Medfield Police Log Advises A Realtor Impersonation

Medfield Police Log Advises A Realtor Impersonation

Yesterday's daily Patch reports that a woman walked into the local police house to report that she had been duped by someone, a lady, claiming to be a Realtor.   Apparently this women got into her home and walked off with a chest.

My first thought is that it sounds just crazy.    But is it?

I often get calls from folks I don't know who invite me into their homes to do a market analysis or a consult.   In fact my business depends on it!

 In 25 years, I have never been asked to show an ID.    In lieu of that, I always hand my new prospective client a business card.    Unlike most Realtors,  I no longer bother to have a photo on my business card and rather use our logo in place of that.

It drives me crazy when I see cards that don't remotely resemble the person that holds them.      I mean really with my every changing hair style,  the natural aging process and, yup, I hate to say it, weight fluctuation, one might not recognize the person on the card to be me anyway!    So that being said, I guess the homeowner is taking a leap of faith that it is in fact me.    

So, why wouldn't some crafty thief gain entry into someones home posing as a Realtor just to pick them off?     Realtors are typically welcomed into "strangers" homes.    It does sound a bit crazy doesn't it?

After all, imagine someone gaining entry into a home pretending to be a Realtor.    That homeowner would have an easy time giving the PoPo  a description of the perp.   I mean I can't imagine anyone letting a "Realtor" with a ski mask covering their face into their home!     I am guessing that one wouldn't be able to hide the "get a way" car either.   In our neck of the woods, a real estate professional will pull right up to the home.    Anyone on foot would probably set up a red flag or two.  

Seems to me it gaining access to a home to rip someone off in this way is a bit risky with promise of little gain.   

Of course I joke a bit, but you should always protect yourself.   

If you are worried or concerned, ask for an ID.     We are happy to show you one!!    :)   Just promise not to look to close at that date of birth!   
_______________________    

About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

Al and Cal Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Their mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Waterfront Property for Sale Wrentham MA 02093

Waterfront Property for Sale Wrentham MA 02093

Property Details         


95 Lake Street, Wrentham MA   02019         
$299,900
3 bedrooms, 1 bath
2238 sq ft of living area
4530 sq ft of land
Direct lake front 85 foot frontage
Needs work
MLS#71496036

Call Carol Ann Palmieri at 508-494-9061 to see if this property is still available and to arrange for a showing.

Welcome to the lake!    Imagine having a home with 85 feet of frontage on Lake Archer in Wrntham MA.  It would be like being on vacation year 'round!       Well, here is your opportunity to do that.  

Lake Archer is one of the three well know lakes in Wrentham.    It is the only one that has no public access.    Consisting of approximately 79 acres, the average depth is 16 feet and it runs to 50 feet.     A great fishing lake if you can gain access, it is also great for swimming and boating with not many weeds.   About Lake Archer



95 Lake Street is for sale at $299,900.    This A-Frame lake home consists of approximately 1650 square feet.    A tree strike during a storm has left the home in need of a roof.   The house is retro and will need other updates including a septic system.   

There are million dollar homes on this Lake and with some work this investment will pay off.

Click here for additional photos.

Waterfront living with convenience.   95 Lake Street, directly on the shores of lake Archer is located within minutes to the Boston commuter rail, routes 495, 95 and the MA pike.   Shopping at the Wrentham Village Outlet is a few short miles away.    

95 Lake Street is located within a 50 minute ride to Boston and 35 minutes to Providence RI making this a convenient lakeside lifestyle.





View Larger Map

Search here for Homes In the Area

Call or email Carol Ann Palmieri for a private showing.   

508-494-9061

cal@alandcal.com

About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

Al and Cal Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Their mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

A Reminder About Carbon Monoxide and Nicoles Law

A Reminder About Carbon Monoxide and Nicole's Law

We count our blessings.   My sweet niece and and her best friend are fortunate to have lived through an incident of carbon monoxide poisoning last weekend.    They spent some time in a  in hyperbaric chambers, and all is well.   

We are thankful to her BFF's folks for their quick recognition of the situation and of course the local  first responders for their immediate and competent response.  

As it hits close to home, I feel compelled to address this important topic again.    


Nicole's law was adopted in 2006 after young Nicole Garofalo succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of a heating vent being block by drifting snow.    The MA law calls for a home to have a CO detector on each finished level, a detector  placed within 10 feet of the bedrooms.    

