Rick Daneau's Blog

69 Keeley Street, Haverhill, MA 01830

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 12:43:39 -0700


		Rick Daneau Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage* 40 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830 Direct: (978) 234-1187 Office: (978) 234-1187 E-mail: richard.daneau@nemoves.com Website: http://ricks-ma-home-buyer.com

Single Family

Status: New Listing
List Date: 08/03/07
Status Date: 08/03/07
Price: $460,000
Location: 69 KEELEY ST, HAVERHILL, MA 01830
Rooms: 11
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 2
Half Baths: 1
Approx Square Feet: 3398
Approx Lot Size: 12370
Approx Lot Size (Acres): 0.28
Year built: 1912
MLS#: 70625679
My Digital Tour

Assessment: 322200
Taxes: 3325.0
Zoning: TYPC

Mandatory HOA: No
Parcel Number: M:0422 B:00151 L:2A
Tax Year: 2007

Description

This gorgeous Victorian will leave you breathless! With 6 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and over 3300 sqft. of finished space, this house offers room to spare. The historic details have been lovingly restored and updated - kitchen with granite counters, updated baths, electric, plumbing, roof, sprinkler system, along with crown molding wood floors wainscotting, natural woodwork, pocket doors, builtins. The list goes on and on! This is a turn-key victorian awating its appreciative new owners

Features

Single Family Type : Detached

Construction : Frame

Style : Victorian

Exterior Color : Lt. Green

Exterior : Shingles, Wood

Lot Description : Corner, Paved Drive

Road Type : Public

Basement : Yes

Basement Feature : Full, Interior Access, Bulkhead, Concrete Floor

Foundation : Fieldstone

Foundation size : 9999

Garage Spaces : 0

Parking Spaces : 4

Parking Description : Off-Street

Fireplaces : 1

Cooling : None

Cooling zones : 0

Heating : HW Radiators, Gas

Heat Zones : 2

Hot Water : Natural Gas, Tank

Flooring : Wood, Tile

Master Bedroom : First Floor, 14X14, Wood/Coal Stove, Ceiling Fans, Hard Wood Floor

Bedroom 2 : Second Floor, 10X12, Hard Wood Floor

Bedroom 3 : Second Floor, 12X14, Hard Wood Floor

Bedroom 4 : Second Floor, 9X9, Hard Wood Floor

Bedroom 5 : Second Floor, 9X14, Hard Wood Floor

Master Bathroom : Yes

Bathroom 1 : First Floor, Half Bath, Ceramic Tile Floor

Bathroom 2 : First Floor, Full Bath

Bathroom 3 : Second Floor, Full Bath, Ceramic Tile Floor

Living Room : First Floor, 12X15, Ceiling Fans, Hard Wood Floor

Dining Room : First Floor, 11X15, Hard Wood Floor

Kitchen : First Floor, 8X16, Hard Wood Floor, Ceramic Tile Floor

Laundry : First Floor, Ceramic Tile Floor

Other Rooms : Foyer, Other, Other, Other, Bedroom

Interior Features : Cable Available, Walk-up Attic

Appliances : Range, Dishwasher

Energy Features : Insulated Windows

Electric Feature : Circuit Breakers

Exterior Features : Porch, Enclosed Porch, Storage Shed

Sewer and Water : City/Town Water, City/Town Sewer

Area Amenities : Public Transportation, Shopping, Tennis Court, Park, Medical Facility

Adult Community : No

Waterfront : No

Beach : No

Lead Paint : Unknown

UFFI : Unknown

1 M Street, Haverhill, MA 01835

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:45:19 -0700

Rick Daneau
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage*

40 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830
Direct: (978) 234-1187
Office: (978) 234-1187
E-mail: richard.daneau@nemoves.com
Website: http://ricks-ma-home-buyer.com

Single Family

Status: Active
List Date: 05/01/07
Status Date: 07/10/07
Price: $267,000
Original Price: $280,000
Location: 1 M STREET, HAVERHILL, MA 01835
Area: BRD
Rooms: 6
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Approx Square Feet: 962
Approx Lot Size: 6600
Approx Lot Size (Acres): 0.15
Year built: 1900
MLS#: 70568944
My Digital Tour

Assessment: 236900
Taxes: 2445.0
Zoning: TYPC

Parcel Number: M:0731 B:00757 L:9
Tax Year: 2007

Description

Well maintained home on a corner lot with updated kitchen, wood laminate floors, 2 bedrooms and office on second floor new vinyl siding (1 year), replacement windows, fenced yard, short walk to Cedardale and more.

