42 Hodges Street Attleboro MA Sold

42 Hodges Street Attleboro MA Sold


Another sold home courtesy of Al and Cal Realty Group, Remax Executive Realty.    This three family home located in a convenient section of Attleboro transferred owners today.     It wasn't without a few speed bumps, but working together as a team with Al and Cal the new buyer now has the keys to his new property and we wish him the best there.



 If you are looking for an investment property the opportunities for great deals seem to be dwindling fast.   I have witnessed as many as 10 offers on the same property.    This means there is stiff competition for properties that buyers see as money making situations. 

What does that meant to you if you are looking to invest in real estate?    First,  call the Al and Cal Realty Group to discuss representation.     Having a buyers agent will keep informed in real time of properties that come on the market as it happens.    They will get you into these properties when it fits your schedule.    They will help you formulate a strategy designed to get you that specific home.    They will help you through the inspections, financing and whatever you need to get that home closed.

If you are looking to be a landlord, now is the time to get into the market and find that perfect investment. 

Get the upper hand in this market!   Give Al and Cal a call.   Put their 25 years experience (50 combined) to work for you!    We are sure that after you discuss their qualifications, you will find they are the agents for you.    508-494-9061     Cal@AlandCal.com

Search for homes here

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

Can You Jinx A Deal?

Can You Jinx A Deal?

Silly question isn't it?    Or is it?  

You list a house.    Nothing but excitement in getting the marketing going.   Photos are taken just right and then dissected to see what ones will make the cut and the order in which they will show.     Sign goes up on the front lawn with a big old smile and a wave to the neighbor passerby's.    The just listed postcard is designed and published and mailed to the appropriate people.    An ecard also designed with care and sent out.     On line ads, videos and the like scrutinized and published.  


The marketing pays off and you get an offer in just days!!    Now comes the dilemma.    A respected and successful colleague encourages a pending post card.   Great idea!  Makes sense.   Works like crazy for her.  The double whammy.      Nothing better.   The for sale sign goes up and  then the pending rider in a matter of days.  It says to the public, "wow, they're good!".    Great for business. 

There is just one problem.

It is that little nagging voice in the left ear that says, there is a lot that has to happen before you can really call this pending.    We have home inspections, purchase and sales agreements to sign and of course the mortgage contingency clause has to be met.   In other words, we have a long way to go baby before getting to that table.   

Can you jinx the transaction by doing this stuff before the deal is really sealed?  

Superstitions are silly.   But honestly, I can't help myself sometimes.    If a black cat crosses my path, I have to turn around and start again.    It seems pretty silly to do that but  I can tell you that I have had bad things happen to me after crossing a cats path.   So, why take the chance again?  

I have had deals go south after a pending sign went up.   Did the sign have anything to do with the demise of those deals?    Of course not, but why push luck?     Putting a sold sign up before getting a mortgage commitment?   Are you just asking for trouble?   A Jinx?   Probably not, but what if?   How does the general public perceive a  pending turning back into a for sale?.   

Superstition and professionalism don't go hand and hand, you might say.     But wait, aren't there professional ball players that have to wear the same shirt or walk the same route before a game?   Don't tell me they aren't good at what they do, because they are.     I know for a fact too that there are very successful salespeople (and not real estate sales people either) that have to use the same pen when signing a contract.    There are judges that use the same gavel.   There are all kinds of pros that have a routine and stick to it.   

And, let's be serious.   I know of a lot of agents that have "planted" a Saint Joseph in the yard of a seller.    In fact the Fatima Shrine right down the street seems to sell a bunch of those home selling saints!  (and they are not selling them to me either!)

Okay, so maybe that's prayer not superstition.  

But again I ask.   Can you jinx a deal??

_______________________________

Looking to sell your home?   

  Superstitious or not.   I will not rest until the deal is completely done! 

508-494-9061    Cal@alandcal.com

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.

______________________________________

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

Real Estate Changes the Landscape of Downtown Medfield MA

Real Estate Changes the Landscape of Downtown Medfield MA

Lord's Department Store A Piece of Medfield MA Americana

Recent real estate transactions are changing the landscape of Medfield and we are still not sure how that will look.    The one thing we do know is that the streets of Medfield will take on a new look as some of our old favorites move out and new business move in.

