kathryn acciari: CDPE Designation: Day 1 - 10/28/09 01:04 AM
CDPE Designation:  Day 1
Certified Distressed Property Expert
Yesterday I completed the first day of CDPE training.  It was eye-opening, particularly the information about the many more loans that are going to reset in the coming YEARS.  
My market is fairly rural and covers about 10 towns.  A couple of these towns have a high rate of economics, and I feel strongly that getting formally educated about short sales will be important for my business.  One town in particular has an alarming number of homeowners who are in default, and I get calls on a weekly basis from folks asking for … (0 comments)

kathryn acciari: Sturbridge Trail Committee Seeks Volunteers for Oct. 31 Trail Day - 10/27/09 02:44 PM
Sturbridge Trail Committee Seeks Volunteers for Oct. 31 Trail Day
 
The Sturbridge Trail Committee will hold its final volunteer trail day for 2009 on Saturday, Oct 31 from 12 noon to 3 PM.  Volunteers are needed to put finishing touches on both the Pond loop and Cabin loop trails on the Heins Farm conservation lands.
Volunteers will spread fine gravel, remove barbed wire, roots and rocks, and pick up trash.  The committee especially needs folks with small utility type tractors.  Wear work shoes and work gloves, and bring hard steel rakes, shovels and wheel barrows if you have them.  Don't forget your water bottle!
Meet at the … (0 comments)

kathryn acciari: Today I'm Feeling Thankful - 10/27/09 01:43 PM
It's been a busy week already, with barely a moment to myself.  But today was a smooth day, and I find myself feeling grateful for the little things.  To wit:
- The traffic in town has finally subsided after many weeks of congestion
- Thai Place in Sturbridge serves the best won ton soup in the state
- Laptop means I can blog while watching "So You Think You Can Dance" (and wishing I could still dance like a 20-year-old)
- RE/MAX Satellite Network makes distance learning so easy
- Francesco's Italian Bakery around the corner
- Halloween lights still work
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kathryn acciari: Grafton MA Market Report 3rd Quarter 2009 - 10/27/09 12:08 PM
Grafton MA Market Report 3rd Quarter 2009
Kathryn Acciari here, with your real estate market report for Grafton, MA.
Grafton is holding its own.  In the 3rd quarter of 2009, 42 single family homes were sold, with an average sale price of $380,606.  The average time on the market for these homes was 124 days.  Another 18 homes are currently under contract; however, 115 homes remain on the market.
In the 2nd quarter of 2009, 32 homes sold in Grafton - with an average sale price of $383,986 and average time on the market being 122 days. 
It is encouraging to … (2 comments)

kathryn acciari: Golf in October at Hemlock Ridge Golf Course in Sturbridge, MA - 10/25/09 01:21 PM
Golf in October at Hemlock Ridge Golf Course in Sturbridge, MA

One of the most picturesque golf courses in Central Massachusetts is located in Sturbridge.   Hemlock Ridge Golf Course is set among the western hills of town, allowing for beautiful views amidst the greens.
The usual golf season here runs from April 1 to November 30, and when I visited this morning, the course was busy with early risers.  Not surprising, given the golden sun of the day.  The course starts its tee times at 6 AM, and it appeared that several golfers were already finishing their nine holes.
Hemlock … (1 comments)

kathryn acciari: Dudley Real Estate: 3rd Quarter 2009 Market Report - 10/25/09 02:32 AM
Dudley, MA Real Estate: 3rd Quarter 2009 Market Report
Sales of single family homes in Dudley, MA are holding steady, but the average sales price continues to drop.  Single family home sales for 2009 have been as follows:
In the first quarter of 2009: 10 single family homes sold, with an average sale price of $257,350.
In the second quarter of 2009: 21 single family homes sold, with an average sale price of $220,467.
And in the third quarter of 2009: 20 single family homes sold, with an average sale price of $207,230 and average time on the market of 127 days.
Another 17 homes … (0 comments)

kathryn acciari: Charlton Real Estate: 3rd Quarter 2009 Market Report - 10/24/09 06:59 AM
Charlton Real Estate:  3rd Quarter 2009 Market Report
The real estate market in Charlton, MA has seen an increase in activity as the year has progressed.  Here is a quick breakout for each quarter:
In the first quarter of 2009: 19 single family homes sold, with an average sale price of $261,126.
In the second quarter of 2009: 20 single family homes sold, with an average sale price of $273,115.
And in the third quarter of 2009: 30 single family homes sold, with an average sale price of $239,640.  Another 18 homes are currently under contract; however, 83 homes remain on the market (see … (2 comments)

kathryn acciari: Holland MA Real Estate: 3rd Quarter Market Report 2009 - 10/23/09 06:38 AM
Holland MA  Real Estate: 3rd Quarter Market Report 2009


