Wednesday, July 17, 2013

What Does Your Email Name Say About You?

What Does Your Email Name Say About You?

Back in the day, when I first started on line with the old "chat room" style of getting used to the internet, I paid particular attention to what a person was trying to say with their email moniker.   email names, what does your email say about you

That old habit of paying attention to the name sent the red flags up today!   I received an email request for information on a rental property I have listed at 51 Hewes Street in Cumberland RI.  

It came from ......      SueMe@blahblahblah.com
In reality, I didn't actually pay much attention to the name until I copied and pasted it into the address line of my email.   

SueMe?   

Holy cow!   I thought... really?    This can't be.   Some one is really pulling my leg and you know what?   I don't want to go there.    Who would want to show this person a house???

What's an agent to do?    In this case, I responded to the email in a very professional way, asking the person to call me if they are interested in the property.   I don't suspect I will get a call back.   
But what if the email moniker was more, well, freaky.   Would I respond?   Would you?

Hello folks.   I have to protect myself and the people I represent.   I need you to talk to me... not just email... and if you do, consider the story your email or name tells.   

Moral to the Story.

While it is cute and fun to have an off beat name, when responding to and expecting a response to an on line inquiry, one might want to think what  subliminal message your email name gives off.    Sure, it is always fun to be funny and cute, but if you are applying for a job or an apartment or answering a house ad, anything serious, you might want to  consider that your email address is not just your best foot forward, it's your ONLY foot forward!    

Be cutesy after the fact... but get in the door.   People do not get in the door by scaring people!


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
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.
Carol Ann Palmieri

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

Monday, July 15, 2013

Does a pool add value to your home? We will find out today!

Does a pool add value to your home?   We will find out today!
 
With the temperatures expected to reach 92 or more today the house hunt for sure will turn steamy!   

These folks don't have a strong preference either way, but I can't help wonder as I get ready to head out the door, will the couple of homes that have pools be more attractive to this family than those that don't?
Does a pool add value to your home

I can honestly say with the many buyers that I have helped in their home search over the years that most seem to like the idea of having a pool.  That flies in the face of all that we have believed over the past couple of decades.

Is it that folks are "stay-cationing" more, or is it that, in our efforts to constantly upgrade the curb appeal of our homes, the pool becomes a beautiful accessory?   

What I can say for sure is that, in several of my recent sales the buyers, in part, choose the property because the pool and the thoughts of out door entertaining was very appealing.    The debate goes on and on.    Some will say that a pool adds no value, others will say that it detracts from a property.    My personal opinion is that it does add value if the pool is in good condition, safe, and has attractive fencing and apron.   

Will My Buyers Choose A Home With A Pool Today?

Search for MA homes with pools 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!     


Carol Ann Palmieri
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.
Carol Ann Palmieri

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


508-494-9061

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Peace and Quiet for Sale in Plainville MA

Peace and Quiet for Sale in Plainville MA 

Property Details 
    

27 Burnt Swamp Road, Plainville, MA     (a portion of this land is in Cumberland RI.   You will need to use Cumberland RI for GPS directions)
Plainville MA home for sale

$515,000

Custom built in 2001

3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths

2700 plus sq ft of living area

2.9 acres of land

In ground pool and spa

No work needed!  

MLS# 71542316


Call Carol Ann Palmieri at 508-494-9061 to see if this property is still available and to arrange for a showing.

 Shhh,  Listen.  

That's right, nothing but the soothing sounds of nature!  

27 Burnt Swamp Road, Plainville, MA is a peaceful country retreat is just 3.8 miles to highway & shopping!

If you are from this area, you might know Burnt Swamp Road as a very picturesque country setting, part of a favorite bicycle ride or walk for outdoor enthusiasts leading up to the Cumberland Reservoir.

A long winding driveway will take you up to this well groomed custom country home offering  over 2700 square feet of living space.   Situated   on almost  acres of land this home and property is a great place for entertaining inside and out.   This home has a wonderful mahogany farmers porch and an in ground pool and spa.

A young custom colonial radiates a casual elegance with high ceilings and pleasing open floor plan. Warm, wide plank floors,& lots of lighting to show off the red birch cabinetry.  Granite counter tops and stainless appliances  make this kitchen the heart of the home.

Easy entertaining with a floor plan that offers a lot of flexibility with two family rooms and a very large country style kitchen complete with pellet stove.      You will find extra large bedrooms, and 2.5 tiled baths.    Ceilings are high and the moldings and flooring were designed to evoke the causal country lifestyle.

