Seaport Real Estate Group Blog - Advisory Services

Are AVMs Sabotaging Property Valuations?

Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) have become increasingly popular in recent years as a tool for estimating property values in the real estate industry. These models employ algorithms and vast amounts of data to generate property valuations quickly and efficiently. While AVMs may offer several benefits, including reduced costs and faster processing times, they are not without their drawbacks. 

Limited Data and Data Quality

One of the primary reasons AVMs can be prone to errors is the quality and availability of data used in the valuation process. AVMs rely on historical sales data, property characteristics, and local market trends to generate valuations. However, the data available may not always be accurate, complete, or up-to-date.…

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Things to consider when adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

If you're a homeowner considering adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to your property, here are some things to consider:

1.    Local regulations: Be sure to research the local regulations and zoning requirements in your area to ensure that you are allowed to add an ADU to your property. Some towns may have restrictions on the size, location, or appearance of ADUs.

2.    Building codes: ADUs must meet the same building codes and safety standards as other residential units. It's important to hire a licensed and experienced contractor who can ensure that your ADU is built to code and is safe for occupants.

3.    Financing: Adding an ADU to your property can be a significant investment. Consider the cost of construction and any…

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Reasons Why Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) can help the housing crisis

1.     Increased Housing Supply: ADUs create additional units within existing residential lots, which can increase the overall housing supply in a given area. This can be especially helpful in high-  demand areas with limited housing availability.

2.     Affordable Housing: ADUs can provide affordable housing options for low-income families, young professionals, and older adults who want to age in place. By creating smaller, more affordable units, ADUs can help address the affordability crisis that many communities are facing.

3.     Multigenerational Housing: ADUs can provide a solution for multigenerational families who want to live together but also value their privacy. By creating separate living spaces, ADUs can allow family members to…

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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as accessory apartments, in-law apartments, or granny flats, are small, self-contained residential units that are located on the same lot as an existing single-family home. In Connecticut, ADUs are allowed in some towns and cities, but not all.

ADUs are designed to provide affordable housing options for families or individuals who want to live close to their loved ones or generate additional rental income. These units can be attached to the main house or detached and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as rental income, multigenerational housing, or additional space for a home-based business.

In Connecticut, the state legislature passed a law in 2021 that requires all towns and cities to…

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Are Zillow Estimates More Accurate than a Realtor?

Both Zillow and realtors can provide valuable information for buyers and sellers in the real estate market. However, the reliability and accuracy of the information provided by each may vary.

Zillow is a popular website that provides real estate information, including home value estimates (Zestimates) and property listings. Zillow's data is crowdsourced, meaning it relies on users to provide information, which can lead to inaccuracies. Zillow's Zestimate algorithm may not take into account certain factors that would affect a home's value such as the condition of the property, updates and renovation, location, and market conditions. Zillow Zestimate is considered a starting point to get a rough idea of a home's value, but it's not a substitute for…

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5 Steps to Finding the Right Real Estate Agent

Finding the right real estate agent can make a huge difference when it comes to buying or selling a home. A good agent will have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions. But with so many agents to choose from, how do you find the right one for you? Here are some tips to help you find a great real estate agent.

1. Look for an agent with experience in your area. An agent who is familiar with the local market will be able to give you valuable insight into the neighborhoods, schools, and amenities that are important to you. They will also be able to help you find homes that meet your specific needs and preferences.

2. Look for an agent with a good reputation. Ask friends, family, and…

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2022 Connecticut Real Estate Mill Rates by Town

Real Estate Taxes in Connecticut can vary greatly depending on the municipality and districts within them.  The graphic above illustrates the base rates for each town. Additional rates are applied to specific locations where services are provided.  These services can include public water, sewer, trash removal,  police services, or a firehouse.  A town or district with a lower Mill rate may not offer these services.  Your real estate agent will be able to help you to determine the services offered and their importance to you when purchasing real estate. The average property tax rate in CT for 2022 is $31.29 with the highest being Hartford at $74.29 and the lowest being Salisbury at $11. 

How to Calculate Connecticut Property Taxes

The…

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2022 Rhode Island Commercial Mill Rates by Town

Commercial Real Estate Taxes in Rhode Island vary greatly by town and are typically correlated to the services which each town provides.  A town with a lower Mill rate may not offer services such as public water and sewer, perhaps waste disposal, or a firehouse. Your real estate agent will be able to help you to determine the services offered and their importance to you when purchasing real estate. The average commercial property tax rate in Rhode Island for 2022 is 20.41 with the highest being Central Falls at 42.33 and the lowest being Little Compton at 6.04.  Please note that Property taxes can have a substantial impact on the cash flow of a property making it more or less appealing to a lender, investor, or potential owner occupant.  Contact a…

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HOUSING BUBBLES & MARKET CRASHES - The Holy Grail (Updated)

Unlike the stock market, where most people understand and accept the risk that prices may fall, most people who buy a house don't ever think that the value of their home will ever decrease.

The housing market, like other assets, is susceptible to unsustainable gains, and bubbles are formed over time even though many people feel it is a sure bet for growth.  That's because of the large transaction costs associated with purchasing a home, not to mention the carrying costs of owning and maintaining a home discourage speculative behavior. However, housing markets do go through periods of irrational exuberance.

This article will help to explain real estate cycles, triggers that cause them, and why consumers should be cognizant of the forces at play…

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Fiduciary Vs. Facilitator - Who are you working with?

Serving the Client 

 -The Process-

We are currently in the Advisory stage of consulting with a prospective client who has plans to list their home for sale. Before we can determine if this partnership is a good fit for both Client and Broker, we have some homework to do. Contrary to popular belief in the industry, one size does NOT fit all. Upon collecting all the pertinent data relevant to the property as well as the local market in which it is located, we perform the necessary analysis to ensure that our assessment of this opportunity is in alignment with the client's goals and expectations. Once this task is completed, we are guided by the necessary data to advise all potential clients on what we believe to be the wisest path forward to…

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