Relocating to Boston is a time consuming challenge. Close scrutiny of the MLS listing sheets available on the web can save you from running around viewing the wrong properties. Most real estate buyers start their process of elimination with MLS listing sheets from a real estate website. This is free of course and wonderful as we can see so much information about the property. The efficiencies of the internet really come to bear here making the entire home buying process easier.
Its important to realize that all listing sheets whether they are on the internet or on the kitchen table at an open house are written by salespeople hired by the seller. With the exception of revealing current assessments, listing agents are forbidden from revealing any information the seller does not want revealed. Much more important is the information that is NOT on the listing sheet. By scrutinizing these areas you can cut your list in half and do a lot less running around viewing properties.
The MLS Listing sheets you get from websites or hard copy handouts look so authoritative that you may not realize there are half truths and fibs on the sheet that can be a great inconvenience to you. Don't forget that a human being hired by the SELLER wrote them and they may want to manipulate you into showing up at the property if they can. Here is a list of what I charitably call "Stretching The Truth" areas to look out for on listing sheets.
Stretching The Truth Area #1 Don't believe "Unit level 1" I am always suspicious of "Unit Level 1". Often Unit Level 1 means "basement" apartment. The listing agents reconcile misleading home buyers to get them into the door. So folks go out of their way to set up a private showing for what they think is a first floor condo that turns out to be subterranean. Fully half of the listing sheets you read will refer to the basement or garden level as "Unit Level 1" If you are not interested in basement apartments make sure the unit is above grade, street level or higher.
One way to tell is to look at the photos. Are there windows in the photos? Are they full size windows? I always check with the sellers agent before showing a "Unit Level 1" to make sure the unit is above grade if that is my buyer's preference. Call it stretching the truth, fibbing or just outright lying, it doesn't matter. What matters is that you and I can be misled and inconvenienced. Even buyers who are open to basement apartments take pause here because they have already been lied to and manipulated during the first interaction with the seller.
Stretching The Truth Area #2 Really look at the photos. This scrutiny can save you tons of running around. The most revealing thing about the photos is what is not in them. Blow them up as large as you can on you computer screen.
Don't see a renovated kitchen? They don't have one. Don't see any windows? They don't have those either. No photos of the bathroom? Thats probably because its old and ugly.
Everything positive about the property will usually be shown in the Photos Section. Stretching The Truth Area #3 Really read the Remarks Section. No mention of a renovated kitchen, bathroom etc? If the home had those, the Remarks Section is where they would be bragging to beat the band. If you really notice what they don't say here you will get many time saving clues. If they call it sunny or spacious or well laid out, they may be searching for something positive to say drawing attention away from the fact that the unit is unrenovated or needs work.
Everything positive about the property will usually be mentioned in the Remarks Section. .
Combining the disciplined scrutiny of the photos and the carefully reading of the remarks can save you time and frustration exponentially. Relocating to Boston is indeed a time consuming challenge but if you prepare well and make these suggestions a habit, you will cut the time it takes to see all the appropriate properties in your price range and neighborhoods by 30 to 50 percent.
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