It's exciting to plan the purchase of a condominium. It may be the first home you will own, or you may be anticipating the maintance free living style of a condominium.  Something to keep in mind is to check the rules and requlations of the condo complex you are considering concerning pets, if you are planning on bringing yours along or have plans to become a pet owner.  The rules vary greatly in condominiums from pets not being allowed, to only certain pets, say cats, being allowed. There can be weight restrictions, usually 25 pounds seems to be the derermining factor. Some rules will restrict certain breeds, especially of dogs that may require higher insurance rates.  I have come across some condo buildings where the rule is that the pet being considered, mostly dogs, need to be inter... 03/26/2012

March 20th - The first day of spring!  Here in New England, Newburyport, MA to be exact, our hope is for a spring with wonderful weather. There have been years where spring seems to have missed us altogether. Following the marvelous winter we have just had, there is hope. This winter started out like many others, with a snowfall of 4-6 inches. In fact it was earlier than usual.  Everyone braced for a very snowy winter. Little did we know it has been the mildest winter we have ever had. After the first snow, there has been very little. Temperatures have been very mild, 20's to 40's for this area is mild. And the last month we have experienced temperatures in the 60's and 70's! There is a forcast of the temperature reaching 80 degress this week! Outdoor Dining in March! Waterfront Park, N... 03/21/2012

Realtor John P. Wells interviews Andy Consoli of ABC Home Inspections as he checks out an older electrical system. Find out what you should do about an old fuse box in the Newburyport home you want to buy. 02/27/2012

John P. Wells interviews Andy Consoli of ABC Home Inspections as he checks out an older boiler. Find out what you should do about an old boiler in the Newburyport home you want to buy 02/27/2012

Newburyport MA Short Sales   Unlike neighboring Amesbury MA, Newburyport MA short sales are rare.   The reason for this is simple; real estate values in Newburyport have not suffered that much.  Short sales occur when people owe more on their homes than their home is worth, and have suffered a hardship that makes it difficult or impossible for them to keep the house.   If the value of the home is worth more than the mortgage, there is no reason for a short sale.   Newburyport values are such that there is rarely a reason for a short sale. Banks may be forgiving some of the seller debt, but they don’t like to give away money.    They want the house to sell reasonably close to market value.   Banks have become much more efficient in handling short sales so they are no longer as complex or... 02/27/2012

The annual Merrimac River Eagle Festival will be held this Saturday in Newburyport, February 11th. What a great opportunity to learn about eagles, see demonstrations and view eagles in their natural habitat!   The event runs from 9-4pm and is presented by The Mass Audobon's Joppa Flats Education Center and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport. There is no charge to attend.                               There will be eagle tours every half hour. Reservations are required. Call 978-462-9998. The tours are one and a half hours in lenght.                                                                                               At city hall there will be two eagle demonstrations and at Joppa Flats and the Parker River Refuge there will be crafts and games for the kids... 02/08/2012

  In these tough economic times short sales are part of the real estate market. It is a chance for a homeseller to avoid foreclosure. For a home buyer it can be an opportunity to purchase a home at a great value. Shorts Sales on the Market in the Greater Newburyport Area: Newburyport     7                      Rowley        3                      Georgetown     3                Newbury          2                      Amesbury     21                    Groveland       4 Salisbury         9                      Merrimac      4                      Ipswich          5   Short Sales Under Agreement in the above towns:   14  Short Sales Sold in 2011 in the above towns:           59     Average Sale Price :        Single Famiy Homes    $303,639     Average Sale Price:         Condo's          ... 02/06/2012

Join our new company with proven strategies that we will use for you to help you overcome the slow market and build a serious future.   Must be highly ethical and conscientious - we aren't looking for salespeople but people who like people, homes and have business savvy with professional backgrounds. We will put our marketing strategy to work for you immediately!! We are only looking for a few people - we want to create high volume for a few good Realtors, not masses of agents who aren't making a living because the company doesn't care.... If you are new to the business we will train you!!             12/26/2011

The Newburyport Art Associations Winter Art Show and Sale is taking place until December 24th. Located at 65 Water St. in Newburyport you will find a variety of artwork, including sculptures, photographs, paintings, jewelry and more created by members of the association. Many of the items have been specially priced for this holiday sale. Holiday hours are Monday-Saturday 11-5.  The Art Association offers educational classes in art throughout the year. Their many exhibits are enjoyed by the local community as well as those from outside the area.                                                                            12/23/2011

The Anna Jacques Hospital Hospitality Cookbook is now on sale with proceeds to benifit the Hospital. Some of the recipes included in this 243 page book are specialties from local restaurants such as the local Carry Out Cafe's potatoe salad, and David Tavern's pumpkin pie martini, along with many favorite family recipes.  Proceeds benifit the Hospital which services the Newburyport area. Anna Jacues is a 123 bed, not for profit facility located on Highland St. Some of the places that you can get the cookbook is at the Hospital's gift shop, the Ruby Slipper, the Elephant's Trunk, and a few of the local banks. 12/21/2011

