Hopkinton Real Estate

Is Realtor® Designation worth $2000 per year?

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:42:15 -0800

Since my annual dues bill has been sitting on my desk, I've been looking at what my office as a whole pays to be a Designated Realtor® office through the Greater Boston Association of Realtors®. Portions of these membership fees also go to the Massachusetts Association of Realtors® and the National Association of Realtors®. Now the dues structure is such that for every agent in the office who opts out of paying $423/year, I as Designated Realtor® pay a higher fee. So they will get the full $3,168 for my office, whether from the agents themselves (who would then at least get membership benefits) or from me as the Designated Realtor® (DR).

Here's the spreadsheet:

Although I'm not sure why, our local MLS (MLSPIN) doles out punishment for non-Realtor offices in the form of higher quarterly fees.

The net cost to my office overall is over $2000 per year. What does membership provide to my office for this amount? The Boston Association explains benefits of membership as follows: "professional development courses, standard forms, legal reports and updates, brokerage counseling, legislative and regulatory representation, ethics, mediation and arbitration services, as well as recognition awards. REALTORS® subscribe to the strict Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS®."

Taking these points one by one:

Professional development courses. Yes, we pay to attend them and the last one attended was very marginally worthwhile. With so much learning in forums such as ActiveRain, this opportunity has diminished in importance since it can be readily substituted for elsewhere.
Standard forms. Yes we use them. I suppose I could purchase a set for something less than $2000 so this alone isn't a compelling reason for membership.
Legal reports and updates. I'm trying to recall if I've read any legal reports or updates from the Association this year. Information I can get elsewhere? Probably.
Brokerage counseling. Really? Like what?
Legislative and regulatory representation. I am usually at odds with the narrowly self-interested and short-sighted stances taken by NAR so I really would rather not be bank rolling these lobbying efforts.
Ethics. I think they must mean the Code of Ethics (see below)
Mediation and arbitration services. Fortunately my office hasn't needed any for the past five years. Might we need to call on these services in the future? Not if I can help it.
Recognition awards. ???
Realtors® subscribe to the strict Code of Ethics of the NAR. It is true that the Code of Ethics is a comprehensive and very high standard by which Realtors® agree to abide. Anyone, in fact, is free to practice business according to its terms. Non-Realtor agents and brokers are free to adopt these same guidelines for themselves. In fact, my agents agree to adhere to the Code of Ethics in our Independent Contractor agreement, regardless of their membership standing.

How might we use this $2,076 elsewhere? We could sponsor Hopkinton little league teams, the HPTA, or the Hopkinton Education Foundation; support the Hopkinton Music Association or the Cultural Arts Alliance here in town. We could fund a scholarship for a local student or purchase supplies for local families in need through Project Just Because. Giving back to our local community may be a better investment, and may well provide more valuable benefits to my firm and my agents.

What are your thoughts? Is the Realtor® designation worth the cost?

Springwood Estates Neighborhood, Hopkinton, MA

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:21:31 -0700

Via STAR REALTY Hopkinton:

Springwood Estates is one of the largest subdivisions in Hopkinton and remains exceedingly popular due to its convenient location, lack of highway noise, and relatively level lots. The first homes in the neighborhood were built in the early 1990's on Gibbon Road and building continues to this day on Connelly Hill Road.

Springwood Estates, Hopkinton, Massachusetts produced by Kathleen Buckley on WellcomeMat

Proximity to the center of town and the schools, as well as major retail outlets ensure the ongoing popularity of Springwood.

