Maribeth Lynch Interviewed on WCRN 830AM Radio

photo of Realtor Maribeth Lynch being interviewed by Radio Host Pauline Robertson

Owner/Broker of Thrive Real Estate Specialists is Interviewed on WCRN Radio 830AM

Maribeth Lynch, the owner/broker of Thrive Real Estate Specialists was recently interviewed by Pauline Robertson, host of Shear Transformation on WCRN Radio 830AM.

In her interview, Maribeth answered some common questions for buying and selling real estate in Shrewsbury and the greater Worcester MA area. She also gave some tips for making your home more attractive to buyers with very little effort.

Maribeth discusses the process of choosing the right real estate agent, some questions to ask when interviewing an agent and the importance of using a local expert when buying or selling a home. Maribeth and Pauline discuss how to get the most value when selling your home and maximizing your investment when choosing what time of year to sell. She discusses how different seasons of the year can bring a different level of competition and motivation. They also cover the difference between an appraisal and a CMA. An appraisal is generally performed by a licensed appraiser and is a general scientific value of your home. A realtors opinion of value (CMA) takes in to consideration different factors in the market. They also discussed the 55 and over real estate market.

Listen to Shear Transformation Interview Part I

Listen to Shear Transformation Interview Part II

Click here to learn more about Thrive Real Estate Specialists of Shrewsbury MA

If you would like to contact Maribeth Lynch to discuss buying or selling a residential property, call/text 508-641-9323 or email Maribeth.

Lakeway Commons Shrewsbury MA

photo of the apartments at Lakeway Commons in Shrewsbury Massachusetts

Exciting Developments at Lakeway Commons

Entrance to the Lakeway Commons development in Shrewsbury

If you’re like me, you’ve watched with interest as the former Spag’s site has undergone a transformation into Shrewsbury’s newest shopping plaza. While anchor store Whole Foods is not yet open for business, construction is largely complete, and the plaza hosted its grand opening last month with a kick-off party that included discounts, giveaways, and prizes. The event also featured the unveiling of a memorial plaque commemorating the Spag’s legacy.

The development includes excellent new Shrewsbury dining options such as Burtons Grill and Tavern in the Square, which are both now open and offer excellent, allergy-friendly dining options with large seating in the bar areas and plenty of dining space – although I would recommend making a reservation when dining at either location with a large group, especially on weekend evenings. The new Starbucks location in the plaza includes a drive-through and a roomy seating area inside.

Tavern in the Square

Other new businesses include Especially for Pets, Orangetheory Fitness, the newest location of Jenny Boston Boutique, a UniBank branch, Scottrade, Tile Works, Massage Envy, Visionworks, Lunchbox Wax, and QDOBA. Many are already open for business, while Whole Foods is scheduled to open in January.

Lakeway Commons, the culmination of a revitalization effort by Grossman Development Group, also includes condos and townhomes. Parts of the site were rezoned to accommodate its new mixed-used classification. The apartment complex includes a pool, clubhouse, and rental garages as well as professional landscaping that incorporates trees and green space. One- and two-bedroom and studio apartments are renting now.

While as Lakeway Commons is opening its doors to Shrewsbury residents, nearby Marlborough is home to the new Apex entertainment complex, which features restaurants, shops, offices, and multiple entertainment venues that are sure to appeal to residents from the surrounding towns. These new developments, coupled with existing shopping and dining options and the bountiful opportunities for outdoor activities in the area add further incentive to live in this beautiful part of Central Massachusetts. While we may be saying goodbye to past icons like Spag’s, there are always new opportunities for our town to grow and attract dynamic businesses.

Brighten Your Home with a Little Hygge

example of a Hygge setting in your home

Brighten Your Winter with a Little Hygge


Recently, I was introduced to a “new” concept that you may or may not have experienced: Hygge. Pronounced “hue-ga,” this Danish lifestyle concept is not actually a new concept at all; it simply hasn’t become a trend in the U.S. until rather recently.  When my client Victoria explained Hygge to me, I immediately connected with the idea and began embracing it in my daily life.

