My Framingham Photos are Soon to be Famous  I recently received a phone call from the people in charge of historical writings for the Framingham Public Library.  Apparently they noticed one of my posts (always good news - it means someone is reading) and would like to use my photographs in their official library brochure.   The post with the Framingham photos was entitled "A Handsome Soldier in Framingham - Massachusetts."  It covers the story of the striking civil war solider statue that stands as a monument in front of the Framingham Historical Society.  I have written a few posts on the town of Framingham since it so rich in history and there are a number of areas in town which have caught my interest.  "Must be the Season of the Witch" was about the connection between the town of Fr... 12/19/2010

I sometimes think of the services that a Realtor® provides as being comparable to that of a good restaurant.  And, when I think of my  favorite dining establishments, the reason becomes abundantly clear. There are only a few places that I constantly rely on for dining and I am always drawn back to them for the same reasons.  Reliability - Since my diet is mainly seafood an establishment has to have a reputation for having everything fresh. I never want to patronize a place that is not reliable in their quality.  Consistency - I am predictable enough to have a few favorite dishes that I repeatedly order and I do not want to be disappointed that they are not as good as they were the previous time.   Service - The service at my favorite restaurant goes way beyond what you would expect.  O... 12/11/2010

FRAMINGHAM - Price: $69,900 1 BEDROOM - 1 BATH - 4 Rooms Floor#: 2ND & 3RD Contemporary Condo ** JUST REDUCED 1 BED/1 BATH CONDOMINIUM IN FRAMINGHAM ** THERE ARE 5 OF THESE GORGEOUS 4 ROOM, 1 BEDROOM, 1 BATH CONDOS AT BIRCHWOOD CONDOMINIUMS AMENITIES INCLUDE!! * 553-561 SQUARE FEET OF LIVING AREA, BUILT IN 1969, PRICE RANGE ALL 69,900, ALL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION * OPEN FLOOR PLAN * WALL A/C * INTERCOM SECURITY* 2 OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES * CONDO FEE OF $272 INCLUDES(HEAT, HOT WATER, WATER, SEWER, MASTER INSURANCE, EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE, LANDSCAPING, SECURITY * NICE QUIET COMPLEX WITH GORGEOUS GROUNDS* NEAR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND SHOPS EMAIL OR CALL NOW FOR A SHOWING! ** 2 BEDROOM - 5 ROOM CONDO ALSO AVAILABLE FOR $99,000 * *ALL 6 UNITS CAN BE PURCHASED FOR $440,000, ALL ARE IN THE S... 11/19/2010

Everyone knows about the mass hysteria known as the Salem Witch Trials. The trials took place between 1692 and 1693 and the actual location was in Salem, Ipswich, Boston and Charlestown.  Back then, the act of behaving "strangely" could cause one to be accused of the felony crime of witchcraft which was punishable by death.  During the trials 150 people were arrested and twenty-nine people were convicted.  Of those who were convicted, fourteen women and six men were eventually executed.  Aside from the original site of the accusations and high drama, there was another important connection to the Salem Witch Trials.  That one was right here in the Metrowest in Framingham, Massachusetts. In 1692 Deputy Governor Thomas Danforth was one of the early judges who presided over the infamous wit... 10/14/2010

 488 Grove Street - Now Selling at $469,900 Be prepared to be wowed by this fabulous expanded cape in a sought after North Framingham neighborhood. Location is paramount and this lovely home is situated in a desirable location close to Callahan State Park and the Millwood Farm Golf Course.   This classic cape includes an addition that added a sun splashed and inviting step-down family room with gleaming Brazilian Cherry floors.  Step through the French doors and enjoy the serenity while dining on a private deck overlooking a wooded and scenic back yard.  This four-bedroom home has three full baths including an updated master bath as part of the huge master suite.  The suite includes a walk-in closet that is also a dressing room.  If you enjoy cooking, you will absolutely fall in love wi... 09/26/2010

My Favorite Places in the Town of Framingham  The Town of Framingham was first settled along a trail known as Old Connecticut Path.  Now, that is Route 126 which runs north to south from Ashland up through North Framingham and into Sudbury.  Framingham is rich in history and is also a place of commerce. Some of the best spots in town are:  The Golden Triangle   This area consists mainly of a three square miles on the westerly side of Framingham, bordered by Route 9 (Worcester Road), Route 30 (Cochituate Road) and Speen Street. Since 1993 this original are was expanded to include areas north of Route 30 including parts of Old Connecticut Path.  The Golden Triangle in the Town of Framingham is home to mega shopping in the MetroWest, including Shopper's World, Lowes, Home Depot and some ex... 09/22/2010

