Saturday, July 28, 2012

Supporting Senior Parents That Want to Move

Supporting Senior Parents That Want to Move

The past few weeks have been interesting for me.    I have received calls from senior folks looking to make a move and for one reason or another they have back peddled, changing their minds because they are thinking of their kids or the task it to overwhelming.

Disclaimer: I am not saying in any way shape or form that seniors can not make decisions for themselves!  Everything is relative as I can be seen as senior myself!


For this discussions sake, I am talking about folks that have lived in a home for many years and have adult children.    The folks that I have met with for the most part are physically agile, alert and very much wanting to enjoy an active, vibrant lifestyle.  They just want to move for one reason or another.   Ease of living, house is too big, less worry about maintenance, or a new start.

I am not talking about places they can go, because we have as a community developed many alternatives in terms of active adult subdivisions emphasizing maintenance free living.    In my market area, we have many different options for the 55 and older group.   We also have independent living communities that offer apartment / condo style living with all kinds of amenities within the community itself including dining, wood working shops, exercise facilities, etc.    I have recently found something that I thought had been lacking and that was a rental community geared to the over 55 group.

So, having said this, a senior has many different options available to them that were not available in the past.

How you can help when your parent(s) wants to move.   


Recognize that it is a highly emotional decision.   Do Not put the guilt trip on them!!    Do not say to them don't sell my childhood home.    There are some that might think this piece of advice is silly, but believe me, I have seen it in action.  The adult child does not really mean anything by these harmless (or so they think) comments.    But, it does have a real effect on an older person that has spent, in many cases, their entire life in this home.   There are tons of memories here and it is difficult to make that change.   Don't give them reason for doubt.  See it as the positive step it can be for them.

Help them get their "house" in order.    For many that have been in a home for years and raised a kid or two in a home, they have "stuff."   Removing and weeding through that "stuff" is daunting at any age.   I do believe that older folks are more reluctant to just pitch things that have function and are in good shape.   Help your parents find a place for these things be it a charitable organization or the dump.    Read Peggy Hughes, Professional Moving Organizers blog, for tips on this.      After just going through a move myself, I do understand how much physical work it is.    Recognize that getting their things packed and in order is a physical ordeal for someone of any age and offer to lend a hand.

Engage in the house hunt with them.  How cool will it be for your parents to have what is considered common place today.   Imagine them having a laundry on the main floor, or central air!   How nice that they might have a garage or a new kitchen?   Be excited for them.

Help them with the financial aspects.   I am not advocating paying for their new home, although that would be nice if we could do that.   What I do mean is help them understand the costs in reference to today's dollar.  So many times I have seen someone say that they can't afford this new community, because they don't realize the value of their own place.    It might be that they paid $17,000 for their home and don't understand that they can swap it for a new one.   Do you think this is silly?   It's not.   Many of these folks underestimate the value of their home and don't believe they can get into something more suitable at a price that they would gladly pay.
If they are looking at a condo, help them understand the fee in realistic terms.    It goes for cutting of the grass, shoveling snow, insurance.   These things they are probably already paying someone for now.   So, what's the big deal?

Ultimately as adult children we need to think of what is best for our parents and support their decisions as to what they want to do and where they want to live.   Sure, they can stay in the family homestead.  That's their decision, but when/if they want to move, help to make it easy for them.  

It's not about us this time.

 ______________________________________________________

About the author
Carol-Ann Palmieri, a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 24 years along with Al Mussi have helped 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, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....

Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!
Carol-Ann Palmieri
Al and Cal Realty Group

508-494-9061

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Winning at Multiple Offers Tips to Beat the Competition

Winning at Multiple Offers Tips to Beat the Competition


Here were are once again back to multiple offers, depending on the price range that is.

In Franklin MA and many of the surrounding communities properties that are priced under $325 and are in good condition are flying off the "shelves"!     

Sellers are loving it,
and Buyers are dreading it.