Features

Single Family Type : Detached

Construction : Frame

Style : Bungalow

Exterior Color : Blue/Grey

Roof Material : Asphalt/Fiberglass Shingles

Exterior : Vinyl

Lot Description : Corner

Road Type : Public

Basement : Yes

Basement Feature : Full, Concrete Floor

Foundation : Fieldstone

Foundation size : 999

Garage Spaces : 0

Parking Spaces : 2

Parking Description : Off-Street

Fireplaces : 0

Cooling : None

Cooling zones : 0

Heating : Hot Water Baseboard, Gas

Heat Zones : 2

Hot Water : Natural Gas, Tank

Master Bedroom : Second Floor

Bedroom 2 : Second Floor

Master Bathroom : No

Living Room : First Floor, Hard Wood Floor

Dining Room : First Floor, Hard Wood Floor

Kitchen : First Floor

Other Rooms : Office

Appliances : Range, Disposal, Refrigerator

Utility Connections : Washer Hookup

Energy Features : Insulated Windows, Insulated Doors

Electric Feature : Circuit Breakers, 100 Amps

Exterior Features : Enclosed Porch, Storage Shed, Fenced Yard, Satellite Dish

Sewer and Water : City/Town Water, City/Town Sewer

Adult Community : No

Waterfront : No

Beach : No

Lead Paint : Unknown

UFFI : Unknown

85 Brookfield Street, Lawrence, MA 01843

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:31:19 -0700


		Rick Daneau Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage* 40 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830 Direct: (978) 234-1187 Office: (978) 234-1187 E-mail: richard.daneau@nemoves.com Website: http://ricks-ma-home-buyer.com

Single Family

Status: Active
List Date: 06/26/07
Status Date: 07/30/07
Price: $219,900
Original Price: $236,900
Location: 85 BROOKFIELD ST, LAWRENCE, MA 01843
Rooms: 8
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2
Approx Square Feet: 2416
Approx Lot Size: 5000
Approx Lot Size (Acres): 0.11
Year built: 1920
MLS#: 70605035
My Digital Tour

Assessment: 276200
Taxes: 2549.0
Zoning: RES

Mandatory HOA: No
Parcel Number: M:0117 B:0000 L:0090
Tax Year: 2007

Description

Looking for a home with an in-law unit look no further. This 2400 sq ft.home has space for the extended family or for someone who needs a lot of room.

Single Family Type : Detached

Construction : Frame

Style : Other (See Remarks)

Roof Material : Asphalt/Fiberglass Shingles

Exterior : Aluminum

Lot Description : Paved Drive

Road Type : Public

Basement : Yes

Basement Feature : Full

Foundation : Fieldstone

Foundation size : 999

Garage Spaces : 2

Garage Description : Detached

Parking Spaces : 2

Parking Description : Off-Street

Fireplaces : 0

Cooling : None

Heating : Steam, Gas

Hot Water : Natural Gas, Tank

Flooring : Wood, Vinyl, Wall to Wall Carpet

Master Bedroom : First Floor

Bedroom 2 : Second Floor

Bedroom 3 : Second Floor

Bedroom 4 : Second Floor

Master Bathroom : No

Bathroom 1 : First Floor

Bathroom 2 : Second Floor

Living Room : First Floor

Kitchen : First Floor

Other Rooms : Kitchen, Other

Interior Features : Cable Available

Appliances : Range

Energy Features : Insulated Windows

Electric Feature : Circuit Breakers

Exterior Features : Enclosed Porch, Fenced Yard

Sewer and Water : City/Town Water, City/Town Sewer

Area Amenities : Public Transportation, Shopping

Adult Community : No

Waterfront : No

Beach : No

Lead Paint : Unknown

UFFI : Unknown

2-4 Arch Place, Unit 2, Haverhill, Ma 01832

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 18 May 2007 13:45:05 -0700


		Rick Daneau Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage* 40 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830 Direct: (978) 234-1187 Office: (978) 234-1187 E-mail: mailto:richard.daneau@nemoves.com?cc=rick_dan@usa.net Website: http://ricks-ma-home-buyer.com

Condo/Co-op

Status: Active
List Date: 05/14/07
Status Date: 05/14/07
Price: $189,500
Location: 2-4 ARCH PLACE, HAVERHILL, MA 01832 (map)
Rooms: 6
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Units in Complex: 2
Approx Square Feet: 1445
Approx Lot Size: 3600
Approx Lot Size (Acres): 0.08
Year built: 1920
MLS#: 70577867
Photos:
My Digital Tour

HOA Fee: $95.0
Assessment: 99999
Taxes: 9999.0
Zoning: TYPC

Parcel Number: M:0500 B:00224 L:9B
Tax Year: 2007

Find nearest schools: click here

Description

This large 1445 sq. ft. condo with 2-3 bedrooms has large livingroom, updated kitchen with ceramic tile counters, dining area large bathroom with washer/dryer and a spa tub. Master bedroom is on the main living level. This unit has what you are looking for.