 27 Burnt Swamp Road is for sale for $515,000.    27 Burnt Swamp Road Plainville MA home for sale

  27 Burnt Swamp Road Plainville MA







 Search here for Homes In the Area

Scan for more info  Info on 27 Burnt Swamp Road Plainville MA



Call or email Carol Ann Palmieri for a private showing.   

508-494-9061




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.
Carol Ann Palmieri


 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!
Al and Cal Remax Executive Realty 

Carol-Ann Palmieri
Al and Cal Realty Group
Remax Executive Realty

508-494-9061

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Why Buy A Home in Bellingham MA?

Why Buy A Home in Bellingham MA?

Is it time for you to make a real estate move?    Have you thought about what community you would like to settle in?   
why buy a home in bellingham ma


These are some reasons you might want to consider the town of Bellingham MA.     If you are not familiar with this community, you might want to look at a few fast facts.

Bellingham MA Fast Facts

The town of Bellingham is 19 square miles.  It is part of Norfolk County and it is bordered by the towns of  Franklin, Medway, Wrentham, Blackstone, Hopedale, Mendon and Woonsocket, RI.

From Bellingham it is approximately 30 miles to Boston, 20 miles to Providence and 23 miles to Worcester.    It is located with easy access to 3 exits on route 495, and the Forge Hill Commuter rail station.

There are approximately 16000 residents. 

Bellingham has three elementary schools, (the Clara Macy, The Stall brook, and the South Elementary), a middle school and a recently built high school. 


There is easy access to local shopping and many restaurants, movie houses and golf courses.    The VFW is active in the community and plays a major role in welcoming our hero's home.

Why Choose Bellingham?
  • Location.   The location is perfect for those families that work in the different "local" major cities of Boston, Providence and Worcester.   Easy access to shopping and highways as well as commuter rail is a very big plus in a rural-suburban setting.   All of those things are within a short drive from all points in the town.
  • Community.    Small town feel with community involvement.   This relatively small town, Bellingham boasts a very large sense of community with full service municipal services.   Community involvement includes an active Senior Center and the Bellingham Educational Foundation.     Bellingham offers students athletic programs and others like the men's over 30 softball league.     Concerts on the common, holiday parades and fireworks on the forth of July all bring residents together. 
  • Economics and Housing.   The town of Bellingham has one of the lowest tax rates in the area.  $14.44 per thousand for 2013.  Recent data shows the median home price $240,600.   
  • Government.     The town is run by 5 elected selectmen.   They appoint a Town Administrator who takes care of day to day activities in the town.    The town residents still have a say in their government and budget process and registered voters still meet to decide the direction of the community.   
  • Recreation.   Bellingham is host to 3 excellent and well known golf courses, movie theater, and there are several parks and lakes to take advantage of.    All sorts of restaurants and shopping.
As of today, there are 55 single family homes on the market here ranging in price from $120,000 (a real fixer-upper) to $549,900.   (Gorgeous new construction)



Are you Looking to make a move in the Bellingham MA area?
No one knows the real estate market here better than Al and Cal.   
We have 25 years experience in helping families make their moves! 


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.
Carol Ann Palmieri

 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!

Al and Cal Remax Executive Realty 

Carol-Ann Palmieri
Al and Cal Realty Group
Remax Executive Realty

508-494-9061

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

6 Tips That Will Help You Secure A Place To Rent

6 Tips That Will Help You Secure A Place To Rent

What Do They Want A Good Tenant or Someone That Pays?    Seriously.    I received this question and others just as bizarre from  prospective tenants after being informed that the owners are looking for someone that had good credit among other things.   house rentals, looking for house rentals

Call me crazy, but in my mind, A Good Tenant IS someone that pays!!    I actually thought that went without saying, but maybe not.  

In general we don't normally handle a lot of rental properties.   Every once in awhile, a client will ask us to help them out with their investment property and we are happy to do so.    It just so happens this month, we have had several.

With the rental market being so competitive, as soon as the properties hit the market, we were inundated with calls and emails.   Questions and responses like the above made me realize that some might not know  a) how tight the market is or,   b) that they are being interviewed the minute they pick up that phone.   

Clearly not rocket science, these landlords are simply looking for someone that will take care of their property and have the means and intentions to pay them on a monthly basis.   Looking for a rental, one needs to put their best foot forward.     

It is not hard to do if you treat this house hunt like a job interview.   