What makes Carbon Monoxide so deadly is that being colorless and odorless, it is hard to detect.  Fortunately we have detectors to let us know when we have exceeded the acceptable levels in a home.   Like many things, life has become easier with the invention of seemingly simple devices that let us know when something is a miss.  Heck, even my car now tells me if one of my tires has low pressure.    Unfortunately, we can easily fall complacent in trusting that they will always work.    If my tire goes flat, it's probably no big deal, but if the CO detector doesn't work it could be.

What should we do?   

• Have the detectors.
• Have them installed!
• Check the batteries.
• Periodically check to make sure they are functioning properly.

What else can we do?

• Remember that machines fail.  
•  Do not rely fully on them.   
• Check our homes to make sure that vents are not blocked allowing this deadly gas to build up in your home.    When we think of CO building up we think of furnaces, car exhaust, dryer venting, stoves, ovens and water heaters, but that is not just it.    

Know the signs and symptoms

In last weekends episode, the parents of her friend recognized the symptoms as being dangerous acted quickly.  

Because CO is odorless and colorless people might not know they have been exposed.   Low to moderate CO poisoning symptoms are flu like (without the fever).  

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Dizziness

Higher levels of CO poisoning can result in

• Mental confusion
• Vomiting
• Loss of muscular coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Ultimately death 

If you suspect CO poisoning, get out into fresh air and call for help.   Don't forget our pets can be overcome by this gas as well.   

We were lucky and we know it.  

 Please watch out for this "silent killer".   

About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

Al and Cal Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

31 Woodland Road Bellingham MA Home for Sale

31 Woodland Road Bellingham MA Home for Sale

Just listed for $249,900 this 3 bedroom bungalow is ready for you to just pack your bags and move in!    The work has been already done for you so you can sit on your front porch and relax with a book!   

Recent updates  include a new kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless appliances.   The recently remodled bath offers heated tiled flooring.  Finished basement offers more space for office or playroom.   

Electric, plumbing and roof are updated.   Most of the windows have been replaced and the home has recently been insulated.   There is also a central air system and updated heating and hot water.   

Municipal taxes are less than $2400 per year.    The lot is 5000 square feet.   

Great location.  Located just minutes to shopping on a quiet side street neighborhood, this home is located approximately 10 minutes to the Boston commuter rail station and route 495.   Easy access to the MA Pike and route 95 as well.   

If you would like to see this turn key property, please contact Carol-Ann Palmieri  

   508-494-9061 or email Cal@alandcal.com

 31 Woodland Road, Bellingham MA is perfect for someone with a busy lifestyle!  


About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

Al and Cal Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Things Every Homeowner Should Have

Things Every Homeowner Should Have

While writing No Home is Perfect How to Decide,  I mentioned that every home owner should have a hammer.  It started me thinking about what it was that I didn't have when I left apartment living.   Here are some thoughts.

You probably should have a screwdriver, a drill, and a step ladder too.     How else will you hang those curtains!

What else?   How many converted apartment dwellers have purchased a home with no idea that they need a trash barrel... or in today's world, recycle bins.

In our neck of the woods, you will need a mailbox.    Yep, that mail will likely be delivered to the street not to your front door.

You'll need a garden hose, and unless you have a landscaping service or a goat,  a lawn mower will be a must have.    A rake too.

If you live anywhere near Boston, you will always need a shovel even if you have a "plow guy".

You might need to have an oil company.   Understand what that entails and how that works.    The name of a plumber, electrician, HVAC guy and carpenter will be as necessary as having a dentist and a doc.    Hopefully not needed, but good to have ready in case you need one!

You should have a fire extinguisher.   Smoke and CO detectors are supposed to come with the house.   Make sure they are there!     While I am thinking of that, it's a good idea for have a fire proof lock box for those important papers, and my Dad would be disappointed if I didn't mention an escape plan.  

Flashlights!    Nothing worse than fumbling in the dark when the lights go out!   

...and, last but not least and probably most important,
 you must have a sense of humor, because while there is nothing like owning your own home, there is always something to do!

______________________________
 

About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri, 

is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

 Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

No Home Is Perfect So How Do You Decide?

No Home Is Perfect So How Do You Decide?

While no home is "perfect", you can still find the one that is just right for you.
I am not sure when it happened, but something has changed over my lifetime.   In our quest for "everything perfect",  we have become to expect that all should or will be.   Don't get me wrong.  

In fact, many know that after finding the perfect Bloody Mary, I am on a quest to find the perfect nacho.

Obviously a great goal, but somewhat unrealistic!

