Tag Archive for: North Shore MA

The State of the Massachusetts Housing Market

May 11, 2022/in Housing /by Cara Chatellier

I’m getting a lot of questions about what’s going on with the market. And it’s a great question, with no one specific answer! The drastic increase in home prices we saw last year has had a great many impacts on the process of buying and selling, including the frequency of bidding wars and the amount of cash offers over the asking price. Though the high demand and low inventory remain heavily in play, the Massachusetts housing market is not expected to be as intense as last year’s.

For Buyers:

If you’re a buyer, it’s important to note that interest rates are inching up, and they will probably continue to inch up this year. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is now at 5.11%—the highest level since 2010. So what you could have afforded last fall or last summer is likely going to be different than what you can afford now. This means it is important to check in with your lender, get an updated preapproval, and know what you can afford. On a more positive note for buyers, the increase in interest rates has led to a decrease in homebuyer competition for the first time in six months. This will probably, in some cases, lower the amount of multiple offers and over asking bids we’ve been seeing.

According to Redfin, “The drop in homebuyer competition is one sign that the housing market is starting to slow down. Mortgage applications, home tours, and online housing searches are also declining, and more sellers are lowering their asking prices after putting their homes up for sale.”

Home Inspections:

Another trend I am seeing, which is good for you buyers, is an uptick in home inspections. I had a property in Salem a few weeks ago which got four offers; three of which had home inspections. Many people chose to waive home inspections in 2021 in order to get an upper hand in buying property, due to the immense competition they were facing from their fellow buyers. Getting a home inspection can protect a buyer not only from costly repairs, but from potentially major structural or safety issues hidden within a property. It is reassuring to see more home inspections being performed, as they can significantly benefit a prospective buyer. You can read more about the benefits of home inspections here.

For Sellers:

If you are looking to sell, it is important to note that pricing is still very competitive. Though the large imbalance of supply versus demand is starting to improve, we still have a shortage of housing up here on the North Shore. If a house is being priced appropriately relative to the market, sellers are continuing to get plenty of appropriate offers, many of them over asking. But, just like I said for buyers, that trend may be coming to a slowdown as interest rates tick up. If you’ve been on the fence, this may be the year to strongly consider selling your home while the market is still strongly in your favor.

Massachusetts Housing Market- In Summary

Although these tips are based on research and my personal experience as a realtor, we don’t know what interest rates will be next year, and we don’t know how inflation is going to impact this market. It is impossible to predict the housing market’s future with 100% accuracy, so it’s most important to base your decisions on your own financial state and needs.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell, getting in contact with a professional is a great first step. Please reach out with any questions you may have on the housing market, I’m happy to answer them to the best of my ability.

New Arrivals to the North Shore

April 20, 2022/in Community /by Cara Chatellier

We may be biased, but we believe that the North Shore has a lot to offer residents and visitors alike. From the sprawling coastline to the quaint towns intertwined throughout, the North Shore is a gem of a region outside of the big city of Boston, and if we’re being sincere, we are excited to see how much all the cities and towns are thriving here.

Each year there are various new businesses and events that are added to the cities and towns that make up the North Shore, bringing together a beautiful mix of old and new throughout the area.

We try our best to explore all of the small businesses in each town we visit to boost their local support and try new things. In 2022, the additions are no different, and we are excited for all the new businesses that have decided to plant their roots in the North Shore.

Let’s explore 5 new businesses we hope you’ll love and support on the North Shore this year.

Off Cabot Comedy and Events

(9 Wallis Street, Beverly, MA 01915)

This brand-new 150-seat comedy club is located in downtown Beverly and delivers all the laughs your belly can handle with a variety of comedy shows on their ever-changing lineup. With a full lineup of comedians spanning from April to October, there is sure to be a show that matches your comedic style. Explore upcoming shows here.

