What We Can Learn From the New England Patriots

What We Can Learn From the New England Patriots

No doubt by now, not just New England Patriot fans but anyone following football knows that the New England Patriots will be one of the competing teams in this years Super Bowl. 

Woo Hoo!        On to the Super Bowl Baby!  


This is great news for  New England fans and under the guidance of coach Bill Belichick it hasn't been the first time.   After watching the most exciting game in recent history and after listening to his news conference, I was inspired by what he had to say and recognized that it relates to real estate professionals as much as football players.  

A win is a win, and always sweet.   But a great coach and great players will dissect the game and improve on weakness and also on their strengths.  

In his press conference, Coach Belichick discussed his teams mental toughness.   

Coach defines mental toughness as "doing your best for the team even when everything’s not going right for you personally.  

I thought about my real estate career.   I thought about my own mental toughness or lack thereof.    How easy it is to beat yourself up after a listing presentation that didn't go exactly as you planned.    Heck, maybe you got there and realized you were up against "a friend".   How easy it is to get upset with the call coordinator that missed an instruction and as a result your client came down on you.    How easy it is to beat your self up or another agent when an offer didn't go your way.     How hard it is to stay on task when your personal life is upside down!  

Coach Belichick is right.    Mental toughness is one of the keys to success.    Another is reviewing the game and recognizing what works and what doesn't and being capable enough to make the necessary changes.   To be the first in the office and the last to leave.   In other words to give it your all. 

So, what can we learn from the New England Patriots?    Tons!   Determination, Practice, Education, Mental toughness are just a few.     Those things can make us a success in business and in life!

We don't need to be football players to be stars, but we can learn a lot from them!  

Go New England Patriots!   and, thank you Coach Belichick!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Does the Open House have a Place in Todays Real Estate Market?

Does the Open House have a Place in Todays  Real Estate Market?


While practicing real estate south west of Boston for the past 24 years, I have made a habit out of holding open houses if at all possible, on any given Sunday.  :) 

If you look at the number of open houses each Sunday, and then the number of those that have sold soon after, you might think that the open house is ineffective.    Possibly.    But,    in my opinion the open house does have a place and serves a purpose in the buying or selling of a home and this is why. 


Over the past couple of years, technology has transformed the world, the way we receive and view information, and of course, the real estate industry has followed suit.   Gone are the days where your Realtor would choose properties for you to see and drive you around in the car for hours at a time.    Gone are the days when you might not be able to view a home, but for an open house on Sunday afternoon.

Today, information is at your fingertips.    Photos and visual tours of well showcased homes are available to view at anytime of the day or night, while in your PJ's or on your lunch break.   No need to miss that birthday party to see that home, when you can view it on line.  
But, Realtors are masters of making their homes appear more or less than what they are.   Buying a home is emotional.    It is after all where you will hang your hat, where your children will attend school, where you will become part of a community and a host of other things that are too much to list.   


What then of the traditional open house?          Does it have it's place in today's fast paced real estate market?     Does it benefit a Buyer or a Seller or Both?  

The Benefit to Sellers

It is effective in getting your home exposed to potential purchasers that may be just casually searching.   Priced right and staged correctly, it could steal the heart of someone that might never have come to see it,  ruling it out because it got lost in the sea of homes promoted on line!     It could get another Buyer in the door, whose agent was not available to take them out that day.    And, what about those nosy neighbors?    Do you know that on two separate occasions I have sold a home to folks that lived less than five houses away?  We promise to leave no stone unturned in looking for a potential purchaser.    This could very well be one of those stones.    It is simply another tool to gain exposure!


The Benefit to Buyers

Is similar to those of sellers.    Like I have said before, we Realtors are quickly becoming masterful in the art of photography!    Many homes are different in person.   Fact is while photos and visual tours are a wonderful start, it is very likely that you may rule something out that you would love if you saw it in person!    An open house is also a great way to strengthen your market knowledge.  Getting to see homes in person, helps one to learn what is really important to them in housing.     And, what about a subtle interview in your search for a real estate agent?    Do you know that this year, I have been lucky enough to be selected by two different buyers by meeting them at open houses?    Unbeknownst to me, they were conducting their own face to face interview!   Very smart.

At the End of the Day.
 
