Find a home in Stoughton, Raynham, Lakeville

Land – Lakeville, MA 02347 now has a new price!

JoAnn Drabble — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:33 +0000

Beautiful wooded lot just shy of 9 acres has just been approved and is ready for you to build your dream home! The lot offers much privacy to its new owner! Prime location to all highway routes, commuter rail to Boston & Lakeville’s recreational “Long Pond”. A dream town for golf enthusiests! Perc test, surveying, engineering, and 4-bedroom septic design have all been performed. Lot is approved by the Town of Lakeville and ready to build!

This property features 8.81 Acres, and is currently available for $109,900.

For complete details click here.

Multi-Family – Stoughton, MA 02072 is now new to the market!

JoAnn Drabble — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:00:21 +0000

This rare find solid two-family home is located just minutes to commuter rail to Boston & all major highway routes. Long-time owner-occupied home has some great “bones” & needs some updates to make it shine! Each unit offers spacious living with double parlors, kitchen w/pantry. Home has maintenance-free vinyl siding, some replacement windows, off street parking for both units, separate electric & heat, enclosed porch, walk up attic, new burner, newly sealed driveway. A great opportunity!

This property features 10 total rooms, 2 full baths, 4 bedrooms, 0.12 Acres, and is currently available for $229,900.

For complete details click here.

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

JoAnn Drabble — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:57 +0000

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. It is impossible to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. Here are ten things you need to know about mold from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Smoke Detectors: What You NEED to Know

JoAnn Drabble — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:00:28 +0000

Smoke detectors save lives. Many people may be lulled into a false sense of security thinking they have smoke detectors in their home. Smoke detectors that are not installed or maintained properly are not safe. Here are a few tips on what you need to know about buying, installing, and maintaining your smoke detectors:

What should I buy?

The National Burn Institute recommends only buying smoke alarms tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). You will also want to make sure the smoke detector has a battery backup. Smoke detectors that don’t work in a power outage are no good. Consider buying a combination smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector, they may be more expensive, but well worth the money.

There are two main types of smoke alarms, which are categorized by the type of smoke detection sensor used in the alarm. They are ionization and photoelectric.

Ionization smoke detectors

Ionization detectors respond quickly to flaming fires with smaller combustion particles. They contain a chamber with two plates that generate a small, continuous electric current. When smoke enters the ionization chamber, the smoke particles disrupt the current flow, which triggers the alarm.

Photoelectric smoke detectors

Photoelectric detectors respond more quickly to smoldering fires. They use a light beam and light receptor. When smoke is present between the light and receptor, the photocell sensor triggers the alarm.

Combination smoke detectors

The best smoke alarms can sense both types of fires (flaming and smoldering). For the highest degree of safety and preparedness, there are combination smoke alarms also that combine ionization and photoelectric detectors into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms.

Check with your local fire department to see what kind of detector they recommend.

Installation and Maintenance

Smoke detectors should be installed on each floor, outside of every bedroom and sleeping area and near any air vents. Detectors should also be installed high on walls or on ceilings because smoke rises. Avoid installing detectors near windows, doors or where there are openings where smoke can escape.

Check with your local fire department for specific regulations on the placement of detectors.

Smoke detectors have a lifespan of about seven to 10 years, and it’s important to replace old detectors according to the model’s recommendations. Test your alarm’s batteries monthly and remember to replace all batteries at least once a year. Clean and vacuum the grill of your detector to get rid of dust and debris. Other maintenance includes a monthly testing of the alarm and cleaning with a vacuum hose about once every month.

Luxury Home Buying

JoAnn Drabble — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:00:37 +0000

While you’ve probably heard many negative stories about the real estate market over the past few years, there are many buyers who have actually taken advantage of the current market to great success. For savvy homebuyers, the current marketplace has yielded tremendous opportunity—most notably in the area of high-end or luxury homes.

If you’ve always dreamed about buying a luxury property but considered it just out of reach, the market may paint an entirely different picture today. Many homeowners, unable to sustain the costs associated with a luxury home, have been forced to sell. The general decline in home values in recent years has also put downward pressure on the prices of higher-end homes.

Buying a luxury home requires a specific strategy, however, so before you embark on the process, RISMedia offers following things to consider:

1. Select the right agent.

Working with an agent who is experienced and successful in the luxury home market is essential. A luxury-property specialist has the right knowledge and the right connections to help you locate and negotiate an offer on a high-end home.

2. Know where to look.

While traditional house hunts begin online these days, finding the right high-end home will require the right networking. Many of these properties are discovered through word of mouth or referrals. This is where your real estate agent comes in. The right agent will know about luxury finds before they’re even officially on the market.

3. Consider cash.

Many luxury buyers are also cash buyers and cash is king in today’s market. In fact, according to the May 2011 REALTORS® Confidence Index from the National Association of REALTORS®, 30 percent of all purchases between mid-April and mid-May of last year were financed with cash. The number was even higher for luxury properties. Investors and luxury buyers with cash are a welcome sight in today’s credit-crunched market where jumbo loans, in particular, are hard to come by. If you’re fortunate enough to be a cash buyer, your chances of getting a great deal on a luxury property will increase exponentially.

4. Invest the time.

As with any major investment, spending the proper amount of time on evaluating a high-end home is essential. Be prepared for this to take much longer than the walk-through of a typical home. Investigating a luxury property means taking careful note of a variety of details, such as how the home was constructed, security systems that may have been put in place, architectural and design highlights, outdoor areas and special features.

