Real Estate and *stuff *
A real person helping real people with real estate
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Open houses this weekend in Marlborough!
June 3, 2016
Houses like this don’t come on the market often! Completely renovated contemporary 5 bedroom 3 bath home on a secluded wooded lot in a premier cul-de-sac location in Marlborough! Open concept main living area with real solid hard wood floors and transitional kitchen with custom cabinets; smudge proof stainless steel appliances and granite counters with offsetting island. Bright and airy with vaulted ceilings and with double slider doors to the deck and expansive wooded back yard. Full master suite with a vaulted ceiling and skylights, brand new bathroom and walk in closet. Main level bath complete with ceramic tile floor and double vanity to accommodate a growing family. Lower level family room with fireplace and full bath allows for flexible living arrangements with in-laws, teenagers or an au pair. With over 2200 sq feet of top quality living space this is a house to make a home! 2 car garage, gas heat, central a/c and location location location! Near shopping (Soloman Pond Mall), restaurants, movies, sports complex and major commuting routes but nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac location with sidewalks. Voted a ?2016 Game Changer? in the Boston Globe Marlborough enjoys easy highway access and has a top rated (#3 in the country according to US News) AMSA school. Open houses on Saturday 6/4 12pm-2pm and Sunday 6/5 12pm-2pm!
The Five Stages!
June 1, 2016
By: Ari Taylor
Experts say that there are Five Stages to the Grieving Process. The same can actually be said for the real estate process. When selling a home, at one point or another, you are likely to hit one or all of those stages (sometimes, more often than once)…
Denial — “My house is actually worth… Wait… What?” Let’s face it, we all want to think that our house is worth a cool million, easy. “All of our memories are there. Are you sure it isn’t worth an additional $5,000 for that dent in the wall that Bobby made when he was playing ball in the house? And what about that beautiful orange backsplash that really brought out the lemon paint in the kitchen?” Market value is based on so much more than just the memories a home holds for us. Think location, neighborhood value, the time of year and even the current trends in home decor. All of these play an active part in dictating the actual value of your home.
Anger — “I’ve had two open houses and three showings, why have I gotten no offers? What is my agent doing wrong? Why is no one interested in my beautiful home?” The process can be very frustrating, and you may hit this stage more than once in the process. Take a deep breath, take a step back and try spending a Sunday going to other open houses. Make a list of what you like and don’t like in the houses you tour, and do so from the perspective of a buyer. Once you do that, apply it to your own home.
Bargaining — Just when you thought you’d never see an offer, here comes one! But, it is twenty-thousand below your asking price. “What? I already priced my home lower than what its worth!” (Here comes that anger again…). Now, it’s time for bargaining. In real estate, we call it negotiation. Go back to that buyer’s list that you made and see if what they are suggesting makes sense for you, then ask yourself, “What do I ultimately want? Is it a quick sale? Or the most money you can get?” Here’s where having an honest agent will help. Go over the options and counter-offer. Get creative with it!
Depression — “When will this all be over? It’s been weeks since we signed the purchase and sale. All of this packing, did I really want to sell? All these memories just being packed into boxes…” You get the idea. The weeks between purchase and sale and closing can seem very long. Additionally, that time can trigger some tender feelings. This is a great time to remember how far you’ve come in the process!
Acceptance — Closing day is finally here! You’ve moved all of your stuff out. You’ve swept the floor one last time, taken photos of those little, sentimental things (like Bobby’s dented wall) and are officially ready to move forward!
Additional price adjustment in Shrewsbury!
May 31, 2016
If you are looking for a great starter home or condo alternative in a wonderful community, then we are here for you! 20 Bay View Road is situated back from the road offering a huge front yard for both privacy and fun! The updated main level has a full bedroom, bathroom, galley kitchen and large living room overlooking the side yard with bay windows. This is a flexible floor plan that can be a combined living / dining or open concept and optional first floor master bedroom! Completely renovated lower level includes heated floors, fireplace and half bath for the current master suite. Sought after location with neighborhood park and desirable commuter location with easy access to shopping and Mass Pike, Routes 20, 9, 122 and 146. Large back yard with lofted garage provides additional storage space for future expansion possibilities! Now just $224,999!
