City Or Suburbs: Where Should You Buy A Home?

Getting ready to buy your first home? You’re probably caught in that age-old dilemma of whether to buy in the city or move to the suburbs. There are plenty of reports out there that detail how millennials want to stay in the city to be where all the action is. Walkability isn’t just a catchword; it’s a life goal. And, the reports out there that detail how being within close proximity to a Starbucks, a Trader Joe’s, and a Target can raise your home value only strengthen the argument for urban living. Of course, don’t discount all those reports that show that millennials are moving to ‘burbs to buy homes.

“A recent report from the National Association of REALTORS® shows that, instead of settling down in urban areas, young homebuyers are increasingly scooping up properties in the suburbs,” said smartasset. Conventional wisdom may say that’s primarily an affordability issue, and that factor can’t be ignored. However, there are several additional reasons why the suburbs are calling out to millennial buyers. And, on the flip side, there are those who can’t even conceive of leaving the city for the ‘burbs, affordability notwithstanding.

So how do you know where to go? These are some of the key factors.

Being close to what you need

In a city, you can be close to bars, shops, restaurants, and everything else that makes the area so dynamic. Of course, the density can make it hard to find parking, limit the open space, and make it unappealing for young families who want to live among other young families. Millennials who have kids or who are thinking of having kids in the near future have to weigh the importance of being in what they consider an exciting location against the practicality of being in a more family-friendly area.

Schools

The schools may be better in the suburbs. “It should come as no surprise that urban districts tend to have lower graduation rates than suburban ones,” said The Hechinger Report. The reason: “They often have more disadvantaged students and fewer resources.”

While individual cities and districts continue to tackle this important issue, families move to the suburbs, where they’ll likely pay higher taxes on their home to accommodate newer schools and expanded resources. Stay in the city, and you may have to pony up for private schools or seek out a charter to get a comparable education for your present (or future) kids.

Living Space

“The closer you get to a city center, the smaller the living spaces tend to be, even in Texas where things are bigger,” said Square Cow Movers. “This could be doable for some single professionals or couples, but for families it can be an issue. The suburbs provide more space to spread out, which is part of the reason they are still so popular today.”

 

Jobs

“One thing to consider before heading to the suburbs is where you’ll work,” said smartasset. Do you currently work in the city? How long will your commute be, and are you sure you can live with it?

It’s also important to think in terms of a big, unpleasant, “What if?” What if your job situation changes? What will the prospects be like in the area you are considering? Asking yourself how much time you are willing to spend in the car every day and taking a good look at how that translates to options in the area can help you key in on some areas and nix others.

Outdoor space

In some urban areas, parks give residents a respite from all the high rises and commercial spaces. However, living in the city often means having to make tradeoffs, and ample access to nature is one of them.

Safety

While crime rates and data vary depending on the specific location, overall, the suburbs have a reputation for being safer. Obviously if this is an issue for you, you’ll do your due diligence to ensure the safety of your family. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that transitional neighborhoods can provide a great value for money-conscious homebuyers – as long as you’re willing to put up with some potentially unpleasant realities while the transition is under way.

This guide from Forbes can help you identify a neighborhood that’s about to take a turn for the better and might be a good buy. Or, you can heed these tips from Property Brothers’ Drew and Jonathan Scott. “This is when it’s really important to work with a real estate agent that knows the area. Proximity to downtown, transit, shopping, amenities, and schools are really important,” they said on POPSUGAR. “You can also go to the city planning department and find out any major developments that are going into the different communities. Also, drive through the neighborhoods that you are considering and look to see if there are a lot of recent sales. Trying to invest in emerging communities can be risky, so if you are new to real estate, then we suggest sticking to areas you are comfortable in.”

