Claudette's Blog

Highland Hills – A Luxury Community in the Heart of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:38:18 -0500

In the center of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts lies some of the most beautiful land in town. The development called Highland Hills is located just off of North and High Streets and consists of thirty-nine lots - each over a half acre.

This exquisite development has been designed and constructed by Greenleaf Farms Development, a local builder in Shrewsbury who has been building quality homes for over thirty years. Greenleaf has developed more than 20 residential neighborhoods and has built more than 300 homes in the area.

The family-owned business is directed by President, June Tomaiolo, who is also the broker, owner of Tomaiolo Realty; Francis Tomaiolo, Project Manager and Builder and Matthew Tomaiolo, also a Project Manager and Builder.

The Tomaiolo's take great pride in the high quality of the materials they use and the excellent craftsmanship that goes into each of their homes.

With more than eleven different plans to choose from and the additional customization that goes into each building, the homes at Highland Hills are as individual as there are unique.

Interviews with owners in this development have brought high praise for the builders for their flexibility, professionalism and their quality of workmanship. Owners here are also delighted with the neighborhood and the quality of life at Highland Hills.

Recent resales have demonstrated that the value in Highland Hills is clearly being maintained with a sale in April at 33 Laurel Ridge $1,030,548 and a resale at 9 Laurel Ridge that is currently under agreement at a list price of $1,131,000.

In an effort to provide an exceptional opportunity to more buyers, the developer is currently listing some special lots at entry prices. You can become part of this beautiful community with prices starting at $679,900. Additional homes are also available priced from $725,000 to $869,000.

If you would like to explore this unique opportunity to live in one of the finest communities in Metrowest Massachusetts, please call me at 508-881-6230. Let me show you how my experience with working with premium builders in this area can help you to navigate through the process of building your dream home.

Your Massachusetts Buyer Broker Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Brandywine Village - Franklin, Massachusetts

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:09:57 -0500

Brandywine Village is a 64 lot development located just off of Skyline Drive in Franklin, Massachusetts. This subdvision is located on more than 46 areas of land with lot sizes that vary from 1/3 acre to over an acre per home.

Each home in this lovely Franklin development has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and has approximately 2,550 square feet of living space. Most have an oversized family room with a gas fireplace, kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters, a dining room with hardwood floors and wainscoting and a private laundry room.

The homes have been built along winding roadways to convey a true neighborhood feeling. Each individual structure has been designed to reflect a New England character with the homes relating to each other in a pleasing way that ensure privacy while, at the same time, promoting a sense of neighborhood.

Current owners have spoken about the many activities available in this community. For children and families these events include block parties, bike parades and Halloween costume parties. For adults, there is a book club, ladies night out, guys night out as well as an annual Christmas party.

The town of Franklin is home to a number of fine elementary schools and Franklin Public Library has the distinction of being the first public library in America. This ornate building, built in 1904, has granite and marble staircases, frescoed walls and houses some original books that were donated by Benjamin Franklin.

Across from the library is Dean College with its Gothic architecture and a historic old gymnasium.

In 2007, Franklin was named as one of the top ten towns to raise a family in by "Family Circle" Magazine.

With prices starting at only $569,900, Brandywine Village offers affordable new construction with many amenities and a wonderful family atmosphere.

There are currently several lots available for your finishing touches. Please call me at 508-881-6230 for more information on this lovely development or any new construction in the Franklin area.

View all properties currently for sale in Franklin.

Your Massachusetts Buyer Broker Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Sanctuary Estates – A Luxury Community in Natick, Massachusetts

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:31:40 -0500

Situated on the streets of Whispering Lane, Harvest Moon Drive, Deer Path and Doeskin Path in Natick, Massachusetts is the community of Sanctuary Estates.

View a satellite image of the neighborhood.

This 35 lot subdivision offers a quality of life that is luxurious as well as tranquil.

Sanctuary Estates is located in South Natick, the original section of town that was settled by Native Americans when they first arrived on the shores of the Charles River. These first settlers named the community "Natick" which means "place of hills."

A number of homes in this development are prominently situated on top of hills which offer an additional amount of privacy.

South Natick is an area that is known for being a region of affluence and is bordered by the towns of Wellesley, Dover and Sherborn.

