Share your point of view! Leave a Comment! Here's How?

Share your point of view!   Leave a Comment!   Here's How?

Blogs, Blogs, Blogs....  Fun to read, Fun to write, and Fun to learn from the comment stream!

I just love sharing my thoughts about real estate and local establishments as well as things to do in the area.  That's what my blog is about.  

Sometimes I get feedback that folks have read it, want to leave a comment, but find the process is not user friendly!   For someone that hasn't used the format, I agree.

Today, I read a post by Nancy Carroll, (teacher extraordinaire) explaining just how to leave a comment on a blog, in her blog  (click ---->)   "Teaching is Elementary".

For any of you that know or follow Nancy, you know that she is great at what she does and this "tutorial" is no different. 

She has a very progressive viewpoint.. always.. and says she is, a shy/outgoing person.    That alone would want to make me read what she has to say. 

Click here to meet Nancy Carroll.

Her blog is about Kids, Teaching and Life.  

If you read my blog, feel free to jump and in let me know what you think! Let me know what you might like to discuss or what real estate questions you might have! 

Subscribe to my blog too!   Over there on the right!   ------>

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

     

Medway MA Santa Parade and Fireworks display November 26 2011

Medway MA Santa Parade and Fireworks display November 26 2011

My sisters both live in Medway.   Part of the Thanksgiving weekend festivities always include a short walk down to Main St. to stand with others in welcoming in the Christmas season by watching the Medway MA Santa parade in the crisp cold late November air.
For the past 18  years, Medway MA has kicked of the Christmas holiday season with a parade ending with a fireworks display.   This year is no different making it the 19th annual Holiday parade!

At 5 pm. on Saturday, November 26th, the parade will start at the Middle School on Holliston St.   It will end right down on Main St at Choate Park.   The fun doesn't stop there!    The festivities end with a terrific fireworks display which never disappoints.   For some reason at this time of year, the display seems to be brighter and more exciting.    

So, Saturday night folks, grab the kids, your jackets and scarfs, a cup of hot cocoa.   Bring the kids in a wagon or hoist them upon your shoulders and head down for the 19th annual Holiday parade in Medway MA.  

Last year we walked down to Main St and found our place on the curb waiting for the parade to pass us by and just like magic, snow started falling from the sky.   Not much.   Just flakes like in a snow globe.   Kids were squealing with delight!   What a way to kick off the season.   

So this year, there may not be snow flakes flying (i'm okay with that), but it is sure to be some fun.

So come on down to main street, and...

If you hear a bunch of folks singing Christmas Carols, ringing bells and shaking tambourines, dressed in an elfish looking attire,   It will be the Palmieri clan having some fun.   Just jump in!   I guarantee you will soon find a bell in your hand and a song in your heart!

• MEDWAY MA 19TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE
• NOVEMBER 26TH   5 PM
• STARTS AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND ENDS AT CHOATE PARK
• FIREWORKS DISPLAY TO FOLLOW

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Remax Executive Realty Charitable Foundation Sponsors Team for Millis Buddy Bowl!

Can I say I am very proud to be a member of Remax Executive Realty for many reasons.  Every once in awhile something happens that lifts your spirits and warms the heart. 

A few weeks ago, I posted an article about the Millis MA Buddy Bowl to honor our local hero TSgt Joe Deslauriers who was seriously injured in a blast while attempting to disarm an IED in Afghanistan.
This true American hero lost both legs and an arm and is in the long and arduous process of recovery.   His wife and he are expecting their first child next month.   His Dad is a Bellingham firefighter.  

The Power of Social Media

Realtor Maria Varrichione, picked up on the post, got in touch with the Remax Executive Charitable Foundation and pitched the idea to them that they should give a donation to the worthy cause and sponsor a team.   They agreed.   This Saturday, November 19 at the Buddy Bowl, Remax Executive will be sponsoring an active duty military team out of Natick.   


November 19 

The festivities will begin.  Check in time is at 8am, at the Clyde Brown School in Millis MA.   We expect the games will go until around 3.   There are teams from MA and I understand 100 participants coming up from North Kingstown RI.  It should be a moving event, literally and figuratively as these teams play flag football to support such a great cause!  

There is still time to sign up to play in the Millis MA Buddy Bowl.   To do that, or for more information on the charity, please visit www.buddybowl.org

The more teams, the more fun!    We are looking for individuals to join existing teams as well.   Don't be shy!    Come on down and play!   Or bring the family and have some fun!

Can I say I am very proud to be a member of Remax Executive Realty for many reasons.   This just takes the cake.    Not only will the Remax Charitable Foundation donate to the Buddy Bowl, but among other things, they helped to build a home with labor and finances recently in the community along with habitat for humanity!    Wow.   Now that is an organization to be proud of!

