Summer Curb Appeal

Summer Curb Appeal Ideas

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As homeowners you probably find yourself spending most of your home design time indoors, picking the perfect furniture to compliment your bay windowed living room and accessorizing your beach-themed guest bedroom. There are so many design elements that take on a story of their own inside of your home. Updating and freshening up the interior is important each season, but don’t forget the exterior. Curb appeal brings life to the outside of your home. As we embrace the summer season consider kicking up your curb appeal a notch to welcome your company in style.

 

The Front Door

The focal point of your home, as guests arrive, is typically the front entrance. Consider changing the door to a vibrant color that compliments the exterior color of your home. Add a summer-themed door hanging or wreath. Accessorize the area around the front door with hanging plants, wind chimes or porch plants that frame your door perfectly. Small, welcoming elements make your guests feel comfortable and instantly invited.

 

The Front Porch

Now that you’ve added some pizazz to your front door, upgrade your porch to compliment your style. Consider adding a porch swing or a set of rockers. By adding a seating area to the front of your house, you expand the entertainment space for both you and your visitors. Imagine yourself enjoying a cold drink on your porch swing watching the sunset after a long day. Dreamy, right?

 

Flowers Dress Up Your Exterior

Landscaping can do wonders for your curb appeal. Flowers and plants, lined around the exterior of your home, create a beautiful silhouette. If you fear the proverbial green thumb you can opt for low-maintenance plants that thrive well in the space. Think hydrangeas for shaded gardens or the juniper shrub that thrives in full sunlight. Consider lining your walkway with flowers to draw the eye into your front porch. If you don’t have much of a front yard for planting, but still want to dress up the space with flowers, choose window boxes. You can customize the style of the boxes as well as the flowers.

 

Lighting Defines Your Exterior

Exterior lights can be a beautiful architectural element. Change out the sconces for a brand-new look. Place lights in areas that accent the elements of your home and draw the eye in. Lighting is also an essential element for security, so think about adding in motion sensor lights to darker areas of your exterior, such as the side of the home or near the garage. 

 

Create a Backyard Oasis

When thinking curb appeal, don’t forget your backyard. This extension of your home can be a sanctuary, especially in the warmer months. Add in ample seating, a dining space, a fire pit and line with globe string lights to turn your spot into the ultimate entertaining space. You can use this space to host game nights, family dinners or as a place to kick back and relax for some alone time.

Curb appeal is a piece of your home that can be ever evolving. Change up the elements each season for a fresh reset. Focus on the outside of your home and put just as much love in the design as you do in the interior to uplift your home’s potential.

Understanding HOA's

Understanding HOAs: Is it Right for You?

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When purchasing a home, there are many boxes on your checklist to mull through to ensure you are finding the perfect fit for you and your family. Aside from location, home size, loan details and wish list items you may be posed with the idea of a Homeowner’s Association (HOA for short). Understanding an HOA and determining if it is right for you is key to buying success.

 

What is an HOA?

In short, a homeowner’s association is a group established within a specific community that manages the common areas, community amenities and set of rules and regulations. The association is made up on member’s elected by neighbors within the community. HOA’s are most commonly found in condominiums, townhomes and planned single-family neighborhoods. Within HOA’s you can usually find a document known as the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R). This document outlines the community rules and regulations that each resident needs to follow. 

 

Is there a cost for HOAs?

Yes. Generally speaking, the more amenities, the higher the cost. The HOA fee is separate from your mortgage and covers the cost of the community upkeep and amenities. Fees can sometimes differ within a community based on home size and upkeep requirements for specific locations. In most buying situations, you’ll have the opportunity to speak to an HOA representative prior to purchase, so make sure to ask about fees, increases and coverage so that you have a good handle on what to plan for budget-wise.

 

What amenities are included?

Amenities are based on specific communities. Some include a gated entrance for added security, a community pool, tennis courts, a community center for use during personal gatherings, free events, lawn maintenance or golf course access. Lesser, yet still important, amenities that are normally included are trash and recycling pickup and additional guest parking lots. A full list of amenities should be included with each home showing.

 

Do HOAs impose restrictions on residents? 

It’s possible. The CC&R outlines the rules and regulations of your specific community. Some HOAs are strict on things such as lawn care, exterior home décor, parking, and, even, things like whether or not a garage door can be left open during the day. Make sure to review the rules in detail prior to making a final decision on your HOA home purchase.

