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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.

Posted in: Blog, Featured Blog Posts, 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, selling real estate in Shrewsbury MA, Selling your Massachusetts Home Tagged: home staging to sell, hygge, Selling your Massachusetts Home, Shrewsbury Real Estate, Shrewsbury Real Estate Agent

Top Summer Swimming Holes Near Shrewsbury, MA

Swimming Holes in Massachusetts

When the weather turns warm in Worcester County, it’s to the nearest pool we go! But I thought we’d put a different spin on your favorite summer activity by sharing the Top Swimming Holes that are within driving distance. Take a weekend road trip to visit some of these beautiful, natural swimming destinations right here in New England!

If you are planning a summer vacation or are simply ready for a long weekend trip, here are a few places to spend a hot summer day:

Bellevue Falls
Just two hours from Shrewsbury, here you can find a waterfall with one large pool beneath it. Access to Bellevue Falls is easy and the public is free to enjoy it!

Houghton’s Pond
Located in Milton, just one hour from Shrewsbury, Houghton’s Pond has become a popular cool-off destination for summer travelers. This 24-acre pond is monitored by lifeguards so you can rest easy knowing the family is safe!

Chapel Brook Falls
Located below a cascading waterfall, several small pools that have formed are the perfect spot to enjoy a summer afternoon. Hike through nearby Pony Mountain or just go for a quick dip and take in the beautiful Berkshires landscape.

Chebacco Lake
The previous few swimming holes may be popular spots in the summer, but Chebacco Lake in Essex is still a fairly kept secret. This 209-acre lake is also known for great fishing and nearby beaches like Crane Beach and Kettle Cove.

Walden Pond State Reserve
Henry David Thoreau wrote about this spot for a reason! Walden Pond is a 102-foot-deep kettle hole nestled beneath sprawling trees. The park only lets in 1000 people at a time, so choose your trip and weekend wisely!

Arlington Reservoir
This popular swimming hole in Arlington, Massachusetts began as a man-made reservoir before a separate swimming area was constructed in the 1980’s. The water is well cared for and filtered which can be hard to come by!

As your local Worcester County real estate expert, I’m happy to share recommendations for enjoying Shrewsbury, Westborough, Hopkinson, Boylston and the surrounding areas. Do not hesitate to contact me this summer with any questions you have about the buying process or selling your current home!

Here’s to a great summer!

Maribeth McCauley Lynch
THRIVE Real Estate Specialists
Direct: (508) 641-9323
Maribeth@thriverealtors.com

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Posted in: Blog, Featured Blog Posts, Shrewsbury MA Tagged: maribeth lynch, massachusetts, Shrewsbury Attractions, Shrewsbury Homebuyers, Shrewsbury Real Estate Agent, summer, summer events, things to do in worcester county, worcester county

5 Places To Visit This Summer Near Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

Shrewsbury MA
Field of Daffodils in Boylston, MA

Now that it’s May, summer is just around the corner! Worcester County residents are likely beginning to plan their summer vacations and weekend trips— but don’t count out destinations within just a short drive! You may live in the area and have never explored local museums or gardens or toured historic buildings. Now is the time to change that!

The following are five places to add to your summer schedule, all located near Shrewsbury, MA. There’s something for the whole family!

Tower Hill Botanic Garden
Boylston, MA
Distance from Shrewsbury: Under 10 miles

Tower Hill Botanic Garden is the perfect place to enjoy the summer plants in bloom! There are 132 acres of this hilltop garden—divided into sections like the Secret Garden, Field of Daffodils and miles of woodland trails— and a beautiful view of Mt. Wachusett and the reservoir.

EcoTarium
Worcester, MA
Distance from Shrewsbury: Under 10 miles

The EcoTarium is an indoor-outdoor museum that allows you to walk through the treetops, go on a ride through the galaxy, get hands-on with exhibits and up close and personal with wildlife. A great spot to take the kids on a summer day or weekend!

Zoll Cellars
Shrewsbury, MA
Distance from Shrewsbury: 0 miles

Zoll Cellars Winery located right here in Shrewsbury offers winemaking classes, private tours by appointment and private vintage wine made to suit you.

Old Sturbridge Village
Sturbridge, MA
Distance from Shrewsbury: Under 30 miles

Another historic attraction to visit this summer, Old Sturbridge Village is an 1830s New England Living History Museum. You can tour 40 antique buildings, learn how to make crafts and help the potter, printer or blacksmith while they work. The kids will love the interactive factor!

The Old Stone Church
West Boylston, MA
Distance from Shrewsbury: Under 10 miles

This church was originally built in the early 1890s and ten years later, had to be abandoned for the reservoir. However, because the church is made of stone, Massachusetts allowed the church to stand. The historic church is now open to the public and can be visited anytime.

Maribeth McCauley Lynch
THRIVE Real Estate Specialists
Direct: (508) 641-9323
Maribeth@thriverealtors.com

Visit My Website
Browse My Listings
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
Contact Me

Posted in: Blog, Shrewsbury MA Tagged: Shrewsbury Attractions, Shrewsbury Real Estate Agent

Your Must-Do List Before House Hunting in Shrewsbury, MA This Summer

Shrewsbury Real Estate
Shrewsbury Homebuyers

I know just how exciting it is to begin searching for a new home in Shrewsbury. It’s always fun to make a list of all of the features you want inside, where you want to live and imagine what your home’s exterior will look like. We can easily get caught up in the little details of home buying and just as quickly, get carried away!

The real estate market is full of motivated buyers this year, many more than there have been in past years, but that doesn’t mean you should skip a few steps to get ahead of them.

Consider the following your must-do list before you begin house-hunting in Shrewsbury this summer.

File Your Taxes

With tax day now behind us, you’re already a step ahead— unless, of course, you filed an extension. Lenders will want to see your most recent return to show your income prior to you buying a home. If you’re making payments or filed an extension, you will still be required to provide this documentation in some way.

Prepare Other Documents

Your tax return is not all a lender will want to see. Other documents like W-2’s, 1099’s, and old tax returns may be requested to show your income for the past two years. Remember, the more you can show your Worcester County lender, the better! They want to know you have the funds to cover at least two months of a potential mortgage payment.

Know Your Credit Score

Many Massachusetts homebuyers skip this step and that is a big mistake! Your credit score will have an affect on the mortgage rate you qualify for and oftentimes, it can take months to correct a credit report with errors, so do your research now. Always try to raise your score before applying for a mortgage.

Get to Know the Market

This is where your real estate agent comes in handy! We are here to answer any questions you have about where to live or what home prices are like in Northborough, Westborough, Worcester or Shrewsbury, to name a few. Once you know how much you can comfortably afford, then you can begin searching for homes in your price range.

It’s going to be a busy summer here in the Shrewsbury area and if you’re planning to buy a home, now is the time to get organized! Feel free to contact me with any questions about preparing to buy a home or available properties in the area.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Maribeth McCauley Lynch
THRIVE Real Estate Specialists
Direct: (508) 641-9323
Maribeth@thriverealtors.com

Visit My Website
Browse My Listings
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
Contact Me

Posted in: Blog, Home Buyers Tagged: Shrewsbury Homebuyers, Shrewsbury Real Estate Agent

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

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