Real Estate and *stuff *

Real Estate and *stuff *

A real person helping real people with real estate

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Walk into this house on Sunday…walk out with turkey?

October 26, 2011

That’s right!  Stop in the open house this Sunday at noon to 1:30pm and enter to win a free frozen turkey!   One less thing to do before Thanksgiving and check out this adorable renovated bungalow in Sudbury.  Motivated seller and there’s nothing to do but MOVE IN!  Complete with huge private back yard, garage, central a/c, wood stove and hardwoods!

Open this weekend – new listing in Grafton!

October 22, 2011

THREE LIVING LEVELS!  Newer townhouse in an excellent commuter location with LOW hoa fees is READY TO GO!  We’ve held off showings this week until the open house on Sunday (1pm to 2:30) so that everyone has a chance to get in and see this.

This townhouse features a garage, oversized bedrooms, 2nd floor laundry, tons of natural light, finished walk out basement, all upgraded carpeting, huge closets, master bath and pets are allowed!  Stop in and see 30 John Drive in North Grafton this Sunday – you won’t be disappointed!

Photos from the event

October 21, 2011

Here are some great photos from the “Come Share Your Spirit” open house – at the height of the evening there were almost 40 people visiting the house!

Here are some people learning how to research a home through street listings and existing documents of the Ware Historical Society.

 

 

 

Hearing about ‘yester years’ and ‘days gone by’

 

 

 

 

My favorite room in the house.  The study has built-in bookshelves (and used to have many more according to our historian), a window seat, fireplace, pocket doors and is just so inviting!  Imagine this on a snow night with a fire going and a good book!

 

 

All together it was a very successful open house and really helped to show this beautiful victorian still needs a new owner!

Story telling at “Come Share the Spirit Open House” last night

October 20, 2011

A long time resident of Ware tells some of his childhood stories at the Come Share Your Spirit  Open House at 12 Cottage Street in Ware.  His family purchased the house in 1938.

We had a fantastic time with our guests and invite you to come see this beautiful Victorian for yourself!  11 rooms, 6 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with a stunning front entrance staircase, fireplace, pocket doors and hardwoods throughout.  Modernized with blown-in insulation, pellet stove and new furnace.  There is also a two story barn, two car garage and swimming pool!

Sneak peak!

October 16, 2011

Can’t wait to bring this online tomorrow evening!

Don’t forget! Special open house this week!

October 16, 2011

Come enjoy an evening of spirits and tales with the Ware Historical Society and RE/MAX Professional  Associates as we combine an open house with Researchers Dale Platenik and Audra Zobriski Pierce.

Audra will be discussing the Victorian Spiritualist Movement and Victorian Spirit Photography.  Dale will be discussing the reading of the tarot cards

Resources will be available for researching an antique home such as 12 Cottage Street which was built in 1855 and its history…is a mystery.  Home will be available for viewing during the evening with a full tour at 6:45 pm as it is available for purchase.

It is a beautiful 11 room, 6 bedroom home with all the Victorian character still in place – grand entrance with wide wood stair case complete with a stained glass window at the landing, huge pocket doors, built in wood carved window seats, fireplace – but with all the updates of comfort – insulation, new furnace, pellet stove and modern kitchen.  Property also has a two story barn with electricity, 2 car garage and pool.

Refreshments provided….hope to see you…or your spirit

October 19th, 6:30pm
12 Cottage Street Ware
MLS:  71210792
 

Small business Sunday video blog…going to straight to your belly!

October 16, 2011

Leslie Houssan is a Pampered Chef extraordinaire in Worcester County.  She is up to date on the latest and greatest for all things in your kitchen!  Give Leslie a call and she’ll fill you in.  You can reach her at 774-276-0205, ljhpchef@yahoo.com or http://www.pamperedchef.biz/4lesliehoussan.

Here is a sample of what she can share with you:

“Greasy, expensive takeout food will be a thing of the past when you invest in these kitchen workhorses! Prepare easy, delicious recipes at only $2 a serving* your family will love.”

Left Behind…

October 15, 2011

Reaching out to see if we can get this done! 🙂

I have a landlord client in Worcester that is cleaning up after some tenants who just moved out.  It was been discovered that they left behind a one year old male, unfixed, cat.  He is very friendly and scared.  Currently dining on peanut butter and cornflakes.  We have called many shelters and they are full.

Transportation can be arranged and the landlord will put in a $25 gift card to Pet Smart for the person who will give the cat a home.  No charge for the cat.  Can you help?

Costs of Adding a Fireplace

October 14, 2011

Everyone loves a fireplace…especially as we start the winter season here in New England but there is cost.  Luckily there is still a tax credit too!  Installing a wood-burning, gas-burning, gel-fuel, or electric fireplace to your house costs $400 to $10,000, depending on the type of fireplace you select.

If your budget is really tight, a free-standing gel-fuel or electric fireplace eliminates installation costs. But be aware that some bare-bones alternatives don’t completely succeed in mimicking a real wood fire.

Check local building codes for possible restrictions on the types of fireplaces that can be installed in your area.

Costs of a wood-burning fireplace

An open-hearth, wood-burning fireplace—like the ones you see in mountain resort hotels—requires the help of a skilled, professional mason and a budget approaching (and often exceeding) $10,000.

For an existing home, considerable renovation work is required, including a foundation to carry the weight of the firebox and chimney, and the cost of the chimney itself.

Expect to pay $7,000 to $10,000 or more.

  • Cost saver tip: Go for a drywall surround and a simple, wall-mounted mantle.

Costs of a gas-burning fireplace

A fireplace unit that burns natural gas or propane runs about $2,000 for the basic materials package. Installation and finishing typically add $2,500.

  • Cost saver tip: Switch to a simpler surround and mantle, and get a direct-vent fireplace so you don’t need a chimney. Or, opt for a vent-free gas fireplace for $400 or so. Hiring a professional to install a gas line or a connection to a propane tank adds about $1,000.

Your least-expensive option

A gel-fuel fireplace or an electric fireplace starts under $400. With a portable unit, that’s the total cost since the fireplace is ready to use once you remove the packaging.

Because there’s no flue or chimney, it’s easy to install TVs or other electronic gear directly above an electric fireplace. If you include a mantle package, expect to pay $800 to $1,600. One perk available: sound effects that mimic the crackle and pop of a real fire.

Ongoing costs

Estimate your energy costs by using a fuel cost comparison calculator. Gel fuel, not included in the calculator, costs $3 per 13-ounce can, enough for three hours.

For a wood-burning fireplace, figure on $100 to $200 a year for chimney cleaning. Gas fireplaces need an annual service check ($100 to $150) plus a chimney inspection. Gel-fuel and electric fireplaces don’t need regular maintenance.

Tax credits for fireplace inserts

Through Dec. 31, 2011, you may qualify for a federal tax credit for up to $300 in costs, if you install a biomass (wood- or pellet-burning) fireplace insert that’s at least 75% fuel-efficient.

Get burnt for a good cause!

October 12, 2011

Check out the chili on a fall day and help raise money for the Kingsbrook Equine Rescue!  As an added bonus – I will donate to the rescue from the client that signs up and closes with me from this blog post!