Tag Archive for: moving

House Warming Tips to Celebrate a New Home

5 Housewarming Party Tips to Celebrate Your New Home

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What better way to celebrate your new home than by having a party with all of your favorite people to share the moment with? With all the new experiences that you may have been a part of this year, there is no greater feat than making a house that you love, the home you’ve always dreamed of. 

One of the best ways to enjoy your new home is to celebrate this new life season with the people who matter most to you. After you have moved in, decorated your space and made it into something you adore, consider hosting a housewarming party to share the space with your closest friends and family. 

There are various ways to throw a wonderful housewarming party. The best way to measure the success of your party is to know, good and well, that you’ve highlighted the space in a unique and personalized way and shared a piece of your world with others, without feeling as though you are overwhelmed with party planning or the small details of the event. It shouldn’t feel like a lot of work to celebrate your new home with friends and family. 

Here are some of my favorite housewarming tips to celebrate your new home.

1. Prepare your space.

This may feel like an obvious tip, but often, new homeowners are so excited to show off their new home that they don’t spend enough time preparing it properly for guests or to host parties. Don’t rush the party, instead, focus on situating your space to your liking and comfort level before deciding on moving forward with a soiree. There is no harm in hosting a housewarming party 3 to 6 months after move-in day. 

The extra time you spend focusing on decorating, organizing and turning your house into a home will pay off in the end when it comes to how your guests feel upon entry. There is no doubt that feelings of excitement and compassion will ensue, but don’t cut corners to get there, it will only cause more of a headache for you in the long run. 

2. Register for gifts.

One of the best parts about owning your own home is turning it into a space that is uniquely you. From the home decor on the walls to the dishes on your shelves, your house should exude vibes that make you comfortable and happy in your space. When we move into a new house, the cost of the move can sometimes be a lot for us to handle. 

Registering for gifts and essentials for your new house ia great way to ask others for help in a way that meets your needs. In all cases, friends and family alike want to bring gifts to your party, so why not give them options that you love instead of living with random home decor that doesn’t fit your style? Sure, registering for gifts may feel a little out of the normal for you, it’s nothing to feel awkward about. This is a great way to help people who love you gift you something they know you’ll love, a win-win for everyone involved. Some of my favorite shops to register through are Target, Pottery Barn or Wayfair. 

3. Plan your guest list and send invitations with ample time.

One of the most fun, and important, aspects of party planning is knowing exactly who you want to invite and who decides on coming. Set your date out about 3 to 4 weeks and allow your guests ample time to determine whether or not they can attend. Don’t overextend your efforts by inviting too many people. Instead, write out a list of everyone you hope to invite then narrow it down to 15-25 people at most based on your space size and comfort level. You can always share your online registry with those who cannot attend as many will want to purchase you a special gift for you new home, even if they live across the country. 

4. Decide on the food and drink options.

There are so many different options when it comes to the food and drink you can serve at a housewarming party. From a Sunday brunch theme to a swanky dinner party, choose food and drink options that fit your style and budget. 

Other options include: 

  • Focus only on appetizers
  • Choose easy-to-prepare finger foods
  • Opt for a wine tasting
  • Consider a potluck style 
  • Serve desserts only
  • Throw a barbecue party 

5. Make it uniquely you.

Above all else, this part should be uniquely created with your wants and needs in mind. Whether you’re hoping for a black and white dinner party or a casual backyard get together, doing what you love, with the people you love, in your new home is essential to the party’s success. Don’t overthink the details or overwhelm yourself with being politically correct when it comes to hosting a housewarming party. Focus on the aspects of the party that make you feel excited for it to happen and the party is already set up for success. 

 

Congratulations on the purchase of your new home. We are so excited that you found a place that is sure to provide countless memories for you and your family. If you decide on hosting a housewarming party we encourage you to keep it simple and tailored to your interests. Include people you love and entertainment options that make sense for your space and budget. 

 

If you are hoping to host a housewarming party in the near future, but haven’t secured the perfect home yet, we can help. Contact us today to get started on a journey you won’t forget.

Making the Most of Local Getaways

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Whether you consider yourself a tried and true New Englander or have recently relocated to the glorious Northeast, enjoying the sights and sounds of the area should not be taken lightly. Everyone loves a good vacation now and then, and we encourage you to take one at least once a year to relax, unwind, and most importantly, recharge. But, now, more than ever, we could all use a little de-stressing. We understand that with the pandemic still taking a toll on the country, island getaways and tropical drinks may be out of the question right now, but don’t fret! There is so much to explore and enjoy right here at home. 

Local getaways, or staycations, are the perfect way to unplug close to home. Forget the airport hustle and take a closer look at all available to you right in your backyard. From mouth-watering seafood and historical appeal to an unyielding sports culture and refreshing weather, New England has so much to offer you. 

Here are my top 5 favorite local getaways:

1. Boston, Massachusetts

The largest city in New England and the capital of Massachusetts, Boston is an immensely quaint area filled with American history and culture. Combining the best of New England roots with the modernizations of a bustling city, Boston is a great spot to visit any time of year with anyone on your list. With options for families, couples, and singles alike, Boston is the perfect place to embrace all that New England is. From the delicious seafood on the Seaport and harbor cruise to view the city from the water to the historic Freedom Trail or the country’s oldest tavern, there is something for everyone. Families especially love spending a day at the aquarium, science museum, or LegoLand. One of our favorite spots? Faneuil Hall. It’s the ideal spot to feel the culmination of past and present Boston come together. 