Features

Type of Ownership : Condo

Style : Townhouse

Unit Placement : Upper

Unit Level : 2

Living Levels : 2

Condo Association : No

Assoc. Fee Includes : Water, Sewer, Master Insurance

Management : G

Units owner occupied : 0

Construction : Frame

Exterior : Vinyl

Basement : Yes

Garage : 0

Parking Spaces : 1

Parking Description : Off-Street

Fireplaces : 0

Cooling : None

Cooling zones : 0

Heating : Hot Water Baseboard, Gas

Heat Zones : 1

Hot Water : Natural Gas, Tank

Flooring : Other (See Remarks)

Master Bedroom : Second Floor, 15X10, Ceiling Fans, Wall to Wall Carpet

Bedroom 2 : Third Floor, 12X10, Skylight, Wall to Wall Carpet

Bedroom 3 : Third Floor, 17X10, Skylight, Wall to Wall Carpet

Master Bathroom : No

Bathroom 1 : Second Floor, 12X10, Full Bath, Hot Tub/Spa

Bathroom 2 : Third Floor, 9X8, Full Bath

Living Room : Second Floor, 23X12, Ceiling Fans, Wall to Wall Carpet, Bay/Bow Windows

Dining Room : Second Floor, 12X11, Ceiling Fans, Wall to Wall Carpet

Kitchen : Second Floor, 17X10, Ceiling Fans, Ceramic Tile Floor, Pantry

Laundry : Second Floor

Other rooms: : Sunroom

Interior Features : Cable Available

Appliances : Range, Dishwasher, Disposal, Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer

Energy Features : Insulated Windows

Electric Feature : Circuit Breakers

Exterior Features : Enclosed Porch, Deck

Assoc. Pool : No

Sewer and Water : City/Town Water, City/Town Sewer

Area Amenities : Public Transportation, Shopping, Park

Adult Community : No

Waterfront : No

Beach : No

Lead Paint : Unknown

UFFI : Unknown

Presented by Richard Daneau, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Haverhill

2-4 Arch Place, Unit 2, Haverhill, Ma 01832

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 18 May 2007 13:40:30 -0700


		Rick Daneau Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage* 40 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830 Direct: (978) 234-1187 Office: (978) 234-1187 E-mail: mailto:richard.daneau@nemoves.com?cc=rick_dan@usa.net Website: http://ricks-ma-home-buyer.com

HOA Fee: $95.0
Assessment: 99999
Taxes: 9999.0
Zoning: TYPC

Parcel Number: M:0500 B:00224 L:9B
Tax Year: 2007

Find nearest schools: click here

Description

Features

Presented by Richard Daneau, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Haverhill

6 Worthen Place, Unit 6, Haverhill, MA 01830

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 18 May 2007 13:32:44 -0700


		Rick Daneau Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage* 40 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830 Direct: (978) 234-1187 Office: (978) 234-1187 E-mail: mailto:richard.daneau@nemoves.com?cc=rick_dan@usa.net Website: http://ricks-ma-home-buyer.com

Condo/Co-op

Status: Active
List Date: 05/12/07
Status Date: 05/12/07
Price: $219,500
Location: 6 WORTHEN PL, HAVERHILL, MA 01830
Rooms: 6
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Half Baths: 1
Units in Complex: 9
Approx Square Feet: 1428
Year built: 1830
MLS#: 70577163
Photos: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
My Digital Tour

HOA Fee: $207.0
Assessment: 208100
Taxes: 2148.0
Zoning: TYPC

Parcel Number: M:0200 B:0002C L:6
Tax Year: 2007

Description

This lovely home has large living room with bay window, working fireplace and exposed beams which continues into the dining room. There is a patio area off the dining room. Upstairs has 2 bedrooms and a full bath. The master bedroom has a bay window and a working fireplace The finished basement includes a wetbar.

Features

Type of Ownership : Condo

Style : Townhouse

Unit Level : 0

Living Levels : 2

Condo Association : Yes

Assoc. Fee Includes : Refuse Removal, Master Insurance, Exterior Maintenance, Landscaping, Snow Removal

Management : D

Construction : Brick, Stone/Concrete

Exterior : Brick

Basement : Yes

Garage : 0

Parking Spaces : 1

Parking Description : Off-Street

Fireplaces : 2

Cooling : Window AC

Cooling zones : 0

Heating : Hot Water Baseboard, Gas

Heat Zones : 2

Hot Water : Natural Gas, Tank

Flooring : Vinyl

Master Bedroom : Second Floor, 17X12, Fireplace, Bay/Bow Windows

Bedroom 2 : Second Floor, 14X11

Master Bathroom : No

Bathroom 1 : First Floor, Half Bath

Bathroom 2 : Second Floor, Full Bath

Living Room : First Floor, 19X13, Fireplace, Wall to Wall Carpet, Bay/Bow Windows

Family Room : Basement Floor, 15X12

Dining Room : First Floor, 10X12, Wall to Wall Carpet

Kitchen : First Floor, 6X10

Interior Features : Security System, Wetbar

Appliances : Range, Dishwasher, Disposal, Refrigerator

Electric Feature : Circuit Breakers

Exterior Features : Patio

Assoc. Pool : No

Sewer and Water : City/Town Water, City/Town Sewer

Adult Community : No

Waterfront : No

Beach : No

Lead Paint : Unknown

UFFI : Unknown

Presented by Richard Daneau, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Haverhill

89 Crestwood Drive, Danville NH 03819

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 11:36:20 -0800

Single Family

Status: Active
Price: $369,900
Location: 89 CRESTWOOD DRIVE, DANVILLE, NH 03819 Rooms: 8
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2
Half Baths: 1
Approx Square Feet: 2940
Approx Lot Size: 110206
Approx Lot Size (Acres): 2.53
Year built: 1989

My Digital Tour

Assessment: 425000
Taxes: 7200.0
Zoning: RES

Tax Year: 2006

Description

Great Home! Great Location! Spacious Colonial in attractive neighborhood. Private yard with inground pool. Great for entertaining. Bright open concept enhanced with tile and wood flooring. Formal dining and living rooms. Master bedroom with bath. Much More!

