Loving My Listings

Loving My Listings

Falling in love with your listings sure makes it easier to sell them!     Way back in the infancy of my real estate career, a wise old, well maybe not so old, broker/owner advised us that we should love our listings.     Today, thinking back, I am sure that she meant that they were the bread and butter of a real estate career.


But, as an eager young agent,  I didn't know that and took her advice literally.   Funny thing.  For the past 25 years, that advice, although taken the wrong way at the time has served me well. 

I've always had a love affair with homes.    It started when I was really young watching my Dad make a model of a most needed addition for our modest ranch home.   After that, I learned a lot being his "helper" as he toiled away making us all bedrooms and another bath.   I watched the planning, the demolition, and learned as he moved walls and built staircases.   The transformation was amazing. 

As I grew older, looking at homes was always a joy.  Before getting into real estate, I was the type of person that would get lost in my walk by looking at the architecture of homes and their surroundings.   With that and the well meaning pushes from co workers it became easy to get my license and begin a terrific career in the home selling business. 

With that background, Loving my listings came naturally.      I don't care if it is the shack on Mirror Lake.    (No offense Rich.)   It's easy to see the potential and visualize what a fabulous lake home it will become when the buyer puts his personal stamp on it, or maybe the listing is a new home and doesn't need a thing!  

Either way, focusing on the possibilities and potential of a home, finding the things to love about it just makes it easier to express and point out to a potential purchaser! 

Over the years, I have loved each and every one of my listings, finding a uniqueness and personality in every one.  Once you find that special something, it becomes easy to convey the beauty of each home to it's potential new owner.

Loving my listings.   Just makes it easier to sell them!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Memories of Showing Homes in a Snowstorm

Memories of Showing Homes in a Snowstorm

The blizzard of 2013 has just begun.  Unlike the blizzard of '78 (yes, I was around then) when we really didn't have much notice, the weathermen and the politicians have advised us all to stay in and off the roads.   The offices in our area are closed and agents are already canceling appointments and open houses for the weekend.    (Quick note.   Unless we lose power, my open house and appointments are still happening for Sunday!)

So here I am, making calls and finishing up for the day.   The snow is falling at a good clip and as I look out the window it reminds me of my very first buyer. 

They were relocating up, or down, from New York and as relocating couples sometime have, their company had given them a weekend in Boston for a house hunting trip.    We had been in communication over the phone, (computers were not really heard of in our business at the time), and I was prepared for their trip, ready and anxious to help them make the move to our area.

As luck would have it, the forecast for their trip was snow and lots of it!    It didn't phase these buyers and the wife was ready for her new adventure while the husband went to the office to get acquainted.   Fortunately, I had access to a 4 wheel drive vehicle and took advantage of using that.    I picked Marlena up at the hotel and off we went on our house hunt in the snow.

It wasn't too bad when we started out, but it started to get worse as the day got longer.   Pretty soon it was getting close to dark and we had a few more homes to see.    We pulled up in front of a new build in a neighborhood that seemed perfect for their family.   I remember the house well, still 25 years later.   Why?   Because the driveway was not clear and neither was a walk to the home.    We trudged through now pretty deep snow and when we got to the house, the steps were not in yet.

Determined to make my first sale, I found myself giving this gal a "ten finger" boost into the house.   With no cell phone or way of communication in my pocket, and with what little daylight we had leaving us fast, it was kind of foolish to be entering a half built house with no stairs, especially being surrounded by high winds and swirling snow.

I remember thinking, this job is just crazy!

Fast forward 25 years.   Marlena and I have been friends ever since.   Her quest for a new home and mine for a first sale brings a large smile to my face. 

I have to say though, I am not sure that today I would be giving anyone "ten fingers" to get into a home, but hey, who knows!   

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About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri,  a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 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, 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

Local Artists Exhibit at Morse House Norwood MA February 2013

Local Artists Exhibit at Morse House Norwood MA February 2013

Local artists will be showing their work during the month of February at the Morse House in Norwood MA.

For three Sunday afternoons on the 10th, 17th and the 24th, from noon to 5 p.m., more than 25 artists will be displaying and selling their art work in this restored antique home.   These local artists are all members of the Norwood Art Association.    They work in different mediums and have different perspectives.   All interesting.    
 
The February exhibit will be centered around Valentine's and will feature a "red" theme.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the general public, not just to view original art, but to be able to experience history in the restored home of the very historic Norwood family.   

The Morse House.    1285 Washington St.

