My 2013 Real Estate Transactions Read Like a Police Log

My 2013 Real Estate Transactions Read Like a Police Log

2013 was a pretty great year for this Realtor.  I met a lot of fantastic people and feel blessed for all that I have.

As December winds to a close, and we turn our thoughts towards the new year, it is also a good time for reflection.  

Looking back on my past year in real estate, I have to chuckle at some of the things that happened, because as I do, I think, I could be reading (or writing) a police log.  

The year started off cold.  I don't mean as far as sales go, but in temperature.  Bitter cold.   My first deal of the year began with a bang!  Popping actually.   If you have never heard pipes bursting that's a good thing.   Unfortunately, I learned just what that sounds like.   It is followed by the sound similar to what one hears at Niagara Falls.   Gushing water on the final walk thru, just an hour before the scheduled closing is not music to anyone's ears.     Needless to say, the closing was postponed.

• We had a man with a gun.    ( Thank goodness he didn't fire it at anyone. )
• A car drove into a home that I had an offer on.   ( The occupant was not hurt, but as you would imagine, the buyer decided against this house.)
• An altercation between neighbors.   ( Amicably resolved. )
• I got bit by a dog,   ( Lost my favorite pair of black pants. )
• Had an encounter with a plant that causes brief paralysis.   ( It was a large plant stuck to my entire right arm as I was locking up an uninhabited home.  I never knew such a thing existed but found out quickly enough!  Urtica Dioica )
• Had a listing that had a hole in the roof  ( From a tree in a storm. )
• Someone thought the crisper drawer from the refrigerator was taken during a showing.  ( Misplaced by the homeowner, found moments later. )
• The Police showed up at an inspection.    ( Called by neighbors, prompted by activity at a house.   I would say a safe neighorhood to buy in!  )

Something always happening.    Lots and Lots of good things too.   I've had opportunity to meet and add a lot of very nice people to my life.

And,  a surprising end to an amazing year.    A closing attorney gave the buyer's a check.    He called it a "late fee".  Go figure!   (He was a few minutes late to the closing.)

 

One never knows what next year is going to bring.   

Hopefully it will bring me as much spice and good fortune 

as this one has.   

 

Are you Looking to Buy, Sell, Rent or Invest?  

If you want to really know what's happening in your market area, consult your local Realtor!

 

                 Call me if you have any questions about the market. 

508-494-9061

      Put my 26 years of experience to work for you!    

 

 

 

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

Remax Executive Realty

 

www.AlandCal.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

166 Pleasant St Franklin MA Pending in less than a Week!

166 Pleasant St Franklin MA Pending in less than a Week!





Classic on the outside, with a cosmopolitan flair on the inside sporting a beautiful new kitchen addition that would make Rachael Ray feel right at home.   

Take a look at this kitchen and tell me who wouldn't be happy either sitting at the counter or creating a favorite recipe using this 6 burner high end stove?  

3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 2 rooms in finished basement.    Newer mechanicals, roof and windows have been replaced.    Central air!

This home is located within an easy walking distance to the Boston commuter rail station in down town Franklin, shopping, restaurants and library!  

Looking to Buy, Sell, Rent or Invest?

Put my 25 years of experience to work for you!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

Remax Executive Realty

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

Big Max Rises and Gives Back to the Community

Big Max Rises and Gives Back to the Community

It was a gorgeous fall day this past Saturday in New England when, in Mansfield MA, two of my favorite things (aviation and real estate) collided.  

One doesn't normally think, aviation and real estate, like they might, say peanut butter and jelly, or horse and carriage,
unless you think,   Remax and "Big Max".   

For those that might not know, Big Max is the name of the Remax hot air balloon.    Well, at least one of the 120 hot air balloons that float through the air bearing the Remax logo.  

This Saturday, September 28th was no different.  The venue was Mansfield MA Municipal Airport.   The airport was hosting it's annual "fly in" event and the Woman of Today's "Touch a Truck" event. 

Who hasn't as a child marveled at the sight of a big truck, or the sound of an airplane in flight?    Add to that an up close encounter with a hot air balloon, and as you could imagine the excitement on the field was electric!  

Folks lined up for a ride in Big Max and made generous donations to the Remax Executive Charitable Foundation and Mansfield Women of Today.  
  
Pilot, Chris Mooney was entertaining and patient as he helped folks understand what to expect and how to enter and exit the basket.

 

After leaving the balloon, they were able to view and check out the many fixed wing airplanes that were on the field for display.     Trucks were everywhere.   You could hear horns beeping continually as for sure, each child that entered had to sound the horn.  

The sounds and sight of planes taking off and landing, dogs on the grill, and the smell of popcorn filled the air.  