Hygge is a lifestyle concept that is practiced in Denmark. It is best described as a mindset that recognizes and appreciates special, cozy moments – whether these moments occur while alone or with family and friends, indoors or outdoors, unusual or ordinary. Hygge is a central part of Danish cultural identity and is rooted in a culture that experiences long, dark Northern winters; hygge evolved as an effort to counteract the cold, darkness, and boredom of those seemingly endless winter months. With winter on the way, I find that the mindfulness of hygge applies particularly well to hearth and home.

Here are a few suggestions to make your home reflect hygge in the coming months:

    • Coziness. Hygge is sometimes described as “the art of creating intimacy.” At home, consider the places you most enjoy spending your time. A window seat, hearthside armchair, or other cozy reading nook serves as a refuge from everyday problems. Curl up with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine and immerse yourself in a book.
    • Community. Involve family and friends in Hygge by creating welcoming spaces where you can spend time with the people you care about. This might be your kitchen (often the hub of the household) or a dining or family room. Use low lighting, candles, and appealing scents to set the stage for special times with your loved ones.
    • Simplicity. Find your joy in baking cookies, decorating for the holidays, playing board games, or working on a puzzle. Simple indulgences can bring us great satisfaction. A simple Sunday dinner of roast chicken or a hearty stew can give your mind and body a boost.
    • Peacefulness. In order to truly appreciate hygge, it’s important to make an effort to unwind. Take time to unplug this winter. Read, knit, paint, cook, or keep a journal of the things in life for which you are thankful. Take a walk in the quiet moonlight. Slow down and take the time to indulge in the activities that warm your heart and free your mind from the near-constant onslaught of electronic data that we are faced with daily.
    • Nature. Danes are famous for incorporating outdoor elements inside. Materials like natural stone and wood are key features in their living spaces that reflect a connection to nature. Something as simple as a rustic log pile next to the fireplace can evoke a feeling of natural beauty in your home.
    • Ritual. Stop and buy yourself flowers every week. Or make a habit of brewing your favorite tea each morning and drinking it from your best china cup. Cultivate a windowsill herb garden. Wear fluffy socks every day. Bake your own bread each week. Use your best linens every evening at dinner. Creating new rituals that release us from a feeling of drudgery when we’re at home can bring a sense of comfort to each day.

The ideas I’ve outlined really speak to me as we approach the time of year when home becomes a sanctuary from the elements. Coziness and contentment at home ultimately make us happier in every aspect of our lives. This winter, I encourage everyone to embrace hygge. Enjoy the now, feed your soul, and find an inner freedom that will sustain you!

Thrive Real Estate Welcomes Three New Realtors

Thrive Real Estate Specialists  is pleased to announce three new realtors have joined their team of agents.

Shrewsbury Ma Real Estate Agent Nachi Souza
Realtor Nachi Souza

Naat “Nachi” Souza Paiva comes to the THRIVE team with experience in property, casualty, commercial, and personal insurance as well as a successful four-year turn as the proprietor of a Worcester dessert bar. With many of her recent insurance clients approaching her for referrals and advice when buying their first homes, it was a natural step for Nachi to procure her real estate license and join The Thrive Team.

Nachi, who was born in Brazil, moved to the U.S. at the age of ten and grew up in Shrewsbury. She is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. She studied architecture at Northeastern University – a passion that has informed her involvement in real estate – before returning to Worcester and completing a degree in business management from Assumption College.

photo of Shrewsbury Real Estate Agent Charles Kosheff
Realtor Charles Kosheff

Charles Kosheff joins THRIVE with an impressive roster of accomplishments. He majored in Film and Television with a minor in Theater at Northwestern University before embarking on a 25-year career in media production, directing and editing stage events and videos for marketing, fundraising, and entertainment. His exceptional work in the field garnered him an Emmy nomination.

