The kids are grown and out of the house, retirement is on the horizon and suddenly your home feels like a pair of shoes that are two sizes too big. Could it be time to downsize your [...]

Ewww … what’s that smell? While most of us will refrain from voicing such a thought in a public setting, it’s easy to envision a small child blurting out the accusation.

Aromas can leave a potential buyer with a negative impression and a memorable smell that might make them think twice about purchasing the home.

A smell can be overwhelmingly [...]

We are proud to announce ...

Last week, The Residential Real Estate Council (RRC) announced that Geralyn Farrelly, Broker/Owner of Farrelly Realty Group, has completed the necessary course work and examinations to earn her certificate from the National Association of Realtors as a Residential Specialist. 

CRS designees are more successful than the average realtor, making up only three percent of all realtors nationwide. Along with completing the course work and exam, a candidate needs to have completed 150 transactions or an average of $1 million per year of experience, with a minimum of 40 transactions and a minimum of 10 years of experience. 

The council's education is recognized as the best the real estate industry has to offer. Achieving the CRS designation is the mark of the true professional - a real estate agent who has gone above and beyond to become the most knowledgeable, experienced, and connected. 

"In today's real estate market it is imperative that we continue to learn and to be in tune to this rapidly changing market," said Farrelly. "I felt it was very important for me to acquire this designation to best serve my buyer and seller clients, as well as my staff."

Please join us in congratulating Geri on her Residential Specialist certificate! For more information about the CRS designation -- or if you have any questions about the real estate market, feel free to contact Geri. 

Let’s face it, winter in New England can be brutal. With blizzards, nor’easters and freezing temperatures, this time of year is tough not only on you, but on your home too. Safeguard your home and property from snow, ice and cold temperatures by heeding these winter weather [...]

‘Tis the season for holiday lights, Christmas trees, Chanukah menorahs, wreaths and yards filled with inflatable holiday characters. Yes, the holiday season is here.

If your house is for sale during this time of year, you may wonder if decorating your home will hurt your chances of selling. While we don’t suggest you deck the halls, it is possible to fulfill your desire to decorate while ensuring your home is show-ready and enticing to prospective buyers.

1. Keep It Simple

This is the year for decorating restraint. Too much decorating can be overwhelming for a prospective buyer and detracts from your curb appeal. Add some outdoor holiday flair with an elegant wreath on the front door, garlands or white candle lights in the windows.

Follow the same approach inside. If you have a Christmas tree, use simple white lights and a few tasteful decorations. Try to stay away from the popsicle stick ornaments your preschooler made and opt for a more classic and simple choice like colored glass balls, stars or snowflakes.

2. Keep Religious Preferences in Mind

Christmas may steal the show this time of year, but Christmas may not be the holiday your prospective buyers are celebrating. HGTV recommends “equal opportunity decorating.” Try an elegant approach with winter-themed decorations. For instance, add a poinsettia as a centerpiece on the dining room table or Nutcracker decorations on the mantel.

3. Think Warm and Cozy

Baby it’s cold outside! Make your home a place that prospective buyers don’t want to leave. Light a fire or turn up the heat. Nobody wants to walk around your home while shivering. Better Homes and Gardens also suggests creating a cozy vibe with throw blankets (they can add a pop of color) and rearranging furniture to focus on the fireplace.

4. Respect the Senses

The smell of apple cider candles or peppermint candies might get you into the holiday spirit, but it could be off-putting to a prospective buyer. We recommend the smell-free approach. Create an inviting mood in your home with a few festive decorations and a thorough cleaning instead.

5. Make Clean Up Easy

The Christmas tree may be beautiful, but the shedding pine needles aren’t. Consider forgoing the tree this year, or if a Christmas tree is a must, perhaps it's the year for an artificial tree.

Clutter is also a big “don’t” and makes clean up more of a chore. While it’s fun to display holiday cards from family and friends, they can quickly take over your mantel, making your beautiful fireplace look like less like a focal point and more like an overstuffed turkey. Read the cards and box them up rather than displaying them this year … it will leave you with one less thing to tackle when your house sells.

There you have it - with simple and neutral décor, your house can be show-ready and festive this holiday season … and gift you a “sold!” home.