Monday, May 24, 2010

Lost finale and Closing on the House

So 6 years of watching the characters on Lost culminated with an all-evening event last night. For 99% of it I was beyond pleased with the way they revisited and "wrapped up" things. Today, after a little reflection and a quick rewatch of the last 10 minutes on HULU I'd say the end was well done. Last night I was still totally confused. I think I was overthinking it and not just enjoying what it was. The end to a show that gave me great entertainment and opened my eyes just a bit to remind me what being human really means - good and bad.
This is the last week we are in our house that we bought shortly after Lost started. It's kind of funny that both of these journeys are over at the same time. Best part is that, unlike the characters on Lost, my personal journey isn't bringing me to the end but to a new beginning.....

Friday, May 7, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

As we all know "Mom" isn't just a term for the person who gave birth to a child. The day should be used to honor women who are amazing Aunts, people with pets they love and women who have been role models to us in our lives. I haven't met many women who aren't in a "Mother" role. So, to all of us ladies, I wish for a relaxing, beautiful Mother's Day to all of you.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

My Secret Love Affair...revealed

I've have a confession to make. I've had a secret love for a few years. No, not with another man, with a builder and his planned community. It's called Pinehills in Plymouth, Mass. Check out their website. http://www.pinehills.com/ I dare you not to fall in love with the quality and attention to detail of the homes. The community is built incorporating a golf course and it's own shopping and cute litle places to bump into your neighbors. Talk about a throwback to the days when the world was just a *little* bit smaller. I love everything about the place.
So, why am I going on and on about my "secret love"? HGTV has chosen a home at Pinehills for their next "Green Home Give Away"!!!! I fully intend on winning, but I'll also be kind and share the info with you so you can try to win too.

Here's the link to see the house and to enter to win it:
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv-green-home-2010-tour/package/index.html


Good luck to you! Here's a disclaimer though....if you win, expect me to show up at your house unannounced.

~Maureen

Monday, May 3, 2010

Some of my thoughts regarding real estate...

Time for me to enter the Blogging world!!! Let's all cross our fingers collectively.

I'd like to share a few ideas from some conversations and experiences I've had regarding buying, selling and renting homes.

Most of you know, if you don't have an accepted offer on a property right now, you won't qualify for the last government tax credit. Not to fear! There are some REALLY great deals out here still to be had. Here's a GREAT example....take a look at the photos.
http://www.mlsfinder.com/ma_mlspin/maureenburke/index.cfm?action=listing_detail&property_id=71035484&searchkey=5ebaf51b-08ef-179e-a824-cefe5970293a&npp=8&sr=1
(It's not even my listing-that's how great of a buy/house it is!) Absolutely amazing deals like this one are everywhere. If you've ever dreamed of flipping, owning a second home or building your "Trump-esque" property portfolio, now is the time to jump in. Especially while the rates are still low.

Another thought. I've been hearing of some banks with solid reputations having financing fall apart. They are pulling the financing after a lot of expense has been spent by potential Buyers and Sellers. Isn't THAT fair...NOT! I implore you, seek advise from your Real Estate Professional. Ask your friends about their RECENT experiences about their loan process. (I emphasize recent because the bank I'm hearing awful things about holds my current mortgage and I have no problems with them. It's not a new loan though. So, my experience is very different than someone who just lost buying their dream home because of them.)

Lastly, for now. If you really, REALLY want to sell your home, LISTEN to your Realtor. No, you don't HAVE to do what they say. But, 99.9% of us really want what's best for you. When the price we suggest you sell your home at is lower than you expected, it is not us putting a value on your decorating taste, your treasured memories in your home or to insult you. It's based on us trying to do what you've asked us to do. Sell your home. I've had to do this myself recently. To be frank, losing $25k of our money just plain stinks. It brings out a LOT of negative emotions and has at times made me feel like a failure. That's when I let the Realtor side of me do the thinking. What I'll be gaining when I buy again is a better value built into the house. A firmer foundation for me and my families future and most importantly, I'll be achieving the goal of being closer to friends and family.....I would pay any price for that.
So, I ask you to keep sight of your goals and don't second guess yourself. When you do need that person to lean on or put your goals back into perspective, that's what I'm here for.

Maureen