Choosing Your Home Away from Home

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Choosing Your “Home Away from Home” – Great Cars for Your Family


Maribeth Lynch, Thrive Real Estate Specialists

It’s your second home. Your mobile office. Your errand-running transport. It’s where you hole up during interminable soccer practices or while you’re waiting to pick up your kids in the carpool line.

Anyone with a busy family knows how much time is spent in the car and on the go. Our cars are often filled with everything from groceries to dry cleaning to sports equipment to our kids and all of their friends. So what makes a great family-friendly car that meets all of your needs?

Obviously, the answer to that question is going to depend on your priorities and lifestyle. A few considerations:

• Safety. No one wants to drive around in a car with a poor safety record or a history of worrisome mechanical issues. Fortunately, vehicle safety performance statistics are easily accessible online.

• Affordability. It’s important to find a car with payments that fit comfortably within your budget. When you’re making a calculation about how much car you can afford, don’t forget to keep in mind expenses for auto insurance, routine maintenance, registration, and annual inspections.

• Gas Mileage. Particularly if you have a long commute or plan to use your car for road trips and vacations, you’ll want a car that isn’t a gas-guzzler. Think about your needs. Do you do a lot of in-town driving? Short trips? A regular commute into the city? A vehicle’s gas mileage is also something you can research online. For information about gas mileage, emissions, and safety, visit the Department of Energy’s fuel economy website for an impartial comparison of different vehicles.

• Amenities. There’s a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to buying a car, from rear view cameras to heated seats to built-in child boosters. You might consider an entertainment system or Wi-Fi hotpot to make lengthy trips more bearable or productive. Every year, car manufacturers make more and more high-tech features available.

Another question to ask yourself is what type of car best suits your lifestyle. Minivan? Sedan? SUV? What type of car best meets your needs in terms of passenger comfort and cargo space?

This year, U.S. News and World Report ranked the best cars for families in 21 categories, with the Nissan Murano taking top honors in the two-row SUV class and best three-row SUV going to the Toyota Highlander. The Honda Odyssey ranked as the best minivan, while the best compact SUV was the Honda CR-V. For smaller families, the Volkswagen Golf was the leader in the compact category. Best midsize car was the Hyundai Sonata – it’s worth noting that the Sonata’s BlueLink system allows remote monitoring of the vehicle’s performance via smartphone, ideal for parents of teen drivers. You can find this year’s complete list of best family cars on the U.S. News and World Report website.

A lot of people find the car buying experience less than enjoyable, so it’s smart to do your research up front. I’ve found that information is available online about everything from the most popular car colors to the most commonly stolen cars to the most-researched vehicles. Consumer Reports is a great resource when buying a new car. Just as when you buy a new house, it’s a good idea to check your facts before you buy a new car.

Would you like to know more? Visit http://www.thriverealtors.com/ for more information!

Open House Northborough Ma 10-11-15

opne house northborough ma

OPEN HOUSE: 251 DAVIS STREET, NORTHBOROUGH MA

SUNDAY OCTOBER 11, 2015  1-3 PM

Pack your bags, the house you have been waiting for is here. Sitting nicely on a very flat and large lot is this expanded split level home. With many recent improvements including new siding, roof, windows, composite deck, interior painting and flooring, your sure to be pleased by how much space this home has. The first floor includes a large living room with a brick fireplace, dining room with views into the kitchen, a very large family room addition with access to the gorgeous deck overlooking the expansive back yard. The kitchen has plenty of storage and is just waiting for your personal touches to make it home. The family bedrooms are all ample in size with plenty of closet space, the master has it’s own half bath. The lower level is wide open, and has a half bath/laundry room conveniently located with lots of additional storage. This low maintenance home is located near the ever popular Northgate neighborhood and offers easy access to shopping and highways.