Yes.  Thanks to the efforts of King Aviation, it was a great day in Mansfield.  

A great day for an introduction for kids of all ages

 into the joys of aviation.  

 

 

_____________________________________   

 



Looking to Buy, Sell, Rent or Invest?

Put my 25 years of experience to work for you!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

Remax Executive Realty

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

 

A Moment of Silence Sept 11 2013

A Moment of Silence Sept 11 2013

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

Remax Executive Realty

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogs/carol-ann#sthash.SFFI9iWw.dpuf

A Moment of Silence Sept 11 2014

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

Remax Executive Realty

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogs/carol-ann#sthash.7MvyrVd3.dpuf

A Moment of Silence Sept 11 2014

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

Remax Executive Realty

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4190060/a-moment-of-silence-sept-11-2014#sthash.rjdzXoLz.dpuf

A Moment of Silence Sept 11 2014

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

Remax Executive Realty

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4190060/a-moment-of-silence-sept-11-2014#sthash.rjdzXoLz.dpuf

A Moment of Silence Sept 11 2014

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

Remax Executive Realty

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4190060/a-moment-of-silence-sept-11-2014#sthash.rjdzXoLz.dpuf

A Moment of Silence Sept 11 2014

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

Remax Executive Realty

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4190060/a-moment-of-silence-sept-11-2014#sthash.rjdzXoLz.dpuf

A Moment of Silence Sept 11 2014

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

Remax Executive Realty

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4190060/a-moment-of-silence-sept-11-2014#sthash.rjdzXoLz.dpuf

Eliminating Home Inspection Anxiety

Eliminating Home Inspection Anxiety.

It doesn't matter if you are the Seller, Buyer (OR real estate Agent), the days leading up to the inspection will naturally causes angst for all involved.    

The home inspection contingency is a key component in your MA offer to purchase.  
It gives the buyer the right to inspect the home prior to entering into the purchase and sales agreement (at which point they will be putting a larger sum of cash in earnest money deposit),  and the right to back out of the transaction if the home inspection turns up  major structural or mechanical or unforeseen defects that would effect the buyers decision into moving forward with the purchase.

What happens when the home inspection doesn't turn out how you planned?   

• The Buyer can be released from the transaction.
• The Buyer and Seller can renegotate the price and/or terms of the agreement.
• The Seller can fix the problem.
• The Buyer can elect to do nothing and continue on with the home sale.

Tips for Eliminating Home Inspection Anxiety.

If you are a Buyer. 
Once you have identified the "right" home, take the time to really look around.  Not just at the decor and furnishings.   Ask questions.    Recognize that there is no "perfect" home.    Do not expect a perfect home inspection.   It just won't happen.   Be ready to identify what is really important to you and what is just part of owning a home.

If you are the Seller. 
Have an open mind to the fact that the home inspection may turn up something you didn't anticipate and don't take offense.  Anticipate as much as possible and disclose or fix prior to inspection.   Make sure there is access to areas that need to be looked at.  This will eliminate the "can't see" and therefore unknown.   Unknowns always set up red flags in buyers minds and why do that when there is no issue?   If you have had your work done, have the paperwork readily available to share. 

The "Sellers Description of Property" is a good tool in eliminating some of the unknown that comes with each and every home.    Here is the Sellers chance to let the buyer know what improvements have been made to the home and to disclose anything that they buyer would need to know.   The more the buyer knows up front the less likely they will be surprised and caught off guard with during the inspection.   

Looking to Buy, Sell, Rent or Invest?

Put my 25 years of experience to work for you!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

Remax Executive Realty

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

 

The Art of Selling Your Home

The Art of Selling Your Home

Marketing homes today is more than just knowledge, experience, and commitment.  Don’t get me wrong it is definitely about that and more, but it is also about art.   Presentation is more important today than it was even just a few short years ago when people were not able to browse through your home while sitting at their computers in their pajamas. or sharing their “saved homes”  with friends over a glass or two of wine.  

Today approximately 98% of buyers will start their home search on any one in a sea of endless internet sites.  Your home must appear on all of them.   But how it appears is the key! .   

So, why art, you say?   Pretty simple.    If your home doesn’t capture a prospective purchaser’s fleeting attention on their first pass, your chances of winning that buyers heart will be lost and gone forever with your listing being  delegated to the never to see folder.

I like to think of my listings as a work of art. 

• Staged to Perfection, or the best they can be given the fact that one still has to live in the house.  (Maybe even with as many kids as on a baseball team, numerous pets, and a husband.)     
• Filmed with a Buyers eye,  removing all the distractions that come with day to day living.   You know, no one needs to see the actual inside of a toilet bowl!       
• Edited without changing the nature of the home, because deception will kill a sale as fast as a bad presentation.   We want to find that fine line between being showcased in  a "Better Homes" magazine and real life home.   