Mr. Kosheff’s attention to detail and dedication to perfection will dovetail with his knack for creating a warm and inviting home, bringing great value to his clients looking to move to Shrewsbury and nearby towns. Mr. Kosheff is also an excellent resource for those contemplating a move to the area, particularly those with young children.

photo of Shrewsbury Ma Real Estate Agent Stephanie Jordan
Realtor Stephanie Jordan

THRIVE’s newest team member is Stephanie Jordan, who has lived on and off in Shrewsbury since 1999. Coming from a family deeply involved in real estate investment and rentals, Stephanie is ready to turn her talents to local home sales. She is passionate about supporting community businesses and networks, and cites Owner/Broker Maribeth Lynch’s drive, motivation, and stellar work ethic as a tremendous inspiration. Stephanie hopes to work in concert with Ms. Lynch to continue THRIVE’s tradition of excellence in helping clients not only buy and sell their homes, but also build their lives.

Improving Home Energy Efficiency

photo of a home vector saving money on energy bills

How to Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency


 
These days, there’s a lot of talk about “living green.” As a matter of course, we recycle everything from cardboard to plastic to metal and glass. Our communities regularly hold recycling events for items such as electronics. And more towns are adopting the same type of plastic bag ban that Shrewsbury has recently enacted to encourage reusable bags and less waste.
 
Green living also addresses the size of the carbon footprint we each create. One way to reduce our environmental impact is to adopt energy-efficient practices in our homes. Many of us already drive energy-efficient cars. Why not implement some energy-saving conventions at home as well? It isn’t as difficult as you might think and it can save you a lot of money in the long term.
 
I’m not suggesting that you rush out and replace dated appliances that are perfectly functional. If you’re not sure where to start your energy savings, begin by thinking small. Start by swapping burned-out incandescent light bulbs with LEDs and compact fluorescent options. Take some time to evaluate your home heating systems. How out-of-date is your thermostat? Smart thermostats are not terribly difficult to install and their programmable features allow you to control your furnace even when you are asleep or away from home. Some heating and lighting systems can even be controlled remotely by a smartphone or a tablet.
 
When one of your appliances does give out, shop for an ENERGY STAR certified replacement. ENERGY STAR certifies everything from furnaces to kitchen appliances to washers and dryers to television sets. Visit www.energystar.gov/ for more information. In addition to energy-efficient product listings, the website also provides useful energy-saving tips for homeowners that are easy to incorporate into daily routines.
 
If you’re willing to tackle a slightly more involved project in pursuit of energy savings, have a contractor or energy auditor conduct a review of the insulation in your attic and basement and the sealants around your windows and doors. Windows that are original to older houses are particularly prone to energy loss. Replacing weather stripping, adding sealants, and installing additional insulation can cut down on drafts and energy leaks. As a rule of thumb, if your home was built before 1980 and hasn’t been updated, it’s likely that your insulation is inadequate.
 
Massachusetts has many incentives in place to promote the use of renewable energy. Residential use of solar panels is increasing in popularity and their installation can dramatically reduce a household’s energy costs. For more information on available programs, visit www.mass.gov/solar-information-programs.
 

Energy efficiency isn’t the only way to make your home more environmentally friendly. You can also save money and diminish waste by reducing your water usage. If your water heater needs to be replaced, you should consider a tankless water heater, which eliminates the cost associated with keeping large amounts of hot water in a storage tank. Low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads can also cut down on the amount of water you use each day.
 
I am always looking for ways to streamline my life and eliminate waste at home. With renewable energy programs becoming increasingly affordable and advanced technologies growing ever more pervasive in our daily lives, reducing our environmental impact at home is easier than you might think. A little research can set you on a path toward shrinking that carbon footprint and leaving behind a cleaner, greener planet for future generations.
 
For a complete listing of available financing programs and tax credits available to Massachusetts homeowners, check out www.mass.gov/solar-information-programs.

Downsizing Homes

photo of downsizing from a larger home to a smaller one

How Can You “Rightsize” Your Next Home?

Earlier this year, I shared exciting information about several new mid-century homes on the market in Shrewsbury, many of them within walking distance of the center of town. As you might imagine, those properties drew a lot of interest based on their location – but they also appealed to some prospective homebuyers because of their size and amount of yard space.

