The challenges of owning a home these days can be overwhelming. To save enough for the deposit, as the prices continue to rise, is making it nearly impossible for many. Even though the mortgage rates are at the lowest levels imaginable, monthly payments may be a challenge. Towns and cities are struggling because of Covid. It will become necessary to raise real estate taxes.

Add this to the operating costs, repair requirements, car payments, food, and possibly daycare and the results will only bring lots of stress and anxiety. This is not something new …it has always been a major concern for generations. The solution now is not different than it was 100 years ago…multi-family homes.

Multi-Family Homes provide the option of renting out one level for added revenue to support the cost and operation of a home or share the cost with multi-generations under one roof.

162 Norfolk Ave, Swampscott, MA

We were contacted to provide interior, exterior, aerial photographs/videos of a two-family property located in the seaport town of Swampscott. It provided a great reminder of this wonderful option for buyers to consider that is often a rare find in many communities.

Location Location Location!

Before we go to the location of a property, we scope out the neighborhood and points of interest to get a true feeling of the property. Everyone has heard the value of a property is determined by “Location, Location, & Location”! This property did not disappoint.

The property was located only about a 7-10 minute walk from the Boston & Maine train station, a 10-15 minute walk to the beach, right across the street from an elementary school that has a wonderful playground /ballpark, and the Swampscott High School within walking distance. Add all of these up and it represents a great combination of features that certainly make life a lot easier. To top it off, there is even a long driveway the provides plenty of off-street parking. At the end of the driveway is a gift of a two-car garage!

Wonderful feature of living in Swampscott, MA

When we arrived we took to the skies with our drones to take some aerial footage and photographs to help display the property in full fashion. The property consist of three floors with the second and third floor combining to create one unit.

Setting the Stage

An interesting fact is the property had been in the same family for over 70 years. Lots of memories and stories went along with this home. The owners did an incredible job of preparing the property for the real estate market. We could only begin to imagine all the items that had been collected over the years. Have to believe there were some items that they threw out without hesitation, while other items they could not bear to part with it as it was just too emotional. We have to applaud them for removing clutter, all the cleaning, painting, and refinishing the hardwood floors.

Like any home new buyers always want to add their “mark” by some type of remodeling, which we fully understand. The key to listing a property is to make sure the rooms are clean and free of too many items. You want the potential buyers to not be distracted by too much furniture or “stuff” and simply see the features of the property. The property owners were well coached by their real estate agent. Equally important is the owners actually executed on completing the recommendations. This is a great example of a property owner and real estate agent working together to put the property in the best position to be sold.

Then again, we expected nothing less from Hilary Foutes, the real estate agent, as we have worked with her on several of her listings. She is a no-nonsense real estate agent. Her experience and guidance go a long way to take some of the anxiety out of this emotional and all-consuming process. There are countless details and challenges along the way. It is a relief to have someone you can trust to help prevent possible “misadventures” along the way.

Video of 162 Norfolk Ave, Swampscott MA

It is rare to find a consistently outstanding real estate agent who routinely bends over backward to give more service than contracted for, with more friendliness than you might expect, plus the persistence and ingenuity to overcome the small, nagging problems others might ignore. Hilary Foutes will not disappoint.

**Hilary Foutes**
**Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International**
**cell: 781-254-3840**
**hilaryfoutes@sothebysrealty.com**