2. Portland, Maine

Featuring the most photographed lighthouse in the United States, the Portland Headlight, this pinnacle city in Maine is the ideal place to enjoy a week away from home, close to home. From award-winning restaurants filled with all the delicious seafood you can eat to museums, art galleries, and small-town style boutiques, Portland is sure to check off all the boxes on your must-have vacation list. To top it off, Portland has some of the best ocean views. Enjoy this spot in the summertime for all the beach and lobster you can handle, or head that way during the fall months to watch the leaves change color to the most glorious fire-inspired hues. 

3. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts 

Located 8 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, this popular tourist destination for New Englander and elite visitors alike is a perfect spot to get away from the busy nature of the city. It has been known as a secluded summer destination for celebrities and politicians for years. When you enter the island, you’ll soon realize how everyone runs on island time with a laid-back vibe and demeanor. Whether you decide to fly in or take the ferry from the Cape, we encourage you to dig your toes in the sand on one of the many beaches or explore the six small towns throughout the island. Before you depart, don’t forget to snap some photos in Oak Bluff with the gingerbread-style cottages as your backdrop and snag a Black Dog shirt for memories. 

4. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

When we think local vacation, we think Cape Cod. This classic Massachusetts peninsula is the perfect place to indulge in the laid-back vibe of vacation any time of year. Boasting over 40 miles of coastline, this is the perfect place for the beach lover to soak up the sea. With nightlife, restaurants, art galleries, and museums sprinkled amongst the small towns, there is sure to be something for everyone in your group. Our don’t-miss summer option? Go on a whale watch to explore the ocean. For fall we encourage you to immerse yourself in the local art that can be found at many art galleries throughout the area.

5. The White Mountains

Classified as a protected national forest, the White Mountain range extends through parts of both New Hampshire and Maine. The perfect destination for fall-time leaf-peeping or winter sports, it is a great place to get away and not too far from other major cities or neighboring states. In the summer, the hiking trails in the White Mountains are plentiful and robust. In the winter, you can shred some slopes on the best mountains in New England. Our suggestion? Make it to the summit of Mount Washington by car in the fall to enjoy some of the most scenic views you will ever capture. 

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a week’s long vacation close to home, there are a multitude of options in the area. From family-friendly day trips to the perfect spot for a girl’s trip or a local honeymoon, New England has a little of something for everyone that can accommodate the changes of the season. If you’re new to the area and hoping to find out more about the best local spots, or in search of the perfect home in one of these glorious destinations, we can help. Send us a message or give us a call today.

The Benefits of a Home Inspection

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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!

Real Estate in Hamilton, Massachusetts

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Hamilton/Wenham is great for families and nature-lovers. And I think The Musary music instrument lending library is one of the coolest things I’ve ever heard of!

It’s no wonder Hamilton/Wenham has been rated as one of the best places to live in the area.

Let’s talk about finding you and your family a home in Hamilton/Wenham!

Get in Touch

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE GREAT PLACES TO LIVE IN BOSTON’S NORTH SHORE

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

Homes for Sale in Atkinson, New Hampshire

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Ahhh, Atkinson! It’s sometimes called the best suburb to live in New Hampshire, and with good cause! Atkinson is well situated, with access to several major cities, the beach, and world-class hiking.

Watch the video to learn more!

Interested in finding real estate for sale in Atkinson, New Hampshire? Let’s Talk!

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE GREAT PLACES TO LIVE IN BOSTON’S NORTH SHORE

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

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How to Move with Kids like a Pro

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Moving with kids takes a special approach.

Parents often consider school districts and distance from schools before deciding on a neighborhood to settle in.

Families usually need a bit more space. Nationally, average buyers with kids purchase 2,100-square-foot homes with four bedrooms.  Buyers without kids buy smaller, 1,750-square-foot homes with three bedrooms.

Moving is tough on kids – there’s packing, saying goodbye to friends, and starting at a new school.  (But there’s also lots of information about how to make moving as easy as possible for kids.)

Working with a realtor who knows the area – and loves kids! – will make a difference.  If you’re considering making a home in the North Shore, we should talk!

Check out some of my other blog posts:

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@mauraallardrealtor

The Truth about Zillow

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“Zillow says my home is worth a million dollars!”

Zillow is a wonderful and powerful tool and has changed the way people buy and sell houses, for many reasons I like Zillow.  One reason I dislike Zillow is when I am contacted to sell a house and at my first meeting I’m greeted with the happy seller’s Zestimate as their listing price.  Zillow can not see inside your house. If you have not updated the avocado green bathroom and still have the 1970’s paneling — Zillow doesn’t know this!  If all of the houses in a mile radius that have recently sold have granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, finished basements, new roofs, and maintenance-free decks while your home is still stuck in the 1970s, it is more likely not worth what Zillow’s Zestimate is stating.  The same case can be made if all the houses in your neighborhood that have recently sold have not been updated and your house has just undergone 50K in renovations. This means your house could be worth more than Zillow’s Zestimate. WIN!

A Realtor’s Perspective

A Realtor takes the time to pull similar home sales within your area and adjust the price up or down based on:

  1. style of home
  2. square footage
  3. lot size
  4. general overall condition

 Your Realtor then can provide you with a solid price range to list your house. The listing price is your decision.

Advice to keep in mind.

Look at your Zestimate but keep an open mind when meeting with your Realtor as to where to price your home. The goal is to sell for the highest price in the shortest amount of time!

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