Real Estate Information Archive

One of our favorite things about living in North Andover is that there is always something happening in the community. After working tirelessly all week, North Andover residents deserve a weekend where they can kick back and relax at a wine tasting event or enjoy some quality family time at a festival. As Andover area real estate agents, not only do we have a wealth of information about the Andover real estate market, but we are also aware that there are plenty of events happening nearby that will definitely get you excited about summer and the quickly approaching weekend!

Windrush Farms Family Festival: Saturday, June 4th, 10am - 4pm
Windrush Farms is an organization that is dedicated to teaching disabled children and adults how to ride horses, while instilling the tenets of compassion, integrity, and excellence into the hearts of all who participate. You and your whole family will have a wonderful day of fun at the Family Festival, which will feature arts and crafts, live music, pony rides, barnyard animal exhibits, a $1,000 cash raffle, and much more! There is a $5 parking fee, and about $7,000 of the proceeds from this event will help support Windrush Farms’ disabled riders. For more information on the Family Festival, visit Windrush Farms’ official website.

Wine ConneXtion - Big Bold Chardonnays: Saturday, June 4th, 2011, 12pm - 5pm
On Saturday, Wine ConneXtion is the place to be if you enjoy white wines from California, Meursault, and Puligny-Montrachet. At this wine tasting, you will appreciate and enjoy the diverse wine selections available from different regions. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a casual celebrator, you will love the French and American Chardonnays and White Burgundy selections available. For additional information on this event, visit the Wine ConneXtion's "Events" page.

Gallery Opening - Simply Trashing: Saturday, June 4th, 2011, 5pm - 7pm
For fine art enthusiasts of all ages, the Simply Trashing gallery opening is the perfect source for your Saturday evening entertainment. Located near the North Andover area, Simply Trashing is described as an independent interactive art study which explores material recycling. The art work by Jennifer Casey will be on display all month. Admission is free, and the art will be for sale. Because this is a catered event, RSVPs are encouraged. For more information and directions, visit Sweet Paisley Productions website.

National Doughnut Day at Smolak Farms: Saturday, June 4th - Sunday, June 5th, 9am - 1 pm
Officially established in 1938 by the Chicago Salvation Army, National Doughnut Day honors the dedication of all World War I Salvation Army volunteers who provided encouragement and provisions to our soldiers. To commemorate the day in the beautiful community of North Andover, we encourage you and the whole family to head over to Smolak Farms this weekend for free hayrides and, of course, plenty of doughnut decorating and dunking! To find out more about the event and the history of National Doughnut Day, visit the Smolak Farms website.

With so many events happening in the North Andover area, it is always a pleasure living in Andover. So, whether you are selling an Andover home or hoping to relocate to Andover, we will be able to help you with any transition you’d like to make. This community has much to offer, and as Andover real estate agents, we would be honored to have you contact us with any questions you may have.

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This weekend, we welcome you to join us in celebrating Memorial Day weekend in Andover. As Andover real estate agents, we know that you will appreciate the historical significance of the city and the surrounding North Andover area. During the long weekend, we encourage you to get together with family and friends. Most of all, we also hope that you will observe this holiday which celebrates the lives of the men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving our country and preserving our freedom. As you plan your weekend, we encourage you to fit some of these ideas into your Memorial Day weekend in Andover:

Memorial Day Parade: The North Andover area is the perfect place to be on Memorial Day, because you are surrounded by the historical and cultural significance of America. Honor our country’s heroes this weekend at the Memorial Day Parade in Somerville, MA. Ceremonies begin at 8:00am at the American Legion Post #19, at 124 Highland Avenue. Ceremonies conclude with the largest Memorial Day Parade in the region, which kicks off at 1:00pm from Somerville City Hall Concourse. The parade ends at Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, where you and your family are encouraged to leave flowers in memory of our fallen veterans. For more information on this event, visit the Somerville, MA website.

Fly a Flag: It is common for many to display the American Flag on Memorial Day, but you can also showcase a POW or MIA flag outside of your Andover home. Although these flags are not as common, they are completely appropriate for the occasion.

Have a Barbeque or Party: Since this weekend usually gets everyone geared up for summer, a party would be a fun way to celebrate Memorial Day and the warm weather! Be sure to stock up on plenty of red, white, and blue plates and cups, and look for some festive American Flag napkins and table centerpieces. A few matching streamers and balloons are simple ways to spruce up your Andover home for the occasion, and you can challenge your guests to wear patriotic colors in honor of our country’s heroes.

