Ridding Your Home of Negative Energy

December 12, 2022/in Resources /by Cara Chatellier

It can be easy to let your dark surroundings impact your mood in the cold winter months. When it’s dark at 4 pm, how are you supposed to finish the day in a productive way? Winter is the perfect time to cleanse your home of any negative energy that may have been accumulating over the past few months. If your home is feeling stagnant, or you are feeling stuck in the same routines, these tips are for you!

Clean

Though it may seem obvious, cleaning up is an essential first step in cleansing the energy of your space. When there is too much clutter, the energy in your home can feel stale, as it does not have paths to flow freely. Make sure your hallways are especially clear, as they direct the traffic of energy throughout the entire house. Try to let in as much light and fresh air as possible (for a New England winter, that might not be much!) to promote a movement of positive energy.

Burning Sage

You have probably heard of burning sage as a method of ridding your home of negative energy. But have you ever tried it for yourself? If you are in a new space, recovering from illness or tragedy, or are simply not feeling happy in your home, sage is for you. Make sure you do this step before you set new intentions, as it will cleanse all existing energy to make room for the new.

Set Intentions

Even if you have already lived there for years, setting intentions for each room is a great way to ensure that you are making the most of your home. Doing a home blessing can ensure that you have designated areas for each aspect of your everyday routine. State aloud what you would like each room to be for, and how you picture yourself succeeding in it.

A New Smell

Introducing a new scent to your space can make a drastic difference in your mood. Consider a lively and vibrant scent like lemon or orange (musky or deep scents are not going to feel uplifting)! You can do this in your cleaning process, buy a brightly scented candle, or try out an essential oil diffuser.

Redecorate

Perhaps the reason for negativity in your home is a lack of energy flow. Following the rules of feng shui, think of ways that you could rearrange furniture and decor in order to invite positive energy to flow freely through each room. Sometimes a simple adjustment can bring new life into a previously negative or unproductive area!

Try Something New

There are many different practices for ridding negativity according to different spiritual beliefs. If you have a distinct connection to a certain religion or heritage, look into what their preferred method of cleansing is! You can also look into practices that are designed for your specific goals. Different herbs are thought to promote particular energies when burned. For instance, burning rosemary can bring about new beginnings, and burning juniper brings an energy of comfort!

Not every cleansing practice involves burning, however. Some people swear by the use of different crystals, while others practice the cleansing power of sound. You can use a sound bowl, a bell, or simply clap your hands together. The important part of this practice is to insert a sharp and sudden sound in every corner of your rooms. Be sure to open the windows before you begin, so all of that negative energy will have somewhere to go!

No matter your beliefs or how you choose to rid your home of negative energy, this can be a very fun practice that will bring fresh life to your space. Most of these solutions can be done immediately at no cost to you! Whatever method you choose, keep an open mind and give it your best effort. Contact me today iif you have any questions, or if you are ready to start the process of buying or selling a new house!

Feng Shui Your Bedroom

November 21, 2022/in Resources /by Cara Chatellier

If you are not getting a restful night’s sleep or have difficulty feeling at peace in your bedroom, it may be time to implement some feng shui. The bedroom should be a sanctuary that you can return to at the end of each day to recharge and feel at peace. If you are not satisfied with the way your room makes you feel, feng shui techniques can channel in positive energy and optimize your space for relaxation. Before you begin, it is important to set the intentions that you have for this room by saying them aloud, writing them down, or sharing your ideas with another person who uses the space.

Declutter

Feng shui is most effective in a space without clutter. Though nobody is a fan of clutter to begin with, this practice views clutter as obstacles to the energy of your home. Clearing out unwanted items and putting everything in its place is a great first step that allows energy to flow more easily and gives you a sense of the room’s full potential. You could even declutter in a spiritual sense by burning sage in your freshly cleaned room!

