Massachusetts Real Estate News & Opinion by Claudette Millette

An Older Home Tells a Story of Another Time

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:02:01 -0600

I showed a home today to a client who is very much into older houses. It was built in 1878 and is registered in with the Registry of Historic Homes. The house exuded not only charm but also the distinctive craftsmanship that came with that period.

When I see a home like this, I think about all the people who had lives in it and all of the memories that were shared within those walls.

How many Thanksgivings, Christmases, weddings, births, anniversaries, happy times as well as sorrows were spent here?

The family who currently owns the property are nine siblings who have all grown, have their own families and are now selling the home they grew up in. Two of the sisters were there today to go over boundary lines, utility costs and other facts about the property.

During the course of the afternoon, they shared the stories of their childhood - the skating rink their father built in the yard every winter, the ski tote they had on the hillside in the back, the office in the basement where their father, a doctor, saw patients and the nine of them sitting around the kitchen table in the order of their ages.

I was touched by the fact that it was not going to be easy for them to let go of a place that held all of their childhood memories.

In listening to their tales and looking at the old furniture, this house truly had a story to tell.

But the pictures on the walls, which predated even this family, made me wonder all the more about all of the lives that this home has seen and all the comfort it has given for more than 130 years.

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Liberty Estates – Southborough, Massachusetts

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:35:15 -0600

Just off of Southville Road and nestled in some of the prettiest conservation land in town is the community of Liberty Estates.

Constitution Drive leads into the development on one end and connects with Liberty Drive forming a circle around the Liberty Conservation Area. Off of Constitution are the cul de sac neighborhoods of Independence Drive and Adams Circle. Wentworth Drive completes the community with a third cul de sac setting.

With street names that are so deeply symbolic of a colonial period in history, it is no surprise that this lovely neighborhood is made up of homes that are quintessential colonials in the classic tradition.

The homes include a few hip roofs, federal fronts, garrisons and some just straight faced colonials. Most enjoy level yards, stunning gardens and park like settings.

View a satellite image of the neighborhood.

The home sizes in this development range from 2000 square feet to over 4000 square feet and lot sizes begin at a half acre and go to up to 4 acres.

Homes in Liberty Estates were built from the mid 1980s into the mid 1990s and vary in their amenities and upgrades. Property values in this neighborhood currently range from $400,000 up to $850,000.

View all current listings in Southborough.

One of the best features of this community is its convenient location. You can walk to the MBTA train station and the Mass Pike is only a few minutes away.

Southborough was recently named Number 31 in the nation on CNN Money's 100 Best Places to Live in 2009, and second in the nation for towns in which income was over $100,000.

The town's public school system is highly ranked and Southborough is home to the prestigious St. Mark's School. In addition, the Fay School has the distinction of being the oldest junior boarding school in the country serving grades 1 through nine on its 35 acre campus.

If you are interested in moving into Southborough or any of the surrounding towns, please call me at 508-881-6230 and it would be my pleasure to talk with you.

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Market Report for Holliston, Massachusetts - November 22, 2009

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:08:07 -0600

The following is a market recap for the 3^rd week of November in Holliston:

No new residential listings:

Three properties went under agreement:

79 Prospect Street - 2 bedroom Ranch - List price $299,500
62 Ruthellen Road - 3 bedroom Ranch - List price $329,900
8 Quail Run - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price $514,900

Six properties closed:

138 Locust Street - 3 bedroom Ranch - Sold price $205,000
43 Ashland Street - 3 bedroom Ranch - Sold price $254,000
52 Front Street - 3 bedroom Antique - Sold price $310,000
115 Cedar - 4 bedroom Ranch - Sold price $335,000
73 Bayberry Lane - 3 bedroom Split Entry - Sold price $345,000
125 Hemlock Drive - 3 bedroom Cape - Sold price $365,000

There are currently 59 active listings. The average price is $520,503. The average market time is 132 days.

There currently 11 properties under agreement. The average list price is $490,618. Their average market time was 103 days.