Single Family Type : Detached

Construction : Frame

Style : Colonial

Exterior Color : Tan

Roof Material : Asphalt/Fiberglass Shingles

Exterior : Clapboard

Lot Description : Paved Drive

Road Type : Public, Publicly Maint.

Basement : Yes

Basement Feature : Full, Interior Access, Bulkhead, Concrete Floor

Foundation : Poured Concrete

Foundation size : 50x28

Garage Spaces : 2

Garage Description : Attached, Under

Parking Spaces : 2

Parking Description : Off-Street

Fireplaces : 1

Cooling : None

Cooling zones : 0

Heating : Hot Water Baseboard, Oil, Wood

Heat Zones : 3

Hot Water : Tankless

Flooring : Wood, Tile, Wall to Wall Carpet

Master Bedroom : Second Floor, 19X15

Bedroom 2 : Second Floor, 14X13

Bedroom 3 : Second Floor, 16X13

Bedroom 4 : Second Floor, 19X17

Master Bathroom : Yes

Bathroom 1 : First Floor, Half Bath, Ceramic Tile Floor

Bathroom 2 : Second Floor, Full Bath, Ceramic Tile Floor

Bathroom 3 : Second Floor, Full Bath, Ceramic Tile Floor

Living Room : First Floor, 21X13

Family Room : First Floor, 21X15, Skylight

Dining Room : First Floor, 13X12

Kitchen : First Floor, 21X13

Interior Features : Central Vacuum, Cable Available

Appliances : Range, Wall Oven, Dishwasher, Microwave, Refrigerator

Insulation Feature : Unknown

Energy Features : Insulated Windows

Electric Feature : Circuit Breakers, 200 Amps

Exterior Features : Deck, Inground Pool, Storage Shed, Screens

Sewer and Water : Private Water, Private Sewerage

Adult Community : No

Waterfront : No

Beach : No

Lead Paint : Unknown

UFFI : No

15 Deer Crossing, Seabrook, NH

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 15:14:01 -0800


	Single Family Status: Active Price: $419,900 Location: 15 DEER CROSSING, SEABROOK, NH 03874 Rooms: 12 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Approx Square Feet: 3840 Approx Lot Size: 20255 Approx Lot Size (Acres): 0.46 Year built: 1998

Assessment: 308600
Taxes: 4958.0
Zoning: RES

Mandatory HOA: No
Tax Year: 2006

Description

Priced below bank appraisal! Spacious and tastefully decorated Colonial with open concept(3840 square feet!)is highlighted by beautiful Brazilian cherry floors,ceramic tile,and carpeting. Built-in cabinets,and custom woodwork enhance traditional feel. Don't miss the Great Room for entertaining. Pellet woodstoves and custom installed surround sound system are a few reasons to own this 4 bedroom home with 3 full baths, including jacuzzi. Possible in-law. Open House Sunday December 10 1PM to 3PM.

Features

Single Family Type : Detached

Construction : Frame

Style : Colonial

Exterior Color : CREAM

Roof Material : Asphalt/Fiberglass Shingles

Exterior : Vinyl

Lot Description : Corner, Paved Drive

Road Type : Public, Paved, Publicly Maint., Cul-De-Sac

Basement : Yes

Basement Feature : Full, Finished, Walk Out, Interior Access, Garage Access, Concrete Floor

Foundation : Poured Concrete

Foundation size : MIXED

Garage Spaces : 2

Parking Spaces : 4

Parking Description : Off-Street

Fireplaces : 1

Cooling : Window AC

Cooling zones : 0

Heating : Hot Water Baseboard, Oil, Wood

Heat Zones : 4

Hot Water : Oil, Tankless

Flooring : Wood, Tile, Vinyl, Wall to Wall Carpet

Master Bedroom : Second Floor, 17X14, Ceiling Fans, Wall to Wall Carpet

Bedroom 2 : Second Floor, 17X15, Wall to Wall Carpet

Bedroom 3 : Second Floor, 14X12, Wall to Wall Carpet

Bedroom 4 : Basement Floor, 21X16

Master Bathroom : Yes

Bathroom 1 : First Floor, Ceramic Tile Floor

Bathroom 2 : Second Floor, Ceramic Tile Floor

Bathroom 3 : Basement Floor

Living Room : First Floor, 15X14, Wood/Coal Stove, Hard Wood Floor

Family Room : Basement Floor, 17X18

Dining Room : First Floor, 17X15, Hard Wood Floor

Kitchen : First Floor, 19X13, Full Bath, Hard Wood Floor, Dining Area, Balcony/Deck

Laundry : First Floor

Other Rooms : Grt, Grm, Other

Interior Features : Security System, Wetbar

Appliances : Range, Dishwasher, Disposal, Refrigerator

Utility Connections : for Electric Range, for Electric Oven, for Electric Dryer, Washer Hookup

Insulation Feature : Full, Fiberglass

Energy Features : Insulated Windows, Insulated Doors, Storm Doors

Electric Feature : 200 Amps

Exterior Features : Deck, Above Ground Pool, Storage Shed, Prof. Landscape, Decor. Lighting, Screens

Sewer and Water : City/Town Water, City/Town Sewer

Area Amenities : Walk/Jog Trails

Adult Community : No

Waterfront : No

Beach : No

Lead Paint : None

UFFI : Unknown

Take The Stress Out Of Moving

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 11:28:28 -0800

Making Your Move Less Stressful

Here are some tips selected from different sources to make your move easier.