Homes in Springwood over the past year have sold in the price range of $625,000-$1,180,000. The most recent home for sale in the neighborhood, 14 Smith Road, came on the market for $949,900 and is featured below:

Elegant & Gracious Home in Springwood Estates, Hopkinton

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Videos
Neighborhood

$949,900

Single Family Home
For Sale

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
2 Partial Bathrooms
Interior: 5413 sqft
Lot: 45,870 sqft

Location

14 Smith Road
Hopkinton, MA 01748

Kathleen Buckley

(508) 259-9411
kathleen@kathleenbuckley.com
http://www.StarRealtyHopkinton.com

Listed by: Star Realty Hopkinton

Our recent listings
Elegant & Gracious Home in Springwood Estates, Hopkinton
Ideal Home for Casual Entertaining
Fantastic Retreat in the Woods of Hopkinton

Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Hopkinton, MA real estate for sale

Here are the details of the Springwood Estates properties (including Connelly Hill) sold over the past year:

If you'd like more information about Springwood Estates or other neighborhoods in Hopkinton, please contact us. We would be happy to notify you when homes in this desirable neighborhood become available for purchase. We specialize in residential real estate in and around Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

Just Listed: Elegant & Gracious Home in Springwood Estates, Hopkinton, MA

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:04:11 -0700

Home for sale in coveted Springwood Estates, Hopkinton, MA.

Elegant archways and gracious curves define this lovely home with over 5400 square feet of living space on three levels including a sumptuous master bedroom suite with delightful architectural details.

Elegant & Gracious Home in Springwood Estates, Hopkinton

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Videos
Neighborhood

$949,900

Single Family Home
For Sale

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
2 Partial Bathrooms
Interior: 5413 sqft
Lot: 45,870 sqft

Location

14 Smith Road
Hopkinton, MA 01748

Kathleen Buckley

(508) 259-9411
kathleen@kathleenbuckley.com
http://www.StarRealtyHopkinton.com

Listed by: Star Realty Hopkinton

Our recent listings

Elegant & Gracious Home in Springwood Estates, Hopkinton
Ideal Home for Casual Entertaining
Fantastic Retreat in the Woods of Hopkinton

Subscribe to our listing feed

See more Hopkinton, MA real estate for sale

The home at 14 Smith Road is a stately colonial style residence built in 2001 which sits slightly elevated from the street and sidewalk in a well-established section of Springwood Estates. The facade presents nicely due to its brick federal front, hip-roof and portico entrance to the glass front door with sidelights and transom windows.

Foyer:
The two-story foyer uplifts as it welcomes with fluted archways into the formal rooms and light streaming from the palladian window over the holiday shelf. Turned banister on the wood stair case, crown molding, and hardwood flooring lend elegance and warmth.

Living Room:
A decorative trey ceiling adorns the living room along with crown molding and hardwood flooring.

Dining Room:
The ambassador-sized dining room is nicely finished with dentil crown molding, modified chair rail with wainscotting, trey ceiling, classic chandelier, and hardwood flooring with decorative inlay accent.

Office:
Convenient first floor office with French doors is as lovely as it is functional with hardwood flooring, a walk-out bay window, a wall of built-in shelving for books and accessories, and crown molding offset by warm Lennox tan painted walls.

Family Room:
Dramatic and gracious describe the cathedral ceiling family room anchored by the gas fireplace and paneled mantle with built-in shelving extending the length of the back wall. Gorgeous picture windows, sconces, hardwood flooring, and a curved balcony above lend elegance to this gorgeous space.

Kitchen:
Everything the contemporary home owner is looking for: plentiful and beautiful red birch cabinetry with roll out shelving and under-cabinet lighting, neutral and indestructible granite countertops including large island with stool seating, double wall ovens, gas cooktop, spacemaker microwave, paneled dishwasher and refrigerator, large table area and 9' of glass with slider to deck and back yard.

Convenient mud room creates access to 3-car garage, side door to the exterior driveway, and laundry room with utility sink and storage.

Basement:
The lower level has been professionally finished to the same high standards as the rest of the home with a media room to accommodate super sized screen, a bar area with tile flooring, cherry cabinetry, granite countertops with stool seating, an exercise area with built-in speakers, large carpeted play area with storage shelving, and convenient half bath.

Second Floor:
The three secondary bedrooms all with double closets share a hall bath with dual sinks and a Corian® countertop vanity.