Age of properties

If you want something newer, it may be harder to find in the city. Infill projects tend to be rarer, depending on the location, largely because of their cost. “Real estate is generally more expensive in infill locations than in outlying areas because land is relatively scarce, sites are closer to services and infrastructure, and zoning and the market often support uses that have higher revenue potential,” said the EPA. “However, the assembly process itself involves additional costs.” And then, of course, the higher cost has to be passed on to the buyer, which ties right back in to that affordability issue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Jaymi Naciri

WCKC Puppy Match

AKC PUPPY MATCH

SPONSORED BY THE WORCESTER COUNTY KENNEL CLUB

AKC Puppy Match

The Worcester County Kennel Club, Inc. will be holding a American Kennel Club Puppy Match on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at Champion Kennels, 149 Clinton Road in Sterling, MA.  Our day will start with CGC (Canine Good Citizen) testing with judge Lynne Pano starting a 9 AM.  The fee will be $25 per dog, and all are welcome.  This is a wonderful opportunity to come see some well behaved dogs in action and learn more about this testing.

Judge Colleen Stevens will be judging the All-Breed Match starting at noon and the entry fee will be $10 per entry, with an additional entry by same owner at $5).  We will start taking entries at 10:30 am.  Classes will be held for 3 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, and adults. This will be a great chance to train your young pups and older dogs in preparation for the AKC dog shows this season.

Please be our guest for lunch starting at 11:30 AM.  Additional information contact Cindy Stark at (508)852-2483 or by email at stbernhospice@juno.com by Saturday noon on May 6.  We will look forward to seeing you.

 

You Are Invited To A Puppy Match

Puppies at a puppy match

Puppies

WORCESTER COUNTRY KENNEL CLUB INC.

All Breed B Match With

  Beginner CGC & CGC Advanced

May 1st, 2016

Match

      Judge: Mr. Raymond Johnson

   4 – 6 Month

    6 – 9 Month

     9 – 12 Month

Open

   Start Time 1:00 PM

Entries Taken 12:00 Noon until time of class

$10.00 per entry

Great Pyrenees puppies

Beginner CGC & CGC Advanced

    Evaluator: Ms. Lynne Pano

     LIMITED ENTRIES

   Start time 8:30 AM

     Total of 16 entries Combined

     Beginner CGC Pre-Entry $20.00                Day of show $25.00

     Advanced CGC Pre-Entry $25.00               Day of show $30.00

                       Additional Entries accepted if time permits

                         Pre-entries will ensure your slot

German Shepard mother and puppy

German Shepard

Remit with payment to: Jeffery Snyder 123 Riverlin Street Millbury, MA 01527

Phone: 508-865-5824          E-Mail: riverlinlabs@verizon.net

Directions to Champion Kennels Sterling, MA

149 Clinton Road, Sterling, MA

Take Rt. 190 South to Exit 6. At end of ramp, go left onto Rt. 12. (Land mark: Mulligan Miniature Golf Course will be on your right – Be sure you are in the left lane when you see it). Take your LEFT onto Chocksett Road.  Travel to the end of Chocksett Rd. and at STOP Sign, cross the road and you will be in the Champion Kennels parking lot.

Before You Sell Your Home

10 Things To Ask Your REALTOR
Before You Sell Your Home

When looking for a great real estate agent, there are many things that you’ll have to consider. Your ideal agent will be knowledgeable about your local market, experienced, and have a plethora of connections to navigate you through the home sale process. Here are some important questions that you should ask your Realtor before you decide to sell your home:

  1. In which neighborhoods do you primarily work?Sell Your Home

This is important because you’ll want a realtor that is experienced in the specific market in which your home is located.  The more knowledgeable your agent is about the neighborhood you’re selling in, the better, because they will be able to price your house according to the comps and first-hand information that they glean from being familiar with the area.

  1. What percentage of your clients are buyers versus sellers?

You want to make sure your agent has buyers for your home at the ready, but you also want to make sure they know how to list a home for sale to get you the best price.

  1. Will I be working with just you, or any other associates?

This is important so that you know what to expect when it comes to working with your agent. If your agent has an assistant or anyone working under them that you can contact when they are not available, you should find out as soon as possible.

  1. Do you work full-time or part-time?

Some agents work full time and some work part time, so you’ll want to find out what to expect. Obviously, if your agent is working part time because it’s their side job, they may be more difficult to contact at certain times. If this is the case, you’ll want to figure out a set time that you can call them during the week.

  1. How many homes have you closed in my neighborhood?

If your agent has closed a good number of homes in your neighborhood, you can assume that they have the experience to get the job done. Having this track record is a good sign that your agent knows the neighborhood well and has the right contacts.

  1. How many other sellers are you representing?

When you ask your agent this you might want to note that the busiest agents are usually the most efficient. If your agent has a lot on their plate they know how to multitask, have processes in place and always manage to get things done.Realtor selling your home

  1. Is your license in good standing?

You can check your agent’s certification yourself with your state’s Department of Real Estate, as many states provide this information online. This can give you peace of mind if you are nervous about hiring an agent and getting started.

  1. How many years of education and experience do you have?

Typically, experience and a record of continued education is a sign of a seasoned agent that you can count on. Of course you can also find a great agent that does not have extensive education, but it certainly helps to know in your initial search.

  1. Are you also a broker?

Agents that are also brokers have taken additional education classes and have earned a broker’s license. A broker may have more experience and may hold responsibility over other agents that are working under them, and they may be an effective person to sell your home.

  1. Can you provide me with the names and phone numbers of past clients who have agreed to be references?

By doing this, you can gain valuable insight from past clients so you can learn more about your agent. This can create a greater level of comfort when working with your agent after hearing the advice and comments from real people that they worked with.

Written by www.exposeyourselfpr.com

8 Things You Need To Know About Buying A New Home

 

Buying a new home can be a truly exciting experience. Choosing your lot and floorplan, picking out all your fixtures, watching the progress from foundation to framing to finishes. Makes me want to run out and tour a model home right now!

Through all the excitement, though, there are a few realities that may be surprising for those buying new for the first time.

  1. You probably won’t be able to negotiate the price

New homes are not like resale, where there is the expectation of price negotiations back and forth. The price set by the builder is most likely the price you’re going to pay. The exceptions are when there are just a few homes left and when there is standing inventory that needs to be sold.

“Look for builder inventory homes that have been on the market for 45 days or more,” said Inman. “These are the homes in which a buyer might be able to get a good deal.”

  1. But you may be able get some upgrades at no cost

More typical in a new-home community is getting some upgrades thrown in—things like window coverings or nicer flooring. Negotiating a few must-haves into your deal can help offset your costs. Some builders may also help with closing costs as an incentive to buy.   3 STORY BRICK HOUSE

 

  1. There might also be incentives to using the builder’s in-house lender

Many builders have an in-house or preferred lender they work with to provide financing for buyers. There may be advantages to using this lender—better terms or a rate that’s bought down. By law, the builder can’t make you use their lender, so if you feel pressured, be sure to discuss with your real estate agent.

  1. Use a REALTOR®

Speaking of Realtors…you can use your agent to buy a new home, and, in fact, you should.   LIVING ROOM WHITE AND GRAY

“In general, builders’ model homes are staffed by agents who work directly for and represent the builder. A buyer also needs to have a real estate agent who represents them and looks after their best interests,” said Inman. “Keep in mind that most builders will require that the real estate agent accompany and register the buyer on their first visit to the builder’s model home or community.”

 

 

  1. Your home will not look like the model

When you tour a model home, it’s decked out with pretty walls and floors and lighting and countertops. The furniture is to scale and the fabrics are custom and the pictures are hung perfectly. It’s pretty seductive. But the empty shell you buy won’t look like this if you go with all the standard configurations and finishes. Be realistic about what you want, what you need, what you can afford, and how that translates to what you are seeing. The salesperson can point out which of the items you love in the model come standard and which are pricey upgrades.

  1. The price of the home as advertised is not what you’ll pay  NEW DEVELOPMENT

Typically, it will take many tens of thousands of dollars in upgrades and options to get the home you buy to look like the model. This can be a rude awakening for buyers who are trying to stick to a strict budget. The good news is rolling some of those upgrades into the mortgage can make good financial sense, according to Money Crashers.