Help a Local Veteran: If you know of veterans in the Andover area, be sure to reach out to them. Invite them to your barbeque or have your party in honor of their services to our country. You could also bring them a small gift or help them with chores in their Andover home.
 
Adopt a U.S. Soldier: Encourage those who are following in our veteran’s footsteps by adopting and providing support for a U.S. soldier. Sending letters of appreciation and encouragement, and providing simple items such as graham crackers and juice boxes would mean everything to our troops. For more information on how you can get involved, visit AdoptaUSSoldier.org.

National Moment of Remembrance: Join the rest of America as we participate in the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day, Monday May 30th, at 3:00pm. This is the perfect time to unite as a country and reflect on those who gave their time to military service.

No matter where you are or what you decide to do this weekend in Andover, we encourage you to take the time to fit any of these Memorial Day activities into your schedule. Living in Andover during this historical holiday is both inspiring and rewarding. If you would like to become a part of Andover history by owning your own piece of Andover real estate, we would be happy to hear from you. Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

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As North Andover real estate agents, we are very knowledgeable about the Andover community, and we love to promote the beautiful North Andover area. In this way, we are better able to provide North Andover residents with helpful information about their community as well as exciting events and activities in North Andover. If you are interested in arts and entertainment, fundraising events, or family friendly activities, then we have a few events here that are sure to keep you busy this weekend!

8th Annual Bike Bank at the Knights of Columbus - May 21, 2011 (9:00am - 12:00pm)
North Andover residents are encouraged to donate their new or gently used bikes for needy students in the area. The goal is to provide over one hundred bikes for children who need them, and the Rotary Club will provide new bike helmets for each recipient. For more information, call 978-794-1811.

Chuckles Comedy Club at the China Blossom - May 21, 2011 (9:30pm - 11:30pm)
For a little night time entertainment, stop by China Blossom for some good Asian cuisine and plenty of laughs provided by local comedians. This triple headliner show will feature Johnny Pizzi, Brad Mastrangelo, and Johnny Rizzo from Las Vegas. The cost for the event is $20 per person and $40 for the Special Dinner and Show Package. Doors open at 8:00pm and reservations are suggested.

North Andover Annual Sheep Shearing Festival - May 22, 2011 (10am - 4pm)

This Sunday in the Old Town Common, you and the whole family are welcomed to witness sheep herders practicing their craft during this live sheep shearing event. This event is open to everyone and free of charge. In addition to that, there will also be great food, unique hand made goods, and gorgeous hand crafted jewelry available from local artists in North Andover and the surrounding North Andover area.

Herb Faire - May 22, 2011 (10:00am - 4:00pm)
As the North Andover Annual Sheep Shearing Festival continues throughout the day, the Herb Faire will also take place in the town common on Massachusetts Avenue. Presented by the North Andover Historical Society and the Herb Society, this free event is also open to the public. There will be a series of herb-themed presentations as well as plants and books available for purchase. The newest exhibit in the Historical Society’s main gallery, “Playing at Life” will open at 2pm.

Phillips Academy Jazz Band and Ensembles with Guest Artists - May 22, 2011 (4:00pm)
For an easy-going evening of fun and enjoyment, visit the Phillips Academy for the local musical entertainment. The concert is free and open to the public, and will feature the Academy Jazz Band. Guest artists include The 2 Bass Hit Quintet, Fred Buda and Guests. For more information, visit the Phillips Academy website.

As North Andover real estate agents, we are all very knowledgeable about the events and happenings in the Andover area as well as the North Andover real estate market. If you or anyone you know has questions about this wonderful area, then be sure to contact us. If you are planning on selling an Andover home, or if you are looking to buy an Andover home, we would be happy to assist you in any way!

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Being an Andover MA homeowner is rewarding experience, and there is always something to see and do in the friendly North Andover community. However, sometimes it is a good idea to sit back and relax in your cozy Andover home, as we begin to enjoy the warmer weather at the cusp of summer! It is imperative that you adequately prepare your Andover home for the approaching season now; summer is quickly approaching, and we have the tips you will need to get your home ready.

Change your filters: This should be a standard procedure as you maintain your Andover home. Keeping a fresh filter, and changing old filters regularly will help ensure that you do not run into any major issues with your heating and cooling system in the future.