If you missed Invitation Night last Friday night, you will have a second chance to enjoy the event tonight, December 9, 2011. From 6 to 9 PM.  The merchants in downtown Newburyport will open their doors again to the public for an evening of shopping and fun. Food and drink are served. There is also some entertainment. It is a festive time and one looked forward to by many.  Last week was a success as the streets were filled with people enjoying the evening. Many gifts were wrapped at the Keller Williams office in Downtown Market Square for a small donation to KWCares.  Let the Evening Begin! 12/09/2011

12/06/2011

Holiday spirit fills the air in Newburyport on two Firday nights, December 2nd and 9th from 6 to 9pm, when the merchants open their shops to the public for a night of festivities. There is live entertainment. Food and drink are served while you shop. The streets are filled with people from many surrounding communities that come to enjoy the holiday festivities.                                                 After the gifts have been purchased stop by the Keller Williams office to have your purchases gift wrapped and to enjoy some cider and dessert.  12/02/2011

Condominiums make up a large portion of the housing stock in Newburport. In addition to several larger condominium complexes, such as Maritime Landing, The Courtyard, Parker Ridge, and River's Edge, there are many homes that have been converted into two to six condo units.                                          There are 61 condo's on the market for sale for buyers to choose from right now. Average list price is $388,870 and they range in price from $64,900 to $1,999,900.                                                                                                                                                         Some choices are:  garden style - one level living.                                                            townhouse - multi-level living.                        ... 11/29/2011

  The Racket Club of Newburyport is a Newburyport MA Athletic Club located at 178 Low Street.  The Racket Club of Newburyport - Specializing in Family Tennis Facility Offering six indoor courts and a wide range of services including tennis lessons, round robins, leagues, a junior program, social events and more. Newburyport MA Athletic Club Worth a Visit From tournament training to children's group lessons, The Racket Club is the only game in town! Visit the The Racket Club of Newburyport Newburyport MA at 178 Low Street. View my video blog on The Racket Club of Newburyport.     09/10/2011

Buying real estate in Newburyport MA is smart, according to savvy investors.  Newburyport is posed for significant economic growth and is a unique city.  Check out this article in The Daily News. Even as a small investor it makes sense to buy a rental condo here and hold long term.  I'd be happy to help you with this.   For more information on Newburyport Homes and Real Estate, check out this Newburyport Real Estate for sale site with articles, market trends and community information. 08/31/2011

  Newburyport MA Condos for Sale:   What a great place to live!  What's your budget and what can you find here?       Newburyport MA is becoming an increasingly popular and attractive city to live near the water, enjoy culture, nightlife, restaurants as well as architectural and natural beauty, and yet be within a hour’s easy commute to Boston.       The downtown area is filled with half houses and condos priced as low as $145,000 for a very nice, 500 sq. ft. one bedroom condo, to $209,000 for a comfortable and spacious two bedroom, one bath townhouse, quite a few more great properties for more money.   The closer to the center, of course, the higher the price, but the walking distance to the coffee shops, pubs and restaurants make that so worth it!         Garages are in short supply. ... 08/22/2011

  Newburyport MA:  Homes, Condos for sale   Search the MLS for Newburyport MA listings and Real Estate for sale   A great new website gives you direct access to the MLS and real estate for sale in Newburyport MA while also providing you information about Newburyport, Schools in Newburyport, Events, things to do, and information about home buying.   Check it out at the Best Buyer Agent site around!     Newburyport MA real estate, homes for sale, condos for sale, information, MLS search   08/09/2011

These reviews are just posted on Zillow.  To see the complete reviews go to my profile page at Zillow. I have no control over what is written although I can object if I think a review is unfair.   I've never had to do that.   Zillow verifies that the people who post are real customers.   From a couple who bought a $1.45 million home in Winchester MA:  "John is the consummate professional. He was a real pleasure for us to work with all around. He gave us sound guidance and practical advice ranging from helping us find a wonderful realtor to sell our old home to unabashedly pointing out key concern areas in examining new properties (his experience as a builder is extremely helpful). He understood our aesthetic, anticipated our needs and was incredibly organized and responsive (email and p... 08/09/2011

Rat Poison   The IBEW members – the real ones, not the paid help that’s holding the signs about Anna Jacques – aren’t the one’s driving this disgraceful action in Newburyport.   It’s the management, a few  guys who hold the reins tightly.  A real IBEW electrician, an intelligent, thoughtful young man I was speaking last week, told me that he and his fellow members are horribly embarrassed by the actions of their “leaders” and don’t agree with it or support it.     I believe that.  I believe that the majority of these electricians are decent, hardworking individuals, not the thugs their management is making them appear to be.  A simple internet search about this union uncovers a lot of unhappy members.   It’s tough for them to speak out.   There are consequences for disagreeing with unio... 07/28/2011