Positioning Your Bed

As the most prominent and necessary piece of furniture in the room, your bed should be placed in the “command position”.
The command position refers to the space in the room that gives you the most authority- you should have a clear view of the entrance but not be directly in line with it, as that energy flow can be distracting. This position should set you up to welcome incoming energy, but your back should also be protected. Try to avoid having your back to empty space, instead position yourself with your back to a wall. Similarly, a solid headboard can help “anchor” your bed to its space, providing support for the bed so that it can do the same for you!

Peaceful Colors

Even if you are a fan of bright and exciting colors, you should probably consider keeping them out of your bedroom. Feng shui places a strong emphasis on the importance of colors and the way they can influence energy, so a neon pink headboard can make it difficult to invite peace and tranquility to your room. Instead, opt for more muted colors that are found in nature. Though there is not necessarily one color to avoid, try to keep your choices of paint, bedding, and rug color relatively neutral and peaceful. The choice of color is entirely up to you and what you are attracted to, but certain colors may promote the specific types of energy that you are interested in.

Soft Edges

The goal of implementing feng shui in the bedroom is to bring rest and peace to the space, and harsh edges can interfere with the flow of positive energy. When choosing furniture or artwork, avoid anything with sharp lines that can have a “cutting” effect on the softness of the room. For instance, a fabric-wrapped headboard or bedframe will have softer edges than one made of metal. Plus, you will not be at risk of bumping your shins in the middle of the night!

Symmetry

Human beings are naturally calmed by symmetry and balance, making it a perfect practice for your bedroom layout. Even if you do not share your bed with a partner, consider having two nightstands so that one side of the bed does not appear “heavier” than the other. You do not necessarily have to have matching furniture or lamps on either side of the bed, but be sure that they are similar in size and composition to promote a feeling of balance.

At the end of the day, your bedroom is your sanctuary and should be a space for relaxation and peace. Inviting positive energy into your room can help you get the best possible night’s sleep and prepare for the day ahead. Contact me today if you have questions or would like to start the process of buying or selling a house!

Feng Shui

September 18, 2022/in Resources /by Cara Chatellier

Do you have issues sleeping or feeling relaxed and positive in your home? Maybe it’s time to reassess the way your surroundings influence your state of mind. I think most people can agree that an organized house makes them feel less stressed, but sometimes cleaning up isn’t enough to truly optimize the energy and flow of your space. Regardless of your views or understanding of unseen forces such as chi, feng shui can transform your home into a more positive and peaceful place to be.

Overview

Feng shui is a Chinese practice that aims to put someone in harmony with the space around them. The concept has been used for thousands of years in China and India, but became popularized in the United States in the 1980’s.

Feng shui intends to invite positive chi into your home and life by directing energy flow and keeping things open. It relies upon five elements (earth, metal, water, wood, and fire) which are associated with colors and shapes that bring certain elements of balance into your space. The feng shui energy map dictates how you should implement these materials so that they exist in harmony with each other.

How to Implement Feng Shui in Your Home

An easy way to implement feng shui in your home is by placing yourself in the command position of a room. The command position is what many people think of when they consider feng shui in the home. It is the space in the room that gives you the most authority- you should have a clear view of the entrance but not be directly in line with it, as that energy flow can be distracting. This position should set you up to welcome incoming energy, but your back should also be protected. Try to avoid having your back to empty space, instead position yourself with your back to a wall. The command position model should be especially implemented in your bedroom or office, as the positioning of the bed and desk can make a huge difference in the feel of a space. Even your living space should be considered; you do not want your back to the entryway when you are sitting on a couch. You don’t have to face yourself directly towards the entrance of every room you use, but be sure that it is in sight. If that is not possible in the layout of your home, you can always use a mirror to ensure that you can view the entry at any time!

Your hallways are incredibly important in feng shui, as they allow energy to flow freely throughout the home. Be sure that they are not too busy or cluttered, but decorate them in such a way that they bring warmth between the rooms.