The home of George H Morse was built 1868 before Norwood became a town.   The house has a long history, but the property it sits on has an even longer one.    It was the site of the Ezra Morse House that was built in 1678.   That was torn down when the now standing George H Morse house was built on the property known as Morse Hill.    145 years ago.  

For more than 12 years, Dale Day and others in the Morse House Restoration Committee  have been instrumental in keeping this piece of history alive.    It hasn't been easy.   They have relied on their hard work and generous folks and business who have donated both money and services.   Having said that they are doing it!   

The Norwood Art Association
The Norwood Art Association was established in 1978.   Their goal is to encourage and promote the arts and provide a community for artists to share and learn.   The Artists are from Norwood MA and the surrounding communities.   

These artists look forward to sharing their work at the Morse House in February 2013.

Please join them.   Admission is free.



  
         

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Buying or Selling a Home QUIZ Me

Buying or Selling a Home QUIZ Me

If you are looking to buy or sell a home, you want the best agent you can find.     I have been selling real estate locally for the past 25 years and along with my partner Al Mussi, we have helped hundreds of families to make their move.    We pride ourselves on being on top of market conditions, staying abreast of real estate trends and are committed to continually learning our trade.     We have aligned ourselves with what we think is the best name in the business, Remax.  

But you don't want to take my word on that, so  QUIZ ME!  
Me, or anyone else you are thinking of hiring!   There are a number of things you can ask an agent.    Google it.   You will find all kinds of sites with many different questions.   That's okay.   Some seem ridiculous so temper them to suit your needs.  

A good, confident and experienced agent will welcome your questions and will be happy to share their experience and knowledge with you.  

So what might your quiz look like?    I don't know.   What's important to you?    Is it a full time agent?  Is it one with years of experience?   Is it the one that is most busy in your market place?   Or, is it the agent who's personality is most like yours?    Is a Mom and Pop firm something that you prefer or do you find value in the big name?   What you don't want is that agent that will do whatever it takes to get your business even if it means misleading you.

I don't want to give you the 10 most important questions.   No one but you really knows what's important for you.  

Besides, giving you the questions would be sort of like an open book test written by me, and what would be the use in that?    I have to question the "experts" that give you the questions to ask other real estate professionals because I know those questions will be slanted and biased, written to put themselves ahead of another for one reason or the next.   

If you are not sure what to ask, it doesn't hurt to Google "questions to ask a Realtor".    Get those sample questions and the ones that you will naturally have on your own.

Figure out what it is that is important to you and QUIZ ME!     

    I look forward to your call!   

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

________________________________

About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri,  a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 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, 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

It is not always What You Know BUT Who You Know To Call

It is Not Always What You Know BUT Who You Know To Call

All great Realtors have (haha, I was going to say briefcase, but that is so passe), a smart phone full of professionals that they can call on when need be.

I have come to realize how much my life is made easier by the professionals that I know and rely on, and I do believe my clients expect me to have that pocket full of reliable resources as well.    In fact they count on it.    There isn't a week that goes by that someone will ask me "who I would use" for something or other.


As most folks know, in the past week we have seen some of the more frigid temps than we have seen in years.     As I was about to perform a final walk through with a buyer client, I realized that the inside of the house was colder than it was outside!     After just a step in the door, I saw water on the kitchen counter.    Not good.   The water was running in the kitchen faucet and also in the kitchens on the 2 upper floors.  ( a three family home)   We clearly had a plumbing leak from the water running on the second floor.   But was that all?

The oil tank was empty and the seller said that it was just out of heat for a couple of hours.   Being as cold as it was the antenna was raised. The oil guys were out straight so he was going to throw some diesel in the tanks just to get it going.  The buyer was concerned about using diesel vs home heating oil. 

A call to my go to heating guy was answered right away.     I asked him a few questions.    "Get that heat on right away.   You are going to have issues."     With that being said, we got the furnaces running and after 15 or 20 minutes pop, and then a gushing sound.   Something similar to Niagara Falls.   

The other agent also swung into action and called some of her go to folks.    With the weather being so cold, all these guys were out straight but came through for us.     With our contacts we were able to resolve what could have been a pretty terrible situation for all.    The problems were rectified and we were off to a delayed closing, but a closing just the same. 

The moral of the story is that sometimes,

It is not what you know, but who you know to call.    

Thanks to

Palmieri Mechanical Services  (508) 958-0523

Manny's Oil    (401) 723-9089

Germain Plumbing   (508) 223-3733

_______________________________

Are you looking to buy or sell a home in the Franklin MA area or vicinity?  

