This was one of those times that things just felt right.  Sometimes the stars align and bring together buyers and sellers who are well suited to work together to get what they both want.  Katie and Nick (pictured above) were first time buyers using an FHA loan program for their purchase.  In order to get their financing approved, the property had to meet FHA standards.  In order to meet those standards, some work had to be done.  There was a laundry list of required chores including scraping and painting the foundation and deck, removing an old gate and fence and as crazy as this sounds, it's true... removing the garage!  Buyer and seller split the work quite evenly and worked together to get all of the required repairs completed in time to close!  And that "remove garage" contingency really required some creative thinking!  Working together, we all got it done!  These guys all made me so proud!  

​55 W Shore Dr.
Enfield, CT 06082
3 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Water views!
$154,900.00

Sold! 
4/30/2019

20 Marshall Dr.
Enfield, CT 06082
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
$204,900.00

​This Enfield ranch is the total package! Central air, gas heat, hardwood floors throughout, a spacious eat-in kitchen with plenty of counter and cabinet space, a brand new bathroom update, three good sized bedrooms and you'll find additional living space in the family room off the kitchen! Smart home technology included too! Nest thermostat, Ring doorbell and Google Home devices are all waiting to be programmed to your specifications. Fresh paint throughout. The basement is partially finished and has a pellet stove, laundry area, small workshop and a room for storage. Outside enjoy a fully fenced in private yard with patio. The large attached two car garage has plenty of room for parking and projects. Located in an established neighborhood close to highway access, shopping, dining and many other conveniences. Enjoy everything Enfield has to offer in this quiet neighborhood that is close to the action!

2019 has been a big year for me if you're counting beekeeping-related-appearances on local news programs!  You are, right?  This was my third appearance total and my second on this program.  I'm hoping to become Mass Appeal's official honey bee expert.  I wonder how much something like that pays?  If you missed my first appearance, you can link to it HERE.   If you'd like to watch the latest edition, I'll post a link to the Mass Appeal website, below.  Still haven't figured out how to embed them here, still offering bonus points to anyone who can teach me how!

This one was very special.  Pictured above is my friend/client, Shannon and my husband, Sean.  Sean is standing in for his bestie, Shannon's husband, Pete, while Pete was running around to coordinate their family's move.  Closing day just isn't closing day without the traditional "SOLD" photo, so when you can't get the whole family in the shot, you improvise!  

Sean and Pete have been friends since they were teenagers and Shannon and Pete are family to us.  So when they were ready to start looking for their next family home, I was ecstatic to be asked to be the one to help them find it!  Their top priorities were finding more space and a beautiful location where they could continue to raise their children and entertain their family and friends.  After a few ups and downs and a couple of houses that we just couldn't get across the finish line, they found the perfect, imperfect house in Bethlehem!  Their glorious new family home was originally built in 1830, though it is suspected that part of the main house could be as old as late 1600s.  It sits on almost 11 acres of quintessential New England pastures and woods complete with stonewalls and grazing sheep.  Though the house was "move-in ready", Shannon and Pete have big plans for renovations and upgrades they are going to make over time.  I cannot wait to see what this house becomes as they make it their home.  I'm looking forward to spending many holidays there with our extended family.  Congratulations, Morceys!  Ready the Martin Suite, we're coming to stay!  

377 Carmel Hill Rd North
Bethlehem, CT 06751
​5 bedroom, 5 bathroom
$570,000.00

Sold!
5/24/19

Meet Merrick.  Merrick was looking for a great deal on a good house and boy did he find it in Tolland, CT!  This house was in great shape overall, was in a great location on an over-sized lot with lots of privacy, and even though it needed some updating and TLC, it was still move-in ready.  Merrick got a ton of space for the price both inside and out and the updates he has planned are going to add tons of value!  Well done, Merrick!       

​309 Sugar Hill Rd
Tolland, CT 06084
3 bedroom, 1 bathroom
$189,000.00

Sold!
5/7/19

This was a long-distance estate sale with plenty of challenges for both my client and myself, but we worked together and got it done!  My client, Maralou, was the executrix of her mother's estate and as such it was her job to sell her deceased mother's Connecticut condo even though she lives in North Carolina.  Maralou and I did most of our coordinating over the phone.  I helped her arrange for local contractors and service providers to get the condo ready for sale and she mailed me any and all paperwork I needed to get the condo listed for sale.  By the time she made her trip up to Connecticut to finalize everything, it already felt like we were old friends the first time we met.  It was a sincere pleasure to help Maralou sort through the odds and ends of this transaction and I'm glad I was able to help her with a difficult sale.  She did a great job and really impressed me with the hard work she did!  