Have you set the date of the move? If so, start preparing one step at a time.

Start planning a few weeks in advance to prevent a last minute rush.

SAMPLE NOTIFY CHECKLIST

Remember to send your new address to:

Family and friends

Post office

Department of Motor Vehicles

IRS

Library

Utilities - Allow an overlap when switching utilities in case of a delay. Here is a list of utilities you won't want to forget: electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, gas, telephone, DSL or Internet cable, and the TV cable company.

Doctors and other medical professionals, dentists, your optometrist and your vet.

Bank, financial institutions and your employer.

Organizations and associations where you are a member.

Arrange a date and time with your moving company.

Get an estimate for all your items and any special services that you may require.

Make sure all the boxes are labeled and review the list before signing the bill.

Take pictures of valuable items before the move just in case you need to provide a proof for damage claims later.

If you are going to use professional packers, organize your belongings for your convenience when unpacking.

If you are doing the packing yourself, make a list of the number of boxes and packing materials that you will need. Be sure to get them in advance of your move to prevent a last minute rush.

Label the boxes clearly so that you will be able to readily identify them after the move. The label should include the room they will go to and the name that represents the type of contents in the box. Fox example, "Kitchen/Glass" or "Michael's Room/toys."

Make a list of emergency phone numbers of those you may need to call if you need help. Inform them in advance that you may need their help. Add these numbers to your cell phone phonebook.

Create a separate survival box for all the items you may need on "day one" of your move into the new home. Make sure that you carry this box with you and load it last, so that it is the first one you can unload.

Items to add to that box:

Medicines, First aid kit Snacks Light bulbs Toothpaste Slippers

Sheets, Blankets and

Pillows

Paper plates, Paper Towels, Tape

Soap Pots and Pans

Sugar, Cereal

Water Cups & Spoons

Milk, Coffee

Scissors Hammer, Pen/Pencil Trash Bags

Avoid waste by using up items that may spoil: like frozen foods, milk, yogurt, or open canned items, which may be a hassle to move.

Get rid of unnecessary belongings by having a garage sale or donating items.

Set a place for all packing material so that it is easy to find. Do not let it get lost in the clutter in the house. Here are some of the things your packing area should contain:

Markers, Folded boxes

Tape, Labels

Scissors, Cutters

Bubble wrap, Dolly

YOUR FAMILY AND THE MOVE

Ensure that you have taken care of the following paperwork and processes:

Create accounts or transfer funds from you bank account to the area in which you will now be residing.

Gather copies of all your medical records, x-rays, prescriptions and other information that you may need.

Inform your children's school about the move and ask them to transfer school records and transcripts to the new school. If you do not know the name of the school, make a package of all the material you will need for the application and secure the documents well in advance to avoid unexpected delays.

If you have pets, you may want to visit the vet and request health certificates for them.

If you have young children, you may avoid the adverse effect of the move by ensuring that they have enough to do, so they don't complain that they miss their friends.

Spend some time getting to know your neighbors and finding playmates for your children.

Get your children's rooms set up first to avoid temper tantrums and make them feel more comfortable. One way to keep them engaged while you unpack is to rent movies or hire a babysitter to spend time with them. If you have family close by, you may want to ask them to take care of your children while you move in.

Your children may get hungry often with all the excitement and energy associated with the move. Make sure you have lots of water and healthy snacks for them.

Home Inspections

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:58:25 -0800

Home Inspection - Get it right the first time!

The home inspection is a once in a lifetime experience, which if not done properly can come back to haunt you for the rest of your stay. It is essential that you participate in the home inspection and not just learn but ask questions and get explanations. Try to find an inspector who is a member of the ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors). These inspectors are considered highly qualified and reliable.

Here is a guide to the home inspection and what your role should be:

1. Choose a home inspector who understands your situation as a homebuyer and is willing to guide you through the process.

2. It will serve you well to familiarize yourself with all the systems in the house and also the environmental issues that you may face in the future. Some of the environmental issues you want to question include: lead paint notification, radon, UFFI and certification of the septic system.

Lead Paint: Homes built before 1978 are likely to have lead based paint in them, which leads to a risk of lead poisoning.

Radon: This is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in rock deposits. High levels or radon can increase the risk of lung cancer.

UFFI: This is a type of insulation that was sprayed in the 70's and emits a toxic gas due to which the state banned UFFI in 1979.

