Andover’s Shawsheen Plaza Market Basket closed on Saturday.   During my last visit I couldn’t help but reflect on the thousands of times I shopped at that market.  I knew every shelf by memory and the employees were all familiar faces.  I’ve lived in Andover 27 years, so my trips to Andover’s Market Basket have evolved from purchasing baby foods and juice boxes to marshmallow fluff, Cheerios, popcorn and peanut butter and now my empty nester’s produce and yogurts!  Where else do you run into old friends and neighbors but in your local supermarket? Oh I’ll still shop at the other Market Basket locations, but like all real estate, location counts.  Stop and Shop will open in Shawsheen Plaza in October.  I’ll be learning to navigate new aisles and meeting new faces and with luck and good timing I’ll continue to run into my same old friends and Andover neighbors when I run in for fresh bread and milk!

Statistics show that around 5% of reported identity theft case victims are children. The reason your child is a target is because the crime will very likely go undetected for years. Most do not realize it until they are in college and apply for their first credit card, and find then that they have been victimized. Take heart, there are many ways to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Here are some of them:

• Create a list of every credit card number and bank card that you keep in your wallet.
• Never keep your social security card or any information with your social security number on it in your wallet.
• Never give out any private information on your e-mail.
• Cease all bank and credit card mailings.
• Always reconcile your bank statements and go over your credit card statements. Some thieves start small, to find out who pays attention.
• Keep your car registration and car insurance together in a closed envelope, hidden away in your car. Be sure to always lock your car.
• Try never to use a public computer for business use or to make a purchase.
• Memorize your ATM pin, and make sure no one is standing nearby when you use your ATM card.
• Never save financial information on your cell phone.
• Never apply for a job on-line, unless the employer has a verifiable address.

1. Cleaning and de-cluttering
2. Lightening and brightening
3. Home staging
4. Landscaping

According the the National Association of Realtors, on average, home equity accounts for 60% of a family’s net worth.  Also, the National Association of Realtors, historical data shows that home values nearly double every ten years.  With that in mind the current market screams with opportunities for home buyers. Because prices and the supply of homes for sale varies from neighborhood to neighborhood and town to town, feel secure knowing that I have the most up to date information about the real estate market conditions  Andover, North Andover, Boxford and surrounding communities.  Sign up for free market updates or see what homes in your neighborhood have sold for recently.  I value your trust in me and look forward to helping you with all of your real estate needs.

As we approach one of our country’s most historic elections in our nation’s history I hope you’ll all get out and vote for the candidates of your choice.  At the heart of this election is the crisis in housing–a crisis that effects each of us in many ways. Our elected officials have enormous power to shape our economic futures and our American dream of home ownership.  What better reason to make your voice count? With that in mind I’m passing along these “Top 10 Voter Tips” published by MassVote.org! 

Without a doubt we are living in an extraordinary  information age. Media reports, statistics, advertising and market data are all truly at our fingertips.  The key is understanding how all of the market reports, trends and mortgage options impact your unique personal, financial and family needs.  Like all major financial decisions it’s important to have advise and knowledge you can depend upon. As a REMAX agent with expert knowledge of the Andover, North Andover and Boxford real estate markets I can help you find the facts you need to make a wise home buying decision. In my decade of experience helping both buyers and sellers with their real estate needs I understand that no two home buyers or sellers are alike.  Please contact  Paulette Zuena, to learn  how I can help you find the home that’s right for you.

I just returned from a few days off and once again was reminded of the amenities and lifestyle we enjoy here in New England.  After considering many possible trips and tourist destinations, we decided to stay close to home after all.  It was a wise decision.  With less than 2 hours driving time we were able to enjoy so much of what summer in New England has to offer.  After celebrating the local July 4th activities we spent a few days at a mountain lake in New Hampshire enjoying swimming, boating and hiking.  We then made a quick stop back in Andover and headed back on the road.   Once again with an easy 2 hour drive,  we arrived on  the spectacular Rhode Island coastline.  We enjoyed  beautiful beaches, local seafood, some golf and a little tennis.  We watched others enjoy fishing, sailing and kayaking. New England truly  is a very special place and here in Andover, North Andover and Boxford Massachusetts we  are in the heart of all the region has to offer. Choosing a home and a place to live is more than just  real estate, houses and rooms.  It’s important that your home suits your lifestyle and is a place your entire family will enjoy.  If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Andover, North Andover, Boxford or any other nearby town, give me call or email me at Paulette.Zuena@REMAX.net.  I’ll be happy to help you suit your home to your lifestyle!

The news reports certainly paint a discouraging picture of the housing market.  Even if we’re not currently considering a move, for many of us our homes are our single most valuable asset.   I believe that is one reason the health of our nation’s housing market is so important to us.  I also believe that it is also the reason the news outlets broadcast reports daily.  For most Americans owning a home truly is the American dream.  Consider this– forecasting national housing market trends is similar to forecasting the national weather. Just like the weather, real estate is local.  Did you know, for example, that while the total number of single family homes sold in Andover and North Andover this year compared to the same time period last year is fewer the median sales price of homes sold in Andover is holding steady at $550,000 and has increased from $494,000 to $500,500 in North Andover?   For the best local and up-to-date information on your neighborhood contact me. I can help you sort through the conflicting news reports and help you determine the true value of your home or home purchase.

 School’s out for summer and all across Andover and North Andover children and adults alike are enjoying vacation and outdoor fun.  The recent flooding in the midwest and the official start of hurricane season remind us that accidents and storms can happen at any time.  Perhaps that’s why June is National Safety month!  My wish for you is to enjoy your summer and please stay safe. Consider these valuable first aid and emergency safety tips. 

 "BIG MAX," the official RE/Max Hot Air Balloon took flight under blue skies this first day of summer 2008!  Visitors quickly gathered to enjoy tethered rides at Smolak Farms annual Strawberry Festival.  Procedes will benefit the Fund for Arts in Education in the North Andover Public Schools. Paulette Zuena and ReMax Partners in Andover, MA sponsored the event. Children and adults of all ages enjoyed juicy strawberries, hay rides and  sunny weather to celebrate the new season.  If you missed this event—join Paulette again on the 4th of July where the ReMax Balloon will again take flight in conjunction with the Town of Andover’s annual Pancake Breakfast and Horribles Parade.  For more information about how Paulette Zuena and ReMax Partners support local charities please contact Paulette.  She’d love to hear from you. ENJOY MORE SPECTACULAR PHOTOS OF ANDOVER’S REMAX HOT AIR BALLOON.