All current property listings in Holliston

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Market Report for Ashland, Massachusetts - November 22, 2009

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:10:09 -0600

The following is a market recap for the 3^rd week of November in Ashland:

Three new residential listings:

100 Woodland Road - 3 bedroom Ranch - List price $349,900
Lot 6 Bresnick Lane - 3 bedroom Colonial - List price $499,900
136 Green Street - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price $749,000

Five properties went under agreement:

125 Central Street - 2 bedroom Cape - List price $115,000
13 Metropolitan - 2 bedroom Ranch - List price $225,013
35 Acton Road - 4 bedroom Cape - List price $299,900
491 Main Street - 3 bedroom Colonial - List price $309,900
18 Rodman Road - 3 bedroom Split Entry - List price $349,900

Seven properties closed:

7 Vine Street - 3 bedroom Ranch - Sold price $259,000
14 Tudor Lane - 3 bedroom Ranch - Sold price $245,500
8 Metropolitan Avenue - 3 bedroom Colonial - Sold price $273,000
19 Oak Tree Lane - 4 bedroom Cape - Sold price $354,900
25 Sherborne Circle - 3 bedroom Contemporary - Sold price $407,500
23 Diane Lane - 4 bedroom Garrison - Sold price $400,000
115 Cedar Street - 5 bedroom Colonial - Sold price $527,000

There are currently 51 active listings. The average price is $398,433. The average market time is 153 days.

Threre are currently 16 propeties under agreement. Their average list price is $321,426. Their average market time was 128 days.

All Ashland properties currently on the market.

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Market Report for Hopkinton, Massachusetts - November 22, 2009

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:07:22 -0600

The following is a market recap for the 3^rd week of November in Hopkinton:

No new residential listings:

Two properties went under agreement:

55 Hayden Rowe - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price $379,900
36 Huckleberry Road - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price $625,000

Three properties closed:

23 Walcott Street - 3 bedroom Colonial - Sold price $310,000
30 Pleasant Street - 3 bedroom Ranch - Sold price $319,900
24 Cross Street - 3 bedroom Contemporary - Sold price $398,200

There are currently 66 active listings. The average price is $680,826. The average market time is 131 days.

23 Properties are under agreement. The average price is $552,296. The average market time was 69 days.

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Market Report for Southborough, Massachusetts - November 22, 2009

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:06:05 -0600

The following is a market recap for the 3^rd week of November in Southborough:

Three new residential listings:

184 Southville Road - 2 bedroom Farmhouse - List price $159,000
1 Lincoln Lane - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price $599,900
15 Hillside Avenue - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price $795,000

One property closed:

3 Wolf Pen Lane - 4 bedroom Colonial - Sold price $927,500

There are currently 55 active listings. The average price is $881,059. The average market time is 194 days.

There are currently 8 properties under agreement. Their average list price is $493,563. Average market time was 88 days.

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Market Report for Natick, Massachusetts - November 22, 2009

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:05:14 -0600

The following is a market recap for the 3^rd week of November in Natick:

One new residential listing:

69 Rockland Street - 3 bedroom Colonial - List price $339,900

Five properties went under agreement:

18 Western Avenue - 3 bedroom Colonial - List price $399,000
27 Hearthstone Circle - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price $529,000
13 St. Thomas Avenue - 2 bedroom Cape - List price $549,000
18 Robinhood Road - 4 bedroom Garrison - List price $559,000
14 Phillips Pond Road - 3 bedroom Contemporary - List price $585,000

Five properties closed:

33 East Evergreen Street - 4 bedroom Ranch - Sold price $235,000
31 Charles Street - 3 bedroom Ranch - Sold price $355,000
6 Ambler Court - 3 bedroom Other - Sold price $412,500
27 Winnemay - 4 bedroom Colonial - Sold price $430,500
78 Winter Street - 5 bedroom Colonial - Sold price $890,000

There are currently 87 active listings. The average price is $652,706. The average market time is 122 days.

There are currently 28 properties under agreement. Their average price is $525,500. Their average market time was 106 days.

All current property listings in Natick

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Buying a Home in Massachusetts in Time to Get the Tax Credit

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:11:01 -0600

Now that the Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended and expanded to help all home buyers, there's still plenty of time to take advantage of this opportunity.