Upgrading during the initial construction phase is generally cheaper than updating your home later on. For example, if you choose to upgrade from laminate flooring to hardwood, you’ll pay the difference in material costs—but you won’t necessarily have to pay extra for the installation itself, since your builder needs to install floors in the first place. The same goes for things like windows and bathroom features.”

  1. You’ll be dealing with construction noise and traffic. For a while.

The peaceful life you envision can be a reality, but probably not from the get-go. Depending on the community, it may take time to complete construction. Which means dealing with congestion and hassle for the time being. Amenities like pools, sport courts, and trails may also not be built out by the time you move in. Asking ahead of time about the construction schedule can help you manage expectations.

  1. Not everything will work perfectly

In any house, there are bound to be issues. New homes are no different. Builder warranties will help.

Warranties for newly built homes generally offer limited coverage on workmanship and materials relating to various components of the home, such as windows, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical systems for specific periods. Warranties also typically define how repairs will be made,” said the FCC. “The duration of coverage varies depending on the component of the house. Most warranties on new construction cover siding and stucco, doors and trim, and drywall and paint during the first year. Coverage for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems is generally two years. Some builders provide coverage for up to 10 years for “major structural defects.”

Written by Jaymi Naciri 

10 Ways To Keep Mosquitoes Away

 

 There are some ways to keep mosquitoes contained, or at least lessen their impact, in your outdoor space. They range from stuff you put on you to stuff you put in you (all above board!), to simple changes you can make in your yard to keep them at bay. Here are a few you’ll want to try:

 1. Keep your pool maintained.

 A dirty pool may be an eyesore, or it could be more: a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Keeping it clean can also help keep your family healthy.

 2. Take care of standing water.

wheelbarrow with water “Still or stagnant water is a welcome mat for mosquitoes because its their ideal breeding environment,” said This Old House. “The best defense, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, is to get rid of any standing water in your yard. That means dispersing or draining any recent rainwater that has collected in gutters, buckets, furniture covers, kids’ toys, or any other containers. If you have a birdbath or a fountain, make sure the water is changed at least once a week or that the water is circulating.”

 

 

 

3. Use a fan.

“Mosquitoes are weak flyers, so even if a fan is set on low, it can create enough airflow to keep them away,” said Real Simple. “This works best in a small area, like a deck, where you can set up two or three box fans around your guests.”

4. Use an insect repellant.

There are any number of products out there that can help ward off mosquitoes and they come in a dizzying array of wearable forms, from sprays to wipes to bracelets. spraying kid with offYou’ll want to check the ingredients if you’re sensitive or if you want to stay away from DEET, the most active ingredient in many insect repellants and also one that is potentially dangerous.

  

 

5. Use citronella oil.

Natural Living Ideas recommends using natural ingredients like citronella oil instead of toxic ingredients like DEET.  “Citronella essential oil is one of the most effective natural mosquito repellents in Candles homemadethe world and one of the best ways to take advantage of this wonderful oil is in citronella candles,” they said. “These candles are easy to make, all natural and will release an aroma that keeps mosquitoes away. Place a few candles around your patio or garden and create a mosquito proof barrier!”  You can learn how to make your own citronella candles here.  http://blog.diynetwork.com/maderemade/how-to/bug-off-make-your-own-citronella-candles/

 

 

 

6. Use lavender.

 Lavender is another oil that can repel mosquitoes, and, bonus!—its fragrant smell is lovely.  “To keep mosquitoes out of your home, add a drop of lavender to ribbon and place around open windows,” said Natural Living Ideas. You can also make a lavender body oil by adding “30 drops of lavender essential oil to two tablespoons of vegetable oil — such as olive oil — and rub onto exposed skin. Not only will you smell beautiful, but it will stop mosquitoes from landing on you!”

lavender

7. Plant lavender instead.   

The smell of lavender wafting from the garden may make you happy, but mosquitoes will not share your joy. It’s just one of 31 plants that repel mosquitoes.