So, What's a Buyer to Do?winning hand
  • Be in a relationship.    With a buyers agent that is.   They will call you as soon  as a home that fits your needs hits the market and sometimes even before!
  • Get on an email update list.   Do not rely on searching just any web site for homes hitting the market.    Instead, get your Realtor to put you on their hunt list.  This way you see what they are seeing and nothing will slip through the cracks.
  • Get a strong Pre-approval letter.  Do not wait until you find a home that you want to see before you find out if you can afford it.   A good pre approval from a reputable lender, when submitted with your offer, will make your offer stronger.
  • Make an appointment to see the home as soon as possible.    Don't wait for the weekend if you can help it.
  • Be ready to make an offer.   Be ready emotionally to make a decision.    Know the areas that you like ahead of time and be realistic on what is truely important to you.   Recognize that there are always trade offs and be willing to act immediately.
  • Put a compelling offer together.    Think, price, terms, conditions.   That means a realistic price based on comparable sales, the best terms you can muster up.    Instead of $299,900 offer $300,000.   I know it sounds cheesy, but it can nose out the competition.        Keep the contingencies to a minimum, and in most cases don't ask for anything that you don't really need.    Clean and simple.
  • Make it personal.    Write a letter of introduction and tell the Seller who you are and that you like their home.    It will put a personal face on your offer and just might be the thing that tips the scales in your favor.  
  • Be ready to counter offer if needed.   Respond as quickly as possible.  Do not "sleep" on this.  Move this offer together and get to the next step.    In a multiple offer situation, many times the seller will respond to all offers asking for your "best and final".     Be prepared ahead of time for that.    There are times when you might bid over the asking.
  • Be available for signatures.    Either electronically or in person.   The offer needs to be signed and in writing for it to be considered binding. 
Remember, 
your offer is not considered a binding contract until all parties have agreed to and have signed it!    

When you have a house to sell
______________________________________________________

About the author
Carol-Ann Palmieri, a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 24 years along with Al Mussi have helped 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, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....

Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri
Al and Cal Realty Group


508-494-9061

Friday, July 20, 2012

Hire A Realtor That Presents Your Property Properly

Hire A Realtor That Presents Your Property Properly

When it comes to marketing your home for sale, hire a professional that presents your property properly.

Presentation is very important!    

(What prompts this blog, is the fact that today, July 17 is as warm as it gets yet looking through the homes available for which I have a buyer, I see one with a Christmas tree in it.   While I agree that Christmas decorations can make a home very inviting, I do not believe that is true this time of year.)


There are many ways in which to market a property effectively.    A very important piece of the puzzle is to present it well.   Best foot forward.   

In this market, where competition is very stiff, you want to set your home out from the crowd.
Consider a job interview.   Would you go unprepared, looking unkempt and not dressed properly?  Of course not.  You want to create a good impression.    The same goes for offering your property for sale!

Choose the Realtor that knows how important this is.    Do they offer staging advice or a consult with a professional Stager?     Likely, you will be making small changes to your furniture placement and removing your personal items.    You will be setting your home up for "show".   Do not take the advice personal.   In fact, "think Model home".    It will make it easier.

My pet peeve and I am guessing those of potential Buyers as well.  Photos of toilet seats...( up, no less. )  Photos that are presented sideways.   Not taking into consideration the composition of the subject.   For example, showing a photo of the sofa, not the living room.   I also think that it is important to have those photos and video clips show in an orderly fashion.   Personally, I like mine to follow the flow of the home and have the kitchen regardless of it's age right after the exterior shots.   And, and what prompted this blog, if the season changes, so should the presentation!    

People today are more visual than ever.   What they see determines if they will make the call.   Long gone are those one line ads designed to make the phone ring.    Today's buyer will blow by your home in a heart beat if it doesn't present well.  You will never get a chance to get that buyer into your home.    Please believe me that this is crucial!

The strategy for marketing your home will not be the same as other homes.  The excellent Realtor will take in to consideration the target audience, and devise a marketing plan based on "Who the likely buyer is for this property how they will be using it."     The presentation and marketing plan will be based on this.

Choose the Realtor that will present your property properly.    
Your sale depends on it!

(353 Center St, Bellingham MA Property Flyer)

(SellmyhomeAlandCal, 51 Hewes St Cumberland OH April 2012 )



View 240 Village St Medway MA in a larger map

Are you looking to sell or buy a home in metrowest Boston?   

Give Al and Cal a call!    They have been helping people with their real estate needs since 1989! 

Put their experience and dedication to work for you!

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Where to Kayak in Metrowest Boston part 3

Where to Kayak in Metrowest Boston part 3

This is the third post in a series on where you might want to kayak in the Boston Metrowest area.    I hope there will be many more in the series, so check back often!