To schedule a viewing of this property or for more information, call/text Maribeth at 508-641-9323

West Boylston Open House 10-11-15

opne house west boylston ma

Open House: 280 Goodale Street, West Boylston. Sunday, October 11, 2015 1-3 pm

Details, details, details … from the charming, meandering floor plan to the peg wood floors to the pineapple weathervane, this home is chockfull of details that add up to special. Two sets of folding glass doors lead to the front-to-back great room with oversized windows, vaulted ceiling, access to a deck and a fabulous bump out (perfect for a Christmas tree!). The kitchen, with tasteful cabinets and granite, overlooks a cozy, fireplaced room. The table is nestled into a sun-drenched nook with views of the beautiful yard—what a way to start each day. A 1st-floor master suite is tucked into the back of the home. A light-filled office with built-in shelves and a laundry round out the 1st floor. Upstairs are 2 ample bedrooms with great closets, plus a bonus playroom/fitness area. The yard is beautifully landscaped for minimum maintenance and maximum enjoyment.

To schedule a viewing of this property, or for more information, call/text Maribeth at 508-641-9323

Open House 61 Hillando Drive Shrewsbury MA Sunday 9-27-15

Homes for Sale Shrewsbury Ma- 61 Hillando

Open House in Walnut Ridge Estates in Shrewsbury

Sunday, September 27, 2015 from 12:00-2:00pm

 


This Walnut Ridge Estates home has just about everything you are looking for! Bright and sunny with french doors leading into the formal dining room just adjacent to a cozy sitting room-both with hardwood floors. The family room features a brick fireplace and opens into the kitchen. Designed for cooking and entertaining, the kitchen is filled with cabinets and offers access to the large deck and first floor laundry. The second floor welcomes you with a large master, two more ample bedrooms and even a small office. The partially finished lower level offers a slider to your outdoor “living room”, tucked under the deck with views of a beautiful wooded backyard. Speaking of your backyard… while sitting on your large deck or outdoor spaces you will enjoy the soothing sound of a backyard waterfall complete with pond. All of this with gas heat, central air, a walkable neighborhood and Shrewsbury’s award winning schools!

View more photos here

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

Click Here To View the full listing for 61 Hillando Drive Shrewsbury MA

School System another Great Reason to Buy a Home in Shrewsbury MA

Shrewsbury School System a Great Reason to Buy a Home in Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Education Makes the Grade

by Maribeth Lynch, Thrive Real Estate Specialists

 

Last month, just before students around the country headed back to school, Newsweek published a list of this year’s top public high schools in the U.S. The magazine collected data about which schools turn out students who are best prepared for college, assessing variables such as graduation rates, test scores, percentage of students bound for college following high school, and school poverty rates.

Newsweek partnered with research firm Westat to collect information from more than 16,200 schools around the country before coming up with a “short list” of about 4,800 schools with the highest levels of college readiness. The magazine’s final cut included only the top 500 public high schools around the nation. I’m proud to say that a number of high schools in Massachusetts made the list. And of that top 500, Shrewsbury High School was ranked 128.

With a student retention rate of 99% and a graduation rate of 98.7%, Newsweek reports that 96.2% of students who graduate from Shrewsbury High School are bound for college.

As the parent of three Shrewsbury High School graduates, I am delighted to learn just how top-notch Shrewsbury education is considered on a nationwide scale. Shrewsbury High’s ranking on this list sends the message that Shrewsbury values education, invests in our students’ learning, and provides a pathway to continuing education at the college level.

As icing on the cake, I did a little comparison to check into the value of that quality education that Shrewsbury students receive. There were seven Massachusetts towns with high schools ranking above Shrewsbury High on Newsweek’s list. The average tax bills for those towns are as follows:

Dover: $13,295 (#16)
Medfield: $9,954 (#52)
Weston: $17,832 (#54)
Newton: $10,091(#67)
Westwood: $9,999 (#75)
Hopkinton: $8,885 (#93)
Hingham: $8,679 (#115)

Meanwhile, the average Shrewsbury tax bill is an astonishing $5,030 – dramatically lower than all of the other high schools in the state with high rankings. For the money that Shrewsbury homeowners are paying, the quality of the education that Shrewsbury students receive is second to none. Shrewsbury’s talented educators are able to do less with more, and it reflects on a national level. Kudos to all of those who are involved in managing our town’s budget – these results don’t occur without a high degree of attention to every detail.

To me, nothing says community commitment better than the quality of a town’s education. A dedication to education results in critical thinkers – the young adults who cultivate a passion for changing the face of the future, and who are ultimately the achievers of the next generation.

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” And we’re fostering that motivation to change the world right here in Shrewsbury.

To read the full article visit: http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-high-schools-2015
To learn more about the Shrewsbury school system click here.

To learn more about buying a home in Shrewsbury Ma, give Maribeth a call/text at 508-641-9323 or email her at maribeth@thriverealtors.com

Click here to start searching for homes for sale in Shrewsbury MA

Fall Can Be Your Best Friend When You Want to Sell

Fall in New England

Maribeth Lynch, Owner/Broker

Thrive Real Estate Specialists

Most people probably think of springtime when they think about selling a home. But did you know that fall is actually the second busiest time of the year for real estate?

The autumn months are a wonderful time to consider selling your house. Buyers have fewer homes to choose from than during the hectic spring months, and less inventory means less competition from other sellers. Vacationers have returned home from their summer travels and kids are back in the routine of school. The heat is dying down and humidity levels are finally tolerable after a long summer. And the fall is a stunning time of year, especially in New England, when the foliage bursts into color, mums brighten lawns and doors with warm splashes of color, and the weather holds the crisp promise of cozy nights by the fire.

When I think of fall, I think of warmth. Fall is the time when we pull out our sweaters, start cooking comfort foods, and fill our homes with rich, warm colors like yellows and oranges. Fall is a warm apple crumble and an autumn wreath on the front door. And you can use these enticing colors and aromas to help you sell your home.

Curb appeal is important in any season, but it can be especially welcoming during the fall. Consider decorating your yard and front steps with planters of seasonal flowers, pumpkins and gourds, and ears of Indian corn. One of the season’s challenges can be keeping up with all those falling leaves, but you can cut down on the time it takes by making it a family activity or hiring a service for a month or two.

Carry fall colors inside your home with flowers, fruits, and decorative throw pillows in warm tones. Buyers will be drawn to houses that feel homey, and scents like cinnamon and pumpkin make a house cozy. Autumn sees the days begin to grow short, and you’ll want to make sure that there is plenty of light indoors so that visitors can see all of your home’s wonderful features. As the hours of natural light dwindle, add lamps and accent lighting.

No discussion of fall would be complete without mentioning the holidays. Decorating for holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas can really make a home stand out if done right. What buyer doesn’t want to imagine celebrating the holidays in a new home? Just make sure that you keep decorations understated and tasteful rather than bold and dominant. Seasonal accents should harmonize with your home’s style rather than clash with it.

As I write this, I’m starting to get excited for the cooler weather and dramatic changes to the scenery that fall brings. It’s a gracious season and a fortuitous time to think about selling your home.

Would you like to know more? Visit http://www.thriverealtors.com for more information!

THRIVE Real Estate Specialists Welcomes New Team Members

Thrive Real Estate Agency Shrewsbury MA Logo

THRIVE Real Estate Specialists Welcomes New Team Members


We are pleased to announce that we are growing with the addition of two new members to the Thrive team. Dawn Wisbey and Stacey O’Neil are coming on board as Realtors and Rick Lynch will be working as our Business Manager.

Real Estate Agent Dawn Wisbey
Real Estate Agent Dawn Wisbey

Wisbey, who relocated to Shrewsbury from her native England in 2006, recently obtained her Realtor’s license. Her previous professional experience includes a background in personnel and development and a position as a Director of Human Resources. Wisbey’s subsequent involvement in Shrewsbury Public Schools and with Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services speak to her dedication to the community. As a transplant to Central Massachusetts, Wisbey’s focus is on welcoming newcomers to the Shrewsbury area. Along with her personal experience of buying and selling her own properties, Wisbey’s European roots and experience traveling the globe give her a unique viewpoint on home staging and style.

Shrewsbury Real Estate Agent Stacey O'Neil
Real Estate Agent Stacey O’Neil

Holding a B.S. in Management from Bentley University, O’Neil has a professional background in management and sales and most recently worked as a Business Relations Specialist at the University of Massachusetts. Real estate has long been O’Neil’s passion, and she has renovated four homes and built two. O’Neil also has a strong interest in antiques and collectibles and holds a space at Crompton Collective in Worcester.

Business Manager Rick Lynch
Business Manager Rick Lynch

Recently retired from Bose Corporation after 37 years, Lynch worked most recently as the company’s Director of Business Planning for its Automotive Systems Division. Lynch holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School with a concentration in managerial economics. Lynch has been a Massachusetts resident since 1975, relocating here from his native Philadelphia. He spends his free time playing golf and tennis and following politics.  His favorite thing to do is to spend time with his large family.

 

Thrive Real Estate Specialists is a boutique-style real estate firm specializing in quality, personalized service rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach to real estate. For more information, please visit www.thriverealtors.com or contact broker-owner Maribeth Lynch at maribeth@thriverealtors.com.

Thrive Real Estate Drones Use Featured in Worcester Business Journal

Maribeth McCauley Lynch Featured in Article on Drones Use in Worcester Business Journal

Thrive Real Estate Featured in WBJThrive Real Estate’s Broker/Owner, Maribeth McCauley Lynch was recently featured in the Worcester Business Journal’s article on the use of drones for business. When walking the property of one of her homes for sale in Westborough MA, Lynch looked up to the sky and was inspired by a hawk flying high above the property. “I knew the photos just didn’t do this property justice. When I heard about the use of drones for video, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to showcase the beauty of this land.” states Lynch.

Reaching New Heights to Sell your Home!

As a real estate broker in Shrewsbury Ma for over 20 years, Lynch is passionate about using the latest technology and marketing platforms to showcase her property listings. As a Boutique Style- Independent Real Estate Agency, THRIVE Real Estate Specialists care deeply about the markets where they live and work. WE make it a priority to respect the unique needs of each client, and serve them with uncompromising integrity.

To read the entire article, click here.

Local Hiking Trails Offer Northboro, Shrewsbury & Westborough Residents Great Recreational Opportunities

Local Hiking Trails in the Shrewsbury Area offer residents great recreational opportunities
Local hiking trails in the Shrewsbury area offer residents great recreational opportunities

Top-Notch Trails in Our Own Back Yards

Maribeth Lynch, Thrive Real Estate Specialists

New England is such a vibrant landscape in any season, but mild summer days seem as though they were made to spend outdoors. One of the greatest pleasures for me during warm weather is a pleasant hike in the countryside.

Fortunately, those of us in Northborough, Shrewsbury, and surrounding towns don’t have to travel far for some scenic and invigorating hikes – and hiking isn’t the only pastime for trail lovers. Every season brings something different to the region, from nature walks and wildlife spotting to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

The Northborough Trails Committee (NTC) maintains a trail system throughout Northborough. A map of the trails network is available online. Trails range from a boardwalk through wetland meadow in the Little Chauncey and Cedar Hill trails areas to watershed vistas at the Carney Park and Cold Harbor trails. Nature lovers can even download audio guides from the NTC website.

One of my current favorite hiking destinations is Northborough’s Mt. Pisgah Trails Area. Mt. Pisgah is the highest point in Northborough, and on a clear day, there are scenic views to the east – it’s even possible to see Boston’s skyscrapers. Much of the area is conservation land that serves as a home to a range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, an abundance of birds, and even the occasional moose or black bear.

The Mt. Pisgah area encompasses land in Berlin, Bolton, and Boylston as well as Northborough. Summer Star Wildlife Sanctuary in Boylston is adjacent to Mt. Pisgah and features a 1.5-mile trail loop of its own; half a mile of this loop is handicapped-accessible. The sanctuary also includes the Trailhead House, which was built with an eye toward sustainability and includes a gallery with rotating exhibits and programs.

Northborough is not home to the only nearby trail network. New England is teeming with hiking destinations, and other nearby communities provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and walking. The Shrewsbury Trails Committee sponsors guided walks on town trails. Shrewsbury’s trail sites include Lake St. Street Park, Carlstrom Memorial Forest, Jordan Pond, and Prospect Park.

Westborough residents can explore the Charm Bracelet, a trail network that includes a 28-mile loop trail with interconnecting side trails that join up with open spaces, schools, and neighborhoods. Trail maps for the Charm Bracelet and other Westborough trails can be found online, and there’s something for everyone, from dog walking at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine to a butterfly garden in the Headwaters Conservation Area.

View The Charm Bracelet Trail Map

As a Massachusetts resident, I feel fortunate to live in a region that is so diverse in natural beauty – there really is something amazing to behold in every season and for every interest. And the best part? There are so many opportunities to “get back to nature” just footsteps away.

Would you like to know more about buying a home in Shrewsbury, Northborough or Westbrorough? Visit the Thrive Real Estate Specialists for more information!

New Public Library another Great Reason to Buy a Home in Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Public Library Rendering
Photo Courtesy of Lamoureux Pagano & Associates

Thinking of Buying a Home in Shrewsbury?

New Public Library another Great Reason to Choose this Town

Shrewsbury Public Library Takes Shape

I think most people would agree that a quality library represents a community’s dedication to culture and education. Shrewsbury Public Library, located at the town center across from the town common, is no exception. The library is undergoing a renaissance that has involved the demolition of much of the existing structure and the construction of a new facility. Groundbreaking for the new library took place last November, and major construction should be completed next spring, followed by the re-opening of the library in June of 2016.

I have been personally involved in fundraising for the new library as the chairman of the Small Business Capital Campaign, a committee charged with raising funds from businesses employing fewer than ten employees. Last week I had the pleasure of attending a ceremony to sign names on the top beam of the new building. Library patrons joined staff members in signing the beam before it was raised to the top of the structure in a “topping out” ceremony. A U.S. flag and a tree crowned the beam in keeping with the tradition of the ceremony. Topping out has evolved from an ancient Scandinavian builders’ rite, in which the inclusion of a tree on top of a new building was thought to pacify tree-dwelling spirits that were displaced when timber was harvested for building. In modern times, the incorporation of the tree represents the hope for a safe and successful construction project, and it often signifies the project’s most auspicious point.

When moving to a new community, the town library can be a great resource for community groups and events, and Shrewsbury’s library is no exception. Shrewsbury Public Library programs include:

•    Language and computer classes and crafts workshops
•    Book discussions and poetry readings
•    Children’s programs and story times
•    Talent showcases
•    Passes to nearby museums
•    Summer reading programs for kids

Once completed, the new Shrewsbury Public Library will feature complete handicap accessibility, larger spaces both indoors and outside for children’s programs and play, additional computers and improved technology, a large community meeting room with a kitchen, and more parking. The existing 1903 Jubal Howe Building will also undergo preservation and restoration to retain the library’s historic roots.

While construction of the new library continues, a temporary library has been relocated to Glavin Center on Lake Street and continues to offer essential services. If you’re thinking of relocating to Shrewsbury, you should consider the library as an indispensable resource in your new community.

Would you like to know more?

Visit http://www.thriverealtors.com/ for more information!
 

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    Maribeth Lynch
    26 Maple Ave.
    Shrewsbury, MA 01545
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