10 Reasons to Buy a Home in Massachusetts

February 12, 2021/1 Comment/in Housing /by Cara Chatellier

10 reasons to buy your next home in Massachusetts

Massachusetts, the good old Bay State. The place where you can eat lobster right off the boat on the Cape, park your car in Harvard Yard (Boston accent optional), or enjoy foliage drive through the Berkshires during the fall months. There is so much to indulge in throughout the year as the season’s change and the activities never end. Once you become a local, no matter what city or town, a piece of who you are is always part of the beautiful and historic state. Both visitors and locals agree that there is something for everyone and so many reasons to buy in Massachusetts this year. Here’s why your next home should reside in the bay state:

The schools are rated amongst the top in the country.

Whether you are looking for public schools or top-tier universities, Massachusetts has it all. From legendary names like Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the college-level education you can receive here is second to none. Massachusetts took to the top spot for 2020, coming in at #1, for the best education system in the country according to US News and World Report. That trend continues as we, again, take the cake for the best education system in the country. Massachusetts has the highest math and reading scores in the nation with the lowest bullying incident rates. Other highlights include safety, security, and technology advancements. Aside from having the best schools, Massachusetts is also ranked as the most educated state.

The state is full of history.

From the Mayflower and Boston Tea Party to the Salem Witch Trials, Massachusetts is the perfect spot for the history enthusiast. Leading the way as one of the first 13 colonies, Massachusetts’ historic endeavors are showcased throughout each large and small town, embracing its roots with respect and admiration. Enjoy the sites and plan fun day trips around traveling to local historical sites throughout the year.

Medical care is world-renowned.

Massachusetts ranks 5th in the nation for best healthcare overall, while coming in 1st for best access to healthcare and 4th overall in public health options. With some of the best medical facilities in the world, located within the state, there is no question that you and your family would be in great hands. Some of the most well-known options include Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital (with affiliate locations throughout the state) and Brigham and Women’s.

The mix of small-town charm and big-city vibes is unprecedented.

Whether you’re looking to be in the heart of a big city or nestled away in the country vibes of a small town, Massachusetts offers it all. Bigger cities have often been known to give off a small-town feel with endless big-city options, from shopping centers and museums to world-famous restaurants, no box is left unchecked in Boston and its surrounding cities out east. With easy and quick access to the Atlantic Ocean, the beaches are sure to entice as well. If you’re more into the small-town charm, central and western parts of the state offer a country setting with convenient amenities. Each town and city have their own unique personality while tying into the overall vibe of the state.

The seasons are lavish.

There is nothing quite like living somewhere that is immersed in all four seasons. From warm and sunny summers to crisp falls and snow-filled winters, Massachusetts has it all. While the winters can be long and cold there is a joy to be found in snow-based activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing on local mountains and trails, or even in neighboring states such as Vermont or New Hampshire. The summertime is the perfect contract to the cold winters, offering seasonal average temperatures around 80 degrees with lots of sunshine-filled days. The reigning champ in the season’s contest always goes to autumn. There is nothing quite like a New England autumn. Fall foliage is vast and glorious throughout the season adding a pleasant backdrop to the cool days. Locals often spend time each year venturing out for leaf-peeping, taking in the sights of the season through a road trip, photography, or painting.

The seafood is out of this world.

Massachusetts is famous for its seafood offerings. From shellfish to lobster, you can indulge in all things seafood from the inland to the coast. There is no shortage of seafood restaurants throughout towns like East Dennis, Duxbury, Plymouth and Salem. Whether you’re visiting or planning to stay here for the long haul, we encourage you to indulge in all things seafood and make sure to order the oysters!

The sports culture is something to be experienced.

It’s tough to find another state that loves their sports team as much as Massachusetts. From the New England Patriots and Boston Celtics to the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins, Massachusetts is filled with diehard fans who love their teams. Our championship-winning teams are something we pride our small state on and celebrate with each win just as hard as we did during the first one. Aside from the professional sports teams, there are also many collegiate level teams for various sports that are cherished here too.

The location on the East Coast is wonderful for those who love to travel.

Located in the heart of the Northeast, Massachusetts is the perfect location to settle in for those who want to be within an arm’s reach of adventure. Depending on your city of choice, you are literally within an hours drive to states like Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, Connecticut, and New York. Whether you want to take a weekend trip to the Big Apple or hit the slopes in Killington, Vermont, you don’t have to drive too far.

Winter sports and activities are all the rage.

From skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and snowmobiling, the options for winter sports are endless in Massachusetts. Whether you consider yourself a seasoned pro or a novice who is curious about what snow sports have to offer, you can try it all.

The median salary boasts well for home costs.

Although the cost of living in Massachusetts can seem a bit steeper when compared to other states across the country, the median salary meets its mark. Overall, the state’s economy is top in the country, with a large potential to keep growing and succeeding. Massachusetts has diversity within industries too, including niches like high-tech to farming and agriculture. You will feel comfortable with your salary to home cost ratio across the state, which is a huge plus in itself.

Making a move to a new place can feel overwhelming. Staying informed and up-to-date on the latest trends and behind-the-scenes details is important in making the right choice for you. From education to adventure, Massachusetts checks all boxes when it comes to a state that delivers a growth mindset alongside a fun approach. As a state that is always transforming, it is sure to bring you happiness for years to come.

If you’ve decided to make the leap and buy in Massachusetts, contact us, we would love to help you with your new home purchase journey in the bay state!

5 Tips for Building a Home

December 4, 2020/in Housing /by Cara Chatellier

There is nothing more fulfilling than creating something from the ground up. When you decide to take the leap and opt for a new build, there are numerous decisions you have to make, from the layout of your kitchen to the stain on your wood floors, the list can feel overwhelming. Now that you’ve secured your piece of land and decided on an out-of-this-world floorplan fit for your family, there are helpful tips to consider as you check the boxes on your new home to-do list.

Lean into extra patience and have a plan

The first thing you want to do when you decide to build is to understand the full process that is involved in creating the custom home you envision. With all of the features you dream of comes time. Prepare yourself for the amount of time it will take you to decide on each aspect of your new home and allow yourself hours each week to visit your new build site. This is likely the largest investment of your life, so you will want to spend hours at your home site making sure the design is what you imagine, and the build is getting completed based on a pre-planned timeline. Allow yourself patience and time to consider and decide on design elements, too. Not all decisions will be easy or quick, which is normal, but may slow the construction process. Have a plan in place for your current living situations and allow it to encompass the next several months. You don’t want to find yourself caught between your previous residence and a home that is still under construction. Likely, this new home build will take between 7 to 12 months from start to finish.

Be mindful of your budget

When building, it is always a good rule of thumb to budget more than you plan for. Allowing yourself to have a little bit of extra wiggle room on your finances will diffuse any unexpected costs throughout the process. Your builder will include a majority of the cost in their initial estimate, then finalized in the contract, but it will most likely not include everything. Separate items may be cable and internet hookups, landscaping, decking, or fencing. It is also important to keep your budget at the forefront of your plan, especially when making design decisions.

Hire the right companies

This is the most important aspect of your entire home building process. Do your research early on and hire the right people for the job. Throughout the entire process the builder will be the person you work most closely with, so, make sure they are fit for the job. Reach out to others you know who have built or redone their existing home to get referrals and strong testimonials. Talk to local realtors for suggestions and have sit-down chats with potential builders. It is so crucial to interview various builders in your area to decide on the right fit for you. Communication, reputation, and industry knowledge should be key factors in your final decision. Remember: a builder can look amazing on paper, but if you don’t mesh well your process will not be as smooth as you hope for. Aim to find a builder with a great track record and a personality that you can build a relationship with during the home building process.

Make big decisions ahead of time

Time is money when it comes to new home construction, so, planning ahead is crucial to your budget, success, and sanity. Consider mapping out what you want your interior to look like for the bigger pieced items in advance. Think kitchen cabinets, flooring, fixtures, appliances, and lighting. Create a home building binder (physically or digitally) that is organized by room. Add in the pieces you know you want in that specified area to avoid drowning in design questions in the middle of your build. Yes, there will still be questions as you proceed with your build but preparing ahead of time for the bigger items allows you to have a bit more breathing room when it comes to making decisions on the fly. Preparation is key to getting the home you want from the foundation up.