The homes in Sanctuary Estates are all semi-custom homes that are built to order with seven original plans to choose from. Homes sizes range from 3,000 sq. ft. to over 5,000 sq, ft. with lot sizes up to 4 acres.

Clients who have bought in this development say that, along with the serene, suburban lifestyle, they mostly enjoy the convenience of a short, 20 minute drive into Boston.

Currently, there are a number of lots available as well as several resale properties. Prices of these homes range from $899,000 to $1,199,000.

View all properties currently for sale in Natick.

Only 15 miles west of Boston, Natick is has one of the most convenient locations in the Metrowest area. With easy access to Route 9 and the Mass Pike, it is considered to be a premier commuting location.

Natick is also home to one of the largest shopping malls in the area, Natick Collection with the upscale anchor stores of Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Lord and Taylor.

If you are interested in Sanctuary Estates or any of Natick's other fine communities, please call me at 508-881-6230.

Your Metrowest Buyer Broker Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Ravenwood - A Popular Subdivision in Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:58:37 -0500

Located on the streets of Hidden Brick Road, Tammer Lane and Pendulum Pass in Hopkinton is the neighborhood known as Ravenwood.

View a satellite image of the neighborhood.

Ravenwood is a Hopkinton subdivision located in the southern part of town near the Holliston line. There are 71 homes currently located in this upscale community and most of the homes were built from the 1990's into the early 2000's.

Recent sales in this development have ranged from $600,000 to $800,000 with most of the sales being below their current assessment value.

Home sizes range from 2700 square feet to over 5,000 square feet with many lots that well over an acre.

The homes feature high end finishes with marble foyers, granite counters, dual fireplaces, wainscoting and crown molding. The standard home has four bedrooms, two and a half baths and a two car garage with some offering a third bath as well as a third garage bay.

This heavily wooded and picturesque community offers extensive landscaping and an abundance of privacy between each home.

The houses in Ravenwood are not all typical New England colonials. There are a number of contemporary and even some Tudor styles which set this community apart as rather unique.

View all properties currently for sale in Hopinton.

For information about the homes at Ravenwood or about any other Hopkinton community, please call me at 508-881-6230.

Your Metrowest Buyer Broker Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Springwood Estates - Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:23:45 -0500

One of the most popular subdivisions in Hopkinton is Springwood Estates. It is also the largest. Comprised of the streets Gibbon, Kimball, Smith, Jackson, Bowker, Oak, Sadie Lane and Benson, the community leads into Connelly Hill Road.

View a satellite image of the neighborhood.

With its convenient location, close to Hopkinton's public schools and devoid of highway noise, Springwood Estates is a favorite of buyers who are relocating to the area.

Homes in the development range in size from 3,000 square feet to well over 5,000 square feet with level lots that are over an acre in size.

Amenities abound in this development with upscale finishes, granite counter kitchens, high-end appliances, custom details, extensive stonework and landscaping. Some properties feature pools, waterfalls, 3 or 4 car garages and all with an abundance of individuality.

Charm and elegance are the cornerstones of this fabulous subdivision and it borders on the newer, Connelly Hill Road Estates with existing homes and new construction at the higher end of the luxury scale.

Homes in Springwood Estates have sold for $625,000 to well over $1,000,000 in the past year.

Currently, there are two exciting resales available in this community priced from $899,900 to $1,125,000.

View all properties currently for sale in Hopkinton.

For more information on Springwood Estates or any Hopkinton neighborhood or surrounding towns, please contact me at 508-881-6230.

Best known for being the start of the annual Boston Marathon site, Hopkinton also enjoys the distinction of having an award-winning public school system that has been consistently ranked highly among schools in the Metrowest area.

Your Metrowest Buyer Broker Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Oak Hill Estates – Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:59:42 -0500

Just off of the scenic, winding country road of Fruit Street in Hopkinton is the community of Oak Hill Estates.

The subdivision which consists of 42 homes was originally built by Bartolini Builders, a well-known builder in the Metrowest Massachusetts area. The first homes were built in 1997 and construction continued into 2005.

View a satellite image of the neighborhood.