On November 6, the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 established a tax credit of up to $6,500 for all qualified move-up buyers. If you currently own a home may be eligible for the credit.

Previously, only available to first-time home buyers, the new expanded program was designed to boost home sales, particularly during the customarily slow winter months.

Requirements for the Move-up Tax Credit

You must have owned and resided in the same house for at least five consecutive years prior to your purchase date.
The price of the home you are buying cannot exceed $800,000.
The income limits are: $125,000 for a single person and $225,000 for a married couple.
The home that you are buying must be intended as your principal residence and would include single family homes, townhouses and condominiums, mobile homes and houseboats.
You may not purchase the home from family members, including your spouse or spouse's family.
The credit applies to the purchase of an existing home as well as new construction.
If you buy a home in 2009 (or 2010) you can apply the tax credit against your 2008 (or 2009) tax return.
You must have a valid and executed Purchase and Sale Agreement by April 30, 2010 and the purchase must close by June 30.

Best Not to Procrastinate

In order to meet these deadlines you should be shopping for a house now. It usually takes at least two months from signing an offer to get your home to a closing. Getting an early start on the home search process will give you a much better chance at finding the right home in time.

Have Your Pre-Approval in Hand

To avoid wasting precious time, communicate with your lender as soon as possible and get all necessary documentation in to approve your loan. Have the lender generate a pre-approval for you so that you are in a position to put a serious offer down on a home.

It is important to note, if you are a first-time home buyer, the tax credit available to you will be up to $8,000 rather than $6,500.

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Pine Hill Estates - Southborough, Massachusetts

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:45:19 -0600

In a picturesque and wooded area of Southborough is the prestigious community of Pine Hill Estates.

Pine Hill Road leads into Nichols Street, then Joslin Lane and culminates into the circular driveway and cul de sac of Witherbee Lane.

View a satellite image of the neighborhood.

The homes in Pine Hill Estates range in size from 4,000 square feet to over 6,000 square feet; some with regal brick fronts and others with distinctive and elegant designs.

Most of the homes in this coveted neighborhood sit on lots that are over an acre in size and have back yards that offer wooded privacy.

The pride of this community is evident in the stately grounds and meticulous landscaping as well as sidewalks throughout for child safety.

Quality abounds with amenities that include gourmet kitchens, high-end appliances, custom moldings, cathedral ceilings, spacious master suites and finished basements.

It's a short walk from your door to nearby scenic Sudbury Reservoir with surrounding trails for hiking and biking and the convenience of the Mass Pike is only a few minutes away.

Property values at Pine Hill Estates currently range from $800,000 to over a million.

There are currently two properties available in this beautiful development priced at $990,000 and $1,195,000. If you would like to look at these homes or at any homes in the Southborough area, please call my office at 508-881-6230.

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Hearthstone – Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:11:24 -0600

Hearthstone is a popular subdivision in Hopkinton conveniently located off of Ash Street.

Its proximity to the center of town sets it apart as one that is close to Route 135, the heart of Hopkinton within walking distance to shops and restaurants and with easy access to Route 495, the Mass Pike and the MBTA station.

View a satellite image of the neighborhood.

The streets in this community are Hearthstone Road and Carriage Hill Road and together they form a private and child safe cul de sac drive.

Homes in in this subdivision are between 3,000 to over 5,000 square feet in size and sit on lots that are ½ acre to over an acre.

Property values in the neighborhood currently range from $600,000 to $800,000. The ages of these homes are from the 1990s into the early 2000's.

Unlike much of Hopkinton, Hearthstone has the convenience of being serviced by town water and sewer.

The homes in this subdivision are of a superb quality and were built by a local luxury builder. Amenities include two-story foyers, in-home offices, finished basements, crown moldings, wainscoting, exceptional master bedroom suites, some 3-car garages and meticulous landscaping.

View all properties for sale in Hopkinton.

Best known for being the start of the annual Boston Marathon site, Hopkinton also enjoys the distinction of having an award-winning public school system that has been consistently ranked highly among schools in the Metrowest area.

Currently, there is a terrific resale available at Hearthstone being offered at $675,000.