The master suite serves as a sumptuous retreat with delightful architectural details such as the deep trey ceiling accented by cove lighting and crown molding, and the walk-out bay window with built-in window seat. Recessed lighting and a paddle ceiling fan allow for maximum ambiance control. Three closets offer plenty of wardrobe storage and a separate flex room currently serves as a sitting room.

Cove lighting also graces the master bath with tile shower, Jacuzzi tub, dual sink Corian® vanity, separate commode, and convenient linen closet.

The house sits back approximately 78 feet from the front property line on a well landscaped one acre parcel with that rarity in Hopkinton--a private and level backyard. The rear property line extends into the woods over 100 feet from the back of the home with no wetland or other deed restrictions encumbering the title.

Just Sold: Contemporary Colonial Home at 6 Breakneck Hill Road, Hopkinton, MA $612,500

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:23:36 -0700

Here's what the sellers report about their experience with Star Realty:

"We knew Star Realty would be the best broker for our home and community. What we didn't know is how far they would exceed our expectations!"

The buyers were moving up from their first purchase which was a townhouse in Ashland.

If you might be in the market for a full-time, experienced real estate broker with expertise in the Hopkinton, MA market, please contact me at kathleen@kathleenbuckley.com or 508-259-9411.

Just Sold: Colonial Home on Deer Run in Hopkinton, MA $549,500

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:06:06 -0700

Here's what the sellers report about their experience with Star Realty:

"We are extremely pleased with the level of service Kathleen provided throughout the entire process. Star Realty's marketing of our home positioned us for the best possible results."

The buyers were from Hopkinton already and sold their starter home to move up to this bigger house on Deer Run. See below for a short video clip of the Deer Run/Blackthorne neighborhood.

If you might be in the market for a full-time, experienced real estate broker with expertise in the Hopkinton, MA market, please contact me at kathleen@kathleenbuckley.com or 508-259-9411.

Just Sold: Reproduction Colonial Home on Alrpilla Farm Road in Hopkinton, MA $567,500

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:50:30 -0700

Here's what the sellers report about their experience with Star Realty:

"Kathleen sold our house for more money than the other 2 agents we interviewed believed possible, probably because Star Realty invests heavily in staging and the best online marketing."

The buyers were from the community of Framingham, MA and they chose this home because it met all of their requirements along the beds/baths/space lines and it was one of the few in the price range located in a nice neighborhood setting. See below for a short video clip of the Alprilla Farm neighborhood.

Alprilla Farm

If you might be in the market for a full-time, experienced real estate broker with expertise in the Hopkinton, MA market, please contact me at kathleen@kathleenbuckley.com or 508-259-9411.

Just Listed: 55 Forest Lane, Hopkinton, MA Townhouse in the Preserve

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:30:39 -0700

Listed on June 11th and accepted an offer on June 15th! Not surprising given how meticulously clean this end-unit townhouse is.

Wonderfully private end unit at the sought after Preserve offers desirable open floor plan so popular for today’s lifestyles. This spotless unit has been nicely finished with crown molding, hardwood flooring, and corner fireplace with marble surround. Large, bright kitchen offers plenty of white cabinetry, a spacious dining area, and direct access to the attached garage.

Upstairs you’ll be delighted with the two very large bedroom suites each with its own bath. Master suite has walk-in closet and private bath with dual sinks, oversized jacuzzi tub, and separate shower. Second bedroom has partial cathedral ceiling with skylight. Lovely family room and spacious office offer even more room to spread out in the professionally finished lower level with lots of natural daylight thanks to the walk out door to rear yard. Big deck abutting woods makes grilling and enjoying the milder months a pleasure. With convenient proximity to the train station to Boston, easy access to major routes like the Mass Pike & I-495, and 3-minute walking distance to the year-round delights of the Hopkinton State Park, this tranquil and maintenance free housing option is sure to please.

Just Sold: 6 Oliver Lane, Hopkinton, MA

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:57:10 -0700

Here's what the seller is saying:

I highly recommend Kathleen.

