Volunteers Needed for Franklin, MA Earth Day Cleanup - 03/30/11 02:50 PM
You know you have wanted to help in your Franklin, MA community and maybe you have been trying to get your kids involved in making a difference.  In celebration of Earth Day, April 16th in Franklin will be a day of roadside clean up and plantings throughout the town.  Anyone with an hour and some gloves can help to beautify our neighborhoods.  Last year, many neighborhoods made it a family affair with everyone involved in raking, planting and litter removal from the roadside.
Here is the information from the Department of Public Works:
All volunteers are asked to sign in at … (4 comments)

Major Bargains for Franklin, MA Buyers This Spring - 03/28/11 03:39 PM
Bargain prices on housing combined with low interest rates below 5 percent may bring the Franklin, MA real estate market its busiest spring season in years, economists say. Some Franklin, MA area builders are ramping up discounts on new homes and sellers of existing-homes also are getting more competitive in pricing their homes.  At the Villages at Oak Hill, an active adult community in Franklin, builder Joe Paolini is currently offering buyers a spring promotion which locks in the condo fee at $295 for two years as compared to the current $375 fee.
"After three years of the housing downturn, people … (0 comments)

Town of Franklin, MA On Budget - 03/24/11 03:20 PM
The town of Franklin, MA seems to be more fiscally conservative each year.  Although this past winter has been severe and excessive in terms of snow removal costs, the town just released its budget which indicates expenses will be covered.  Many Massachusetts towns are in the red due to the unexpected, constant snowfalls of the year which began November 8, 2010 and only let up (so far) a few weeks ago in March 2011.
Jeffrey Nutting, the Town Administrator, stated "the fiscal year began, July 1, with $750,000 in the Snow and Ice Budget. Since that early storm and into March, … (2 comments)

Are You Financially Ready to Buy a Franklin, MA Home? - 03/22/11 12:04 PM
Warren Buffett, who is currently the third richest person in the world, raves about home ownership especially with today's lower home prices AND low interest rates.  Buffett believes now is the time to purchase as affordability has never been better and it is true that investing in a home offers both emotional and financial benefits.  According to a recent Trulia survey, the American Dream of homeownership lives on in the hearts of the 72 percent of Americans who say owning the place they live is a part of their personal American Dream.
Locally, there are still many affordable home deals throughout the … (0 comments)

Three Month 2011 Franklin, MA Market Report - 03/21/11 02:11 PM
At a recent family gathering, I was surprised at how many relatives expressed the notion that real estate is at a standstill statewide.  I gently informed them that certain towns in the western, more rural part of the state are still struggling but in our greater Boston area real estate is gaining momentum again.  The Multiple Listing Service posted 33 sales in Franklin, MA during the past 90 days and most of those occurred in the last month alone!
During the past 90 days in Franklin, Massachusetts, the average list price was $363,834 and the average sales price was $351,167--this means homes are selling within … (5 comments)

When Is a Fixer-Upper a Tearer-Downer Home in Franklin, MA? - 03/16/11 02:52 PM
It is that time of year when there are several homes coming on the Franklin, MA real estate market everyday, however some of these homes are bargain priced or foreclosures and require alot of work.  The question becomes which homes are worth spending endless time and money to bring up to speed with the neighborhood?
In my 15 years' experience as a Realtor, I have noticed a trend towards fewer buyerswho are williing to do alot of work on a home.  Painting, recarpeting or installing new appliances is one thing but moving walls, rewiring, and gutting a home is another animal entirely.  Many … (1 comments)

Franklin MA Real Estate Market Shows Fewer Price Reductions - 03/11/11 05:02 PM
Although Massachusetts media still report massive price reductions, the Franklin, MA real estate market seems to be holding its own.  According to the Multiple Listing Service, there are currently 112 single family homes available with an average list price of $497,344.
Over the past three months in the Franklin, MA real estate market:
*51 listings had price changes with the average price change at 4.34% from the original price
*27 of the price reduced homes were priced over $400,000 and 24 of them were priced under $400,000
*15 homes are under contract/waiting to close
*$422,995 is the average under contract price
*32 … (0 comments)