To learn more about the Buddy Bowl please read my original post 

 

Rock on Remax!

Waiting in the Wings are Real Good Buyers!

Waiting in the Wings are  Real Good Buyers!


Part of my morning routine is going through my market area towns to see what is new each day on my Multiple Listing Service.    What comes up in my daily search are new listings, homes that are under contract, sold the previous day etc.  Well you get it.  

I've noticed this before, but again this morning it jumped off the page at me. 
 
Many of the  homes that have been on the market a very short number of days are pending!!      (Pending is Realtor speak for they have an accepted offer on them.)

Why is that?


Its November and people don't normally expect to see homes snatched up quickly,  but it goes to prove that there are buyers out there looking and waiting.  Waiting for just the right home.  They will jump on it when it they see it. 
These Buyers waiting in the wings attribute to the pent up demand for a particular property.   Many of them have seen the inventory, found it not for them, but are still actively looking.    Anything new that hits the market is going to get some serious attention!
Today's Buyer has a lot of property to choose from.   They know it.  They have seen it.   They  are being more particular.   Interest rates are fabulous and remain fabulously stable!  

These folks waiting on the sidelines make it more likely that a property will go under agreement in the early stages of it's hitting the market.

Why is this important to you?

Well, if you are selling your home, it is very important to you.  You know that there are ready buyers in the wings waiting for the right property to hit the market.   These buyers know the rest of the inventory and are ready to make an offer immediately when the "right" property comes up.    They also know there are other buyers out there like them so they are likely to make a good offer on your home.   They are not as likely to hesitate!

Get it right the first time to capitalize on these folks!

• Recognize that you need to price it right to get the attention of these guys.   
• You also need to present it properly right out of the gate.
• Listen to the Agents and Stagers advice.
• No waiting for photos, no waiting for descriptions, no taking your time getting it advertised!  
• No toilet seats up or photos with food on the counters! 
• Think twice about the "I can always come down" strategy.

People are waiting for the right home folks! 

  Capture their attention and your chances for a quick sale are good!

  

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Medfield MA Homes for Sale Under $400,000

Medfield MA Homes for Sale Under $400,000

What can you buy for under $400,000 in Medfield today?   If you are looking to purchase a home in Medfield  you can expect to find several opportunities priced under 400k today.    This is a terrific opportunity as for years there typically was not much to choose from in this some what affluent community located approximately 17 miles south west of Boston MA.


(1 Summer St.   $389,900)

Known for it's wonderful school system and it's commitment to community and quality of life, Medfield MA is rich in American History and has that quintessential small town New England feel. 

Today there are 14 single family homes with price tags less than $400000.

			48B GREEN STREET		6 room, 2 bed, 1f 0h bath Colonial	18	$249,900
			48 Spring Street		6 room, 3 bed, 1f 0h bath Cape	41	$255,000
			62 Green Street U:A		6 room, 2 bed, 1f 0h bath Colonial	62	$259,900
			4 Vinald Rd		6 room, 3 bed, 1f 1h bath Colonial	250	$274,900
			53 POUND STREET		7 room, 3 bed, 1f 1h bath Colonial	16	$299,900
			39 Dale St		6 room, 2 bed, 1f 0h bath Colonial	211	$319,900
			39 Nebo		6 room, 3 bed, 1f 1h bath Ranch	114	$334,900
			50 Frairy Street		7 room, 3 bed, 1f 0h bath Ranch	37	$347,000
			20 Spring St		6 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Colonial	212	$369,000
			318 MAIN STREET		5 room, 2 bed, 1f 0h bath Cape	199	$369,400
			1 Bartlett Ave		5 room, 2 bed, 1f 0h bath Ranch	15	$379,000
			1 Summer Street		6 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Cape	3	$389,900
			14 Lowell Mason Road		7 room, 3 bed, 2f 0h bath Cape	174	$389,900

As you can see a variety of wonderful homes to choose from that might get you into the Medfield community.

If you need to know more about the town of Medfield, or would like more information on housing, or would like to view a home.  Please give me a call.  I have worked in the town since 1980's and will help you find a home or sell your current one.  

Carol Ann Palmieri   508-494-9061

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Semper Fi! Today is the 236th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps!

Semper Fi!    Today is the 236th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps!

Anyone that knows me knows that the first song I can remember hearing is the Marine Corps Hymn!   My Dad, a member of CoB, Engineer Battalion, 4th Marines, saw action in the Marshall Islands including Iwo Jima and then later   Korea. 

