Real Estate and *stuff *
A real person helping real people with real estate
You can scroll the shelf using ← and → keys
Is Granite Going Out of Style?
November 15, 2017
Is it true? Could granite’s 30-year reign be coming to an end? We can’t say for sure. In fact, we think granite remains a solid choice. After all, it’s both durable and attractive — and it’s become increasingly affordable too. But there’s just no denying granite’s seeming decline. As homeowners opt for more modern kitchen designs, they’re also opting for more understated countertop alternatives.
Here’s a quick look at some of the countertop’s hottest contenders:
Engineered Quartz:
Perhaps granite’s top competitor, engineered quartz offers the beauty of stone without the maintenance. It’s tougher than granite, and it’s highly resistant to scratching, cracking, staining and heat. Unlike granite, which offers the unique qualities of natural stone, engineered quartz is largely uniform; because it’s engineered, there’s no choice of one-of-a-kind slab. There are, however, a number of colors and designs available — from stark modern whites to options closely resembling marble. And, because engineered quartz is non-porous, it never has to be sealed like natural stone.
Wood:
Increasingly, homeowners seek and appreciate natural wood countertops — particularly easy butcher blocks and those custom-created by quality craftsmen. While wood countertops can add warmth, balance and beauty to any modern home, they also require a fair amount of maintenance. Because wood is susceptible to damage from heat and moisture, it must be sealed about once a month. The best part about wood, though, is that it can be refinished in the event that damage does occur.
Soapstone:
Soapstone is an attractive, natural quarried stone that ranges from light gray to green-black in color. While the material is soft and pliable, it’s also nonporous (i.e., it doesn’t require regular sealing like granite). Soapstone is also resistant to stains and acidic materials. The downside to soapstone is that it is susceptible to scratches and deep indentations. Light gray soapstone will also weather and darken over time, occasionally developing a patina finish. The material comes in smaller slabs, so seams will be visible in soapstone countertops longer than seven feet.
Concrete:
Concrete countertops came onto the scene in the 1980s — and they’ve evolved a lot since. These days, precast concrete countertops are available in a number of different colors. Generally, they’re flat and smooth, and they can run from 1.5 inches to 10 feet long. While concrete countertops have historically cracked and chipped easily, recent innovations have made them less prone to damage. Concrete is naturally strong and heat-resistant, and slabs can be sealed to prevent staining.
Stainless Steel:
There’s a reason restaurants use stainless steel countertops in their kitchens. It’s heat-, rust- and stain-resistant; it’s easy to clean; and it won’t absorb or harbor even the toughest bacteria. The downside to stainless steel countertops is that they scratch easily — and they show it too. For this reason, it’s best to use a cutting board any time you’re prepping food on a stainless steel countertop. Also, it’s a good idea to choose a brushed stainless finish that will help conceal any marks. At first blush, you may think that stainless feels ultramodern or cold, but a balance of stainless steel and wood can create a warm, timeless and uber-functional kitchen.
Not Sure Which Countertop to Choose?
When you’re remodeling your kitchen, the most important question to ask yourself is this: Are you remodeling for yourself or a potential buyer? If you’re remodeling for yourself, go with what you like best. (And if you love granite, by all means go with granite!) But if you’re remodeling with an eye toward selling, we advise going with a more neutral option. You’ll get the upscale look you’re going for without alienating granite-tired buyers.
Park Street price reduction in Shrewsbury!
November 15, 2017
Fall is here and it is a wonderful time to move into Shrewsbury! 33 Park Street is an exceptional value with nearly 3000 sq ft of living space on a quiet non through street. A quick drive to the highway and a short walk to Dean Park makes this the best location! 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an oversized two car garage on a double lot makes this house great! Large family room with cathedral ceiling gives you the space you want. The large yard, deck, swimming pool and lack of traffic makes the outdoors enjoyable. Flexible floor plan includes a unique and fun lofted bedroom, first floor office and several Master Bedroom options. Gas heat. Updated mechanicals. Fast close! Now listed for just $399,999! Open house on Sunday 11/19 from 12pm-2pm!
