Race Enthusiast Head to Charlemont, MA

The First Annual Berkshire Highlands Pentathlon
Congratulations to the Winners of this year's Pentathlon... looks like everyone involved had a great time.  The word is they are already gearing up for next years event.  Start preparing your teams!





Our own Phil Pless participated in the event on the The West County Old Stars Team. They took 1st place in their division and placed 3rd overall! "Everyone is eager to improve next year."  

REALTORS Helping Homeowners

"Doing what we can to help homeowners, says Brian Sears member of the REALTOR Association of Pioneer Valley."

Trees are still being planted in tornado damaged areas: wwlp.com

Housing Market Recovering? Good Question!

Coldwell Banker sees signs of housing recovery.  Fox Business News interviewed Budge Huskey and discussed the outlook of the housing market and the signs of recovery. 

Keeping up with the news on the housing market you have to ask yourself, what are we looking for that will tell us the market is recovering?  In the confusion of all the numbers presently shared by professionals, which one will tell us if the housing market is turning around? 

". . . higher prices won't be the sign that tells us there's a real recovery under way. Rather, the recent pick-up in sales is what we should pay attention to."  Read more  . . . 

Home & Garden Show

March 22-25, 2012
Eastern States Exposition
West Springfield, MA
413.733.8158
No matter what your age, the "Original" Western Mass Home & Garden Show has fun for the entire family and the opportunity to win lots of prizes. 

WEBSITE

Celebrating their 58th year

Over 350 vendors

Everything for the home and garden 

One of the largest home shows in the country 

Local and national vendors 

Extensive advertising campaign: TV, radio, print and mail 

Two buildings and an outdoor area 

Over 600 booths

Hampshire County MA - 2012 Property Tax Rates

(Dollar amount is per $1,000 of assess property value).
Information compiled from Mass.gov website.

• Amherst  -  $19.74
  
• Belchertown  -  $16.56
  
• Chesterfield  -  $15.97
  
• Cummington  -  $11.09
  
• Easthampton  -  $13.27
  
• Goshen  -  $13.47
  
• Granby  -  $15.87
  
• Hadley  -  $10.22
  
• Hatfield  -  $10.73
  
• Huntington  -  $15.12
  
• Middlefield  -  $15.78
  
• Northampton  -  $13.35
  
• Pelham  -  $19.64
  
• Plainfield  -  Not published
  
• South Hadley  -  $14.73
  
• Southampton  -  $14.01
  
• Ware  -  $15.89
  
• Westhampton  -  $16.40
  
• Williamsburg  -  $15.49
  
• Worthington  -  $13.69

From Sap to Sugar!

YES! It is the time of year when we see the maple tree taps and head to our local sugarhouses and this year will be no exception.  Your whole family will enjoy this outing from the rural settings to the pancakes and syrup.  Here is a list of some local sugarhouses with websites providing directions and menu's, check them out.

South Face Farm Sugarhouse
Ashfield, MA  website


Williams Sugarhouse
Deerfield, MA  website


High Hopes Sugarhouse
Worthington, MA  website

Top Producers Awarded

Award Season in Full-Swing

 

We start our award season this year with the company level awards.  Christine Aubrey, Broker/Owner treated us to a lovely dinner at Alina's Restorante in South Deerfield on February 20^th.  The evening was a wonderful social gathering enjoyed by all.  Congratulations to the following:

 

REALTOR of the Year

Don Mailloux

 

Gold Awards

Mike Packard

Lisa Palumbo

 

Silver Awards

Wanda Mooney

Phil Pless

Gaylor & McGowan

 

Bronze Awards

Maureen Borg (not pictured)

Linda Webster 

Western Massachusetts - Winter Family Activities

Winter Vacation Activities for the Family

Red Gate Farm, Buckland, MA

Fire and Ice!
Saturday, February 25, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Super special night at the farm. Warm yourself by the bonfire after sledding down the hill under the lights. We will also have a grill and food for dinner, so bring your appetite. Cocoa and s'mores for dessert! You can bring your own sled or borrow one of ours!  All ages welcome. 

