Real Estate Pepperell MA and Surrounding Communities: Massachusetts: Pepperell

After sitting vacant for many years and in very poor condition, the old paper mill, sited on approximately 12 acres in downtown Pepperell, MA, has been torn down.  Quite a few proposals have been set forth over the years to develop the site but today's economy has made it a difficult proposition.  In hopes of making the site more desirable to investors, the extensive mill site has been reduced to a pile of rubble. 

Overlooking the Nashua river and just below a dam on the other side of Main street, the first paper mill was established around 1834 and the Pepperell Paper Company was the final successor to a series of companies that have operated the mills until it closed in 2002.  

In the past, plans have been set forth to create a village with a mixed used of commercial and residential buildings. Town officials are commited to economic re-development of the site. 

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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. 

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.

Pepperell, MA Farmers' Market - 2011

One of the things that I like about Pepperell, MA is their rich history as an agricultural community. In 2007, the Pepperell Agricultural Board along with the Prescott Grange started the Pepperell Farmers' Market as a place for local farms to sell their wares.  A large variety of fresh picked produce can be found including heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, greens and lettuces, fresh herbs, blueberries and apples.  You can also find grass fed beef, local eggs, honey, local cheeses, fresh baked bagels, fresh baked breads and scones.  Several local artisans also attend the Pepperell Farmers' Market on a regular basis as well as live musicians playing toe-tapping music. 

Market days will be held each Saturday Morning, 9:00 to 1:00 on the town field.  According to the Farmers' Market Website, there will be one market date in June this year, then a break for the 4th of July, after which the Market will run every Saturday into October.  To verify market dates and for more detailed information check out the Pepperell Farmers' Market website.

Perhaps you'd like to participate in the Pepperell Farmers' Market.  If so, CLICK HERE for information and a vendor application.

Pepperell, MA is situated approximately 35 miles northwest of Boston and adjacent to the New Hampshire border.  It is known for its history as a farming community, with rolling hills and lovely woodlands. If you're looking for a large variety of fresh picked produce or local artisan wares, please stop by the Pepperell Farmers' Market! You won't be disappointed.

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SEARCH 1000'S OF PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN MA & NH

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.

Foreclosure vs. Short Sale and What it Means to You

Facing the prospect of foreclosure or short sale on your home is not easy. So many people are struggling with day-to-day expenses, job loss, health issues and, while it's difficult, you may have to consider how to decrease your debt.  If you determine that you must sell your home, or risk foreclosure, Integrity Residential Brokerage, licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire is here to help.

Here is a brief explanation of each process:

Foreclosure - In most cases, a lender obtains a security interest from the borrower who pledges the real estate to secure the loan. When the borrower fails to comply with the terms of the mortgage, the lender has the right to foreclose. Foreclosure is the legal process by which a lender obtains a court ordered selling, or repossessing, of real estate. Furthermore, if the promissory note was made with a recourse clause, if the sale does not bring enough to pay the existing balance of principal and fees, the lender can file a claim for a deficiency judgment.

• Typically, a borrower whose home goes into foreclosure will not qualify for an FHA home loan for 5 years.
• On any future mortgage application, you must answer "yes" to the question "Have you had a property foreclosed upon or given title or deed in lieu thereof in the last 7 years?"
• Some borrowers credit will be impacted more than others for the same payment problem. Your credit score is likely to decrease anywhere between 100-300 points.
• Employers often run credit checks on potential employees
• Depending on the loan type, banks can go after more money from the homeowner if the sale price doesn't cover the mortgage amount due which is known as a ‘deficiency judgment'.
• A Foreclosure can show up on your credit history for 7-10 years.

Short Sale - is a sale of real estate in which the proceeds fall short of the balance owed on the loan.  When the borrower can't pay the mortgage loan on their property, the lender may decide that selling the property at a loss is better than proceeding with a foreclosure. This agreement doesn't necessarily release the borrower from the obligation to pay the remaining balance of the loan, which is known as a deficiency, but many times it is possible to negotiate no promissory note or deficiency judgment.

• Typically, after 2 years, a homeowner whose home is sold in a short sale will qualify for an FHA loan.
• There is no question on a mortgage application regarding whether you've ever done a short sale.
• Late payments will show up on your credit report but short sales are usually not reported to the credit bureau.
• Ask your lender whether they will report the short sale as "paid less on a settled account" vs. "settled/paid in full" as this could affect your credit score.
• Usually, it will take approximately 18 months of consistent, on-time credit payments to restore your credit score.