The neighborhood sits on Huckleberry Road which is a long, well-manicured cul-de-sac situated close to Route 495 with connections to Route 9 and the Massachusetts Turnpike, making Oak Hill Estates a convenient location for commuting into Boston as well as other destinations.

The homes in Oak Hill Estates range in size from 2,700 square feet to 4,000 square feet with each home sitting on an acre plus lot.

Over the past year, homes have sold in this neighborhood in the price range of $598,000 to $694,000.

Currently, there is a beautiful resale available with a wonderful open floor plan, 2 story foyer, updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters, finished basement and a first floor library.

If you are considering a move into Hopkinton or any of the surrounding towns, please call my me with any questions you may have. I can be reached at 508-881-6230.

View all current property listings in Hopkinton.

Your Metrowest Buyer Broker Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Roosevelt Farms - Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:03:01 -0500

In Hopkinton, Massachusetts, the streets - Bullmoose Run, Rough Rider Ridge, Roosevelt Lane and Cubs Path make up the subdivision known as Roosevelt Farms.

This picturesque cul-de-sac neighborhood is popular for its location which is convenient to the train station, Route 495 and the Mass Pike as well as its proximity to the Hopkinton Country Club.

View a satellite image of the neighborhood.

The homes in this community were built from 1992 to 1997 and range in size from 2200 square feet to 3500 square feet. Each home is built on a ¾ acre lot. Many of the lots are wooded and have a fair amount of privacy.

The residents at Roosevelt Farms enjoy a close community feeling with their frequent block parties, golf outings and holiday gatherings.

There are currently two homes for sale in wonderful Hopkinton subdivision. They are both located on Bullmoose Run.

Features in these homes include: spacious kitchens with granite counters, cathedral ceilings in the family rooms, crown molding and wainscoting, tray ceilings in the master bedrooms, lovely master bathrooms and a wooded, private lot.

The price range on these properties is $549,900 to $569,900.

View all properties currently for sale in Hopkinton.

If you would like information on Roosevelt Farms or any other community in Hopkinton, please call me at 508-881-6230.

I look forward to helping you with your move to the Hopkinton area.

Your Metrowest Buyer Broker Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Presidential Estates – Southborough, Massachusetts

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:43:09 -0500

Presidential Estates in Southborough, Massachusetts is located off of prestigious Sears Road which borders the Marlborough town line. The neighborhood is comprised of the streets - Presidential Drive, Kennedy Lane and Glennwood Road.

View a satellite image of the neighborhood.

Homes in this community were all custom built and sit on lots that are 1 ½ to 5 acres with estate like settings in an environment of elegance and sophistication.

Unlike typical subdivisions where properties are all built in a similar style, the homes in this neighborhood were individually crafted with each property exuding a uniqueness that is distinctly its own.

Homes in this community range from 4000 square feet to over 6000 square feet, with a few exceeding that size. Amenities include stunning woodworking, state-of-the-art kitchens, multiple fireplaces, 3-car garages as well as some inground pools.

List prices in Presidential Estates are currently $1,100,000 - $1,150,000.

View all properties currently for sale in Southborough.

Southborough was recently named Number 31 in the nation on CNN Money's 100 Best Places to Live in 2009, and second in the nation for towns in which income was over $100,000.

The town's public school system is highly ranked and Southborough is home to the prestigious St. Mark's School. In addition, the Fay School is the oldest junior boarding school in the country serving grades 1 through nine on its 35 acre campus.

Southborough is one of the most convenient locations in the Metrowest area with an MBTA Commuter Rail station as well as its proximity to Routes 495 and the Mass Pike.

For information on Presidential Estates or any Southborough neighborhood please call my office at 508-881-6230.

Your Metrowest Buyer Broker Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Blossom Estates - Ashland, Massachusetts

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:12:54 -0600

Blossom Estates is one of the top neighborhoods in Ashland. The neighborhood is made of the streets Blue Jay Lane, Primrose Lane, Rossi Lane and Magnolia Pointe.

View a satellite image of the neighborhood.

Homes in this development were built in the late 1990'sand many feature brick fronts, private wooded lots, Palladian windows, two-story foyers, finished basements and meticulous landscaping.

Home sizes range from 2500 square feet to over 4500 square feet. The sizes of lots in this community start at ¾ of an acre with some homes sitting on acre plus lots.