He survived, he married Mom and had a family, but the Marine Corps was still a part of him and consequently became a part of our lives.   The Marine Corps Hymn we learned and sang on the way to the beach or anytime we were in the car for some time.   In fact, the neighborhood kids knew the song by heart too!


We had the "Marine" blanket to shield us from the wind in a make shift lean to when hanging out and  picnicking at Duxbury beach.    We were taught to always have a sandwich or piece of fruit in our pockets.  I actually think I knew a few of the general orders way back then!  We knew how to make a bunk so tight Dad could bounce a quarter off it and we knew what a "Doc" was.  We knew what Honor was, and we knew what esprit De corps meant,  but that was the extent of it back then.   May be a little different than others, but we had a sense of belonging, even though it wasn't us that belonged!

As you know the United States Marine Corps is considered the elite fighting force of the United States.   I know there will be some that will beg to differ and I can understand that.   But no one will disagree that the Marines stand tall in defense of our nation and are there and ready when we need them. 

Today is the 236th Birthday of the US Marines.   This is a big deal to all of us that call ourselves Marines, former or current.

So, If you see a former or current Marine today.   Give them a nod, and shout out "Semper Fi!"   My guess is that you will receive a big smile in return.

Semper Fi Marines!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Thank A Veteran

Thank A Veteran 


We think of our veterans 365 days of the year, but don't often take the time to say thanks.   Veterans Day, November 11 is the one day of the year that America marks for doing just that.

Growing up in the late 50's and early 60's as children we had a healthy respect for Veterans.  The country as a whole had a great respect for it's Veterans.   After all everyone's Dad and some Mom's were Veterans.   Most of us didn't hear much of their service, but as I said in previous posts, I felt as a child as if I was a Marine because you know, in my family we learned things all Marine.  

My brother and I and our friends used to play "Army" around the streets and woods of our neighborhood.   It was something that was not frowned upon at the time.  We played "combat and rat patrol" (TV series back then).  We grew up looking at Veterans as heroes.    They were role models.    Of course, at the time we were just kids. 

We became teenagers in the late 60's and early 70's.    Vietnam was gearing up and in full swing.    We watched the TV nightly, saw body counts and heard of the battles and other horror stories.    By now, there were protests all over the country.   Many of those friends that we played "combat" with were on one side of the fence or another.   Facing the enemy.. or openly protesting the war.     My male friends were always wondering when their number would come up and what they would do when it did.  

It was a far different climate during that time.   Respect for folks in uniform was at an all time low.     You didn't see many, if any, folks thanking those Veterans for service to their country.  The country was deeply divided.   Some military personal, while wearing their uniforms were spat on by protesters.  It was a trying time.  One that we should not forget and that taught us a lesson.

I think in part because of that lesson and horror of 911, Veterans of subsequent conflicts and wars are treated with a renewed respect.   And rightly so.

My Dad wears his Iwo Pin proudly.  One day along time ago, a random young guy came up to him and said, "Thank you for your service!"    My Dad smiled warmly and said "You are welcome, young man".  

It brought a tear to my eye then and it does now when I think of that one tiny moment in my life.  

What I learned from that one small interchange was that it is never too late to say Thank you.  It doesn't have to be on Veterans Day that we do it either.    But, November 11 is the day Americans set aside for voicing our appreciation. 

Thanks for your service...   Thanks for your sacrifice....    Thanks for standing up for the rest of us...Thanks being for the role models that you are...

    Thank you!

P.S.   As a country we owe it to these folks that stand tall for all of us to keep their benefits in place and to take care of them when they need our help.    That, is the least we can do.

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Scam or not? Guilty or innocent? Where did all the money go?

Scam or not?     Guilty or innocent?     Where did all the money go?

I'm not sure if this is a sad story or simply a story of a man in court that was resisting the banks attempt to take his home.

I was in Court yesterday, sitting in the gallery.  They called a man up to discuss his case.   It appears his lender had the moving trucks in front of his home.  They had given him a move out order two days ago.   At first glance, it seemed simple enough.    He had fallen back on his payments and his lender was foreclosing.

But, not so fast!    He gets up at the podium and speaks to the Judge.  I don't know if anyone believed his story, but I did.   He tells the Judge that he went for a loan modification and has been paying his money to the loan modification company that was "helping" him.

What happens?   He gets a foreclosure notice or rather several.   He ignores them.   Why?   He has been paying the loan mod company.     Seems the money wasn't getting to where he thought it was.  Now the lenders moving trucks are at "his" house.   He's in court up against the Banks attorneys and it doesn't look good for him at all.

So, scam or not?     Guilty or innocent?  Where did all the money go?