3. Get organized and keep good records of each of the components and structural elements of the house. You can create a folder with files on each of the areas and take notes as you go along. Here are some of the components you may want to begin with: Heating System, Electrical Service, Water Heater, Septic System, Fireplaces, Foundation, Roof, Deck, AC, Pool & Jacuzzi, Garden etc.

4. Try to think of all the questions you may need to ask like:

How would you describe the condition of the roof? What type of maintenance would be required going forward?

Based on the area I am located in, do you notice any equipment lacking, or any condition deficient in handling natural occurrences like a tornado, hurricane, floods or earthquake?

Please inform me if you observe any safety issues. Considering that we will have children and pets in the home, do you recommend any enhancements or special proofing to avoid accidents?

Are there any other hazards that may cause long-term health issues? Are there any environmental concerns regarding the location and the zoning that I need to know about. What is your estimate of the cost for fixing the major problem areas?

Can you explain the structure of your report? Will you be able to provide me with a summary of the vital issues in the report?

What section of the report will include information on energy efficiency and maintenance?§ If I forget to ask something, or if my bank or insurance company has a question after the inspection may we call you?

Here are some of the things you want to look out for:

1. Mold stains and odors, particularly since the black mold is toxic. This is a bad one to have on your inspection report and if it does not scare your buyers, it will result in a very low offer. Drive to the source of the problem and treat the area to get rid of any mold. Air the home to ensure that it does not recur.

2. Lighting: Test fixtures both interior and exterior and check the electrical systems.

3. Heating system: Test the thermostats to make sure the heating system is working. Don't forget to purchase CARBON MONOXIDE detectors to provide alerts. Check for fire hazards and test the smoke detectors to make sure they are working.

4. Basements and crawlspaces should be inspected in daylight. Any exposed earth or moisture in basements should be covered and leaks need to be plugged.

5. Make sure the septic system is checked. This can cause the most frustration and unpleasantness in case of a breakdown. Some inspectors flush a color dye into the toilet and then see if the dye appears on the drain field. If it does, it signals a problem.

6. Check the gutters and clear channels to ensure uninterrupted flow. Downspouts will allow the water to be directed away from the house.

7. Get a termite inspection done by a licensed structural pest control operator. Yes there is such a person! Find out how serious the problem is.

8. If there is a well on the premises, ensure a full potability and mineralization test.

Here is a concise alphabetical checklist of the areas you may want to cover:

A Air-conditioning, Appliances, Attics

B Basements, Bathrooms, Blinds, Shades & Drapes, Brickwork

C Carpet Spots, Ceilings, Closets

D Decks & Patios, Dehumidifiers, Dishwashers

E Electrical, Exterior walls, Energy Efficient devices

F Fences, Fireplaces, Floor scratches

G Garages, Gutters and Downspouts

H Heat Pumps, Humidifiers

I Insulation, Interior walls, Insects

L Laundry Rooms, Lawn & Garden, Lawn Sprinklers, Lighting

M Mirrors

O Odors

P Plumbing, Pools, Ponds

S Stairs & Steps, Skylights, Stains, Security, Septic system

T Tiles, Termites

W Woodwork, Wood Rot, Water Heaters, Wallpapering

"All information in this report is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed."

Norfolk County Housing Snapshot

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:26:25 -0800

I hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for the specified date.

Housing Inventory Snapshot	November 30, 06
	Average List Price	Median List Price	Average Days On Market

Norfolk County, MA
Single Family under $400K	$331,588	$344,726	98
Single Family over $400K	$914,116	$629,900	128
Condo/Townhome under $400K	$279,322	$283,000	119
Condo/Townhome over $400K	$643,034	$505,000	148

MORTGAGE. National Averages (November 30, 06)*
30-year fixed	Rate - 5.65%	APR - 5.84%
15-year fixed	Rate - 5.42%	APR - 5.71%
5/1 ARM	Rate - 5.47%	APR - 6.87%

* Mortgage rates were collected from publicly available sources (yahoo.com) on the date stated. The accuracy of the information and the availability of these rates are not guaranteed by the publisher. Rates are provided for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice. Actual market interest rates may vary.

Middlesex County Housing Report

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:18:18 -0800

hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for the specified date.

Housing Inventory Snapshot	November 30, 06
	Average List Price	Median List Price	Average Days On Market

Middlesex County, MA
Single Family under $400K	$323,215	$335,000	106
Single Family over $400K	$803,596	$599,000	126
Condo/Townhome under $300K	$222,446	$229,000	113
Condo/Townhome over $300K	$464,808	$400,000	141

MORTGAGE. National Averages (November 30, 06)*
30-year fixed	Rate - 5.65%	APR - 5.84%
15-year fixed	Rate - 5.42%	APR - 5.71%
5/1 ARM	Rate - 5.47%	APR - 6.87%

Essex County - Market Reports

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:40:40 -0800

I hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for the specified date.