   Put our 25 years of experience to work for you!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Why You Should Have A Mass Save Energy Audit

Why You Should Have A Mass Save Energy Audit

It started when I went on a listing appointment.   The Seller who was renovating an old house told me that he had Mass Save come out and do an energy audit of the home.    It was free, but better than that, they paid for the majority of his insulation work, and if that was not enough, he received rebates on all kinds of energy saving things! 

The Skeptical side of me, thought that, yea, there is always a catch, but after hearing the heat whirl all week with the cold temps and wearing an Eskimo suit just to watch T.V., I thought, what the hey, and gave them a call.    Mass Save Web Site. 

My first hand experience.   I called the number listed above and let them know that I was interested in having an energy audit.    They asked a couple of questions like, were we customers of NStar or National Grid.    I furnished them with the little information they asked for and they set up an appointment for us the next week.  The appointment they told me would take 2-3 hours.    I couldn't imagine why, but whatever.

The Appointment.   The guy shows up.  On time, mind you.    He met  Al at the garage and started there.    He checked the foundation and doors for air leakage (that's my term), and the furnace for efficiency.    Did the same with doors and windows, checked for insulation in the attic and walls.   Yes, he had a cool infra red kind of thing to see into the walls.    He was very thorough and professional. 

The Verdict.  We did okay.   This house was built in the 80's.    We could use some more insulation in the attic and squeeze the breeze coming through the garage.    Our light bulbs are not up to the current energy standard, and neither are our shower heads.   He gave us info and answered my questions on air conditioning and also told us how a simple improvement could save us $20 a month.   All in all, I would say very through and informative.

But it didn't stop there, and don't you.  
Keep Reading.  This is the Best Part!

We found out, just like the builder that prompted this audit said.. they will pay to have the insulation upgrade!   In our case, close to $2500!    For free, for real.    Also, if we purchase certain items, we get a rebate.     He changed all the light bulbs in the house to the more efficient kind and the shower heads too.    You can also get interest free loans if you qualify! 

The Down Side.     I don't see one.    In Al's opinion, the house is lit up like a Christmas tree!   

Call these people.     You can't lose!    

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

6 Tips to Minimize Stress when Buying A Home

6 Tips to Minimize Stress when Buying A Home

Eliminate a Headache, Keep Emotions in Check

Most of the stress that comes with buying a home can be reduced just by understanding the process, anticipating the paperwork, doing your homework and hiring the right professionals, and of course just rolling with a small bump if you encounter one along the way.

1.   Anticipate the paperwork required by a lender.   Recognize that the lender will ask you for all kinds of seemingly ridiculous paperwork.     But, if you think about it, wouldn't it be foolish for them to lend on someone's say so?   Of course it would, so you might as well get used to it... if you ask a bank for money, that bank will know what size jeans you wear before you are finished with them!    But, if you chose the right lender, an experienced one that will be honest and diligent, and you anticipate that they will need seemingly endless information,  you will not get agitated.

2.   The physical home search will be emotionally taxing.   Realize that searching for homes in earnest is not as easy as it looks on "HGTV's House Hunters".   After a day of house hunting, my buyers will be leaving me exhausted.   Not because I make them walk from home to home either, but because touring properties is mentally tiring.   It is a big purchase after all and you are trying to figure out if it is the right place for your family.    

3.  Rely on the professional advice and your footwork.    Everyone will have an opinion on what you should do.   Remember that your friends and family have not toured all the homes that you have.    They might only have one frame of reference.   Rely on the pros and your own footwork.  Make a compelling offer based on facts.  Utilize your Realtors experience in evaluating those facts.  Develop a strategy based on those facts.   Do not think that you should automatically offer a certain percentage off the list price. 

4.  Keep Your Emotions In Check.  If the other side gets emotional, keep your cool.   It is very easy to get caught up with knee jerk reactions.  Once you do, it becomes harder to make smart decisions.   I know this is an emotional purchase, but try as hard as you can to not get caught up in them.   Keep your goal in mind.

5.   Use Professionals from start to finish.   Have a Realtor, a Mortgage person, a home inspector and a real estate lawyer in your corner.   I know this may be a controversial point of view, but rely on the experts that you have hired throughout the whole process. and turn a deaf ear to well meaning friends and relatives.

6.   Remember the old cliche.   If it seems to good to be true it probably is.   Trust your instincts.

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Looking to Buy or Sell a home in Franklin MA and surrounding communities?    I have 25 years of experience to help you.    

Give me a call.    508-494-9061

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061