I don't know.   But if the answer is scam then where the heck are the authorities in all this?   Bad enough there are some Americans that are in such financial trouble that they are becoming homeless, but if there are American's who are losing their homes due to scams then this is not acceptable and a crying disgrace.

How do we get ourselves in these situations?  We hear and read of  loan modification programs.  We hear politicians talking about them.    This gives it credability.   Well maybe there is some truth to that out there, but there are also folks who will take your money and then you lose your home.    When we are faced with extremely difficult and emotional decisions it can be easy to throw common sense to the wind.  

10 Warning Signs You Could Be Dealing with a Scammer:

1. A company demands a fee in advance
2. Offers to negotiate a loan modification for a fee.
3. Makes unsolicited offers claiming they can help save your home.
4. Anyone Recommending you break off contact with the lender
5. Someone recommending you break off contact with a counselor you have been working with
6. Anyone advising you to stop making mortgage payments.
7. Someone telling you to send your mortgage payment to anyone other than your loan servicer.
8. Instructs you to transfer ownership of your property.
9. Makes verbal promises that aren’t put in writing.
10. Asks you to sign a document that has blank lines or spaces.

This man in court today is not going to get a loan modification OR his home back.   He did get 10 more days to try and find a place to live and move his stuff out.     Not really the banks fault here, but the man fell victim to a scam.   What a shame.

If you find yourself falling behind in your mortgage, pick up the phone and call the lender as soon as possible.   Call a Realtor.   My general rule of thumb is 30 days late, don't wait.     Head this off at the pass.    Whatever you do, DO not lose your money to a Scam.   Folks, if it sounds to good to be true, it is!

I can help you with your real estate needs.   If you have any questions, please give me a call.
    Carol Ann Palmieri  508-494-9061

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Walpole MA Real Estate Market Snapshot for October 2011

It's that time of month again Folks!    

The following flip chart contains information relating to the real estate market in Walpole MA and how it compares with October of 2010.    Good news for the single family home market which shows a slight increase over sales from October of last year.   If you are looking to Buy or Sell in the Walpole MA area, please give me a call.

Walpole MA is considered by many to be a very desirable community known for it's dedication to it's people and it's very good school system.   Just a bit over 20 square miles, it is located about 19 miles South of Boston and 26 miles North of Providence and has easy access to routes 95, 1, 1A, 109 and 128.    There is a station for the Boston commuter rail and it is located on a bus route as well.    There is plenty of shopping and medical facilities are within easy reach.

One of the things that I like the most is the picturesque Norman Rockwell looking town center with it's steeples and gazebo.    I also love the view of the Boston skyline which majestically emerges in view as you drive on route 1 just east of route 27. 

Please give me a call if you are going to make a move in or out of the area or if you just have any questions regarding real estate.    508-494-9061   cal@alandcal.com

Moving out of Town? The Benefit of Asking Me for A Referral

For years my business cards have read
"I appreciate your referrals."   My communications always end, "I can help anyone with their real estate transactions anywhere! or, "The highest compliment we can receive is your referrals."..

..and, for years I have received my friends, families and former clients referrals for my service area.    In fact, that is my major source of business.    I have been treated very well by my "people" and I appreciate their support and confidence.


It wasn't until recently when a very good client who has referred me lots, and I do mean lots, of business in the past called me excitedly to let me know that they had bought a new home out  of my service area!
I am thrilled  for them, but why hadn't they called me to refer them to an outside agent?

A little bit of thinking and a lot of soul searching tells me that they don't see the benefit in asking me to send them to another agent.

As agents we know there is a benefit for us to receive a referral, BUT, what do our clients perceive their benefit to be?   That's the big question.
In the past, I would go through my list of agents attached to affiliated franchises, go through the agents bios, pick out a few, have a quick chat, and then make a recommendation to my folks about who they might consider and what to expect.
There is  a real Benefit to You

GOOD NEWS FOLKS!    Since joining an on line realtor based social network community some months ago, I have a new approach and it  benefits my clients in a big way!    How's that you ask?
Each and every day, I read blogs with active, educated real estate agents from all over the country.   Not only is this a great source of information to me, BUT by reading their blogs, I have gained insight into their business models and their personalities.   I feel that I truly know some of these folks and feel very confident that they are more than capable to treat my  trusted referrals with the utmost care.   Through their blogs I can see that they know their market intimately and are the leaders in their marketplace.   Their personality shows through the words on the screen and I can make a confident judgment as to good fit for your needs!   

That.. is a big benefit!
 
So my "people", I apologize if I haven't explained how asking me for an out of town referral can help you navigate the maze of a real estate transaction in a far away place, but I hope that I have now.

And in closing,

Is there anyone you know that needs real estate help anywhere in the world?  

Please have the give me a call!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061