For more information on Hearthstone or any of Hopkinton's other fine communities please call my office at 508-881-6230.

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Market Report for Hopkinton, Massachusetts – November 15, 2009

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:10:58 -0600

The following is a market recap for the 2^nd week of November in Hopkinton:

One new residential listing:

86 Clinton Street- 4 bedroom Colonial - List price $588,000

Four properties went under agreement:

30 Pleasant Street - 3 bedroom Ranch - List price $319,900

241 W Main Street - 3 bedroom Colonial - List price $349,900

148 Hayward Street - 3 bedroom Cape - List price $449,900

5 Gibbon Road - 4 bedroom Colonial - $639,000

There are currently 69 active listings. The average price is $688,194. The average market time is 126 days.

Click here to see all current single family listings in Hopkinton - All Hopkinton Homes

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Market Report for Ashland, Massachusetts – November 15, 2009

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:09:09 -0600

The following is a market recap for the 2^nd week of November in Ashland:

There were no new residential listings:

Two properties went under agreement:

8 Metropolitan Avenue - 3 bedroom Colonial - List price $279,900

46 Blue Jay Lane - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price $644,900

Three properties closed:

17 Central Street - 3 bedroom Colonial - List price $215,000

260 Front Street - 3 bedroom (other style) - List price $232,000

232 Prospect Street - 3 bedroom Cape - List price $232,000

There are currently 54 active listings. The average price is $382,220. The average market time is 152 days.

Click here to see all current single family listings in Ashland - All Ashland Homes

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Market Report for Holliston, Massachusetts – November 15, 2009

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:06:16 -0600

The following is a market recap for the 2^nd week of November in Holliston:

There were no new residential listings:

Five properties went under agreement:

138 Locust Street - 3 bedroom Ranch - List price $225,000

55 Locust Street - 3 bedroom Cape - List price $249,900

209 Mill Street - 3 bedroom Split Entry - List price $337,900

73 Bayberry Lane - 3 bedroom Split Entry - $349,900

65 Alberta Lane - 4 bedroom Colonial - $649,900

Three properties closed:

451 Gorwin Drive - 3 bedroom Ranch - Sold price $286,500

1131 Highland Street - 1 bedroom Cape - Sold price $294,565

427 Prentice Street - 3 bedroom Raised Ranch - Sold price $347,500

There are currently 76 active listings. The average price is $498,156. The average market time is 114 days.

Click here to see all current single family listing in Holliston - All Holliston Homes

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Market Report for Southborough, Massachusetts – November 15, 2009

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:04:34 -0600

The following is a market recap for the 2^nd week of November in Southborough:

There were No new residential listings:

One property went under agreement:

38 Presidential Drive - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price $1,100,000

Three properties closed:

10 Rock Point Road - 3 bedroom Split Entry - Sold price $318,000

67 Marlborough Road - 3 bedroom Colonial - Sold price $364,000

11 Killam Farm Lane - 4 bedroom Colonial - Sold price $580,000

There are currently 51 active listings. The average price is $908,226. The average market time is 194 days.

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Market Report for Natick, Massachusetts – November 15, 2009

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:00:53 -0600

The following is a market recap for the 2^nd week of November in Natick:

There were five new residential listings:

12 Maine Avenue - 3 bedroom Bungalow - List price $289,000

18 Ranger Road - 4 bedroom Cape - List price $407,900

18 Eisenhower Avenue - 4 bedroom Cape - List price $499,000

48 North Main Street - 3 bedroom Colonial - List price $529,000

4 Course Brook Lane - 4 bedroom colonial - List price $755,000

Three properties went under agreement:

72 Hartford Street - 3 bedroom Colonial - List price $339,900

4 Laconia Road - 3 bedroom Colonial - List price $479,000

25 Indian Rock - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price $750,000

Two properties closed:

59 West Central Street - 3 bedroom Colonial - Sold price $283,000

8 Woodland Street - 3 bedroom Cape - Sold price $480,000

There are currently 90 active listings. The average price is $654,005. The average market time is 119 days.

Click here to see all current single family listings in Natick - All Natick Homes

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Homes Burglaries Decrease - as More People Stay Home

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:11:38 -0600

Forget ADT security systems. If you want to prevent burglaries, just stay home.

Or so recent reports on the decrease in home burglaries would seem to indicate. These reports show a strong connection between the falling number of break-ins and the fact that so many people are now unemployed and spending more time in their homes.

Police departments have recorded a 35 percent decline in burglaries during the first six months of 2009 in some cities. And, the trend is evident in smaller communities as well as bit cities.

In Boston, there were 2199 burglaries reported in the first nine months of this year. That is 335 fewer than in the same period last year. In Minneapolis, the number of break-ins that were reported dropped more than 15 percent compared with the same time last year and more than 25 percent compared with 2007.

Other crimes including robbery, rape and murder have also been on the decline for the past several years. But, the burglary numbers stand out since they had actually been on the rise between 2007 and 2008 and experts had expected that trend to continue as unemployment rose.

Richard Rosenfeld a sociologist at the University of Missouri who has studied crime trends said that crime rates, particular property crimes, typically rise during a recession.

"We've seen that in every single recession in the U.S. since the ‘50s," he said. "I would have expected by now some upward movement in burglary numbers."

The falling price of copper and other scrap materials may have had some effect on this trend and not as many people are stripping copper pipes out of foreclosure properties as they once did. But, this alone does not account for the drop in overall burglaries.

More likely than not, the presence of warm bodies in the home rather than empty residences may be behind this phenomenon.

As we watch with concern over the increase in jobless numbers, could this recent trend be a bright spot in the recession?

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Market Report for Hopkinton, Massachusetts - First Week of November 2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:31:14 -0600

The following is a market recap for the first week of November in Hopkinton:

Two new residential listings:

219 Wood Street - 3 bedroom Colonial - List price $364,919

2 Nancy Lane - 4 bedroom Contemporary - List price $509,900

Two properties went under agreement:

5 Gibbon Road - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price $639,000

4 David Joseph Road - 5 bedroom Colonial - List price $799,900

One property closed:

18 Glen Road - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price $624,900

There are currently 72 property listings in Hopkinton at an average price of $681,916 with an Average Market Time of 118 days.

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Market Report for Ashland, Massachusetts - First Week of November 2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:29:39 -0600

The following is a market recap for the first week of November in Ashland:

One new residential listing:

13 Metropolitan Avenue - 2 bedroom Ranch - List price $225,013

Three properties went under agreement:

26 Dean Road - 3 bedroom Cape - List price $342,500

25 Sherborne Circle - 3 bedroom Contemporary - List price $420,000

42 Ridgewood - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price - $550,000

One property closed:

45 Prospect Street - 4 bedroom Ranch - Sale price $225,000

There are currently 56 property listings in Ashland at an average price of $380,070 with an Average Market Time of 143 days.

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Market Report for Southborough, Massachusetts – First Week of November 2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:28:05 -0600

The following is a market recap for the first week of November in Southborough:

One new residential listing:

24 Walnut Drive - 3 bedroom Multi-level - List price $329,900

Five properties went under agreement:

14 Atwood Road - 3 bedroom Ranch - List price - $199,900

10 Rock Point Road - 3 bedroom Split Entry - List price - $339,900

67 Marlborough Road - 3 bedroom colonial - List price - $389,900

154 Main Street - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price - $639,900

Two properties closed:

29 Woodland Road - 4 bedroom Colonial - Sold price - $630,000

2 Country Lane - 4 bedroom Colonial - Sold price - $800,000

There are currently 53 property listings in Southborough at an average price of $897,612 with an Average Market Time of 188 days.