Another simple way to implement feng shui is to make your spaces feel taller. Since this practice is all about energy, it is only natural that if your eye is drawn higher into the room, so is the energy of your space as it has more room to circulate. Feng shui is most effective in a space without clutter. Though nobody is a fan of clutter to begin with, this practice views clutter as obstacles to the energy of your home. Making these changes is all about the chi within and between rooms, so be sure to organize and put away or get rid of anything that may block its flow.

At the end of the day, your home is your sanctuary and you should feel happy and calm when you are there. Contact me today if you have questions or would like to start the process of buying or selling a house!

How to Conserve Energy in Your Home

July 21, 2022/in Resources /by Cara Chatellier

Hot weeks like this can make you think about the energy conservation methods for your home. With fall right around the corner and winter right behind it, now is the perfect time to put a plan in place! Whether you’re motivated to protect the environment – or just to save on your utility bills – here are a few ways to reduce your energy consumption, starting with the easiest!

ADJUST YOUR BEHAVIOR.

Turn off lights and appliances when you are not using them.
Turn down your heat or air conditioner at night, and when you’re not at home.
Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes, and think about hang-drying or washing dishes by hand.
Wash clothes in cold water.
When raising or lowering the temperature, do so slowly.
Use a microwave or toaster oven instead of a conventional oven, when possible.
Clean the dryer lint filter regularly.
Use less hot water, or turn the thermostat on your water heater down.
Turn off the water heater when you’re going away for a few days.

Invest in energy conservation.

Use smart power strips that shut off the power to electronics when they are not being used. As much as 75% of the power used by electronics is consumed when they are switched off!
Purchase a low-flow showerhead, and insulate your water heater and pipes.
Replace your lightbulbs with CFLs or LEDs – they can use 25-80% less electricity and last up to 25x longer than traditional bulbs.
Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust heating and cool when you’re asleep or out of the house.
Weatherize your home by sealing air leaks around vents, windows, doors, and especially attics.
Consider installing solar panels at your home or buying local solar energy.
Insulate your home, including the attic, walls, floors, ducts, basement, and crawl spaces.
Purchase energy-efficient appliances and water heaters.
Install energy-efficient windows – this can save 10-25% of your heating bill! Low-e coatings can also help to reduce heat gain in the summer, as can blinds and screens.
Purchase an energy-efficient HVAC system.

Changes don’t have to be big or expensive to make a difference.

For more details, visit:

31 Ways to Save Energy in Your Home

and The Top 10 Ways to Save Energy.

If you’re looking to make energy-efficient changes to your home, reach out for my recommendations!

Tips for New Real Estate Agents

July 20, 2022/in Education, Resources /by Cara Chatellier

How can a new real estate agent set themselves apart from others and grow their business and reputation? Maura Allard provides some of her best tips for new real estate agents based on her many years of experience in the field!

Join a Team

As is the case with many professions, it’s easy to gain experience from watching the pros! If you work with a team, you will have an opportunity to work with experienced Realtors to better understand how they operate and why they have been successful. Typically, teams have proven systems in place that help you receive the support and answers you need to grow your career.

Don’t be afraid to work with renters (tenants and landlords)

Although many realtors and real estate agents primarily sell houses, working with rentals can be a great way to make connections and gain experience in the industry. Many renters may be looking to buy a home or condo in the future, and they will likely want to work with you again! Similarly, if the tenants have a positive experience with you, they may recommend you to their friends and family who are looking to rent or buy. Forming a relationship with the landlords of these buildings is also a great idea, as they may want to sell or purchase more investment properties.

Don’t Shy Away from Leads With a Referral Fee

If an agent or broker would like to pass a client along to you, don’t be discouraged by the referral fee they take out! These fees are typically only due once. If you do a phenomenal job and keep in touch with the client, they may refer you to friends and family, and you probably will list their home if they sell! This tip goes hand in hand with many others- with the overall goal of establishing strong relationships with your clients. Taking on clients through a referral does not have to become a regular practice, but as a new agent, you should definitely consider them on a case-by-case basis.