A great house for a great family!  Meet Shawn and Kristen!  Missing from this photo is their adorable toddler, Aubrey, who kept me smiling at all showings and who was on her best behavior for the entire home inspection.  Inspections can be boring for adults and Aubrey handled it like a champ!  Kristen had a good idea of what she wanted in her first home and we didn't have to look at many before she found what she was looking for.  She was a savvy first time home buyer who did her homework before making any offers and was a shrewd negotiator when we got down to it.  She walked away from the first house she liked when the sellers wouldn't budge on their too high asking price, refusing to overpay for a flashy remodel.  Respect.  Her ability to stick to her guns on that one, made it possible for her to end up with this one, the one.  Congratulations on your great new place guys!!!  Shout out to our good friend, Nick Fournier, for connecting me with these fine folks!  

​Spacious colonial in a fantastic Longmeadow neighborhood!  Situated on a corner lot this charming home has all you need!  The cozy kitchen has plenty of counter space and even a breakfast bar if you want to pull up a stool.  The formal dining room and front to back living room have hardwood floors and lots of windows to let that natural light in.  There is a half bath on the first floor and a full bath on the second floor.  There are three bedrooms upstairs including a large master.  The basement offers a finished space to use as you choose and still has room for laundry and storage.  Outside you have plenty of space to enjoy but not too much yard to mow!  Detached 1 car garage.

If you know me, you know I love my seniors!  From my guest appearances at local senior center book discussions to the amount of time I spend visiting a long term care facility, I've been called an "honorary senior" more than once.  So I am very happy to have partnered with Hazel Bridges of www.agingwellness.org who will help me share some real estate information specifically for seniors... 

I'm proud to welcome back guest blogger, Hazel Bridges!  
For more from Hazel, please check out www.agingwellness.org

Downsizing—it’s one of the most bittersweet moments in a senior’s life. It’s also one of the most liberating. Purging decades of knickknacks, furniture, keepsakes, and clothes can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. But for many seniors, especially those moving into a smaller, more manageable home, it is a necessity. Here are nine tips to help make sure you avoid any downsizing dilemmas.
 
Tip #1: Assess Worn-Out Furniture
Did you know you should be changing your mattress every seven to 10 years? Many of us sleep on mattresses that are old enough to vote. When downsizing, be sure to take stock of furniture that is old, broken, unused, or in need of upgrading. When it comes to a comfortable mattress, be sure to research online for reviews and options.
 
Tip #2: Pare Down a Collection
Over the course of a lifetime we can—intentionally or unintentionally—collect themed items. These collections can really add up. When it comes time to purge, commit to keeping only one or two special or cherished items in a collection.
 
Tip #3: Find Someone Who Will Appreciate It
Knowing your beloved items will go to a home where they will continue to be cherished can make downsizing much more emotionally palatable. Whether it’s a relative who could use a bigger kitchen table or would appreciate a keepsake from a loved one who has passed away, look for someone who will find value in your belongings.
 
Tip #4: Eliminate Unused Items
Look around your house. Chances are you have several items that serve a similar purpose—especially in the kitchen. Think of downsizing as a way to consolidate. Do you need a toaster and a toaster oven? When you purge, ask yourself if you can remember the last time you needed that item.
 
Tip #5: Donate to a Cherished Cause
Getting rid of your possessions is a lot easier when you know they are going to support a cause you believe in. You can unload items in an estate sale and donate the profits or give the items directly to support a charity. Either way, you’ll be making a difference in your life and for others.
 
Tip #6: Organize by Room
Categorize your possessions so you take full stock of each room and every need before you downsize. Not only will this help with packing before a big move, but it will also help you make decisions about what you need for each room. For example, if you’re moving from a house with two bathrooms to one, you might not need two shower curtains, two bath mats, or two toothbrush holders.
 
Tip #7: Store Items You’re Unsure of
Many of your possessions are more than just items, they hold memories of a person, time, or place. Though you may not use the item, it holds a priceless amount of sentimental value. Place these items in storage so you have the breathing room to make a decision without pressure or force.
 
Tip #8: Think About Accessibility
While you may be in tip-top shape today, it’s important to recognize tomorrow could hold a different reality. When downsizing, look for places that emphasize accessibility. For instance, a single-story home will be easier to navigate if mobility issues become a concern.
 
Tip #9: Get Family Involved
Purging an entire home after decades is a huge undertaking. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you have to go through this alone. Though it may be scary to relinquish control, enlist the help of a trusted loved one to help with the downsizing process. This will reduce some of the stress you face making tough decisions, as well as keep some objectivity in the process.
 
Downsizing takes time. Doing it well means you cannot rush through it. Downsize at a pace that feels comfortable. Just keep in mind that once you are unburdened by a house that has become too weighty, you’ll find more joy and peace in your golden years.