The criteria that was important to me in choosing a realtor to sell my house were: ability to market house above my own and competitors abilities, and negotiation skills.

Considering I worked with three of the top realtors in the area, Kathleen is by far the most capable. What I found was either a realtor was more of a buyers agent and could only sell homes in a sellers market, or used "plain vanilla" marketing to "let the house sell itself" and focused on pricing the house appropriately . . which is fine, just for me, a focus solely on price is something I can do on my own. The value I found in Kathleen was her ability to price the home effectively and add special touches to her marketing campaign that created a more premium perception of my house. Simply, she presents well.

Kathleen also never got frazzled by negotiations and earned a reputation with me as a professional.

Seeking Knowledgable Agents--Potential Consulting Opportunity

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Mon, 11 May 2009 20:31:18 -0700

I'm working as a consultant for an investment bank which has been conducting a study of the real estate market nation-wide. The study has been so successful that they want to possibly expand the data to include the following MLS regions:

- Greater Fairfield County MLS
- Greater Hudson Valley MLS
- Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors MLS
- MLS of Long Island
- Monmouth/Ocean MLS
- NJ MLS
- Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY)
- Staten Island MLS
- Westchester-Putnam MLS

If you or anyone you know is a full-time real estate professional in one of these areas and would be interested in consulting on your region, please contact me at kathleen@kathleenbuckley.com subject line=Consulting Job in (insert your MLS region).

Thanks!

Just Listed: 10 Deer Run, Hopkinton, MA Home For Sale

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Thu, 07 May 2009 23:30:07 -0700

Nestled near the end of the Deer Run cul-de-sac, this garrison colonial style home was built in 1996 with warm hardwood floors in the foyer, living room (currently used as an office) with crown molding, dining room, stair treads and upstairs hall. A pretty trey ceiling and chair rail accent the dining room for those special occasions. The Peninsula style kitchen is spacious and upgraded with ubatuba granite counter tops. Several pantries and closets as well as ample cabinetry and a convenient desk ensure everything stays organized. Private deck overlooks deciduous trees in the back yard woods.

Possibly the most irresistible feature of this home is the expansive cathedral ceiling family room with it's multiple windows, dual skylights, and brick wood burning fireplace. Measuring nearly 528 square feet, all manner of gatherings can be accommodated in this light filled space.

The three secondary bedrooms, two of which have double closets, share a hall bath with linen closet. The freshly painted master offers a walk-in closet and private bath with dual sinks and linen closet.

The finished lower level provides more quality living space with built-in counter and cabinetry ideal for crafting, play room, exercise room and mud room/storage area. These areas benefit from high ceilings and loads of natural daylight afforded by full windows and a 6' slider to the rear yard.

Heat is supplied via the efficiency of hot water baseboards divided into 4 zones. A/C keeps things dry and comfortable in the hot summer months.

The quiet, cul-de-sac location cannot be beat and childhood memories of baseball games, bike-riding, skateboarding and all manner of fun will be made by the new residents of 10 Deer Run.

Alprilla Farm Neighborhood, Hopkinton, MA

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 19:35:59 -0700

Alprilla Farm Road is a stand alone neighborhood of about 30 homes in one of the more rural-flavored areas of Hopkinton where the loudest evening noise is the chirp of the peepers in the spring and summer. The feel is all New England with reproduction Colonials and Cape-style homes. It is close to Route 135 and the commuter rail station to Boston, and just a short bike ride to the Ashland State Park and Reservoir.

Alprilla Farm

5 Alprilla Farm Road is currently on the market for $579,900.

New to Market: Home for Sale in Hopkinton, MA $579,900

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:44:04 -0700

All the warmth & charm of yesteryear seamlessly blend with the convenience of modern living in this reproduction center chimney colonial. This home's design harks to tradition as witnessed by the beautifully stained woodwork, latching door hardware, and built-in cabinetry. The floor plan lives well and appeals to today's buyers thanks to the open kitchen-family room anchored by a grand and handsome wood-burning fireplace.