  Framingham MA, Real Estate Market Report 2009 vs 2010 thru August Single Family Homes    1/1- 8/31 MLS Statistics # sold Median.$ Days On Mkt % of asking price 2009 284 $295,000 111 97% 2010 310 $310,000 98 98% Trend up up down up All indications are the Framingham MA single family market is stabilizing and improving. The volume of sales are way up, the median sales price is up, the days it takes to sell is way down and the selling price is 98% of asking price. All favorable signs. If you would like more information as it pertains to your real estate needs Call John 508 435-8786 I am always glad to help. 09/13/2010

Framingham MA Short Sales - Pre-foreclosure Purchase As a home buyer looking for value in the purchase of real estate  you may consider a Framingham MA short sale as a viable option.  Buying a short sale is a difficult and often a frustrating process and should not be confused with a foreclosure. To have success, hire experienced professionals that understand all aspects of the transaction.  Utilize the services of Realtors, attorneys, accountants, mortgage lenders and home inspectors as they all provide expert advice. A Framingham Short Sale Defined Homeowners that have financial hardships may pursue a short sale prior to foreclosure.  The property value is less than the outstanding liens on the property (mortgages and insurance premiums) and the homeowner does not have sufficient reso... 08/30/2010

Open House - 488 Grove Street Framingham - Sunday at 1:00 - 2:00 PM Come to see this fabulous expanded cape in a wooded, private setting in a great North Framingham location.        Offered at: $479,900 I will see you on Sunday!   Claudette Millette Broker, Owner 508-881-6230    08/19/2010

Framingham MA Home Sales Report - July 2010 The real estate and homes sold activity for Framingham, MA home sales shows that there were 35 Framingham, MA homes sold in July 2010 with an average sales price of $311,503 and an average days on the market (DOM) of 81. The decrease in the number of home sales in Framingham, MA versus previous years can most likely be attributed to the spike in home sales in June (62 Framingham MA homes sold) for buyers taking advantage of the tax credit.  Sales prices have also decreased versus the last few months ($311,503 for July versus $335,842 in June).  We will have to see where August and Septembers numbers come out to see if July will be the only month affected by the tax credit for Framingham, MA home sellers and buyers.     MA Real Estate - Communi... 08/18/2010

Jerry Bluhm of The Todaro Team closed another condo sale today. The condo located at 118 Danforth Street unit #2 in Framingham, MA closed today at $170,000.  Jerry Bluhm was the selling agent on this condo.  Jerry just recently joined The Todaro Team of RE/MAX Executive Realty in Franklin MA and what a great addition he has become. Congratulations on your sale, Jerry. 08/16/2010

Framingham Massachusetts Home Buying Guide Purchasing a home can be a very stressful and confusing process especially if you are a first time buyer.  It is advisable to utilize the services of real estate related professionals who can offer client level services to assist you in purchasing Framingham homes for sale. These professionals' include mortgage loan officers, Realtors, attorneys, home inspectors, accountants and financial advisors during the process of purchasing real estate. Information regarding the home buying and selling process, demographics, commuting, school and relocation information can be found by visiting Framingham MA real estate.  Framingham is ideally located for an easy commute to Boston and the surrounding suburbs.  Location within the community has a major impa... 08/14/2010

Pristine - Expanded Cape in Framingham Massachusetts - 488 Grove Street Be prepared to be wowed by this fabulous expanded cape in a sought after North Framingham neighborhood. Location is paramount and this lovely home is situated in a desirable location close to Callahan State Park and the Millwood Farm Golf Course.   This classic cape includes an addition that added a sun splashed and inviting step-down family room with gleaming Brazilian Cherry floors.  Step through the French doors and enjoy the serenity while dining on a private deck overlooking a wooded and scenic back yard.  This four-bedroom home has three full baths including an updated master bath as part of the huge master suite.  The suite includes a walk-in closet that is also a dressing room.  If you enjoy cooking, you wil... 08/04/2010

