. . . “Jeff is different from other agents. He is so patient and responsive to every single tiny questions which arises when you purchase a home, especially when you are a first time home buyer. His answers are very quick and accurate and his network of lenders and attorneys were also greatly helpful.” — Yun J.

Read more reviews of Jeff Stephens.

ePlace is pleased to offer 3 Spring workshops:

The Savvy Home Buyer, May 15th, 6 – 9
Nuts and Bolts of Real Estate Investing, May 22nd 6 – 7:30
Preparing Your Home for Sale, June 12, 6 – 8

All workshops are free and led by our Director of Information Rachael Burger. pre-registration is required to attend.

Here are some of the things people are saying about the workshops:

“Rachael was concise + clear — the handouts and her explanations made everything so much more comprehensible!” — Victoria C.

“I loved the small group setting. My ‘ignorance’ as a first time buyer/beginner in the process was not a big deal. Your warm way and careful explanations were very much appreciated. The handouts and reference to web site was great” — Sonny W.

“Excellent workshop. Nicely paced, VERY informative, GREAT down-to-earth presentation. Thank you!” — Roger S.

“Subtle information not mentioned anywhere else” — Nazik H.

“ Great learning experience based on real projects/investments. All squeezed in one presentation and for free and for the purpose of sharing knowledge and community (Unique). I look forward for the next learning opportunities with Rachael. ” — Maher M

ePlace Real Estate is pleased to introduce 5 new listings to market: a single family on Follen Street in Cambridge listed by Gary Seligson, two condos at #2 and #3 Oliver Street in Somerville listed by Sarah Shimoff and two entry-level single family homes in Malden and Randolph listed by Lilia Gouarian and Jennifer Keenan. Most have open houses this weekend. Enjoy!

“Jennifer was absolutely amazing. Since I lived in California, Jennifer handled just about every aspect of selling my condo in Massachusetts. She went above and beyond the call of duty–organizing everything from staging to painting and getting the condo in the best shape to sell. Her advice along the way was invaluable and we got the condo sold very quickly. In addition to being very effective, she is a pleasure to work with . . . ”

Read more at Jennifer Keenan’s Testimonials Page.

I know it’s not this way everywhere, but in Cambridge and surrounding communities it seems like almost every new listing has multiple bids — and not just 3 bids, but 7, 9, 12 even 19 bids. Are real estate agents deliberately underpricing properties to generate these situation? No. Inventory is so tight and demand so high that prices are quickly rising beyond previous levels. This creates a frustrating situation for buyers and their agents, who routinely write multiple offers with their clients before actually “winning” the opportunity to buy a property. So what does it take to win one of these bidding wars, provided you’re intent on getting into the market? Here are some things that can improve your chances:

1) Have your buyer’s agent do a CMA (comparative market analysis) to determine the market value of the property and, if you feel that it’s merited, offer over asking, even significantly over asking.

2) Make sure that all of your paperwork is in order. Include the Buyer Transfer Notification Certification (the lead form), the agency disclosure, and a solid pre-approval with your offer, and clearly address all standard contingencies and any special terms.

3) Have your agent present your offer (if possible) or craft a summary/cover letter accompanying your offer to present you/it in the best light.

4) If you’re buying a primary residence from an owner who lives in the property you’re interested in, write a buyer letter, telling the owner what you like about the property and a bit about yourself or your family. Have your agent include this letter in your offer.

5) If reasonable, remove inspection and financing contingencies but don’t do this unless you’re sure it makes sense.

Tired of all the constant bidding wars? Stay tuned for a way to avoid this race entirely.

Image courtesy of scottchan FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Sarah Shimoff’s listing on 255 Grove Street, Cambridge (a Passive House built by Duncan MacArthur of Macocco Construction) was featured in a short piece on new construction in Boxborough, Lexington, and Cambridge in the Boston Sunday Globe on 3/3/13.

“I see that Jeff Stephens already has a fan club here and I’m more than glad to join it. In the dead of winter, in the midst of multiple snowstorms, I needed to find new tenants for the other half of my Cambridgeport house. More than a month went by with no promising results. With so few people coming out to look, it was a very stressful time. I had already listed with several Cambridge realtors before a friend suggested I try ePlace. I’m grateful that I stopped in and had the good fortune to meet Jeff . . . ” — Marty O.

Read more about what Marty O. and others have to say about ePlace agent Jeff Stephens.

“I had the pleasure of having Fintan Doherty be the broker showing me places and he really went the extra mile to try to find me one . . . After looking into many places, Fintan found me THE best place ever (location, space and price-wise) and I am super happy . . . ” — Inês B.

Read more or contact Fintan.

ePlace’s Director of Information, Rachael Burger, will be offering the Savvy Home Buyer workshop on March 20th from 6 – 8 p.m. and the Nuts and Bolts of Real Estate Investing on March 27th from 6 – 7:30 p.m. These are information-rich, hands-on, pitch-free workshop. They are free but pre-registration is required. You can get more information or register here.

Photo Credit, Ross Mac Donald, the New York Times

Lively article in the New York Times this last week about tactics used by NYC agents (where inventory is at a low) to drum up listings. Though our inventory was up in 2012 from 2011, demand is strong and this article certainly strikes a chord . . .

Read Dear Owner, Please Sell” Faced With Apartment Shortage, Brokers Get Creative