About Norfolk County, MA

For quite possibly the first time this winter, a cold spell has embrace New-England. Last year; at this this time, we had received over 71 inches of snow. So far this year, we are lucky if we have shoveled 7 inches of this white fluffy stuff.

My dog Salty has been waiting like all of us. But there is a good side to these ups and downs of New-England weather, nothing stops us from going outside and enjoy whatever Mother Nature is throwing at us… Hot or cold, rain or snow, take your dog outside for fifteen minutes today and have fun. Breathe some fresh air. Football season is over. Might as well make the most of this cold sunny Sunday! Enjoy!

One comment on my post this morning asked how one finds “quality listings.” My opinion is that “every listing” has potential to be a quality listing. If a listing comes on the open market with any description other than “quality” it’s the fault of the listing agent.

The listing agent is the leader; the guide; the captain of the team, and it’s the listing agent who needs to make sure the seller follows the rules of the game that are required to deliver a “quality home” to market.

The seller must follow the Market Analysis provided by the agent that pinpoints the proper price range for marketing; the seller must declutter and allow a stager to give recommendations; the seller needs to provide curb appeal and maintain that state because “the eye buys” and first impressions are binding.

The seller must also make the home conveniently available for showings with a lockbox hanging on the door. The path of least resistance reigns with real estate agents. Accompanied showings in my area never work well. Agents will by-pass that listing rather than reinvent the wheel with appointments. Our appointments are more of a “range of time” rather than a particular moment in time.

These are just a few of the major requirements for a home to be labeled a “quality listing.” The burden is on the sellers to follow the direction of the potential listing agent to make their home a “quality listing.” To answer the initial question, it’s not difficult to find “quality listings” if the listing agent insists upon a plan of action and the seller follows those instructions.

Ridge Hill, Bradley Estate, Needham, MA

Credit Greg Abazorius

Have you ever wanted a place to go and get away from the noise of life without driving a long distance? Well we have it here in Needham and that is Ridge Hill, named that because there is a glacier there. This part of Needham was once where the wealthy of Boston came to summer. The beautiful piece of land is home to many animals, plants, grasses and it is so beautiful. There are many trails within the large parcel of land too.

Link to trails at Ridge Hill: http://www.needhamma.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=2350

Often I go there to set and think, meditate, plan and just get away from the noise of life. I am only 3 miles east of that sweet spot. We are so fortunate of have this lovely land to share as a community.

Here are two links to some history about this site which was part of a much large parcel of land. It provides for an interesting true story of this area of Needham and a man named William Emerson Baker (no relation).

http://www.boston.com/yourtown/needham/articles/2010/04/08/little_remains_of_19th_century_eccentrics_wondrous_estate_in_needham/?page=2

http://greisnet.com/needhist.nsf/bakerestate!OpenPage

Special thanks to the League of Women Voters who hosted a wonderful informative evening on the Ridge Hill property at the Needham Public Library.

Once the Bradley Estate, the town originally purchased 222 acres in 1972 and put it under the oversight of the Conservation Commission. Through additional acquisitions, the reservation now includes 360 acres of uplands, trails and access to the Charles River.

Until recently, the Bradley Morse house was open for public use. The Selectmen have been responsible for the house and the surrounding 3 acres since the Massachusetts legislature allowed that parcel to be separated from the rest of the reservation land.

Now the way I see it is how can we rehab and preserve the house, garage, and other buildings. It will be costly and could be a few million to rehab but it would be a shame not to. If you love history and architecture like I do you understand what I am talking about. Along with the wonderful acreage is these buildings and how can we do it. I will have my thinking cap or and I hope others will too and put our collective ideas together and and find a way to pay forthe rehab of this buildings.

The link below describes the Ecological Management plan.

http://ma-needham.civicplus.com/DocumentView.aspx?DID=3927

My Deal of the Week can be found in Bellingham, Mass.

This charming cape offers an attached Au Pair suite along with four bedrooms located in the main house.

The warm updated country kitchen features recess lighting, a cathedral ceiling and skylights. The living room offers a fireplace with hardwood floors (under the wall to wall carpet). You will be very pleased to see the size of the first floor bedrooms.

Can you see the possibilities here? The attached unit could be ideal for a multi generation apartment or the location could be perfect for a "Home Office". Whatever your needs may be. You will find a kitchen, a full bathroom and two rooms, all with hardwood floors. This house sits on three quarters of an acre near the center of town. Don't wait if you need space as this could be THE one!

Deal of the Week offered at only $249,900! Call today to schedule your visit!

If you are working with an agent, mention MLS #71209930

It seems that agents everywhere are experiencing a surge of business. There are fewer active listings on the market; an increase in pending sales and more homes scheduled to close in the near future. We need to take advantage of this positive time.

No one knows how long it will last, and I’m sure once the election is over we’ll see some changes. Unemployment is the main culprit, and until that improves, don’t think this real estate market is rallying. This stream of business is temporary, and if we think of it as temporary, we’ll hustle to capture as much as possible. We will also market more than ever to make our phones ring more frequently.

Of all of the many topics to post online, the most effective at this time would be market reports. Show potential homeowners that this is the prime time to sell your home. Encourage them to ride that wave before it breaks. Post the latest facts about your community, and offer a "Free Market Analysis" with every market report for those who are thinking of selling in 2012.

Timing is everything in real estate and homeowners, along with potential home buyers, should be inspired to call and discuss their options. The market reports will make your phone ring. Show them that you know the market. People like to do business with knowledgeable, successful people.