Find Your Niche

Though you may be working in a small geographical area, there is probably still a lot of variety between the properties and types of people buying, selling, or renting. Personally, I received my Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) designation and marketed myself to seniors and downsizers. Gaining experience in a specific type of real estate will help potential clients find you, and provide them with more comfort that you are the best agent for the job.

Don’t Forget About Your Clients!

The best way to gain a positive reputation is to make yourself memorable in your relationships with clients. Setting yourself apart from everyone else can inspire clients to recommend your services to others, write positive reviews, or hire you again in the future. Call then, email, or text just to see how they are doing. Buying a home is a very personal process for your clients- make sure they know how much you care!

Click here for more information on Maura and her team, or contact us today if you are interested in buying or selling your home!

Simple Tips and Tricks to Reorganize Your Garage

June 16, 2022/in Organization, Resources, Uncategorized /by Cara Chatellier

This may seem like a no-brainer, but a garage was made to house our cars. It’s surprising then that only about 75% of people who own 2-car garages use them for cars. In fact, most people use it as a storage space, especially if they do not have a basement or attic.

A recent survey by the National Association of Professional Organizers found that 50% of homeowners said the garage was the most unorganized area in their home.

While it feels all too easy to pile up extra boxes filled with off-season decor against the garage walls or store your kids’ old toys in there until you can make it to the donation center, garages fill up quickly, leaving little room for parking, and even less space for organization.

Like most of us, you’ve probably found yourself digging through boxes in the garage in search of Christmas decorations or have tried to sort through garage clutter as part of your spring cleaning regimen. It can quickly become frustrating when you can’t find what you’re looking for.

The good news is that with a little bit of organization, your garage can turn into a space you can use effectively all year long- car parking included.

Let’s explore some of my favorite ways to organize your garage.

First, clean out the garage.

Before you begin to filter through ideas on precisely what to do with your garage space, rummage through the clutter and clean it all out, especially if you’ve been living in your home for a while.

Depending on how large and filled your garage is, consider setting aside a half to a full day to clean it out. It may be best to set aside an entire weekend to declutter and reorganize in one shot.

Invite family and friends to help. Go through every box and bin and toss anything you don’t need. Set aside what you’ll keep outside the garage if possible so that you can start organizing against an empty and clean slate.

If you have a lot in there, make three piles of keep, toss, and donate so that you know exactly where everything should go when you’re done cleaning it out.

After you have three piles, break down your keep piles into specific categories such as sporting goods, decorations, and gardening tools. Then, store them in appropriately labeled bins for easy access once they’re ready to go back into the garage or another part of your home.

To stay on top of safety, avoid storing the following items in your garage:

Propane
Paint
Paper
Pet food

Create a garage floorplan.

Before or after you’ve had a chance to fully clean out your garage, it’s a good rule of thumb to devise a cohesive and organized floorplan to base your garage storage on.

It’s important to note that most garage-organizing manufacturers provide free layout plans when purchasing their storage items. Consider using this service to determine exactly where everything will go.

Consider these important ideas when creating your floor plan:

Store all like items together in the same bins and/or area for easy access.
Label all bins.
Organize the interior of bins as you remove and add items.
Store larger, bulkier items in corners away from where you’ll park your car.
Move frequently used items closer to the garage door.
Stow seasonal items in places that are harder to reach and out of the way.

Keep items off the floor.

Whenever possible, store things off of the garage floor. The floor should be as clutter-free as possible. Install wall organizers, work benches, and floor-to-ceiling storage cabinets to house all of your items instead of just placing the bins directly on the floor.

Take advantage of overhead space.

There is certainly a lot of overhead space in most garages that doesn’t get enough use by many. Take advantage of this space by installing overhead shelving to store items such as ladders, sports gear, and other flat yet bulky items.