The following 6 tips will help you secure that rental home in this tight market.
  • Come prepared.   Have your references and paperwork readily available.
  • Fill out the application fully.   Leaving gaps only sets up red flags.
  • Be ready for a credit check.   Not great credit?   Explain it.   These landlords understand that your credit might be stellar, but they do need it to make sense.
  • Dress appropriately.
  • Be on time!
  • If you expect a response to your on line inquiry, be specific with your questions and leave a phone number.   It doesn't make sense to just say you want more info on a property.   What info are you looking for?   

Looking for a place to rent?   Start 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!     

 
Carol Ann Palmieri

 

 
Carol-Ann Palmieri
Al and Cal Realty Group
Remax Executive Realty


508-494-9061

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Does Conflicting News About The Housing Market Confuse You?

Does Conflicting News About The Housing Market Confuse You?

Well, It does me. 
Not a day goes by when someone says, "Did you hear .......?" 

Oh sure, I have heard, and sometimes what I hear confuses me!

I am a self admitted news junkie.   I stay very current on what the news media reports about the real estate market.   Super focused on the local market, yet sometimes, it makes me scratch my head. 
news reports regarding housing, real estate, ma real estate,

For those that do not have a front row seat to the real estate show, are these conflicting reports giving folks the wrong idea?

Eye catching headlines can be misleading.  

An example.    There are times when I will hear or read a media market report touting the speed or lag in real estate sales, while myself and coworkers are experiencing just the opposite.    I know that the facts that they are basing this particular news clip on is  closed sales, which is old news when one factors that the offers on a property are accepted in general 45 - 60 days ahead of close.  Using closed sales to deliver up to the minute activity can often be misleading.    

Another example.   I got these two Headline reports in an email this afternoon from the Mass. Association of Realtors

 "Another All-Time High for Massachusetts Pending Home Sales in May",  and, in the same email, another headline that read,   "Jump in New Listings a Positive Sign as Massachusetts Home Sales Down Again in April".

Call me crazy, but in my quick glance what I see is,
  • All time High, in one
  • and Home sales down in the other.
Both clearly are trying to relay positive info, but confusing.   

In my market area, there is no question the market has shifted from an extreme buyers market, to a more stable and in some communities an extreme sellers market.   Some being the key word.    I think most people are aware of that.    They are aware that there are multiple offers on homes and some homes selling for more than the asking price.

But not all homes!    News reports can lead one to believe that it's time for a seller to price their home aggressively and have all kinds of bonafide offers knocking at their doors.     Not so fast, not so simple! 

In our quest for up to the minute and more, more, more info, we are inundated with studies and reports in every field imaginable.    We hear reports and stats on how and what we should eat, to how we exercise to what flowers are best planted in certain climate, how we should decorate or homes and write our wills.      

All info good.  A lot contradicting and confusing.    

Real Estate is no different,
 but if you want to really know what's happening in your market area, consult your local Realtor!


Give me a call if you have a question about the market.   
 Put my 25 years of experience to work for you!     


Carol-Ann Palmieri
Al and Cal Realty Group
Remax Executive Realty

508-494-9061

Carol Ann Palmieri



Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Art Show and Sale Norwood MA June 8 2013

Art Show and Sale Norwood MA June 8 2013

The Norwood Art Association is holding it's 34th annual Sale in Exhibit on Saturday, June 8th 2013 on the Norwood Town Common.     (rain date June 9th)

Art Show Norwood MA June 8 2013

Art in the Park is the association's signature event, with as many as 50 artists displaying several pieces of their work.  All will be seeking a ribbon for original pieces in their specific category.

Original Acrylic, Oil, Watercolor, Pastel paintings will be judged.  Photographs and Drawings as well.    Pottery and Sculpture and more will also be on display or/for sale. 

Last year the weather was gorgeous and the event was a huge success.   They expect no different this year.     Located on the town common with the picturesque white gazebo there is no better place to spend a few hours viewing the work and talking with local artists.   

Come down and take a look.   The hours are 10 am - 3 pm.   There is on street parking (as well as public parking behind the business on Washington St).   There are benches available to sit for awhile to enjoy the festivities.     The Association's "Street Corner Artists" will be painting on site.   

Norwood Art Association Art In The Park
Local Artists Displaying Their Work

Norwood Art Association Art in the Park
The Gazebo at Norwood Town Commons

Norwood Art Association Art in the Park
Many Different Artists

"Street Corner Artists" Enjoying the Day!


A FREE Family Fun Thing To Do



This is a FREE event, open to the public.  

The Norwood Art Association is a non profit organization comprised of novice to professional artists with ties to the surrounding communities.    They appreciate your support!   

The Norwood Art Association is on FB


__________________________

About the Author

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

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

The Group is 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


508-494-9061

Carol Ann Palmieri