The triple window with plant ledge opposite the fireplace floods the kitchen dining area with afternoon sunlight. Nearby den keeps media entertainment from interfering with life & conversation in the kitchen living area. On fancier occasions, your guests will feel regaled in the formal dining room adorned with raised panel wainscoting, chair rail, crown molding, and a built-in china cabinet. The hardwood flooring found throughout the first floor continues on the wide stairs and the upstairs hall. Master bedroom offers multiple closet areas, a dressing area, and full bath with shower. Second bedroom features a large skylight and built-ins as well as an extra-deep double closet. The vintage-themed third bedroom offers double closet; and the fourth bedroom, currently used as an office, has a large walk-in closet. More space for playing, working out, and storage in the lower level with full daylight windows and walk-out door to rear yard. One of the distinguishing features of 5 Alprilla is its level property, just over an acre's worth, with a delightful mix of mature flowering and evergreen trees and shrubs. A three-season porch provides an insect-free environment for enjoying the fresh air of milder months. New roof, new windows, new garage doors, a top-condition boiler: these features may not be as glamourous as the gleaming hardwood flooring but they do constitute essential elements for a wise investment in real estate. Here at 5 Alprilla Farm, sited on a premium level lot in a tranquil neighborhood of desirable Hopkinton, renowned for its schools and outdoor recreational amenities, the opportunity for a wise investment of $579,900 now exists. Don't miss out. Come see and experience it for yourself.

New to Market: Home for Sale in Hopkinton, MA $674,900

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 22:00:26 -0700

"Make the kitchen bigger and lose the living room," these were the instructions from the owner to the builder back in 2002 when construction was underway. The result is a wonderfully flowing open plan and kitchen space GALORE replete with abundant cherry cabinetry & endless counter-space including an 11' island. Casual dining with a walk-out bay window overlooks the private rear yard.

An oversized dining room, open to the kitchen, is nicely appointed: trey ceiling with crown molding, chair rail with picture frame molding, hardwood flooring, and pretty bow window looking out to the front. Adjacent to the kitchen on the other side, the step-down family room has a propane fireplace, hardwood floors, vaulted ceiling, dual skylites, pretty boxed out triple window & access to the deck. A convenient first floor office and mud room entrance from the garage round out the first floor.

Upstairs the master offers three closets (one walk-in), additional eaves storage, and a five piece master bath. The three secondary bedrooms all have double closets.

Lower level offers fantastic casual entertaining space with a kitchenette of its own, den with slider to patio and hot tub, spare room, full bath, & exercise space. Outdoor living areas are multiple & elaborate: deck, mezzanine, patio, hot tub deck, plus yard and privacy in a great neighborhood setting convenient to both major routes and town center/schools.

How to Choose an Agent to Sell Your Home

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:04:02 -0700

I wouldn't presume to tell people how to hire an agent since I am an agent. How would people know I'm not simply giving out the information that would put me in the best light? Fortunately some other folks have made some videos on the subject.

And here's a slightly different perspective:

If you'd like to interview me to sell your home in or around Hopkinton, MA, please call me at 508-259-9411.

New Listing in Hopkinton: $449,900

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:51:07 -0800

So close to town and convenient to major routes, this pretty home sits perched up a knoll. From the farmer's porch, the Northwestern sky lights up during sunset. Welcome guests into a tidy foyer with hardwood floors, entertain in the formal dining room replete with crown molding, hardwood flooring, and a walk-out bay window. The entire rear of the house is wide open with the kitchen to the west in a convenient U-shaped layout, breakfast table area next to the slider, and family room fireplace opposite the kitchen. Hardwoods in the kitchen are kind to the feet! Triple window in the family room lets the sunshine in. Slider leads to deck and small yard.

Upstairs you'll find 3 nice-sized bedroom which share a hall bath, and a master suite with walk-in closet and bath with shower.

