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Buying and Selling Real Estate During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Thrive Owner/Broker Maribeth Lynch and Gary Kelley of RE/MAX Executive Realty discuss personal best practices for showing and listing real estate in Massachusetts during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Such uncertain times for so many of us. Real estate professionals have been trying to ascertain whether we are/are not essential workers. The answer is just as unclear. We at Thrive Real Estate believe it is our duty to serve our buyer and seller clients by providing them with updated information as well as offer our time and assistance. We have quite a few sellers who want to sell during this time. We support their decisions and have established a set of criteria under which we work. Here are a few of those guidelines:

1) Most showings are conducted by a Buyers Agent who will be escorting the potential buyer through the house. Our first best practice is to have a conversation with the agents to establish that the buyer is MOTIVATED and PRE APPROVED. During these unprecedented times, the last thing we want our seller to have to endure are “tire kickers”. So all of our showings are taking place with the understanding that the buyer can act to buy the house, can afford the house and has a pre approval letter in hand.

2) We are providing all the tools needed for the safety of anyone who enters the house. This means we have rubber gloves and sanitary wipes available to be used throughout the showing.

3) We are leaving lots of doors ajar so there is no need to manually open the door. It’s really all about using common sense. The “look don’t touch” mentality.

Despite the COVID19 outbreak, our office is BUSY. We are spending time answering questions about the real estate market and helping people plan ahead for their purchases or sales of their homes.

We have conducted virtual walk throughs of homes to help with staging and organizing. Most homes will need a bit of organizing/staging, we find most homes need about 2-4 weeks to be prepared to enter the market. We also need time to get our photographer in and also get any contractors in to complete the finishing touches.

We have quite a few homes under agreement and are working with our attorneys and support staff to ensure these homes have all they need to successfully close. The rules are changing daily with regard to home inspections, mortgage underwriting procedures, smoke detector inspections, appraisals and many other things. We are staying on top of the ever changing market and are happy to share what we know with anyone with questions.

Now is a GREAT time to consider selling or buying. But, you want to hire an experienced firm with local resources to help you be successful. We at Thrive Real Estate Specialists have the time and experience to make your home buying/selling experience pleasant!

Stay safe, stay distant and stay immersed in day-to-day activities that bring your joy and keep you occupied with positive thoughts!

Posted in: Featured Blog Posts, Home Buyers, real estate agents, Realtors Shrewsbury MA, selling real estate in Shrewsbury MA Tagged: buying or selling real estate during Covid-19, Real Estate Agents in Worcester County MA

These Three Beauties Are Waiting for New Owners

photo of 8 Silver Spruce Grafton MA
8 Silver Spruce Drive, Grafton MA. 01519

Putter’s Retreat: A Home with a View

Silver Spruce Drive in Grafton

Soaring interior spaces and sweeping vistas lend this amenity-filled home spaciousness and light. Its prime location on a generous lot in the Highfields Golf Course Community offers the privacy of a cul-de-sac with stunning views of the golf course, a valley and lake, and spectacular sunsets. The surrounding community is a golfer’s dream that includes a walkable neighborhood and even a restaurant.

Step inside the two-story foyer and appreciate the care and craftmanship of custom moldings and hardwood inlays throughout the house. The kitchen is built for entertaining with updates including a kitchen island, plentiful space for food prep, and twin pantries. Wander into the family room with its airy ceilings and views of the golf course as well as a graceful brick fireplace.

Upstairs, four generous bedrooms provide comfortable living space, including a custom master suite with cathedral ceilings, abundant closet space, and a separate shower and soaking tub. French doors open onto a deck with more beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

This home is perfect for anyone with an appreciation of gracious living.

View the full listing for 8 Silver Spruce Drive in Grafton MA

253 Green Street, Northborough MA. 01532

Hidden Acres: A Garden Hideaway

Green Street in Northborough

The private location of this spacious home captures an unexpected intimacy. Four acres of grounds peppered with colorful wildflowers and laced with hidden paths offer the opportunity for limitless moments of quiet contemplation and communion with nature. A circular patio rimmed by a stone wall provides outdoor living space.

