brockton ma: Wait a Minute Mr. Postman (or woman). - 11/15/14 08:45 AM
     It is so easy to order the big, bright and shiny full color postcards from the comfort of the home office, that I have decided to do more of it in 2015.  This past order was a 'Just Sold' card that is going to 200 homes around this Brockton, MA  property.  The printing, labeling and postage came to about $65. per hundred, or $130. total.  These are going to be hand delivered to each home and will be physically handled by the homeowner.  It will be information that should be of interest to them.
     People get less … (11 comments)

brockton ma: Rocky Marciano Statue Arrives in Brockton - 09/13/12 12:41 PM
     The long awaited statue of World Heavy Weight Champion Rocky Marciano has been delived to the City of Brockton MA.  The massive 22 foot tall image of the "Brockton Blockbuster" was delivered this week from Mexico City in six seperate pieces, which need to be assembled by a team of experts.  The pose is of the famous Rocky punch that leveled the great 'Jersey Joe' Walcott in their 1952 title fight.
    Brockton is making preparations to host a long list of luminaries on September 23.  Former Champions Evander Holyfield and Larry Holmes have already been confirmed but, they are … (2 comments)

brockton ma: Brockton (MA) High School Set to Unveil Rocky Marciano Statue - 09/04/12 10:51 AM
     Brockton High Schools Marciano Stadium will be presented a 22' tall Statue of the Brockton Blockbuster on September 23rd.  A gift to the city by the World Boxing Council, the $250,000 sculpture has been on display in Mexico City. Rocky Marciano was born in Brockton, the son of immigrant Italians who were lured to the city by the opportunities for work in the bustling shoe factories.
     Rocky's love of sports eventually led him to the boxing ring where he rose to become the Heavy Weight Champion of the World, and retired as the only undefeated Champion in history with a … (0 comments)

brockton ma: Brockton Junior Golf at D.W Field GC. Starts Tuesday, June 26 - 06/25/12 10:48 AM
     The 2012 Junior Golf season begins this Tuesday with the start of the Tuesday Night League. We are hoping to build a traveling team this year, with the help of Head Pro Brian Mattos.  He is trying to arrange a 'home and home' series with a couple of other courses in the area.  This is not as easy as it seems.  Whereas Tuesday is a slow night at DW Field GC, it could be a busy night at some other courses, so the away matches may have to be on a Wednesday or Thursday. 
     One of our young golfers … (0 comments)

brockton ma: Brockton MA Sales for 2011 - 01/04/12 02:48 PM
According to data from the MLS the following facts of record will show that:
in the first six months of 2011:
  243 homes sold with an average List Price of $170,270 and a final sales price of $164,408
in the last six months :
  268 homes sold with an average List Price of $174,352 and a final sales price of $$169,401.
These are statistics for single family homes listed and sold in Brockton MA in 2011 through the Multiple Listing Service.
… (2 comments)

brockton ma: It's Easy Being Green, If You Were Like My Aunt Emma!! - 01/02/12 01:19 PM
   Everything that I know about conservation I learned from my Aunt Emma.  She and my Uncle Cyril made their way in the world during the Great Depression.  He built a solid, though crooked, house in the early 1930's that still stands today.  Most of the back yard was a vegetable garden, and what they couldn't eat Auntie would store in Mason jars, and enjoy during the cold months.
     Liquids were served in glass or metal containers so that they could be cleaned and used again, she would be appalled by our use of disposible plastics.  Old clothes and towels, when used up, … (4 comments)

brockton ma: Brockton's 25th Christmas Holiday Parade Set for Saturday. - 11/25/11 12:21 PM
     The 25th Christmas Holiday Parade kicks off at 1:00 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, November 26.  It looks like the weather will cooperate, with sunny skies and temps in the upper 50's.  The festivities will take place in the Downtown section, near the site of James Edgar's Department Store.  Mr. Edgar is known as the 1st Department Store Santa Claus in America back around 1895.  It was about a week ago that Brockton set the record for most people gathered in one place to be wearing Santa Hats.
    
… (2 comments)

brockton ma: Brockton to Celebrate "Santa Hat Day' on Sunday. - 11/17/11 11:40 AM
     For the 4th year in a row the City of Brockton will host a 'SANTA HAT' day to break it's own record for the most people in one place to be wearing one.  The Downtown event will be distributing more than 14,000 hats to school children and adults for the event.  The City already holds the world record.  Officials will record the count, which begins at 2:30.
    In the late 1800's James Edgar became the first department store Santa Claus at his store on Main St.  From there the idea was adopted by Macy's and other retailers throughout the … (1 comments)

brockton ma: Brockton Farmers Market Starts Friday - 07/04/11 04:51 PM
     Want to support your local farmer?  The annual Farmers Market returns to City Hall Plaza this Friday, July 8 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.  Fresh produce,plants, flowers, poultry products and dairy products will be on sale by local growers from all over the local area. Here is an opportunity to eat fresh and healthy food at affordable prices. 
     City Hall Plaza is located at 45 School St. in Brockton, and farmers from Midddleboro, Lakeville, Fairhaven and other local towns will be on hand.  The Market is a weekly event that runs through October 28, rain or shine. 
… (5 comments)

brockton ma: Time to Run the Dehumidifier!!! - 05/18/11 02:49 AM
    As the relentless, wet weather continues here in the north east it may be a good time to go to the basement and check for funny odors.  Even if you don't have any history of water entering there, the ground is now so saturated that moisture may eventually find its' way in. There may not be puddles along the edges of the wall or pooling in the corners, the dampness could be sweating inside the basement walls, or being absorbed by sheetrock.
     The first level of defense is to run a dehumidifier and keep a humidity measuring device in … (2 comments)