Did Genzyme Corporation Ruin This House?  Genzyme is one of the world's leading biotechnology companies and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.   The company is an important leader in research and development and has services that have helped people in approximately 100 countries. It is also a leader in advanced technologies in the area of life sciences.  More significantly to the Metrowest area, Genzyme is large employer of people in Massachusetts.  The company has an office at the 9/90 Corporation Center in Framingham and has recently expanded its presence in Framingham with a new lease of nearly 136,000 square feet to add onto what it has previously had.  Part of Genzyme happens to be located at 49 New York Avenue in Framingham.  And, directly across from this office is a little ra... 07/28/2010

One of the Best Kept Secrets in Framingham - Callahan State Park  One of the best kept secrets in the MetroWest area is Callahan State Park in Framingham.  Located across from Mill Farm Public Golf Course on Millwood Street, the park is really more like a series of mini parks.  The 820-acre area has seven miles of marked trails. The trails are used for hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.   You will find in Callahan State Park that there are nearly 100 acres of open fields.  Seventy acres are currently under agriculture lease and many people actually plant some pretty substantial crops on these grounds in the summer months. You can see the fields of corn as you walk through these lovely grounds. The park is situated right in the middle of a residential area and is friendly... 07/28/2010

Salem End Road and the Salem Witch Trials  In the western part of Framingham, Massachusetts there is an area known as Salem End Road.  In 2007 it was voted as one of the "Absolute Best Streets" by Boston Magazine.  Some of the traits that were taken into consideration were aesthetics, environment, amenities and public services.  There is diversity of home styles on Salem End Road with everything to ranches, contemporaries, stately colonials as well some very important historical buildings. The winding, wooded and scenic road begins at the border of Ashland running thorough the Ashland Town Forest and ends where it parallels Route 9 and joins into High Street.    But, the true fascination of Salem End Road starts with its history and its critical involvement in the Salem Witch Trials.  I... 07/11/2010

    Framingham MA, YTD Market Stat’s  thru June- 2009 vs 2010 Single Family Homes     # sold Median.$ Days On Mkt % of asking price 2009 186 $285,000 115 97% 2010 226 $308,000 80 98% Trend up down down up All indications are the Framingham MA single family market is stabilizing and improving. The volume of sales are way up, the median sales price is up, the days it takes to sell is way down and the selling price is 98% of asking price. All favorable signs. 07/09/2010

Framingham MA Homes Report - May 2010 The real estate and homes sold activity for homes in Framingham, MA shows that there were 52 homes transacted in May 2010 with an average sales price of $325,038 and an average days on the market (DOM) of 89. For purposes of this report, I have removed two homes from my reporting.  In 2008 54 Goodnow Lane sold for $1,550,000 after being marketed for 792 days.  Also, in May 2010, 12 Woodstock Drive in Doeskin Hill Estates sold for 1,075,000 after 75 days on the market.  These sales are so far out of the typical market in Framingham that their inclusion would have drastically skewed the average sales price (by nearly $25,000 and $15,000 respectively). The Framingham MA home market saw a dramatic increase in home prices in the early 2000's - jumping fr... 06/24/2010

By Megan McKee, Globe Correspondent A national program that helps children with special needs learn to ride a bike without training wheels will come to town in August, thanks to a Framingham mother. Cheryl Caira had limited expectations last summer when her 12-year-old daughter who has Down syndrome started the program, created by Lose the Training Wheels, a Kansas-based organization that holds the weeklong program at locations across the country. ‘‘I kind of went in there thinking if she could learn to ride with training wheels, then I'd be happy,'' said Caira. By the end of the week, her daughter was riding without the training wheels. She said that after that, she was committed to bringing the program to Framingham. The program will run Aug. 16 through Aug. 20 and the cost is $150 p... 06/14/2010

My Favorite Street in Framingham - Massachusetts  The town of Framingham has a number of different sections and areas that make up its 26 square miles.  Framingham Center is the physical center of town and is steeped in history.  The significant buildings include Edgell Memorial Library, the Greek Rival Temple, the Framingham Village Hall and the dashing Civil War Soldier guards the area. The town green itself is the site of band concerts during the summer months.  The area known as The Golden Triangle has most of the commerce and places to shop for just about anything, including Jordan's Furniture and Shopper's World.  It is one of the largest shopping district in New England.  Some excellent restaurants are also located along this strip, namely, Legal Seafood, Skip Jack and Ken's Stea... 06/12/2010