Will it sell your home?   Is it likely that you will walk into an open house and find that it is the "one" for you?   Statistics show probably not.   But, every situation is different and if it adds to a well thought out marketing plan or to enhance  your home search, then it may be just worth the time and effort.

Making a Real Estate Move?  

Let me put my experience to work for you.     I will leave no stone unturned in marketing your home.    If you are buying a home, I will make sure you know everything and see everything you need to in order to make an informed decision.    Give me a call!

Carol-Ann Palmieri     508-494-9061       Cal@alandcal.com

Will You Know the Right Home When You Find It?

Will You Know the Right Home When You Find It?

The question sounds simple enough doesn't it?    But is it?

I recently received a call from former clients that were looking to move up.    Their family situation has changed.    They are expecting babies!   That's right babies.    Plural. 

They gave me their list of criteria and we set out to find their new home pronto.   We talked about what was important to them in a home and community.   They knew what they needed and wanted.    I set them up on an email based home search and gave them some suggestions.   They chose a few homes and we looked at them.  We Realtors are masters at making a home look inviting on line.   Going to see them was an adventure.    Flashlights in gloved hands, we moved through each home with precision, ruling them out for one consideration or another.

They couldn't wait to see a particular home and as soon as we walked through the door, they looked at each other and knew it was the one!    They wrote an offer and we hope to be heading to the closing table in a few short weeks.  

How did they know it was the right home for them?        How could they be so comfortable so quickly?   

They had done their homework.

Like most buyers they had spent time seaching for homes on line.   They had specific criteria that was important.  Some trade offs they could make, and others they could not.    The contacted their bank and had a pre approval.    They had decided on community and style as well as the maximum amount of money they were willing to pay for their new home.   

There was no "wishy-washy" here.    


This couple was very specific in each and every home detailing what was pleasant to them and what aspects were not.   With the presicion of a detailed surgeon, after each visit, they edited their list by either ruling a home out or identifying it as a consideration.   It was interesting to see them work together in such a smart way and delightful to see how they respected each others opinions. 

These buyers were totally in tune with each other,

and what they wanted and needed in a home.   Clearly they had discussed their individual wants and needs with each other prior to hitting the pavement.    I think this important fact made it easier for them to make the decision when the "perfect home" presented itself to them!   

Confidence in their Decision.

From watching these folks, there was no indecision.    Knowing the market, having realistic goals and expectations were crutial factors in knowing they made the right choice for their family.    Market knowledge, consideration for each others opinion, preparedness, and a realistic viewpoint breeds confidence.  

Will You Know The Right Home When You Find It??    

   

Give me a call.    My experience will guide you so that you too can be comfortable in your knowledge of the market and conditions and I can assist in your preparedness so that when you find the right home, you will know it! 

Carol-Ann Palmieri               508-494-9061           Cal@alandcal.com

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Market Report Medfield MA December 2011

Market Report Medfield MA December 2011

The following report contains the market statistics for the Town of Medfield for the month of December 2011.   The facts appear to show that the real estate market, while showing a decline in comparison to December of 2010,  appears to be showing a positive trend with an  increase in activity and a slight decrease in inventory over the past several months.


Medfield MA

Is located approximately 18 miles south west of Boston.   Originally part of the town of Dedham,  Medfield was settled in 1649.   Residents would find their way to the banks of the Charles River where the grasses and growth there provided a good source of food for their animals. In 1650 there were 13 house lots laid out and, in 1651 it was incorporated as a town of its own.

Today, Medfield is home to approximately 13,000 residents.   It is a community with a deep sense of commitment to education and to the well being of it's residents.

If you are looking to purchase a home in Medfield or sell your current home.   Please give me a call. 

  I have been selling real estate in the community for the past 24 years. 

Contact Cal@AlandCal.com     or   508-494-9061

Learn Animal Tracking Rocky Woods Reservation Medfield MA

Learn Animal Tracking Rocky Woods Reservation Medfield MA

This is one event you don't want to miss!

For me, the Trustees of the Reservation is a big deal.   Not only do they provide fun and interesting places to go to enjoy nature in and around the Medfield MA area but they preserve, educate and offer opportunity to explore nature and the past. 

Most of you know how much I enjoy the outdoors, especially paddling the Charles River watching the wildlife that live there, admiring the plants and trees as they change throughout the seasons.    I owe a lot of that to the Trustees of the Reservation. 

