North Attleboro Area Real Estate Blog

Announcing my new Remax Team: Enegren & Lavery

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:47:25 -0600

I have made the switch to Remax Real Estate Center in North Attleboro and the formation of my team Enegren & Lavery. Teri Enegren, Tom Hogan and I will put our 10+ years experience to work for you and those your refer to us. My email is now glenn@glennlavery.com

Wall Street Journal Reports Increasing Mortgage Rates

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:07:07 -0500

Mortgage Rates Inch Up This Week
Freddie Mac reports a jump in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate to 6.46 percent during the week ended Oct. 30 from 6.04 percent the prior week, as long-term mortgages rates moved in line with long-term Treasury bonds.

The 15-year fixed mortgage rate rose as well, climbing to 6.19 percent from 5.72 percent.

Meanwhile, the five-year hybrid adjustable mortgage rate moved up to 6.36 percent from 6.06 percent; and the one-year ARM increased to 5.38 percent from 5.23 percent.
Freddie Mac chief economist Frank Nothaft expects short-term rates to remain low due to the Federal Reserve's recent cut in the discount and federal-funds rates, and he notes that falling home prices have jump-started residential sales in some markets by making properties more affordable.

Source: The Wall Street Journal (10/31/08)

Flu Shots Available in North Attleboro

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:45:47 -0500

From the Sun Chronicle Online...

Get a flu shot in North

NORTH ATTLEBORO - The North Attleboro Board of Health will host free flu clinics throughout October and November.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, a flu clinic will be held for high risk individuals and their caregivers, also from 5 to 6 p.m. at the town hall.

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, a flu clinic that will be open to the public including children 4 or older, will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. at the town hall.

On Saturday, Nov. 15, a flu clinic will be held for the public, including children 4 or older, from 1 to 2 p.m. at North Attleboro High School. Also beginning on Oct. 30, daytime appointments for a flu shot will be accepted. Call 508-699-0103 to make an appointment.

Plainville School Gets High Mark

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:10:03 -0500

From The Sun Chronicle Online...

PLAINVILLE - Jackson School has earned continued accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The association accepted the school's five-year progress report and commended the school specifically for implementing common planning time between and among grade levels, reinforcing differentiated instruction and strenghtening the use of portfolios and alternative assessments to inform curriculum decisions.

The association also acknowledged the school for expanding efforts to include parents and community members in its work, establishing a curriculum review calendar for the district, training teachers to assist English immersion students and developing and implementing a plan to expand the library.

The school is encouraged to continue work on developing common grade level assessments in math, science and social studies, finding opportunities for students to use portfolios for "self-reflection and self-assessment," and developing a K-6 health curriculum aligned to Massachusetts Health Curriculum guidelines.

Principal praised Superintendent David Raiche acknowledged Jackson School Principal Anne Houle for her role in the positive review.

"I think that's a testament to the work that goes on and the leadership that Anne brings to this school," Raiche said.

Jackson School is scheduled to host a visiting committee from the association for 10-year accreditation in the spring of 2013.

Introducing: Attleboro-PlainvilleHomes.com

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:31:59 -0500

You may have noticed that my last few blog entries have had one of two themes. The first being positive real estate news and the second being news about the Attleboro, North Attleboro and Plainville community. I will also be blogging (while simulcasting on Active Rain) at www.attleboro-plainvillehomes.com I am a life-long resident of North Attleboro and this area is my specialty. Of course, I list and sell in other areas and am even licensed in Rhode Island.

I hope to hear from you on either blog.

Another Example of Giving in North Attleboro

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:03:29 -0500

From the Sun Chronicle Local Section October 13, 2008

NORTH ATTLEBORO - A scholarship program that will reward high school seniors for projects that make a difference in the community is set to begin this month.

Selectman Mark Williamson had announced last month that he planned to form the Make Your Mark Scholarship Foundation to reward students for pitching in by creating projects to better the community.

New details about the program were made public when Williamson met with the school committee this week.

The scholarship is designed "to encourage high school seniors to offer a lasting and measurable benefit to an identified group from the community of North Attleboro," Williamson said.

The scholarship is open to any North Attleboro resident who is a high school senior - and it does not matter what high school the student attends. Students will be responsible for creating and implementing a project that benefits the town. Through the scholarship process, students will have from Oct. 15 to Nov. 15 to submit proposals for projects and on Nov. 20, proposal winners will be announced. Each winner will receive a scholarship. The proposal winners will have from Nov. 20 through March 31 to complete their projects and will be required to submit a report on the project to the scholarship committee by April 20. A winner will be selected from the completed projects to receive more scholarship money.