Property values in Blossom Estates are currently $600,000 to $650,000.

This lovely neighborhood is close to Ashland's new high school as well as Route 135leading through the center of town and to all major roadways. It is also convenient to the MBTA train station.

View all properties for sale in Ashland.

Ashland, the original site of the Boston Marathon, is one of the area's premium residential New England towns. Rooted in tradition, the town holds its famous "Ashland Day" every year in the fall. Ashland is considered by many to have an ideal location - halfway between the cities of Boston and Worcester.

If you are interested in Blossom Estates or any of Ashland's other fine neighborhoods, please call me at 508-881-6230.

Your Buyer Broker in Massachusetts Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Massachusetts Smoke Detectors Laws

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:41:13 -0600

Smoke Detectors are a Must When Selling a Home in Massachusetts. This law has been in affect for many years.

State law requires that all homes must be equipped with smoke detectors. The burden for compliance falls primarily on the seller. Prior to any closing, the seller of a property must have the fire department come to the property and inspect their detectors to assure that they are all in working order. The fire department will issue a certificate of compliance that must be brought to the closing. Without this certificate, the closing cannot take place.

The law requires that there must be an operable smoke detector on every habitable level, including the basement. A finished attic must also be equipped.

On the first floor, smoke detectors should be placed on the ceiling in a hallway near a stairwell to the second floor. If there is a bedroom on the first floor there should also be a detector outside the bedroom door.
On the second floor, the smoke detector must be placed on the ceiling in the hallway common to all of the bedrooms, normally at the head of the stairs. This is done so that the smoke will get to the detector before it reaches the bedroom.
In the basement, smoke detectors should be placed on the cellar ceiling at the base of the stairs. In an unfinished basement, it should be on the edge of the joist and never placed at the top of the basement stairs by the cellar door.
In properties that were built after 1975 it is mandatory to have a hardwired system with battery backups.

New Regulations Beginning in 2010

Effective January 1 of next year, new rules will be in effect with regard to smoke detectors in residential properties.

Two Types of Smoke Detectors

The technologies currently used in smoke detectors are ionization or photoelectric and they both have their pluses and minuses.

Ionization detectors operate by having a constant current running between two electrodes. An alarm is set off when the smoke enters, interrupting the current. This method is typically faster to sound an alert than photoelectric detectors. The problem lies in the fact that ionization detectors cannot tell the difference between smoke and steam and this has resulted in many false alarms.

Photoelectric detectors, on the other hand, function through an emission of a beam of light. Whenever smoke crosses the path of the light beam, the smoke particles cause it to scatter and this triggers an alarm. This method helps to cut down on the amount of false alarms; however, it can take longer to sound an alert.

Recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of both technologies, the new regulations will require the installation of both Ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors in all residential properties. The location requirement will remain the same with the exception that, due to the sensitivity of the ionization detectors to steam, they cannot be placed within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom which contains a shower or a tub.

Which properties are affected by the new law?

All residential buildings that are sold or transferred after January 1, 2010 which are less than 70 feet tall, have fewer than six units and have not been substantially altered since January 1, 1975 must comply with the new regulations.

Massachusetts takes safety matter seriously. The cost of implementing these systems is well-worth the lives they save.

Do you have questions about buying a home in the Metrowest area? I would love to talk with you. Please feel free to call me at 508-881-6230 - any time or E-mail me.

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Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Landlords Agree to Lower Rents for Struggling Tenants

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:40:01 -0600

In another sign of the times, a new survey done by The National Association of Independent Landlords shows that 69 percent of landlords are now willing to lower the rent for struggling tenants when asked.

With money tight many renters are having a tough time making their monthly payments. Some property owners who are also in difficult situations have a preference for working out deals with otherwise good tenants to avoid the trouble and expense of finding new renters.

Since landlords are equal victims of the recession, nearly 32% report that they have lowered rents over the past 18 months. They too are struggling to pay their mortgages and cover overhead and feel that as long as they have tenants who will pay on time, they are willing to work out arrangements to hold onto to them.

Of the landlords who are willing to negotiate, 61% have said they would drop their rents up to 5%. Anther 29% claim they would deduct up to 10% and the rest may even consider deeper discounts.