After placement, ensure that there is enough space between the storage unit, items, and roof of your car to prevent any accidental damage.

Secure your space.

Garages are essentially another room in your home. The scary part is that this area that makes up 10% to 15% of your home is not nearly as secure as the rest of your home.

As you’re reorganizing your space, consider upping the security of it by:

Investing in door and window locks
Sealing the threshold
Using a smart garage door opener
Closing your garage door whenever it is not in use by you

Add the garage to your monthly cleaning plan.

As with any area of the home, the garage should be cleaned and maintained regularly. Although not necessarily a space to tidy up daily or weekly, it is a good idea to add it to your monthly cleaning checklist.

Something as simple as monthly maintenance can go a long way.

When cleaning, consider:

Sweeping and hosing down the floors
Reorganizing the tools and equipment
Throwing away or donating any unwanted items
Checking the perimeter for insects or other pests and using a natural pesticide to keep them away

Is a garage on your must-have list?

Whether you’re in the market for garage organization tips or hoping to add a garage to your dream home in the near future, we can help. As industry experts, we do our best to stay on top of the latest trends in home organization and the home purchasing market.

Contact us today to learn more or start the process of getting the home of your dreams with the garage to boot. We can’t wait to help you find the perfect house for you- garage included.

Chris Carnevale Real Estate Agent Maura Allard and Company

Meet the Team: Chris Carnevale

June 29, 2021/in Resources /by Cara Chatellier

As the real estate market continues to soar throughout the country, for both buyers and sellers alike, so does our group of wonderful Keller Williams realtors ready to assist and collaborate with clients on their next big life season. Whether you’re in the market to buy or sell your home, we are here to help you through it and we want to ensure we always have the right people for the job on our team.

We are proud to welcome our newest realtor, Chris Carnevale. He is a great addition to our Beverly team, bringing with him a wealth of real estate knowledge, a powerful understanding of the local market and a commitment to the client-first mentality that we live and breathe every day. We know that he will do great things for the Maura Allard & Company team and we are excited to watch him grow with us.

Why did you get into Real Estate?

Chris has vast experience working in client-facing roles. He always knew he wanted to work with people, but the pandemic solidified a change, for the better, in his career path. When asked why he decided to get into real estate he stated, “I was an assistant restaurant manager when the pandemic hit. I took a leave and decided to try real estate. (It was the) best decision I have ever made along with marrying my beautiful wife and getting lasik surgery.”

If you had to give someone one piece of realty advice what would it be?

Chris’s realty advice is simple, but compelling and applies to all aspects of life. He says, “don’t give up on what you want. There’s always a way.” Whether you’re on the verge of a career change, moving across the country, getting married, or in search of your first big home purchase this year, don’t give up. Anything you want in life takes time, but the extra effort and time are worth it in the long run. This advice is especially helpful in a strong seller’s market where competition is kicked into high gear. Don’t get discouraged if your offer isn’t accepted the first time around, your dream house is out there waiting for you and, in the end, you will get exactly what you want.

Why did you decide to work with Maura?

There are so many great qualities that realtors and clients notice in Maura right away. Chris’s decision to work with Maura was quite simple. He said what he admired most about her is, “her reputation, work ethic, positive attitude, and (the fact that) she is always moving forward.” Great leaders always have a forward-thinking mindset and use it to teach their colleagues how to excel in their respective fields and we believe Maura does just that.

What does your dream home look like?

Realtors spend a majority of their days visiting a variety of homes on the market at any given time. From remodeled farmhouse style to clean-lined and sleek townhomes, the variety is quite endless. They explore fixer-uppers and new builds to help clients stumble upon their dream homes and work their magic to secure a deal along the way. When it comes to their own personal idea of a dream home, their personal experiences and style always seem to take center stage. When asked what his dream home included, Chris concluded that it needed three key elements: “Light (lots of windows), warmth (fireplace) and relaxation (jacuzzi bathtub),” and we couldn’t love this balance anymore.

