Martini Monday in Canton MA There is always something going on in Canton MA! This weekend is no exception. This represents Event Number 26 in my ongoing series of 31 Things to do In May in Canton MA. Local Canton restaurant, The Halfway Cafe, has teamed up with fellow Village Shoppes merchant, Ceramics a la Carte, to offer Martini Mondays starting tonight, May 23rd, right here in Canton MA.   The event starts at 7:00 pm at the Halfway Cafe.  Here is the deal:  Enjoy your favorite martini in your own personalized martini glass that you create.  Head to the Halfway Cafe between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm - and bring a friend - to sample some free appetizers provided by the Halfway Cafe and to sip your favorite martini.  Staff from Ceramics a la Carte will be on hand with supplies for you to cre... 05/23/2011

 Canton, Mass. Real Estate - Week ending May 21, 2011 Here is a brief snapshot of the real estate market for single family homes in Canton, Mass. (Source MLSPIN)  Number of Homes on The Market                                             103 Average List Price                                                           $596,644 Average Market Time                                                      133 Days 05/23/2011

Facebook Pages for Canton MA Residents This post was inspired by Liz and Bill Spear of Warren County OH who recently wrote a post entitled Helpful Facebook Pages for Warren County Residents.  I thought it was a great idea and got me to thinking of some great Facebook Pages for Canton MA Residents. Many local organizations and businesses will provide updates on breaking news, school and town information and even special savings coupons for their fans.  So, here are some that I like that I think you might find helpful and interesting.  The facebook pages are linked below. CantonPatch:  For local news stories you can of course subscribe to the daily newsletter from hyper-local news source CantonPatch, but their stories will often be linked on Facebook if you want up to the minute updates. ... 05/22/2011

Buyers Closing Costs As a Buyers Agent working in Canton MA, Milton MA and surrounding Norfolk County communities, buyers will often ask me if it is realistic to ask the Seller to give a credit for closing costs.  Sometimes they think that the closing cost credit is only found in lower priced communities or transactions. However, closing costs can definitely be a part of the negotiations in any transaction.  There are two issues to consider. Seller's Bottom Line:  Remember, that the Seller is looking at the bottom line or what they will get at the end of the day.  Buyers need to remember that a $350,000.00 offer with a $3000.00 closing cost credit will only net the Seller $347,000.00.  It seems obvious but often that piece gets lost.  So, always consider the other end of the transaction... 05/21/2011

It's A Busy Weekend in Canton MA There is always something going on in Canton MA! This weekend is no exception.  The items below represent Event Numbers 20-25 in my ongoing series of 31 Things to do In May in Canton MA. Garden Club Plant Sale:  On Saturday May 21st the Canton Garden Club will hold a plant sale on the front lawn of the Canton Public Library from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.  Proceeds benefit the Garden Club's charitable works around town.  There will some great selections to add to your spring and summer gardens. Saftey Fair:  The Third Annual Canton Safety Fair will be held on Saturday May 21st from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Pequitside Farm.  This is a FREE event and will feature information on Childhood ID Program, Sun Protection. Lyme Disease Prevention, Pool Safety, Fire Saftey a... 05/20/2011

Free to Be You & Me in Canton MA Regular readers of my blog know that I am a big fan and supporter of the Performing Arts Department in the Canton Public Schools.  The Canton High School Drama Club is putting on its last show of the season this upcoming weekend. This year they are doing something different and are producing a children's musical.  This year's production is Free to Be You and Me, a musical based on the 1970's book and Emmy-award winning television special of the same name.  This show sends the message of encouraging tolerance and individuality.  Celebrating individuality and challenging stereotypes empowers both children and adults with the freedom to be who they want to be and to have compassion and empathy for others who may be different. I was lucky enough to catch a r... 05/19/2011

What Is There to Do in Canton MA? There is always something going on in Canton MA! The items below represent Event Numbers 17 & 18 in my ongoing series of 31 Things to do In May in Canton MA. Cooking for Teens:  Are you looking for something for your teen or pre-teen to do?  Trying to fight off the "I'm Bored" routine?  The Canton Public Library is offering a Cooking for Teens Class on Thursday May 19th from 3:30 - 5:00.  The class is geared towards kids ages 10-14 and will focus on teen-friendly foods.  The kids will get to both cook and sample the results! Moms & Tots Playgroup: If your kids are younger, and you are looking for a way to escape all the rain we have been having, then consider heading over to St. Gerard Majella Church Hall on Thursday between 9:30 am & 11:30 am for a fre... 05/18/2011

