Shop Small Saturday

Small Business Saturday Local Favorites

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Since 2010, Small Business Saturday has been an official day to celebrate and support the backbone of our economy: small businesses. Now, more than ever, small businesses need our support as the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on many throughout the country. When considering where to buy this holiday season we encourage you to shop small. Though there are many small business treasures throughout the northshore, we want to share our favorites with you and encourage you to visit each. We know you’ll love them!

 

 

My Pick:

Copper Dog Books

Located in downtown Beverly, Massachusetts, this expansive bookstore showcases a wonderful selection of good reads. Owners, Meg Wasmer and Julie Karaganis, believe in the power of reading and wanted to share their love of books with others. They pride themselves on providing, “stellar customer service.” This spot is one of my personal top local picks. They have a phenomenal selection of books, children’s books, and greeting cards. They provide amazing customer service. Copper Dog Books is a fantastic addition to Beverly. 

 

Copper Dog Books is open daily from 8AM to 7PM and offers free local delivery (5-mile radius), shipping and in-store pickup for your convenience. Not sure where to start when it comes to picking out a book or gift for someone else? Check out Meg or Julie’s top picks today.

 

Ron’s Pick: 

Kaffmandu Coffee Shop

This fair-trade organic coffee shop is located in the heart of Danvers, Massachusetts and offers a full selection of hot or cold coffee along with breakfast and lunch sandwiches, wraps and paninis. Ron raves about Kaffmandu and says, “Kaffmandu is my go-to coffee stop whenever I’m in Danvers!” Boasting flavors such as the Annapurna Express, who’s coffee beans were grown in volcanic soil, with a dark-medium smoky flavor to flavored beans that are infused with a variety of tastes, from classic hazelnut to eccentric banana foster, you are sure to find an essence that tantalises your tastebuds. Kaffmandu offers delivery via DoorDash or Clover and is open 5AM to 4PM daily.

 

Ann’s Pick:

 

Orchid Boutique

This fashion-forward quaint boutique is a must-visit when in Salem, Massachusetts. Whether you’re looking for women’s clothing or accessories, they have it all. They call themselves, “the home of contemporary fashion,” offering looks that are a mix between chic and casual. They are expanding to include men’s clothing in the near future. Anne enjoys shopping at this boutique and says, “It just opened back in September and has already become a favorite of mine!” The best part? You can shop in-store or online for all of the latest fashion finds for this season. The boutique is open Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 6PM and on Sunday from 12PM to 5PM. Stop by and pick up a new outfit for the chilly weather ahead or as a gift for the upcoming Christmas season.

 

Whether you’re a Massachusetts native or a newcomer to the area, there are many local shops that you can explore and support by shopping small. We hope that you check out our favorites and share your experiences with us.

Ron Messina Q&A Realtor

Meet the Team: Ron Messina

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When it comes to building a viable business, you want to be surrounded by those who inspire you, encourage your team and collaborate effectively while building rock solid relationships with your current and future client base. From experience, I know that a rockstar realtor must have strong communication skills with the knowledge to sell homes. 

 

As I began to build out my team for 2020 and beyond, I knew that Ron Messina would be the perfect addition to my team. Working together with realty transactions in the past spoke to his proven track record of career success. 

 

Why did you get into Real Estate? 

 

Ron decided to become a realtor based on his love of helping others. Ron says he, “always envisioned helping others on their dream of homeownership, whether it be their first home or their tenth.” Ron loves the connections he makes with clients, who, “often feel like lifelong friends by the end of the homebuying process.” 

 

If you had to give someone one piece of realty advice what would it be?

 

“Real estate is like planting a tree, the best time to do it was 20 years ago or NOW. Stop renting and paying your landlord’s mortgage!” 

 

Why did you decide to work with Maura?

 

When presented with the idea to work with Maura Allard & Company team, Ron loved the idea. He said, “We’ve worked together in the past, I knew it would be a great idea to team up and take on the realty world together.”

 

What does your dream home look like?  

 

Realtors visit hundreds of houses a year, in search of a client’s dream home. From helping clients buy for the first time, to working with clients on the sale of their home, we’ve seen it all when it comes to home details. We believe that your home should always be an extension of you, fitted with the furnishings, décor and style that makes you most happy. For Ron, his dream home would be, “a contemporary style, filled with stainless, glass and sliding driftwood doors, ideally overlooking the water in a home that oozes simplistic luxury.” He understands that your wants and needs, in a home, are essential to choosing the home of your dreams, so every client’s journey is a unique, personalized experience, with him as the tour guide. 

