Mindy's Real Estate News

Tired of picking up after your dog?

2011-10-21T21:37:00.008-04:00

Every dog owner knows that "cleaning up" after, pollutes the environment with sewage and plastic bags.
Hopefully in the first quarter of 2012, there will be a solution! Green and Eco-Friendly.

A welcome scoop for dog owners | Culture

The "AshPoopie"
What do you of this idea? Please share your thoughts.

Smells don't Sell

2011-10-15T21:27:00.007-04:00

If your home is on the market, curb appeal counts but so does scent. As soon as the prospective buyer opens the front door, they experience your home’s unique odors. It’s a first impression based on whether they experience a pleasing smell, or if something immediately turns them off. Don’t underestimate the importance of smell because you don’t get a second change to change a first impression.

Smoke and pet odors are the most important, but many times both homeowners and realtors forget about carpets and basements.

High traffic carpets can collect unpleasant smells. Sprinkle some baking soda on the carpet for a few hours and then vacuum up to remove the odor.

Both finished and unfinished areas located below street level are the place buyers know to take a whiff. The continual usage of a dehumidifier prevents odors from starting. If you have not been diligent about this, cut an onion in half, place it on a plate and leave it overnight in the basement. Remove and once the aroma dissipates it will smell fresh.

Never ever cover up odors with sprays, candles, or diffusers. Buyers will pick up right away on your deception and then be wondering what else you are hiding.

If a closet has been closed up for a while, the clothes can start to smell musty; the buyer opens it and is hit in the face with the smell of worn clothing and shoes. To remove the smell, you need to remove the bacteria. Do you know how to do this?

Share your idea and then I'll email you let you know!

2011-10-10T21:02:00.005-04:00

On my way home tonight I noticed the awesome Hunters Moon. Now that it’s dark, here it is through the trees outside my house. Can't wait to start photography class November 2nd!

Tax Free Weekend, Find out how energy efficient it is first!

2011-08-06T10:33:00.005-04:00

Need a new microwave, oven or TV? Take advantage this weekend and save on the tax. If your purchase for a few items together cost more than $2,500, you can pay for them individually.

Specific information
It's August and energy bills have gone way up. Wouldn't you would like your home to run more efficiently and less expensively?
Home energy providers, local retail equipment providers, equipment manufacturers and various local and national energy agencies have Websites such as energysavers.gov that offer videos and tutorials on what to look for and where to find it. Here are a few websites and resources to get you started:
Energystar.gov
Dailygreen.com
Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Energy.Gov

Save money and do it wisely at the same time!

Air Conditioning Equipment: Repair or Replace?

2011-05-24T13:52:00.002-04:00

Air Conditioning Equipment: Repair or Replace?

If you’re deciding whether to repair or replace central air conditioning equipment, assess the quality of your house’s ductwork and insulation first. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

South Natick at it's Best

2011-04-08T21:06:00.007-04:00

Come home to your own Natures Retreat!-click to see the details.
Have dinner in the screened porch and feel like your in a tree house.

Are you for Water?

2011-03-14T12:14:00.006-04:00

We all hear about taking shorter showers and turning the water off when we brush our teeth.
In Australia, I was given an hourglass sand timer and asked to try to limit my shower to 4 minutes! That's difficult.
This is National Fix a Leak Week.
Fixing a leak in a single family home can save almost 10% the yearly bill or more importantly, save an average of 10,000 gallons of water.

Do you have any leaks in your home? Share your story and others will let you know how they can help.

Search the Web & Donate to Charity?

2010-12-20T17:29:00.000-05:00

How many times a day do you search the web?

Once? Ten times? Probably more.

GoodSearch.com is a Yahoo powered search engine which donates about a penny per search to the user's favorite charity or school! Use it as you would any other search engine, but it turns the simple act of doing an Internet search into an act of doing good. And the pennies add up quickly. Just 500 people searching four times a day will earn approximately $7,300 a year! And, it doesn't cost the users a thing!You can add a charity if you don't see it listed, but I will be surprised if you don't. Think locally or worldly and donate today!

In addition, the sister site GoodShop.com has partnered retailers including Target, Apple, Macy's, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Gap, and others to donate a percentage of each purchase back to the charity or school of the shopper's choice (as well as provide thousands of coupons and free shipping offers).