Franklin, MA Best Buy List for March 9th - 03/09/11 07:42 PM
I have attempted to show some of the more outstanding Franklin, MA properties that are currently on the market through these Best Buy lists.  These homes may or may not be my listings, rather they are, in my opinion only, the best choices for the money...
Here are two outstanding Franklin Massachusetts homes both priced under $500,000:

 
Dianna Estates Gorgeous 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Colonial on Over 1.5 Acres offers a spacious living room with gleaming hardwood Floors, crown molding, recessed lighting and fireplace!  Master bedroom features private bath and walk-in closet. Large basement rec. room complete with wet bar.  Asking … (0 comments)

Recreational Activities in Franklin, MA - 03/08/11 01:09 PM
The town of Franklin, MA has lots of recreational activities which make it easy to stay active and have fun.  Here is a list of some of them from the town website:







If you need more resources, please call me at 508-369-5131 or email and I'll get you the information you need.
 
… (0 comments)

Massachusetts HomeBuyer Profile - 03/07/11 10:33 AM
The National Association of Realtors 2010 HomeBuyer Profile for Massachusetts was just released and it reveals some interesting statistics.
Today's Massachusetts HomeBuyer:
55% are first-time homebuyers Typical first-time buyer is 32 years old; the repeat buyer is 46 years old 2009 median household income of buyers is $82,100 For 36% of recent buyers, a desire to own a home was the primary reason for buying 64% of homebuyers purchased a detached single-family home The median price of home purchased is $262,500 95% of homebuyers us the Internet to search for homes 90% of buyers purchased their home through a real estate … (2 comments)

Bellingham, MA Under $200K Open House - 03/04/11 05:10 PM
Sunday open house at 4 Overlook Drive, Bellingham, MA.  This charming 3/4 bedroom Cape style home has just been reduced to $198,900 and will have a brand new septic system upon closing.  It is located on a large level lot in a neighborhood setting.  The home could use some minor updating but for this price who cares?






Existing updates include newer shed, deck, replacement windows, furnace and bulkhead. 



Sunday open house is 1-3pm.  This is only the third open house for this home so be sure to stop by!
… (2 comments)

Franklin MA Real Estate Spring 2011--Hot or Not? - 03/04/11 01:02 PM
The spring Franklin, MA real estate market seems to be really heating up these days.  In fact, open houses are very busy and several homes just went under contract receiving multiple offers after only days on the market.
The trend in Franklin, MA is much like what was described by Today Show real estate expert, Barbara Corcoran on this morning's today show.  Ms. Corcoran stated, "You're crazy if you let this market pass you by!" She went on the explain that interest rates won't stay low forever, especially if  the government gets out of the mortgage industry (see front page of today's New … (2 comments)

Franklin, Massachusetts Fares Well with Boston Magazine Best Issue - 03/02/11 04:19 PM
Boston Magazine just issued its "Best Places to Live" issue and Franklin, MA appears to have held its own relatively well since the 2005 peak in Massachusetts real estate.
Taking a look at the numbers on Boston magazine's chart, it is easy to notice the disparity between towns.  Unfortunately, the towns that have the most to lose seem to have experienced the largest downturn whereas the middle class towns like Franklin or Beverly have only seen a 13-15% price decline since 2005.  The most affluent towns such as Wellesley or Sherborn have only suffered a marginal 4-6% decline in home prices … (0 comments)

Upcoming Franklin MA Events for March - 03/01/11 01:29 PM
Throughout the year, there is always something to do or see in Franklin, MA.  Here are a few of the upcoming events that may be worth checking out...
Franklin Performing Arts Company presents Little Women-The Musical on Friday, March 11 at 8:00 p.m. with a dessert buffet at intermission, and Saturday, March 12 at 3:00 p.m., following an afternoon tea served at 2:15 p.m. at the Franklin Country Club, 672 East Central Street in Franklin. Tickets for the show are $35.00 for adults and $30.00 for students and seniors. Tickets are available by contacting the FPAC box office at 508-528-2887. Reservations for … (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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