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.

Salem New Hampshire Homes for Sale

July 22, 2019/in For Sale, Housing /by Maura Allard

Although I tend to work in Boston’s North Shore, I’m also happy to be licensed as a realtor in New Hampshire; and Salem New Hampshire, just across the Massachusetts border, is a beautiful place to live!

If you’re looking at houses for sale here, you’ll want to know everything about the town.

Watch the video to see Salem’s novel attractions and great employers!

Salem Population: 29,000
Time from Salem to Boston: 40 minutes
Popular things to do and see in Salem: Canobie Lake Park, America’s Stonehenge, Scottish Highlands Golf Course

Let me help you make your move to Salem, New Hampshire. Search my listings today.

Questions? Get in touch.

Check out some other great places to live nearby

Buying a Home in Peabody • Living in Beverly • Homes for sale in Danvers

Follow me on Instagram

@mauraallardrealtor

Top Energy Conservation Techniques For Your Home

June 3, 2019/in Housing, Resources /by Maura Allard

Have you thought about energy conservation methods for your home? Whether you’re motivated to protect the environment – or just 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.
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.

Check out some of my other blog posts

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@mauraallardrealtor

Preparing your Home to put on the Market

March 5, 2018/in For Sale, Housing, Organization /by Maura Allard

Staging your Home to put on the Market

You have made that scary decision to list your house on the market… congratulations! The next step is to get your home ready for the public to view. The Container Store is your new best friend. You will want to make a trip there and pick up totes, totes, and more totes. Start decluttering; no personal pictures, religious items, school treasures, stuffed animals, knick-knacks or shot glass collections need to be on display. Par down closets, clean off countertops. Adopt the mindset you are moving and start packing. If your house is cluttered people will be distracted by the clutter and will not see the features of the house.

Take a look around. Ask yourself, how is the paint? Are there scuff marks on the stair risers? Do your walls need a fresh coat? Paint is your friend. Pick a neutral shade and brighten up your home. Take a trip to Walmart or Target. Pick up some new fresh white towels for the bathroom, maybe a new white shower curtain as well. Pretty throw pillows also look great on a couch or bed! No need to spend a lot of money to make a few powerful changes.

Make sure everything is sparkling clean. Hire a cleaner if you need to. If you list with me I will pay to have your home professionally cleaned prior to the first open house. If you have pets, get them groomed and rid the house of pet hair.

Decks and porches will shine with potted plants! If your deck is lackluster, stain it. Lay mulch where needed to add curb appeal. Put your best foot forward before putting the for sale sign on the lawn!