Residential land in Wales!
May 31, 2016
Plant your roots on this amazing residential property! This land covers 2.54 acres located at 48 Haynes Hill Road in Wales, MA. This property is connected with the Degregorio Conservation Area and *ALL* proceeds will benefit the Second Chance Animal Shelter in North Brookfield. Listed *BELOW* the assessed value at just $29,999! Snag some excellent residential property *and* help a great cause! Call us today!
Price adjustment on commercial land in Millville!
May 31, 2016
This is an amazing commercial property opportunity located at 83A Central Street in Millville. Listed at just $499,999, this land spans across 4 acres and is located near routes 122 and 146, also near the Rhode Island border. Located in a great neighborhood and is available to be part of the sale of the antique colonial house that borders this land. Call us today!
Some tips to help you buy smart!
May 27, 2016
By: Ari Taylor
Let’s face it: We all fall victim to pretty pictures and the right price when searching for a new home. But, how do you know if you really like the area? Buyer’s Remorse happens when you are stuck for two years and have made a substantial investment, and it goes without saying that it is a tough place to be stuck in. The right agent can help you to avoid this, but there are things you can do independently that will greatly improve your chances of loving what is on the inside of your home, as well as the outside. There are no guarantees, of course, but it is worth a shot!
Facebook — Most communities have their own Facebook group(s)/page(s). Ask the moderator of the group(s) to become a member. Once you are added, ask the group as a whole what they love and what they would like to change about the community.
Google — Do a Google search to see what comes up for news articles about the community, local events, the school system and other things of that nature.
Visit The Community — Once you have gathered your intel, get out and see it for yourself! Take a ride after work to check out what your new commute would be like and try doing your shopping there. One way to successfully scout out a new area is to see what it would be like to do your regular errands there. On a Sunday afternoon, do some driving around the neighbourhood and see what the locals are up to.
Local Events — Check to see if there is anything happening in the area and experience the community that way, or grab lunch and/or coffee at a local spot in the area.
Make A List — Make a list of the things that are most important to you such as: Can I walk to and from wherever I am shopping? Is there a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts nearby? Are kid-friendly activities available? What is the nightlife like? Will I be T-accessible?
A lot of times, we focus on just the house and not enough on the location. Being smart about both aspects will help you to be and stay happy in your new home!
Add it up!
May 25, 2016
By: Ari Taylor
I want to buy a home! But how will I ever save up enough?
First off: What is your buying timeline? In one year? Two years?
How much will you need to make it happen?
–5% down on a house valued at $350,000 is $17,500. You will also need about $5,000 for closing costs and about $1,200 for home inspections (there may be multiple at $400/each). You will also want to keep a small reserve of about $25,000 for moving costs and furniture (AFTER you close).
There are a few ways to save which can help to get you toward your goal. First off, figure out what is and is not affordable for you. If your only savings is coming from your tax refund, then deposit that entire refund into a high-interest bearing account and do not touch it! It may take a little longer to reach your goal, but it will be well worth it. Start a separate savings account strictly for a new home.
Here are a few ways to make this dream happen:
Change comes from within!
–Do you save your pennies and other loose change? Now, I’m not saying that you’ll accrue an entire down-payment just from holding on to loose change alone, but you could potentially save about $600/year. In that one year, the cost of at least one home inspection is officially defrayed! One year of pinching pennies is worth about $600 and two years could potentially yield about $1,200.
BONUS TIP: Don’t use cash often? Add any bills under a $10 to your loose-change stash and forget about it. This could add an additional $200 to the stash!
Holiday gifts?
–Do Nana and Papa give you cash for your birthday and/or holidays? Sock it away, every little bit helps!
Taxes?
–Have your tax refund(s) deposited directly into your savings account rather than your checking account. The average federal return is $3,500. That gets you a bit further along!
