Interested in East Arlington? Don’t know where to begin in this competitive area? Let me help. I’m the local REALTOR® who can guide you through the competitive buyers market. I live in the neighborhood and I know what the neighborhood has to offer, so let’s talk about the process and how [...]

You don't know what you don't know. And sometimes you think you know, until you find out you don't. And you know that's not good.

We work with clients from all walks of life with all types of backgrounds and expertise. They know lots of stuff we don't know, and we would never try to do what they do. For example, we wouldn't walk into a classroom and begin teaching high school math, or start making trades like a portfolio manager, or perform surgery like a surgeon from MGH. We KNOW we don't know these things - and that's OK.

Knowledge is power and it's important to have a baseline understanding of certain things -- like basic math skills, how to save your money, and when to apply a Band-aid with Neosporin. However there is a point when it's best to leave certain things to the experts (AP calculus, currency hedging, heart surgery).

Same goes for real estate. It is worthwhile to have an understanding of the real estate market and what it takes to buy and sell a home. You should know things like, your FICO score, closing costs and contingencies. But the complexity of real estate transactions is increasing. Changing regulations and fluctuating markets have made real estate logistically challenging, and what you don't know can leave you powerless to the implications (legal, financial, emotional).

We've been buying and selling homes for clients in Arlington for more than 25 years. We would never claim to know everything, but we sure know a lot about negotiating, pricing, location, value, timing - you name it - when it comes to real estate.

We know something you don't know. If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, the knowledge of The Home Advantage Team is your advantage in a competitive and ever-changing real estate market.

"Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don't," - Bill Nye (The Science Guy)

 

Image via: BillionPhotos.com, Dollar Photo Club

 

 

 

Being a REALTOR® is not rocket science, nor is it brain surgery.

When you're sick, you want the best doctor, from the best hospital, with the best reputation. You want someone who has book smarts - went to medical school and has all the appropriate accreditations. And you want someone with street smarts - experience in the field and knows how communicate the best options for your situation.

Being a REALTOR® is easy. Being a great REALTOR® is what separates the best from the rest.

Annie Kelly has that unique mix of credibility, integrity, smarts, and people-skills. She has the book-smart background and street-smart experience that delivers results with a personalized approach for each and every client.

But don't take our word for it. See what Annie's clients have to say about her job well done.

Steve, Seller on 3 Johnson Ave. in Medford

From my initial meetings with Steve McKenna and Annie Kelly, to closing on the sale of my home in West Medford, I was greatly impressed by the market knowledge, expertise and professionalism of The Home Advantage Team. They are well-connected and know the neighborhood well. What's more, they are sincere, genuine and incredibly hard-working. As my primary contact, I particularly appreciated Annie's astute judgment, attentive follow-through, and thoughtfulness in helping guide the process smoothly from preliminary steps to a successful conclusion.

Mike & Melanie, Sellers on 33 Oakland Road in Melrose

I wanted to thank Steve McKenna and Annie Kelly of The Home Advantage Team. They were with us every step of the way selling our home, offering expert advice and in the end getting us top results. I completely trusted and committed to their process. They brought in a professional stager, who gave me a lot of work, but I did it! Annie held a broker event at our home the Thursday prior to the open house. After our open house weekend we received 11 offers!

All their staging suggestions really paid off. Steve and Annie helped us sift through the offers and guided us with their knowledge and experience.   I remember being disappointed in the original list price but I decided to trust their process and in the end we sold for 16% over asking. I couldn't have been more pleased with our results, their advice and everything they did to get us to a smooth close. I would highly recommend Steve and Annie! Thanks for everything!

 

Photo via: Nenov Brothers, DollarPhotoClub

Actually, it's not the word on the street. It's the words on the Arlington Streets. Words like: professional, fun, knowledgeable, accommodating, go-to...

Tracy Wallace has been with The Home Advantage Team less than one year and already she's knocking it out of the park. We know Tracy has what it takes to be a top REALTOR® in Arlington, and so do her clients.