I learned this today from Realty Times in an article called, Giving Back to Charity, One Search at a Time!

Giving to charity and the less fortunate is important to me and I hope it is to you also.

Will you change your search engine to this? If not, why?

Remodeling in 2011?

2010-12-13T10:35:00.000-05:00

Is it worth remodeling if I'm going to sell? I'm asked this a few times a week.

I like to give my clients the best return on investment [ROI] information available. Remodeling Magazine publishes their Cost vs. Value Report for the previous year, estimating average cost vs. remodeling projects.You can read the entire report here.Structural improvements like replacement windows and doors are top generators in the Boston area with decorative improvements like home office and sun room additions adding in less than 50% of their cost in value.

What are your plans to remodel in 2011?

The Power of being Positive

2010-12-09T10:25:00.000-05:00

Just read a friends post and he gets it!
http://brainconnect.wordpress.com/2010/12/09/yes-man/

The Green Blog - A Boston Globe blog on living Green in Boston

2010-12-08T20:29:00.000-05:00

Such controversy over the Cape Wind project. Do you think there will be controversy over this?

The Green Blog - A Boston Globe blog on living Green in Boston

Grateful People Are Happier-are you?

2010-11-23T22:01:00.000-05:00

Can you say off the top of your head, right now what you’re thankful for? If you can, please add it to the comment section below for those who need some helpful hints.
I just spend a few weeks in India and not only am thankful, but realize how good it makes me feel to help others. Is that selfish? I don’t know.
As we all get ready to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, I am personally reflecting on all I have to be thankful for in both my personal and professional live.

I have attached an article from today's Wall Street Journal entitled "Thank You No, Thank You" which really helped remind me of how important it is to be grateful. Did you know that when we pause to give thanks, we tend to improve our overall quality of life?
I am grateful for another beautiful day which brings an oppertunity to learn something new.

Energy Awareness Month/Habitat for Humaity

2010-10-08T14:07:00.000-04:00

Do you support Habitat for Humanity? I do and just in case you need something new for your home or condo:

In recognition of Energy Awareness Month, MasterCard and The Home Depot have partnered to build homes and encourage energy savings.

During October, 10 percent of the purchase price of every Energy Star-qualified appliance purchased at The Home Depot with a MasterCard will be donated to Habitat for Humanity. The program guarantees a minimum donation of $800,000 to Habitat, with a maximum of $1 million.

Visit: http://www6.homedepot.com/BuildHomes/index.html?cm_mmc=vanity-_-build_homes-_-sept10 for more information
Any ENERGY STAR Clothes Washer, Dishwasher, Freezer, or Refrigerator purchased with any MasterCard card from 10/1/10 - 10/31/10 qualifies for the donation!

Are Boston School Rankings Fairly Computed?

2010-09-02T16:45:00.000-04:00

Boston Magazine posted the "50 Best Public High Schools" but out of how many?
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/articles/best_schools_2010_the_rankings/ for article.
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/2010_public_school_district/index.html to see 50 Best.
I spoke with Jason at Boston Mag and it is 50 out of 161 schools that are in the eastern part of the state.
Do you think their rankings are computed fairly?

It's Labor Day, what are you waiting for?

2010-08-30T17:52:00.000-04:00

Are you waiting for the Spring Market to sell your current home? If you haven't heard, interest rates are at an all time low.

Do you think waiting for the spring to sell your home is a good idea because historically most homes sell then? Think again.

If or should I say WHEN interest rates go up, then it will be harder for buyers to afford your house. Their monthly payment will be more.

Stage, clean your window's and be the best house in your area within your price range.

Call me and I'll help you.

I met with my John Bannister today from Prospect Mortgage. Not only is it a great time to buy, but if you’re staying where you are, why not refinance?
https://www.myprospectmortgage.com/jbannister/
john.bannister@prospectmtg.com

The 80's are not stylish!

2010-08-26T13:20:00.000-04:00

Just like many of you, some of my home needs an update. My bathroom is right out of the 80's. Here is a really fun site for idea's: http://www.houzz.com/. View images submitted by interior decorators, architects, and those designed-minded and save them to your virtual idea book.

Dilbert, building Green?