Look at your expenses! Do you love the nightlife? How much is it costing you to go out regularly on Friday and Saturday nights?
Uber 2-ways = $40
Drinks = $60
Nightclub Entry = $20
Food = $20
That equals about $140 each night and about $280 for a weekend. Consider these numbers applied to 52 weekends in a year, which equals about $14,560 spent on going out. If you are a couple trying to save, those numbers sure add up! To be clear, I am not saying that everyone should give up going out on the weekends, but perhaps cut back on the pricey outings. If you went out one night per weekend instead of two, you could be saving about $7,280 every year. If you cut down to one night out every other weekend, that could save about $10,900 every year.
BONUS TIP: Don’t give up seeing your friends over money! Take turns hosting a group dinner or wine tasting. Everyone brings a $5 bottle of something and you always know where your phone and keys are!
Now, let’s talk coffee. Have you looked recently at what that latte costs you dollar-wise? Make sure you sign up for coffee programs when they are available. One or two drinks a month on the house really add up! Use your reward program card for regular coffees, which are cheaper. Then, that amazing $10 will be saved for a treat! When you get it for free, it not only helps your budget, but also have a fantastic effect on your diet! Say $7/day for coffee, that equals $2,555/year. Switching to a regular cup or even brewing at home will save you at least half of that!
Let’s Add it up:
| 1 person 1 year | 2 people 1 year | 1 person 2 years | 2 people 2 years | |
| Loose Change | 600 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 2,400 |
| Bonus | 200 | 400 | 400 | 800 |
| Taxes | 3,500 | 3,500 | 7,000 | 7,000 |
| Nightlife | 7,280 | 14,560 | 14,560 | 29,120 |
| Coffee | 1,277 | 2,555 | 2,555 | 5,110 |
| Total Savings | 12,857 | 22,215 | 25,715 | 44,430 |
Looking for additional ways to save? Joining sites like Ebates and Ibotta can help you save extra funds here and there, which add fantastically to your total savings. Cutting down on eating-out and utilizing meal-planning tactics can help get you a little further along with your savings as well. Formally organizing your budget can also add in a positive manner to your savings plan.
There are also down-payment assistance programs in many areas, as well as certain loans that require little-to-no money down. Ask your agent about these options!
Remember: This information is based on a home that is valued at $350,000. You may be looking to spend more or less.
Whatever your goal may be, call today and we can begin the process of making your real estate dream a reality!
**All information is based on average spending and tax amounts. Your personal numbers may differ***
Price drop in Shrewsbury!
May 23, 2016
If you are looking for a great starter home or condo alternative in a wonderful community, then we are here for you! 20 Bay View Road is situated back from the road offering a huge front yard for both privacy and fun! The updated main level has a full bedroom, bathroom, galley kitchen and large living room overlooking the side yard with bay windows. This is a flexible floor plan that can be a combined living / dining or open concept and optional first floor master bedroom! Completely renovated lower level includes heated floors, fireplace and half bath for the current master suite. Sought after location with neighborhood park and desirable commuter location with easy access to shopping and Mass Pike, Routes 20, 9, 122 and 146. Large back yard with lofted garage provides additional storage space for future expansion possibilities! Now just $224,999!
Residential land in Wales for charity!
May 23, 2016
Plant your roots on this amazing residential property! This land covers 2.54 acres located at 48 Haynes Hill Road in Wales, MA. This property is connected with the Degregorio Conservation Area and *ALL* proceeds will benefit the Second Chance Animal Shelter in North Brookfield. Listed *BELOW* the assessed value at just $29,999! Snag some excellent residential property *and* help a great cause! Call us today!
Commercial land price reduction in Millville!
May 23, 2016
This is an amazing commercial property opportunity located at 83A Central Street in Millville. Listed at just $499,999, this land spans across 4 acres and is located near routes 122 and 146, also near the Rhode Island border. Located in a great neighborhood and is available to be part of the sale of the antique colonial house that borders this land. Call us today!
Real Estate and *stuff * 