Williamson said the name of the scholarship is not intended to reflect his first name.

"Make Your Mark is not intended as a ploy for self-promotion. If you search the Web, you will encounter many sites that use the phrase to encourage people to make a difference," he said.

To start off the scholarship funding, Williamson said he will donate the $1,000 annual stipend he receives for serving on the board of selectmen. He plans to do so for his entire tenure on the board. Additional fundraising will also be ongoing.

Foundation officers are Mark Williamson, president; Adele Williamson, vice president; Michael Martin, treasurer. In addition a selection committee has been created to go through the project proposals with members Shirley Nolin, Rita Pastore, Marie Clarner and Tony Calcia - and more members may be added shortly.

High school seniors interested in submitting a proposal or obtaining more information can write to the Make Your Mark Scholarship Foundation at 28 Newell Drive, North Attleboro, MA 02760. Individuals interested in making a donation to the scholarship foundation can also send a check to that address.

AMY DeMELIA covers North Attleboro for The Sun Chronicle. She can be reached at 508-236-0334 or at ademelia@thesunchronicle.com.

Know Your Town Facts: This Week- North Attleboro, MA

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:08:05 -0500

See Full Article at Wikipedia.com/ North Attleboro

Coordinates: 41°59′00″N 71°20′00″W / 41.983333, -71.333333
North Attleborough, Massachusetts
Nickname(s): Big Red
Location in Bristol County in Massachusetts
Country	United States
State	Massachusetts
County	Bristol
Settled	1669
Incorporated	1887
Government
- Type	Representative town meeting
Area
- Total	19.1 sq mi (49.3 km²)
- Land	18.6 sq mi (48.3 km²)
- Water	0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²)
Elevation	200 ft (61 m)
Population (2000)
- Total	27,143
- Density	1,456.0/sq mi (562.2/km²)
Time zone	Eastern (UTC-5)
- Summer (DST)	Eastern (UTC-4)
ZIP code	02760
Area code(s)	508 / 774
FIPS code	25-46575
GNIS feature ID	0618284
Website: http://www.north-attleboro.ma.us/

North Attleboro Firefighters Kids Day Association Donates $10,000

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:16:22 -0500

NORTH ATTLEBORO - The North Attleboro Firefighters Kids Day Association has donated $10,000 to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a fuel-assistance program that helps local families struggling to pay winter heating bills.

The check was officially presented Thursday to the charitable organization launched several years ago by selectmen Chairman John Rhyno and his wife, Sherry.

"We're looking to form a new partnership between Neighbors Helping Neighbors and Kids Day," firefighter Glenn Lavery said. "This will not be just a one-time donation. We are looking to form a partnership to bring the assistance to the townspeople who really need it."

Article Taken from the Sun Chronicle

New Listing: 417 Brown St Unit 30 South Attleboro MA

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:30:11 -0500

Very well cared for garden style unit. Living room has cathedral ceiling with skylight and brick fireplace. Two bedrooms on the main level Bright and cheery galley kitchen with plenty of counters and cabinets- fully applianced. Also in the basement is a 22x14 family room plus a 15x11 office/bedroom. Unfinished laundry room in the basement with lots of shelves. This unit is tucked away in the back of the complex so low traffic- very peaceful.

Great Listing in South Attleboro $279,900

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:33:14 -0500

Need Need a workshop or small barn? Like a large yard to putter in? This property has it all. The main house is an 1800sqft cape that features a great room with cathedral ceiling and unfinished loft. Basement is finished with a bar for entertaining. Outside has large shed/ barn that is perfect for the woodworker or tradesman. Large lot with plenty of possibilities. Close to train station and Rt 95 access. 100% Financing possible with Ameridream- call for details.

New Listing: 225 Cliff Dr. North Attleboro, MA

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:51:48 -0500

Fantastic opportunity to purchase a home in North Attleboro's prestigious "Cliffs" neighborhood. This house is situated on an approximate half acre with woods behind it. The main level features 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths with an unfinished second level for future expansion. Attached 2 car garage. House needs updating but is perfect for those just starting out or looking to downsize. $329,900 Call Glenn at 508-989-9093 or email me at glavery@c21edpariseau.com .

Great Tips on Saving at the Pump

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 20:23:32 -0500

I don't know what you guys are paying for gasoline... but here in California we are also paying higher, up to $3.50 per gallon. But my line of work is in petroleum for about 31years now, so here are some tricks to get more of your money's worth for every gallon.

Here at the Kinder Morgan Pipeline where I work in San Jose , CA we deliver about 4 million gallons in a 24-hour period thru the pipeline. One day is diesel the next day is jet fuel,and gasoline, regular and premium grades. We have 34-storage tanks here with a total capacity of 16,800,000 gallons.

Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon.In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role.

A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3 )stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some other liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY.The reason for this is, the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This r oof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.

Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as thegas is being delivered, and you might pick up some f the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you get the most value for your money.

DO SHARE THESE TIPS WITH OTHERS!

WHERE TO BUY USA GAS, THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW. READ ON

Gas rationing in the 80's worked even though we grumbled about it. It might even be good for us! The Saudis are boycotting American goods. We should return the favor.

An interesting thought is to boycott their GAS.

Every time you fill up the car, you can avoid putting more money into the coffers of Saudi Arabia . Just buy from gas companies that don't import their oil from the Saudis.

I thought it might be interesting for you to know which oil companies are the best to buy gas from and which major companies import Middle Eastern oil.

These companies import Middle Eastern oil:

Shell.......................... 205,742,000 barrels

Chevron/Texaco......... 144,332,000 barrels

Exxon /Mobil............... 130,082,000 barrels

Marathon/Speedway... 117,740,000 barrels

Amoco............................62,231,000 barrels

Citgo gas is from South America, from a Dictator who hates Americans. If you do the math at $30/barrel, these imports amount to over $18 BILLION! (oil is now $90 - $100 a barrel

Here are some large companies that do not import Middle Eastern oil:

Sunoco..................0 barrels

Conoco................0 barrels

Sinclair.................0 barrels

BP/Phillips............0 barrels

Hess.......................0 barrels

ARC0....................0 barrels

If you go to Sunoco.com, you will get a list of the station locations near you.

All of this information is available from the Department of Energy and each is required to state where they get their oil and how much they are importing.

But to have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of gas buyers. It's really simple to do.

Now, don't wimp out at this point.... keep reading and I'll explain how simple it is to reach millions of people!!

I'm sending thisnote to about thirty people. If each of you send it to at least ten more (30 x 10 = 300)...and those 300 send it to at least ten more (300 x 10 = 3,000) .. and so on, by the time the message reaches the sixth generation of people, we will have reac hed over THREE MILLION consumers !!!!!!! If those three million get excited and pass this on to ten friends each, then 30 million people will have been contacted!

If it goes one level further, you guessed it ..... THREE HUNDREDMILLION PEOPLE!!!

Again, all you have to do is send this to 10 people. How long would all that take?

Here is a recommendation from a past client from my LinkedIn Page...

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:26:04 -0500

Thank You Karen...

"I hired Glenn to help me find a house and then sell the same house the next year. He was very organized and knew the market well. I found him to be very helpful and knowledgeable and I'd definitely recommend him as a Real Estate Agent." March 22, 2008

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity

Karen McPherson
hired Glenn as a Real Estate Agent in 2,005, and hired Glenn more than once

Some Great News You Can Use

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:03:58 -0500

Copied From an Email from the Greater Boston Board of Realtors...

In recent weeks, a number of "news" articles and blogs have appeared in the local media questioning the decision to purchase a home in the current market. Yet as REALTORS® you know that today's historically low mortgage rates, more realistic selling prices and healthy inventory levels have led to improved affordability locally, making this an opportune time to buy a home.

If you are currently working with potential first-time home buyers who may be uncertain about whether to own or rent, we have compiled a host of compelling facts and statistical information that highlight the value of home ownership:

1) The advantages of owning a home, include a number of financial and social benefits, not the least of which include federal income tax deductions on mortgage interest and property taxes, as well as the security of knowing they can not be evicted from their home without cause upon termination of a lease. Be sure to incorporate these talking points into your conversations with prospective home buyers.

2) Owning a home also provides one of the best paths to accumulating personal wealth. As evidence, a recent Federal Reserve study found that the median net worth of U.S. homeowners is $184,400, or 46 times greater than the average renter's median net worth of $4,000. Share this chart with those on the fence.

3) Housing is a solid long-term investment. Provided one's lifestyle or living arrangements won't dictate a move in less than 3-5 years, homeownership often makes more sense than renting. Data shows that over the past 30 years, the median price for existing homes in the U.S. has increased an average of more than 6 percent per year and the typical home nearly doubles in value every 10 years. For more facts and figures, refer prospective buyers to http://www.gbreb.com/12all/lt/t_go.php?i=2298&e=NjcwOTA2&l=-http--www.housingmarketfacts.com/ and the Consumer Resources section of the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® website for " Why It's a Good Time to Buy."