There has been a recent trend among certain homeowners toward downsizing to a more manageable lifestyle. While there are plenty of buyers out there who are still looking for large homes for their families, there are many families that are finding they require less space than before. The reasons vary – children growing and moving out into the world, a desire to abandon large-scale material possessions and concentrate on a more experiential lifestyle focusing on hobbies or travel, or a heightened interest in lower home maintenance and increased energy efficiency. But whatever the reason, there has been a demonstrable surge in interest in curating a smaller living space rather than sustaining a sprawling property.

Fortunately, a town like Shrewsbury has many smaller homes, and a lot of them are in excellent condition, having been lovingly maintained and updated throughout the years by diligent homeowners. There are also condominium units on the market for those who desire a simpler lifestyle. If you’re in the market for a new home, there are a few considerations to address when determining how to best “rightsize” your next home purchase.

1)Savings. What are the financial benefits of moving to a smaller home? What will you save on your monthly mortgage payments? How much will you net on the sale of your current home? If more money in your pocket is appealing to you, are you willing to give up some of the space you have now?

2) Needs. What are your “must-haves?” Maybe you don’t need as many bedrooms as you currently have, but an updated kitchen or bathroom is important to you. What about a garage? Storage space? What kind of yard do you wish to maintain? What about location?

3) Effort. Are you willing to put in the work necessary to pare down the number of belongings in your everyday space? Swapping a large home for a smaller one involves hard choices about what to keep, sell, recycle, and donate. One solution for items that you don’t currently use but may wish to access in the future is to rent a storage unit. There are several options nearby. This be an involved project, so you should think about whether you have the resources and energy to systematically sift through all of your possessions and make some hard choices. However, that effort can also be a big payoff in the long run when you enjoy the simplicity of less cleaning, yard work, and general maintenance.

4) Ambiance versus Maintenance. Many homeowners appreciate the “charm factor” that accompanies older, smaller homes. Nuances like built-in cabinetry and pocket doors outweigh the potential pitfalls of maintaining an aging house. But for those who value ease of life over architectural aesthetics, a gleaming new condo might be a better choice than a freestanding home that was built 100 years ago.

5) Self-Perception. I know that it can be hard to admit, but our homes are extensions of ourselves. We maintain them, decorate them, spend long hours in them, and ultimately, they become reflections of who we are. If your current home serves at least in part as a status symbol, you may want to rethink moving into a humbler dwelling. While a lot of people are bucking the convention that money can buy happiness, it’s fair to say that our egos can be intertwined with our living space.

6) Routines. This is an important question to ask when assessing any potential move. What impact will your new home have on your lifestyle? Whether it is a question of your children changing schools, having to shop regularly at a new supermarket, or a change in space for entertaining, a move affects many of our established routines.

If you have thought through the benefits and drawbacks of moving to a smaller home and it is something that you would be interested to explore, please contact my team and me. We will be happy to talk you through the process of finding the home that is the right size for you.

19-21 Sias Avenue Shrewsbury MA 01545

photo of 19-21 Sias Avenue in Shrewsbury MA 01545

Homes For Sale in Shrewsbury MA- 19-21 Sias Avenue

Just Listed by Thrive Realtors!

$305,000

Open House Sunday 9/10/17 11:00-1:00pm


 
Calling all fans of the classic American bungalow: we may have found your match. This home simply commands a presence on its incredible corner lot, with a porch and huge deck overlooking the big, flat yard. The new Lakeway Commons is just a short walk away from this tight-knit neighborhood. You’ll be able to roll out of bed and stroll over to Starbucks for your morning Joe. A Whole Foods and Burtons Grill will be pretty much in your backyard. But back to the house, which has been in the same family for the past 55+ years. Step inside to find beautiful hardwood floors, high ceilings, original moldings with some great wood grain, unusual grillwork set into the brick fireplace, a handsome staircase, and a flexible floor plan that allows you to maximize the interior space. Upstairs are three good-size bedrooms with ample closets for the era. Screened-in patio and detached two-car garage. Come usher this quintessential American home into its next chapter, which is sure to be a love story.  Showings start at Open House.

