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.

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.

Improving Home Energy Efficiency

photo of a home vector saving money on energy bills

How to Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency


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 How out-of-date is your thermostat?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

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

Downsizing Homes

photo of downsizing from a larger home to a smaller one

How Can You “Rightsize” Your Next Home?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why For Sale by Owner is Not Always the Best Option

photo of Male And Female Realtor Standing Outside Residential Property

Don’t Go it Alone When Selling Your Home

Partner with a Realtor for Best Results!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Five Reasons to Sell Your House Now

Selling homes in Shrewsbury MA

Five Reasons Why You Should
Sell Your House NOW!

1) Inventory is critically short in certain price ranges (under 650k in Shrewsbury). A home that is staged and in good condition with a good location will sell quickly
2) It’s the most beautiful time of the year for photos. In fact, we have 3 clients we are working with who are planning to sell in 6 months so we have gone ahead and staged and photographed their homes NOW for a sale during the late fall/winter.
3) Interest rates are low-low-low which means your buying power is high-high-high. The Feds met last week and decided there would be no change to the prime, so this summer is a great time to grab a low priced mortgage while you can
4) We are in an ascending market- which means if you are selling and buying you can take advantage of that on your sale side and hope to nab a great house on your buy side
5) Families have TIME in the summer, so Mom and Dad might have time to focus more on homes that enter the market now, and might decide to make that move during the lazy days of summer.

Click here for a free home valuation or call/text Maribeth at 508-641-9323 to start the discussion.

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!

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

    Thrive Realtors, Real Estate, Shrewsbury, MA