5. Devising the offer.

Making the right offer on a luxury property is tricky—lean heavily on the guidance of your agent. In market’s better day, luxury sellers were known to be very particular about who was buying their property as well as the final selling price, usually having the financial wherewithal to stay in the home until the right offer came along. While these tendencies still exist, many of today’s luxury sellers are in a distressed property situation. Be sure to carefully weigh these factors with your agent prior to making an offer.

Single-Family – Lakeville, MA 02347 now has a new price!

JoAnn Drabble — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:01:37 +0000

Stunning home in picturesque North Lakeville location min. to comm. rail to Boston & all hwy. routes. Wonderful open floor plan, designer kitchen/peninsula/breakfast nook w/recessed lighting open to private, cathedral family room/fireplace/french doors/deck, gleaming hardwoods & tiled cathedral baths, formal dining w/tray ceiling/bow window/crown molding & central air all compliment this one-of-a kind home! Beautiful landscape w/shrubs/ornamentals/irrigation & private rear yard. A must see!

This is a Colonial style home and features 9 total rooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath, 4 bedrooms, 2.16 Acres, and is currently available for $379,999.

For complete details click here.

Going Green in the Kitchen

JoAnn Drabble — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:00:31 +0000

Looking to go green? Why not start in the kitchen? Here are some tips from Martha Stewart Living on how to get started with a green shopping list.

Baking Soda

One cup mixed with a teaspoon of liquid soap, a bit of water, and a few drops of antibacterial essential oil (such as tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, or peppermint) makes an effective cleanser for your bathroom.

Milk

Used in combination with white vinegar, it does wonders to remove ink stains on clothing. Simply soak the garment in a bowl milk or white vinegar.

Glass Bottles

To cut down on plastic bottle waste, buy liquid soap in bulk and decant into your favorite glass bottle. This will cut down on the number of plastic bottles you buy from the store each year.

Your Favorite Mints

When you finish off that last Altoid, save the container. It’s the right size for holding office supplies such as paper clips or stamps. 1. Trace the top of the tin onto leftover contact paper or cork sheets (found at crafts stores) and cut out the pattern. 2. Use glue to affix the cover to the tin. 3. Label the top to indicate what’s inside.

Fresh Vegetables

Eating vegetarian cuts down considerably on the effects of global warming. Why? Meat and dairy production creates more carbon emissions than all those cars and trucks on the road.

Bamboo Washcloths

Renewable bamboo isn’t just a substitute for wood. Fabric woven from its fibers is absorbent and naturally antibacterial, making it ideal for washcloths.

Herb Seeds

Start your own apothecary garden with plants such as lavender, mint, lemon balm, and thyme — and make remedies for stress, digestion, immunity, and more.

Recycled Office Supplies

With a growing selection of high-quality, green products available at reasonable prices, now is the time to bring your eco-values into the office, whether at home or at work.

Eco-Bulbs

Using a third of the energy required by their incandescent counterparts, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) do wonders for your budget and the environment.

Reusable Tote

You will usually find these for sale at grocery stores and other shopping centers. Find one you like and say goodbye to the endless stream of plastic bags.

Compost Pail

Keep an airtight container in your kitchen so you can make your own nutrient-rich soil — and not throw more waste into landfills.

Single-Family – Lakeville, MA 02347 is now new to the market!

JoAnn Drabble — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:00:43 +0000

Charming home offers YOUR OWN DIRECT ACCESS to Long Pond with its own private INLET WITH DOCK! Step out your back door & jump on your boat, jetski, or canoe or walk to the sandy beach and take a swim! Absolutely adorable & quite deceivingly spacious seasonal home is “turn key”. New roof, new replacement windows, new paint, gleaming hardwood floors, new carpet, private well, new tight tank septic system. Great opportunity for second home weekend get-away or snow birds! Don’t miss out!

This is a Ranch style home and features 5 total rooms, 1 full bath, 3 bedrooms, 0.15 Acres, and is currently available for $124,900.

For complete details click here.

Three Quick and Easy Ways to Change a Room Without Painting

JoAnn Drabble — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:00:27 +0000

It is great to have a room renovation every once in a while but painting and changing the look of a room can be costly and time consuming. Here are three quick and simple ways to change the look of your room without busting the budget.

Window Treatments are one of the quickest, simplest and most affordable ways to change the whole look and feel of a room. If you prefer to take the focus away from the windows, choose neutral colors, and a simple style. If you would like to create a dramatic look and emphasize the view, choose more color or a bolder style in the window treatments. A layered look with sheers or a top treatment will also do the trick.
Lighting can definitely add color. A simple solution would be to add colored bulbs to some of your light fixtures. Incandescent lighting can also add more warmth, and accent lighting can highlight an area of the room. Transform a room’s mood with dimmers, uplights, and sheer textile lampshades. Wall sconces, floor lamps and even candles can also change the look of a room.
Artwork can change the look without busting the budget. Artwork can be from a local gallery, children’s drawings or just what you already have hanging around the house. Choose pieces that showcase intense colors but also work well with the existing pieces in your room. Try moving your current artwork around. Photos, vases, and other collectibles can give new life to a room. Group them in sets of three or five for an instant eye-catching display.

The possibilities are endless. You can infuse a lot of color into any room without once having to pry open a paint can or spend a fortune. Have fun!

Single-Family – West Bridgewater, MA 02379 now has a new price!

JoAnn Drabble — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:00:28 +0000

Great starter home located minutes from all highway access routes! Solid home with new england charm has great space for entertaining. Some newer replacement windows on first floor, hardwoods, does need some TLC and updates to make it shine which is reflected in price. Owner is selling in as-is condition. Title V Compliance in hand.

This is a Colonial style home and features 8 total rooms, 1 full bath, 1 half bath, 3 bedrooms, 0.22 Acres, and is currently available for $189,900.

For complete details click here.