Home Buying - Survivor Style Canton MA's most recent claim to fame is that we are the hometown to "Boston Rob" - winner of the most recent Survivor - Redemption Island. I admit to not being a big Survivor watcher but we all take a little pride when one of our own wins big. From all accounts, Rob is a master of the game & knows what it takes to win the game - some well chosen alliances, some immunity and strategy. Buyers can use the same skills to buy a home - Survivor style. Alliances: Your most important alliance is to pick a skilled real estate agent to represent your interests as a buyer. Your buyers agent can bring in other professionals to assist you and to strengthen the alliance. Immunity: Well, until the deal is closed, I am sorry to say that there is not much immunity in real e... 05/17/2011

 Canton, Mass. Real Estate - Week ending May 14, 2011 Here is a brief snapshot of the real estate market for single family homes in Canton, Mass. (Source MLSPIN)  Number of Homes on The Market                                              98 Average List Price                                                           $597,174 Average Market Time                                                      139 Days 05/17/2011

More May Events in Canton MA There is always something going on in Canton MA!  The items below represent Event Number 14, 15 & 16 in my ongoing series of 31 Things to do In May in Canton MA. Art Class:  Every Monday you can take a drawing class offered by local Canton MAartist, Mona Podgurski at her studio at 72 Jackson Street, Canton MA, from 10:00 am - 12:30 pm.  The cost for walk-ins is $20.00.  All levels are welcome in this class so if you have always wanted to learn some basic art skills, this class is for you. Storytime & Fun:  Every Wednesday from 10:30 am - 11:15 am, The Village Toy Shop, located at the Village Shoppes in Canton MA, offers a free story time program for your little ones.  There is no pre-registration required.  With all the rain we are expecting this week, this ... 05/16/2011

My Pledge : I Will Respond to Your Emails & Phone Calls I was inspired by Alan May's blog today I'm Sure You've Heard this Before about a client's compliment on his responsiveness. Responsiveness should be a given.  After all, it is not rocket science. Over the past several days I have been thinking about prompt response to emails, phone calls, texts or other inquiries.  I have run into frustrations in that regard myself recently.  I have a current transaction where the Seller's attorney contacted me to request a modification to the contract.  I have responded and tried to discuss the suggestion for the past several days and have received no response to voice mails or emails.  I find that inexcusable. I try to be give prompt responses to all forms of inquiry - email, phone calls, texts ... 05/15/2011

Take a Look into Canton's Past There is always something going on in Canton MA!  This event represents Event Number 13 in my ongoing series of 31 Things to do In May in Canton MA. Home to Paul Revere and the historic Revere Copper Rolling Mill, Canton is full of historic sites.  On Sunday, May 15th, you can take part in "Trailing Into Canton's Past" by taking part in a self-guided tour of Canton's historic sites, hosted by Canton's own State Champion, 5th Grade Community Solving Problem Team, aptly named Team Revere Riders. You can start the tour at any one of the following historic sites: Canton Historical Society, Canton Viaduct, Tilden House, Bradley Estate, Blue Hills Observatory.  Maps will be available at all sites.   The event runs from 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm. I hope the rain holds of... 05/14/2011

It Will Be a Knight to Remember at the Canton Public Library There is always something going on in Canton MA!  This event represents Event Number 12 in my ongoing series of 31 Things to do In May in Canton MA.   On Saturday May 14th, at 6:30 p.m., the Friends of the Canton Public Library invite all Knights from the ages of Kindergarten through Third Grade, along with their Squires, to the Library Castle for a sleepover event!  Knights will participate in a variety of adventures from Knight Training, Merlin's Magic to the Telling of Tales and Legends and much, much more.  After the adventures, Knights and Squires will spend the night and enjoy breakfast in the banquet hall the next morning. The Friends hosted a similar event for all Princesses in the Kingdom of Canton MA last Fall and by... 05/13/2011