Housing Inventory Snapshot	November 30, 06
	Average List Price	Median List Price	Average Days On Market
Essex County, MA
Single Family under $300K	$252,544	$264,900	98
Single Family over $300K	$686,158	$499,900	124
Condo/Townhome under $250K	$187,459	$189,900	115
Condo/Townhome over $250K	$391,876	$339,900	173

I would like your feedback on what you are seeing in your county or town

I also have data for Middlesex County, MA and Norfolk County, MA

What Not to do Before Applying for Mortgage

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 09:50:28 -0800

Buying a home is certainly an exciting event, but nothing will dampen the excitement faster than getting turned down for a mortgage. Sometimes it's the easily avoidable actions on the buyer's part that cause this to happen. Planning on applying for a mortgage soon? Here's what not to do:

Buy a Car

Yes, it would look great in the driveway of your soon-to-be new home. Unfortunately, the additional debt won't look great on your mortgage application. When calculating the amount you can qualify for, the lender will look at how much debt you have versus how much income you make. A general rule of thumb is that your total monthly payments (including mortgage, credit cards, car loans, etc.) should be no more than 36 percent of your monthly income. Purchasing a big-ticket item and financing it will negatively impact this percentage (called the "debt-to-income ratio" in lender lingo) and decrease your chance of getting the loan you desire. Even paying cash for the car (boat, furniture, etc.) may not be the solution, as the lender will also take in to consideration your cash reserves when approving your loan. It's best to be patient-buy the house first, then splurge on other stuff.

Change Jobs

Getting a new job just before you buy a home will not always create a problem, but in certain instances it can. Suppose you are either a salaried employee or an hourly employee who works forty hours a week with no overtime. If you change employers while staying in the same line of work, you should be okay. But if you change to a completely different career, the lender will not be too happy. People whose income depends on commissions, bonuses or overtime have another challenge. Lenders like predictability and will take the "unpredictable" portion of your income into consideration only if you have a two-year track record of receiving it. Changing employers breaks that two-year continuum, and places your loan approval in question. Especially problematic is if you are thinking about abandoning the corporate world and becoming self-employed. Without a two-year track record you will almost certainly be turned down for a loan with a reasonable interest rate and down payment. Therefore, if at all possible, stay at your current job until after you get the keys to your new home.

Shuffle Money Around

Wishing to better prepare for the home purchase, some people get an urge to consolidate their money into one account. Although that may sound like a good idea, it can unnecessarily complicate the mortgage approval process. One of the things lenders are particularly strict about is the source of your down payment money, so you will be asked to provide copies of your bank statements for the past few months. If there are any unusually large deposits or withdrawals, you will probably be required to provide an explanation and "paper trail" for each. It's best to avoid this hassle and leave all of your money where it is, until you talk to your loan officer.

Fail to Get Pre-Approved

I bet you have heard this before, but darn it, it's important so I'll say it again: don't get pre-qualified, get pre-approved. Yes, it sounds similar. No, it's not the same. I am sure you will agree that finding out how much house you can afford before starting your house search is a good idea. Now, you can find out "kind of, sort of," or you can find out for sure. Getting pre-qualified is finding out "kind of, sort of." The lender will ask you a few questions, then give you a quick estimate right over the phone. Unfortunately, this estimate does not mean much since there are a number of factors that can affect your loan terms, and a quick pre-qualification will probably not reveal all of these factors. Getting pre-approved however is something different. You will have to fill out a loan application, answer a bunch of questions, provide proof of your income and down payment money, and have your credit thoroughly checked. You may even have to pay a small fee up front to cover the cost of your credit report. All of this will enable your lender to give you a written limited-time commitment to approve your loan once you find a suitable property. With this piece of paper you will know for sure what you can qualify for, so that you and your agent can start house hunting with confidence.

Picking a Good Mortgage Lender

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 10:38:59 -0800

When choosing a lender, whether you are buying or refinancing, the initial impulse for many people is to look for the lowest interest rate possible. Yes, the interest rate is very important, but the truth is that lenders these days offer very similar rates, so other factors may be even more significant. To pick the right lender it's not a bad idea to call up a few and quiz them a bit. Here's what to look for ...

Is the loan officer straightforward when talking to you? Good loan officers will answer your questions in plain English instead of using "lender lingo." They will also answer your questions directly, rather than being intentionally vague. Is the lender showing genuine interest in helping you by asking you questions about your particular situation? Is he listening to you? Or is he just fasttalking about low interest rates and "no fees?" A good lender will listen to your needs, then offer you the loan that best suits you. A bad lender will quickly give you a bunch of empty promises, and leave you wondering whether or not he can deliver.

You should get a clear picture of the total cost of getting the loan. Ask the lender what the APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is. A good lender should have the answer pretty much memorized. Ask what the total closing costs and fees are likely to be. Again, look for a direct, clear answer. If he gives you a wide range, like, "Oh, somewhere between $1,500 and $3,500," run for the door. A good loan officer will also provide you with a Good Faith Estimate (just ask). This is a written list of costs your transaction is likely to incur, and it can be a great help when comparing lenders.

Find out if and when you can lock the rate. Typically, the rate can be locked in for periods of 14 to 90 days. Some loan programs allow you to lock the rate as soon as you apply for the loan; some require you to be fully approved first. The rules can vary, so ask. When locking the rate, make sure to get it in writing. A good lender will have no problem with this.