View the full listing HERE!
Check out the 3D tour HERE!
Moulton Ave. in Shrewsbury for sale!
November 13, 2017
Unique opportunity shines in Shrewsbury! Within in walking distance to the new Lakeway Commons featuring shopping, services and restaurants. This home sits at the end of Moulton Ave with no through traffic. You have maximum potential and flexibility with this house deeded as a single family but lived in as a two family for decades. Six bedrooms, two full bathrooms and two levels of living in each unit. Unit A features an updated kitchen with a contemporary layout, spacious bedrooms and a giant family room. Unit B has a standard layout with a large master bedroom, lower level family room and plenty of storage. Both units enjoy a quiet side street in Shrewsbury! Two heating systems, shared electric, shared town water and sewer. What is your vision for this unique property? Easy conversion back to a single family or change the status to a two family. Listed at just $349,999!
Knight Street in Worcester for sale!
November 13, 2017
Make this your next home! Location matters This house is close to UMASS Memorial , 290, shopping, restaurants, train station and Shrewsbury Str! Spacious young colonial with over 1600 sq feet in a pleasing open floor plan. The main level has a large living area with eat-in kitchen, deck and half bath. Three large bedrooms with a full bath on the upper level. 2 car garage, gas heat and newly coated driveway. Brand new carpeting and fresh paint throughout! This house is sure to accommodate your needs and is ready for a quick close! Listed for just $244,999!
View the full listing HERE!
Park Street in Shrewsbury for sale!
November 13, 2017
Fall is here and it is a wonderful time to move into Shrewsbury! 33 Park Street is an exceptional value with nearly 3000 sq ft of living space on a quiet non through street. A quick drive to the highway and a short walk to Dean Park makes this the best location! 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an oversized two car garage on a double lot makes this house great! Large family room with cathedral ceiling gives you the space you want. The large yard, deck, swimming pool and lack of traffic makes the outdoors enjoyable. Flexible floor plan includes a unique and fun lofted bedroom, first floor office and several Master Bedroom options. Gas heat. Updated mechanicals. Fast close! Listed for just $425k!
View the full listing HERE!
Check out the 3D tour HERE!
Sweet Sutton home for sale!
November 13, 2017
What an opportunity in Sutton! This adorable 2 bedroom ranch style house is sure to make someone very happy with a great in-town location and walking distance to the library. The shiplap breezeway provides easy access to the garage, flat back yard and country kitchen. Solid hardwoods throughout the generously sized living room and bedrooms. Full basement with newer furnace and water heater. If you have been looking for a cute house to put your decorating tastes into then you have found it! Great commuter location and seller can offer a fast close! Passed Title V! New roof just added! Now listed at just $219,999!
View the full listing HERE!
Worcester condo price reduction!
November 13, 2017
Greendale! This carefully remodeled condo shows beautifully combining original features with energy efficiency upgrades. Gorgeous hardwood floors flow throughout with stained wood trim and high ceilings. Open kitchen with stainless steel appliances and adorable updated pantry with recessed lighting. Large bedrooms with a double closet Master. Updated bathroom! Additional space can be finished in the walk up attic that is only for this unit! Gas heat! Updated Windows! Low condo fees! Minutes from major routes and walk to schools and shopping! Now listed at just $99,999!
View the full listing HERE!
Just listed on Eaglehead Terrace in Shrewsbury!
November 11, 2017
Just listed! 15 Eaglehead Terrace, Unit 6 in Shrewsbury! This 2 bed, 2 bath condo is listed for $234,900 by Thrive Real Estate.
Just listed on Grafton Street in Shrewsbury!
November 11, 2017
Just listed! 784 Grafton Street in Shrewsbury! This 4 bed, 1 bath ranch is listed for $299,900 by Paramount Realty Group.
Just listed on Birch Lane in Shrewsbury!
November 11, 2017
Just listed! 21 Birch Lane in Shrewsbury! This 4 bed, 3.5 bath colonial is listed for $975k by Berkshire Hathaway.
Real Estate and *stuff * 