Give us 3 random fun facts about you.

We love to learn about our people. Here are three fun facts about Chris.

Chris likes the smell of skunk (“from a distance not on my shoe”). He believes it comes from weekend trips to his grandma’s house in rural Wenham when he was growing up.
He met his wife while on vacation in Ireland in 2004.
He’s ambidextrous.

We are so excited to welcome Chris to our Keller Williams team. He will work alongside us, assisting clients in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. If you would like to learn more about Chris, or other members of our team, contact us to set up a meeting today. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Understanding the Closing Process on Your New Home

June 9, 2021/2 Comments/in Loans & Mortgage, Resources, Uncategorized /by Cara Chatellier

If you are looking into details on what exactly the closing process entails on your new home, you’re likely in the final stages of the process to homeownership, so, congratulations! Although the journey may feel like a long one, each step in the process is imperative to protect you, the sellers, and your new property. Your offer was just accepted and now closing is upon you. Typically closings take anywhere between 30 and 60 days, but in some instances, they can be longer or shorter depending on the terms set forth in your original offer as discussed with your agent.

When it comes to closing on a home, whether your first or tenth, there are various steps that you will need to take to ensure full confidence and satisfaction in your purchase. These 10 steps are the exact route you need to take to reach your final destination as a homeowner.

1. Choose your escrow agent

The escrow, or closing, agent will be your primary point of contact when it comes to closing on your new property. They verify that all documents are completed and signed by both parties, all terms and conditions of the offer and loan are met and that closing happens in a timely manner. The escrow agent works closely with your realtor to coordinate all required paperwork throughout the process. Typically the escrow agent is a neutral third party in the transaction, acting on behalf of both parties to ensure a smooth transition of ownership for the home.

2. Purchase homeowners insurance

Homeowner’s insurance is required for the purchase of any home. The insurance must be purchased prior to closing and proof of coverage must be presented during the closing stage. You can usually work with your current insurance company to provide a new quote on your property. Homeowners insurance, just like car insurance, varies greatly based on location, size of property, your insurance history and other factors. The average cost of homeowners insurance in the US is about $1,200 a year.

3. Invest in title insurance

Title insurance is a one-time expense that you pay prior to closing on your home. Title insurance, although not required in every state, is added protection for you and your home. Title insurance protects you in the event that someone, at any time in the future, stakes a claim on your property claiming it as theirs. If you opt-out of a title insurance policy for you, you could potentially lose your home to a random claim on it in the future. The average cost for title insurance, to the buyer, is about $1,000.

4. Meet all conditions

Before you can officially close on a home, all conditions of the loan must be met by you, the buyer. All conditions of your loan are clearly stated in your loan document, but typically they include things like income verification, proof of obtained homeowner’s insurance, down payment details, final appraisal that is at or below the amount of the loan and any other specifically negotiated terms. If you have any questions or concerns about meeting all of your loan condition requirements talk to your lender and realtor as soon as possible to avoid any snags in the process.

5. Get ready for your move

Whether you currently own your home or are living in a rental property, now is the time to get ready for your move. Schedule movers, sort through rooms and storage spaces and plan out exactly how you plan to move your things from one spot to another. If you’re downsizing you may want to consider holding a yard sale to get rid of extra items you no longer need or donating any excess to a local charity. If you’re moving to a bigger place, consider planning out your furniture and appliances purchases now so that they are ready to go on move-in day. Don’t forget to schedule time off from work, if needed, to get your place in order.

6. Obtain the ever-important closing disclosure

This nationally recognized form is the most critical and comprehensive form in your closing process. Within this disclosure, the loan requirements are outlined in their entirety, including an itemized list of closing costs by party. This form should be delivered to you at least three business days before the closing date to ensure you have enough time to review it. If the details within are mismatched from the original loan agreement, talk to your lender as soon as possible to reconcile in an efficient manner.