 

What are the biggest pros of HOAs?

HOAs keep things running smoothly within a community if they operate effectively. Their rules and regulations assist in keeping the community safe and clean. HOAs give you access to amenities normally not included with a standard home purchase. HOAs have been shown to increase your home value by as much as 4.2%. 

 

What are the biggest cons of HOAs? 

Depending on your viewpoint, the controls imposed by HOAs can be considered a con. If you like to be fully in charge of your home decisions an HOA may not be right for you. The additional fee may also be looked at as a con depending on your budget. If an HOA is run poorly, lack of attention to the CC&R, additional fees and mismanagement are con contenders.

 

Deciding whether an HOA is the right choice for you depends on your home buying requirements. If you are looking to be part of a community that has additional amenities an HOA may be a great choice in your home search requirement. Consider both the pros and cons prior to deciding how you wish to proceed with your next home purchase.

Need a Break from Home? COVID-19 Road Trip Ideas

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As we’re learning to adjust to our new normal, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we often find ourselves searching for new ways to get out of the house (while staying safe) and explore our surroundings. With all the time spent in the house as of late, it’s a breath of fresh air to jump in the car and head out on a quick road trip. It’s official: car rides are making a comeback!  Remember when your parents piled you in the station wagon just to take a Sunday drive to nowhere in particular? Well, here we are again, now at the wheel, driving around in search of some sights, sounds, and fun despite COVID-19.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth 

The weather is getting warmer by the day. With warm weather comes sunshine, blue skies and, of course, ice cream! Jump on Route 127 in Beverly and take a ride along the coast up to Gloucester!  Stop at Captain Dusty’s in Beverly Farms for ice cream (make sure to call your order in ahead of time). After indulging in some delicious ice cream, consider driving out to Eastern Point to take in the ocean scents and views. Nothing brings more peace than the ocean. On your way out, grab some chowda at the Causeway Restaurant to calm your grumbling stomach with a local favorite. 

Dreaming of a Countryside Ride

If you’re more into soaking up the views along a countryside car ride, grab 1A in Wenham and drive up to 133 in Ipswich.  Once in Ipswich take a social distancing walk out along Crane’s Beach or grab an ice cream at Down River.  Hankering for some fried clams? Head further up the road to Essex’s or the ever-popular Woodman’s. If you want to drive a bit further you can even try out Essex Seafood to enjoy generous portions of fresh seafood. 

(Window) Shop ‘Til You Drop 

There is something so satisfying about exploring storefronts and admiring their display of products through the glass. Don’t you agree? If this is something you love to do, drive up Route 1A to Newburyport and walk around downtown and dream of all the money you’re saving not being able to shop! Take photos or jot down notes of your favorite pieces or boutiques and consider supporting those local businesses in their online shops.  After burning off all those calories, stop by The Angry Donut for a sweet treat, where their doughnuts are made fresh daily. From the classic vanilla glaze flavor to the unique fruity pebble, how can you resist indulging on a delicious delight?

Explore the Mysteries of Salem 

If you’re a history buff and want to learn more about Salem, you can still do so amid the pandemic. Take a stroll downtown to window shop the various businesses that are focused on all things witch and Halloween themed. As you stroll, plan a future trip based on the sights you want to explore. Consider adding The Salem Witch Museum, The House of Seven Gables and the Salem Heritage Trail to your list of must-sees for your future return. 

There are still a plethora of places to explore and enjoy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Next time you start to feel a bit stir crazy in the house or are just looking to try out a new North Shore restaurant, jump in the car and go! Take some time to soak in the sights and enjoy the adventure you are on.

Supporting North Shore Businesses During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Over the last few weeks, the world as we know it has been flipped upside down all thanks to COVID-19; the novel coronavirus that’s been sweeping across the nation (and world) sickening our family, friends and neighbors. It is imperative that we listen to the rules regarding social distancing, hand washing and face masks, but we must not lose sight of the valuable people in our lives amongst the chaos. Now more than ever, we need to support one another. We need to stick together as a North Shore community and care for our people.

