Is the King Street Construction in Franklin, MA Almost Done? - 08/30/10 05:27 PM
The town of Franklin, Massachusetts has been working on this project since last fall and although it is expected to be completed in September this last phase seems to be the most trying to motorists. 
I realize that the stretch of road from the King/Union Street intersection will become safer and wider with new sidewalks and more traffic lights.  I'm just getting very weary of playing dodge-em with the other cars as we navigate all the manhole covers sticking out of the road.
 
 
In another month I hope to have stopped whining about this construction project that seems endless.  I  can look … (2 comments)

Franklin Massachusetts July 2010 Real Estate Report - 08/26/10 02:29 PM
The Multiple Listing Service released its Franklin, MA data for July 2010 as compared to July 2009.  The results are as follows:
35 homes SOLD in July 2009; 19 homes SOLD in July 2010

Average list price for July 2009 is $447,077 Average list price for July 2010 is $401,674
Average sale price for July 2009 is $434,522 Average sale price for July 2010 is $388,054

Average days on market time July 2009 was 93 days Average days on market time July 2010 is 63 days
Total sales for January through July 2009 were 141 homes.
Total sales for … (0 comments)

If I Can Research Properties on the Internet, Why Should I Work With An Agent? - 08/25/10 04:31 PM
Here is a great post from a colleague from Colorado...  Some excellent points on what a Franklin, Massachusetts DIY buyer needs to beware of.  Commission money is already set aside for the Massachusetts buyer agent in most transactions so the buyer really does not save anything but only loses the opportunity for great guidance, experience and professional expertise from the buyer agent...

Via Ann O'Connell (Real estate agent at Mock Realty):
I am a do-it-myselfer.  I enjoy the challenge of fixing what's broken on my own, of discovering something new, and of finding a good bargain.  So I have to admit … (0 comments)

Franklin MA Tax Rates Remain Low...Depending on Who You Ask - 08/23/10 10:41 AM
The town of Franklin, MA has consistently maintained one of the lowest tax rates as compared to many of the surrounding metro west of Boston communities.  The FY 2010 tax rate is $12.03 per $1000 of assessed value however this is an increase from the FY 2009 rate of $11.07 per $1000.
If you were to ask a random sampling of Franklin residents what they think of the tax rates, you are sure to hear a variety of responses ranging from "it went up again" to "my assessment west down so it doesn't matter".  The reality is that Franklin, Massachusetts has a wealth … (1 comments)

Less Than Two Weeks Left to Turn In Franklin, MA Recycle Bins For Free - 08/21/10 12:14 PM
I just realized that we have wanted to get rid of our old barrels and recycle bins since Franklin, Massachusetts adopted its new waste management program.  Every resident is now using the town provided 2 barrels--one for trash and the other for recycling.
The town website reminds residents that now through Labor Day 2010 you can bring your old trash and recycling bins to the Beaver Street Recycling center for recycling for FREE.  There is no permit required for recycling only these items until Labor Day. A permit is required for any other materials.  The hours are as follows:
Tuesday 12-3
Friday … (2 comments)

Franklin High School Franklin MA Posts Dress Code - 08/18/10 02:01 PM
It may seem like common sense but Franklin High School in Franklin, Massachusetts is like every public school that struggles with appropriate dress code issues.  Most parents wouldn't dare allow their teenagers to walk out of the house with their underwear exposed but Franklin High teachers will tell you that the kids are very clever.  Many students leave the house in layers and remove hoodies, etc once at school--often more skin is exposed than is appropriate to a learning environment.  Here is the dress code and summary below...

FHS DRESS CODE
Since Franklin High School is recognized as an educational … (0 comments)

Bay State of Massachusetts Makes Headlines in a Good Way! - 08/16/10 07:22 PM
The state of Massachusetts holds the honorary title of "Highest Rate of College Graduation in the Country" according to the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems.
They report that 68% of Massachusetts students earn their bachelor's degree in 6 years or less.  Other states with the highest graduation rates include Delaware, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Maryland  whereas Alaska had the lowest graduation rate at only 22.4%.
On a related note, within a week or two, Franklin, Massachusetts as well as Boston residents will get to experience the onslaught of masses of college students returning to classes.  Remember that Franklin, MA … (0 comments)

Don't Forget to Sign Up For Franklin High Fall Sports Monday August 23rd - 08/11/10 12:09 PM
Franklin High School, Franklin, Massachusetts, posted its fall sports sign up dates as Monday August 23rd and Wednesday August 25th both from 7:30-9am in the Franklin High Field House. 
These registrations are always a reminder to parents to be sure to have an updated physical on file.  I know that this past spring we thought we were all set with my son's physical but realized we were overdue and had to scramble to get an appointment with our doctor.  The town of Franklin does offer free physicals a few times during the school year so that could be an option.
Payments are now handled … (0 comments)

Avoid the Ten Most Common Mistakes Franklin MA Sellers Make - 08/09/10 12:10 PM
Serious about selling your Franklin, Massachusetts home?  Before you sign anything, read about these common mistakes that home sellers make:
1.  Pricing Too High: It's no secret, price is everything. Overpricing does more to discourage buyers than any other single factor. When you overprice, you put your home in competition with homes that may be newer, larger or have more amenities than yours. You help your competition sell their home. This leads to long days on the market, and costs you, the seller, money in the long run. Make sure you get your pricing advice from a professional agent who knows … (0 comments)

Franklin MA Real Estate Market Tilts Towards Sellers - 08/06/10 02:31 PM
Real estate is definitely localized and although statistics may still be grim in many parts of the country or even pockets of Massachusetts, the Franklin MA real estate market is tilting again in favor of sellers.
Over the past two years in this metro west of Boston area the real estate market was, without question, a buyer's market.  Buyers had the edge and the media was regularly reminding them of this.  A look at the Multiple Listing Service today points to a changing picture regarding the available listings and sales for the past six months. 
130 single family homes have sold … (1 comments)

How to Sell Then Buy in Franklin, Massachusetts & Still Obtain Your Dream Home - 08/05/10 11:29 AM
What is a Franklin, Massachusetts seller to do?  I know some sellers that find one then another "perfect" home online but have not put their current home on the market yet.  One couple has had their hopes dashed far too many times because no seller will accept their offer knowing they have not even put their home up for sale yet!                                                                                                                                          
Years ago, before the banking crisis, sellers would utilize bridge loans to make the jump from one home to another but that was then. Now no one would expect a seller to take out a bridge loan.  There is an easier … (0 comments)

Franklin MA Area Offer Summer Concerts For All Musical Tastes - 08/04/10 03:10 PM
Well, the back to school flyers may be everywhere but there is still a whole lot of summer entertainment, especially summer music left to enjoy in the Franklin, Massachusetts area.  Summer actually ends officially on September 21 which leaves 48 days of potentially warmer weather...
There are many free town concerts on the common and each town seems to have their own evening that the locals set aside to enjoy with some cold drinks, ice cream and their favorite folding chair.  Franklin holds its concerts on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm--this evening the Frank Padula Band will perform.  The remaining Franklin concert … (0 comments)

Getting Ready to Buy in Franklin, Massachusetts - 08/03/10 11:21 AM
Be a Pre-Approved Buyer: A pre-approved buyer always has the advantage in an offer situation. Becoming pre-approved is very easy: you complete your loan application with a credit check prior to beginning your home search process. Pre-approval means that you have actually been approved for the purchase by a lender, which gives you the edge in home purchase negotiating.
Beat The Competition to The Best New Listings: The search process can be both fun and trying. You will notice that some homes sell very fast and others hang around for long periods of time. The best homes at the best prices … (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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