With central air, a 2-car garage, and low maintenance vinyl siding, you really can't go wrong with this home! Cul-de-Sac security within this popular neighborhood--hard to believe this can be acquired for under $450,000 in a town like Hopkinton with its high ranking schools and gorgeous landscapes.

Twitter & Liability--Proceed with CAUTION

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:46:20 -0800

Via STAR REALTY Hopkinton:

Don't get me wrong: I am a raving fan of twitter.com for lots of reasons including its honesty, openness, and transparency as a communication medium. Nevertheless, as the broker of my firm, I have seen a few tweets go by in these last few days that have made me cringe from a liability perspective. First as an example, I've taken a screen shot of a tweet from @tyr with whom I was discussing the topic. Notice the date and time at the bottom of the comment...

Now, keeping in mind that tweets could be entered as evidence in court, consider this tweet (I've removed the name from this one):

Whoa. As a broker-owner, I'd have grave concerns about one of my agents tweeting this. Chances are, and we hope, this single tweet will not affect the outcome of the home sale for this Twit's client but boy you can imagine numerous scenarios where it could and would affect the outcome. Imagine I'm a buyer considering writing an offer just $30K below asking. Well heck, I don't want to overpay for the property. If someone else was offering so much less, maybe it's not worth what I thought it was. Maybe I should write an offer for $80K under asking.

Is this kind of disclosure a breach of fiduciary duties to the seller clients? As professional real estate agents, shouldn't we be maintaining confidentiality about ongoing negotiations? Like other electronic communication such as email, once you hit 'enter' your tweets are out in the public domain, indelible (yes tweets create a permanent record on the internet which you CANNOT delete), and discoverable by a court of law. The National Law Journal has a great article entitled, "Beware: Your 'tweet' on Twitter could be trouble".

Perhaps tweets will not cause you to be involved in a lawsuit. They may still cost you clients. Check out this tweet (again I removed the name but in fact anybody can find these posts by searching twitter):

Then the next morning we hear:

I sure hope those buyers are not following the agent on Twitter, because if they are, I bet they don't care to work with that agent any longer. They would know the agent is referring to them because the date is clearly indicated! And if they are not following you now, they can start at any time or simply search the public timeline to see what you've been tweeting.

I love twitter and am already addicted beyond the point of no return. I ain't givin' it up. Yet something tells me I may not love it in the future if I have to defend against less-than-well-thought-out remarks on Twitter in a lawsuit. I am trying to make a habit of thinking 3 times before I hit send. Sure hope my agents will do the same.

BTW, you can find me (and...ahem...everything I've ever posted) at twitter.com/kathleenbuckley

Just Sold: 47 Greenwood & 5 Overlook, Hopkinton, MA

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:05:50 -0800

Here's what my buyer clients are saying:

“Being new to Massachusetts, Kathleen’s insight into our needs and her knowledge of the area was invaluable. She was always thorough and responsive and was a pleasure to work with.” The Schillingers, 47 Greenwood Road
“We were familiar with the area so relied on Kathleen for her insider knowledge of, and experience with the builder. It was reassuring to know we had a local expert in our corner looking out for our interests.” The Galaneks, 5 Overlook Road

Just Sold: 179 Saddle Hill Road, Hopkinton, MA

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:35:34 -0800

Here is what the sellers are saying: "Our agent Kathleen Buckley orchestrated an impressive array of marketing materials, both in print and online. We were especially blown away by the awesome video tour. She was a true partner and a trustworthy advisor."

The realbird website 179SaddleHillRoad.info was viewed 481 times during the course of the listing.

Just Sold--19 West Main, Hopkinton

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:39:24 -0800

This home was sold to a couple relocating to Massachusetts from Atlanta, Georgia. They chose Hopkinton because they had friends who live in town and it is still a commutable distance to Boston.

Here's what the sellers are saying, "Kathleen and Beth were always there for us, from beginning to end and everything in between on both our purchase and our sale. We can't say enough good things about them."