Furthermore, while it's true that mortgage lending standards have been tightened in recent months, it's also important to educate consumers about the new, higher loan limits announced last week for FHA mortgages as well as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loans. The new loan ceilings will provide access to loans with more attractive terms, including lower-priced "jumbo" loans. Importantly, however, the lower rates for jumbo mortgages will only be available until December 31, 2008.

By then, interest rates also may have risen and home prices could strengthen, making this spring an ideal time to buy - the very argument made by writer Dan Kadlec in his article entitled " Ignore the Headlines" which appeared recently in Time magazine.

To Unsubscribe, please click here.

How the Fed rate cuts affect you...

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:24:18 -0500

Another Federal Funds Rate Cut...

What Does This Mean to the Mortgage Market

and to the U.S. Consumer?

Provided by: Genworth Mortgage Insurance

On March 18, the federal (Fed) funds rate was cut again - this time to 2.25 percent. The Fed funds rate has now been lowered a full three points from its hold at 5.25 percent from July 2006 to Sept. 2007. The Prime rate followed the Fed funds rate from 8.25 percent back in Sept 2007 to 5.25 percent following this week's cut.

Why does the Federal Reserve continue to make cuts? Quite simply, it's an effort to increase demand for goods and services, which strengthens the economy.

Impact on U.S. Mortgage Market

The U.S. mortgage market is unlikely to see a significant impact from the Fed rate cuts. Mortgage rates are driven by long-term Treasury yields along with factors affecting investor confidence in mortgages.

This drop will also have a minimal impact on long-term mortgage rates since the 30-year conventional fixed rate mortgage rate is more closely tied to the 10-year Treasury yield. Supply and demand for 10-year Treasury bonds drive price and therefore yield movements. Economic and financial market conditions, among other factors, drive buy (demand) and sell (supply) decisions for long-term Treasury bonds and it takes time for changes in the Fed funds rate to alter those conditions.

What drives rate changes?

Inflationary pressures in today's market (have you been to the gas station or grocery store lately?) tend to drive 10-year Treasury yields higher, which then boost mortgage rates. Recent decline in home prices and the resulting fear of holding mortgage-related assets has further increased mortgage rates as the increase in risk perception shows up in the form of higher mortgage rates.

Second mortgages may be cheaper, but certainly not easier to come by in today's market. A lower prime rate would normally translate to a reduced rate on second-lien ("home equity") loans but heightened risk of this product has driven home equity rates higher for many new borrowers and has dampened the overall availability of these loans. Consumers with an outstanding second-lien mortgage will likely experience a slight drop in their loan rate that would lower their monthly payment.

How does this all affect the consumer?

The average consumer will feel the impact of the Fed rate move in the decline of savings account rates and possibly a drop in the rate on their outstanding credit card balance.

A lower rate on savings accounts simply means that consumers are earning less interest on these accounts.

Consumers with outstanding credit card balances may see a drop in their interest rate and that may lower their minimum monthly payment. Borrowing costs for consumer (non-mortgage) and business investment loans typically come down when the Fed funds rate drops, but tighter lending standards today may limit the growth of these loans.

Presenting consumers with a lower cost option to borrow funds may increase lending and spending activity, which can fuel economic growth and eventually perhaps even create more jobs.

Two of My New Listings

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 17:56:12 -0500

Great Victorican with all the updates you want.

See more pictures at www.45lincoln.com

See the Visual Tour at my website www.glennlavery.com

The other listing is the "Best in Show" in Attleboro for under $255,000

See more pictures at www.1063pleasant.com

See the Visual Tour at www.glennlavery.com

North Attleboro Home $265,000 which is $18,000 under assessed value

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:40:50 -0500

157 East St http://h3h.mlspin.com/search/details.asp?g=yes&mls=70420042

Helpful Hint of the Day

Glenn M. Lavery (Remax Real Estate Center) — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:25:40 -0500

You should never purchase a home without a home inspection. NEVER. I am enclosing a link to the Massaachusetts registry of licensed home inspectors http://www.mass.gov/dpl/consumer/fspagehi.htm#1 here you can choose a legitimate inspector who has a license in good standing.

Also, have a Radon test. OK, here is everything you need to know about Radon and were afraid to ask

http://www.epa.gov/radon/

Have children under 6? Learn about lead paint laws in Massachusetts.

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2terminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Government&L2=Departments+and+Divisions&L3=Department+of+Public+Health&L4=Programs+and+Services+A+-+J&sid=Eeohhs2&b=terminalcontent&f=dph_environmental_lead_g_clppp_about&csid=Eeohhs2

Don't go through the home buying process alone. Get a Buyer Agent.

http://www.rebac.net/Home.aspx

Contact Me Anytime glavery@c21edpariseau.com or (508) 989-9093