 

Give us 3 random fun facts about you.

 

Aside from his skills in the realty world, Ron loves the outdoors. He enjoys, “spending his downtime near the water, from pool to lake or ocean, the water is his ideal relaxation option.” He also relishes being in the comfort of his own home, “indulging in the latest movie or TV series.” When inviting others over to his place, he is a big fan of being the head chef in the kitchen. Ron relates his hobby to realty by saying, “my love for cooking is as rewarding as helping someone purchase a home with a bit faster results.”

 

We are so excited to welcome Ron to our Keller Williams team here in Beverly, assisting clients in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We are confident he will do wonderful things in 2020 and beyond. If you would like to learn more about Ron, or other members of our team, contact us to set up a meeting today.

Q&A with Ann Gray Realtor

Meet the Team: Ann Gray

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Ann Gray, one of the newest realtors of M.A. and Company, believes that “real estate is a complex business that takes time and a lot of effort to become successful in.” She encourages those in pursuit to simply, “stick with it!” The positive attitude that Ann exudes is the epitome of what we at M.A. and Company truly believe in and strive to live by in all of our interactions, whether with clients or partners in the realty field. Partnerships are essential aspects of the real estate world, so when deciding to build out my brand, I knew that Ann was the ideal candidate to have on my team. Along with her positivity, she is extremely knowledgeable and a people person to her core.

 

Why did you get into Real Estate? 

 

Real estate was never fully in Ann’s plans, but it has become such a pivotal part of her career path. When asked what led her to pursue a career as a realtor she said, “A few years back, a coworker and I were brainstorming future career paths, knowing that we needed a change. He was the one that suggested Real Estate. He felt that with my outgoing personality, flair for design, and strong community ties, I would be a natural in the real estate market. Coincidentally, I had recently been told the same thing by a spiritual advisor. After much consideration, I quit my 9 to 5 job and dove headfirst into my new career!” Taking the proverbial leap has been wonderful for Ann who has already experienced so much growth in her position. 

 

If you had to give someone one piece of realty advice what would it be? 

 

“Stick with it. Real Estate is a complex business and it takes time and a lot of effort to become successful.”

 

Why did you decide to work with Maura?

 

When given the opportunity to work with the M.A. and Co. team her reasoning was clear, Anne said, “I wanted to align myself with someone who has a relationship-based approach to Real Estate as opposed to someone who is more transaction based.  Maura also strives to balance her career with her family life. I believe that surrounding yourself with like-minded coworkers can help achieve that balance.” Building strong relationships with our current and future client base is a big part of what we pride ourselves on and Ann is a great addition to that ideal.

 

 

What does your dream home look like?

 

Exploring the ins and outs of houses large and small is one of the most interesting perks of being a realtor. From marble countertops to heated floors, realtors aim to please and check every box on the dream list of their clients. Through their love of home selling (and exploring) realtors can narrow down a list of their ideals when it comes to their personal dream home. 

 

For Ann she says her dream home would be located in the tropics, Costa Rica to be exact. Instead of focusing on high-end finishes she says, “My dream house has tons of windows and light, plants everywhere, a beautiful patio and space for my family and dogs.” How dreamy does that sound?

 

Give us 3 random fun facts about you.

 

Aside from her love of all things real estate, Ann considers herself a competitive and creative individual. When asked about her personal interests she says, “I love to play cards and board games. I love musical theater and play obscenely loud Broadway music when I clean and in my car.” She is an outdoorsy person, who “adores being outside and exploring as much as possible.” One downside to her exploration outdoors is her “irrational fear of insects,” which can easily be put aside when she can take in breathtaking views on an early morning hike.

 

We are so excited to watch Ann flourish in her real estate career with M.A. and Co. She is a wonderful asset to our team and will be for years to come. To work with Ann directly on the sale or purchase of your home, contact us today. 

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 [email protected]. You can also fill in the form below!

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

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!

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 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

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

500 Cummings Center
Suite 1550
Beverly, MA 01915

978.835.8954
[email protected]
[email protected]

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