Wander up the meandering walkway and step inside a home with endless possibilities. From the kitchen with its classic cabinetry, island, and wine rack and cooler to the dining room with its wainscoting and tray ceiling, this house is built for entertaining large groups or cozy gatherings. The family room features a catwalk and a fireplace flanked by towering windows, while a bright sunroom brims with sunlight and showcases the magnificence of every season.

Upstairs, four bedrooms include a master suite with a large jacuzzi soaking tub, separate shower, and skylight. Don’t miss the bonus space on the third floor waiting to transform into whatever your heart desires: meditation nook, library, music room, or exercise studio.

This home has abundant privacy and limitless possibilities that beckon a discerning buyer.

View the listing for 253 Green Street in Northborough

298 Prospect Street, Shrewsbury MA. 01545

Poolside Haven: Indoor and Outdoor Living

Prospect Street in Shrewsbury

You must visit this property to drink in all it has to offer. Not far from the heart of Shrewsbury lies an oasis filled with endless possibilities for entertaining and recreation.

Step inside this unexpected gem and you’re sure to be surprised by the abundance of living space. The main floor showcases a sun-filled formal living room and dining room as well as an eat-in kitchen with ample counter space and gorgeous cherry cabinets. Continue to the family room with its custom built-ins and stone fireplace.

Four large bedrooms span the upstairs, with a master suite that includes an enormous walk-in closet. Sprawling indoor living space also includes a finished basement featuring a half bath and a kitchenette for convenient entertaining.

Unique to this home is its outdoor entertaining space. A spacious patio opens onto the private, tree-lined back yard, offering a shady space for outdoor dining or lounging. The adjacent in-ground swimming pool and patio is perfect for sun-drenched days spent poolside.

Don’t miss the opportunity to create your personal haven in a desirable community. This home is ready to welcome you.

View the listing for 298 Prospect Street in Shrewsbruy

Posted in: Featured Blog Posts, Home Buyers, Homes for Sale and Just Sold, Homes for sale in Grafton MA, Homes for Sale in Northborough MA, Homes for sale in Shrewsbury MA Tagged: Grafton homes for sale, Northborough homes for sale, Shrewsbury Homes for Sale

Reinvigorate Yourself and Your Home This Fall

by Maribeth Lynch, Owner/Broker Thrive Real Estate Specialists

Closeup of exterior door with decorative autumn wreath
 
Most people think of springtime as a season for renewal, but I find that every season brings its share of unique ways to refresh myself and my home. And although my kids are grown, the start to the school year each September feels like a shift … sometimes bringing immediate relief from relentless heat, other times melting into the beautiful days of Indian Summer. As the leaves change to the fiery, vibrant colors of autumn, we change as well, turning our minds toward the coziness of home in the fall and winter.
 
Last winter I wrote about one of my new favorite concepts: the Danish lifestyle mindset called hygge. While this notion of appreciating and savoring life’s simple pleasures can be practiced at any time of year, I find it particularly suited to a season of holidays and family, food and friends, and the warmth of hearth and home.
 
I’ve found myself thinking recently about ways to infuse my home with the magic of fall while also recharging and renewing myself after a busy summer, and I’ve identified  several ways to pursue an infusion of warmth and energy in my surroundings and outlook:
 
 

Activity and Routine

 
Whether or not we have kids returning to school or college in the fall, we can consider the end of summer as a fresh start to the “work year” – a time for a mid-year review of work/life goals and an opportunity to refresh our focus. It’s a good time to establish new routines at work or in daily life – perhaps a regular break at a favorite coffee shop or a weekly lunch with a friend.
 
Calming the chaos is especially important for families with school-aged children. The return to school can feel hectic with back-to-school expectations and the inevitable paperwork pileup. Creating a master family calendar with everyone’s weekly schedules can help a family busy feel more in control of all the expectations. Color-coding activities by family member can help everyone stay on top of obligations.
 