Anyone that knows me knows of my (and my kayaking buds) fascination with the Charles River, and so it shouldn't surprise anyone that part 3 of this series is


This spot provides for a very easy launch as there is a little gravel area to set down and easily push out of.    Getting out of the water is just as easy and if you are adgile, you don't even have to get your feet wet!   Not a lot of parking, but it is free.  Perfect if you are just getting started!

As you look at the photos you may think to yourself that they appear to be in different places.  Not so!   These are only shots of the river from Bridge St Dover to slightly beyond the Route 27 Bridge on the Medfield/Sherborn line.    Truly amazing!

On this day we decide to travel upstream towards Rocky Narrows maintained by the Trustees of the Reservation.   It is for the most part uninterrupted nature with less than a hand full of homes situated well away from the banks at the beginning of the paddle.

Today's paddle proved to be all about wings.  We saw but a sparse number of turtles and other water creatures but there was an abundance of birds and of course our very favorite the Heron.   I don't think I have seen so many of these guys on one paddle ever.    We even  saw two at a time.  I don't know if they were protecting or fighting with each other.  A magnificent sight none the less.

Dragon flies appearing to be blue and orange brown hanging out on the boats, accompaning us throughout the entire paddle.

We even bumped into a man along the bank looking for his downed plane.   Remote control of course!  

This stretch of the river is lined with wild grapes and beautiful river flowers.    We pass "King Philips Overlook" which is always a thrill to me.   Just thinking that Indian Sachem Metacom (or King Philip) was once feasting on this same beauty more than 300 years ago amazes and excites me!

Beyond that we pass an old train bridge that casts a beautiful shadow in the water as the sun plays with the structure making it seem all kinds of blues, purples and oranges.    We continue on and past the Route 27 Bridge that is on the Medfield/Sherborn line until time tells us we must turn around.

(previous posts)

Where to Kayak in Metrowest Boston part 1   (Whitehall Reservoir, Hopkinton)

Where to Kayak in Metrowest Boston part2    (Charles River from West St Medfield)
you are looking to find a place to paddle in metrowest Boston, this is not to be missed.

The Charles River is magnificent.    Try the Bridge St Dover launch site.   
You will not be disappointed! 
_________________________________  
Looking to Buy or Sell a home metrowest Boston?    
Call Al and Cal.   Experienced and knowledgeable in the local market! 


View Bridge St Dover MA in a larger map

Monday, July 9, 2012

Where to Kayak MetroWest Boston part 2

Where to Kayak MetroWest Boston part 2

Looking for places to kayak in MetroWest?    This is part 2 of a hopefully never ending series, so check back often!

This day we decided again to check out one of our favorite paddling spots and got so caught up in it that we travelled a bit farther than usual.

The Charles River is approximately 80 miles long.   It meanders through towns along metro west beginning in Hopkinton and emptying out in Boston.    There are many places along the Charles to explore.


If you are at the bridge on West Street / Dover Road you can see a parking spot on the upstream side of the river.  You can put in here and the parking is free.   

Kayaking bud and sister Nancy Carroll and I decided to take a trip through the marshy area along Medfield and Millis.   Normally there is a lot to see along this route.  There isn't too much shade, so we got out early.   The river is low now, but even still there isn't much worry about bumping into things along this section.
  
We headed upstream.  Even though the water was still, it was anything but quiet as there were so many birds and bull frogs singing and chirping away.   We enjoyed listening to them.    We paddled along up under the route 109 bridge in Medfield and on up to and past the Stop River and the Fin Fur and Feather gun club.    There are less than a hand full of homes on this route so it is rich in natural sights and sounds.   

Muskrat, turtles, birds, heron and fish and bull frog were abundant.     Because the river was so low we were able to get past an area that normally flows so fast we can not get up it.    It took us all the way up to Forest St in Millis.     On this leg of the trip we spotted an owl in flight.   A definite treat, and on our return we found him perched high in a tree.

Once you get in the water at the West St/Dover Road site it is a great paddle for any skill level.     Getting in isn't the easiest, only because it is a little mucky,  but I wouldn't let that deter me from going here.    That's what showers are for!

