Written by Joan
Insights and Stories on Real Estate
Here for a particular real estate topic? Perhaps I’ve answered - search my blog.
Where the wild meets ethereal, in the Isle of Skye
A visual collage of the Scottish Highlands, for anything written is reductive. July 9 - 11, 2025
Relocating to Boston? Hear it from this Resident Alien.
Me, green card holder a.k.a Resident Alien, will give you the lowdown on relocating to Boston. Everything you need to know starting from before your move, to the first months of setting up life here, to later where you inevitably will ask, “How do I build generational wealth and pay less taxes?”. Read on to save time, money and avoid stress.
Memories of the Void Deck as told by a former feral kid
The Void Deck—a term uniquely Singaporean, as I later discovered—holds a special place in my heart. It was a playground for my soul. Here’s sharing childhood memories of the outdoors that shaped who I am.
Revisiting my past through present day Chinese New Year in Singapore
A structureless, unfiltered post about the good, bad and ugly, seen through festive lens that is Chinese New Year in Singapore.
A Walk to Remember
Photos of Christmas morning for my mother-in-law, Anneliese, of whom was loved and dearly missed.
I have moved to Littleton, MA
Self-explanatory- I have moved from Boxborough to Littleton. Here’s sharing an update about my big move 12 mins away, on finding happiness in homeownership and calling a place my own.
24 days, 9 countries, and 3 reasons to visit Albania
9 countries in 24 days, but all I want to talk about is Albania. From reliving my childhood in Tirana to eating a 67-year-old recipe and soaking in the majestic Accursed Mountains, here are 3 reasons why one should visit Albania. Read on, and watch out for the link to the best yogurt on earth!
Brackett Pond at Harold Parker State Forest
It’s Thanksgiving today; an occasion that means so much to many American families, but still little to my husband and I. With everyone gathered at homes, and rain on our side, we found solitude at Harold Parker State Forest. Peer deep to find the colors.
Going the extra mile when no one's watching
In the real estate industry where it’s sadly not uncommon to have people cut corners, in Dulcilene I am reminded that there are still good people out there doing an honest job.
Harvard Trail: Delaney Flood Control Site
Delaney Flood Control Site is a whooping 577 acres that span the towns of Harvard, Stow and Bolton. It’s got a beautiful pond, easy hike, open space for kite flying, an interesting wooded landscape… geese and swans. What’s there not to like?
Adapting to a new normal
In the midst of this global pandemic that is Covid-19, will I now experience my third recession in full responsibility, unsheltered by youth? Is this truly the coming of a recession “long overdue”? It has always been said that real estate is more than houses- it’s about lives. That was my moment for me; my assimilation that I am not merely a conduit for home sales. My actions affect lives.
2020 New year resolution: Make the bed
I’d abandoned making new year resolutions for the past 10 years. Little did I know that I would have a silly, but powerful one this year: make the bed.
Thank you, Mount Kearsarge
An unplanned trip, a perfect day, my husband with me, our stomachs a little hungry but our hearts so full. On this day on Mount Kearsarge, I was grateful to be alive.
Is it just me, or are historical deeds super charming?
A look back in time. Before typewriters, stamps and barcodes, there was such elegant writing. Here’s my appreciation of a historical deed from 1878.
4 Hours; 4 lessons learnt from reality TV
I spent 4 hours watching a reality TV show on a successful team of real estate agents from LA. Here are 4 lessons gained.
A sunny afternoon at Hager Trail
Hager Trail meanders amidst sparse trees and gently sloping land that brings you to the highlight of the landscape - Guggins Brook. The interplay of shadows on the forest floor, coupled with sunlight gleaming off the brook’s waters makes this walk on a sunny day magical. This ranks amongst my top 3 favorite trails in town to date!
It's Boxborough, not Foxborough!
Boxborough. It’s south of Tyngsborough, north of Southborough, Westborough, Marlborough, and also, north of Northborough. It’s awesome; here are five reasons why I love it, and why you should consider living here too!
From then to now
A little glimpse into my life, finding my passion, and becoming The Investors’ Agent.