Throughout the community, essential businesses are ready and willing to serve our needs; from filling our plates to caring for our loved ones, these wonderful people are on stand-by. There are many non-essential businesses that have pivoted away from their standard practices to keep their clientbase happy and engaged, offering online versions of classes and meetings. 

Below are some of my favorite spots, and people, to support right here in the North Shore. I hope that you can join me in supporting those who have kept our community afloat during all of the highs and lows we have faced together.

Take Out Food

Crave – Located in Beverly they pride themselves on offering, “great food to go.” From breakfast sandwiches to cupcakes and coffee, there is something to satisfy everyone.  They are open daily from 8AM to 2PM for pickup.

Tartine Kitchen & Eatery – Also located in Beverly, they create everything from breakfast to dinner items and specialize in tartines, open faced sandwiches served on artisan bread. They are offering pickup and delivery during the pandemic.

Frank – Located on Rantoul Street in Beverly, this is the idealistic “farm to table” restaurant. They believe in sourcing their ingredients from locally sustainable farmers whenever possible. They are currently offering online ordering for easy pickup or delivery. During order check out they even give you to open to donate meals to Beverly Hospital to support frontline health workers.

Joe’s on a Roll When craving the best lobster in town, Joe’s, on Federal Street in Beverly, is the spot of choice. Their lobster roll paired with a bowl of their delicious chowda’ will lift your spirits and give you a taste of your favorite summer nights. They are open for takeout and delivery. Dig in!

Wrapture if you’re looking for freshly made wraps or a bit of Mexican flair (think made-for-you burritos or tacos) then this is the place! Located on Cabot Street in Beverly, Wrapture uses fresh ingredients to please your palate. They are currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 8pm.

Taste Buds Kitchen – If you’re looking for some variety in your meals, the new cooking club Taste Buds is perfect! They post new cooking videos every Tuesday and Thursday and are great for your entire family to participate in. Sign up is free and supports the No Kid Hungry program; talk about a win-win.

Activities & Self-Care

Clay Dreaming Pottery Studio – If you’re looking to wash away the COVID blues, a Pottery To Go Kit may be just what you, and your family, need. Currently offering this contact-free service via an order online and mailing process, you can pick your favorite clay pieces, your ideal paint colors and the glaze you need to complete your creations. You can add on paint brushes and palettes as needed. All project needs are shipped to you. You can bring you pieces back to the studio on 5/4 to get it fired up in the kiln.

Boston Botanicals – I can’t say enough about how much I love the bath bombs from Boston Botanicals. During these stressful times, it is so important to focus on self-care and de-stressors to get us through. The products offered by this amazing boutique will help you relax and unwind. Order online to support a North Shore staple.

Lisa Ann Schraffa Santin Stylist – If you are in need of the perfect “Stay at home” style, Lisa Ann is your go-to woman. She is currently pivoting her approach a bit and hosting online events teaching women how to dress for Zoom (and other digital) meetings. Be best dressed from home while supporting a local.

Fitness and Personal Training Classes – Both Spectrum Fitness Consulting and Fitness Together: Beverly are offering online 1:1 training classes to take in the comfort of your home. They are both local fitness studios that keep us healthy and fit as a community. Fit Ritual is offering online classes which I haven’t tried yet, but they look great!Stay on track from home with these programs, customized for you.

Craft Beer Pickup

Old Planters & Channel Marker Brewing– If you want to pick up some brews made right in Beverly, MA. Old Planters and Channel Marker Brewing offer a taste of the North Shore. If you want to try both, you’re in luck because they’re located right down the street from one another!

Whether you’re looking for a new activity to try with the extra at-home time you have on your hands or want to try a new restaurant, I encourage you to support our local community in your endeavors. I would love to hear some of your top suggestions to support in the North Shore so please feel free to share them with me.

Home Buying Help from an Experienced Realtor

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Happy 2020, Friends!

You may have recently seen on social media that I am the one moving on this time! I have joined Keller Williams in Beverly. I extremely grateful and thankful for all I learned at Century 21 and the tremendous agents and staff that supported me over the last 5 years. I’m very excited about the forward-thinking technology that Keller Williams offers which will allow me to help both my sellers and buyers.

If you’re thinking of selling this year NOW is the time to talk.  Let’s meet, determine the value of your property and discuss what projects that may need to be done to get your home looking ready to SELL this year.

