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Downsizing Homes

photo of downsizing from a larger home to a smaller one

How Can You “Rightsize” Your Next Home?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Posted in: Blog, Featured Blog Posts, Homes for Sale and Just Sold, Homes for sale in Grafton MA, Homes for Sale in Northborough MA, Homes for sale in Shrewsbury MA, Homes for sale in West Boylston, Homes for sale in Westborough MA, homes for sale West Boylston, Selling your Massachusetts Home, Shrewsbury MA Real Estate Tagged: selling your Boylston Ma home, selling your Grafton Ma home, selling your MA home, selling your Northborough Ma home, selling your Shrewsbury Ma home, selling your Westborough Ma home

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

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