Delphine’s Kitchen

(261 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915)

Delphine’s Kitchen is where the magic of French food comes to life. Sloganed as “a touch of France in the heart of Beverly,” this quaint and delicious restaurant offers a wide variety of menu items sure to satisfy your entire family.

From sweet and savory crepes to specialty breads and signature drinks, the options are truly delightful.

The team at Delphine’s Kitchen prides itself on culinary creativity and positively impacting the Beverly community. They are open Tuesday through Sunday, and you may order in-person or online.

Flip the Bird

(A new location in Salem with established locations in Beverly, Swampscott & Danvers)

Flip the Bird opened its first location in Beverly in 2019. After a quick fan following to chase down their deliciously mouthwatering cuisine, they continued to open more locations throughout the North Shore, with the latest spot in Salem just opening its doors in 2022.

With an emphasis on fried chicken (hence the name “bird”), they offer a wide variety of chicken sandwiches, ribs, biscuits, and sweet treats. Not to mention the decadent sides like pasta salad and hillbilly caviar.

This is not your average fried chicken spot- it is a MUST try location for anyone who loves to enjoy casual food with a culinary twist and endless good vibes.

They are open daily, at most locations, from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Jolie Tea Company

(316 Derby Street, Salem, MA 01970)

Jolie Tea Company is a European-inspired retail tea shop and tea cafe located in Salem. Offering an extensive inventory of loose leaf tea from around the world and complimentary tea accessories and sweet treats, the afternoon tea experience is elevated with Jolie Tea.

According to them, customers range from “those interested in experiencing their first tea brew to those who we would describe as tea connoisseurs!” So, whether you’re a tea lover or looking to experience something new, Jolie Tea has you covered.

They are open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Beacon Restaurant and Bar

(123 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA 01945)

Led by Executive Chef Edgar Alleyne and his business partner, entertainment mogul Johnny Ray, The Beacon Restaurant and Bar in Marblehead is the perfect big-city restaurant in a quaint, coastal community.

The menu is a fun mix of culinary favorites with specials that will include tomahawk steaks and fresh seafood from the nearby shores.

The Beacon has the largest heated patio in town with oversized umbrellas, lounge seating, and a fire pit to keep you comfortable- the perfect setting for dinner on a crisp summer evening.

Offering piano bar music to accompany your meal on weeknights and weekends centered around dancing the night away with the area’s most popular live bands and DJs, there is sure to be an atmosphere fit for everyone to enjoy. The Beacon features renowned nationally-recognized acts, musicians, and comedians on special occasions.

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:00 pm to midnight, The Beacon is an ideal option for dinner and entertainment in town.

Whether you’re a North Shore native looking to support up-and-coming hot spots in town or new to the area searching for the best local gems, we’ve got you covered. Although real estate is our forte, we are here to help you explore, enjoy, and thrive in the North Shore for years to come.

Interested in calling this little piece of paradise home? We can help with that too. We suggest starting with our relocation guide. We can’t wait to support these new arrivals to the North Shore alongside you. Cheers!

North Shore, Massachusetts Relocation Guide

March 18, 2022/in Community /by Cara Chatellier

When it comes to finding a spot on the map with picturesque beach views, cozy snowed-in winters, a small-town vibe near a big city, and a community that provides support, togetherness, and an old-town feel, we couldn’t think of a better location than Massachusetts’ North Shore.

Whether you’re a native New Englander, current Massachusetts resident, or someone hoping to get their feet wet on the North Shore and are preparing for the big move across country, state, or town lines, our personalized relocation guide is sure to provide you with the inside scoop on exactly what makes this little, yet robust area of Massachusetts so wonderful.

Let’s explore all that the North Shore has to offer everyone.

First, what towns are part of the North Shore?

As prideful and experienced Bay Staters, we understand how hard it is to figure out precisely what towns and cities make up different regions of our small but mighty state. But, in short, the North Shore is considered the coastal region north of Boston and the New Hampshire border.

