Massachusetts Closing Costs Explained - 05/26/10 11:08 AM
So you have found your perfect Massachusetts home or you may be prompted by the low interest rates to start house-hunting...
Here is an overview of the types of closing costs you may incur on your home loan. Some are one-time fees, while others reoccur over the life of the loan. When you apply for your loan, you will receive a Good Faith Estimate of Settlement Charges, and a booklet that will explain these costs in detail.
Loan Origination Fee: This fee covers the lender's administrative costs in processing the loan. It is a one-time fee, often expressed as a percentage … (0 comments)

Boston Massachusetts Makes The Lists--Twice - 05/24/10 12:13 PM
Over the past few days, Boston, Massachusetts has made the news on several fronts.  Boston was just named one of the top five most fit cities in the country and Boston area homes made the most affordable lists based on the area's median family income of $85,233!
The American Fitness Index report published by the American College of Sports Medicine ranks 50 metropolitan areas by fitness levels.  The index considers 30 factors including mortality, lifestyle and disease rates.  Boston, with its low smoking, low obesity, lots of opportunities for exercise and state-mandated health insurance, ranked as the 2nd most fit city--only outranked … (1 comments)

Awesome 5 Bedroom Franklin, MA Home Under $500,000! - 05/20/10 02:23 PM
This fully updated Franklin, MA home, offered by the Kelly & Colombo Group, features new windows, roof and hardwood floors throughout.   




The kitchen is updated with quartz countertops and the breakfast bar offers a casual eating area. 

A professionally finished basement with game room, drybar and playroom are just some of the extras.   The attached family room, dining room, and office all provide extensive living space. 








 
 This home is located in very desirable neighborhood close to shops, commuter rail and highways...




… (1 comments)

Should I Buy a Three Bedroom or Four Bedroom Franklin MA Home? - 05/19/10 10:42 AM
Franklin, MA buyer agents are commonly asked whether a 3 or 4 bedroom home is a better choice.  Most Realtors will agree that getting the most house for the money is the optimal scenario but what about when two homes are very similar except for the number of bedrooms?
Usually, four bedroom homes are priced much higher than three bedroom homes so often it comes down to the amount of money a buyer has to spend on their home purchase.  The Multiple Listing Service (MLSPIN) for the Greater Boston area shows that over the past 6 months Franklin 3 bedroom homes sold … (1 comments)

A Bertucci's Restaurant in Franklin, MA? - 05/13/10 11:37 AM
Ever since a few vacancies have occurred in commercial space around Franklin, MA there has been no shortage of speculation regarding which restaurants or grocery chain would become the next tenant.  The latest word has been that Bertucci's restaurant will occupy the old Applebee's space in The Franklin Village Plaza on Route 140.



Although I have heard multiple times from teenagers to senior citizens that Bertucci's is a definite, the chain's website made no mention of this new location.  I called the Town of Franklin Planning Board and they confirmed that no plan has yet been submitted so at … (0 comments)

Did Franklin, MA Buyers Disappear? - 05/11/10 09:50 AM
The Franklin, Massachusetts real estate market has been moving at a sometimes slow, but usually moderate pace this spring despite the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit incentives which ended April 30th.   If you had asked 10 local REALTORS whether their business saw a spike due to the Tax Credit incentive, 9 of them would tell you that there was virtually no impact; the 10th agent would tell you they experienced a buying frenzy--but they would be lying!
Despite this government programs' lack of impact on Franklin, MA real estate sales, it was interesting to note the latest data from REALTOR.com.  Their site … (0 comments)

Awesome new listing at The Highlands at Milford, MA - 05/10/10 02:10 PM
Just listed this classic Colonial on a cul-de-sac in one of Milford's most desirable neighborhoods!
Attached 24 foot great room with cathedral ceiling and fireplace Eat-in maple cabinet kitchen with center island Dining room features hardwood floors, crown molding and chair rails First floor study/living room with french doors Central air
 
… (0 comments)

Summer Online Courses Enhance Franklin MA Students' Transcripts - 05/07/10 01:58 PM
Franklin Public Schools, Franklin, MA, Lifelong Learning Program just announced its "High School Online Summer Academic and Enrichment" courses for summer 2010.  This program is fairly new to the town and gives high schoolers a chance to add to their transcripts during the summer months.  High schoolers can access the coursework online so they may be able to still get away on a family vacation or hold a part-time job while gaining course credit.
Some of the courses include:
American Civil War Digital Photography Forensic Science Creative Writing Astronomy There are also two SAT preparation courses that are being taught in a … (0 comments)

Franklin MA April Real Estate Market Report - 05/05/10 02:21 PM
The Multiple Listing Service currently shows 128 homes are available in the entire town of Franklin, Massachusetts.
The data reveals that during April 2010:
29 single family homes sold 106 was the average number of days on market until closing $420,014 was the average sales price $430,217 was the average list price 97% was the list to selling ratio Many buyers are out looking for homes as there are just not enough available properties especially in the $400,000 to $550,000 range. 
If you are thinking of selling, please give me a call to learn what your home is worth in … (0 comments)

What's Up With the Franklin MA Police Station Lawn? - 05/03/10 02:47 PM
Hello Department of Public Works--Are you there?
 
I stopped in this morning to take care of some community business and I caught a glimpse of this unkempt lawn.  I understand that we have had alot of rain in Franklin, Massachusetts lately but this was ridiculous... 

I even asked the dispatcher why the grass was so tall and she was not sure.  The DPW usually does a pretty decent job of keeping the town's grounds looking great so this was a complete surprise.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
… (2 comments)

Top Kitchen Trends for 2010 - 05/03/10 09:48 AM
The National Kitchen and Bath Association just released its top kitchen trends for this year.  Some of the most popular trends are the concept of hiding appliances.  In keeping with the flow and design of the cabinetry, dishwashers and refrigerators are hidden behind a drawer or front face.  Also part of the appeal to dishwashers-in-a-drawer is their convenience with the capability of washing small loads of dishes in each drawer, which saves water and electricity.
Some of the other trends for 2010 are:
Color: Shades of white and off-whites are the most common kitchen colors, followed by brown, beige, and bone … (0 comments)

When Is The Best Time to Sell My Franklin, MA Home? - 05/03/10 08:56 AM
As a 15 year Franklin, MA Realtor, I am routinely asked by homeowners when they should sell their home and if there is a best time of year to sell.  What these people really want to know, I believe, is what time of year will garner the highest price for their home.
There are different opinions about certain seasons being optimal for selling and other seasons being less convenient.  For example, some families will attest that trying to sell during the summer with kids home from school is very challenging in terms of keeping the home showing-ready.  I want to focus … (0 comments)

 
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Kathy Stankard & First Time Buyers,Relocation

Franklin, MA

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Coldwell Banker of Franklin, MA/508-369-5131

Address: Franklin, Wrentham, Norfolk, Plainville, North Attleboro, Holliston, Hopkinton, , Bellingham, Milford, Ashland, Framingham, Franklin, MA, 02038

Cell Phone: (508) 369-5131

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Real estate rants and advice on the Franklin, Massachusetts and the metro west of Boston area. Stop by often because you never know what resources or tidbits you might find!


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