2010-08-22T10:08:00.000-04:00

I always enjoy a little humor and hope you do too. WSJ published this on Saturday: http://tinyurl.com/25994ct .

It's been so hot and humid and before you know it, we'll be heating our homes! What could be better than saving money and reducing your impact on the environment? Not spending any money to find out how to do it! Mass Save offers FREE energy audits! No matter how you heat your home or condo, the 1 – 2 hour audit will give you many tips on how to save energy during the remainder of the summer to keep it cool and heating for the coming winter. It’s very helpful if you can have a year’s worth of your bills for all of your energy consumption for the past year. Not only will the auditor make suggestions, but they’ll also help you determine if you qualify for any rebates as well.

Have you had an energy audit? Did it help?

The Wind. His Potential is Ours

2010-08-16T10:15:00.000-04:00

How do you incorporate being green into your everyday life?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSrVKVGBAcE

Friday August 13, 2010

2010-08-13T11:03:00.000-04:00

I have always like the number 13 (in addition to other numbers). I don't think it's unlucky at all.

Turn it around and do something nice for someone today. Pass it forward.

Are you in hiding today?

Rain

2010-08-05T21:46:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I was on a boat and this was our view. This morning I thought about watering my wonderful garden and decided to wait. There is work being done to my street and I brought the workmen and police a large pitcher of ice water.

Biophilla is the concept that people want or need nature in proximity to where they live and work –literally the love of the natural world

The tire on my car went tonight and I don't care, I loved the day anyway and my tomatoes say thank you!
Take a look at your plants tomorrow and see how happy they are.
If they aren't then they may need a little more water.

Built cost effective Green Home

2010-08-01T10:26:00.000-04:00

Hard work and budgeting helped this family build a "LEED" rating home.

http://www.boston.com/yourtown/newton/articles/2010/08/01/porter_house_first_to_earn_leed_certification_in_holliston/

Single and Rich, where do they live according to Statistics

2010-07-30T14:30:00.000-04:00

Rich and Single? According to Money Magazine, Brookline ranks #2 and Newton #3 as affluent towns where there are an abundant number of single people. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2010/top25s/qualitylife/mostsingles.html
Best Places to live in the US, Newton came in #3 overall. Also #6 in the top earnings town category.

What’s your opinion?

Gorgeous & Unique, new listing

2010-07-12T14:44:00.001-04:00

Click below for virtual tour:

http://www.patinaphotography.com/site/Visual_Tours/Entries/2010/7/11_6_Nonesuch_Drive%2C_Natick%2C_Massachusetts.html

Unique, beautifully designed contemporary/colonial built with attention to detail and solid construction. Wonderful open floor plan featuring a great room with custom cabinetry & gas fireplace. Chef’s kitchen & gracious dining room accented with wainscoting & moldings. 1st floor master suite with gas fire place & gym/study. Upstairs-2nd family room & 3 generously sized bedrooms all with private baths & custom closets. Circular drive, 3 car gar. Ideal home for entertaining and famil living, cul-de-sac & commuters dream-Gorgeous! 6 Nonesuch Dr., Natick on the Weston line. MLS # 71107791

Bathroom Design Trends: Clean and Green

2010-07-07T21:13:00.000-04:00

The biggest bathroom trends are in the "green" categories – conserving water and energy.

Realty Times - Bathroom Design Trends: Clean and Green

Hotel using Wind Turbine

2010-07-06T11:10:00.000-04:00

Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitefield, New Hampshire.
I stayed here last week!
A major component of their commitment to use green energy came on line this past fall with the installation of this 121 foot wind turbine. This structure offsets a large portion of the resort's electricity.
Has anyone stayed in a hotel that is trying to be much more energy efficient other than not washing the sheets and towels every day?

Strawberry Moon

2010-06-25T20:35:00.000-04:00

June's Full moon is called
The Strawberry Moon – June The name was universal to every Algonquin tribe. Although in Europe they called it the Rose Moon. Also because the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries comes each year during the month of June . . . so the full Moon that occurs during that month was christened for the strawberry!
Enjoy your strawberrys.

Oil Heat? Do you know the new law?