This real bird website received 646 views over the course of the listing.

Just Sold--44 Church Street, Hopkinton

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:42:17 -0800

This home was on the market for just 15 days, the sellers got 98% of asking price, and here's what they had to say: "We interviewed several agents to sell our home and chose Kathleen because we were impressed by her professionalism, responsiveness, and her marketing strategies. Kathleen exceeded our expectations and was a pleasure to work with."

And the sellers were a pleasure to work with as well. They had done a beautiful job turning 1 1/2 very dated baths into two full and beautifully renovated baths.

AR Survey: Are Buyers Having Any Trouble Getting Mortgage Financing?

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:20:58 -0800

Mine are not. Well, that's not 100% accurate: there is one (1) buyer I know of who has been unable to get mortgage financing since the onset of the "credit crisis". Her credit score was in the 500's. Thank goodness she couldn't get financing because that's how we got into this mess in the first place!

I would like to assert the following: there is no mortgage financing crisis. Do you agree?

Below is my 3+ minute rant about the Fed's latest move to ease the "consumer credit crisis":

Hopkinton Home for Sale $674,900

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:36:27 -0700

From the leaded glass entry door, to the abundant hardwood flooring, the open floor plan, 1st floor office w/ French doors, vaulted ceiling family room with fireplace & dual skylites, FABULOUS bright kitchen including Thermador cooktop & wall ovens, granite countertops & bi-level island, tile backsplash, stainless refrigeraotr, gorgeous picture window to backyard, skylit breakfast area...no end to the appeal of this home.

Sumptuous master suite with walk-in custom closet, 5-piece master bath with jetted tub. The three additional bedrooms all have double closets. All this located in a highly popular neighborhood with fabulous sunset views convenient to town center as well as major routes.

Hopkinton Home for Sale $424,900

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:42:50 -0700

This beautifully upgraded home offers amenities typically reserved for higher price ranges: gorgeous red birch kitchen, abundant recessed lighting, crown mouldings, built-ins, custom closet organizer systems, vaulted ceilings, skylights, arched fireplace, 2 trex decks, hardwood floors, new windows & A/C. Relish the privacy of nearly 1.4 acres of prime land with immense, lush lawn on scenic Saddle Hill Road convenient to town center as well as Route 9/I-495/I-90.

Video Introduction to Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:45:54 -0700

Welcome to the town of Hopkinton! I hope this introductory video gives you a flavor for the town about 15,000 of us call home. We love living and working in Hopkinton because of its natural beauty, high-performing schools, and wonderful community feel.

If you'd like more information about the community and schools in Hopkinton, please contact me!

Just Listed Hopkinton Village Colonial--$349,900

Kathleen Buckley Hopkinton Specialist (STAR REALTY Hopkinton) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:55:06 -0700

You can have all the charm of yesteryear combined with the convenience of today's open floor plans in this circa 1860 Village Colonial. Wall sconces and recessed lighting, built-ins and wide openings, skylights and bead board, these elements blend together harmoniously for a wonderful feel of home and comfort.

Recent structural updates include roof (installed less than 5 years ago with 50-year shingles), robust electrical with an abundance of outlets throughout the home, fireplace in living room, all windows have been replaced, and both full baths have been beautifully renovated in keeping with the built-to-last quality of the home. The two upstairs bedrooms share a stunning bath with claw foot tub with shower head, large pedestal sink, built in shelving with bead board side, awesome skylight directly above the large pedestal sink, and octagonal casement window. First floor bath offers shower as well as stackable full-size washer and dryer. Entertain friends and family in the efficient kitchen with bi-level peninsula and recent appliances. Skylights and the top of the stairs, in the master bedroom, and in the upstairs bath bring great natural light. With a side porch and newly fenced in yard, you'll fully enjoy this home year round. Detached garage has lots of room for storage, workshop, and a vehicle. Just steps to cafés, shops, the library, the town common, the IN-TOWN location is extremely appealing.