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I confess, I’m happy there wasn’t much snow on the ground this morning in Andover and North Andover…..and I’m even happier that I have a flat driveway at my home.  Still, winter is officially beginning today, the winter solstice, and I’ m reminded of the importance of keeping your driveways and sidewalks as clear as possible if … Continue reading If your home is on the market you gotta clear the snow!

I woke up the other morning with a sore arm and elbow.  The sensation was similar to a feeling you have after you start a new exercise program.  The soreness caused me to pause because I do exercise regularly and hadn’t started a new routine.  I concluded that my sore arm wasn’t the result of my … Continue reading Is there such a thing as shopper's elbow and what does that have to do with real estate?

With December comes snow and the Town of Andover has a new snow emergency parking ban.  During a snow emergency there will be no parking allowed anytime on any Andover street.  Drivers who ignore the new rule risk fines and towing–at the owner’s expense.  Be careful out there!

As Ben Franklin wisely noted, “But in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”   Yes, Andover homeowners can look forward to a property tax increase in 2011.  At their November 22 meeting the Andover Board of Selectman set the 2011 residential tax rate at $14.17  per thousand property value.  … Continue reading Andover Real Estate Taxes Going Up Again in 2011

If you’ve added an energy efficient product or completed an energy efficient home improvement you may be eligible for a $1500 Federal tax credit when you file your 2010 Federal tax return.  If you’re considering such a purchase don’t wait!  Qualified purchases and installations must be completed before December 31, 2010 to be eligible.  If you’d like … Continue reading Are you eligible to receive a $1500 Federal Tax Credit?

The 2010  National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers shows that the vast majority of home buyers and sellers see owning property as a good long term investment.  Even after years of price declines, home owners who have owned their homes for 8 years realized a median equity gain of 24%.  Home owners who … Continue reading Survey shows long term value of home ownership

I’m learning a new skill…Bikram Yoga.  A friend of mine convinced me to try it.  While I’m finding it to be very challenging  I’m also noticing that each session and each instructor  teaches me something new. Thus, over time my technique and my understanding of a posture improves in some small way.  Have you ever noticed that when you read a … Continue reading Some thoughts on yoga, real estate and other skill sets

Recipe for success! Take one neat and clean –really, really clean- 3 bedroom, 1 bath ranch with sparkling hardwood floors , fireplace, partially finished basement, 2005 gas furnace, fenced yard (fence 2004), 25 year shingled roof installed 1998, add your own style and updates, new appliances (seller to credit buyer $1500 for new appliances) , … Continue reading Open House North Andover Ranch

I was showing homes in Andover, North Andover and Boxford to a prospective buyer today.  One of the homes we visited was listed as a 4 bedroom home with 4 full baths.  It should come as no surprise to home sellers– and real estate agents for that matter– that buyers do count rooms, especially bed … Continue reading Selling your home? Over exagerating your home's features may backfire.

I visit many homes in Andover and the surrounding communities with finished basements.  Many of those basements have sleeping areas.  Sadly, I often come across basement areas that do not have an emergency exit.  Image a fire or similar emergency blocking the one and only exit from the basement—especially in the middle of the night when response time may be delayed! There … Continue reading Make sure your finished basement has an emergency exit