This information came from a poll conducted by the association's members from October 7 to October 10, 2009. From the survey, 496 landlords, mostly residential, responded from various parts of the country.

Often renters who cannot afford to pay all of their rent simply skip it entirely with the hopes that it will just go away. That approach only compounds their problems and ends up hurting their credit rating. From the side of the property owner - he does not want to run the risk of having an empty building when he can, instead, have rents coming in.

This is a time for everyone to be creative. Negotiating a lower monthly payment is one possible solution.

Another is to look among the many foreclosure properties on the market and perhaps pick up a deal with a monthly payment that may be the same or less than your current rent.

If your credit is intact you should speak to a foreclosure expert or a seasoned buyer broker who can help you find that diamond in the rough which may, indeed, be the perfect solution to the high cost of rent.

Do you have questions about buying a home in the Metrowest area? I would love to talk with you. Please feel free to call me at 508-881-6230 - any time or E-mail me.

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Learn More about Home Buyer Representation - Greater Boston and MetroWest Massachusetts - Serving Massachusetts Home Buyers Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Indoor Tennis Clubs - Metrowest Massachusetts

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:29:38 -0600

It is the time of year when tennis must be brought indoors and, if you live in the Metrowest Massachusetts area there are a number of great tennis clubs to choose from.

The Westboro Tennis & Swim Club was voted "Club of the Year" in 2002. Located at 35 Chauncy Street in Westborough, the club is right off of Route 9 and is convenient to route 495 and the Mass Pike. Membership at Westborough draws players primarily from the towns of Westborough, Northborough, Southborough, Marlborough, Holliston, Grafton, Worcester, Framingham and Sudbury. With over 90,000 square feet of indoor space, the club is equipped with indoor hard courts, clay courts as well as a full tennis pro shop.

An owner operated facility; it offers a full pro staff, lessons, clinics and a host a number of monthly tennis and swim events for adults and children alike.

The Natick Racquet Club is completely devoted to tennis. Nine plexi-pave courts - five in a permanent structure and four in an air type bubble which become outdoor courts in the summer serve all tennis needs. The club is located on 16 Michigan Avenue in Natick and offers a complete range of tennis instruction and tennis play for every age and ability level.

Now, celebrating its 39^thyear, The Natick Racquet Club offers a myriad of programs for adults, including open court play, adult clinics, drill sessions, weekly Grand prix doubles play, a singles flex league and mixed doubles.

The Wayside Racquet Club is located on the edge of the Sudbury Reservoir in the southeast corner of Marlborough at 80 Broadmeadow Street. It serves the towns of Marlborough, Southborough, Westborough, Sudbury, Framingham and Hopkinton.

In operation since 1979, the club has a reputation for excellence and offers a variety of sport type memberships. Their offerings include tennis, racquetball, aquatics and socializing. The facility includes six all-season tennis courts, four racquet ball courts as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

The Longfellow Club is located at 524 Boston Post Road in Wayland. Established in 1972, this facility was originally all tennis. It has been expanded to include squash, swimming, Nautilus and women's basketball. The club is equipped with 7 hard tennis courts (2 indoor), 2 squash courts, a competition size swimming, free weights and Nautilus.

Thanks to the many indoor clubs this area has to offer, we can enjoy our tennis - rain or shine!

Do you have questions about buying a home in the Metrowest area? I would love to talk with you. Please feel free to call me at 508-881-6230 - any time or E-mail me.

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Learn More about Home Buyer Representation - Greater Boston and MetroWest Massachusetts - Serving Massachusetts Home Buyers Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

Hopkinton Highlands - Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:31:32 -0600

Just off of the picturesque country road, Saddle Hill is the community of Hopkinton Highlands. The long, winding and very scenic Greenwood Road and the cul-de-sac that is Everett Circle make up this community of more than 50 distinctive homes.

The homes were built by the luxury home builder, Toll Brothers from 1999 to 2005. They range in size from 3,000 square feet to over 6,000 square feet and most feature distinctive brick fronts and estate like settings.

View a satellite image of the neighborhood.

Each of the residences sits on a lot of an acre or more and many have amenities such as gourmet kitchens, luxurious master suites, solariums, libraries with built-ins, multiple staircases, family rooms with cathedral ceilings, finished lower levels and au pair suites.