See the Full Listing

Call/Text Maribeth 508-641-9323 for more information

11 Heatherwood Drive Shrewsbury MA 01545

photo of 11 Heatherwood Drive in Shrewsbury MA 01545

Homes For Sale in Shrewsbury MA- 11 Heatherwood Drive

Just Listed by Thrive Realtors!

$509,900

Open House Sunday 9/10/17 12:30-2:30pm


 
Exceptionally well cared for Cape in coveted Saxon Woods! Freshly painted in soothing yet crisp colors inside AND out, this gem also has new Harvey 8-over-8 windows and new water heater. The foyer offers a teasing glimpse of the living room, flooded with natural light and graced with a granite fireplace. The heart of the floorpan is the dining room, with a lovely, lighted built-in cabinet and views of the great yard. Those gorgeous hardwood floors can be found in every room, including the kitchen, where you’ll find granite counters and cherry cabinets. There’s a first floor bedroom, plus a great full bath: glass shower, pedestal sink, timeless floor tile and beadboard. Three bedrooms and the second full bath are upstairs. Got stuff? No problem. This house has plenty of places to put it. Deck or patio? No need to choose: this home has both. The spacious breezeway can easily accommodate a drop zone as well as a pleasant sitting area. Partially finished LL w/ fireplace, two-car garage  Showings start at Open House.

See the Full Listing

Call/Text Maribeth 508-641-9323 for more information

Why For Sale by Owner is Not Always the Best Option

photo of Male And Female Realtor Standing Outside Residential Property

Don’t Go it Alone When Selling Your Home

Partner with a Realtor for Best Results!

Most of the people I know wouldn’t dream of tackling a complex plumbing or electrical project on their own. Most wouldn’t do their own auto maintenance or attempt complicated home appliance repairs. So I admit to being surprised whenever I hear about someone with no experience in real estate deciding not to hire a Realtor when selling a home.

The veritable mountain of real estate information available online can tempt some homeowners to believe that a little Internet research can equate to the entire body of knowledge necessary to prepare and market a home for sale. But the flaw in that thinking is that it’s virtually impossible to know which information is the correct information – not to mention which advice is pertinent to a seller’s unique situation.

Real estate agents have both the education and the experience necessary to facilitate a home sale. When I partner with a client to sell a home, there are countless services I provide to give my client an edge in the market. I have connections that I can leverage to help clients manage all aspects of a sale from staging to advertising to negotiating with a prospective buyer. I have a pantheon of contacts among mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, landscapers, and interior designers. I can tell the difference between the casual home shopper and the serious buyer. I have lists of comparable neighborhood properties at my fingertips and I know which home features to highlight and which to downplay during showings. And I can give honest advice about properly pricing a home to sell.

Perhaps one of the most valuable tools that a Realtor has in his or her arsenal is intimate knowledge of changing market conditions. Nothing influences the process of selling a home like the current climate of the real estate market in a specific area. I can provide clients with the inside knowledge they need to leverage market conditions in their favor. For example, in a seller’s market, where there is high demand and low inventory, I would develop a marketing strategy that is markedly different than when operating in a buyer’s market, where a glut of properties can make it more competitive to sell a home.

If you aren’t yet convinced that you need to collaborate with a real estate agent when selling your home, there are a couple of facts about home sales by owner compared to Realtor-assisted sales that might interest you. For one thing, sales by owner have been declining in recent years when compared to sales assisted by Realtors. Homes sold by owner are likely stay on the market two to three weeks longer on average before sale than those sold with the aid of a Realtor. And most importantly, selling your house with the help of an agent is likely to result in a higher sale price and more money in your pocket than if you go it alone – even when factoring in the agent’s commission.

When it comes to selling your home, it’s essential to develop a partnership with a seasoned agent who can help you achieve the best possible results. I encourage prospective sellers to speak to me directly so that I can give you an overview of my philosophy and deliver a detailed explanation of the many services that I can provide. If you’re considering selling your home, I urge you to contact me before making the decision to sell your house on your own.