Test your cooling system: Whether you have central air or an air conditioner, you’ll want to make sure it is working properly! Test your cooling system to make sure it is operating at the appropriate temperature. If the air is not cool enough, or if the system will not turn on, you will need to put in a request to your heating and cooling mechanic. It is important to perform this test and schedule the repair appointment early, since mechanics will be extremely busy during the hot summer months.

Consider an upgrade: If you are using a mercury switch thermostat, you may save money by investing in a programmable thermostat. If you do decide to make the upgrade, contact Andover Public Works for instructions on how to dispose of the mercury. Installing ceiling fans throughout the house is another great way to save money while adding a touch of sophistication to your North Andover home!

Don’t forget your outdoor space! As an Andover homeowner, you should know that the home’s exterior is the first thing your guests will see, so you’ll want it to look beautiful! Remember: Routine care is key to keeping things manageable and well-kept all year round.

Driveways & Sidewalks: Although many sidewalks are public, it is important to keep them swept and unobstructed, since this is probably the area that your visitors will see first.

Awnings & Umbrellas: Hose everything down thoroughly and use a mild soap, if necessary. Check to see if your umbrella cover is machine washable.

Decks & Porches: Sweep the floors of all areas throughout and remove cobwebs from light fixtures, ceilings, and railings. Once the area is clear, check for holes, splintered wood, loose nails, and replace anything that may be damaged. It is also a good idea to seal the deck with a water-proofing sealer that also has a UV protectant.

Outdoor Furniture: Good outdoor furniture is made withstand many of the elements, but it is not indestructible. When the outdoor season is over, all outdoor furniture should be covered with a waterproof canvas or tarp, or it can be stored in a garage or shed. Weekly cleaning and routine washes with a hose will make your outdoor furniture last much longer.

These few tips may inspire you to do much more with your piece of Andover real estate as you prepare it for the summer season! You could implement a new garden or do some redecorating throughout the house after you’ve taken care of the essentials. Your guests are sure to notice and appreciate the effort you put in! These tips and ideas are also applicable for those of you who plan on selling your Andover home. If you or anyone you know has questions regarding the Andover community or North Andover real estate, we would be more than happy to help! Feel free to give us a call anytime to get started.

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Valentine's day is only a few weeks away now. Whether you consider it a "Hallmark Holiday" or not, its arrival does make you reflect on your loved ones. The neighborhoods in the North of Boston are the kind of places that you raise a family with the one you love, and watch them grow up before your eyes. However, there is no reason to leave the nest when the children go off to school or to raise their own family. Living in Andover, MA or North Andover, MA means staying around and going to that romantic meal on Valentine's Day to one of your favorite restaurants, or trying the newest one that just opened up.

Let us help you be prepared for a romantic evening in Andover or North Andover.  Although people tend to overlook the Massachusetts suburbs when it comes to restaurants, North Andover and Andover have a very good selection of dining options that are unique, and can be incredibly romantic. Just like the homes of Andover, their restaurants are often classic and historical, but stay modern in the right ways.

Joe Fish
http://www.joefish.net/
1120 Osgood Street, North Andover, MA 01845
Lobster, steamers, clam rolls, scallop dishes, a raw bar, and chocolate martinis. Many North Andover residents tout it as the best seafood in town. Everything is incredibly fresh and well prepared. Call 978-685-3663 to book your Valentine's Day reservations.

Glory Restaurant
http://gloryrestaurant.com/
19 Essex St, Andover, MA 01810
With its private leather seating, fireplaced-dining room, candle light, and unusual menu, this lounge bar/restaurant is ideal for a romantic evening.  Tucked away on a one-way street, those of you just moving to Andover may not know about it. End the night with the warm chocolate cake - with two forks of course.

Andover Inn
http://www.andoverinn.com/
4 Chapel Avenue, Andover, MA 01810
If upscale, fine dining is your romantic style, then you'll want to book a table at the Andover Inn's Signature Restaurant Samuels. Newly renovated, this previously Colonial Style restaurant is now stylish, dark wood polished, and modern, yet serves "Classic New England Fare." The new large dining room emits a romantic atmosphere from the soft-lit reflection of chandeliers, sconces, and paneled walls. The filet and the risotto are front runners on the menu.

If Andover real estate sounds like the kind of place you want to move to with your loved one, watch your family grow, and enjoy the small pleasures in life like a romantic date night, then we would love to be the Andover Real Estate agents to help you achieve that dream. We are always available when you need us.

