Real Estate Pepperell MA and Surrounding Communities

This past Friday, I had a closing on a marvelous new construction home located in Groton, MA.  This lovely cape style home with 2 car attached garage was built by an outstanding builder, Peter Andrews. 

As a closing gift, I got the new homeowner a gorgeous hanging basket for their front porch. They absolutely loved it and the husband immediately went out to buy a hook in order to hang it.  You can imagine my surprise when the buyer calls me shortly thereafter and says, "Catherine, did you happen to come by and take the plant with you thinking we might not be here this weekend?" I replied, "No, why?"  She then goes on to tell me that someone drove directly across the newly seeded lawn, took the plant off of the front porch, and drove off leaving ruts in their new front lawn.  This all happened while she was in the house! Groton is a very quiet rural community with a very low crime rate.  Who would have the audacity to drive over someone's lawn and take a plant off of their front porch? It was gorgeous but really folks, what kind of message are you sending to your new neighbor when they can't even keep a nice hanging basket on their front porch?  Drive over the front lawn?  If you're going to tresspass and steal, can you at least use the driveway? 

On a similar note, does every town have a "bulb thief"?  I was recently at a property that has beautiful perennial flower beds.  While I was being given the tour, we noticed that someone had come onto the property, stolen a rare perennial and didn't even have the decency to re-distribute the soil.  They left a huge hole and didn't even try to hide the fact that they had obviously been dug up. 

So, I'm ready to take a nice neighborhood drive to see who has that hanging flower basket and reclaim it for my client.  What would you do?

The good news is that Groton, MA is a lovely town. Rich in history, it still maintains its rural and agriculturally based roots.  I'm sure that my client will enjoy living in their new home for many years to come!

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Peter Andrews has been in the building and remodeling business for over 31 years and has worked on hundreds of homes throughout New England.  Each project receives the utmost attention to detail.  Whether you want impressive moldings and intricate woodwork or a plain, simple bathroom renovation, your job is treated with complete attention to every detail. 

Peter and his crew were on a pretty tight deadline to complete this home in time for the new homeowner, who was traveling cross country.  His experience, knowledge, and most importantly commitment, kept the project on-time.  Peter did not disappoint, my client was thrilled with the quality and workmanship of their new construction home in Groton, MA.

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About the Author:

Catherine is a licensed real estate broker in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and has worked as a REALTOR for approximately 23 years. If you, or anyone you know, are thinking of buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you!  We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to my blog for more real estate information. 

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Please note that individual listings periodically mentioned in this blog are accurately described in terms of availability and price at the time of the posting. Because properties are constantly coming on and off the market, please contact Catherine for the latest information on those that are of particular interest to you.

FHA "Bridal Registry" Downpayment Program

Recently, I read a blog by Rebekah Radice, titled "Newlyweds say "I DO" to FHA Bridal Registry Gift Funds". I hadn't heard of this FHA Program before, so I did a little research and found out the following:

The FHA Bridal Registry program was originally introduced in 1996 but it still remains a little known fact when it comes to down payment assistance. 

HERE IS HOW IT WORKS 

• Register with a bank and open an interest bearing savings account prior to the wedding
• Then, your family and friends can make gift payments into the account on your behalf
• All of the gift funds can go towards the FHA required 3.5% down payment
• Anyone with an interest in the purchase cannot be party to the gift funds (i.e. seller, mortgage consultant, realtor, etc.)
• There is no requirement that you be married prior to closing on your new home

Rebekah Radice further explains, "Another huge advantage is that there are no gift letters or other documentation required other than proof of your savings account named "bridal registry account." It's that simple!"

So, potential home-buyers, if you're engaged to be married, I encourage you to check out this great, creative way to start saving a down payment on a home by opening a "Bridal Registry Account".

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About the Author:

If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you!  We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to my blog for more real estate information. 

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Please note that individual listings periodically mentioned in this blog are accurately described in terms of availability and price at the time of the posting. Because properties are constantly coming on and off the market, please contact Catherine for the latest information on those that are of particular interest to you.

"Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You", Integrity Residential Brokerage, Pepperell, MA

One of my clients, Al,  sent me the following article titled "Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You". There are a lot of helpful suggestions so I thought I'd pass it along to you. 

1. Of course I look familiar.  I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... And  taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I  might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your Alarm Company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7.  A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your Jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there  too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system.  If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television.


8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON'T TELL YOU:

1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

3. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again.. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to  what he was doing. It's human nature.

4. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

5. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TV's or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the  blinds, just to pick my targets.

6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.

7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

8. If you don't answer  when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky; security consultant Chris  McGoey, and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his Book "Burglars on the Job".

PROTECTION FOR YOU AND YOUR HOME

If you don't have a gun, here's a more humane way to wreck someone's evil plans for you. (I guess I can get rid of the baseball bat.)

WASP SPRAY


A friend who is a receptionist in a church in a high risk area was concerned about someone coming into the office on Monday to rob them when they were counting the collection. She asked the local police  department about using pepper spray and they recommended to her that she get a can of wasp spray instead.

The wasp spray, they told her, can shoot up to twenty feet away and is a lot more accurate, while with the pepper spray, they have to get too close to you and could overpower you. The wasp spray temporarily blinds an attacker until they get to the hospital for an antidote. She keeps a can on her desk in the office and it doesn't attract attention from people like a can of pepper spray would. She also keeps one nearby at home for home protection.

FROM ANOTHER SOURCE

On the heels of a break in and beating that left an elderly woman in Toledo dead, self defense experts have a tip that could save your life.

Val Glinka teaches self-defense to students at Sylvania Southview High School. For decades, he's suggested putting a can of wasp and hornet spray near your door or bed.

Glinka says, "This is better than anything I can teach them." Glinka considers it inexpensive, easy to find, and more effective than mace or pepper spray. The cans typically shoot 20 to 30 feet; so if someone tries to break into your home, Glinka says, "spray the culprit in the eyes". It's a tip he's given to students for decades. It's also one he wants everyone to hear. If you're looking for protection, Glinka says look to the spray. "That's going to give you a chance to call the police; maybe get out."

PUT YOUR KEYS BESIDE YOUR BED AT NIGHT

Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr.'s office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night.

If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the  neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. Remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life  or a sexual abuse crime.

Would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can't reach a phone. My Mom has suggested to my Dad that he carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn't hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she'll know there's a problem.

Please share this with all the people in your life.

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Integrity Residential Brokerage, licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, would be happy to assist you in your home buyingor home selling needs. If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you!  We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to my blog for more real estate information. 

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Please note that individual listings periodically mentioned in this blog are accurately described in terms of availability and price at the time of the posting. Because properties are constantly coming on and off the market, please contact Catherine for the latest information on those that are of particular interest to you.

Commercial Property Pepperell MA: High Visibility Location

Integrity Residential Brokerage offers this outstanding opportunity to own commercial property in Pepperell, MA.  Downtown, main street location offers fantastic visibility and recognition for your business from vehicle and foot traffic.  The Nashua River Rail Trail, restaurants, fitness centers, convenience stores, and hair salons are all located within the same business block bringing people from town as well as out of town into this business district.

Offered at $290,000, this office building contains approximately 1,100sf of area on three levels with two half baths.  Just move your business in! The office building was completely renovated and expanded in 2001 with high quality materials. 

The .52 acre site offers great potential for expansion.  Additionally, there is plenty of parking, a security system, a multi-line phone system and an intercom system.

Impeccably maintained, solid wood doors and trim, finished ceilings, berber carpet, crown molding, thermo pane windows, and vinyl siding. 

Call today (978)433-0000 or email me to set up an appointment.

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Stage your Home for Sale: Questions to Ask when Hiring a Home Stager

In today's market, it's important to find ways to set yourself apart from your competition.  Buyer's frequently tour multiple properties on any given day so staging your home could make the difference between a long marketing period with little buyer interest versus a shorter marketing period with high buyer interest.

If you'd like to consider hiring a home stager, below are some questions to ask when interviewing home stagers.   

Can we meet in person?  - It's important to meet them in person versus talking to them over the phone. That way, you'll have an opportunity to see how you interact with them. You'll be able to determine their communication style:  Are they pleasant when bringing up staging ideas for your home?  How do they respond to your questions or concern over a staging idea? Are they brusque or not open to discussing options for your space?  

Will you bring a portfolio? - You'll want to review some of the work that they've done for other clients. That way, you'll be able to get an idea of their abilities and whether you find their work appealing. Are homes similar to yours in their portfolio?

Do you have an area of expertise? Every stager is different.  Perhaps they specialize in high-end modern homes versus New England capes. Make sure they have experience in your location and the ability to stage your home style appropriately.

What is your training? How long have they worked as a home stager?  Do they have experience staging your style of home? Do they work with area Realtors or have real estate experience?  Do they have any special training or certification?

