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.

One of the fun parts of my job is staying connected with the communities I serve and passing that information along.   Did you know you could shop online AND support the North Andover Youth Center at the same time? Click here for store listings.  Start your North Andover home search or sign up for  my free MLS Property Finder.

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

Your Vote Counts

I’ve been getting calls and emails all week from both campaigns asking for my vote in Tuesday’s special election.  Tomorrow I will cast my vote and I hope you will all do the same. This is an exceedingly important election – your vote will count!

Outdoor fun in Andover

No, the superbowl won’t be as much fun this year for local homeowners without the Patriots…but there still is plenty to do in Andover and North Andover on weekend afternoons.  Here’s one idea for outdoor winter fun. Did you know  you can rent or buy snowshoes or cross country skis at Moore and Mountain 3 Railroad Square, Andover.  Then enjoy some fresh air and exersize on one of our local  trails in Andover or North Andover.

It’s that fun time of year again!  I’m so thankful to live in a country where we shoot cannons and explosives into the night sky to celebrate our freedom and not to overthrow repressive governments and dictators.  Around the world there is unrest—Honduras, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan are just a few of the world regions where freedom and the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” are just a distant hope and dream.  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

July 3: Andover High School, 80 Shawsheen Road with performance by Middlesex Concert Band at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at dusk.

July 4: The Park, Bartlet Street, with jazz band concert at 8-9:30 a.m.; pancake breakfast (adults $5, children/seniors, $3; Horribles parade, 9:30 a.m.; children’s games, prizes and entertainment, 10-11:30 a.m.; Middlesex Concert Band, 10:30 a.m.-noon. 

North Andover

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

July 4: Town Common, 28th annual Merrimack Valley Striders Road Race starts 8 a.m.; food, children’s games, crafters and display tents, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; doll carriage and bike parade, pony rides, Rotary Club castle, beer and wine tent, starting at noon. Fireworks at North Andover Middle School, 9 p.m. Free parking and shuttle service from North Andover High to common, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

July 5: Town Common with Military Appreciation Day non-denominational service at 9 a.m. with Ulysses S. Grant re-enactor, crafters and display tents, 10 a.m.; dunk tank, pony rides at noon; vintage baseball, 3 p.m.; performance by Jazz Disciples, 3:30 p.m.; beer and wine tent, noon.

For many home buyers, a condominium offers an excellent lifestyle and an affordable alternative to buying a single family home. If you’re considering  buying a condominium in Andover or any other community, be sure to take time to find out everything you can about your condominium association. 

Before you buy, contact the condo board with the following questions. In the process, you’ll learn how responsive—and organized—its members are. Start by asking the condominium board  with the following 10 questions.

1.      What percentage of units is owner-occupied? What percentage is tenant-occupied? Generally, the higher the percentage of owner-occupied units, the more marketable the units will be at resale.

2.      What covenants, bylaws, and restrictions govern the property? What grandfather clauses are in place? You may find, for instance, that those who buy a property after a certain date can’t rent out their units, but buyers who bought earlier can. Ask for a copy of the bylaws to determine if you can live within them. And have an attorney review property docs, including the master deed, for you.

3.      How much does the association keep in reserve? How is that money being invested?

4.      Are association assessments keeping pace with the annual rate of inflation? Smart boards raise assessments a certain percentage each year to build reserves to fund future repairs. To determine if the assessment is reasonable, compare the rate to others in the area.

5.      What does and doesn’t the assessment cover—common area maintenance, recreational facilities, trash collection, snow removal?

6.      What special assessments have been mandated in the past five years? How much was each owner responsible for? Some special assessments are unavoidable. But repeated, expensive assessments could be a red flag about the condition of the building or the board’s fiscal policy.

7.      How much turnover occurs in the building?

8.      Is the project in litigation? If the builders or homeowners are involved in a lawsuit, reserves can be depleted quickly.

9.      Is the developer reputable? Find out what other projects the developer has built and visit one if you can. Ask residents about their perceptions. Request an engineer’s report for developments that have been reconverted from other uses to determine what shape the building is in. If the roof, windows, and bricks aren’t in good repair, they become your problem once you buy.

10.  Are multiple associations involved in the property? In very large developments, umbrella associations, as well as the smaller association into which you’re buying, may require separate assessments.

Reprinted from RealtorMagazineOnline with permission of the National Association of Realtors. Copywrite 2005. All rights reserved.

As your real estate consultant, I can help you find the answers to these and other important questions. So contact me anytime or search the MLS for condominiums.

With so much news about the financial markets it’s no wonder home owners are concerned about the value of their homes and home buyers are wondering if prices have stabilized or if further adjustments can be expected.  Wise investors have always understood that real estate has always been a local, long term investment .  The time to buy or sell a home is always about what’s right for you–not about the emotional highs and lows of the daily news.  Still, many people wonder when the national real estate market will begin to recover.  For an interesting perspective on this topic take a look at this recent  article by James Cramer published in the New York Magazine.

This mornings financial news is indeed disconcerting. With the bankruptcy  of Lehman Brothers, the failure of Merril Lynch and Hurricane Ike in the Gulf of Mexico it makes sense to take time to consider any major purchases carefully.  Buying or selling a home is without a doubt the largest single  financial decision most of us ever make.  This is why I believe it is even more important to have the best professional advise you can have at your finger tips.  Current real estate market conditions are extremely fluid. If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Andover, North Andover, Boxford or any of the surrounding communities here in Massachusetts, contact Paulette Zuena at REMAX Partners in Andover, for up to date real estate information and advice.

If you’re considering a home improvement project consider the latest trends in home fashion and design.  Take a look at some of these recent innovations in home design. 

Surfaces: Engineered stone is more affordable and less porous than granite.  Reflective glass tiles are becoming more popular than traditional ceramic tiles.

Flooring: Bamboo is tougher and more eco-friendly than wood flooring, but beware that low-cost versions risk warping. Concrete slabs are now retro-chic, along with exposed brick or steel in walls. Cork has become a hip, durable and quiet floor.

Home Automation Systems:  Household functions including lighting, climate control, personal computers, window coverings and home entertainment systems can be wired and controlled by a single on-site or off-site control system.

Garage Conversions:  Flooring, enclosed walls, lighting and furnishings can add usable living space and still provide for storage.  Purpose-specific spaces are also popular in other parts of the home.

Contact me, Paulette Zuena at REMAX Partners, Andover, MA  for more ways to improve the value of your home.

© 2008 Buffini & Company All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission