs & Legal Updates and All Sample Offer To Purchase Real Estate Documents!

The Process

If you intend to be represented by legal counsel in your real estate transaction which is not mandatory but highly recommended, you might start by asking your current attorney for a recommendation if she/he does not practice real estate law. It also is a good idea to consult with your friends, relatives, neighbors and business associates for their legal counsel recommendations. However, the experiences of most of my clients have shown that it is usually best to hire an attorney who regularly practices real estate law and are familiar with the local real estate community. Additionally, buyers applying for a mortgage might ask their attorney if she/he can also represent the lender as this should lower your overall legal expenses; and visa versa as your lender may already have your attorney on their list of authorized legal counsel. Please discuss any possible conflict of interests representing both parties. Buyers might also want to discuss Homeowner's Title Insurance and the Homestead Protection Act in an effort to further protect the primary home.

I will be available to you and your attorney throughout the entire process and will coordinate the distribution and execution of the final Purchase and Sale Agreement and collection and deposit of the escrow funds. However, I truly believe that this is an opportunity for you and your legal counsel to discuss any and all of your concerns in regards to this transaction. You will be advised on many issues and will need to fully understand and agree to the final draft of the P&S. I strongly suggest that you read your entire P&S prior to execution. And by all means, if your P&S is not executed on time, I respectfully suggest that you or your attorney request a written extension from the seller's counsel via facsimile. 

Recommendations

I have been involved in many real estate transactions, and I can impart the names of five attorneys with confidence. Eric, David, John, Michael and Sarah are all well versed in Boston's real estate transactions. The vast majority of my client base has hired their services and already represent many lenders saving you time and money. Please review some typical "Legal Updates" with relevant information on the subject. This is not a recommendation, just another opportunity to do business by relationship...feel free to request references:

Neither REMAX nor its agents assume any responsibility for the services of the aforementioned parties. This list is simply a matter of courtesy, consult your yellow pages for additional companies. We strongly suggest that you contact the Better Business Bureau @ 617 426-9000 or write The BBB @ 20 Park Plaza, Suite 820, Boston MA 02116-4404 (www.bbb.org).

Prior to the actual closing, I will contact all the parties to discuss the final Closing Information and to coordinate your closing schedule. I will be in touch with you and your legal counsel regularly updating you on an as needed basis. I will also be in touch with your choice of lender throughout the entire transaction in an effort to monitor the process, prepare and submit all requested closing documents, meet with the appraiser, secure the written mortgage commitment in a timely fashion and to generally assure the process proceeds smoothly and ultimately closes without incident.

When the time comes, you will also have access to on-line Moving Tips and referrals for local and long distance moving companies, change of address and utilities, packing suggestions and as always my list of Trusted Vendors. Again, I hope to prove that after-sale service should not be an unexpected bonus, but rather another opportunity to earn your trust and your future business through relationship and referral. My aim is to focus on your needs so that you may go about your busy life.