2010-06-24T12:07:00.000-04:00

New law: July 1 for those with oil heat.Not only is complying with the new law required, it makes good financial and environmental sense. Homeowners who take these preventive measures can avoid the disruption and expense that can be caused by heating oil leaks. A leak may result in exposure to petroleum vapors in your home. If the leak reaches the soil or groundwater beneath your house, then a cleanup must be performed to restore your property to state environmental standards. Leaks that affect another property or impact drinking water supply wells can complicate the cleanup and increase the expense. Each year, several hundred Massachusetts families experience some kind of leak.
The new law may require you to upgrade your home heating system equipment to prevent leaks from tanks and pipes that connect to your furnace. By making a relatively small expenditure now, you can prevent a much greater expense in the future.
For more informaiton: http://www.mass.gov/dep/cleanup/laws/hhsl.htm

Feeding the Deer

2010-06-16T22:00:00.000-04:00

The deer are feasting on my tomato flowers and hostas. I used everything organic to make my plants smell bad to them. I live in the woods. If they want it they can have it, but there is a lot out there.

Do you have bunnies, birds, anything eating yours?

Mindys Garden in Pots

2010-06-11T18:09:00.000-04:00

Some don't believe I can grow all varities of tomato's in pots. Here is the proof. Weather in pots or the ground, organic gardening is easy. Start with organic seeds, so you know it isn't tainted with any harmful chemicals. If you don't have a compost heap, you can start one now for next year. Brown ingredients provide carbon, such as dead leaves, branches and twigs. Green ingredients prove nitrogen, like grass clippings, vegetable and fruite waste, even coffee grounds! Moisture is needed to help break down organic matter . If you have a pest problem, look for products that are recognized as organic from respected organizations like USDA or Organic Materials Review Institute.

I have lettuce and a variety of herbs! What have you planted this year?

Tax Credit is over-so what, interest rates are even Lower!

2010-06-06T15:07:00.000-04:00

Just because the tax credit deadline has passsed, doesn't mean it isn't a perfect time to buy.

I spoke to John Bannister at Prospect Mortgage and interest rates are at an all time low.

Check out http://www.bannistermortgage.com/

Home prices are stable. Put it together with the low rate and it's time to make that step. It's a win-win, let's hope the Celtic's win also.

Pick the town or area and the general price range your interested in and I"ll send you averages from the past few years.

HGTV series My First Place -Looking in our area

2010-05-26T13:34:00.000-04:00

HGTV is looking in Boston and San Francisco for First Time Home Buyers.

If you're a first time home buyer and want to know more about the casting call, let me know and I will send you the information.

The home must be within 60-90 minutes of Boston and closing by the end of the summer 2010.

Do you know first time home buyer who isn't camera shy?
Call Mindy 508-320-9974
http://www.mindyshanfeld.com/

For Sale: 2BR/1BA Single Family House in Natick, MA, $349,899

2010-02-04T20:58:00.000-05:00

For Sale: 2BR/1BA Single Family House in Natick, MA, $349,899

2009-10-03T09:24:00.000-04:00

Last year I gave to Habitat for Humanity in honor of my friends, family and clients as a their holiday gift.One-third of the U.S. population has housing problems including a high-cost burden, overcrowding, poor quality shelter and homelessness (Source: NLIHC 2009)

Plesae look at this:

http://tinyurl.com/ybwdujm

I think I should do it again. Please let me know if want a gift instead.

2009-03-20T19:17:00.000-04:00

For homeowners that are having a hard time with thier mortgage pays, the good news is that the government has just launched a site MakingHomeAffordable.gov to help.
If you're thinking about refinanceing, but are having trouble because of the current value of your house, there is a Home Affordable Refinance program that will help you determine if you’re eligible to refinance but only if your loan is being held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. If you’re not sure if they’re holding your loan, you can look up your loan at Fannie Mae Loans or Freddie Mac Loans.
If you’re having trouble meeting your mortgage payments because of a loss of income or an increase in your interest rate, the Home Affordable Modification can help you figure out if you might qualify for a loan modification.
Don't think your alone. Remember if you are having trouble paying your mortgage, there is help available. There are many resources. If your mortgage company isn’t being responsive, try HopeNow.com. They can put you in touch with free counselors. If you would like to sell but are concerned that you house isn’t worth as much as you paid for it, we can sit down and see if a short sale might work in your situation.
If you’re having trouble the worst thing you can do is ignore it. Take advantage of the resources out there to help.