Discovery Center, Turners Falls, MA
February 24, 2012 > 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Fourth Friday Story Hour-Owls
Come listen to a wonderful story about Owls, and then stay for a craft activity. This is meant for our very young audience.

Historic Deerfield, Old Deerfield, MA
February 24 & 25, 2012 > 9:30am - 4:30pm
The Flynt Center of Early New England Life with current exhibitions and "The Museum's Attic" gallery. The whole family will enjoy learning about our early settlers.


Eric Carle Museum, Amherst, MA
February 24th > 10am - 5pm & 25th > 12am - 5pm
Your family will enjoy the museum for hours, touring the current exhibits; Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson and The Art of Eric Carle: The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse. 

3-Points to Today's Real Estate Market



The Homes at Easthampton Meadow
See more information and photos

The Mass. Association of REALTORS recently noted:

3 major things you need to know about today's real estate market.

1. All Real Estate is Local (go to cbumr.com to see your local real estate)
2. Building Wealth (your personal wealth)
3. Timing (is now)

Check out the full article at marealtor.com and search for your next home at our website.

The American Dream in the Pioneer Valley

In 2011 we saw 1,572 single family and condominium sales in Franklin & Hampshire County with 704 of those sales under $200,000.  With so much talk about home affordability, it is great to see that almost half the homes sold are in the first-time home buyer range.  The average sale price for 2011 in Franklin County was $187.764 and in Hampshire County $263,866. 

YES, the American Dream is still available here in the Pioneer Valley.  Join the 74% of home buyers who use the internet to search for their home. 

Click HERE for Single Family Homes in Franklin County
Click HERE for Condominiums in Franklin County

Click HERE for Single Family Homes in Hampshire County
Click HERE for Condominiums in Hampshire County

Call one of our award-winning agents to assist you in your search today.

TREE RECYCLING IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

As we look at the first full weekend of 2012, we find ourselves working on New Year's resolutions and taking down the holiday decorations. This is a great time to expand recycling habits.

The live Christmas tree may be recycled and many towns offer this service to residents, earth911.org contains a list of towns.

Mass.gov offers some good information about tree recycling, answering questions like:
Why recycle your Christmas tree?
How can I recycle a Christmas Tree?
Where can I get more information?

Whether you consider recycling this year or next, check out this available information.

Happy & Safe Holiday Season

WILL 2012 BRING A TURN AROUND?

CBS Money Watch article by Ilyse Glick looks at possible changes in the 2012 housing market.  It looks like we are positioned for change in the New Year.  In the article Glick shares:
1.  Unemployment rate has dropped.
2.  Homeowners are more confident the value of their homes will rise.
3.  Interest rates under 4% for a 30-yr. fixed and 15 yr. fixed can be found for 3-3.25%.
4.  There is improvement in the percentage of homeowners 60-days late on their mortgage payment. By the 2nd quarter of 2012 the delinquency rate is expected to fall to 5%.  Read the complete article for more details. 
       Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont REALTORS has full-time REALTORS in each of our 3 locations throughout Franklin & Hampshire County.  Just take a look at some of the homes Wanda Mooney has available.

Wanda Mooney

CRS, GRI, SRES

(413) 337-8344 x1

(413) 625-6366 x103

Wanda@WandaMooney.com

www.WandaMooney.com

19 North Street
Greenfield, MA
Affordable and charming Cape in a convenient Greenfield location featuring hardwood floors, fireplace, first floor bedroom, second floor bedroom with office/den area and half bath. The outside is surrounded by wonderful perennials and the back yard gives you a sense of seclusion that you would not expect. In addition this home comes with a garage, enclosed porch, newer roof all with easy access to the hospital and more! 

214 Mohawk Trail

Florida, MA

Quality Built Montana Log Home overlooks spectacular mountain views including Mount Greylock. Top of the world living and beautiful sunsets! This impressive log construction features a large kitchen that is open dining and living area with cathedral ceiling; 1st floor bedroom and bath, laundry rm, 2 bedrooms and full bath on second floor; large walkout basement that easily be finished for rec/family room. Located near MassMoca & outdoor recreation. Log Home Living at its Best!