Participate in Bird-a-thon 2011 in Canton MA There is always something going on in Canton MA!  This event represents Event Number 11 in my ongoing series of 31 Things to do In May in Canton MA. Each year the Massachusetts Audubon Society holds its annual Bird-a-thon.  Teams of birders get together to see who can spot more species of birds, all while raising money for the Mass Audubon Society.  Canton's own Mass Audbon sanctuary, the Visual Arts Center, will be participating from Friday May 13th at 6:00 pm through Saturday May 14th at 6:00 pm.  There are several ways you can be involved: Donate Support a team or a team member. Fundraise Make your own fundraising webpage on our Bird-a-thon website and collect donations and pledges for your favorite sanctuary or program. Join a Bird-a-thon... 05/12/2011

 Canton, Mass. Real Estate - Week ending May 7, 2011 Here is a brief snapshot of the real estate market for single family homes in Canton, Mass. (Source MLSPIN)  Number of Homes on The Market                                              94 Average List Price                                                           $595,031 Average Market Time                                                      144 Days 05/11/2011

Tour the Blue Hills Brewery in Canton MA There is always something going on in Canton MA!  This event represents Event Number 10 in my ongoing series of 31 Things to do In May in Canton MA.  Every Friday and Saturday Canton's own Blue Hills Brewery offers complimentary tours and tastings.  Located at 1020 Turnpike Street (Route 138) in Canton, in the shadow of the great Blue Hills, the Blue Hills Brewery is a micro-brewery that, according to its website, "makes great tasting beers inspired by the elements and nature around us; embracing the rich history of the Blue Hills and the South Shore."  You can sit at the bar and have a pint and watch the beer being brewed through a large window that looks right into the brewery. The Blue Hills Brewery offers a variety of micro-brews and seasonal... 05/11/2011

An Evening of Music to Support Music Education in Canton MA MusicCounts (Canton's music booster organization) is hosting an Evening with the Chris Wood Band at Canton's own Turnpike Cafe on Saturday May 14th at 7:00 pm.  There is a $15.00 cover charge that includes light appetizers.  There will also be a cash bar and raffles.  The owners of the Turnpike Cafe (one of my favorite Canton eateries, by the way) have generously donated the restaurant for this event.  The Chris Wood Band features Canton residents Jim DeMaggio (on drums) and Al Reese (on bass).  This is a great opportunity to get out (without the kids) and enjoy some great music and conversation with your friends and neighbors, while supporting the good works of MusicCounts.  You do not need to be a MusicCounts member so everyo... 05/10/2011

Pool Tips for Homeowners & Home Buyers in Canton MA Maybe you bought a home with a pool over the winter and with summer approaching, you are wondering to do with it when you open it?  Or maybe you are contemplating buying a home with a pool and are wondering how much work it will entail?  Or perhaps, you have a pool but are looking for some tips to make life easier?  If so, I have a website recommendation for all of you:  Poolcenter.com  It is not only a pool store, but there are links to articles and "how to" instructions for a variety of pool-related issues.  And, they have a message board where members can ask questions & get answers from experts and other pool owners. Several years ago when we were looking at houses, we looked at our current home in Canton MA - which has a pool.  It... 05/09/2011

In April of 2011 there were 9 homes that closed within the month for Canton, MA. This is a decrease of 1 home as there were 10 homes that closed in April of 2010. The Average list price for the homes that closed in Canton for April of 2011 was $565,967 The Average list price for the homes that closed in Canton for April of 2010 was $520,472 The Average sale price for the homes that closed in Canton for April of 2011 was $541,500 The Average sale price for the homes that closed in Canton for April of 2010 was $501,700 The Average Market time for the homes that closed in Canton in April of 2011 was 107 days. The Average Market time for the homes that closed in Canton April of 2010 was 164 days. 9 homes went under agreement in Canton, Massachusetts for the month of April 2011. The average ... 05/09/2011

Canton High Pops Concert - Another May Event In my continuing series of 31 Things to Do in May in Canton, I have Number 8: The Canton High School Band & Chorus will be holding its annual Pops Concert on Tuesday, May 10th at 7:00 pm in the Canton High Auditorium. The Pops concert is my favorite.  Although I am a music lover and supporter, the Pops Concert usually has popular and familiar music.  There will be selections from the Canton High Chorus, Chamber Chorus and A Capella group as well as performances from the Canton High Band and Jazz Band.  These musicians are quite talented so take some time out to enjoy a great concert.  Best of all the concert is FREE! Also that night, there will be presentation of awards and induction of new members into the Tri-M Music Honors Society.  Our yo... 05/08/2011