In recent times we have seen the familiar "Friendly's" close down and end up vacant.    The iconic brick building on the corner of 109 and route 27 once a favorite meeting spot for teens and adults alike has fallen victim to the changing economy and now sits vacant.   There is quite a bit of speculation over what will land in that spot, but at this time, if anyone knows, they are keeping it to themselves.

Medfield Town Center

Another Medfield landmark    ("go down 109 and make the turn at the Mobil station")  the Mobil station at North and Main has been for sale as well.   Located in the historic district, this prime piece of Medfield real estate will for sure change the flavor and the landscape of the town center, hopefully for the better.  

But, most of all, is the recent news that Lord's has been sold.   It is still a secret as to what is going to occupy the building, but for sure Medfield is loosing not just a retail store but a piece of Medfield Americana.   I remember most mornings grabbing a cup of joe at the "soda fountain."  A lunch counter where familiar faces sat on old fashioned stools and gossiped while having coffee, breakfast or lunch.    Lord's was the place to go to find anything from toys to candles, cards and sweatshirts sporting the spirit of Medfield.  

Yes, Medfield is certainly going through some changes but with it's fabulous location on route 109 and 27, it's downtown real estate is a valued commodity.    Many businesses will look to take advantage of these commercial opportunities and I trust that the town officials will deal with the delicate balance of preserving the town's quintessential New England feel and allowing these new businesses the leeway to make the changes needed to run their businesses here.  

Medfield town center and it's business community has always been a source of pride for Medfield residents.  We will grow to love and support these new businesses but will not forget the old.   


______________________

I love Medfield and I KNOW Medfield.  

 If you are making a move call me. 

508-494-9061 or email at Cal@alancal.com.    

Put my 25 years of local experience to work for you!  

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Foreclosures and Short Sales Bellingham MA 02019

Foreclosures and Short Sales 
Bellingham MA   02019

Bank owned (REO) properties are properties that have been taken back into the banks inventory usually after an unsuccessful auction and are offered for sale.   Short sale properties are different.  They are being offered for sale by the owner who owes more on the property than they are offering it for.  They will take an agreeable offer to their lender in hopes that the lender will allow them to take the offer and will allow them to sell the property, releasing them of the excess debt.

Both can be priced below market.   

The following is a list of REO (Bank Owned) Properties listed for Sale in Bellingham MA.  As of 1.6.13 (source MLSPIN)

853 South Main Street, Unit B           $183,000                    3 Bed, 1.5 Ba Condex

131 Muron Avenue                              $214,900                    2 Family Home

The following are Short Sale opportunities that are available in Bellingham MA  02019

11 Oak Street                                     $ 99,900                 Single Family Rehab
60 Elvira Street                                  $110,000                 2 Bed,1 Ba Single Fam

172 Stella Road*                                $159,900                 3 Bed,1.5 Ba Single Fam

71 Sheila Road*                                 $199,900                 3 Bed, 1 Bath Single Fam

15 Cross Street                                  $209,000                 3 Bed, 2 Bath Single Fam

72 Nason Street*                               $220,500                  3 Bed, 1 Bath Single Fam

41 Crystal Way                                  $160,589                  2 Bed, 1.5 Bath TownH

208 Farm Street*                               $204,000                  2 Bed, 1.5 Bath Condex

46 Mendon Street *                           $229,900                  2 Bed, 1.5 Bath Condex

91 Pine Grove Ave                             $166,000                  2 Family Home

1 North Main Street *                       $179,000                  2 Family Home

* (these properties currently have offers and are waiting for lender approval)
FYI.   Loosely defined a condex is half of a duplex home that is separately deeded.  (Condo and Duplex)


Would you like to receive up to date daily email reports of Bank owned properties in your town?    If so, contact me and I will set it up for you.     508-494-9061 or  Cal@alandcal.com

Search the MLS here

View Larger Map

Are you thinking about Buying, Selling, Renting or Investing  in the Franklin/Bellingham and surrounding areas?   

