The bears are in town and plan on hanging around until October... The BearFest, that is! The Easthampton City Arts has put together a tremendous exhibit that has definitely brought much attention to our community. Easthampton is becoming well known as a city that embraces the arts with ongoing Open Studio exhibits at both Cottage Street and Eastworks. The addition of BearFest is certainly one more reason why visitors and residents alike will enjoy their colorful presence about town.
Now, for my own bear story.....
I bought a house in Vermont years ago that came with its own wildlife, a 300 cement bear who was chained to a rock in the front yard. I couldn't wait to get rid of the enormous "lawn ornament" and proceeded to hack away at the chain that bound him (not that anyone would attempt to steal him) to the boulder. I revved up my John Deere lawn tractor, attached the little trailer to the back and began my mission. It actually took 3 people to roll the bear onto the trailer, immediately sinking the tires of the tractor and almost succeeding in getting it stuck. Finally we arrived at an isolated area at the edge of our field and rolled the bear out of the trailer into its new home. He looked kind of funny with his legs in the air -- kind of sad actually. After a momentary pang of regret, I left Gentle Ben in his precarious position and went home.
It wasn't more than a day or two later that I began getting phone calls...where was the bear? What happened to the bear? Did someone take the bear? It seems that the bear was a local landmark, loved and adored by all. A week later Gentle Ben was picked up by a middle aged woman who used to sit on the bear as a child. Needless to say, the bear had a new home now in her yard, hopefully not back on the chain.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Real Estate: Easthampton MA Condo For Sale
SOLD - View more listings
Check out this immaculate 2 bedroom condo for sale in Easthampton, MA (01027). Don't pay NOHO prices when you can buy here!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Buy A Home In Springfield Massachusetts
Are you feeling a bit priced out of the real estate market in Western Massachusetts? Maybe it's time to consider Springfield, the "City of Homes". Not only is the city on the come-back trail, the area is already the home to many of the largest employers in the area including Mass Mutual, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield College and AIC. Home to the Basketball Hall of Fame, within an easy drive to Bradley International Airport and strategically placed at the hub of the NYC - Boston - Montreal rail connector, Springfield offers a wide selection of historic Victorian homes, trendy condo conversions and great neighborhoods for first time home buyers looking to stretch their dollars. School choices include, public, private, parochial, and several area charter schools.
Recently, Springfield officials announced the "Buy Springfield Now" program, designed to spark renewed interest in buying a home in the area's largest community. Check out the area at one of our favorite Springfield websites, Choose Springfield Mass!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Home For Sale in Belchertown, MA
This Colonial home is under a year old and boasts hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces, a spacious master and is set on a generous one acre lot.• 3,100 sq. ft.
• 3 bedrooms
• 3 baths
New Construction - Daisy Lane Estates - Ludlow, MA
This brand new cape style home is located in a brand new sub-division on over an acre lot.
• 2,200 sq. ft.
• 3 bedrooms
• 2.5 baths
New England Farmhouse For Sale - Hardwick, MA
Renovation has begun on this classic New England cape located in Hardwick, MA. Located on 2 acres, with original stone walls, fruit orchards and outbuildings, this could be a real gem!
• 2,000 sq. ft.
• 4 bedrooms
• 1 bath
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Winning The Commission Game
In today's tough real estate market, it pays to be smart and informed about the sales process. One of the most expensive parts of the real estate transaction involves the potential payment of a real estate commission to either the seller's or buyer's agents involved in a traditional sale.
Throughout the years we have working with private home sellers when selling "by owner", it has always amazed me to learn how both sellers and buyers feel that commissions are an inevitable and unavoidable part of the sales transaction and that they are set in stone.
The average U. S real estate commission in 2008 ranged from 5-7%, depending on where you live. Some agents will quickly say that their commission is 5% (but only if the buyer comes through their agency. One might presume that their motivation would be to not go out of their way to encourage brokers from other agencies to become involved.
Discount brokers claim they can offer the same services as "full commission" agents at a fraction of the cost, but at what price to the home seller. Be very careful and read the fine print before signing any contract, even one with only a 3-4% listing fee.
Private home sellers pay Zero listing commission and can offer a buyer's agent whatever they want, of course.
Throughout the years we have working with private home sellers when selling "by owner", it has always amazed me to learn how both sellers and buyers feel that commissions are an inevitable and unavoidable part of the sales transaction and that they are set in stone.
The average U. S real estate commission in 2008 ranged from 5-7%, depending on where you live. Some agents will quickly say that their commission is 5% (but only if the buyer comes through their agency. One might presume that their motivation would be to not go out of their way to encourage brokers from other agencies to become involved.
Discount brokers claim they can offer the same services as "full commission" agents at a fraction of the cost, but at what price to the home seller. Be very careful and read the fine print before signing any contract, even one with only a 3-4% listing fee.
Private home sellers pay Zero listing commission and can offer a buyer's agent whatever they want, of course.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Home For Sale in Ski Country - Vermont
Vermont Ski Vacation At Your Door!
#H128592
• 3 bedrooms
• 1.5 baths
• 4 acres
Ski county, horses, peace and quiet...your own personal get-a-say!
View Now!
Belchertown MA Home For Sale By Builder
Under Construction - Ready May 2009#H128587
• 3 bedroom
• 2 bath
• 1 acre
Great home for growing family or to "age in place".
View Now!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Introducing Mass Marketing Resources
During the last couple of months we have been developing a new business which will provide virtual marketing assistance to small businesses (real estate related...builders, investors, agents, etc.) as well as give consultation and marketing advice to private home sellers. We are pleased to announce that Mass Marketing Resources is now open for business. Our website launched this week and we are excited to accept new clients and projects.
In December we intended to shut down Massachusetts 4 Sale Owner altogether and suspended taking new advertising on MA4salebyowner.com. Since that time, and after many calls from previous and new potential advertisers, we have decided to keep the website active. Private home sellers, builders and investors will continue to be able to post properties by "self service" using our online automated registration and the website will now be powered by Mass Marketing Resources. We will continue to offer home sellers low-cost listing alternatives designed to help sellers survive these challenging economic times. Look for more to follow and be sure to subscribe to our Online Newsletter.
In December we intended to shut down Massachusetts 4 Sale Owner altogether and suspended taking new advertising on MA4salebyowner.com. Since that time, and after many calls from previous and new potential advertisers, we have decided to keep the website active. Private home sellers, builders and investors will continue to be able to post properties by "self service" using our online automated registration and the website will now be powered by Mass Marketing Resources. We will continue to offer home sellers low-cost listing alternatives designed to help sellers survive these challenging economic times. Look for more to follow and be sure to subscribe to our Online Newsletter.
Happy New Year to everyone!
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