Where to Kayak MetroWest Boston Part 1


View Medfield/Millis Access to Charles River in a larger map


Carol-Ann Palmieri
Al and Cal Realty Group


508-494-9061

Saturday, July 7, 2012

The Chicken or The Egg or When You Have a House To Sell

The Chicken or The Egg or When You Have a House To Sell

We all remember the old saying, what comes first the Chicken or the Egg?     What about when you have a home to Sell and you need to find a new abode?    What comes first, Selling or Buying?

The answer all depends upon the current market.   What are the conditions in your area?

When the question is asked of me today in this market, I have to answer that unless you are willing and able to purchase without selling, you should be selling your home first. 

Why?   It makes you a stronger purchaser.    The Seller can consider your offer and know that when you agree upon price and after all normal (home inspection, mortgage) contingencies are met, their home will be sold.    If they consider your offer with a home sale contingency, they are effectively putting their sale on hold until you sell yours.   How do they know you are going to price it and market it correctly.   They don't.    That is why most Sellers will not consider this unless they are highly compensated for the risk.     

Okay, So you have to sell in order to buy?     But you need a place to live after you sell.   What do you do?   It's tricky.   Much easier when it was your first home purchase, right?    Sure it was.  Likely you didn't have all this stuff, your down payment was in the bank, you didn't have kids, pets and a buyer that you had to wait for.

My recommendation is get your home on the market.    Do it right.  See previous posts.    While your home is on the market start actively looking for homes that meet your criteria.     Having something in mind that you could go to at all times would be ideal.   Knowing what your trade offs are will make you feel more comfortable that you will be able to find  your new place when that offer comes in.     Let's face it.   It doesn't matter if you are looking for a $100,000 home or a 1.5 million dollar home.   We all have trade offs.

What happens when you are following the recommendation and you find the perfect home and yours isn't sold.    Reevaluate your position in the market.    Here comes those trade offs again.    Do you love that home so much, that you am willing to change your position?    Just maybe that will be the answer.    Do you put an offer in and risk losing your deposit or do you put in an offer with contingencies and see if the Seller will engage?     The answer to that is individual.    You will consult with your agent about the pros and cons of doing any of those things.     Regardless, if your home is already on the market, you have a heartbeat on the direction that is taking.

So, What does come first?   The Chicken or the Egg?       


Carol-Ann Palmieri
Al and Cal Realty Group


508-494-9061




Monday, July 2, 2012

Where to Kayak MetroWest Boston part 1

Where to Kayak MetroWest Boston part 1

Looking for places to kayak in MetroWest?    This is part of a hopefully never ending series, so check back often!

I recently wrote a post about a home I sold at 12 Norcross Road in Hopkinton MA.   The previous owner was an avid Kayaker like myself and when I met her she shared with me her experiences.   I learned that she purchased the home in part because of the access to the beautiful lake Whitehall where she could access the lake through the neighborhood.

Not having that luxury, I had to check out the public launch site for my self and try it out.    The day of my investigation, I got to the lake and there were some plein air painters set up so it even peeked my interst even more.    Meaning that there is more to do at Lake Whitehall than Kayak, although, that was my main focus for the day.

Saturday morning early, my kayaking bud and sister Nancy Carroll, (check out this blog)  (Kayakers' Chronicles) packed up the Mariner and headed out for Whitehall State Park in Hopkinton.

Even though it was early when we arrived, the parking lot already had a bunch of pick up trucks with trailers attached.   I thought, oh great, this is going to be a bust.   As much as I love seeing and talking with people, the reason I love kayaking so much is to take in the peace and quiet and to enjoy the wildlife, birds and scenery.

The access we used was right off route 135 (Wood St).   There  is a ramp and it was simple getting in and out.   Parking is free.

What a surprise it was once out on the lake.    It was so large (600 acres)  and with many twists and turns, we didn't really bump into all those boats that we thought would be in there.   We traveled the length and investigated the many little coves and islands.    Lake Whitehall was once a water source for the area.  There are really no homes that can be seen from it.    It is a pristine with nothing to break the scenery.   There is a walking trail that goes around the entire place too.  

We saw ducks, a heron low in flight, varieties of plants and a few friendly fisherman.     It was a bit windy and the lake is wide so it provided a decent work out.


 Stay tuned for part 2 of our kayaking adventure throughout Metro West of Boston!
______________________________________  

Carol-Ann Palmieri
Al and Cal Realty Group


508-494-9061
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