When looking for a home, one should understand that no home will be perfect.  Homes are like people.   All have their own personalities and little idiosyncrasies, and, just like people there are some things we can live with and some that we can't. 

If you enter the house hunt thinking that you will find "the perfect home", you will never move.    I don't care how much money you have or if you have designed the home yourself.   There will always be something that one would change!    See trade off's in a real estate purchase.

So, How do you decide?  

Here are a few tips to help figure out what's perfect for you.

• Know what you can afford.    Get pre approved.    Be honest with the mortgage person.  Believe me, there is nothing more disappointing that finding "the right" property only to find out it is out of your reach.   What happens after that?   Everything will pale in comparison.
• Be price point realistic.    Many times there is some wiggle room in a price offering, but don't count on that!   We have seen very recently, and in multiple situations, contract price being thousands over asking.   What does this mean to you?  Don't fall into the trap that the property is priced a certain percentage over asking.    If you are looking at it, it should be in your price range.   Looking at $400,000 homes when you can realisticaly purchase a home for $250,000 will just set you up for disappointment.
• Identify the features that you will NOT compromise on.   Make sure those features fit in your budget.  Are they realistic?    I have had many clients that know that they would like a certain size and style home.   They will not settle for less.   That might mean we have to focus on different communities, and that's okay with them.  Use the old Ben Franklin approach of pros and cons.   
• Have a time frame.   This will help you zone in.   If you give yourself years to find a home, you likely never will.
  
• Be Realistic when it comes to inspections.   Every homeowner should own a hammer!     Expect there to be some deficiencies in a home.    Look at the big picture, act accordingly.
• Know what you can and can not do.    How do I laugh when a female partner says "No Way" when her male half says, "no worries, I can handle that!"    More than one lovely lady has said to me on the QT, " he sure can, but will never get to it!"
• Look Big Picture.   Obviously life takes it's twists and turns, but do you anticiapte your needs changing in a few years?  
• Have all decision makeers present on the house hunt!   How disappointing when you think you have found "the one" just to have the other half come a day later only to feel differently,

and lastly,

• If the first house you see meets all your criteria.... Don't fight it.   Don't think it's not right just because you haven't seen others.   So many people have fallen in love with the first house they saw.    Yours truly included!                                                     

Let me help you find your perfect home.   How will I do that?     I will do that by listening to your needs and using my experience and market knowledge to make the right match.   Once we find that right home, I will guide you through the rest of the real estate process from inspection to closing.  
Call me today to set up an interview.

______________________ 
About the Author

Carol-Ann Palmieri,

is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

 Licensed in MA and RI...

Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

When Does The Spring Real Estate Market Begin?

When Does The Spring Real Estate Market Begin?

I am always asked when is the best time to put a home on the market.    Most people look toward the spring market hoping that it will be the best time to pick up the right buyer for their home.    But, when does that spring market start?


Al's favorite answer to this is, "right after the Superbowl".   Haha.  Knowing what an avid football fan he is it comes as no surprise that his calendar revolves around super Sunday.     But seriously, that is not far off from the truth, and this year,  he is right on!

I smell the winds of change in the real estate market and I think buyers do too.    There is a limited amount of properties on the market in our area, and in many instances a property that hits the market will have an offer or two in days!    Homes that are priced right and staged appropriately are moving quickly.

What does this mean to you?  

Well, if you are a buyer, you should be ready to move on a property right away.   Have your pre approval ready and know your comps.  Make a compelling offer.   Don't hesitate.

If you are a seller.    Now is the perfect time to get that house on the market.  Buyers are out there looking to take advantage of those interest rates.  Couple that with low inventory and you have some pent up demand. 

When Does The Spring Real Estate Market Begin?   Right Now!

Looking to buy or sell?   Now is the time!    Call me!   

I have been helping buyers and sellers make their move for the past 25 years and can help you too!  

____________________________

About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri, 

is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

 Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Art Exhibit and Sale at the Historic Morse House Norwood March 2013

Art Exhibit and Sale at the Historic Morse House Norwood March 2013

Local artists will be showing their work during the month of March at the Morse House in Norwood MA.

On Sunday afternoons on the 3rd, 10th, 17th and the 24th, from noon to 4 p.m., more than 26 artists will be displaying and selling their art work in this restored antique home.   These local artists are all members of the Norwood Art Association.    They work in different mediums and have different perspectives.   All interesting.    
 
The exhibit was previously slated for February but with all the weekend snow storms has been extended through the month of March! 

This is a wonderful opportunity for the general public, not just to view original art, but to be able to experience history in the restored home of the very historic Norwood family.   

The Morse House.    1285 Washington St.

The home of George H Morse was built 1868 before Norwood became a town.   The house has a long history, but the property it sits on has an even longer one.    It was the site of the Ezra Morse House that was built in 1678.   That was torn down when the now standing George H Morse house was built on the property known as Morse Hill.    145 years ago.  

For more than 12 years, Dale Day and others in the Morse House Restoration Committee  have been instrumental in keeping this piece of history alive.    It hasn't been easy.   They have relied on their hard work and generous folks and business who have donated both money and services.   Having said that they are doing it!   

The Norwood Art Association
The Norwood Art Association was established in 1978.   Their goal is to encourage and promote the arts and provide a community for artists to share and learn.   The Artists are from Norwood MA and the surrounding communities.   

These artists look forward to sharing their work at the Morse House in March 2013.

Please join them.   Admission is free. Refreshments will be served.



  
         

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

                               508-494-9061

   Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.     

Deciphering Your Home Inspection Report

Deciphering Your Home Inspection Report

Gone are the days are the days when I would hear a home inspector shout....  My God!".....and as I would be picking the buyers up off the floor, I would hear, "Great plumbing job!".

Also gone, thankfully, are the days of a home inspection without a written report, something a buyer could hang his hat on.


We all know and agree that the home inspection is a very important part of the home buying process.   In fact,  I emphatically suggest that  every one hire a professional inspector to check out their home prior to purchase.   Please read All About Your Home Inspection.

Over the years and with the progression of technology and I'm sure a ton of law suits the home inspection has changed.

I appreciate the difficult job a home inspector has.  But, in an effort to inform a buyer of all deficiencies, armed with computer and camera, some home inspectors have become more robotic in their inspection and their reporting of it.  The home inspection has become so matter of fact that it is difficult to determine what is really important.  

In the old days a home inspector would point out the "defects" but in general at the end of the inspection would offer their opinion as to whether they thought the home was a good solid home or it wasn't.       Today's inspection report just points out the deficiencies and offers no opinion at all!     Is that really the help that the buyer needs?

A typical inspection report will give the same weight to a broken door bell as a rusted electrical panel.  

Read, (Defective, replace).

That does one of two things.

•   Waters down the major items.  
•   Makes the number of defects appear so large that it becomes overwhelming.

Couple that with a buyer that is not knowledgeable about home systems and it doesn't help them out at all.   Does this sound foolish?   I don't thing so, look at it this way.    It would be kind of like me going to the auto mechanic and having him tell me every little thing that is wrong with the car.  Without getting an actual opinion as to what's a big deal and what isn't, I would be freaked when I might not need be!

Don't get me wrong, I get why things have changed.   It is not the home inspectors fault.   It's kind of like the medical field.   No more Dr. Welby's.   It's just the way it is.
So What's A Buyer To Do? 

• Hire a competent inspector.   Ask for referrals.   Do they have certifications?   References?   Don't just hire based on money!
• Attend the inspection.    Not just attend, but follow the guy around.  See what he/she is seeing.
• Ask questions.   When they point out a defect, ask how important it is or how difficult or expensive to fix.   Ask.  Is it a safety issue? 
• Don't be intimidated.   If you knew this stuff you would be a builder.  Forget about the brokers or anyone else present.  This is about you.  
• Don't be distracted.   Same thing.  There will be agents there, maybe other inspectors, etc.   Don't let them distract you.  Follow the guy.  Make sure you can hear him. 
• Insist on getting the report ASAP.   Most inspectors will get the report to you right away.  Many times the reports read differently than what was discussed at the inspection.    Do not let days go by without getting that report.
• Ask for an opinion.   At the end of the inspection ask the inspector what is really important.
• Use common sense.    A clogged drain might read consult a licensed plumber.   Could it simply be a typical hair clog that requires cleaning?
• Can't make sense of the report?   Call the inspector back.  Good inspectors want you too!
•  Remember why you are here.  You wouldn't have gotten this far if you didn't really want this house.   Be ready to face the fact that no home is perfect.

The home inspector's job is to find all deficiencies in the home.    Do not let the list freak you out.    Attend the inspection and ask questions and don't be afraid to ask for an opinion.  


A Great Home Inspection should leave you feeling secure about your purchase! 

  But, You have to find that home first!   So, Call me!    508-494-9061    or email

_____________________________________   

About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri, 

is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

 Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061