• knowledgeable about the local market conditions and able to price your home accordingly
• able to meet with home inspectors, contractors, appraisors, etc
• tech savvy using the internet, social media, smart phones and qr codes
• taking mandatory continuing education classes
• using a highly ranked website to market your property with full internet exposure
• patient, and have the ability to understand your wants, needs and personal tastes
• passonate about real estate and happy to be part of the community
• available and willing to work days, nights and weekend hours
• have a full time office staff that can assist you when your agent is on appointments

If you choose a discount service firm, it’s possible you may pay a lower commission percentage, however, you may end up spending more time attending to all the necessary details that are part of selling real estate and also worrying if you are following the new laws and regulations regarding some systems in your home.

The first thing that comes to mind is the ‘curb appeal’ of your home. How does your property look from the street compared to your neighbor’s? Is your lawn mowed and bushes trimmed? Is the yard free of debris and clutter? Do you have any damaged or cracked windows that need repair? Does the exterior of your home have chipped or peeling paint? Are the steps and front door in good condition?

Remember: you only get one chance to make a good first impression. When potential buyers are driving past your home, they may not want to even bother seeing the inside if the outside has been neglected.

Email info@cohnandcompany.com and we’ll do our best to answer your real estate questions.

• Inventory: Rose 1.4% from 2,887 single family listings at the end of April 2011 to 2,928 single family listings at the end of April 2012.
• Supply: At the end of April 2011 there were 11.4 months supply of inventory at the current rate of sale. At the end of April 2012 there were 8.9 months of supply at current rate of sale. The market is considered balanced when there is between 7.5 and 8.5 months of supply.
• Days on market: The average days on market for single-family homes dropped 16.3% from 177 in April 2011 to 148 in April 2012.
• Value – An eight year view: The median price dropped 17.2% from $196,950 in April 2005 to $163,000 in April 2012.
• Previous month comparison: Single family home sales rose 3.4% from 319 in March 2012 to 330 in April 2012. However, median price dropped 6.8% from $175,000 in March 2012 to $163,000 in April 2012.
• Morgage rates: 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.88% for the week ending April 26, 2012.

• complete landscape design and installation
• all types of walks, patios and fences
• wood, block, and stone retaining walls
• lawn mowing, spring and fall cleanup
• automated bark-mulch installation
• site work, driveway repair and installation
• commercial and residential asphalt paving
• tree work, tree and shrub pruning
• winter snow and ice services

For a complete list of services provided visit them online at www.tlc-nes.com or call 413-256-0870 to arrange for a free estimate.

The three drop-off sites are: the Buckland Regional Facility on Route 112, the Northfield Highway Garage on Caldwell Road, and the Whately Transfer Station at 73 Christian Lane.

District residents are from the towns of Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Conway, Deerfield, Erving, Gill, Hawley, Heath, Leverett, Leyden, Montague, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Rowe, Shelburne, Sunderland, Warwick, Wendell and Whately.

Residents do not need to pre-register for the collecion, however, you do need to bring cash as there are fees for item disposal. A complete list of prices for the most common items can be found at the district office. Call 413-772-2438 for for information.

On August 28, 2011, high flows caused by Tropical Storm Irene overtopped the Gree River dam, and caused the failure of the core wall and the loss of the transmission line that delivers water from behind the dam to the Green River Pump Station. The water line was reestablished in October and the permanent repair to the dam will be completed this spring. The other two sources of drinking water were not impacted by the storm.

If you have questions regarding water quality, call the Greenfield Water Facility at 413-772-1539. For leaks, low pressure, meter problems or billing information call the DPW at 413-772-1528.

Win prizes for: top fundraiser (Individual, Group, Church, Teen Group, etc.), the oldest and youngest walkers, most unique costume, and more!

Enjoy free entertainment and free food. Every walker gets a free t-shirt too! Free FRTA bus service can be scheduled to bring you to the 2012 Walk for Meals on Wheels.

There will be onsite pre-qualifications for buyers, brief educational sessions about the lending, inspection, and legal aspects of purchasing a home. Cohn & Company, along with several other real estate companies will have current listings on display for you to view and their will be a post-session Q&A time to answer all of your homebuying questions. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. 

Please join us for this fun and informative event! There will be a grand prize drawing for two gift cards, $500 each, winner’s choice of Cowl’s Lumber, R.K. Miles, Home Depot, or Lowe’s.

Near the bike path in Turners Falls, a 6 room, 3 bedroom, 1 bath home with 1,058 square feet just listed for $99,900. On Franklin Street in Greenfield, a well maintained Cape with 6 rooms, 3-4 bedrooms and 2 full baths is on the market for $179,900. Desirable Montague Center has a charming 7 room, 3 bedroom, 2 bath Colonial for sale for $285,000 and last but not least is a 9 room, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath contemporary newly listed in Leverett for $725,000. 

Buyers have been busy viewing and comparing homes for sale. If you are interested in purchasing a home or have any real estate questions, give us a call. We’ll be happy to assist you!