In conclusion, a Short Sale is far less damaging than a foreclosure. The lender will often allow a short sale if they feel the financial loss is lower than that of a foreclosure proceeding.  As a borrower, you can avoid having a foreclosure on your credit report and the short sale process is typically faster and less expensive.

If you think you may need to sell your home "short", the time to start the process is NOW! Short sales take months to process through your lender. So, if you want to lessen the risk of foreclosure, begin by picking up the phone and calling us today at (978)433-0000.

Integrity Residential Brokerage  located in Pepperell, MA is here to assist you with your real estate needs. So far, we've had a 100% success rate with gaining lender approval on our short sale listings.  If you are experiencing financial distress and need to sell your home, please call right away!  

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

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.

Pepperell MA Real Estate Homes for Sale, Market Report, Free MLS Search, Integrity Residential Brokerage, Catherine Condon, 978-433-0000

Pepperell, MA Real Estate MLS Market Report: May-October 2010

Currently, there are 62 single family homes offered for sale in Pepperell, MA ranging in price from $119,900 to $879,900.  The average list price is $362,240 and the average days on market is 240.

There are 6 single family homes currently under contract ranging in price from $130,000 to $499,900.  The average list price is $267,100 and the average days on market is 143. 

Within the past 6 months, 32 single family homes have sold.  The average list price was $324,877 and the average sale price was $320,610. The average days on market were 193. 

Below, is a pie chart showing the percentage of short sales, foreclosures and non-distressed sales that occured May-October 2010.

If you are interested in learning the value of your home, Integrity Residential Brokerage would be happy to assist you with a market valuation on your home.

If you'd like to search for property currently on the market, 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!

Integrity Residential Brokerage, licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, would be happy to assist you in your home buying or 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.

Selling Your Home During the Winter Months

Here in New England we are blessed with 4 seasons and we're coming up on winter. Whether you're a REALTOR or the average person, I'm sure you've heard this statement "I'm going to take my house off the market because no one is looking to buy during the winter." Or, how about this? "I'm going to wait until spring to put my house on the market when there are more buyers looking and prices are higher."  While on the face of things, these statements may seem logical, let me point out a few reasons why it may not make sense to wait.

Let's take a look at the first statement:

No one is looking at houses during the winter - Interestingly, we aggressively market and sell property year round but Integrity Residential Brokerage closed more homes from October - February than during the spring.  I find that serious, well qualified buyers look at housing year round. 

Less inventory = Less competition:  That means that those "serious, well qualified buyers" that are looking at homes will have less to choose from. Your home will have less competition which may, in fact, result in a better sale price. 

Young home vs. new construction: Perhaps you own a young home and you've been competing against aggressively priced new construction.  During the winter months, unless the foundation has already been poured, construction of a new home is quite difficult.  Your young home now looks mighty attractive for someone who needs to move now!

Relocation Buyers: Statistically, more relocations happen in January than any other month.  This is an excellent source of potential buyers that you may be missing, if you're waiting until spring.

Less showings: You may get less showings but the folks viewing your home are likely serious, well qualified buyers, who want to move now.  

Now, let's take a look at the second statement: 

I'm going to wait until spring when there are more buyers and prices are higher - Waiting until spring to market your home may result in more showings but how many of those are motivated to buy at that time?  Typically, in the spring, we'll see buyers who are thinking of moving, have a house to sell, haven't been pre-approved, or want to consider owning vs. renting. 

Are prices going to be higher in the spring? Only time will tell but I wouldn't count on it. During the past couple of years, values have been declining markedly.  While "waiting for the spring" might have been a good plan 5 years ago, it no longer has merit.  Every passing month could result in a lower sale price.

In summary, there are plenty of serious, well qualified buyers searching for homes during the winter months.  Interest rates are at a historical low.  Your competition is sitting it out waiting for warmer days.  Now may be the just the right time to sell your house!

Integrity Residential Brokerage, licensed in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, would be happy to assist you in your home buying or 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.

If you'd like to search for property currently on the market, 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!

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

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Market conditions vary month-to-month and differ depending on location, style, amenities and price range. 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.