Buying a Home • August 6, 2023

Contemplating a 55+ Community?

by Sean Harris

Making the decision to move to a 55+ adult living community can be a big one with a lot of factors to consider. Are you looking for an active lifestyle with loads of amenities and opportunities for social connection or a quiet place to relax without a lot of distractions? While there are many benefits, it’s important to ask the right questions so you can determine if the neighborhood fits your vision of the future.

The Atmosphere

If you enjoy using the pool, gym or sports facilities in a more adults-only environment – with perhaps only a few sporadic encounters with grandchildren – then a more peaceful 55+ community may be the right fit. But if you are very active and social, a community with walking clubs, bocce ball tournaments, pickle ball courts and happy hours by the pool will provide more opportunities to meet your neighbors and establish a group of friends.

Maintenance-Free Landscaping

Lawn and yard upkeep can become a pesky, cumbersome task, especially as you age. If you enjoy not having to worry about sprucing up the outdoors and making decisions on shrubbery and plants, then a 55+ development with full landscaping services will be appealing. However, if gardening and landscaping is your thing and you love a good outdoor DIY project, a 55+ community may be too restrictive. Read the fine print to understand exactly what your responsibilities are, and what can and cannot be done in your yard.

The Active Lifestyle

With neighbors so close in the community, you may enjoy the friendly, interactive side – especially if you are a social butterfly and enjoy partaking in events, classes, clubs or holiday-themed activities. You may want to examine any clubhouse costs or dues and determine if it is worth it so you are able to take full advantage of these mingling opportunities.

Considering these circumstances with your needs and desires can help you understand if a 55+ community is the right move for you and get you on the right path to discovering the best development.

JENNIFER MCGUIRE https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/contemplating-a-55-community/

Andover, MA Home

North Andover, MA home

Methuen, MA Home

Tewksbury, MA Home

North Reading, MA Home

Reading, MA Home

Lowell Home, MA Home

West Boxford, Boxford, MA Home

Haverhill MA Home

Wilmington, MA Home

Burlington, MA Home

Home Decor • August 1, 2023

5 Tips for Adding Fall Accents to Your Home

by Sean Harris

As the days grow shorter, it’s time to bring fall’s warm and inviting hues into your home. Embrace the season’s vibrant colors to create a cozy atmosphere that celebrates autumn’s magic and reflects your tastes. But don’t be scared – adding an autumn look doesn’t mean completely overhauling your home’s interior design! Here are five simple and creative ways to incorporate fall decorations this year.

Cozy Throws and Textiles

Stylishly transition your home from summer to fall by updating your living room and bedroom with new throw pillows, blankets and bedding. For a lush pop of fall color, choose heavier fabrics in rich, deep colors like burgundy, mustard, chocolate and rust. Mix patterns with solids and velvets with flannel and fake furs for a chic, boho look.

Candles and Diffusers

Don’t just change what you see around your home, but also what you smell. Light cinnamon- and vanilla-scented candles and tea lights on a rainy evening for some seasonal aromatherapy. For flame-free options, look to essential oils, incense and reed diffusers to add a festive pumpkin chai or autumn plum scent to the air.

Warm Lighting

Is it time to swap out some of your lighting? Create additional coziness with soft, warm-toned lighting for an effortless autumn glow. Warm white twinkle lights, fairy lights or a string of Edison bulbs can also add a fun and festive touch, inside or out.

Fall Artwork and Accessories

Display decorative items like ceramic vases, pottery and glassware in Earth tones of deep greens, oranges, and browns. To incorporate a bit of fall and stay up on the newest trends, add some stylish and quirky mushroom décor to your space. These accessories can quickly transform the ambiance of any room and create a fall-inspired aesthetic.

Rich and Colorful Table Linens

Autumn is also the season to bring colorful plaids, checkered prints and velvet-trimmed accessories to your dining room. Indulge in layered linens, different textures and an eye-catching mix of dark and light colors. Try blending a deep forest green tablecloth with a taupe velvet runner and moss-colored linen napkins. Play with colors and fabrics will bring depth and interest to your table this fall.

These easy fall decorating tips and accent ideas will create a warm and inviting atmosphere to welcome friends and family this season!

https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/5-tips-for-adding-fall-accents-to-your-home/ – JENNIFER MCGUIRE

Andover, MA Home

North Andover, MA home

Methuen, MA Home

Tewksbury, MA Home

North Reading, MA Home

Reading, MA Home

Lowell Home, MA Home

West Boxford, Boxford, MA Home

Haverhill MA Home

Wilmington, MA Home

Burlington, MA Home

Selling a Home • August 1, 2023

First Impressions Matter – Get Your Home Market Ready

by Sean Harris

If you are considering selling your home, there are several things you can do now to make the best first impression on potential buyers. Taking the time to declutter, deep clean and make simple repairs will show buyers that your house and property are well-maintained and ready for a new owner.