7. Complete a final walkthrough of your new place

The final walkthrough is an important final step in your closing process. It is typically scheduled about 12-24 hours before your final closing timeline. This in-person review gives you, the buyer, the opportunity to walk throughout the property and ensure that the seller left the home in the condition that you agreed to at the time of offer acceptance. This is also a time to review any repairs that were requested of the seller and to make sure they are fully moved out in time for you to move in. If things don’t look as they should, your realtor will work with the sellers to ensure things are aligned promptly. If major repairs need to be made, the closing can be delayed.

8. Finalize your documents

At closing, the escrow agent will request a list of documents that they require of you and your co-borrower. Organize your documents ahead of time so that you are fully prepared for the meeting. Typically they require documents such as photo identification, income verification, a list of home addresses over the last 5-10 years and a money order or bank certified check to cover the closing costs for “cash at close” requirements. Verify required documents with your realtor and lender prior to meeting with them.

9. Legally obtain your home and your new set of keys

The last step in the process between you and the seller is to legally transfer the property from their name to yours. At this step final signatures are obtained and cash, if applicable, is exchanged. Once this is completed the home belongs to you and you get the keys to your new home! A best practice is to change out the locks on your home once you have keys in hand to maintain the highest level of security at your new property.

10. File a declaration of homestead

A declaration of homestead varies by state, but is a good idea to obtain based on protections it can provide at both state and federal levels. In some states throughout the country, a declaration of homestead is automatically added at the time of home purchase, but some states require that you obtain one on your own. In short, a declaration of homestead can protect you in the case of bankruptcy filing, loss of a spouse or exempt you from certain taxes based on residence. A declaration of homestead registers you at state and federal levels, showing exactly where your primary residence is located. Check with your state government, lender or realtor to verify how your state handles this declaration.

Getting an accepted offer on a home you love is a great feeling, but it is only the first step in the home buying process. Once both the seller and buyer agree to all terms and conditions of the offer, the closing stage begins. It is important to stay on top of the steps required to successfully close on a home so that you are as prepared as possible during this new season in your life. If you are in search of a new home or considering putting your home on the market, contact me, we would love to help you through the realty process, no matter what side you find yourself on.

Getting to Know Your New Neighborhood

January 12, 2021/2 Comments/in Housing, Resources /by Cara Chatellier

You just scored the home of your dreams and the excitement comes with a bit of apprehension because it is located in a brand-new neighborhood. You love the location for reasons like school district, location to shops, parks, and nightlife, and overall aesthetic, but haven’t fully gotten to know your locale yet. Don’t stress it! Once you’re settled into your new home take time to explore your surroundings and make the most out of your new neighborhood location.

Walk your block

One of the easiest ways to learn your neighborhood is on foot. Walk down your street and take in all the sights and sounds around you. Take note of things that are in walking distance for future visits, such as a park, coffee shop, farmer’s market or outdoor fitness class. Plan to take a walk with your family around the neighborhood a few times a week so that everyone becomes comfortable and familiar with the area. This is especially helpful for kids if they plan to walk to school. The Northshore of Massachusetts has so many great neighborhoods, especially those by the water! Some of my favorites include:

Lothrop Street, Beverly
Pickering Wharf, Salem
Bearskin Neck, Rockport
Harborwalk, Gloucester, MA

Take a stroll downtown

If your new community has a designated downtown area, don’t hesitate to spend time down there and get to know the best of the local scene. Explore the area’s favorite hotspots and indulge in the things that are most fitting for your family. Before you head out, consider staking out the most raved about locations online and make a list of your must-visit spots. Don’t forget to explore the historic sites, murals or other artistic renderings that are locally famous. After a few visits there are sure to be a couple spots on your own favorites list. The more you visit, the more people you will meet, even in times of social distancing. Some of my favorite downtown areas are in:

Salem, MA (check out Ledger!)
Beverly, MA (Copper Dog Books is great!)
Rockport, MA
Danvers, MA
Marblehead, MA (Grab a delish dinner at The Landing!)
Manchester-by-the-sea, MA (I love Allie’s Beach Street Cafe!)