The North Shore is comprised of the following towns and cities in Massachusetts:

Amesbury
Andover
Beverly
Boxford
Danvers
Essex
Georgetown
Gloucester
Groveland
Hamilton
Haverhill
Ipswich
Lawrence
Lynn
Lynnfield
Manchester-by-the-Sea
Marblehead
Merrimac
Methuen
Middleton
Nahant
Newbury
Newburyport
North Andover
Peabody
Rockport
Rowley
Salem
Salisbury
Swampscott
Topsfield

What makes the North Shore so special?

Although there is so much to gush about when it comes to the beautiful North Shore region of Massachusetts, some of our favorite things include:

Location to the ocean
Proximity and commute time to Boston
The small-town family-friendly feel
Good schools
A plethora of activities for all ages year-round

A Bird’s Eye View Overview of Our Most Notable North Shore Towns

Beverly, Massachusetts

Boasting a top-rated school system, the most amazing options for dining, shopping, and activities for all tastes and styles, and a thriving downtown, Beverly is the perfect place to raise a family and plant your roots.

Just 26 miles north of Boston, it’s the ideal spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city while still being close enough to enjoy all it has to offer whenever you feel like it. Close to route 128 and housing its own airport, it’s great to travel to and from with ease.

Labeled the “Garden City,” Beverly has miles of glorious coastline, pristine public parks, and plenty of open space to enjoy all that the four seasons have to offer.

Salem, Massachusetts

Once considered one of the most important seaports in America, during the Puritan era, Salem has a wealth of history and stories to boot.

Most famous for the Salem Witch Trials and the endless amounts of Halloween-themed events and experiences, Same is a great place to enjoy various entertainment for all ages.

A coastal city where the U.S. National Guard was born, it boasts beautiful beaches and ocean views from what feels like all angles. A great spot to indulge in big-city experiences with small-town vibes.

Danvers, Massachusetts

Located on the Danvers River and a short ride to Boston, Danvers, Massachusetts, is the ultimate New England small town. With a sea of history and ties to the Salem Witch Trials, Danvers played an integral role in building on America.

Aside from its deep history, Danvers boasts top-notch public schools, delicious dining options, and quaint shopping choices in its downtown area.

If you’re a nature lover, Danvers is your oasis. With many open space and recreation opportunities, including a marina, Endicott Park, and a 4.3-mile rail trail that connects schools, downtown Danvers, parks, neighborhoods, and trails in the neighboring towns, there is no shortage of things to enjoy here.

Peabody, Massachusetts

In its early years, Peabody was known as the “leather capital of the world” due to the 91 facilities used to produce and process leather throughout the city. Like all North Shore cities, Peabody has a rich history tied primarily to the Puritan and Pilgrim eras. It also played a role in the Salem Witch Trials linked to neighboring towns.

Just a 30-minute drive from Boston, Peabody is the perfect place to plant your roots outside the city limits while feeling close enough to the action. This is especially important for those who plan to work or attend college in the city.

With around 55,000 residents, Peabody exudes a sense of community for all who live there.

Essential Resources for Relocating

Housing-Specific

Realtors:

If you’re hoping to secure your next home purchase on the North Shore, we’d be happy to help. With over 100+ 5 star reviews and thousands of homes sold over our long and rooted tenure in Massachusetts, we would love to help you find the home of your dreams in a neighborhood you love.

New Developments

Hoping to score a new build in the lovely city of Beverly? Stay up-to-date on the latest builds in our community before you plan your next move. Learn more here.

Moving Companies:

Although it would be great to grab your best friends and offer up some pizza and beer in exchange for a day or two of moving, we know from experience that moving companies make the process of packing and heading from one location to another a lot easier.

Some of our favorite local moving companies are:

Trowt Movers, in Beverly, MA, serving all of the New England area
Roy’s Moving, in Boston, MA, helping those throughout the Boston area pack and move their belongings with ease.

Lenders:

Without a solid lender, your dreams of owning a home in the North Shore are, well, just a dream. Don’t just opt for anyone. Instead, invest in a team with years of experience lending and helping families plant roots in the North Shore.

