Written by Joan
Insights and Stories on Real Estate
Difference between an Agent, Broker, Realtor and Facilitator
Prior to our arrival in the US, my husband and I knew of only one term that would describe the business facilitating real estate transactions: Real Estate Agent. We were beyond confused when we got here and were bombarded by other terms like Broker, REALTOR® and Facilitator. To those experiencing the same, this one’s for you.
11 Smart Rd is hands down the best valued listing in Acton as of today. [Update: Sold $39,000 over asking]
11 Smart Rd in Acton is the best listing to date. Here’s my take on it.
Is it just me, or are historical deeds super charming?
A look back in time. Before typewriters, stamps and barcodes, there was such elegant writing. Here’s my appreciation of a historical deed from 1878.
Price it right, at the right time.
In pricing a home, I’ve learnt to rely on two other metrics beyond comparable sales: the absorption rate and hot market factor. Look beyond general market sentiment and peer into more precise data. These help set expectations on the speed in which homes of a certain price range sell.
4 hours; 4 lessons learnt from reality TV
I spent 4 hours watching a reality TV show on a successful team of real estate agents from LA. Here are 4 lessons gained.
It's in the numbers: Buy and hold properties in MA (Part 3)
The buy and hold CAP rate formula is probably the most straightforward in real estate investment calculations because there are concrete numbers to back your evaluation. But what CAP rate should you expect? The golden phrase is that CAP rate is a function of risk, and what you want to do with your money.
A sunny afternoon at Hager Trail
Hager Trail meanders amidst sparse trees and gently sloping land that brings you to the highlight of the landscape - Guggins Brook. The interplay of shadows on the forest floor, coupled with sunlight gleaming off the brook’s waters makes this walk on a sunny day magical. This ranks amongst my top 3 favorite trails in town to date!
What is a 40B affordable home?
A 40B project is a rare animal in the world of real estate. What is a 40B, how does one qualify to purchase, what are the pros and cons of buying such a property? Lucky me, I’m working on a 40B project now, so here’s sharing my insights.
Buy and hold this: 13 Jordan Road, Billerica [Update: Sold $55,100 over asking]
This is perfect for the new investor! If you’re keen to begin your journey as a landlord or have your extended family live with you, you should most definitely look at 13 Jordan Rd in Billerica. Fresh on the market!
It’s in the numbers: New construction homes in MA (Part 2)
New construction is not every investor’s cup of tea; but if you’re a home owner looking for a newer home, it should definitely be yours! Here’s sharing insights to the due diligence process of new construction. It’s daunting, but doable!
It's Boxborough, not Foxborough!
Boxborough. It’s south of Tyngsborough, north of Southborough, Westborough, Marlborough, and also, north of Northborough. It’s awesome; here are five reasons why I love it, and why you should consider living here too!
From then to now
A little glimpse into my life, finding my passion, and becoming The Investors’ Agent.
It’s in the numbers: Defining a deal (Part 1)
So you know real estate investing has good money to be made. Everyone talks about deals. Who are these investors, what kind of deals happen and why is this property not a deal?
 
![11 Smart Rd is hands down the best valued listing in Acton as of today. [Update: Sold $39,000 over asking]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c785ed034c4e2da1c315cbb/1556558926101-CA4T6I1AKOBCXB5P32EX/IMG_2538.jpeg) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
![Buy and hold this: 13 Jordan Road, Billerica [Update: Sold $55,100 over asking]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c785ed034c4e2da1c315cbb/1552683609131-M7X8DM3SXM03NFRRA0TR/Screen+Shot+2019-03-15+at+4.47.58+PM.png) 
 
 
 