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Market Report for Natick, Massachusetts – first week of November 2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:26:08 -0600

The following is a market recap for the first week of November in Natick:

Five new residential listings:

25-A Hartford Street - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price - $432,700

10 Phillips Pond Road U:10 - 3 bedroom Contemporary - List price - $949,000

Lot 7 Walnut Hill Drive - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price - $999,000

Lot 8 Walnut Hill Drive - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price - $1,075,000

Lot 10 Walnut Hill Drive - 4 bedroom Colonial - List price - $1,099,000

Two properties went under agreement:

78 Maccarthur Road - 4 bedroom Cape - List price - $424,900

62 Pleasant Street - 5 bedroom Colonial - List price - $799,000

Two properties closed:

3 Bunker Lane - 3 bedroom Cape - Sold price - $335,000

25 Kelsey Road - 3 bedroom Cape - Sold price - $352,500

There are currently 88 property listings in Natick at an average price of $654,594 with an Average Market Time of 120 days.

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Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

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Market Report for Holliston, Massachusetts – First Week of November 2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:24:17 -0600

The following is a market recap for the first week of November in Holliston:

One new residential listing:

65 Arch Street- 4 bedroom Cape - List price - $479,900

Three properties went under agreement:

1131 Highland Street - 4 bedroom Cape - List price - $319,900

29 Cedar Street - 2 bedroom Ranch - List price - $319,900

135 Overlook Drive - 3 bedroom Colonial - List price - $539,000

One property closed:

5 Sabrina Drive - 3 bedroom Colonial - Sold price - $505,500

There are currently 64 property listings in Holliston at an average price of $517,388 with an Average Market Time of 115 days.

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Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

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Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Blossom Estates - Ashland, Massachusetts

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:12:54 -0600

Blossom Estates is one of the top neighborhoods in Ashland. The neighborhood is made of the streets Blue Jay Lane, Primrose Lane, Rossi Lane and Magnolia Pointe.

View a satellite image of the neighborhood.

Homes in this development were built in the late 1990'sand many feature brick fronts, private wooded lots, Palladian windows, two-story foyers, finished basements and meticulous landscaping.

Home sizes range from 2500 square feet to over 4500 square feet. The sizes of lots in this community start at ¾ of an acre with some homes sitting on acre plus lots.

Property values in Blossom Estates are currently $600,000 to $650,000.

This lovely neighborhood is close to Ashland's new high school as well as Route 135leading through the center of town and to all major roadways. It is also convenient to the MBTA train station.

View all properties for sale in Ashland.

Ashland, the original site of the Boston Marathon, is one of the area's premium residential New England towns. Rooted in tradition, the town holds its famous "Ashland Day" every year in the fall. Ashland is considered by many to have an ideal location - halfway between the cities of Boston and Worcester.

If you are interested in Blossom Estates or any of Ashland's other fine neighborhoods, please call me at 508-881-6230.

Your Buyer Broker in Massachusetts Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Your Massachusetts Buyer Broker Since 1992

MLS Property Search With No Registration Required

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Radon and Your Home Purchase

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:34:29 -0600

Most people have an awareness that radon is something to be concerned about. But do you have all of the facts you need to know before buying a home?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas produced by the decay of uranium in soil, rock and water. It is much more prevalent in granite areas but all potential home buyers need to be concerned with the actual level of radon in the home.

Numerous studies have been conducted worldwide on the effects of radon which have concluded that it is the second leading contributor to lung cancer. The first is smoking. The danger occurs when radon gas breaks down to form radioactive particles called "progeny." When you breathe these particles into your lungs they can cause cellular damage.

The World Health Organization recently completed a new study which confirmed these original findings. They also came out with a new recommendation for acceptable levels of radon in a home which is 2.7 picocuries per liter. However, the action level suggested by the EPA is 4.0 picocuries per liter and they have stated that this will not be changing this recommendation.

Myths dispelled about Radon:

Homes without basements are at the same risk of radon contamination as homes with basements.
There are no average radon levels available for specific states or areas.
A neighbor's high or low test is not a guideline for whether or not you will have high radon.

Testing for Radon:

Prior to your home purchase you should have the property tested for the presence of radon gas. This can usually be done at the same time as your regular home inspection. There are two types of radon tests, passive and active.

The passive test is typically a charcoal canister that is exposed to the air in the home for 48 hours, and then sent to a lab for analysis. It is recommended to have two canisters testing the property simultaneously to account for any possible error in the device.

An active test is performed by a radon testing machine. The machine will continuously measure and record radon in the air and analyze the quality.