Our favorite team of lenders is located at Ross Mortgage & Drew Mortgage

Contact them today to start the process toward homeownership.

Interior Designers:

If you’re hoping to stage your current home to sell it for top-dollar or need assistance with interior design, Sheek Interiors is the answer you’ve been looking for.

Dining

Nothing makes a move easier than knowing you’ll be arriving at a spot with delicious eats, right? When it comes to dining on the North Shore, there are hundreds of mouth-watering options to choose from.

Check out some of my favorite local eats:

Crave – Located in Beverly, they pride themselves on offering “great food to go.” From breakfast sandwiches to cupcakes and coffee, there is something to satisfy everyone.

Tartine Kitchen & Eatery – Also located in Beverly, they create everything from breakfast to dinner items and specialize in tartines, open-faced sandwiches served on artisan bread.

Frank – Located on Rantoul Street in Beverly, this is the idealistic “farm to table” restaurant. They believe in sourcing their ingredients from local, sustainable farmers whenever possible.

Joe’s on a Roll When craving the best lobster in town, Joe’s, on Federal Street in Beverly, is the spot of choice. Their lobster roll paired with a bowl of their delicious chowda’ will lift your spirits and give you a taste of your favorite summer nights.

Wrapture if you’re looking for freshly made wraps or a bit of Mexican flair (think made-for-you burritos or tacos), then this is the place! Located on Cabot Street in Beverly, Wrapture uses fresh ingredients to please your palate.

Taste Buds Kitchen – If you’re looking for some variety in your meals, the new cooking club that Taste Buds just launched is perfect! They post new cooking videos every Tuesday and Thursday and are great for your entire family to participate in.

Pet options

A move is not complete without including our furry best friends, our pets.

Here are some of my favorite pet-friendly options to consider using after you move to the North Shore:

North Shore Dog in Danvers: an all-in-one spot for grooming, boarding, training, and daycare
All Paws on Deck in Marblehead offers the perfect spa experience for pets. Don’t take it from us, though, they’ve been rated #1 in the region since they opened.
Danvers Dog Park
Peabody Dog Park
Salem Play Area for Canine Exercise (SPACE)
North Shore Animal Hospital in Lynn
Baystate Animal Clinic in Danvers

Shopping

Whether you’re a self-proclaimed fashionista or just hoping to be close to good shopping options, the North Shore is not short on local businesses and unique shops.

Although my list could take up an entire page, some of my favorite local shops include:

Unpacked Living in Beverly is a sustainable market with options for home, beauty, baby, and pet is one-of-a-kind.
Copper Dog Books in Beverly is an independent bookstore that boasts many readworthy options for people of all ages. So unleash your inner bookworm in the heart of downtown.
Worthy Girl in Beverly is a feel-good way of shopping without breaking the budget while reducing your eco-footprint. This consignment shop is loaded with labels from various designs at an affordable price.
Oak and Moss is located in historic downtown Salem and perfectly combines home, plant, and gifting options for you or someone you love.

Entertainment

After a long week at the office, everyone deserves to relax and unwind with some good-heartedentertainment. Some of our favorite North Shore entertainment spots include:

Salem Cinema
Cabot Theater in Beverly
Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester
Salem Witch Museum
The Witch House in Salem
Waterpark of New England in Danvers

Parks & Beaches

Although there is a lot to brag about when it comes to North Shore living, we can’t say enough about the glorious beaches, expansive green space, and coastal elements of living with the Atlantic Ocean at your back door.