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Have you ever wondered how you can make a resolution and actually maintain it throughout the year? How can someone stay motivated and determined so that their resolutions don’t peter out a few weeks (or days) into the New Year? As we all know, it’s so easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit of Christmas and the promise of a fresh start with the coming of the New Year; but we also know that the holiday spirits fade away and the fresh start of the New Year doesn’t feel so fresh after awhile. So, the question remains: How do you maintain your New Year’s resolutions? Well, the answer may not be what you expect… Social Media.

That’s right. Social Media is a great way to keep you accountable and motivated, so you can look forward to celebrating another New Year in Andover with all of the wonderful things it has to offer. Social Media makes things easier when you are looking to stay in contact with other people, but it is also a useful on a personal level.

For those of you aiming for a weight loss resolution, you have to first pinpoint the problem – literally. Foursquare is a location-based social networking site that works on your mobile phone. It allows you to pinpoint places that you have visited after “checking in” with your cell phone. You can then visit Foursquare’s website and filter all the (fast food) places you’ve visited- thereby pinpointing the problem.

Once you find the source of the problem, you need to take small steps to improve it. For example, if you have a Smartphone, you can download the application for the Pedometer so you can easily keep track of how much walking you’ve done after just one click. After making a few smaller changes to your eating and exercising habits, you’ll need to develop a more rigorous weight loss plan and find some accountability.

LoseIt.com offers a free online calorie counter which can also be downloaded as an app for your phone. Fitango.com gives you personalized workout plans and access to expert advice. You can also stay motivated as a Fitango member by sharing your progress with your friends. The Social Workout Challenge is another great way to stay in shape and compare your progress with other members. Similarly, Phitter.com is like a fun, “Phitness Phocused” Twitter where you can meet new “Phriends” with similar goals!

If you are hoping to quit smoking, FixNixer.com and QuitMeter.org are two Social Media sites that use similar methods to help you meet your goal and stick with it.

The New Year is also a great time to get a fresh start with your finances, and utilizing Social Media is effective in this area as well. Mint.com (which is also available as a phone app) offers free personal finance and budget management. It allows you to categorize your monetary transactions. This will help you adjust your spending and savings habits so you can meet your financial goals.

BillMonk is an application found on Facebook that will allow you to avoid the potentially awkward situation of sharing a bill with friends and family. Whether you’re splitting the bill for dinner or figuring out how to share the expense of decorating your beautiful Andover home, BillMonk will make the process easy for you. TweetWhatYouSpend is a great way to make sure your friends are keeping you accountable as the post-Christmas shopping continues. Similarly, Xpenser.com will record all transactions for you from any device, making it easy for you to keep track of what you’re spending at all times.

Social Media offers many ways for you to make a resolution to stay physically and financially healthy and happy this holiday season! This is also a great time of year to be looking for a fresh start in the wonderful Andover community. If you are looking for a piece of Andover real estate to call your own, be sure to let us know. We would love to help you get a great start to the New Year!

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2011!

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It’s a fun time of year as many in Andover are getting ready for Halloween festivities this weekend!  Andover’s historic involvement with the Salem witch trials in the 1600’s, seems to add a unique sense of mystery to Andover this time of year.  However, while the community enjoys harmless tricks and plenty of treats; there is one thing you don’t to fear this Halloween!  The Andover Real Estate market, despite the media’s continual down-and-out views of the housing market, is leaning towards buyers and proves that now is a great time to buy a home in Andover!

There are five solid reasons that we wanted to highlight as to why you can jump into the Andover Real Estate market with confidence.

1. You can get a great deal- Along with it being a buyers’ market; prices have come down a long way– about 30% from their peak, according to Standard & Poor's Case-Shiller Index, which tracks home prices in 20 big cities.

2. Mortgages are cheap- We’re seeing the lowest rates on record! You can get a 30-year loan for around 4.3%, which cuts what you would’ve been paying two years ago for an Adover home by 1/5. If the housing market picks up, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll see these rates again.

3. You’ll save on taxes- You can deduct the mortgage interest from your income taxes and you can deduct your from your Andover Real Estate taxes. Many people will find that these tax breaks mean owning costs them less, often a lot less, than renting.

4. It offers some inflation protection- While it's not perfect, studies by Professor Karl "Chip" Case (of Case-Shiller), and others, suggest that over the long-term housing has tended to beat inflation by a few percentage points a year. That's valuable inflation insurance if you’re planning on staying in the Andover area long term!

5. Sooner or later, the market will clear- Demand and supply will eventually balance each other out. The population is forecast to grow by more than 100 million people over the next 40 years. That means maybe 40 million new households looking for homes. Meanwhile, this housing slump will work itself out. Many of the homes will be bought, and prices will go back to their previous state.

Buying a home in Andover is a smart move and can pay off for years to come!  We know it can be a little scary to think about making such a large purchase in this economy, but you couldn’t plan a better time to buy! 

If you’re planning on joining in the frightening fun of this coming weekend, remember that safety is key to a memorable experience!  Trick-or-Treating in Andover will take place on Sunday, October 31 from 5-7pm.  Below are a few key tips for enjoying a safe holiday.

- Younger children should always be with an adult.
- Have older children stay within a group.
- Keep your home well lit.
- Only cross streets at cross walks and stay on sidewalks.
- Check all candy before allowing it to be eaten by a child.
- Never go inside a home of someone you don’t know.

If you have any questions about the Andover Real Estate market or are currently searching for a home in Andover- let us know!  We would be happy to help you find your ideal home!  Have a safe and happy Halloween!

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Those living in Andover enjoy the community and lifestyle that is offered in this charming city and its surrounding areas.  There are many events in Andover that take place on a regular basis that allow residents to get to know local businesses and neighbors within their community.  If you are searching for something fun to do tonight, “An Evening of Wine and Rovers” may be just the event for which you’ve been searching!

MSPCA's Noble Family Animal Care & Adoption Center are hosting this event at Nevins Farm in the nearby town of Methuen, MA.  This wonderful evening will feature a holiday menu by sponsor Whole Foods Market of Andover, live music and wine tasting from the Mutt Lynch Winery in California brought to the event by sponsor Shawsheen Village Liquors in Andover.  All ticket proceeds from this exclusive evening go to support the animals and programs of Nevins Farm, along with 10% of all wine purchased. 

This event, which takes place tonight from 6-9pm is a great way to enjoy great food and wine, along with helping to support one of our local animal shelters.  The highlight of the evening will be the raffles, in which the main prize is a custom portrait of your dog, by local artist Karla Cook, which will be labeled onto a case of Mutt Lynch wine!  The Mutt Lynch Winery of Healdsburg, CA has decided to include their award-winning ‘Canis Major’ line which is being brought to Massachusetts specifically for this event!  For more information about tonight’s festivities, please visit “An Evening of Wine and Rovers” event site!

If living in Andover or any of the surrounding areas is something you’ve been considering, let us know!  We feel that now is a great time to buy as home prices are the lowest they’ve been in years, interest rates are low, and the Andover market is leaning in the buyers’ favor!  Please let us know if you’re interested in viewing any of the available homes in Andover or would like to talk with us about the Andover Real Estate market!  We look forward to hearing from you!

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One of the many things we enjoy about living in Andover is that it always seems to stays fresh and up to date which causes it to be a vibrant place to be!  We enjoy taking in the sights and sounds that Andover has to offer, but oftentimes our favorite is the taste that we can experience in this great town!  Recently, Andover has welcomed Bin 28 Wine Bar to its’ palette and it’s receiving rave reviews!

If you’re a wine enthusiast, this is just the place for you!  There are an abundance of wines from which to choose and, if you’re looking for perfection, the Napa Wine Station is sure to please.  Bin 28 boasts the first Napa Wine Station in Massachusetts which is the technology behind the perfect wine pour every time!  Owner Matthew Morello, former chef of Spire and The Federalist in Boston, has tapped into Spanish culture with freshest glass of wine possible and inspired tapas that keep locals coming back for more.  The atmosphere is upscale yet approachable as large windows overlook Elm Street and an open kitchen adds a cozy feel.  The small plates are ideal for sharing and offer a variety of flavors and options.

It’s obvious from Bin 28’s seemingly constant crowd that Andover residents are thoroughly enjoying this new addition.  Bin 28 is open Tuesday – Saturday beginning at 5pm, so be sure to stop by and taste Andover’s latest for yourself!  We’d love to know what you think!

If you have any other questions about Andover or are interested in moving to this great town; we’d love to help!  Contact us today to view any of the beautiful homes in Andover or to learn more about the Andover Real Estate market.  We look forward to hearing from you, and perhaps will even run into you at Bin 28!

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