So it comes as no surprise to me that the Trustees have some really fun events planned for this winter in the Medfield area.  

One of these is Winter Tracking at Rocky Woods!   On January 14th from Noon to 3 p.m.

Can you imagine learning to spot different animal species by their tracks and other clues they leave in the "wild"?    Well you can!   

And this is your opportunity to do just that.   It doesn't matter if you are new to tracking or just want to enhance your tracking skills.   Rocky Woods is the place for you to learn more!  

On January 14th from Noon to 3 p.m., Charley Eiseman from Northern Naturalists will be your teacher and guide for the afternoon at Rocky Woods Reservation off of Hartford Street in Medfield MA.



Imagine searching and learning the tracking skills that our ancestors used to track local mammal species.  A lost art in this day and age, but this will be your opportunity to learn something new or to enhance what you already know.    

Not just for beginners,  experienced trackers will also enjoy looking for anything from "moose to mink" in the woods of the reservation in Medfield.       By investigating animals foot prints and other traces, we can learn about these animals in their own habitat.  

It will also be a great opportunity to learn about the winter plants and trees and listen to bird song and vocalization! 

Get ready to get in on some outdoor fun!    To participate in this really interesting and pretty unique event, you must pre register.   

Go to charlesrivervalley@ttor.org
Trustees Members: Adult $10; Child (12 and under) $5.
Nonmembers: Adult $20; Child (12 and under) $5

If you are on the hunt for a new home, or searching for a Buyer and want to sell your home.  

Please give me a call. 

I am your guide in the Medfield Real Estate market and have been selling homes here for the past 24 years.   Carol-Ann Palmieri
Cal@alandcal.com    508-494-9061

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

It is ALWAYS your Choice Who To Use As Your Realtor

It is ALWAYS your Choice Who To Use As Your Realtor

I received an email today from someone I care deeply about.     She tells me that she is sorry.   She saw a home on line, and sent an email inquiring about an open house.    The broker was at the property and why doesn't she come on down.    Well, they did, and needless to say fell in love with it.

Her email told me that she had to move quickly and pre qualify through the listing agents mortgage people or they would lose the home.    They are signing P&S today.   

She tells me that she is sorry,  that they didn't have a choice!     I have not, nor will I ask for details.    I don't want to rain on their parade, but...

You always have a choice.

Clearly they didn't have representation.      Did they know they should have?     Did they know they could have?      You know I won't know.   I suspect they knew exactly what they were doing or got so caught up in the emotion of it that they acted hastily.

If you are buying a home, you should always have representation!    I can't think of many, really, any exceptions.    Especially in the situation I have described above.   I've been in the business for 24 years.   If I were buying a home, I would get an agent, someone other than myself.   It is just that important!

Buying a home is an emotional purchase.    I don't know many people that act rationally when emotions are involved.  

Because you are family or friends, do you have to use me?   No.

You always have a choice in who to use as your Realtor!    But do make a choice!

The listing agent works for the Seller.   That means their obligation is to them.  Literally.  Their job is to get the best deal for the Seller.         Just because they are friendly, nice and smiling, doesn't mean that your best interests will be theirs!  

Will you lose the home because you have an agent?    Will you get a better deal without someone representing you?     I highly doubt it!     Don't go it alone or fall prey to the listing side because they tell you that you must act quickly!    Pick up the phone.    Hire a Buyer's Agent.   It doesn't cost you a dime and you know what?   It is expected!

Acting in the best interest of your family would be leveling the playing field and getting someone to work for YOU!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

The Turkeys That Stole Christmas!

The Turkeys That Stole Christmas


Twas two weeks before Christmas and all through the house, our clients were happy, we were moving them out!  

an offer procured, and signed pronto!    A good deal for all.   We exclaimed so!   

The home inspection came, We thought we were done!

We all looked forward to having some fun!


But, not so fast the Broker said with a cry!

You'll never believe it, you can't even try!


What happened we say?   What can it be?


Turkeys, she said,    

Not   ONE...   or TWO...     but  THIRTY THREE!    


The Buyer, she explained as she pulled the deal, 

did not like someone feeding Turkeys their meal!

Especially on the front lawn of the Condo that day, 

So, you see, it was the Turkeys that made them pull away....


And so, we exclaim, this is one for the books!   

On to the next!   ....    Does anyone want to look????

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061