May I review your contract? It's important to thoroughly review any contract to make sure it covers the terms that you have agreed upon.  Read the contract a couple of times to make sure that agreed upon terms are not missing or vague.

Lastly, ask the home stager for names of past clients that live in the area.  Speaking with past clients, as well as utilizing online search engines, can be beneficial in determining who would be the best home stager for you.

SEARCH 1000'S OF HOMES FOR SALE IN MA & NH FOR FREE!

If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you!  We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

CLICK HERE to subscribe to my blog for more real estate information. 

WHAT IS MY HOME WORTH?

Waterfront Property in Ashburnham, MA $109,900

Would you like more information on this wonderful Waterfront Property in Ashburnham, MA?  Give Integrity Residential Brokerage a call (978)433-0000.

WOW! You can't beat this price for waterfront property. Hard to find 150' of waterfront on Watatic Pond for fishing, boating and swimming. Nice, private setting for this 7 room, 3 bedroom, 1 bath Cape with approximately 2,100sf of living area situated on a .45 acre lot.  House needs TLC so bring your ideas and make this year-round retreat your own!

If you'd like to search other waterfront homes in Massachusetts, click here!

If you're not familiar with Ashburnham, MA, here's some basic information on the town.

Ashburnham is located in north central Massachusetts on the New Hampshire border, about half way between the Atlantic Ocean and the Connecticut River. The town boasts beautiful high-elevation lakes, rushing streams, scenic hiking trails, and fresh air.  Ashburnham is just an hour's drive from Boston, 30 minutes from Worcester, and 10 minutes due north of 2000+-foot Mount Wachusett. There are two distinct topographical areas, hilly to the east and relatively flat high ground to the west. To the east, Mount Watatic and Little Watatic Mountain rise in the northeastern part of town, with Jewell Hill to the southeast and Blood Hill rising just over the town line. In the western part of town are several lakes, including Lake Wamanoag, Sunset Lake, Lake Watatic, Wallace Pond, and the Upper & Lower Naukeag Lakes. Several areas around the town are protected as part of Ashburnham State Forest.

If you'd like to widen your search to include other towns, click on the link below.  You'll have access to every property currently listed in Massachusetts as well as New Hampshire.

SEARCH 1000'S OF HOMES FOR SALE IN MA & NH FOR FREE!

If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you!  We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

Things to Do in Pepperell, MA - Take a Hike, a bike or a horse and check out the Nashua River Rail Trail.  The Pepperell stop is located right across the street from my office, Integrity Residential Brokerage.  Many people enjoy this wonderful recreational area, so I thought I'd share some trail history and information.

The Nashua River Rail Trail is an abandoned rail bed once known as the "Hollis Branch". The trail was paved between 2001 and 2002 and officially opened in October of 2002. The trail has a 10' wide paved surface for the entire length, and a 5' wide gravel path for equestrians. The trail runs from Ayer, MA to the New Hampshire border. The entire trail is open to pedestrians, bicyclists, inline skaters, wheelchairs, and cross-country skiers.  The 5' wide gravel path for equestrians runs from Pepperell through Groton.

The landscape along the Nashua River Rail Trail is varied and offers many scenic overlooks and rest stops. You'll pass lovely ponds and marshes between Ayer and Groton.  If you're an equestrian, take a detour through the J. Harry Rich Forest which has beautiful trails.  Just before you enter Pepperell, you'll come alongside the Nashua River for beautiful water views for approximately 1 mile.  If you take a rest stop in Pepperell, you might want to stop at Charlotte's Cozy Kitchen for an ice cream or a sandwich.  While you're at it, stop by my office and say "hello".  From downtown Pepperell, you can continue north across Groton Street, past the Boy Scout Parcel and into New Hampshire.

While on the trail, if you see equestrians, please make sure to give a clear voice warning before passing them.  As an owner of a horse who uses this trail, we often don't hear bikes or people as they come up from behind and we greatly appreciate the "heads up" so that we don't end up startled and possibly hurt.

If you are an equestrian and would like information on the easiest places to park a trailer, send me an email.

If you wish, download a PDF copy of Mass Highway's map of the Massachusetts section of the trail.

If you, or anyone you know, is considering buying or selling a property, Integrity Residential Brokerage located in Pepperell, MA, would love to hear from you!  We strive to offer you the highest level of professional assistance possible making your desires and goals a reality.

SEARCH 1000'S OF HOMES FOR SALE IN MA & NH FOR FREE!