Some of our favorite beaches and parks include:

Castle Rock Park in Marblehead
Forest River Park in Salem
Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester
Independence Park in Beverly
Long Hill in Beverly
Lynch Park in Beverly
Millbrook Meadow in Rockport
Patton Park in Wenham
Plum Island in Newburyport
Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea
West Beach in Beverly

Not to mention all of the beautiful nature trails winding throughout the wonderful landscape all around us. We encourage you to check out:

Appleton Farms in Ipswich
Beverly Common Trail
Salem Rail Trail
Walk along Lothrop Street for beautiful ocean views and magazine-worthy homes
Walking by Endicott College for a dive into history alongside roaring ocean views

If you’re hoping to make the North Shore home, we want to be the first to offer you a warm welcome. We know that the journey to get here may feel long, but the joy of planting roots in such a vibrant and wholesome environment and community is worth everything. We can’t wait to help you acclimate to the world around you on the North Shore.

If you’re relocating to the North Shore and have questions, contact us directly, or join one of our groups:

NextDoor: Relocating to Beverly

Facebook: Relocate Beverly, MA

Meet the Team: Joanna Payne

January 18, 2022/in Community /by Cara Chatellier

Behind every great team is a passionate and driven operations manager who goes the extra mile to ensure all processes and procedures are in working order for a successful day, week, month, and year ahead.

We are thrilled to welcome our newest team member, Joanna Payne as our Real Estate Operations Manager. With years of experience, she will be an asset to our office, realtors, and clients for years to come. She will be our go-to person for clerical and administrative tasks while also being part of our hands-on and collaborative team meetings and plans.

We want you to get to know Joanna a bit more. So here are some interesting details we thought you should know.

What does an Operations Manager role entail with Maura Allard and Company?

An operations manager is responsible for supporting the day-to-day functions and assisting the manager and other team members with tasks to ensure the company functions efficiently.

Tell us a bit about your background.

Joanna has a long and prosperous history in operations.

She says, “I started working in an office setting when I was 13-years-old for my family’s business. I had an amazing mentor who taught me the ins and outs of how to manage and run an office, as well as all the best bookkeeping practices. I have always worked in some capacity as an assistant. I enjoy working with people and helping others.”

We couldn’t think of better experience to have around our clients and team.

Why were you drawn to the real estate industry?

The real estate industry is one of the most complex, yet prosperous markets in the world. Filled with people of different backgrounds, styles, and goals, there is so much to discover through a career in the field.

When asked why Joanna decided on the real estate industry, there is one word to describe it: intrigue.

She says, “Before I even worked in real estate, I always enjoyed researching the market or looking up a house that had a “For Sale” sign out front to see what it looked like inside. I liked to see a fixer-upper and imagine the possibilities or see an antique home and dive into all of its character.”

Being part of the real estate industry is to be part of a life-changing season in a person’s life. Joanna agrees and says, “When I started working in a real estate office, I enjoyed being a part of one of the biggest and most exciting transactions of a client’s life!”

Why did you decide to work with Maura?

Although Joanna has been working as an assistant for years, she found something special in Maura when she decided to look for a new job. So what made her make the switch? For her, it was simple. She says, “I really like Maura’s positive energy. She seems eager and excited for new possibilities, and I feel like I can learn a lot from her.”

To us, there may be nothing better than working in a space where you can share your skills and abilities while learning new and exciting things from others around you.

What does your dream home look like?

When we ask our clients what they’d love most in their dream home, we are often given a list of their must-haves that can, sometimes, fill an entire page (or two!). From the number of bedrooms and ideal square footage to location and features, there are so many things that they want to see come to fruition in their next real estate purchase. Rightfully so!

On the other hand, Joanna keeps it simple when she imagines her dream home. She simply states, “my dream home would be rustic, warm, cozy, and inviting!” Of course, we couldn’t think of anything more New England than that!

Give us 3 random fun facts about you.

We love to share fun and interesting facts about the people on our team. Here are three fun facts about Joanna:

She loves the snow and looks forward to a good snowstorm!
She likes to cook.
She can always be found listening to music and especially enjoys the 80’s.

We are so excited to welcome Joanna to our team. If you would like to learn more about Joanna, or other team members in the Massachusetts or New Hampshire market, contact us to set up a consultation today. We can’t wait to hear from you and help you turn your home dreams into reality.