When you make improvements to your home, the question you need to ask yourself before you make any significant changes should be - Will this add to my home's value or make my home more marketable or both?  Value in Real Estate translates into the dollar value of a property. The price a house sells for is considered fair market value. Appraised value is quite often the measurement lenders used to determine value. Marketability is what makes a property appealing to a prospective buyer. Sometimes improvements lean more towards the marketability side than increasing the value. New windows, a new furnace or new roof all will appeal to a buyer and add to a home's marketability. Unfortunately, in most cases, it will not add dollar for dollar value to the property. Though the costs of these upg... 08/19/2020

  We are so fortunate to have received the much-needed rain these past few days. Some of the rain came in light showers and others in downpours and thunderstorms.   When it rains, especially with heavy downpours, you may take note of whether your gutters are working correctly or if you don't have gutters, think about putting them on your house. Over the years, I've listened to many home inspectors' opinions on whether they believe gutters are necessary or whether they will create more of a problem than a benefit. They mostly agree that gutters on homes with asphalt roofs are worth installing. Houses with metal and slate roofs are where they differ.  Because snow and ice are more likely to slide off roofs that are metal and slate, they can also take the gutter(s) off with them. They usua... 08/19/2020

 Single Family Home Sales Report- March 2018 Pioneer Valley- MassachusettsFranklin, Hampshire and Hampden CountiesSource - Realtor Association of the Pioneer Valley Pioneer Valley Sales down 15.4% Median Price up 7.5%  Pioneer Valley all 3 CountiesSales down 15.4% ~ Median Price up 7.5%   2017 2018 Closed Sales (units) 422 357 Median Sales Price $188,750 $203,000  Franklin CountySales down 14.6% ~ Median Price up 20.6%   2017 2018 Closed Sales (units) 41 35 Median Sales Price $175,000 $211,000  Hampshire CountySales even  ~ Median price up 7.3%   2017 2018 Closed Sales (units) 71 71 Median Sales Price $273,000. $253,000  Hampden CountySales down 19.7% ~ Median Price up 8.3%   2017 2018 Closed Sales (units) 314 252 Median Sales Price $175,000 $189,450   Days on Market on average 95 days ... 04/26/2018

 Single Family Home Sales Report- February 2018 Pioneer Valley- MassachusettsFranklin, Hampshire and Hampden CountiesSource - Realtor Association of the Pioneer Valley Pioneer Valley Sales up 27.4% Median Price up 8.3%  Pioneer Valley all 3 CountiesSales up 17.2% ~ Median Price up 1.0%   2017 2018 Closed Sales (units) 237 302 Median Sales Price $179,950 $194,900  Franklin CountySales up 36.4% ~ Median Price up 45.8%   2017 2018 Closed Sales (units) 22 30 Median Sales Price $144,000 $210,000  Hampshire CountySales up 23.6% ~ Median price up 7.9%   2017 2018 Closed Sales (units) 47 60 Median Sales Price $244,000. $285,000  Hampden CountySales up 27.7% ~ Median Price up 16.8%   2017 2018 Closed Sales (units) 174 215 Median Sales Price $165,000 $178,000   Days on Market on average 84 days d... 04/02/2018

  'Tis the season .... Spring cleaning - YEAH!! So where to begin?I use the WW then F & F plan Windows, Walls, Furniture then FloorsStarting with the windows, Making them shine, will give you the encouragement to keep going.... While you are washing them, why not clean the curtains! Here is a few of my favorite glass cleaning solutions...2 cups water  or rubbing alcohol, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon dish cleaner (dawn is my fav)                                                                                                           or  try a more organic solution.2 cups of water (distilled or filtered is best so it doesn't leave residue, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 10 drops essential oil of choice- lemon is my fav (it helps cut the vinegar smell)         What you need Empty spray bot... 04/01/2018

   The 2018 Paint Colors Of The Year For Your Home from the major paint companies    Each year professionals in creative trades wait with bated breath for the color of the year to be announced. This announcement, much like the groundhog's shadow, is looked to as a prediction of the design landscape ahead. But unlike the shadow, these decisions truly affect what the future holds.     So if you're tired of millennial pink, burgundy or turquoise, all who have held the title of Color of the Year 2018 has a fresh palette for you. And this year is a palette that really pop   Pantone’s Color of the year - Ultraviolet Ultraviolet steps onto the scene to shake things up. Living up to its namesake this is a vivid color that will turn heads.  Dip your toes into this trend by using it as an accent.... 04/01/2018

