Written by Joan

Insights and Stories on Real Estate

Here for a particular real estate topic? Perhaps I’ve answered - search my blog.

Investing Joan Bissdorf Investing Joan Bissdorf

Creative ways to finance a home in MA

Are you a buyer whose loan got denied because you’ve recently moved from a W2 to 1099 tax filing? Or just moved to the US and thus lack established credit for a loan? Otherwise looking to get a loan and buy a house, but main source of income is abroad? Fret not, for here’s an article for all your out-of-the-box financing needs.

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I have moved to Littleton, MA

Self-explanatory- I have moved from Boxborough to Littleton. Here’s sharing an update about my big move 12 mins away, on finding happiness in homeownership and calling a place my own.

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Personal Joan Bissdorf Personal Joan Bissdorf

24 days, 9 countries, and 3 reasons to visit Albania

9 countries in 24 days, but all I want to talk about is Albania. From reliving my childhood in Tirana to eating a 67-year-old recipe and soaking in the majestic Accursed Mountains, here are 3 reasons why one should visit Albania. Read on, and watch out for the link to the best yogurt on earth!

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What does a General Contractor do?

From replacing siding destroyed by a woodpecker to removing mold, excavating a basement to finishing an attic, here’s a glimpse of what a General Contractor could do… described in poetry.

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What are closing costs and how much are they? An itemized breakdown of closing costs in MA

Beyond the sum of money agreed to for the sale of property, there are other costs involved. These “other costs” are closing costs- a summation of expenses incurred by the Buyer and the Seller throughout the housing transaction and for the necessary completion of it. Here’s a detailed look at an ALTA with a clear breakdown of itemized costs.

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Personal Joan Bissdorf Personal Joan Bissdorf

Brackett Pond at Harold Parker State Forest

It’s Thanksgiving today; an occasion that means so much to many American families, but still little to my husband and I. With everyone gathered at homes, and rain on our side, we found solitude at Harold Parker State Forest. Peer deep to find the colors.

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Investing Joan Bissdorf Investing Joan Bissdorf

Part 1: What to do when your property is suddenly in a flood zone

The owners of the property had no need for flood insurance. Our offer to purchase was accepted; loan application’s started, then BAM! - flood checks reveal that the property is in a flood zone. Now what? The process of seeking answers was a nightmare that my poor buyer and I went through. Here’s sharing our experiences so that you don’t have to.

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