Finally, I like to make sure to add in a little something for my physical and mental health. Physical exercise can be more difficult to do indoors as the weather gets colder, but long walks in the crisp fall air are invigorating. Meditation provides perspective and a much-needed break from the day’s worries. Journaling is also a way to clear the mind and focus priorities.
 

Simplicity and Balance

 
Minimalism is liberating. It can feel claustrophobic to be indoors with a lot of pileup. And as entertaining moves from outside to indoors, creating indoor space is imperative when hosting a big holiday bash or even an intimate dinner. Fall is as good a time as spring to de-clutter a home. Sifting through all of the summer accumulation and purging unneeded belongings lifts a burden both physically and emotionally. Rent a Dumpster and fill it with anything broken and cumbersome that can’t be repurposed. And with the holidays on the way, it’s also a great time for charitable giving of gently-used items that we no longer need.
 
I also think the change of seasons brings a renewed opportunity to look at my home with an eye toward balance. Evaluate each room in terms of lighting, color, and the placement of furniture and accessories. Try to achieve a look that is both practical and pleasing to the eye.
 

Warmth and Comfort

 
Fall offers opportunities to connect with roots and family as well as to create a holiday home. As we begin the slow journey to winter, the nights get longer and the days get darker, making home lighting a priority. With less natural light streaming through the windows, it becomes important to choose warm lighting options that brighten rooms while lending a sense of coziness. I also suggest bringing the best of the outdoors inside in the form of fall colors, which are traditionally warm and inviting. Use vibrant reds and oranges or softer earth tones to accentuate your existing palette. Using texture and ambiance like patterned throw pillows and scented candles will lend a home a more gracious feel than filling it with kitschy holiday decorations or seasonal knickknacks. My rule of thumb is to keep it understated.
 
As we find ourselves spending more time indoors, I urge you to think of how to make your home into a sanctuary. If you’re a cook, perhaps this means planting an indoor herb garden for fresh flavors throughout the winter. In the bedroom, consider using sounds and scents to complement soothing colors; sound machines and scent infusers help create a peaceful atmosphere. What is your passion? Create a reading nook with a cozy blanket or stock up on scented bath products. You know what you like best, so surround yourself with your favorite things, like photos, books, and candles.
 
Meanwhile, outdoor activities do not need to come to a total halt. While we may need to bundle up a bit when the temperature starts to drop, there are still plenty of opportunities to create curb appeal and indulge in fall landscaping. A passion for gardening need not end; many plants thrive when planted during the fall. And don’t forget to plant spring bulbs like daffodils and snowdrops so they’ll be ready to dispel the gloom of winter when the seasons change again. For those without a green thumb, a tasteful seasonal wreath or a few cheerful pots of mums can spruce up a yard.
 
 
All of my suggestions for a hygge-filled home this fall translate well if you happen to be staging your house for sale before the holidays. Prospective buyers will see your house as a home, which will help make that sale. And in the meantime, you can enjoy a lifestyle that lends itself to renewal.

Posted in: Blog, Featured Blog Posts, Homes for sale in Grafton MA, Homes for Sale in Northborough MA, Homes for sale in Shrewsbury MA, Homes for sale in West Boylston, Homes for sale in Westborough MA, selling real estate in Shrewsbury MA, Selling your Massachusetts Home Tagged: home staging to sell, hygge, Selling your Massachusetts Home, Shrewsbury Real Estate, Shrewsbury Real Estate Agent

THRIVE Real Estate Specialists in Shrewsbury to Celebrate Grand Opening of New Office

photo of the new office of Thrive Real Estate in Shrewsbury MA
Thrive Real Estate Specialists NEW location at 26 Maple Avenue in Shrewsbury MA

Thrive Real Estate Specialists of Shrewsbury MA will hold a grand opening of their new office located at 26 Maple Avenue on June 24, 2018 from 12-3pm. Thrive Real Estate Specialists recently moved their office from 11 Maple Avenue to 26 Maple Avenue in the center of Shrewsbury.

The Thrive team will be on hand and members of the Shrewsbury community, including representatives from the Board of Selectmen and Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce will also take part in this informal celebration. This Grand Opening, which will be open to the public, coincides with the 3rd Annual Shrewsbury Food and Brew Festival being held at Avidia Bank located at 28 Maple Ave. Don’t forget to pick up some locally made goodies Thrive will have on hand. Jubilee Chocolates and Wicked Twisted Pretzels of Grafton will be there with some sweet and savory treats, as well as Lakeway Commons’ newest gelato cart Froze Zone. Plan to attend both events for double fun.

Thrive Real Estate Specialists is a real estate firm specializing in quality, personalized service with a boutique-style philosophy rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach to real estate. They represent both Buyers and Sellers of homes for sale in Shrewsbury and Central/MetroWest areas of Massachusetts. Thrive was founded by long-time Shrewsbury resident and Realtor, Maribeth McCauley Lynch in 2014. After a successful 15+ year career with a large real estate franchise, Maribeth founded THRIVE Real Estate Specialists with the goal of providing a highly personalized and client centric experience for her clients. Her real estate agency has grown from a “one woman” shop to a team of eight Realtors from Shrewsbury and the surrounding area. She is actively involved in the Shrewsbury community and is proud to represent the Shrewsbury business community.

“Our mission is simple; deliver outstanding, individual and convenient services to all of our Clients. We want you to Thrive in your home, and we are committed to being your partner from the beginning to the end of your real estate transaction. Our business is 100% referral based, we are honored to receive many testimonials from our clients who often become lifelong friends,” states owner/broker Maribeth Lynch.

For more information, please visit thriverealtors.com or contact broker-owner Maribeth Lynch.

Map and Directions

Contact Information:
Maribeth Lynch
maribeth@thriverealtors.com
Thrive Real Estate Specialists
26 Maple Avenue
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
508-641-9323
website: https://www.thriverealtors.com

Posted in: Blog, Featured Blog Posts, real estate agency, real estate agents, Shrewsbury Tagged: rea estate agents in Shrewsbury MA, Thrive office location Massachusetts, Thrive Real Estate Specialists Shrewsbury MA

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.

Posted in: Blog, Featured Blog Posts, Home Buyers, Market Updates, Selling your Massachusetts Home Tagged: choosing a real estate agent, selling your home

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.

Posted in: Featured Blog Posts, Shrewsbury MA, Shrewsbury MA Real Estate Tagged: Lakeway Commons Shrewsbury MA, Shrewsbury MA Real Estate

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!

Posted in: Featured Blog Posts, Home Buyers, Realtors Shrewsbury MA, Shrewsbury MA Real Estate

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.

Posted in: Blog, Featured Blog Posts, Realtors Shrewsbury MA

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.

Posted in: Blog, Featured Blog Posts, Home Buyers, Homes for sale in Grafton MA, Homes for Sale in Northborough MA, Homes for sale in Shrewsbury MA, Homes for sale in West Boylston, Homes for sale in Westborough MA, homes for sale West Boylston, Real Estate Grafton MA, Real Estate Northborough MA, Real Estate West Boylston MA, Selling your Massachusetts Home, Shrewsbury MA Real Estate, Shrewsbury MA Rentals, Shrewsbury Real Estate, worcester ma homes for sale Tagged: energy savings for your Massachusetts home, energy savings fro your Shrewsbury MA home, home savings

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.

Posted in: Downsizing, Featured Blog Posts, Homes for sale in Shrewsbury MA, Realtors Shrewsbury MA, Selling your Massachusetts Home, Shrewsbury MA Real Estate, Shrewsbury Real Estate Agency Tagged: buying a home in MA, Downsizing homes in MA, selling your MA home

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