Why Now Might Be the Best Time to List Your Home Before Winter Rolls In

October 6, 2025 by Debbie Spencer

Let’s face it: New England winters do not exactly whisper “cozy open house.”
They shout “shovel your walkway or else!”

If you have been thinking about selling your home in the Greater Boston area, this fall might be your golden window.

Here is why smart sellers are listing now instead of waiting for spring thaw.

1. Fall Buyers Are Serious

We are no longer in “let’s browse open houses for fun” season.

Fall buyers are focused. Motivated. Ready to move.
Their lease might be ending. Their life change (new job, baby, downsizing) is real. They are not kicking tires. They are writing offers.

Pro tip: Fewer tire kickers means fewer Sunday sweeps and more real chances to close.

2. Curb Appeal Still Has Its Moment

Think pumpkins on the porch, mums in bloom, crisp air and crunchy leaves.

Fall in New England is made for real estate photos.
Before the snow hits and your roof disappears under a blanket of white, give your home one last glow up.

Yes, spring has flowers but fall has atmosphere.

3. Less Competition Means More Visibility

You know what happens in November?

Sellers get cold feet. Literally.

Many homeowners delay until spring thinking that is the “hot” market. Fewer listings now mean your property stands out.

It is the difference between being one of 5 homes a buyer sees or one of 55.

❄️ 4. Winter Brings Weather and Waiting

Once snow falls in Greater Boston a few things happen:

Showings get canceled due to weather
Buyers hibernate
Homes feel colder, darker, and less inviting

Selling in fall means you beat the freeze both literally and figuratively.

5. Interest Rates Are Still a Wildcard

While rates have been doing the cha cha lately many economists expect volatility into early 2026.

Buyers who are rate sensitive want to lock in before January. That urgency can create multiple offer scenarios if you are priced right and staged well.

So Is It Time?

Only you can decide when the timing is right. If selling has been on your mind, this fall might offer the sweet spot of serious buyers, low competition, and classic New England charm.

Want a quick market snapshot or a free home valuation?
Let’s chat. No pressure, just practical guidance (and maybe a pumpkin latte if you are into that).

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES

m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com

1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

What’s Your Real Estate Plan for the Rest of 2025?

August 4, 2025 by Debbie Spencer

As summer winds down and the second half of the year kicks into high gear, now is the perfect time to pause and ask yourself:

What are your real estate goals for the rest of 2025?

Whether you’re thinking about buying your first home, selling your current one, investing in rental property, or just sitting tight — the choices you make between now and December could have a big impact on your financial future.

Let’s break it down.

Why Now Is the Time to Plan Your Next Move

1. The market is shifting.
Interest rates, inventory, and buyer demand are all moving targets. What made sense six months ago may look very different today. A smart strategy now = better results later.

2. Fall is a sweet spot for buyers and sellers.
Many people assume spring is the only time to make a move. But fall brings serious buyers, less competition, and end-of-year tax advantages for investors.

3. There’s still time to hit your 2025 goals.
Whether your goal is to upsize, downsize, relocate, or build wealth through real estate, a focused plan this August can make it happen before the holidays.

Not Making a Move? You Still Need a Plan.

Even if you’re not planning to buy or sell, having a strategy for your real estate investments is still essential. Consider:

Renovating or refinancing? Timing matters.
Need a property value update? Markets change.
Thinking about renting or investing? Opportunities are out there.

Need a Contractor, Lender, or Designer?

If you’re planning a home project or even just thinking about one, I have a database full of trusted local pros — contractors, painters, stagers, landscapers, designers, and more.
‍♂️ Text or message me what you’re working on, and I’ll connect you for free.

Let’s Create Your Real Estate Roadmap

Don’t wait for the perfect time — create it.

Schedule a 15-minute planning session to map out your goals for the rest of 2025. We’ll look at market trends, financing options, and your timeline to help you make the smartest move — even if that move is staying put for now.

Your real estate journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right plan and a trusted partner, you can finish the year strong.

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES

m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com

1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

10 Summertime Favorites from Your Friendly Neighborhood Realtor

July 2, 2025 by Debbie Spencer

Hey friends!

While I’m usually sharing open houses and market updates, today I’m taking a detour from real estate and heading straight for summer fun! July is in full swing, and whether you’re chasing the ice cream truck or dodging rogue beach balls, there’s something magical about this time of year.

So here’s a peek into my summer faves—because your favorite realtor is more than just contracts and closings.

My Top 10 Summer Must-Haves

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Vanilla. Don’t @ me.
Beach or Lake? Lake. Fewer seagulls, more floaties.
Grill Master Move: Can’t beat a great steak. Chef’s kiss.
Patio Vibe Song: “Rock-A-Hula Baby’ by Elvis Presley. Instant mood lift.
Backyard Game Champ: Cornhole. Let’s go, rematch?
July 4th Tradition: Sparklers, slightly off-key patriotic singalongs, and too many hot dogs & burgers.
Go-To Summer Drink: Always white wine…maybe a spritzer.
Rainy Day Binge-Watch: Virgin River!
Secret Summer Skill: I make a mean watermelon marg. Ask me for my recipe!
If I Had a Summer Superpower: The ability to repel mosquitos with just a look.

Let’s Keep It Fun!

What are YOUR summer faves? Comment your top 3, or tag me in your best July moment on social. Whether you’re beach-bound, camping out, or just living your best AC-blasting life—I’d love to hear how you’re soaking up summer.

And hey, if you happen to be house hunting between BBQs… you know who to call.

Stay cool,

Debbie Spencer
Your local realtor & unofficial summer fun ambassador

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES

m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com

1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

How much does it cost to sell my home?

July 6, 2023 by Debbie Spencer

Q: What’s the true cost of selling a home?
A: Roughly 10-12% of the sale price.

Here’s a DETAILED breakdown (with 2022 data):

– Agent commissions: 5-6% of the sale price, split between the two agents.
– Attorney fees, transfer taxes, and other administrative costs: 1% of the sale price
– Home repairs and inspection requests: $100-10,000. The most common repair on a home inspection report? Sticky doors that need adjusting. The second? Leaky faucets and shower heads.

Optional expenses:

– Moving: The average cost of a local move with a two-person team is $1,400. A cross-country move will set you back $2,200-5,700. Save on moving by grabbing a few friends and DIY.
– Interior staging and exterior landscaping: 18% of sellers’ agents said staging increased a home’s value between 6-10%. Staging and landscaping will run 2% of the sale price, making both worthy of your time and money.
– Seller concessions: To sweeten the deal, you may help a buyer with inspection fees, processing fees, or other costs. Usually, no more than 2% of the sale price.
– Home warranty: Some sellers offer buyers a warranty to cover the home leading up to closing, so the buyer knows they’re not facing repair costs as soon as they sign. A home warranty costs $300-500.

One mistake I see from sellers? Pouring money into the wrong improvements before getting an agent involved.

If you’re thinking of selling, don’t wait to get an agent’s eyes on your home — it’ll focus your efforts and help you get every dollar out of your home. Want help? Contact me today.

Source: https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-house/

Source: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/moving-services/movers-and-packers-cost/#:~:text=The%20national%20average%20cost%20of,to%20between%20%242%2C200%20and%20%245%2C700.

Source: https://www.parealtors.org/what-are-the-most-common-repairs-that-show-up-in-home-inspections/

Source: https://www.rockethomes.com/blog/home-selling/cost-of-selling-a-house

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES

m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com

1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421