Get to know your neighbors

New neighbors can be a positive lifeline in a new community. Don’t shy away from getting to know who lives near you. You may discover you have things in common or kids of similar age. Considering they’ve been in the neighborhood longer than you have, they can provide some valuable insight on what to expect throughout the year. Oftentimes, neighbors grow into lifelong friends. Start a chat over an outdoor chore or stop over for a quick “hello,” when you feel ready and settled. If you are looking for something more formal, consider hosting a housewarming party for the neighbors on your block to show off your new digs and share fun and fresh conversations. This can be done virtually, or socially distanced, for safety precautions during COVID-19, so don’t hesitate organizing if that is more your style.

Join a local group

Whether you decide on a fitness class at a neighborhood community center or volunteer at a local chapter of your desired charity, you’re sure to meet neighbors who can provide some wonderful details about the beauty in your community. Get your children involved in local events, attend community sports games and invest time in things that connect you more to your neighbors as a whole.

Moving to a new neighborhood is nothing short of hard, but you can make the best of it by spending time with your neighbors and exploring all that your community has to offer you. If you are in search of the perfect home in a new neighborhood, let us help you find it. We would love to be a part of your 2021 new neighborhood story.

The Benefits of a Home Inspection

August 12, 2020/in Education, For Sale, Resources /by Cara Chatellier

So, you think you’ve found the home of your dreams! All that stands in the way of your dream home becoming a reality is some paperwork, a plethora of signatures and a few meetings, right? How exciting! Before you decide to dive headfirst into this impending purchase, you need a home inspection. The benefits to this extra step far outweigh the small additional time it may take to secure your home. Not to mention the peace of mind that comes with knowing the full ins and outs of your potential purchase.

Inspections save you money and unneeded surprises

Home inspections, based on the findings, can pay for themselves. Home inspectors detect things such as water leaks, roof damages, foundation issues or unseen safety hazards that could be extremely costly, for the new buyer, once noticed. Knowing, up front, what potential problems lie ahead allows you to plan for repairs or, even, ask the sellers to chip in for or make repairs prior to your purchase agreement.

You may be able to bid less on your prospective home

Once a home inspection is complete the potential buyer receives a full, and thorough, list of suggested repairs and findings. Depending on the size (and number) of repairs proposed by a home inspector’s report, you may be able to negotiate a lower price on the cost of the home should you agree to take on the issues and fix them yourself once purchased.

Sellers can make needed repairs

As part of your home buying agreement, you may ask the seller to make the outlined repairs noted by the home inspector. You can negotiate on having them handle the larger repairs while you agree to take care of the smaller, less hazardous issues. If they agree to make the repairs, you may have to agree to asking cost for the home (or higher) to appease them based on the additional out-of-pocket money they have to fork over for the repairs. The good news with that is it should still be within your purchasing budget, so don’t stress it too much!

Confidence in your purchase is established

There is nothing quite like reassurance when making a large life-changing purchase. Knowing the intricate details of your potential home is priceless when it comes to buying power. This is, most likely, the largest purchase of your life, so details definitely matter. Review the report with the home inspector, in detail, and ask any questions you have for clarification. It is important to understand the report in its entirety so you can make sound decisions on the next steps in your potential purchase.

When it comes to buying a home, it is vital that you understand the full scope of your purchase, even if that includes some not-so-great but needed repairs. Knowing details from the structural makeup to the appliances current standings helps you make an informed decision on your purchase. Working alongside the home inspection and seller will, more than likely, lead you to a collaborative decision on closing. If you are in the midst of house shopping and want more advice on home inspection don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I would love to discuss this more with you!