The 2018 Paint Colors Of The Year For Your Home   Each year professionals in creative trades wait with bated breath for the color of the year to be announced. This announcement, much like the groundhog's shadow, is looked to as a prediction of the design landscape ahead. But unlike the shadow, these decisions truly affect what the future holds.   So if you're tired of millennial pink, burgundy or turquoise, all who have held the title of Color of the Year 2018 has a fresh palette for you. And this year is a palette that really pop.   Pantone’s Color of the year - Ultraviolet; a blue-based purple   Ultraviolet steps onto the scene to shake things up. Living up to its namesake this is a vivid color that will turn heads. Dip your toes into this trend by using it as an accent. Think throw ... 03/10/2018

 Single Family Home Sales Report- January 2018 Pioneer Valley- MassachusettsFranklin, Hampshire and Hampden CountiesSource - Realtor Association of the Pioneer Valley Pioneer Valley Sales up 17.2% Median Price up 1.0%  Pioneer Valley all 3 CountiesSales up 17.2% ~ Median Price up 1.0%   2017 2018 Closed Sales (units) 343 402 Median Sales Price $195,000 $197,000  Franklin CountySales up 27.0% ~ Median Price down 2.1%   2017 2018 Closed Sales (units) 37 47 Median Sales Price $189,000 $185,000  Hampshire CountySales down 5.6% ~ Median price up 1.2%   2017 2018 Closed Sales (units) 89 84 Median Sales Price $242,000. $245,,000  Hampden CountySales up 26.2% ~ Median Price up 8.8%   2017 2018 Closed Sales (units) 221 279 Median Sales Price $170,000 $185,000   Days on Market on average 83 days ... 02/24/2018

Staging 103- No Tricks - Just Tips I've been asked on occasion, "Isn't staging a home just a TRICK to get a Buyer to buy their home? You know like the Chevy Chase movie.... "Funny Farm" when he was having a hard time selling their house so they hired everyone in town to pretend it was a quaint New England community around Christmas time; all dressed up - caroling, ice skating and having fun". They even decorated their house so over the top entice the buyer to fall in love with their home so they'd buy it... Clearly a Trick, not a Tip I would recommend. Here are a few of my Favorite Staging Tips  De-clutter - minimize- minimize- minimize Pack away all items you wont be using in the next 3 months. Prepare to move  Throw away, donate and give away items you don't need or want before you pu... 02/20/2018

Staging 102 - How do you Stage your Home? What are your choices?FIRST...  It depends...  Is your house is vacant or furnished? If the house is furnished you have a 3 choices. DIY - Do-It-Yourself Entertain the advise of your Real Estate Professional or  Hire a Professional Stager  DIY - Do It Yourself...  Clear the clutter...Minimize excess belongings. Remove large bulky furniture. Set up each room to feel welcoming an inviting. Remove personal items and photos, especially names of children on the walls, bureau etc. Do your best to organize toys, books, and minimize items on bureaus and counter tops. Paint any room that is overly bold - neutralize the colors. Should be pleasing to go from room to room. Go through closets and cabinets. Throw away, give away, donate... minimize, minimize,... 02/18/2018

Staging 101What is Staging? What does it do?...and WHY?                       What is Staging?The Oxford dictionary's definition of STAGING is: The activity or practice of styling and furnishing a property for sale in such a way as to enhance its attractiveness to potential buyers. Staging has become an important part of marketing homes today. As a certified Stager, I find this to be a critical part of the process of selling a home.              So,what does it do?As in its original definition of setting the "stage" (for a play), it sets the home up in a way that creates  an environment that is inviting to a potential buyer. Done correctly, it will make a buyer feel welcome, relaxed, willing and able to clearly see the important features of the home.     WHY? ...Why make the effort?If y... 02/04/2018

A Heath MA home buyer should receive a brochure, Home Inspectors Facts for Consumers Sheet, at the time of the signing of the first written contract to purchase. A standard home inspection in Massachusetts is a visual examination of the physical structure and major interior systems of a residential building consisting of one to four dwelling units. It should be understood that there are certain risks inherent in the purchase of property and a home inspection is inherently limited in its scope and depth. The information gained from home inspection conforming to the Massachusetts Home Inspector Standards of Practice may reduce some of those risks, but the home inspection is not intended to provide the client with protection from all of the risks involved. Visit the Heath MA Home Inspector... 12/25/2013

A Hawley MA home buyer should receive a brochure, Home Inspectors Facts for Consumers Sheet, at the time of the signing of the first written contract to purchase. A standard home inspection in Massachusetts is a visual examination of the physical structure and major interior systems of a residential building consisting of one to four dwelling units. It should be understood that there are certain risks inherent in the purchase of property and a home inspection is inherently limited in its scope and depth. The information gained from home inspection conforming to the Massachusetts Home Inspector Standards of Practice may reduce some of those risks, but the home inspection is not intended to provide the client with protection from all of the risks involved. Visit the Hawley MA Home Inspect... 12/22/2013