War Memorial and Holland Elementary School
This report focuses on real estate activity in the town of Holland, MA, in the time period of July 1, 2009, to September 30, 2009.
During this quarter, ten single family homes sold. 
The average sales price of these ten homes was $186,100. 
The average time on the market was 262 days - almost a year!  For a lake community, this is surprising.  Usually summer is a fairly busy real estate season for towns like Holland that center on lake style living.
Let's take … (0 comments)

kathryn acciari: Only 66 Days Til Christmas - Time to Get to the Oakwood Farm Christmas Barn - 10/20/09 02:05 AM
 Only 66 Days Til Christmas - Time to Get to the Oakwood Farm Christmas Barn
 

Only 66 days?  Yes - that's it - just over two months until Christmas 2009.  How quickly the time goes.  Luckily, in central Massachusetts there is a wonderfully magical store available to help us pull our holidays together:  The Oakwood Farm Christmas Barn in Spencer, MA.
Owned by Jim Devereaux, the Oakwood Farm Christmas Barn has been a country tradition for many decades.  The barn that houses the store is over 150 years old.  If you read their history, you'll see that Oakwood Farm … (2 comments)

kathryn acciari: Sturbridge Market Report: 3rd Quarter 2009 - 10/19/09 11:28 AM
Sturbridge Market Report:  3rd Quarter 2009
I am happy to provide you with this market snapshot for the town of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, for the third quarter of 2009.
For the third quarter of 2009, July 1 through September 30, home sales in Sturbridge remain at a slow but steady rate.  Twenty single family homes sold during this time period; however, the number of homes on the market remains high.  With 99 homes currently on the market, there is still over a year's worth of inventory available in Sturbridge.
 
 
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kathryn acciari: Norm Abram Comes to Sturbridge! - 10/18/09 12:01 PM
Norm Abram Comes to Sturbridge!


Norm Abram, master carpenter and host of The New Yankee Workshop, will be coming to talk at Old Sturbridge Village on Saturday, October 24, 2009.
In conjunction with the opening of the exhibit Convenient and Fashionable:  Furniture of Inland Massachusetts 1790-1830, Abram will appear at a special brunch at the Oliver Wight Tavern at Old Sturbridge Village.  Abram is a trustee of Old Sturbridge Village.
Doors open at 10:30 AM and brunch starts at 11:00 AM.  Abram will hold a book signing after the brunch.  Cost is $65 per person.  Reservations required.  Call (508) … (0 comments)

kathryn acciari: Free Guide to Massachusetts - 10/18/09 08:13 AM
Free Guide to Massachusetts


Quabbin Reservoir - Worcester County
Are you planning a trip to Massachusetts?  Then you will probably want to order a copy of the 2009-2010 free guide to Massachusetts offered by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
This guide, over 140 pages long, contains a section on featured spotlights, plus a summary of the six major regions of the state and what each region has to offer.  For example, some of the spotlights include:
Great beaches Family outings Cool urban spots Seasonal getaways Winter adventure The guide has something for everyone.  Foodies, families, outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, arts lovers.  What I … (4 comments)

kathryn acciari: First Snow in Sturbridge, MA - 10/15/09 12:04 PM
First Snow in Sturbridge, MA
Today was a significant day in the history of Sturbridge:  The first snow of winter 2009-2010 arrived!  I was working hard in my office this afternoon and looked out the window to see tiny flecks of white drifting through the air.  Very tiny.  Almost rain drops, but alas it was just cold enough to be snow.  Nothing was sticking to the ground, no wicked nor'easter winds, no difficulty driving. But still the first snow of the season.
Many people around town are a bit grumpy about this early arrival.  But I am just thrilled.  Sure, I … (8 comments)

kathryn acciari: Scarecrow Contest in Sturbridge, MA - Who's Your Favorite? - 10/13/09 10:01 AM
Scarecrow Contest in Sturbridge, MA - Who's Your Favorite?

It's time for the Scarecrow Contest in Sturbridge, MA.  The weekend of October 16 - 18 is the weekend that the town of Sturbridge, MA, holds its annual Harvest Festival.  The town common and the grounds of the Publick House will be packed with visitors sampling the best of what Sturbridge has to offer:  microbrewed beer, fresh pastries, coffee, and all kinds of eat-while-you-browse kinds of foods.

This is also a time when area artists and crafters display their wares, and buyers start their holiday shopping.  Small business owners set … (3 comments)

kathryn acciari: Special Sturbridge Event: Feast & Fire Oct. 10 - 10/09/09 12:44 PM
Special Sturbridge Event:  Feast & Fire  Oct. 10
There is a special event in Sturbridge this weekend.  It is the first-ever Feast & Fire - put on by the Merchants of Sturbridge.
The Feast & Fire is being held as a tribute to Columbus Day.  Many local restaurants are cooking up special dishes in honor of the event, and live musicians will play throughout the evening.  Other activities include face painting, bead making, and the always enjoyable bouncy house for the kids.
You are welcome to enjoy the evening beside a community bonfire - bring a chair and maybe a blanket.
Feast & Fire will be … (0 comments)

kathryn acciari: Free 2010 Women's Health Calendar - 10/08/09 09:02 AM
Free 2010 Women's Health Calendar
Here is a nice freebie for you:  The web site womenshealth.gov is offering a free 2010 calendar.  The calendar is available in English or Spanish.  Womenshealth.gov is a division of the U.S. Department of  Health and Human Services.
You have to register an email address, plus a mailing address of course.  I thought this might be a nice gift to send a client - enter their mailing address but your email address so they do not get put on a mailing list unknowingly.  Or have it mailed to you and take with you on an appointment to … (0 comments)

kathryn acciari: Open House in Holland, MA - 29 Old Acres Road - Waterview/Private Beach - 10/03/09 03:48 AM
OPEN HOUSE Sunday October 4, at 29 Old Acres Road, Holland, MA, from 12 - 2 PM


Come and see this spotless 3 bedroom Ranch in lovely Holland, MA
You won't want to miss this opportunity for year-round lake living on Hamilton Reservoir.  Just south of Sturbridge, MA, the town of Holland offers small-town living, with many of its homes located on the Reservoir.  Holland is part of the well-known Tantasqua school district, home of the Warriors sports teams.
Our open house will feature this wonderful home at the northern end of the lake.  Consider these attractive features:
Large master … (4 comments)

kathryn acciari: Pop-Bys and Mailings for October - A Harvest of Ideas - 10/03/09 01:48 AM
Pop-Bys and Mailings for October - A Harvest of Ideas
With Halloween and harvest season upon us, who can resist these festive ideas?


Pop-Bys
1.  Halloween goodies, of course.  Make up small gifts of snack-size chocolates.  You can find small witches brew cauldrons at many stores.  Fill them up with chocolates and deliver them with a note that you are always brewing up something new in real estate.
2.  Glow sticks for the kids.  This is one of the easiest pop-bys ever.  Grab an armful of containers of glow sticks at your local discount store, and deliver them to your clients … (18 comments)

kathryn acciari: Weigh-in Wednesdays - Week 2: Eliminate a Trouble Spot - 09/29/09 09:53 PM
Weigh-in Wednesdays - Week 2:  Elminate a Trouble Spot
 
Week 2 of my 14-week journey to be lighter and healthier by the end of the year.  If you missed my previous posts, here are links to them:
The Anti-New Year's Resolution
Week 1:  Know Your Numbers
This week only down 1/2 lb.  Not great  but slow, sustainable progress is the aim here.  I kept a journal of my eating and exercising, and have been able to identify a few (quite a few in fact) trouble spots that I know need to be turned around.  If I try to change all of them at once, … (5 comments)

kathryn acciari: Waterview and Beach Rights on Hamilton Reservoir, Holland, MA - 09/23/09 02:34 PM

29 Old Acres Road: Waterview and Beach Rights on Hamilton Reservoir, Holland, MA
For sale in Holland, MA:  3-bedroom home with water views and deeded beach rights in Holland, MA.  This spotless Ranch-style home has views of Hamilton Reservoir from the back deck, as well as rights to the private neighborhood beach.  If you want lake style living all year round, consider this well-maintained home located at 29 Old Acres Road.
See the virtual tour:
http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/03/30703/928457/index.ipv 
Other highlights include:
Spacious master bedroom plus two additional bedrooms 1 sparkling full bath Pine floors at entry way Full-sized living and dining rooms Room to roam with … (4 comments)

 
Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator (Central One Federal Credit Union)

Kathryn Acciari

Mortgage Loan Originator

Shrewsbury, MA

More about me…

Central One Federal Credit Union

Address: Shrewsbury, MA, 01545

Mobile: (508) 982-0686



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