 Start your home search here!   
We have over 25 years of experience locally!    Put our experience to work for you!

                             
                             Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Buying a Foreclosure in Massachusetts

Buying a Foreclosure in Massachusetts

Is It Really A Bargain?     Is It For You?   

Oh, gosh, I have that jingle in my head.   You know that one about loving a bargain.    Goes to show you what a good marketing campaign will do for you!   I digress.

Is Buying a Foreclosure for You?

Buying a Foreclosure in Massachusetts

Have you seen those guys on TV?   You know the ones that can show you how to make millions with no money down, just by buying up bank owned property for pennies on the dollar.   And, they know because they have become millionaires themselves just by following their own simple rules.   Ha!   The only money I'll bet these guys are making is off their book sales.    I will also bet they sell lots and lots of them, because it does sound plausible and we all know that foreclosures are plentiful.  

There are a couple of ways to purchase one of these properties.

Sale at Auction.   Bargains can be had, but beware!  There are risks.  You can check out the public notices in print or on line and view the foreclosure sales that are posted.    These will list the auction date, place, conditions of sale and legal description of the property.    Do your homework before going to the auction.

• Pay particular to the legal description of the property.    If it were me, I would have a real estate attorney research the title to make sure you know what liens if any are attached to the property.    Last thing you want is to purchase a property for a specific amount of money just to find that you owe the balance of one or several liens as well.  
• Have your financing in order.   Be ready to prove that you can purchase the property and if you are the successful bidder, most times there will be a substantial non refundable deposit required.  
• Condition of the property.   Sometimes you can view the property and sometimes you can't.   Assume that the property will not be pristine and figure that you will be spending money on repairs.  Know if it is on municipal sewer, etc.    
• Know the Value of the Property!!!     Many times the amount owed to the lender is higher than market value and that is why it ends up back on the lenders books as an REO.  

REO or Real Estate Owned.   If the auction is unsuccessful, and many times they are, the lender will take the property back.   Once they do that, they will generally put the property up for sale through a Realtor or sometimes they will market it on their own.   The benefit to making a purchase at this stage is that 

• Priced Right.  The lender will usually price the property to move quickly and with consideration to the condition.
• Less Liability.  The buyer will not be responsible for liens attached to the property. 
• Known Condition.  Buyers are usually allowed to inspect the property and know what it is they are buying.      
• Financing.   Most buyers can take the traditional route of financing for making this purchase and there may even be a financial incentive by the selling lender.

If you have any questions, please give me a call.     If you want to get on the email list for foreclosures in MA get in touch with me and I will set you up.    

Talking About Bargains, Do You Want to Know More About Short Sales? 

Short Sales 1

Is Selling Short Your Best Option?

Is Buying A Short Sale For You?

Are you thinking about Buying, Selling, Renting or Investing  in the Franklin/Bellingham and surrounding areas?   

 Start your home search here!   
We have over 25 years of experience locally!    Put our experience to work for you!

                             
                             Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Maple Brook Condominiums Bellingham MA 02019

Maple Brook Condominiums Bellingham MA 02019

Maple Brook Condos Bellingham MA

About  Maple Brook

Maple Brook Condominiums is an established condominium community located in the central section of Bellingham on the Franklin town line off South Maple Street and connecting with  Blackstone Street.

This finished neighborhood of approximately 97 condos was first established around 1985.  

The neighborhood is nicely laid out with small clusters of buildings that are set apart by sweeping level landscape, lots of green space, and a well laid out tree design.   

Pleasing to the eye, this neighborhood is well maintained and is considered by most a very nice place to live.

Maple Brook Condos Bellingham MA for under 200k

What you Get For Your Money

A lot.   The neighborhood consists of resale two bedroom two story town homes with interiors ranging from approximately 1300 - 1900 square feet of living space.     Expect clapboard wood siding, private decks and off street parking. These units are known for their sun filled interior and you can expect the same even the middle units.   Most units will have 1.5 baths although there are some with more.  Expect electric heat by heat pump and central air, full basements, some finished add the additional living space.    The association does accept pets with some restrictions.  The fee is less than $300 per month and takes care of the Master Insurance, Exterior Maintenance, Road Maintenance, Landscaping, Snow Removal, Refuse Removal.