Increase Curb Appeal

A clean and attractive exterior is crucial, as it creates a positive first impression and sets the tone for the rest of your home. Spruce up your outdoor space by removing overhanging tree limbs and branches, applying a fresh coat of exterior paint, mowing the lawn, adding plants or flowerpots, power washing, painting patio and deck areas and repairing or replacing damaged screens and doors.

Take Care of the Obvious

While grooming your outside space, you’ll need to address any glaring concerns. Check and fix loose or damaged roof shingles, bricks, wood and trim. Clean out septic systems to ensure your property is in top working condition. With these projects completed, you’ll also reduce maintenance stress while your home is listed.

Make the Interior Shine

Create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere by cleaning, decluttering and organizing your home, which shows buyers that there’s plenty of space. Freshen up your indoor areas by painting walls, removing outdated rugs or furniture, polishing kitchen appliances and deep cleaning hardwood floors, sinks, tiles and showers.

Remove the Clutter

You’ll also want to check that any clutter is cleared by organizing closets with shelves and storage bins, storing everyday items like paper and toys in cabinets and closets, and removing personal items like picture frames and your kid’s tee-ball trophies. While you’re thoughtfully arranging, you could take advantage of this opportunity to get rid of any paperwork that is no longer needed while gathering documents potential buyers may need to review in in a handy folder. These papers could include HOA information, appliance manuals, warranty information, records of repairs (especially if it involved electrical, plumbing or contractor issues) and the survey of your property.

By increasing the outdoor appeal, creating a warm, appealing indoor space and gathering all the information upfront before listing your home for sale, you’ll be well on your way to smooth, stress-free transaction – and seal the deal with a great first impression.

https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/first-impressions-matter-get-your-home-market-ready/ – JENNIFER MCGUIRE

Andover, MA Home

North Andover, MA home

Methuen, MA Home

Tewksbury, MA Home

North Reading, MA Home

Reading, MA Home

Lowell Home, MA Home

West Boxford, Boxford, MA Home

Haverhill MA Home

Wilmington, MA Home

Burlington, MA Home

Buying a Home • Selling a Home • August 1, 2023

You Could be in a New Home for the Holidays

by Sean Harris

Have you been dreaming of selling your home, buying a new one and moving in before the holidays? This scenario is actually fairly common and totally doable. A knowledgeable agent can guide you through the process, negotiate the best terms and get you into a new home – all in time to celebrate with family and friends. Here’s how you can get started.

Understand the Market

Although spring and summer are considered peak buying and selling season, you can still snag a great deal during fall and winter months – if you have a good handle on your local market. Your agent is an invaluable resource for information on current inventory, comparable properties, average home prices and median days on the market. Once you know where you stand, you can weigh the options and make smart decisions.

Prepare Your Home for Listing

Now is the time to do a careful review of your property and determine if any repairs or upgrades are needed. Your agent can provide a list of trusted vendors, tradespeople, and contractors to take care of larger tasks while staging your house for broad buyer appeal, arranging professional photography, and marketing your home for maximum exposure.

Get Ready to Move

To further prepare your home for the market, you want to start decluttering and depersonalizing by boxing up items for donation or storage. You can make this process manageable by targeting one room at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be one step closer to the big move.

Evaluate Your Finances

Taking a realistic look at your financial situation is crucial to determining the size and location of the home you want to purchase and if you need to sell your current home before buying. Your agent can connect you with a reputable lender who will walk you through the available loan options. Having a good understanding of your finances will also ease any stress you may be feeling.

Find Your New Home

To help narrow down the search, create a wish list, prioritize your “must-haves” and check out homes for sale on coldwellbanker.com or in person with your agent. While viewing properties, imagine living there. Is the dining space large enough for Thanksgiving dinner? Do you have somewhere to hang your stockings? How will your holiday lights look to neighbors passing by? If you feel that emotional connection, you know you’ve found the one.

So, is it possible to buy and sell before the holidays? The answer is yes. By working closely with a skilled real estate professional, you can set a timeline, plan out your strategy, and ring in the new year in your new home.

https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/you-could-be-in-a-new-home-for-the-holidays/ – JENNIFER MCGUIRE,

Andover, MA Home

North Andover, MA home

Methuen, MA Home

Tewksbury, MA Home

North Reading, MA Home

Reading, MA Home

Lowell Home, MA Home

West Boxford, Boxford, MA Home

Haverhill MA Home

Wilmington, MA Home

Burlington, MA Home