Great loan officers are competitive. Don't be afraid to ask your lender to beat or match an offer you've received elsewhere. If he wants your business, he will try hard to get you the terms you want. If he can't, he should be able to explain why (maybe the lower offer you've seen somewhere else has hidden costs, or some special requirement you can't meet). And where do you find great lenders? Ask your friends and relatives for referrals. Ask your real estate agent. A Realtor can be a great help, since Realtors interact with many different lenders and can steer you toward the really good ones.

A great loan officer, like a great real estate agent, can be a valuable asset to you. Choose carefully. And if he does a great job for you, repay him by referring your friends and relatives to him.

Building Or Re-Building Your Credit From Scratch

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 12:25:17 -0800

Bad things happen to even the most responsible of us. Sudden and unexpected expenses can ruin one’s finances and in turn ruin one’s credit. So how do you repair your credit after a financial disaster? It’s not going to be easy, but it’s far from impossible. Here are few tips to get you started (and by the way, these suggestions will also work for people who have no credit):

You can’t build good credit history without using some credit, so the first step should be to apply for a credit card (if you don’t have any). People with bad or no credit often get turned down though, in which case a gasoline card or a department store card might be the way to go. If you are unable to get one of those either, then apply for a secured credit card. You make a small deposit ($200 is usually the minimum) and the bank issues you a card with the credit limit equal to your deposit. "But that means they are basically lending me my own money?!" Well, yes. But the purpose here is to try to improve your credit rating, and if you are unable to get credit any other way, then "borrowing your own money" via a secured credit card will at least get you started. Once you’ve been making payments on time for at least six months you can try to obtain a regular credit card or a small loan from your bank or credit union. But don’t go overboard with borrowing! New credit temporarily depresses your credit score, so don't apply for more credit than you need. A couple of credit cards and one small loan will be plenty to begin establishing (or reestablishing) your credit

There are three major credit bureaus that collect data about you: TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Each bureau is required to provide you with one free credit report per year if you so request. And request them you should as errors in credit reports are not uncommon. Carefully review reports from each bureau (check all three because incorrect information can appear in one report but not in the other two). If you discover any errors ask that they are corrected (credit reports normally come with instructions on how to dispute items). As for any bad items that are correct, make sure that they are not too old. Late payments, delinquencies and bad accounts should drop off from your credit report after seven years, and a bankruptcy after ten. If they are still showing up, ask the bureaus to remove them.

You may be making payments on time to a lender, but if the lender is not reporting that to the credit bureaus that doesn’t help you much. If you notice that a good account is missing from your credit report, write to your lender and ask them to start reporting it. Some will, and some won’t. If they won’t, then write to the credit bureaus and ask them to add the account to your credit report. Make sure to include copies of a couple of your most recent statements and copies of cancelled checks to show that you pay on time. This doesn’t always work, but it’s sure worth a try.

Do you have an account where you’ve made late payments in the past, but are now paying on time? If for the past twelve months you’ve been on time, write to your lender (not credit bureau) and ask for the account to be re-aged. This means removing any bad stuff from your credit report that’s more than 12 months old. Not all lenders will do this, but it doesn’t hurt to try, especially if you’ve been a good customer otherwise.

Having a good credit rating requires an ongoing effort, and you never really stop working on it. The most important thing is to pay everything on time – even early if you can. In order to make this easier on you, use credit cards in moderation. Don’t use more than 50% of available credit (less than 25% is best), and strive to pay off your balances every month. Don’t incur new debt unless absolutely necessary. Check your credit report once a year to make sure there are no errors on it. And be patient and persistent. Improving your credit won’t happen overnight, but in the end it will be worth the effort.

Real Estate Website

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 10:07:18 -0800

What content do you think a great Real Estate Website needs to have in today's world?

About Haverhill, MA

Rick Daneau (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 09:17:35 -0800

CITY HISTORY

The City of Haverhill, located in northeastern Massachusetts on the Merrimack River, is one of the oldest historic communities in the state. It is situated in northern Essex County, is bordered by the towns of Methuen on the west, Groveland and Boxford on the south, West Newbury on the east, and the state of New Hampshire on the north. Haverhill contains almost 36 square miles of area and a wide variety of land uses, ranging from rural agricultural areas to urban areas such as the city's historical industrial center.

Established in 1640 as Pentucket, Haverhill was incorporated as a city in 1870. Although originally settled as farmland, the city evolved into a major industrial center through the establishment of saw and grist mills in the late 17th century, tanneries and boat yards in the early 18th century and shoe manufacturing, its leading industry for 180 years. The city remained a thriving industrial center until the severe depression of the 1930s. Currently, computer technology and research industries thrive within Haverhill's seven industrial parks, business districts, and newly rehabilitated central business district.

The City has a tremendous array of active and passive recreational opportunities, such as four 18-hole golf courses, a downhill ski area, two horseback riding academies, a public skating rink and a sailing program. The Merrimack River meanders through the city, providing walking, jogging, bird watching and boating opportunities. Haverhill's residents invite visitors to come and watch the growing population of bald eagles which inhabit the city along the Merrimack River. For more information, please contact the Haverhill historic commission.