With an artist’s eye, you'll get a great presentation.   An artist will never, if they can help it, take a photo of your home straight on.    They will probably shoot the photos from eye level or lower, with perspective.    If at all possible you will not see a trash can or something unnecessary in the shot and they will want the light streaming in as much as possible creating an ambiance of warmth.    You will probably not notice these subtle but effective approaches, but you will appreciate them.  And, Buyers will too!       

Proper presentation while not over promising is art.   

I am a home sale artist.   

 Call me when looking to sell your home!   

Looking to Buy, Sell, Rent or Invest?  

If you want to really know what's happening in your market area, consult your local Realtor!

 

                 Call me if you have a question about the market.  508-494-9061

      Put my 25 years of experience to work for you!    

 

 

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

Remax Executive Realty

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Franklin MA Open Houses Aug 17 and 18

Franklin MA Open Houses Aug 24 and 25

Here is your list of Franklin MA 02038 Open Houses
for the weekend of August 17th and 18th.  

When you visit an open house remember this.  

The listing agent works for the Seller.  That means their obligation is to them.  Literally.  Their job is to get the best deal for the Seller.         Just because they are friendly, nice and smiling, doesn't mean that your best interests will be theirs!

Single Family Homes

2 Beaver Court        $269,900    Colonial, 3 Beds, 1.5 Baths        Saturday and Sunday    1-3

6 Anchorage Road     $299,900   Colonial,  3 Beds, 1 Bath           Sunday   1-3

59 Anthony Road      $316,000   Cape Cod   4 Beds, 2 Baths        Sunday    12 - 2

4 Elm Street              $354,900   Cape Cod     3 Beds, 1.5 Bath     Sunday     12 - 2

34 Longfellow Drive    $549,900    Colonial    4 Beds, 2.5 Baths     Sunday    11 - 12:30

20 Summer Heights      $749,900   Colonial     4 Beds, 2.5 Baths     Sunday    2 - 3

Condos and Townhouses

2408 Franklin Crossing    $144,900    Garden Style    2 Beds, 1 Bath                    Sunday    1-3

6 Carol Drive                $205,900    Duplex Style      2 Beds, 1.5 Bath                 Sunday    12 - 2

The Villa's at Franklin Heights    $209,900 - $219,900   New, 2 Bed, 2 Bath       Sat. & Sunday   1 - 4

54 Stone Ridge                      $299,900    Townhouse     3 Bed, 2 Bath                 Sunday   1:30 - 3

12 Magnolia Drive                $325,000   Townhouse   2 Bed, 2.5 Bath                 Sunday   12 -2

Meadowbrook Heights    $344,900   New Const.  55 plus   2 Bed, 2.5 Bath        Sat. 12 - 1 & Sun.  2-4

913 Eagles Nest             $384,900    Townhouse  (55+)   2 Bed, 2.5 bath            Saturday 12 -1

The Villa's at Eagles Nest    $389,900- $469,900  New Const, 2 Bed, 2.5 Bath   Sat. 1 - 2 & Sun.12 - 2



When you visit an open house this weekend, do remember that the listing agent works for the seller. If you are inclined to make an offer on a property you see, even at an open house, level the playing field and get representation.   It will not cost you more.        

Call me if I can help you with your home purchase.     A certified buyers agent working in the area for the past 25 years, I have the experience and knowledge to assist you in all aspects of your transaction!    

You can also
Search for homes here

Looking to Buy, Sell, Rent or Invest?  

If you want to really know what's happening in your market area, consult your local Realtor!

 

                 Call me if you have a question about the market.  508-494-9061

      Put my 25 years of experience to work for you!     

About the Author

Carol-Ann Palmieri is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

Licensed in MA and RI...

Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....

 Their mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

Remax Executive Realty

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Why Curb Appeal is Important to the Sale of Your Home

Why Curb Appeal is Important to the Sale of Your Home

When it comes to selling just about anything, it's all about presentation and price.   Homes are no different.     Personally I don't care to work around the yard.      I would rather do just about anything before cutting the lawn or maintaining a garden.   It's just not my thing so I know first hand that maintaining or creating curb appeal is not easy, but the real estate person in me knows it is essential for a quick sale at a higher price.   

The Curb Appeal of your home is your first foot forward.  Having great curb appeal will result in more money and/or a quicker sale.   That makes it worth paying attention to!   

What is Curb Appeal?    It is the attractiveness of your home on the outside, as seen from the road.   In other words the first impression.    When you hear people say, "I've always wanted to see that house",  I think, that's the best definition of curb appeal!