 8. Go the citrus route.

 “If the mosquitoes are eating you alive, try rubbing a few lemon or orange peels on your skin,” said Daily Finance. “The citrus oil and scent act as a natural repellent, and it works great for gnats too. If you don’t have any fruit handy, a little vanilla extract or baby oil can also do the trick.”

 9. Eat more garlic.

 Garlic cloves That Italian dinner you enjoyed last night can help you keep the bugs at bay the next day.  “After eating lots of garlic, garlic oil is gently released from your pores,” said Natural Living Ideas. “This garlic oil acts almost like a barrier between your skin and the mosquitoes.”

 

 

 

 

10. Make some lemon-eucalyptus spray.

 Another natural alternative to traditional repellents, this natural version for mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks “is government-approved for being just as effective as DEET,” said Daily Finance. “On top of that, you can easily make your own spray for around $2 a bottle. Simply take a small spray bottle and fill it up halfway with distilled or boiled water. Next, fill up the rest of with some witch hazel from your local pharmacy. Then top it all off with 50 drops of lemon-eucalyptus oil, commonly found at most health food stores.”

Written by Jaymi Naciri 

Worcester County Kennel Club Annual Dog Show

Best of Breed 

The Worcester County Kennel Club will hold its annual all breed dog show on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 29, 30, and December 1 at the   from 8 am to 5 pm at the DCU Center in Worcester MA.    There will be a number of speciality shows for Cocker Spaniel Club of RI, the Connecticut Westchester Cocker Spaniel Club, the Bay Colony Dachshund Club, the Akita Club of America, the German Shepard Dog Club of Central Mass, the Colonial Shetland Sheepdog Club, the Labrador Retriever Club of Greater Boston, and the Leonberger Club of America.  Both Rally and Obedience will also be presented.

Classes will be held for Junior Showmanship where only the juniors from 10 to 17 will be judged for their dog show knowledge, not the dogs for their breed quality.

There will be a number of folks who will offer public education.  They represent NEADS in Princeton, MA, the people who train Old English Sheepdog at the dog showservice dogs for disabled people and our wounded service men and women.  There will be representatives from Tufts Veterinary School in Grafton, MA.

The Worcester County Kennel Club supports the Puppy Program at NEADS, the Worcester Police Department Canine Unit, DogOrphanRescue .org in Douglas, and the AKC/CHF to fund grants that do research to ensure the health of our dogs.

In addition to being a really fun day of dog viewing, you can buy your cat and dog Christmas presents, and specialty foods for your beloved pets.l  Come spend a day in the “dog world”.

Hope Chapel will be hosting a “Harvest Party”!

Hope Chapel Harvest PartyHope Chapel located at 35 Chocksett Road will be hosting a “Harvest Party” on Saturday, October 26th from 4 pm to 8 pm

 

Hope Chapel is inviting families to celebrate a safe Halloween event.  Steve Blumer, our new Minister of Children, has designed this wonderful activity for kids and adults.  Halloween in Sterling, MADon’t miss a chance to enjoy this great community event.

This event will be fun for the whole family with a chili cook-off, hot dog roast, baked goods bonanza, carnival games and much more!  If you would like to enter the chili cook-off, contact the Secretary at Hope Chapel at  978-422-6684 Mon-Fri. 8:30 am to  2:30 pm.  Bring your friends!  Call Judy Reynolds at 978-273-9702 for more information or visit us at HopeChapelSterling.org   to reserve a spot for your family.

The Annual Sterling Fair

 

Sterling Fair Ferris WheelThe Annual Sterling Fair is taking place this weekend, September 8, 9, and 10, 2013, and there will be thousands of people coming to Sterling to enjoy this event.  The fireworks will take place at 9:45 on Friday night, and the Midway will be open Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.  Carousels, ferris wheels, cotton candy, caramel apples, fried dough, lots of things that children just love.

 

Sterling was originally a part of Lancaster, known as the Second Parish of Lancaster.  Sterling voted itself out of Lancaster one snowy winter evening and established Sterling as a separate town in 1781.  The original Fair was first held at the First Church Common, and in recent years the Fair has been moved to the Sterling Airport.