638 South Mountain Road
Northfield, MA
This one must be seen in person to appreciate the magnificent panoramic views that will truly take your breath away. This quality built post and beam home overlooks the Northfield Reservoir, Connecticut River, Mt. Greylock and unbelievable mountain views. The private 12 acre setting offers top of the world living with beautiful gardens.  The interior has an impressive display of exposed oak beams, attractive woodwork, cathedral ceilings, oak floors, efficient Tulikvivi wood stove and a handsome stone fireplace. The kitchen has modern appliances and it is open to the dining and living area.  There is a separate family room with custom made wooden spiral staircase that leads to a second floor that would make an awesome master bedroom or studio! If you love to hike, the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail is within walking distance! 

FEATURED AGENT OF THE WEEK-Wanda Mooney

Wanda Mooney
CRS, GRI, SRES
(413) 337-8344 x1
www.WandaMooney.com
Wanda@WandaMooney.com

HER GOAL, 
SUPERIOR SERVICE
Wanda Mooney, a native of West County, feels fortunate to live in such a beautiful area and to have built a successful real estate career in this part of Western Massachusetts. She makes her home in Heath with her husband John and their beagle, Millie. They built their log home 27 years ago and live in a perfect spot to appreciate the views of our exceptional countryside. Wanda is an avid gardener and simply enjoys spending time at home.


Wanda began her real estate career in 1993 and is known for her exceptional marketing skills and superior service. She is extremely organized and dedicated to helping her clients reach their real estate goals. She has been honored with numerous top producer awards including the prestigious Platinum Circle Award, #1 Agent in Massachusetts for Coldwell Banker affiliates, #1 agent in Franklin County, Realtor of the Year for Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont REALTORS. In 2010, Wanda was selected as one out of 20 Coldwell Banker agents across the United States and Canada to serve on the Coldwell Banker Advisory Council.

In addition she is well educated in real estate and has received many designations including CRS (certified residential specialist), SRES (senior real estate specialist), GREEN and ECOBroker designations to list a few. She has a fabulous real estate web site and is active in the social media network (links below).


Wanda is on the Board of Director’s for the Shelburne Falls Area Business Association. She is the chairperson for the SFABA Auction which helps raise funds to support our local community and move our economy forward. She also makes a $25.00 donation at every closing to a local charity of her client’s choice.


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Real Estate Safety

KITCHEN SAFETY. . . .
Whether you own or rent your home Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont REALTORS wants to share these home safety tips with you. This is a great video on "How to Childproof Your Kitchen".  For the majority of us the kitchen seems to be the gathering place of choice, safety matters.

FEATURED AGENT-Linda Webster

Linda Webster
(413) 586-8355 x19
Linda@cbumr.com 

Showing off our beautiful Pioneer Valley is a major motivator for Linda Webster as she helps buyers and sellers obtain their real estate goals. 

Linda came to Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont with an impressive resume of real estate experience, two bachelor degrees from Westfield State College (Regional & Environmental planning and Psychology), and a great love for the area.  Working from our Florence Office Linda lists and sells real estate up and down the Pioneer Valley.  She works a vast market area allowing her to meet new people and soak in our country side on a daily basis.

Linda lives in Westhampton with her teenage daughter and enjoys life in the valley.  In the summertime you may find her floating down the Deerfield River and hiking or cross-country skiing in the winter.  She finds gardening and playing her guitar relaxing activities.

Linda said, “It’s a great time to buy!  With historic low interest rates and a full market of homes to choose from, this is the time to make one of the best financial investments you can make.”  She looks forward to the opportunity of assisting you in the purchase of your next home.

Weekend Events-Markets & Fair Time

Fair Website

3 County Fair 
Northampton

Massachusetts

Gate opens Friday - Monday.

Bridge Street, Northampton 

Admission is Free to $10, depending on age.  

This year events; Monster trucks, Demo Derbies, Rockwell Amusements, Midway, Animal Exhibits, antique engine and tractor show, music on several stages, horse and oxen pull..... and so much more family fun. Check out their website for schedule. Have fun!

