Monday, June 7, 2010

Andover, Massachusetts absolute acreage & homes | 2 Winterberry Lane

www.hawthornepartners.net - Set yourself apart on Winterberry Lane, one of Andover's most sought after addresses.Elegant new construction located in walking distance from South School. Enjoy a private enclave of just 4 estate homes nestled up to 100 acres of conservation land. This magnificent colonial style home boasts 12 spacious rooms, including 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a beautiful Master Suite wa fireplace and jacuzzi tub. 3 car garage. Ready to move in. Real estate video tours by www.NashuaVideoTours.com

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Home Inspection - Selecting A Home Inspector In Massachusetts

Conducting a home inspection is one of the most important steps before buying a home. For helpful hints on selecting a home inspector, become familiar with the state and national services below for guidance in Massachusetts. Be sure to verify that the home inspector you select is registered and has a current license to conduct home inspections within the state.

The American Society of Home Inspectors, Inc.® As explained on the ASHI website (ashi.com): The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is a not-for-profit professional society established in 1976. Membership in ASHI is voluntary and its members include private, fee-paid home inspectors. ASHI's objectives include promotion of excellence within the profession and continual improvement of its members' inspection services to the public

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration of Home Inspectors

Reference: Facts For Consumers -- written and provided by the Board of Registration of Home Inspectors

As explained on the Board of Registration website (mass.gov): The Board of Registration of Home Inspectors is charged with evaluating the qualifications of applicants and granting licensure to those who qualify. It establishes rules and regulations to ensure the integrity and competence of licensees. The Board protects the public health and welfare through regulation of the profession in accordance with the state statutes and board regulations. The Board is responsible for insuring that licensed home inspectors have proper training and experience through an education program and meet minimum inspection requirements in each inspection performed. Applicants are required to pass a board approved examination prior to licensure and fulfill continuing education requirements for license renewal.

Suggested Questions to Ask Home Inspectors: Here is just a sample of questions you should ask home inspectors as you determine the best choice:

1. Are they licensed, insured & bonded?

2. Do they offer customer references?

3. What are the total fees for the home inspection? What optional services do they offer?

4. Do they use a digital camera to provide photographs as part of their report for any concerns found during their inspections?

5. How quickly can they provide their report to you and in what format?

6. Do they provide any general home maintenance tips as part of their report?

7. Do they offer pest inspections?

8. Are they licensed to perform Radon testing?

9. How quickly can they provide results from Radon tests?

10. Have they earned any industry recognition and/or awards within the last 5 years?

Saturday, June 5, 2010

640 Bay Road, Duxbury, Massachusetts (MA) absolute estate

www.TheSobranGroup.com | Winding Country roads and quiet tree-lined lanes mark the southernmost tip of coastal Duxbury, and in 1926 the original estate known as BayMarO was set high on Elm Hill with commanding views of bay, salt marsh, and ocean beyond. The distant white sands of barrier beaches include Saquish and Long Beach, and frame a centerpiece of historic Bug Light House. The exclusive 3-plus acre property, completely refurbished and recently upgraded on an impressive scale in 2006, is prominent and comfortably private, surrounded by park-like grounds and sprawling lawns. The one tenth of a mile drive winds dramatically past Island Creek, up to the circular courtyard with an abundance of lush landscape and mature trees. BayMarO is well situated amidst an enclave of other estate setting homes on large land plots. Within close proximity to commuter routes serving downtown Boston, convenience and accessibility make this a much sought after location. An unmistakable touch of metropolitan flair, the approximate 7000 square feet of interior living space reflects notable luxurious charm and exquisite style. Particular care was taken to preserve period details, while blending state-of-the-art technical fittings and modern comforts in this 12 room 5 bedroom, 5 and one half bath home. The classic, formal main entrance immediately beckons the harmonious flow of the bright and inspirational open floor plan. On the first level, the elegant original formal living room welcomes ...

Friday, June 4, 2010

Lead Paint Rules

Here is a reminder for all home sellers, residential realtors, brokers, investors and property managers to learn, understand and follow the federal lead paint disclosure rules.

EPA FILES COMPLAINT FOR NOT DISTRIBUTING LEAD PAMPHLETS-

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently filed a complaint against property manager National Enterprises, Inc. and owner MA No. 2, LLC in Springfield, Massachusetts. the complaint asserts that these targets violated the federal Lead Disclosure Rule when they failed to disclose information about lead paint to tenants who rented between June 2004 and January 2005. The EPA is seeking a penalty of up to $11,000 per violation for the 30 violations of the Disclosure Rule.

Please remember to provide the EPA Renovate Right pamphlet during renovation projects in pre-1978 homes which can be downloaded in several places on the Internet, such as www.buildindiana.org (choose codes and laws, and select EPA lead rule info option.)

Also, make sure your purchase agreements, leases, land contracts and similar documents comply with this law.

Most states have trade groups, such as professional realtors, that offer form agreements. Those agreements almost universally address lead. But what if you hire an agent or a property manager to manage a property for you? In that case, you'll need to make sure that the agent or property manager is complying with the law. It will not be a defense to a lawsuit or claim (or administrative action) that you hire a representative and were no longer actively involved in the real estate. If you own the property, you must follow the law.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Concord Center, Massachusetts (MA) absolute estate

www.TheAttiasGroup.com - Charming Colonial on one of Concord's most sought after town center streets. Steps from Concord's historical & vibrant center w stores, restaurants, coffee shops, library, pools, Everett playing field, glorious natural scenery. Interior has warm & welcoming New England appeal w/ light & bright spaces. Striking touches include built-in cabinetry in dining room, elegant columns framing living room, cathedral ceilings & skylights in master bedroom. Character abounds!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

61 Terrace Park Reading MA 01867

NOT YOUR TYPICAL CE COL. Truly an "Artiste" home, (owned by an interior decorator). The layout, the gardens , the tranquility, an oasis of peace and beauty. Set back from a cul de sac, abuts conservation land. A unique interior layout conducive to family living and entertaining, showcases a splendid LR, with a craftsman built mantel, with double columned opening into a DR with ten foot pict window to frame the gardens outside. Adjacent to the dining room is a south facing kitchen with boxed bay window for growing herbs. A sprawling family room off the kitchen adds to the beauty of this home with 15' ceilings, frescoed walls, and seven large windows. The mature landscape encompasses the natural topography of the property and includes three perennial gardens, flowering shrubs and trees from May to September, an Asian themed moss garden resplendent with a dry creek bed and a slate patio enclosed by a stone wall. A gardener's delight where privacy and nature abound. Lovingly maintained this home offers a one of a kind design, and a stunning picture from every single window in the house.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Hingham, Massachusetts (MA) absolute acreage and homes

INFO: www.TheSobranGroup.com - From the elegant stone wall to the classic front porch, this completely renovated home has it all. Offering almost 2000 square feet, you'll be amazed at the sun lit floor plan and up to date amenities throughout. Any cook will feel right at home in this exquisite granite kitchen. The two level island, the wine cooler... a work desk... it's all here. The large backyard offers plenty of space and privacy for your outdoor activities and entertaining. Up to date amenities and bathrooms can be found throughout. With three bedrooms upstairs, this entire home just oozes a warm feeling throughout. The lower level, complete with a fireplace is perfect for a children's play area, den or family room. Come to Hingham and be impressed! For a personal tour of this home, call Evan Sobran at (617) 548-3680