 

The Chocksett Club will be serving a terrific pancake breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning starting at 8 am.   They will be fund raising for their scholarship program.  The oxen pull will start at 10 am, and the judging for dairy cattle, sheep, and poultry will take place starting on Saturday morning.

 

My favorite part of the Fair is the horse pull starting Sunday morning at 10 am.  Those horses just have so much heart and love to pull for their owners. Sterling Fair Horse Pull Dale Perkins will be preforming horse tricks with his horses in the afternoon on Sunday.  For a schedule of events, check the Sterling Fair web site.

 

Make sure you try some of the fresh squeezed lemonade, homemade apple crisp with vanilla ice cream, and make sure you have lunch with the Sterling Firefighters at the booth.  Hundreds of volunteers make the Fair possible and it reminds us why we love living in our beautiful rural community.

 

Don’t Miss the Farmer’s Market Festival and Sterling Farm Day This Weekend

Crystal Brook Farm's goat cheese.

Crystal Brook Farm’s goat cheese.

The Sterling Farmer’s Market will be sponsoring an exciting Festival on Friday, August 9 from 3 to 6:30 at the Sterling Town Common in front of the Butterick Building.  The Farmer’s Market will be celebrating 10 years in business providing the town with great farm fresh fruits and vegetables, organic plants, wonderful goat’s cheese from Crystal Brook Farms, homemade baked goods, local honey, and even wine.

There will be guest speakers including “Organic Lawn Care” by Cathy Harragian at 3:30; a cooking demonstration using Farmer’s Market foods by Richard Gibbons at 4:15; “Bee Keeping” by Liz Joseph at 5; “Saving Seeds” by Will Sherwood at 5:45; and a special appearance by Moo-Moo the Cow from Davis Farmland. 

The afternoon will include local foods and produce, music, children’s activities, and lots of opportunity to sample the products at the Farmer’s Market.  Spend an afternoon discovering the joy of shopping at the Sterling Farmer’s Market and meet some of your neighbors.

The Sterling Farm Day will be on Saturday, August 10 from 10 am to 2 pm.  Maps will be available at the Library and at the Farmer’s Market on Friday.

Basket of Fruit and Pumpkin PieMeadowbrook Orchards at 209 Chace Hill Road is one of my favorite places to enjoy an outstanding weekend breakfast, enjoy the Thursday barbecue, meet friends for lunch, and pick delicious blueberries with my grandkids.  Dave Chandler’s crew will be doing a pie making demonstration at 10:30 am and experimental M& M cookie-making at 2:30.  Stop by and enjoy the fun.

The Evergreen Farm is my very favorite place to cut my own Christmas trees and enjoy hot chocolate at the barn by the wood stove in December.  The farm is located at 155 Kendall Hill Road, and Bill will give a tour of the Christmas Tree Farm at 11 am and a shearing demonstration at 1 pm.  Bill and Julie Gault have lovingly been growing their Christmas trees from many years, and their family helps to make the beautiful Christmas wreaths, kissing balls, swags, and center pieces that grace many Sterling homes for the holidays.

Tomato Plants

Tomato Plants

Fiske Gardens and Heirloom Plants at 333 Redemption Rock Trail (Rt. 140) will be giving tours on the hours.  I bought all my tomato plants and organic basil from Fiske this year, and they are doing great  in spite of the rainy weather.  They have a wonderful selection, and they offer great tips and ideas about gardening.

The rest of the farmers will be available between 10 am to 2 pm to answer questions and talk about farming.  Ken Cranson’s horse farm is located at 23 South Nelson Road; Clearview Farm, which has great fruits and veggies, farm fresh eggs, and home-made baked goods, is located at 4 Kendall Hill Road; Pineo Family Farms and Shamrock Hive Farms will be available to talk at 41 Tuttle Road; and Sweetgrass Herbals and Sagatabscot Orchard will be at 19 Johnson Road.

This is a great day to celebrate farming in our community and learn more about what the community has to offer.