Here's what a few had to say - in their own words.

Jane, Massachusetts Ave. in Arlington

Tracy responded to my initial request for information very quickly. That quick response was followed by quick responses to every one of my questions throughout the transaction. Tracy not only acted like a professional but she was also fun to be with. That combination does not always exist. I would recommend Tracy to anyone who is looking for real estate in the Arlington area.

Steve and Kalina, Appleton Street in Arlington

Tracy was great! Unfailingly pleasant, helpful, accommodating, and knowledgeable about the property and the market. Now that the deal is done, she continues to be a warm and friendly presence around town and a go-to person when we need advice or have local questions.

Micah and Amanda, Glenburn Ave. in Arlington

We were first time-time home buyers, and given how daunting the process seemed-- and how important making the right decision was-- we were looking for a partner with a deep knowledge of the market and who worked on our behalf to find the right home.   Tracy was exceptional to work with while she guided us to our dream home, and made the closing process as smooth as possible.

 

There are plenty of reasons why you might have put off selling your home - the weather, maybe the weather (perhaps the weather?), too busy, too much of hassle, unsure of where to move next... you name it.

But we're here to tell you that it's time - time to get in the market. For every reason you might hesitate, we have five for why now is an amazing time to sell your home. Interest rates are low, there are many eager buyers, there is less competition from other sellers, home values remain strong... we could go on and on.

Not to mention we have a professional, experienced team who will work around the clock for you. We handle the entire home selling process - soup to nuts. Selling your home efficiently, quickly, with terms that meet your needs, and with as little stress as possible is what we do best.

Our team is your advantage.

Call Steve McKenna and the Home Advantage Team today for a free and confidential custom market analysis of your home.

It's time.

Have you picked up your copy of Boston Magazine yet? Check out our ad in the latest issue!

 

 

 

 

There are plenty of reasons why you might have put off selling your home - the weather, maybe the weather (perhaps the weather?), too busy, too much of hassle, unsure of where to move next... you name it.

But we're here to tell you that it's time - time to get in the market. For every reason you might hesitate, we have five for why now is an amazing time to sell your home. Interest rates are low, there are many eager buyers, there is less competition from other sellers, home values remain strong... we could go on and on.

Not to mention we have a professional, experienced team who will work around the clock for you. We handle the entire home selling process - soup to nuts. Selling your home efficiently, quickly, with terms that meet your needs, and with as little stress as possible is what we do best.

Our team is your advantage.

Call Steve McKenna and the Home Advantage Team today for a free and confidential custom market analysis of your home.

It's time.

Have you picked up your copy of Boston Magazine yet? Check out our ad in the latest issue!

 

 

 

 

tech

People love their pets. A lot.

Sixty-two percent of U.S. households have a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association, and owners spent a whopping $56 billion on their pets last year. Studies suggest that pet owners tend to exercise more and stress less than non-owners (we also think people who own pets sell more homes, but that's a study for another [...]

During a time when many real estate professionals are scaling back to accommodate a market with low inventory, Steve McKenna & The Home Advantage Team is growing!

Tracy Wallace, longtime resident of East Arlington, is the latest real estate professional to join the #1 team in Arlington. As a working mom with a daughter in the [...]

The New Year is a great time for a fresh start. Maybe you want to lose five pounds, get organized or save more money (these were the top three resolutions for 2012, btw). Maybe you're with the 45% of Americans who make resolutions, the 38% who absolutely never make resolutions, or the 8% who are successful in achieving your resolutions (I'm 100% impressed if that's you).

The Home Advantage Team keeps practical, tactical resolutions. Besides our #1 resolution to provide the best possible real estate service to sellers and buyers, we're also ringing in a new Website.

We've been transitioning content over so by now you've probably seen the clean lines, easy navigation, mobile-friendly layout and visually pleasing site. What, no? Well then, go take a look! We're still in the process of pulling in more detailed features so be sure to check back in.

In the meantime, best wishes from our team to yours for a happy, healthy and safe 2014!

*image via: NVTOfficeClips