Consider an independent inspector

It’s always a good idea to have an independent source as a check and balance system in your home building process. Throughout each step in your home building process use an inspector to ensure all building and material practices meet specified codes and regulations. Even if your builder has an amazing reputation and an outstanding building record to boot, an independent inspector will put your mind at ease and ensure everything is flowing, in your process, as it should.

Building a home is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life. Understanding the full process, sticking to a budget, and hiring the right people are key elements to building the home of your dreams. To learn more about building a home contact us today. I would love to provide recommendations and help start you on your path to new homeownership.

Tips on Prepping your Home for Fall Weather

September 10, 2019/in Community, For Sale, Housing /by Maura Allard

As fall closes in, don’t forget these home maintenance tasks to keep your property in top form.

The list may seem daunting, but if you tackle a few tasks each weekend, you’ll be ready for winter in no time! Most of them are pretty easy and will help you identify – and avoid – bigger problems.

Clean gutters and downspouts; make sure drainage areas are free of leaves and other debris. (Bonus: investing in gutter guards will make this easier!)
Use a screwdriver to test the wood trim around windows, doors, railings, and decks.
Use caulk to fill holes, or replace rotten wood.
Inspect your roof, or hire someone to do it. Shingles that are curling or cracking should be replaced.
While you’re on the roof, check flushing around windows, pipes, and chimney – you don’t want snow getting in gaps!
Remove, drain, and store garden hoses.
Turn off exterior spigots and drain them of water.
Wrap water pipes in exterior walls with heating tape to save energy and prevent freezing.
Drain and store your lawnmower, and any other lawn equipment.
Use an incense stick to check your windows and doors for drafts, and replace the weatherstripping and caulking as needed.
Check your chimney for soot, and have it swept if there is more than 1/8 inch. Install chimney caps so that pests and debris stay outside!
Trim your bushes and trees, so that they’re away from your house and any electrical lines.
If you’re storing firewood, keep it at least 15 feet from your house so that termites aren’t tempted to set up shop in your house!
Get your snowblower, ice, and shovel ready.

Enjoy the last of the warm weather!

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10 Easy Ways to Update Your Home During Your Staycation

July 13, 2019/in Community, For Sale, Housing /by Maura Allard

Taking a staycation this summer? No judgment here. We all want time at home to relax, Netflix and chill and above all, get to those projects we’ve been pushing off. For instance, painting the shutters? Organizing the garage, perhaps? We hear you.

Here are 10 easy things that you can do around the house to make the most of your time off, relieve that beast of burden lingering over you and therefore, adding some value to your home.

Here’s what to do on your staycation:

Change your fixtures. For instance, new light fixtures, electrical outlets, and covers. The addition of crown molding can make a huge difference.
Hang art. White space is great, however, adding a small piece here or there bridging the gap between your cabinets and ceiling or even a stand-alone easel on your counter can make your kitchen stand out.
Add new curtains. Often overlooked, however the staple of how a room feels.
Add new shelves. More shelving = more storage. Above all, more storage allows for MORE space to display more decorative substance.
Try your green thumb. Houseplants brighten your home and help purify the air. For instance, If your thumb is more black than green, check out Good Housekeeping’s list of plants that are almost impossible to kill.
1. Fiddleleaf Fig
2. Asparagus Fern
3. Chinese Evergreen

6. Paint a room. Inexpensive, relatively easy, and will completely change the feel of your room. Want to keep the project small? Paint an accent wall in a bold color like coral, hunter green, or misty blue.

7. Add under-cabinet lights. Additional lighting will improve the ambiance of your kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom

8. Paint your front door. The door sets the tone for the rest of your house. Choose a good exterior enamel; blue or red draws the most attention, however, be sure to choose a palette that matches the tone of your home. In addition, tan and gray tend to be more classic.

9. Paint your ceiling or ceiling fan. Paint is a trend and should be your main focus. Rule of thumb? Above all, color from above can really make a room pop!

10. Add decorative shutters. You can build your own or buy premade shutters to frame your windows and stand out from the crowd.

In conclusion, no matter how you spend your vacation, I hope you have a great summer! If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, I’d love to hear from you.