What is available Today?

Looking for a home in Maple Brook Condominiums today?   There is just one to choose from.  

812 Maple Brook Road     $199,900


Recent Sales

This is currently one unit pending at Maple Brook.
There have been 2 sales within the past 6 months.    Both units closed for $195,000.     

Community Info

Tax rate in Bellingham for 2012 is 14.05 per thousand which is very attractive for the area.

From Maple Brook to the Boston commuter rail station at  Forge Hill, Franklin MA -  approx 2.5 miles
From Maple Brook to 495 - just over 2.5 miles
From Maple Brook to Shopping - just over 2.5 miles
From Maple Brook to 95 - approximately 15 minutes
From Maple Brook to the MA Pike - approximately15 minutes

Your Elementary School Children, K - 4 will go to the Stallbrook
Grades 5, 6 ,7 8   Will go to the Bellingham Memorial Middle School
Bellingham High School from 9 - 12

Learn more about Bellingham MA.

Are you thinking about Buying, Selling, Renting or Investing  in the Franklin/Bellingham and surrounding areas?   

 Start your home search here!   
We have over 25 years of experience locally!    Put our experience to work for you!

                             
                             Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Fixing Technology Glitches A New Years Resolution

Fixing Technology Glitches A New Years Resolution

Can technology be the cause of gray hair?   I would say yes, when it doesn't perform like you expect it to!  
 
Everything is relative.   To my Mom, who is very tech savvy for one of her generation, ( I will not divulge her age),  the learning curve of a new cell phone can wreak havoc.   It can be simply frustrating when "the damn computer" isn't behaving like expected!    I get it.

I get the frustration.  This stuff is a part of our lives and it is supposed to make life easier!

Living With Technology

But when things don't work....  ugg.   Maybe if I  understood the inner working of these things, I wouldn't get so frustrated .   All I really want is to turn the gadget on and get myself from point A to point B, Cell phone, I Pad, GPS or computer.

Like a car,  I don't really care how it works, but I know that when I turn the key, it will start and take me from one place to another.
If something goes wrong, it's really no biggy.    Off to the trusted mechanic or a call to AAA (or Al) will fix it! 

Not quite the same for tech toys and tools!    Evidence this by running into a simple little glitch.  
Not easy to find someone that can wrap their  hands or head around the thing and fix it asap.    Talk about specialization!    Anyone dealing with tech support can vouch for this.    One quickly finds  that the source of some help might just very well be short on patience for the not so informed!  

Getting to the point.  

Instead of dealing with the glitch(s), It can be easier to just.. well, live with it.   
One of my resolutions this new year is to get a couple of things that "I have been living with" ironed out.      Example number 1.   (There are others I will work on later!)

Google hasn't been cooperating with me for several months now.   It seems I must have ticked Google off and messed up by having some sort of redundancy.  That was apparently making Google unhappy and not cooperative.   An easy fix for some I am sure, but not for me! 

Try I did, but to no avail.   Taking the time to figure out what  (she, him or it (what is Google anyway?)), wanted was not really in my wheel house!   So, I gave up after several more gray hairs.
In response to yet another not so gentle push by a friend and co worker,  I was energized to make this one resolution happen.   And.   Happen I hope it did.

Fresh eyes and mind, I made way through the labyrinth of frustration.     I think this time I have it!    Check me out and join me on Google plus. 

Fingers crossed.....I do believe I can cross this one off the list!

On to the next.....

_____________________________

Are you planning a move in 2013?

For 25 years, I have been helping people achieve their real estate dreams.   I will guarantee you that I have no problem navigating the real estate process and can help you with your move.

 Simply call at 508-494-9061 or email to Cal@alandcal.com  and we can get you started whether you are looking to Buy, Sell, Rent or Invest.

You can search for homes by clicking here.

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061