Even though Curb Appeal will vary for each individual style and location of home, there are similar principals that apply.  

Tips for creating Curb Appeal.

• Maintanence.   Number one on the Curb Appeal hit parade is maintenance.      The condition of the roof, siding and walkways as well as a mature well kept lawn is key.     
• Evaluate, Clean or Replace any thing that looks old or dingy.   This will include anything from paint and siding, to cutting back shrubs, evaluating lighting, walk way and driveway.  
• Consider Design and current trends in shrubbery and paint color, and lighting.  Evaluate the placement of lawn ornaments, furniture, plantings or even a mailbox.   
• Architectural Detail.  Do you need to eliminate or add something that will bring out the period detail in your home such as shutters or window boxes, a front porch swing or rocker?  
• Enhance Color  with use of plantings or accenting the front porch or door.   
• Consider the season.   The snowflake flag in summer needs to go.  :)      

 Curb Appeal is important!   It takes work, but it will pay off in a quicker sale with likely a higher price.   And, who doesn't want to have the prettiest home on the street? 

When selling your home, you want  someone to say while driving by your home,

"Honey, Stop the Car!"

________________________

Click here to search for homes

Looking to Buy, Sell, Rent or Invest?  

If you want to really know what's happening in your market area, consult your local Realtor!

                 Call me if you have a question about the market.  508-494-9061

      Put my 25 years of experience to work for you!     

About the Author

Carol-Ann Palmieri is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

Licensed in MA and RI...

Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....

 Their mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

Remax Executive Realty

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

No Home is Perfect So How Do You Decide?

No Home Is Perfect So How Do You Decide?

While no home is "perfect", you can still find the one that is just right for you.
I am not sure when it happened, but something has changed over my lifetime.   In our quest for "everything perfect",  we have become to expect that all should or will be.   Don't get me wrong.  

In fact, many know that after finding the perfect Bloody Mary, I am on a quest to find the perfect nacho.

Obviously a great goal, but somewhat unrealistic!

When looking for a home, one should understand that no home will be perfect.  Homes are like people.   All have their own personalities and little idiosyncrasies, and, just like people there are some things we can live with and some that we can't.

If you enter the house hunt thinking that you will find "the perfect home", you will never move.    I don't care how much money you have or if you have designed the home yourself.   There will always be something that one would change!    See trade off's in a real estate purchase.

So, How do you decide?  

Here are a few tips to help figure out what's perfect for you.

• Know what you can afford.    Get pre approved.    Be honest with the mortgage person.  Believe me, there is nothing more disappointing that finding "the right" property only to find out it is out of your reach.   What happens after that?   Everything will pale in comparison.
• Be price point realistic.    Many times there is some wiggle room in a price offering, but don't count on that!   We have seen very recently, and in multiple situations, contract price being thousands over asking.   What does this mean to you?  Don't fall into the trap that the property is priced a certain percentage over asking.    If you are looking at it, it should be in your price range.   Looking at $400,000 homes when you can realisticaly purchase a home for $250,000 will just set you up for disappointment.
• Identify the features that you will NOT compromise on.   Make sure those features fit in your budget.  Are they realistic?    I have had many clients that know that they would like a certain size and style home.   They will not settle for less.   That might mean we have to focus on different communities, and that's okay with them.  Use the old Ben Franklin approach of pros and cons.   
• Have a time frame.   This will help you zone in.   If you give yourself years to find a home, you likely never will.
  
• Be Realistic when it comes to inspections.   Every homeowner should own a hammer!     Expect there to be some deficiencies in a home.    Look at the big picture, act accordingly.
• Know what you can and can not do.    How do I laugh when a female partner says "No Way" when her male half says, "no worries, I can handle that!"    More than one lovely lady has said to me on the QT, " he sure can, but will never get to it!"
• Look Big Picture.   Obviously life takes it's twists and turns, but do you anticiapte your needs changing in a few years?  
• Have all decision makeers present on the house hunt!   How disappointing when you think you have found "the one" just to have the other half come a day later only to feel differently,

and lastly,

• If the first house you see meets all your criteria.... Don't fight it.   Don't think it's not right just because you haven't seen others.   So many people have fallen in love with the first house they saw.    Yours truly included!                                                     

Let me help you find your perfect home.   How will I do that?     I will do that by listening to your needs and using my experience and market knowledge to make the right match.   Once we find that right home, I will guide you through the rest of the real estate process from inspection to closing.
Call me today to set up an interview.

______________________
About the Author

Carol-Ann Palmieri,

is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

 Licensed in MA and RI...

Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061