brockton ma: A "Home Audit" Home Run!!! - 04/30/11 03:39 PM
     On a recent "Seller Home Audit" , a free service where I view a home through the eye of a buyer, the most striking change was to remove an old wall to wall carpet to expose an oak hardwood floor.  The carpet was old, soiled and a turn off.  The Oak floor was actually in good shape and just needed a good cleaning, which the owners did themselves. 
     This was in the living room, which was the first room that a buyer would see.  The natural beauty of the floor actually enhanced the look of the fireplace and mantel … (1 comments)

brockton ma: Brockton's Weekly Road Race for Kids Starts Saturday. - 04/17/11 02:24 PM
   For the 33rd year in a row Dave Gorman will be running the Saturday morning road races for kids 14 years old and under.  For only a dollar the kids participate in a 2.2 mile run around D.W. Field Park in Brockton.  The races start at 10am, with sign ups at 9:30 in the Pentangle parking lot near the tower. This is family fun and they have ribbons for prizes to the winners, or for any other kid who Mr. Gorman thinks needs one. 
… (0 comments)

brockton ma: Dan De Homes - Free Audit for Sellers - 04/12/11 06:35 AM
Dan De Homes Presents
A new FREE SERVICE!!!
 
 
      Dan De Homes, of Keller Williams Realty, has long been associated with superior service.  Dan Derito has announced that he will be taking it to another level with his free ‘Home Prep' analysis for sellers who are thinking of putting their homes on the market.  At no charge to the home owner, Dan will come out and tour your home using the eyes of the home buyer.
 
     It is virtually impossible for most sellers to do this in any sort of impartial manner,.  What may be endearing to … (4 comments)

brockton ma: MOLD, The Other Four Letter Word - 03/27/11 03:14 PM
     Mold is the new most misunderstood word of the century.  It ranks right up there with termites and lead paint, so let's cut right to the chase.  Mold is a living organism that requires food and water and usually flouishes outdoors.  it really seems to like eating wood and wood substrates like cardboard and paper, and can often be found living in colonies on the back of places like sheetrock.  Without a source of moisture it becomes dormant (not dead).  Add water, or high humidity, and it becomes active.
     When mold grows outside it is part of our ecosystem.  … (3 comments)

brockton ma: Why You Should Love Your Mechanic - 03/21/11 06:49 AM
     Let's face it, we all hate car trouble.  It just screws everything up.  While our society is obsessed with the joys of being frugal, a good thing, one area where folks take a wrong turn is trying to scrimp on car maintenance.  Whether you are just trying to make a good living or plan on becoming fabulously successful, a dependable car is is more important than a smart phone, charm, wit or incredible good looks. You just can't get anywhere without one.
    My mechanic is honest, not cheap.  If I go over the recommended mileage between oil changes then, I … (1 comments)

brockton ma: Jack LaLane, RIP - 01/24/11 03:59 PM
 It's Au Revoir  to Americas first (and best) physical fitness guru.  He brought exercise into our living rooms in the 1960's, and made us aware of how important it is to take care of ourselves. He has passed away at age 96.  While it has nothing to do with real estate, per se, how we look and feel is important in our line of work with the public.
    If you've never heard of Jack, google his name and you will be amazed at his accomplishments.  He once said that dying young would be bad for his image.  He was 92 at the … (12 comments)

brockton ma: Does Anyone Have Golf Homes For Sale? - 01/20/11 04:26 PM
     As we get ready for the arrival of yet another snow storm in Plymouth County MA, and on my driveway in Brockton, I think of all of my golf buddies who sold their homes and moved to Florida, the Carolinas' and other points south of the Mason/Dixon line.  An old fourball partner who still works for the city, picked up a condo in Myrtle Beach and is always asking when we can go there and play some of the courses.  His wife likes the beach and will take friends and family while he minds the store here.
     Another friend who … (2 comments)

brockton ma: Am I Missing Something Sinister with Short Sale Banks? - 01/10/11 04:30 AM
     I get it that the banks are fearful that some homeowners may be trying to finagle the system.  It's not that I have seen it first hand, but I know that the anger, at least in the Brockton MA area, is out there.  What I don't get is that we have each party sign documents that they will do no such thing, or else be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.  Having that protection in place should allow the negotiator some horsepower to accelerate the disposition of a short sale property to the highest and best buyer.
     I … (2 comments)

brockton ma: Brockton Boxers, More than just Division 1 Football - 10/12/10 03:14 PM
     The Brockton High School football team is a perennial powerhouse in Massachusetts.  They compete in a three team league and are thus relegated to playing a mostly independent schedule.  The Boxers will play any team and often have to travel out of state to fill their schedule.  For a mere $5 a ticket it is a great way to get a bang for your buck.
     What makes it more special, however, is the atmosphere that surrounds the game.  The halftime show with the Brockton High School Marching Band, Majorettes, Color Guard and Cheerleaders is one of the best shows this side of … (2 comments)

brockton ma: Death of a Short Sale - 09/12/10 02:43 PM
    Last week an offer on a short sale property in Massachusetts was rejected by a bank in North Carolina because the offer was below the figure established from a drive by BPO.  The property has a heating system that doesn't work, and a mold issue in the finished basement that needs to be remediated ($5000.00) before moving in. These are just a few of the problems found by the home inspector. There were many more.
   The offer was 25% below the price paid in 2005 when the home was in great condition, while the market has dropped by as much as 33% since … (7 comments)