Houde Real Estate
Photo/Nancy Brumback
By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Marlborough—Ernie Houde Jr. brings 26 years of experience to helping both sellers and buyers negotiate the current fast-paced real estate market.
“It’s a seller’s market right now, with a shortage of houses available and multiple offers on many properties,” he said. For example, typically there would be about 150 single-family homes on the market in Marlborough this time of year, but at the end of June, there were only 45 available.
Houde Real Estate focuses on Marlborough and the Metrowest area, and Houde himself also works with clients looking to buy or sell on the west coast of Florida.
In this seller’s market, he has some concrete advice for homeowners preparing to sell and for buyers.
For sellers, he noted that “many homes are selling for over the asking price if they are listed right and are in good condition.”
Houde suggested sellers interview real estate agents to find someone they are comfortable with, adding his own guarantee that clients can leave in seven days if they are not happy with his work.
“I do a market analysis on the property just as a bank appraiser does, so the seller knows what the property will be worth when the bank looks at it,” he said.
“We also offer a pre-inspection service so the seller knows what needs to be done before putting the house on the market. And it is very important to stage a house properly, especially clearing countertops and removing all the personal pictures so buyers can see what they will be getting.”
Houde reminds sellers they may need to be prepared to move quickly so they can take advantage of a good offer.
“Don’t buy a house just because you sold your house. It’s better to put your things in storage and rent until you find the house you want. And you will be in a better position to buy because your offer will not be subject to the sale of your house.”
Buyers in the current market must be prepared to move quickly when they find a home they like, he noted. “The seller may get two or three offers on the same day after an open house.”
As a buyer’s agent, Houde first connects buyers with a mortgage broker to find out what loan amount they qualify for and to get a letter stating that qualification. He encourages buyers to decide definitely the features they must have in a house so they can evaluate potential homes quickly.
“I have buyers who have missed two or three houses and that gets discouraging, but we will find something they like.”
How long will the current seller’s market last?
“I don’t have a crystal ball,” Houde said, “but I think the current conditions could last another three or four years. Interest rates are low now, and it’s a great time to buy.”
Houde emphasized that his goal as a real estate agent is to make his clients happy, and to prove that, he offers a list of 82 things he does to sell a house. “We care for and respect our clients, and we do what we say we will do.”
His agency is also currently recruiting real estate professionals, and Houde noted agents have no office expenses and are eligible for vacation sales incentives.
Houde Real Estate is located at 127 Lakeside Ave. (Rt. 20) in Marlborough. For additional information, visit the website, soldre.com, or call 800-969-1922.