Smoke Detector Law Changes January 2010

2009-02-08T18:48:00.000-05:00

Massachusetts new regulations. According to the Greater Boston Real Estate Board:
Effective January 1, 2010, a new regulation relating to the installation and maintenance of certain smoke detectors takes effect. This article is intended to provide basic guidance to ensure that residential property owners, property managers, and real estate brokers understand and comply with the new Massachusetts law concerning smoke detectors which goes into effect next year. While the new law may not impose these new requirements on a specific property, it is imperative that owners ensure that their properties comply with these laws, both from a public safety and liability viewpoint. To avoid problems and determine the precise requirements for your properties, members are encouraged to consult with legal counsel.
SMOKE DETECTOR TECHNOLOGY
Currently, there are two primary detection methods used in modern smoke detectors: ionization and photoelectric. Ionization detectors typically have a constant current running between two electrodes. When smoke enters, it interrupts the current, setting off an alarm. Ionization detectors are often faster to alert than photoelectric detectors. However, ionization detectors are unable to differentiate between smoke and steam. As a result, they are prone to false alarms when steam from a shower or other source interrupts the current. This is especially true when the ionization detector is placed in close proximity to a kitchen or bathroom.
Photoelectric detectors emit a beam of light. In the absence of smoke, the beam passes in front of the detector in a straight line. When smoke crosses the path of the light beam, some light is scattered by the smoke particles, directing it at a sensor and triggering an alarm. Photoelectric detectors are less sensitive to false alarms from steam or cooking fumes but can take longer than ionization detectors to alert.
There has been an ongoing debate as to whether to require property owners to replace their ionization detectors with photoelectric detectors. On one hand, property owners have raised concerns about the cost of replacing smoke detectors which continue to be operable. On the other hand, the fire departments have suggested that the elimination of false alarms outweighs the additional costs. The new regulations were enacted to resolve this ongoing debate.
NEW REGULATIONS
In recognition of the relative strengths and weaknesses of photoelectric versus ionization smoke detectors, the Board of Fire Prevention Regulation has passed a new regulation (527 CMR 32.00 et seq). Under the new regulation, owners of certain residential buildings will be required to install and maintain both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors. While the new regulation does not change the locations where smoke detectors are required, it does allow the installation of both technologies in certain locations.
Under the new regulation, a smoke detector utilizing both technologies is required in all the same locations, except within 20 feet of a kitchen or a bathroom containing a bathtub or shower. Within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom containing a bathtub or shower, only a photoelectric smoke detector is allowed. An ionization detector is prohibited in these places due to their tendency to be set off by steam.
All property owners should determine what type of smoke detectors they are currently using. Subsequently compliance can be achieved by installing two separate detectors using these technologies, or by installing one detector which uses both technologies.
WHAT PROPERTIES ARE AFFECTED BY THE NEW REGULATION?
Determining whether a specific property is affected by the new regulation requires a case-by-case analysis and, therefore, property owners are encouraged to consult with legal counsel to determine the specific requirements for their property. That being said, the following types of properties are impacted by the new regulation:
Residential buildings under 70 feet tall and containing less than six dwelling units.
Residential buildings not substantially altered since January 1, 1975, and containing less than 6 residential units.
All residential buildings sold or transferred after January 1, 2010, which are less then 70 feet tall, have less than six units, or have not been substantially altered since January 1, 1975.
For all properties in these categories, compliance is mandated by January 1, 2010. It should be noted that the law does not apply to these larger buildings or those which were substantially altered since January, 1975, as these properties already were required to upgrade their fire safety systems under other existing laws.

Go Outside and Look at your Roof!

2009-02-06T17:18:00.000-05:00

The past few weeks it's been really cold with snow and ice. It's always good to check for ice dams (ice on your roof, often in the area over the soffits under the roof shingles). They can damage the shingles/underlayment and cause internal water damage. If you have ice dams, check insulation and ventilation of your attic spaces, which should be about the same temperature as the outside air. If the snow is starting to pile up on your roof, it could cause the roof to leak or collapse. I recommend calling a roofing contractor to remove the snow.