Thursday, July 29 Andover’s Memorial Hall Library will be hosting it’s 5th Annual Vehicle Night from 6-7:30PM. Vehicles from the department of public works and the fire and police departments will be available for viewing and visiting in the library parking lot. What do trucks have to do with Andover Real Estate?  Choosing where to live has as much to do with choosing lifestyle as it does with choosing a homestyle.  The activities and amenities a community has to offer are important factors in deciding where to live.  Many residence of Andover choose to live here because of the activities and services provided for our children both in and out of the classroom.  Vehicle night is just one more example of the fun family activities we enjoy here in Andover.  And be honest…haven’t you ever wondered what it would be like to drive a big red firetruck?

It’s that fun time of year again!  I’m so thankful to live in this country.  I hope you will take some time this Independence Day to celebrate our treasured heritage with family and loved ones.  Remember always how blessed we are, how important it is to protect our freedom and to give thanks to those who came before us and sacrificed much to leave us the legacy and lifestyle we enjoy today.  To help you enjoy your 4th of July Holiday, here is a list of local holiday events, activities and of course Fireworks!

Andover

Fourth of July Celebration

Saturday, July 3

Fireworks at dusk, Andover High School, Shawsheen Road

Sunday, July 4

Family Fun, the Park, corner of Bartlet and Chestnut streets

8-11 a.m.: Pancake breakfast

8-9:30 a.m.: Live jazz

9 a.m.: Line-up for Horribles Parade

9:30 a.m.: Horribles Parade

10-11 a.m.: Monkey & Me Entertainer

10-11:30 a.m.: games & prizes for the kids

10:30-noon: Live music with Middlesex Concert Band

North Andover

July 3:       Fireworks Middle School 9PM

July 3:  12-9 PM      Town Common in Old Center with family picnic, music by Russ McQueen, beer and wine tent, 5-8 p.m.

July 4:   8-11 AM      Pancake Breakfast

July 4 :  Noon-9PM   Town Common      Food, children’s games, crafters and display tents, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; doll carriage and bike parade, pony rides, beer and wine tent, starting at noon.

Home Buyer Workshop on April 26 2010 When:  April 26   7-9 PM

Where: Memorial Hall Library, Andover, MA

Home Buyer Workshop on April 26 2010

Come join Jim Wilde of the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership, Beth Phelan of Enterprise Bank, Lisa Schwarz Andover Senior Planner, Attorney Scott Lakin and myself Paulette Zuena of REMAX Partners to learn about home buying opportunities in Andover and the surrounding region. Learn about the steps to buying a home, how to qualify for a mortgage and get legal and real estate advice from local experts.  Best of all it’s free.

Print your invitation, and forward this to a friend!  Hope to see you there!

One of the signs of the active real estate market here in the Andover area is that we often see multiple offers on a home listed for sale.  Yes, that’s correct…multiple offers!  If you’re selling a home that’s a nice feeling.  For buyers it’s a different feeling.  Some buyers are tempted to retreat….fearful of competing with other buyers–fearful of paying too much for a home—fearful of engaging in a ”bidding war.”   Others are tempted to jump into the competition and make a needlessly high offer.  My advise to buyers in this situation is to study the market with your Realtor.  If the home suits your needs , is in your price range and is to your liking….make an offer.  But make an offer based on a careful analysis of the market.  Your Realtor can show you what similar homes have sold for in the  neighborhood or in the Andover area in recent months.  Make your offer based on that analysis….not based on what the competing offer(s) may be.  Remember also that there are other points to consider in preparing and negotiating an offer.  Financing criteria, closing dates, and escrowed payments are other important points your Realtor can negotiate  on your behalf.  The offer that is ultimately accepted may not be the one offering the highest price.  To learn more about buying a home here in the Andover area  contact Paulette Zuena at REMAX Partners, Andover, MA.

Flood waters in Andover Subside

The sun is shining again today and for most of us that is a welcome sign of relief.  Many homeowners are still cleaning up, drying out wet basements, and beginning to assess the damage to their homes.  While Governor Patrick declared a “State of Emergency” this weekend, that declaration does not mean that the state will provide financial assistance to cities and towns or homeowners affected by the disaster.  Rather, the law authorizes the governor to take measures to protect our  health and safety.   There are areas in Andover and the Merrimack Valley which are prone to flooding during heavy storms like the one we just experienced.  Your buyer agent will guide you through your home search and help you learn about your new neighborhood BEFORE you buy.

Tax Tips for Homeowners

It’s tax time and you’re probably gathering all of the forms and paperwork you’ll need to prepare your 2009 income tax return.  As a  homeowner you know that you are eligible for various tax deductions and tax credits.  Here are some tax tips that I hope will help my neighbors here in Andover and North Andover take full advantage of the tax benefits of home ownership.  Curious about what your home is worth?  Find out what homes are selling for in your North Andover or Andover neighborhood.

Reading today’s edition of the Boston Globe, I came across this comic strip by Terri Libenson….I thought it was a perfect commentary for the last day of winter break in Massachusetts communities!  Enjoy….

The end of winter break in the Andovers

Historic Andover Landmark

This stately residence boast an architecture and style unparalleled in the Andover area.  Truly unique and affordable, this Andover landmark showcases a stunning new ballroom and grand entry and foyer.   The new heating system, storage facilities, laundry, elevator and carpeting are among the fully insured improvements you’ll enjoy. Upstairs, soaring ceilings, spacious open living room  a bonus sleep/storage loft area welcome you home.  Deeded and guest parking and close to parks,schools,shops and transportation.  Offered at an incredible $139,900 and presented by Paulette Zuena, REMAX Partners, Andover, call for your personal tour or click here for more details.

I’m lucky, I have the opportunity to meet lots of great people in my business.  People come to the Boston area from all over the world.  If you’re lucky enough to live here you know that one of the best things about Andover and the Merrimack Valley is our proximity to Boston.  Everyone I talk with seems to love Boston and when I meet people from other parts of the country…even those who have yet to visit the area…they all seem to rank Boston as one of their favorite cities or they have Boston on their ”must visit” list.  Prevention Magazine in conjunction with the American Podiatric Medical Association and Sperling’s Best Places recently ranked Boston as the second best Walking City in America.  San Francisco was named the best while New York, Philadelphia and Chicago rounded off the top five. For those of us who live here are not surprised at all.  If you’d like more information about the Andover area log onto my website at YourPaulette.com or give me a call!