Hopkinton Highlands has a reputation for distinction and elegance and is one of the top choices for relocation buyers entering into the area. Along with the meticulous neighborhood landscaping and proximity to conservation land, the neighborhood has the convenience of being located close to major Route 495 and the Mass Pike and as well as the MBTA train station.

Over the past year, the home sales in Hopkinton Highlands have ranged in price from $800,000 to $845,000.

View all properties for sale in Hopkinton.

If you would like further information on Hopkinton Highlands or any of Hopkinton's other fine communities, please feel free to contact my office.

Your Metrowest Buyer Broker Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough

How Can a CMA Help You in Your Home Purchase?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:32:36 -0600

What is a CMA?

1. A Comparative Market Analysis

2. A Competitive Market Analysis

Actually, both of these definitions apply.

A CMA is a report prepared by a real estate agent to determine the value of a home.

When you sell your home, a listing broker will do a CMA to establish what the current value is and what the list price should be. This is done by looking at homes that have sold recently and weighing them against your home to arrive at a competitive price.

By the same token, the CMA is extremely valuable to your buyer broker when you are looking at homes to purchase. It is a highly effective tool that can help you decide on the right price to offer on a property.

The way a Comparative Market Analysis works is really quite simple. Your buyer broker takes the subject home, or the home you intend to make an offer on, and pulls up three or more recently sold properties in the same neighborhood with as many of the same characteristics as possible. Through an examination of the home's style, square footage, number of bathrooms, type of setting, i.e., cul de sac vs. a main street, comparisons are made to the subject property.

Adjustments are then made for the differences between the subject property and the comparable sales. If a home that sold has one more bedroom and more square footage than the subject, a deduction in price is made to the larger home. If the subject has a better setting than the sold home, you would add the price difference of that setting to the home that sold. A continuation of this process will arrive at a reasonable value and, eventually, to a suggested offer price.

Depending on the amount of inventory available and the size of the town, the comparable sale should be no more than 90 days to six months old and as close to the subject property as possible. Ideally, the home should be in the same neighborhood; however, that is not always possible.

Upgrades such as new kitchens, granite counters, finished basements, decks, in-ground pools should all be part of the equation.

A Comparative Market Analysis is an important step in the purchase of any home. Be sure the buyer broker you are working with knows how to do one. It can make all the difference in your home purchase.

Home Warranties, Are They Worthwhile?

Assessing the Value of a Home

Property Disclosure - Who Has the Burden of Proof?

The Importance of Being Pre-approved

What is Included in a Home Purchase?

Do you have questions about buying a home in the Metrowest area? I would love to talk with you. Please feel free to call me at 508-881-6230 - any time or E-mail me.

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Learn More about Home Buyer Representation - Greater Boston and MetroWest Massachusetts - Serving Massachusetts Home Buyers Since 1992

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Weston Nurseries - A Gardening Mecca in Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:52:45 -0600

Weston Nurseries in Hopkinton, Massachusetts is a local landmark. It is located on a scenic country road,Route 135 which is most noted for the beginning route of the Boston Marathon.

Now in its 86^th year of business, the nursery is noted for its exceptional plants and award-winning azaleas and rhododendrons. This is the place where locals as well as plant lovers from all over the area come to find a huge selection of trees, shrubs and perennials.

Advice on planting and landscaping is highly sought from the knowledgeable staff of experts on all matters of horticulture. Local homeowners as well as trade professionals come to Weston Nurseries for their variety of plantings and their ability to help create beautiful and exceptional outdoor living spaces.

Their best known flower is the PJM Rhododendron which was named after the late founder Peter John Mezitt.

Weston Nurseries is located at 93 E. Main Street in Hopkinton and serves a wide area of loyal and devoted clients who always return to this fountain of beauty and wisdom in the area gardening.

Do you have questions about buying a home in the Metrowest area? I would love to talk with you. Please feel free to call me at 508-881-6230 - any time or E-mail me.

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Learn More about Home Buyer Representation - Greater Boston and MetroWest Massachusetts - Serving Massachusetts Home Buyers Since 1992

Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, Northborough, Framingham, Shrewsbury, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Westborough