Prepare Your Home For Vacation

Prepping Your Home for Your Summer Vacation

Thrive Real Estate Specialist Owner/Broker

Maribeth Lynch

Having recently returned home from a fantastic family vacation, I’ve found myself thinking about the fresh start I experience when I leave my house behind for a week or more. This summer, I was really organized in the days leading up to my departure. Amidst the packing and the planning, I also put my house in order in anticipation of redecorating my living room. I ordered new sofas that were delivered a few days after we returned from vacation – and it almost seemed that I was extending the vacation itself!

Leaving home provides me with a sense of rejuvenation. I always seem to be in a better frame of mind to make home improvements after I’ve been away for a while. I can see my house more clearly when I take a step away, and as a result, some of my most productive projects tend to occur immediately after I arrive home from vacation, feeling refreshed and with a new sense of purpose. I urge you to consider looking at your house with fresh eyes when you return from your summer vacation, and maybe you’ll be inspired to make some improvements. At the very least, you should find yourself able to look at your home with a new perspective upon your return.

Of course, there are also plenty of practicalities associated with leaving on vacation – particularly if you are going on a long trip or you will be far away. Here are a few considerations to tend to before you leave:

Clerical

  1. Hold mail with the post office or ask a friend or neighbor to periodically bring in mail and packages that arrive while you’re away.
  2. Make arrangements for pets. Ask a neighbor to look after the cat or book the kennel for your dog.
  3. If you’re unsure that you have airtight privacy settings on your social media accounts, refrain from advertising your absence via posts until you have returned home.
  4. Stock nonperishable provisions for your return so that an extensive trip to the grocery store is not immediately necessary; make a list of essential perishables to pick up during a quick trip to the store when you return.
  5. Notify your security company if you have a security service. You can also contact your local police department and notify them of your absence; in many communities, police are willing to patrol neighborhoods while residents are out of town.
  6. Leave emergency contact information with friend or relative and give a neighbor the key or alarm code in case of emergency.
  7. Lock the windows and doors!
  8. If you are wired to do so, monitor your home from a smart phone app.
  9. Although not strictly associated with your property, I would also urge you to contact your bank and credit card companies if you are traveling abroad so they won’t issue fraud alerts on your accounts when your bank cards are used in other countries.

Exterior

  1. Tend to the yard. Enlist a teenager from your neighborhood or hire a landscaping service to mow the lawn.
  2. Check pool pump settings and hire a pool service or ask someone you know to add water and chemicals as needed during your absence.
  3. Remove spare keys from obvious hiding places.
  4. Install motion-sensitive lights on the exterior of your home.

Interior

  1. Water houseplants and ask a friend to stop by to care for them periodically.
  2. Put lights and small appliances like radios or television sets on timers so your home will seem “lived in.”
  3. Turn up the thermostat to save on energy costs.
  4. Unplug small appliances.
  5. Turn off valves to sinks, toilets, the dishwasher, and the washing machine.
  6. Set your water heater temperature to “vacation” mode, which will cause it to run less frequently.
  7. Test your smoke detectors to make sure they are functioning.
  8. Clean out the refrigerator and finish off or toss anything that could spoil.
  9. Make sure kitchen and pantry are free of crumbs that could attract pests.
  10. Remove all trash from the house.

As a bonus, I like to clean my house before I leave so that I come home to a sparkling kitchen and spotless bathrooms, an empty dishwasher, laundered towels and clothing, and clean sheets on the beds. It makes me happier to return to a clean house so that I don’t have to dive back into chores immediately following my vacation. And once you return home, relaxed and refreshed, consider looking at your house with fresh eyes. It may just provide you with the spark of inspiration you need to make some improvements to your living space.

Bon voyage!

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Thrive Real Estate Specialists
Maribeth Lynch
26 Maple Ave.
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Direct: (508) 641-9323
Maribeth@ThriveRealtors.com

Thrive Realtors, Real Estate, Shrewsbury, MA