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!

What Home Inspectors Wish You Knew

photo of a home inspectors checklist

Home Inspection Tips

Maribeth Lynch, Owner/Broker
Thrive Real Estate Specialists

Lately, a strong sellers’ market has meant that available homes are selling fast! But if you’re a prospective homebuyer, you should make sure that you’re balancing your expectations about your dream home’s apparent perfection with the reality of its behind-the-scenes condition. From the floorboards to the chimney and everything in between, an inspection can reveal the pitfalls of rushing to make an offer on a home that you haven’t examined closely during your showing.
 
In recent months, home inspectors have noticed a disparity between buyers’ expectations of a home’s soundness and the property’s true condition. Part of this is due to poor preparation on the part of sellers because houses are selling so fast; in fact, some contracts are falling through once inspection reveals expensive repairs or upkeep because sellers are so eager to get their houses on the market.
 
But as a prospective buyer, it is equally important to temper the emotional expectations of the home on which you are bidding with a healthy dose of consideration about the home’s true state. One inspector I spoke to recently encouraged buyers to use a showing not just to fall in love with a home’s aesthetics, but to also take an “unsexy” tour of the property to make sure that there are no noticeable flaws.

Here are a few suggestions for getting a true feel for a home’s potential defects:

  • Head to the basement and take a deep whiff of the air. Notice a dank or moldy smell? This could indicate water intrusion and/or the presence of mold. Also check out the furnace, especially if it is older. A dusty furnace is a telltale sign of a poorly-maintained heating system.

    •  

  • Bathrooms are another place to look for the presence of mold. Examine the bathtub and shower, the windows, and even corners between the walls and ceiling or floor for evidence of mold.

    •  

  • Go outside and walk the perimeter of the home. Look under the deck for rotten wood or sagging supports. Check all the joints between different building materials for signs of cracks, holes, or other damage. Also note whether there are a lot of branches or shrubs touching the roof or siding, as these can serve as access points for pests.

    •  

  • Survey the yard. Is the central air conditioning unit buried under branches and shrubbery? If it is, it’s a good bet that it hasn’t seen much recent maintenance.

In addition to heeding this sound advice, it’s wise to do a little research into the most common problems that are uncovered in a home inspection. Inform yourself as much as possible about these prevalent issues:

  • Water intrusion. Whether the basement floods, the roof leaks, or windows are poorly sealed, nothing spells doom for the structural integrity of a house quite like water damage. Seeping water or water vapor can also lead to the presence of mold – which can be bad for your health and a headache to remediate.

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  • Furnace issues. Replacing a furnace can be an enormous financial burden for a new homeowner. Proper maintenance is key to the longevity and effectiveness of a furnace, so a thorough heating system examination during inspection is vital.

    •  

  • Plumbing defects. Even something as seemingly mundane as a leaky faucet can lead to greater utility costs, and replacing pipes can be a large-scale project depending on their location.

    •  

  • A compromised foundation. Cracked foundations are immensely expensive to fix and should be a point of concern if turned up during an inspection.

    •  

  • Faulty or inadequate wiring. Historic homes are particularly susceptible to this problem, but another contributing factor can be modifications made by a previous owner. It’s best to ensure that electrical wiring is both sound and sufficient.

    •  

  • Roof wear and tear. Even a home that shows no exterior evidence of roof damage may turn up deterioration on the inside. An inspection of the attic is crucial, as replacing or repairing a roof is an expensive undertaking.

    •  

  • Pests. The presence of pests in a home varies in severity. Mice can be dealt with through traps, but termites are another issue altogether, as they must be eradicated and the damage they have caused must be remediated.

So … someone will have to fix any of these problems if they turn up in an inspection. The buyer, the seller, or both must agree on who will be responsible for repairs. The bottom line is that inspectors advise that a home inspection be taken seriously by any buyer. Attend the inspection! Ask plenty of questions! The more informed you are about the condition of the home you plan to buy, the more money you will save once you become its owner.

For more home buying tips click here

New Mid-Century Listings Offer Opportunities for Walk-to-Town Lifestyle

photo of the center of Shrewsbury MA

New Mid-Century Listings Offer Opportunities for Walk-to-Town Lifestyle

Maribeth Lynch, Thrive Real Estate Specialists

 
If you’re searching for a home right now, you’re sure to know that it’s a seller’s market and there is not a lot of inventory available for purchase. However, I’m very excited about several new properties I will be listing, and I want to share a bit of a preview with prospective homebuyers.
 
In the coming weeks, I will be listing five mid-century properties that were built in the 1940s and 1950s, during the era that is sometimes called “mid-century modern” or “contemporary.” These homes are enjoying a resurgence in desirability due to their simplicity; they are functional and lack the affectation and embellishment that characterized the rise of the McMansion.
 
There are some features that characterize mid-century architecture and décor, such as an uncluttered look achieved through sleek and uncomplicated lines – a home that is not fussy with detail provides a new homeowner with a clean canvas on which to apply his or her personality. These homes often incorporate a harmony between indoor space and outdoor space that might include screened-in porches, large or sliding glass doors, and small but established lots with plentiful opportunity for gracious landscaping that blends well with the lines of the house.
 
The popularity of mid-century homes may be due to a move toward a back-to-basics style of living characterized by a lack of pretension in architectural style. But if you ask me, another desirable feature of many of these homes is their location. There is a preponderance of mid-century homes clustered near Shrewsbury’s town center, and that location provides a nostalgic and highly-sought walkability that has begun to dwindle in towns as suburban sprawl has dictated a reliance on automobiles. Homes lining the streets near the town center feature mature trees and established landscaping, creating neighborhoods perfect for walking.
 
I’ve written before about the benefits of living near the town center. Easy access to our gorgeous new public library is just one such advantage, and if you haven’t visited this state-of-the-art building with its community feel and many amenities, I highly encourage you to do so. Our town common, too, is a beautiful place to spend time, flanked by the First Congregational Church and the Shrewsbury Historical Society, with the older sections of historic Mountain View Cemetery just footsteps away. Dean Park and Prospect Park are also close to the center of town and provide residents with a wealth of recreational opportunities.
 
I am fortunate to have served on the committee to develop Shrewsbury’s Master Plan, a document created to look forward toward the town’s future growth and development. Included in the plan is a proposal concerning the redevelopment of the downtown area to provide vitality and accessibility to residents. The goal is continued pedestrian-friendly access to gathering places, shopping, and services. Living near the center of town will only become more desirable as this redevelopment unfolds. I expect Shrewsbury’s center to enjoy a resurgence in vibrancy – that’s just one of the reasons that my office is located in the heart of town.
 
Keep an eye on my website and Facebook page, or contact me directly to find out more about these great new properties as they come on the market. I anticipate that they will generate a lot of interest and I look forward to working with clients who are interested in all that they have to offer.

Landscaping Tips and Tricks

Northborough Ma homes for sale

Landscaping Tips and Tricks from the Experts

Maribeth Lynch, Thrive Real Estate Specialists

It’s a very exciting time for THRIVE! With the advent of springtime here in Central Massachusetts – finally! – I am also pleased to introduce two new agents who will be joining us at THRIVE, Michael Aurelio and Tyler Lajoie. In addition to the real estate expertise Michael and Tyler are bringing to our team, both come from a background in landscaping. So I thought that in this blog, I would share some of their insights on landscaping, which is something that most homeowners tend to be thinking about as we cast off winter and head into another beautiful spring.

For many of us who enjoy doing our own gardening, heading out on weekends or after work to the local nursery is an exciting proposition. Michael and Tyler tend to deal with commercial nurseries, but recommend Bigelow Nursery and Garden Center in Northborough as an excellent supplier for residential landscaping materials and plantings. If you’re planning on embarking on any landscaping projects, you should be aware of the pitfalls that can thwart an amateur gardener. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re planning to work on your lawn this spring and summer:

  1. Mowing. Lawns should be cut relatively tall – taller than many homeowners realize. Especially in the shade, a healthy height is about four inches. For proper mowing timing and technique, it’s a good idea to consult a professional for advice.
  2. Watering. The best time to water your lawn and plants is in the early hours of the morning. Watering later in the day can result in evaporation and watering at night can invite fungal diseases. Remember to water in accordance with your local water restrictions.
  3. Pruning. Proper pruning of trees and shrubbery will result in healthier plants. Advice for pruning specific types of trees and plants can be found online or by consulting an arborist or landscaper.
  4. Mulching. Many homeowners use bagged, untreated wood chips for mulch, and many of us tend to overmulch. A qualified landscape expert can help determine the quantity and type of mulch you will need in the different parts of your lawn.
  5. Lawn Treatment and Fertilizers. Fertilizers and chemicals require care! In addition to learning proper fertilizer spreading techniques, it’s crucial to the health and safety of people, pets, and wildlife that homeowners understand the chemicals they are using. Make sure to wear proper protection to reduce risk of dermal exposure and inhalation, and educate yourself about the specific hazards of the chemicals you are using.
  6. Driveways. Keep your driveway sealed. This should be done every few years for optimal results.
  7. Protecting Your Home. Anything organic that touches the outside of your home can be a pathway for pests to enter your house. Make sure that trees and shrubs are trimmed back from your siding and use treated products if you are placing anything directly against your foundation.
  8. Location. Buying a plant to put on your property without an idea of where you are going to put it is like buying a gallon of paint before you decide which room you are planning to paint. Pay attention to whether plants are annuals or perennials, how much sun or shade they need, and other important care instructions that will have an impact on their health.
  9. Maintenance. Your home is likely your greatest asset, and it’s important to remember that your lawn requires just as much maintenance and upkeep as your house to retain its value and aesthetics.

    10. If you aren’t the type of homeowner who likes hands-on lawn and garden care, our experts suggest you hire a professional to do the heavy lifting. Professional landscapers like Michael and Tyler use techniques that are safe, true, and based on experience. And they cannot stress enough how important it is to validate your landscaper just as you would any contractor who is working on your property! Landscaping companies should be fully licensed and insured.

    Homeowners who are thinking about selling a house in the future should realize that there are no “quick fixes” in landscaping. Planning is essential. And as Tyler points out, “Why would you set up your house beautifully for the next homeowner and not enjoy it yourself?” The same goes for your entire property. When it comes to landscaping, just as with home design and decorating, don’t wait until it’s time to sell to create comfort and aesthetic appeal.
    I look forward to working with Michael and Tyler and they will continue to share their insights and experience with all of us at THRIVE so that we can provide you with the best home buying experience possible.

Preparing your Home for a Spring Listing

 

Think Spring! What Should You Be Doing to Prepare?

 
Think Spring Quote RS

As I write these words, a light snow is falling outside the window and it doesn’t seem like spring is just around the corner … but time has a habit of flying by and I know spring will be here before we know it. In the world of real estate, spring is typically a busy time of year characterized by people emerging from their winter “hibernation” to put their homes on the market and peruse the real estate listings.

While we’re waiting for spring’s welcome arrival, homeowners and prospective home sellers can do a few things to prepare for a new season. Winter is a great time to hunker down inside and get the house in order, whether that means general cleaning, organizational projects, repainting, or a little light remodeling. A change of colors can breathe life into a room, but paint isn’t the only way to accomplish a new look. Sometimes a fresh look is as simple as some new throw pillows or an area rug.

January and February are a good time of year to do some shopping. White sales are prevalent in the first two months of the year. It’s a great time to stock up on new linens like bedding and towels. Some stores even extend these sales to kitchen items. Furniture sales are also common in the early days of the year since many manufacturers introduce new styles in February and older pieces need to be moved to create space in showrooms and warehouses. I’ve also heard that large-screen TVs are often discounted by retailers hoping to get a bounce in sales prior to the Super Bowl; New England certainly would be a prime area for such discounts with another Super Bowl in the cards for the Patriots.

If you’re in search of other items, post-Christmas sales feature seasonal décor for next year as well as winter apparel that cost a small fortune before the holidays arrived. Sports and fitness equipment see some price reductions during the early months of the year as well, so if you’re looking to work off some of the overindulgence of the holiday season, now is the time to see if you can get a discount on home fitness equipment or even a gym membership.

Small electronics often see an uptick in price reductions in February. And don’t forget that President’s Day is coming up, and long weekends often provide retailers an opportunity to run a short sale – just remember to plan accordingly, as these sales can be brief.

Redecorating and shopping can be enjoyable ways to spend long, cold winter days, but there are a few practical tasks you can do around your house, too. Adding insulation and sealing doors, windows, and walls may not be a glamorous activity, but it can save you money in both the winter and the summer by keeping the elements out of your home. And tuning up your heating system or installing a smart thermostat will keep you cozy until spring arrives.

It’s a little too early to start talking about landscaping and planting flowers and gardens, so in the meantime, plant a small herb garden to put on a sunny window ledge and spruce up your house with a few fresh flowers – Trader Joe’s has an ever-evolving selection at reasonable prices and you can bring the cheer of springtime into your home before the season even arrives!

For more information on getting your home ready to sell this spring, contact Thrive Real Estate Specialists.

New in Shrewsbury: Lakeway Commons and More

Aerial View of Construction Progress of Lakeways Commons in Shrewsbury MA
Aerial View Progress Courtesy of www.grossmanre.com

What’s New in Shrewsbury? Lakeway Commons and More…

by Maribeth Lynch, Owner/Broker of Thrive Real Estate Specialists

If you drove through Shrewsbury on Route 9 this year, chances are you saw the demolition of Shrewsbury’s longstanding Spag’s storefront and warehouses. Demolition has not been limited to the Spag’s buildings; tailor shop the Golden Needle has also been town down and various other structures have been razed to create space for the exciting new complex. And while beloved Shrewsbury institutions may now exist only in memory, there is much promise and excitement to be found surrounding the development that is taking their place.

A few months ago, I wrote about the new Lakeway Commons development and the commercial and residential opportunities that the Grossman Development Group property will offer to Shrewsbury. On June 7th, town business leaders joined local and state officials at the official groundbreaking for the project on the former site of the Spag’s complex. Since then, construction has been virtually nonstop.

Lakeway Commons will serve as a mixed-use development with 250 apartments, 14 townhomes, and various dining and retail outlets, with a 50,000 square foot Whole Foods store serving as its commercial anchor. The complex will also feature plenty of parking and pedestrian access, a small monument serving as a tribute the Borgatti family who owned and operated Spag’s for years, and a fresh new aesthetic that is sure to revitalize the area.

Early in the year, Shrewsbury applied for and obtained a liquor license for Whole Foods, granting the store authorization to sell alcoholic beverages in addition to its complement of high-quality and organic foods and products. Several other restaurants and businesses that are new to Shrewsbury will join Whole Foods at the site. Tavern in the Square, Sweet Pizza, and Burton’s Grill will offer the community new dining options, while Starbucks will open an additional Shrewsbury location. Jenny Boston will be opening a storefront in the complex, as will Visionworks and UniBank. Lakeway Commons is set to open this summer with the grand opening of Whole Foods.

The town homes at Lakeway Commons will offer various floor plans and square footage, and will include such features as main floor master suites, granite bathrooms and kitchens, stainless appliances, hardwood flooring and wall-to-wall carpeting, crown molding, and other gracious amenities. A new bus stop at Lakeway Commons will offer service to UMass Medical.

The development is sure to have a positive impact on Shrewsbury’s economy, particularly when coupled with the Lakeway District’s recent improvements to the nearby White City shopping complex and the beautiful new bridge spanning Lake Quinsigamond as a link between Shrewsbury and Worcester.

In addition to the development at Lakeway Commons, Maryland-based Total Wine and More is opening a store at former site of Petco near Trader Joe’s. Demolition of the Petco building and construction of a new storefront has been ongoing this year, and the liquor store expects to bring 50 jobs to town.

With the beautiful library renovation and the advent of several new developments in Shrewsbury, I’m very excited about our town’s bright future. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts. What would you like to see in Shrewsbury to continue to grow our vibrant town?

Disclosures that are Not Required for Buying a Home

Definition of Disclosure

Disclosures:
What Do You
NOT KNOW
about the Home You Want to Buy?

By Maribeth Lynch, THRIVE Real Estate Specialists of Shrewsbury MA

I firmly believe in arming my clients with all the facts available about a property so that they can go into a home purchase with eyes wide open. However, U.S. states differ when it comes to requiring a seller to disclose certain features of a property. As it happens, in Massachusetts, the rule of law is “caveat emptor,” which means “let the buyer beware.”

You might be surprised to learn that there is quite a bit of information about a property that a seller is not required by law to voluntarily disclose to a prospective buyer. This means that the burden is on the buyer – and the buyer’s agent – to ask the right questions to reveal any hidden information that is not immediately noticeable about the property. The seller or seller’s agent is then obligated to answer any such questions honestly.

With Halloween approaching, there are plenty of opportunities to get spooked. Don’t let your new home be one of them! You may not be aware that one of the real estate disclosures not required by law is the revelation of a haunting. Certain other historical characteristics of a property are also not required disclosures under Massachusetts law, such as murders and violent acts, criminal activity, or previous owners or residents with an unsavory history.

When something sinister, distasteful, or scandalous has occurred in a home, the house is then termed a stigmatized property. Here a few types of stigma that might make a buyer think twice about purchasing a home:

Criminal:

If a crime was ongoing on the premises of a certain property, the home would fall into the category of criminal stigma. If the home was used as a brothel or drug den, for example, former patrons might continue to seek out illegal services on the premises, to the annoyance or dismay of the new owners.

Murder/Suicide:

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Many buyers would prefer to shy away from a property with a violent or gruesome history in which a murder, suicide, or even a death has occurred.

Phenomena:

While many people do not believe in the paranormal, some buyers might be inclined to steer clear of a home that has a history of hauntings, ghost sightings, or other supernatural activity. In a case of phenomena stigma, the haunted history of a home is unlikely to be widely known, but instead restricted to the local populace or even just the previous residents of the house.

Public:

A public stigma pertains to a widely-known history of the home that might lead it to be of public interest or considered an attraction that members of the public might seek out. An example of this might be a home in which a known murderer has lived – even if no murders were committed on the property. Another example is a home like the house in The Amityville Horror, with a widespread reputation as a haunted house.

I strive for transparency with all of my clients. I feel it’s best for everyone involved that I share all information I have available about a property up front, and if there are specific questions or doubts, I’m here to help my clients uncover the truth. But it’s important to realize that since sellers aren’t obligated under Massachusetts law to disclose certain information, buyers may not always have the advantage of an agent who is willing to dig around under the surface of a sale.

While I pledge to my clients to be upfront with any details of a home’s history that might make them think twice about buying it, not everyone is so forthcoming. Protect yourself by asking the right questions to elicit all the information you need to avoid buying a house with a skeleton in the closet.

For more information on buying homes in Massachusetts or to contact Maribeth, visit www.thriverealtors.com/contact-us.

Mortgage Pre Approval Tips

approved-1049259_640

Thinking of Buying a New Home? Get Pre-Approved Now!

 
Buying a new home is largely contingent upon securing financing. Whether you’re a first time homebuyer or you’ve been through the process before, I believe the single best step you can take toward obtaining a home mortgage loan is to seek a loan pre-approval letter from your lender before even starting your home search.
 
“Why?” you might ask, particularly if you are currently paying on a mortgage loan. Well, the answer is very simple. Having a pre-approval letter in hand when searching for a new home can not only give you a clearer picture of how much home you can afford, but it can strengthen any offer you make on a home because you won’t be seen as a wild card when it comes to obtaining financing.
 
Here’s a checklist I’ve put together to take you through the steps of obtaining that all-important loan pre-approval.

     

  • Start with the Internet. Request a free copy of your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com. Your credit score and helpful credit tips are also available – visit www.MyFico.com. If you have any blemishes on your report, you’ll want to try to address these before approaching a lender. It’s important to start the entire process armed with knowledge about your credit situation.
  • Put together a folder of financial information. Your lender will want to see copies of recent paycheck stubs, bank statements, and copies of at least the most recent two years of your income tax returns. Make lists of your debt (auto and student loans, credit cards, and other lines of credit or accounts you pay on monthly) and your assets, like retirement savings and investment accounts.
  • Calculate how much money you can comfortably put toward a down payment. While traditional thinking would suggest that a down payment of 20% is necessary for a home purchase, certain types of loans require a much smaller amount of money down (FHA loans require as little as 3.5%) while other types of mortgages (like VA loans) may require no money down. Your lender can help you determine whether you qualify for these types of loans.
  • If you are using a cash gift from a family member toward your down payments, find out from your lender what necessary documentation you will need to provide.
  • Ask your real estate agent about a reputable lender in the area. Local mortgage experts can provide you with proper financial guidance while retaining a personal touch.
  • Begin the pre-approval process with your chosen lender. Your loan officer will take into account your credit history, income, employment records, and current assets and debt. Be prepared to supply your lender with any additional documentation as requested.
  • Your lender will examine your documentation, determine how large a loan you qualify for, and inform you of any stipulations. You’ll receive a pre-approval letter – a document of utmost importance when you make an offer on a new home.
  • Your job now is to keep things steady. You shouldn’t change your employment, make any substantial purchases (such as a car), close lines of credit, or make any large payoffs. Lenders like to see consistency.
  • Double-check with your lender to find out how long your pre-approval will hold (generally 30 to 45 days). Make sure you renew your pre-approval as necessary!

 
Obtaining loan pre-approval is pretty straightforward, particularly if you have favorable credit standing and can prove steady income and employment. And as I said, it’s a vital first step in the home buying process, so if you’re thinking of purchasing a new home, make sure to get started on that pre-approval process right away!

Shared Office Space Coming to Shrewsbury Center

Exterior Photo of 555 Shared Offices in Shrewsbury available Fall 2016
Future Home of Thrive Real Estate Specialists at 555 Main Street in Shrewsbury

Celebrating Two Years in Business with Achievements and Opportunities


 
It’s been an exciting time for the THRIVE team recently. Reflecting on my recent achievement of Emerald Status and a humbling nomination for Realtor of the Year, it’s amazing to me what we have been able to accomplish in just two short years. Yes, we’ve sold a lot of houses, but more importantly, we have helped people create new homes, and making people happy is the most rewarding aspect of our business. Looking forward, opportunities continue to arise for our team at THRIVE as well as for our clients and business associates.
 
555 Shared Offices Shrewsbury Front Entry

Shared Office Space
is Coming to Shrewsbury!

 
I’m particularly thrilled to be able to share with my clients and the community an exciting new office space opportunity that is opening right in the heart of Shrewsbury at 555 Main Street, in the former location of Flagship Bank. We at THRIVE will be relocating our offices to this elegant workspace and we will be handling leasing for the entire building.
 
Five Fifty Five is considered an “uncommon workspace community,” and it capitalizes on a true sense of community with a vibrant shared office space concept that allows multiple businesses to share a common environment. The building includes a central lounge area with amenities like shared office equipment, a kitchen and café, and WiFi, plus an outdoor lounge area and a state-of-the-art iPad-controlled entry system. These common areas are coupled with renovated private offices that feature acoustic baffling when the moment calls for peace, quiet, or privacy. I envision a sociable work environment where individuals from different ventures can come together for collaboration and to share ideas.
 
In addition to THRIVE’s new office location in the front area of the building, there are nine offices available to small businesses looking to relocate to a dynamic new setting. With lots of on-site parking spaces and a functional, elegant layout, small businesses will find this beautiful office space extremely accessible to clients and associates. Leasing will begin in September of 2016.

From a community perspective, the full occupancy of 555 Main will help rejuvenate Shrewbury’s downtown area. “We always like to see buildings fully occupied if possible in terms of both upkeep and vibrancy,” says Kristen Las, Assistant Town Manager and Economic Development Coordinator for the town of Shrewsbury. With the renovated library set to open in September of this year, two of the downtown area’s largest buildings will be occupied, bringing people and commerce to the heart of town and fostering new growth.


 
For additional information regarding the prime office space at 555 Main Street, including a master floor plan, leasing availability, pricing, and building tours, please visit http://www.thriverealtors.com/555-shared-office-community-shrewsbury-ma/ or call me at (508) 641-9323.

8 Tylee Avenue Worcester 01605

Just Listed Tylee

Just Listed- 8 Tylee Avenue Worcester MA $249,900


DREAMING OF A COMPLETELY REDONE HOME IN A GREAT LOCATION? Look no further. This adorable Cape style home was built to last. Loads of charm with all the right updates. Let’s begin with the spectacular landscaping & curb appeal: a brand new Trex deck will allow you to enjoy the view: stone patio, stone walls, newly fenced flat yard and useful shed. Come on in to see the smashing front-to-back living room with gracious built-ins and fireplace; large kitchen with gorgeous cabinets, new SS appliances, granite and combo eating area/dining room. The new family room has a soaring cathedral ceiling, gas fireplace and sliders to that deck where you’ll want to spend many a summer evening. Bedrooms have on-trend paint colors and great angles. Bathroom has beadboard wainscoting and pedestal sink. Have we mentioned the other important updates: new windows, new boiler, hot water heater and updated electrical? Seeing is believing. This house is a home. It will make its next owner–you!–very happy!
 

Take a Quick Photo Tour by Watching the Video Below



 

Open House Saturday
May 14, 2016 1-3pm

Open House is scheduled for this Saturday, May 14th from 1-3 pm.
 
View the full listing for 8 Tylee Avenue Worcester.
 
View the Full Photo Gallery for this Property
 
For more information about this property, contact Maribeth 508-641-9323 or visit www.thriverealtors.com.

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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