Gretchen Papineau

Joseph - I would approach the neighbor so that they understand your genuine interest. If they are willing to proceed with you directly, then get an appraisal, agree on a price and terms (how you will finance, inspections, when you will close and important date benchmarks) and have a Purchase and Sale drafted. If they want to see what the market will do, you could be a named exclusion to a listing agreement with a real estate company and then have the ability to compete with what the market is willing to pay. That is typically how we would do this in the Andover, North Andover, Boxford areas in MA.

Andrew - contact a strong real estate agent who knows the rental market in your town. You will want to understand the cash flow aspect of establishing a rental property and then review with your accountant. If you are moving a significant distance, engage a property manager or contractor who typically will do property checks (once a quarter) that provide you with status updates and photos. Make sure your tenant understands that a quarterly check will happen. This person would also be the first point of contact if something out of the ordinary is happening at the property (water leak, lack of heat/air conditioning). Good luck with your move. We help sellers in the Andover, North Andover, Boxford, MA areas decide what's best for themselves in this situation.

Anita - the exterior of the house gives you the opportunity to put your best foot forward. It is the first thing buyers will see. So, yes, it makes sense to remove peeling paint. A reliable painter can tell you if a whole house paint is needed or if touch ups can work. For the landscaping - trim the shrubs where possible, mow the law and put out some pots of current flowers for your area. In the Andover, North Andover and Boxford, MA areas, we are planting pansies! I hope this helps.

Todd- Usually the school district will have a website for all the aspects of the school, including where there would be bus service and which neighborhoods (or streets) would be within walking distance. Here is the Andover, North Andover, Boxford, MA area, the website for the school shows every street, which school they are assigned to and if they are outside the 1.5 mile walking radius. The walking radius has sidewalks but the crossing guards are closer to the school entrance. See if your town organizes it that way. Also, remember, if school choice exists in your King of Prussia area, that this may have an affect on how they determine "walking neighborhoods". Good luck!

Linda - sometimes it can be hard to let go of a family home. So many memories.... If you have emptied the house, the next thing to think about is if any family members want and are able to buy the house. Sometimes a friend of your family who knows the house might be interested. After you have those considerations, if no one is a candidate, then it makes sense to sell. Absorbing the holding costs, upkeep and depreciation of the components of the house (roof/heating system etc) only reduces your net proceeds in the long run. It is bittersweet to sell, I've been there. It's the practical thing to do.