Franklin, Mansfield, Massachusetts Show Strong Real Estate Market - 07/29/11 03:46 PM
The Massachusetts economy continued to expand at a healthier clip than the nation’s in the first half of 2011, according to state and federal reports released today.
The University of Massachusetts said today that the state’s economy "grew at an annual rate of 4.8 percent on the second quarter, more than three times faster than the national economy, which expanded at just 1.3 percent during the same period. The state’s economy has outperformed the US economy for four successive quarters," according to the report, published by the UMass Donahue Institute in collaboration with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
The … (0 comments)

No Summer Home Sale Slump in Franklin, MA - 07/26/11 10:50 AM
Around the country many agents talk about the real estate market all but coming to a halt during the "triple h" days of summer but locally the Franklin, MA real estate market remains active.
Although the Franklin, MA housing market is not currently at full tilt like it was during the busier spring months my office posted 16 closings last week--one of which was mine.  MLSPIN, the Multiple Listing Service, shows that during the past month there were 26 homes that went under contract and another 28 that closed.  The average sales price was $409,835 with an average of 84 days … (0 comments)

Living in Massachusetts, Not Tax-achusetts - 07/22/11 11:03 AM
Residents of the Bay State have long heard that we live in “tax-achusetts”.  The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has always been viewed as a highly taxed state to reside.  I am pleased to report that recent findings seem to suggest this may no longer be the case.  24/7Wall Street.com reported on the Tax Foundation study which analyzed the ten highest and ten lowest taxed states in the nation and Massachusetts did not show up on either list!  In fact, several other New England states such as Vermont, Maine and Rhode Island did make the highest taxed list-- but not Massachusetts.
It is … (0 comments)

Should I Buy a New Townhouse or a Single Family Home? - 07/21/11 04:42 PM
Should I buy a townhouse or a single family home?  This question was recently posed to me by some first time buyers.
Here is a portion of my response verbatim:
"A condo is only as financially solid as all of its parts. In other words there will eventually be a total of only 20 owners in this complex so the odds are that the condo fees could go up especially if they don't all get sold quickly. Every owners' monthly condo fees are pooled into an account and there just aren't many owners or much of a history. I have seen … (2 comments)

Another Happy Couple Just Downsized in Franklin, MA! - 07/18/11 10:56 AM
Another happy couple just closed on a great 7 room, 3 bedroom Multi-Level Colonial in Franklin, MA.  The original asking price was $349,900 but they bought the home for $337,000! 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This beautifully decorated & move-in condition home is located in a fantastic neighborhood setting on a corner lot. Efficient kitchen layout is open to dining area and living room. Spacious master bedroom w/ half bath. Comfortable fireplaced family room in lower level is perfect for family fun. Newer windows and roof. Professionally landscaped yard.  Located at 215 Dailey Drive, Franklin, … (0 comments)

Mass. Association of Realtors Report Increase in Pending Sales - 07/14/11 03:33 PM
The Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® (MAR) reported today that the number of single-family homes put under agreement in June went up for the second straight month compared to the same time in 2010. The last time there were consecutive months of annual increases was November and December of 2010. On a month-to-month basis statewide, the number of single-family homes put under agreement was flat from May, while condominiums put under agreement were down.  Multiple Listing Service data for  Franklin, MA real estate showed 53 homes under contract for May & June of both 2010 and 2011!
"We continue to get positive feedback … (2 comments)

To Fence or Not to Fence in Franklin, MA - 07/14/11 02:51 PM
By: Oliver Marks
When shopping for a fence, you need to consider everything from style to function to how much maintenance it'll require.
A fence can do any of these things - if you choose the right one. There are hundreds of different styles to choose from, plus a handful of different construction materials, each with their own maintenance requirements and prices.
And you'll need to make sure your fence doesn't create animosity in the neighborhood - or even violate local laws and regulations. Here's how to avoid those pitfalls and get a beautiful long-lasting fence that fits your home and … (3 comments)

Survey Says Home Ownership Remains a Goal For Most - 07/13/11 03:13 PM
The National Association of Home Builders study shows that "75 percent of the people polled said that owning a home is worth the risk of the fluctuations in the market, and 95 percent of the home owners said they are happy with their decision to own a home."
In the Franklin, MA area alone, 15 single family homes have gone under contract in the past 4 weeks despite it being the middle of summer!  The Franklin, MA real estate market has begun to stabilize whereas we had formerly experienced a 10-15% depreciation over the past few years of the downturn.
Survey … (0 comments)

Great Mortgage News for Franklin, MA Area Buyers & Sellers - 07/12/11 01:08 PM
One of Franklin, MA top mortgage companies just passed along these two major updates. 
1)    RATES ARE DOWN!  With the economic turmoil surrounding a few specific countries, Greece, Italy, and Spain (for now), we are seeing lots of money pouring into the US Bond Market which, in turn, is producing LOWER MORTGAGE RATES!  Rates in the Franklin, MA area are still in the 4% range for those with decent credit.
 2)    Lending criteria is now starting to loosen up!  The restrictive programs and guidelines that were eliminating many from qualifying are now easing and we're seeing that first-hand with more second mortgage opportunities … (0 comments)

What Can a Franklin, MA Buyer Expect at the Final Walk-Through? - 07/11/11 04:20 PM
There are many details spelled out in Purchase & Sales agreements that are used in Franklin, MA real estate, however there are some "gray" issues that don't necessarily end up in print.  I like to refer to these as "common courtesy" items.  In other words, the old adage of "Do unto others the way that you'd like to be treated" applies here. 
A buyer moving into a home expects the lawn to be mowed and the trash to be removed as basic courtesy items but sellers sometimes overlook these details especially with the hectic moving day upon them.  It is one thing to … (0 comments)

Buying Now Cheaper Than Renting in the Franklin, MA Area - 07/08/11 01:44 PM
There was a time when rentals were plentiful and cheap in Franklin, MA and the surrounding towns but that was then.  Someone in transition or saving for a down payment on a Franklin, MA home may need to rent but the data shows that this only makes sense on a very short term.
Scott Van Voorhis of Boston.com reports that "Dallas-based Axiometrics forecasts a nearly 6 percent jump nationally in apartment rents this year.  And Boston is among the markets leading the way, posting year-over-year rent growth in May of 7.4 percent. That's right up there with other rental market hot … (2 comments)

Buy this Franklin, MA Home and the Seller Will Include a Trip to Hawaii - 07/07/11 12:22 PM
Would that entice you to consider one home over another?  Across the country, free trips or a shiny BMW are sometimes included as an incentive to sell a home but in the greater Franklin, MA area these are less common. 
Sometimes an extra incentive to choose your listing over the large inventories of others may be needed. Sure, price will get their attention, but some incentives may be the extra motivation needed to get the deal to the closing table. Here are a few common extras that are growing in real estate transactions in the Franklin, MA real estate market.
Closing costs
Sellers … (0 comments)

Coldwell Banker Franklin, MA Ranks #1 for Listings & Sales - 07/05/11 04:02 PM
The data was just released and my Coldwell Banker office in Franklin, MA shows the highest listing and sales volume over the past six months!  This means that more buyers and sellers are benefitting from my services and the resources of my office than any other company in the surrounding towns. 

If you are looking for great service and a caring, detailed professional, give me a call at 508-369-5131.  Also feel free to check out what my happy clients have to say in their testimonials...
… (2 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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