Both methods when conducted properly are considered to be reliable.

Solving a Radon Problem:

When a radon test produces a reading of 4 picocuries or higher corrective measures should be put into effect. A contractor who specializes in radon reduction can best determine the appropriate method for the home you are buying. Most of the systems that can be put into place range in cost from $900 to $1,500.

Since you have caught this problem prior to signing your purchase and sale agreement, the seller can be forced to pay for the radon mitigation system. This is another great reason for doing all of your tests and inspections as early as possible.

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Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

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Charlesview Estates - Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:33:33 -0600

Just off of Route 85 in Hopkinton is the neighborhood of Charlesview Estates. Teresa Road takes you into this development and to the streets of Alexander Road, Ursla Road, Nicholas Road, Daniel Road, Joseph Road, Nancy Lane, Marie Lane, Colella Farm Road and Angelo Drive.

Charlesview Estates is well established community with a variety of home styles. Here you will find split levels, contemporaries, capes as well as the standard New England colonial.

You cannot beat the location with close proximity to Hopkinton's top-rated schools and easy access into the center of town and all of its conveniences.

View a satellite image of the neighborhood.

This is one of the larger communities in town with the original section having been built in the 1970's and 1980's. Homes here sit on lots that are ¾ of an acre to over an acre in size. Homes in the newer section on Colella Farm Road and Angelo Drive were built in the 1990's and up.

During the summer months in this development, you can easily walk into town to shop, enjoy the Sunday concerts in the common or stroll to the nearby tennis courts for a game.

There are some excellent values right now at Charlesview with two resale properties available priced at $509,900 and $479,900. These homes are in the original section of the community and enjoy the privacy of wooded lots, excellent floor plans and a number of upgrades. Each of these properties is beautifully set on an acre lot.

View all properties currently for sale in Hopkinton.

If you are interested in looking at this lovely community please call me at 508-881-6230 and I be more than happy to help.

Your Buyer Broker in Massachusetts Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Your Massachusetts Buyer Broker Since 1992

MLS Property Search With No Registration Required

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

In Appreciation of Those Who Protect Us – Veteran’s Day

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:09:09 -0600

In the wake of events that took place at Ft. Hood, Texas, last week, an even greater significance has been placed on the day that honors our soldiers.

Last Thursday, 13 people, mostly military, were killed and 30 were injured when a gunman opened fire at a soldier's readiness center. The alleged shooter, an army psychiatrist, is believed to have been severely troubled. This tragedy is a reminder of the danger and constant stress that our service men and women are exposed to even when they are stationed on our own soil.

Contrary to what some may believe, military service is not merely an answer for those who have no choices in life. As evidenced by Pat Tillman, some people are guided by a belief system that guides them into service to their country.

Tillman, who had "everything going him", was an up-and-coming football superstar playing for the Arizona Cardinals, first as a linebacker and later as a safety. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, he turned down a $3.6 million contract from the Cardinals to enlist in the Army to defend his country.

After serving multiple tours of combat Tillman's life was ended by friendly fire in the mountains of Afghanistan.

It was to honor the bravery of soldiers like Pat Tillman as well as thousands of others, that Veteran's Day was originally enacted.

Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first such celebration on November 11, 1919 with the first commemoration of the official end of World War I. The original concept was for a day to be observed by parades and public gatherings.

On May 3, 1938, an Act was approved to make the 11^th of November into a legal holiday to be dedicated to the cause of world peace. The day was to be known as "Armistice Day" and was primarily to honor the veterans of World War I. In 1954 when World War II caused the largest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in history, the 83^rd Congress amended the Act of 1938, striking out the word "Armistice" and putting in its place the word, "Veterans." And, finally, on June 1, 1954, November 11^th became the official day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Most of us will never have to realize the kind of bravery it takes to put oneself in harm's way in order to defend a nation, but on this day we can show our appreciation by honoring those who do.

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Learn More about Massachusetts Home Buyer Representation - Greater Boston and MetroWest Massachusetts - Serving Massachusetts Home Buyers Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Your Massachusetts Buyer Broker Since 1992

MLS Property Search With No Registration Required

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough