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!

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

Shrewsbury MA Real Estate Market Update July 2018

Thrive Real Estate Specialists Owner/Broker Maribeth Lynch
gives Updates on the August 2018 Real Estate Market in Shrewsbury MA

The Shrewsbury real estate market is strong.
Compared to the prior year, we’ve seen housing sales increase by nearly 8%. And, average selling price is up by nearly 5% to $432k.
The number for days on market for those sales was very low – 60 days for the prior year, and a very similar 58 days for the past 12 months.

Inventory

What about inventory? It seems that after a long period of tight inventory, that we are starting to see a change, and the stats back that up: One year ago, there were 132 listings in the Shrewsbury market and today there are 1444 listing – about a 9% increase.
If we look more closely at inventory, we see that most of the increase in inventory really happened in the last 30 days because just one month ago, there were only 133 listings.
This modest increase in inventory might be a trend to pay close attention to.

Days on Market

One other interesting thing to keep an eye on is days on market. For houses that have sold over the past 30 days, the average days on market was only 36. So, desirable houses are moving. But if we look at inventory today (units not yet sold), the average days on market for those units is 80 days. So, you can see the importance of making your home desirable.
For fun, let’s take a look at the TOP and the BOTTOM of the market:
Bottom: 34 Oakland Avenue was a 2 bedroom / 1 bath home that sold in only 18 days for $175k.
Top: 437 Main Street is a 4 bedroom, 5 bath home that sold in 71 days for $1,850,000.

In summary, Shrewsbury is a strong market.Prices are increasing.
And although we may be seeing inventory start to tick up which is good for buyer selection, desirable homes are still moving fast.
That’s your Thrive Real Estate Market Report for Shrewsbury as of August 2018.
Happy end of summer and start of school year!!

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.

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!

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.

19-21 Sias Avenue Shrewsbury MA 01545

photo of 19-21 Sias Avenue in Shrewsbury MA 01545

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

Just Listed by Thrive Realtors!

$305,000

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


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

See the Full Listing

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

19 Floral Street Shrewsbury MA 01545

photo of 19 Floral Street Shrewsbury MA. 01545

 

Homes For Sale in Shrewsbury MA- 19 Floral Street

Just Listed by Thrive Realtors!

$539,900

Open House Sunday 7/23/17 12-2pm

Love the idea of living in a neighborhood, but still want some privacy? This is the place for you. Tucked away from the road, this classic & pretty American Four Square is perched on a knoll overlooking the neighborhood that grew up around it. Once an active farm with a history dating to the turn of the century, the home retains much original charm, but has the updates you’re looking for. The white kitchen has granite & SS appliances, while the bathroom has an on–trend square sink and tiled floor & walls. On the old house side of things, you’ll find an oh-so-pretty stained glass window, five-panel doors w/ lovely doorknobs, amazing hardwoods, a window seat, and an unusual (and useful!) built-in linen closet upstairs. A recent addition offers a great place for the family to hang out, overlooking the lovely, serene deck/pool area. The guinite pool is ready for you to make a splash! Floral St elementary school is just around the corner. Easy access to Rte. 9 & great shopping. Really nice!  Showings start at Open House.

View the Full Listing

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

246 Maple Avenue Shrewsbury Ma 01545

photo of 246 Maple Ave in Shrewsbury

 

Homes For Sale in Shrewsbury MA- 246 Maple Avenue

Just Listed by Thrive Realtors!

$274,500

Open House Sunday 7/16/17 12-2pm

With a picket fence, porch and lovely landscaping, it’s impossible to drive by this house without thinking, “Wow, I wonder what it looks like inside.” Well, come on in. You’ll be greeted by a stunning newel post–and you’ll be happy to see that this look-at-me house is ready for you, thanks to great updates. Really nice birch cabinets with interesting detail and a kitchen island strike the right note between old-house charm and modern-day convenience. Convenient first-floor laundry and half-bath. Upstairs, the bedrooms are large with soaring cathedral ceilings and good closet space. In the updated bath, you’ll find an extra-nice vanity with marble sink. Is AC a must-have? We’ve gotcha covered. Two mini split systems keep everything cool! But the bursting-with-perennials yard is so nice, you might just spend all your time out there. Other things you’ll love: gleaming hardwoods, great doors, a stained glass window, 2-car garage. This gem won’t last long! Showings start at Open House.

View the Full Listing

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

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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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

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    Contact Info

    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