Cheryl Nightingale - Monarch Realty Group, LLC

If you've seen the Tom Hanks classic movie, "The Money Pit," you know that while it's funny happening to someone else, when your fixer-upper home becomes a money pit, it's more like a horror movie. If you're looking for a new property and considering an underpriced fixer-upper, you could end up with a nightmare full of endless home repairs. Here are some ways to make sure your Bourne home-buying reality doesn't become the stuff of movies and cost you more money than you bargained for. Start With A Solid Foundation One of the most important components of a home, it should stand on a solid foundation: a steel-reinforced, concrete perimeter foundation wall, and footing. The foundation should be straight and square—if you notice leaning or bulging in places, the structure could be compromised. In the basement, check for large cracks or gaps in the foundation walls.  Large, V-shaped cracks could be a sign that the home needs extensive foundation

Just like in any other profession, there are good real estate agents ... and there are, unfortunately, subpar real estate agents, too. But how do you know if you've got a dreamboat or a dud handling your real estate transaction? One way to know whether you've got a good agent (or not) is to consider some of the tasks and activities that a really good agent will manage for a client, then apply what you've learned to your own agent. If you don't have time to track down all of the things that a good agent should be doing for a buyer or a seller, then you're in luck: We've compiled a list so you don't have to. Ask you about your homeownership needs (and hopes) It's dangerous to make assumptions at the best of times, but when it comes to shopping for a home, assumptions are downright dangerous. So if you have an agent who assumes ... everything ... be wary. A good agent should ask you questions -- lots of them -- about where you've lived, what

Real estate investing is gaining popularity in Bourne, and if you've been giving it some thought, this guide will give you an overview. The goal of any real estate investor is  typically  to make money. This means purchasing an investment property at a good price so you can rent it out and maybe eventually sell it for a profit.  Real estate investing is an  ever changing  game. To get and stay ahead and make consistent money, you'll need to do your homework. Here are 10 things to know: 1) Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage When you get a mortgage pre-approval first, there are some benefits you can take advantage of, financial benefits being a big one. Once you're pre-approved, most lenders will lock in an interest rate for you, so if rates go up while you're conducting your property search, you'll enjoy your lower, locked-in rate. When it comes to demonstrating your seriousness to a potential seller, having a pre-approved mortgage could get you preferenti

Whether you live in a flood, hurricane, or tornado zone, you want to make sure your Bourne home is ready to stand up to whatever mother nature can hurl its way. The best time to storm-proof your home is before severe weather strikes and well in advance of warnings of imminent weather.   Here's what to focus on to keep your Cataumet home safe and strong: 1) Check your roof, gutters, and downspouts.  Your entire roofing and drainage system's goal is to direct water as far away from your home as possible. Twice a year, check and clean gutters of any debris and test your downspouts to make sure water is flowing easily and there are no blockages. You can test your downspouts while it's raining, or use a garden hose to make sure water is coming out as it should. Inspect your roof for any weak spots. Even with an untrained eye, you'll be able to easily spot obvious worn out areas like missing shingles, popped nails, or any warping. If you spot any obvious concern