FARMERS MARKETS

Cisa Website

As we come into the fall, be sure to visit your local Farmer's Markets. Cisa has a great website with a list of times and places throughout the valley where you can purchase your fresh produce and support our local farmers.

Shelburne Falls - Bridge Dinner 2011

SHELBURNE FALLS
2011 BRIDGE DINNER
Pictured above is Carol Bolduc and Wanda Mooney, both agents in our Shelburne Falls Office.  Anyone who was on the Bridge for dinner Sunday evening experienced a wonderful time with great atmosphere, food and service.  

Thanks SFABA for this wonderful event!

Weekend Events

94th Heath Fair! 

August 19, 20, 21, 2011

Heath, Massachusetts

Complete Information at www.heathfair.org

Join us for an old fashioned fair with fun for everyone! 

EXHIBITS • GAMES FOR KIDS • SPEAKERS • DEMONSTRATIONS

FIREWORKS • PARADES • PULLS and so much more!

Saturday, August 20th 2011 (rain date Sunday 21st)

12-5 pm at 275 Jackson Street, Belchertown, Massachusetts

FREE and open to all!

Fun family event with local artisans, live music, hayrides,

chili cook off, farm tours and more.

Special for the kids: treasure hunt, playground equipment and farm animals.

Complete information at Stone Soup Farm-Chilifest

Coming Soon!

FRANKLIN LAND TRUST 

D2R2 BIKE RIDE

August 27th, 2011

More information and registration at: 

http://www.franklinlandtrust.org/randonnee.html

The Deerfield Dirt-Road Randonnee was conceived in the 1990's as just a favorite dirt-road loop in the hilltowns of Franklin County, Massachusetts.  Since its birth as an organized event in 2005, many have hailed D2R2 as the hardest, most beautiful, most fun, most traffic-free, most unique, and overall best ride that they have ever done.  However, D2R2 will continue to maintain its original character as just a bike ride.  

                     Franklin Land Trust's D2R2 Bike Ride: wwlp.com

Agent of the Week - Phil Pless

Phil Pless, CRB, CRS, GRI
Shelburne Falls Office
(413) 625-6366 x104
www.PhilPless.com

PHIL PLESS SHARES A GREAT LOVE FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE AREA
"Western Massachusetts is a wonderful place to live, explore and raise families. The unique mix of natural beauty, recreation and cultural abundance makes our area unique", Phil states.  


Phil's love of the area began over 30 years ago when he came to Western, MA after receiving a B.A. from George Washington University in Washington, DC. He makes his home in Ashfield, Massachusetts where he lives with his wife, Linda for 27+ years. He has raised 2 sons, both in college now. 


Knowledge of real estate practices is as important to Phil as knowledge of the area. Phil worked to complete the requirements to receive CRB, CRS, and GRI designations. With education and love for the area Phil is proud to serve his clients and help find the right property for them, specializing in country properties in the Western Franklin and Hampshire County hill towns.


"I have sold millions of dollars and thousands of acres over the years," said Phil. He consistently wins awards for his sales performance from the RAPV, Coldwell Banker and the company. In 1978 Phil received much deserved recognition as the "REALTOR of the Year", with the Franklin-Hampshire County Association of REALTORS, for his dedication to the real estate industry and service.


Phil enjoys giving back professionally and to the community,  presently serving on the Scholarship and the Professional Standard Committees with the REALTOR Association of Pioneer Valley.  In Ashfield he spends time helping with Ashfield Trails, so much enjoyed by the community and others.

Phil outside the Shelburne Falls
Office enjoying the "Bridge of
Flowers Race".

As you get to know Phil you will see he experiences the beauty of this area on a daily basis whether he is showing property to his clients or enjoying his favorite hobbies of mountain biking, skiing, trail building and gardening.  "I am thrilled to work with a great team of dedicated REALTORS," Phil said and the feeling is mutual among his peers.  If you are looking to purchase property in the area, you won't go wrong with the experience, knowledge and love of the area Phil has to offer.