Is this the year we BUY your first home, dream home or downsize to a smaller home? 

Winter is a great time to start looking for a home. There’s less competition, buyers are most serious, and there’s less wait to get a loan. 

Great news! Nothing has changed. You can still reach me by calling/texting 978-835-8954 or dropping me an email at allardmaura@gmail.com. You can also fill in the form below!

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE GREAT PLACES TO LIVE IN BOSTON’S NORTH SHORE

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The Homebuying Wrap-up

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Thank you all!

As we wrap up 2019 (and the decade!), I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to all of my clients.  By the end of the year, I’ll have helped 50 families buy, sell, or lease their homes!

Many years ago, I was a single mom with two young beautiful boys struggling to make ends meet.  I could never have imagined then the way my life would look now.  When I think about how far I’ve come, I’m humbled and grateful to the clients whose trust in me allowed me to build such a successful business.

I try to show my gratitude in simple small ways – every year I deliver cupcakes to all clients who bought or sold with me during the year, and to clients who have referred their friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to me.  I also make a trip to my clients in assisted-living and bring along some extra cupcakes for their new friends to enjoy.  

Luckily, my talented cousin does the baking!  She runs “One Little Cake” from her home in Beverly, ever since leaving her corporate job to stay home with her son with Cystic Fibrous.  I highly recommend her baking, especially at this time of year!

Cupcakes for everyone!

Let’s Talk!

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the North Shore in 2020, we should talk!

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Buying a Home in Lynn, Massachusetts

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Have you ever thought about living in Lynn, Massachusetts?

It’s close to Boston, the airport, and has great transit connections.

Best of all, Lynn is diverse and has a great downtown.

Let’s talk about finding you and your family a home in Hamilton/Wenham! Send me a message below.

Let’s Talk!

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE GREAT PLACES TO LIVE IN BOSTON’S NORTH SHORE

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Real Estate in Hamilton, Massachusetts

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Hamilton/Wenham is great for families and nature-lovers. And I think The Musary music instrument lending library is one of the coolest things I’ve ever heard of!

It’s no wonder Hamilton/Wenham has been rated as one of the best places to live in the area.

Let’s talk about finding you and your family a home in Hamilton/Wenham!

Get in Touch

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Buying a Home in Peabody • Living in Beverly • Homes for sale in Danvers

Top Tips on How to best Prepare your Home for Winter

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Winter is coming and I want you to be prepared. Here are some things that you should do before the snow falls to keep your house in tip-top shape!

  1. Clean gutters and downspouts; make sure drainage areas are free of leaves and other debris.  (Investing in gutter guards will make this easier!)
  2. Use a screwdriver to test the wood trim around windows, doors, railing, and decks.  Use caulk to fill any holes, or replace rotten wood.
  3. Inspect your roof, or hire someone to do it. Shingles that are curling or cracking should be replaced.
  4. While you’re on the roof, check flushing around windows, pipes, and chimney –  you don’t want snow getting in any gaps!
  5. Remove, drain, and store garden hoses.
  6. Turn off exterior spigots and drain them of water.
  7. Wrap water pipes in exterior walls with heating tape to save energy and prevent freezing.
  8. Use an incense stick to check your windows and doors for drafts, and replace the weatherstripping and caulking as needed.
  9. Check your foundation for any cracks.
  10. Check your chimney for soot, and have it swept if there is more than 1/8 inch.  Install caps so that pests and debris stay outside!
  11. If you’re storing firewood, keep it at least 15 feet from your house to keep any termites at a safe distance.

For more tips on maintaining your systems and gardens, and discouraging pests and making sure your home is safe, visit the DIY Network.

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE GREAT PLACES TO LIVE IN BOSTON’S NORTH SHORE

Buying a Home in Peabody • Living in Beverly • Homes for sale in Danvers

Buying a Home in Essex, Massachusetts

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If you’re looking for a small town close to big city amenities, Essex, Massachusetts may be just the place for you!

If you love seafood, beaches, and a strong sense of community, let’s talk about Essex!

Let’s talk about moving to Essex!

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE GREAT PLACES TO LIVE IN BOSTON’S NORTH SHORE

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500 Cummings Center
Suite 1550
Beverly, MA 01915

978.835.8954
ma@mauraallardrealtor.com
mauraallard@kw.com

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