A Gill MA home buyer should receive a brochure, Home Inspectors Facts for Consumers Sheet, at the time of the signing of the first written contract to purchase. A standard home inspection in Massachusetts is a visual examination of the physical structure and major interior systems of a residential building consisting of one to four dwelling units. It should be understood that there are certain risks inherent in the purchase of property and a home inspection is inherently limited in its scope and depth. The information gained from home inspection conforming to the Massachusetts Home Inspector Standards of Practice may reduce some of those risks, but the home inspection is not intended to provide the client with protection from all of the risks involved. Visit the Gill MA Home Inspectors ... 12/11/2013

An Erving MA home buyer should receive a brochure, Home Inspectors Facts for Consumers Sheet, at the time of the signing of the first written contract to purchase. A standard home inspection in Massachusetts is a visual examination of the physical structure and major interior systems of a residential building consisting of one to four dwelling units. It should be understood that there are certain risks inherent in the purchase of property and a home inspection is inherently limited in its scope and depth. The information gained from home inspection conforming to the Massachusetts Home Inspector Standards of Practice may reduce some of those risks, but the home inspection is not intended to provide the client with protection from all of the risks involved. Visit the Erving MA Home Inspec... 10/18/2013

Why is the Front Door such an important part of your Home? The Front Door is the first thing that people notice when they come up to your home. It makes a statement as to who lives there. It's a direct reflection of who you are. Your personality. and...It's a preview of what they will see inside. If it looks neat and clean they will have a welcoming feeling as they come up to the door. If the paint is peeling or it looks unkept or drab it gives off an unsettling feeling. Why should I care about what my front Door looks like?    As a homeowner looking to sell your home, first impressions mean everything. A little paint goes a long way especially when it comes to the front door and the entrance. You want the prospective buyers to feel welcome. You want them to enter your home with a posit... 04/07/2013

When is the BEST time to put your house on the Market?  When it is ready for prospective Buyer to see it.  Many homeowners think that putting their house on the market in the early Spring is a good time to list their house. Spring time is a great time to put your house on the market. - But it has to be ready for buyers to see it. It needs to be Photo Ready. You only have ONE shot at a 1st impression. Buyers are looking online to find a home.  They love to look at pictures and Virtual Tours. They will make a decision whether they want to view your home based on the pictures they see. If your house shows poorly online, you will loose the opportunity to have them consider your house. They will bypass it. You will not get a second chance. If you put your house on the market too soon and the... 03/31/2013

Top 10 things Sellers Need from their REALTOR   Be a REALTOR. Not every Real Estate licensee is a REALTOR. REALTORS subscribe to the code of ethics of the National Association of REALTORS. They invest in their business and their education. Many have earned NAR designations that help them advance their knowledge of the industry to betters serve their clients. Have Experience. Your home is one of the most valuable assets you will have in your lifetime. Make sure the REALTOR representing you has been listing and selling real estate long enough to make you feel comfortable with their skills. Understand your needs. Every Clients needs are different. Explain what you expect from your REALTOR during the process as well as your relocaton plans for after your sale. Make sure he/she understands y... 03/23/2013

  Mold means money.  A vent fan Nightmare.   Men covered head to toe in Hazmat outfits, rooms taped off, large fans running, disinfectant solutions, painting and sealing of wood and several thousand dollars later the homeowner can now come back to their home after evacuating while the work was being done in this 2 day process.  All this could have been avoided if the bathroom vent fan taking moist air from the bathroom was vented properly through the roof and not left pushing the moist air into the attic. Don't let this happen to you... Check your bathroom vent fan. Make sure it is working properly and that it is vented through the roof. Proper ventilation that includes a ridge vent and soffit vents will also go a long way to create airflow so there is less chance for the mold to stick.... 03/23/2013

Single Family Home Sales for the Pioneer Valley, Franklin County, Hampshire County, Hampden County in February 2013 drop 0.9% ever so slightly from 223 in February 2012 to 221 while the Median price rose 7.1% from $155,000 in February 2012 to $166,000 in February 2013.The Inventory for single family listings Dropped 10.6% from 2,417 at the end of February 2012 to2,161 single family listings at the end of February 2013. The supply of single family homes for sale in the Pioneer Valley, Franklin, County Hampshire County, Hampden County at the end of February 2012 there were 10.8 months of supply at the current rate of sale. At the end of February 2013 there was a 9.8 month supply. The average days on market for Single Family Home for Sales in  the Pioneer Valley, Franklin County, Hampshir... 03/19/2013