Written by Joan
Insights and Stories on Real Estate
Here for a particular real estate topic? Perhaps I’ve answered - search my blog.
How to remodel a bathroom? A step-by-step look into a bathroom gut renovation project.
A renovated bathroom is a game-changer to one’s sanity. Of course it would be- it’s the first and last thing that you see in your day. We inherited a hideous and outdated bathroom and embarked on this project to build our sanctuary in June 2022. Took 6 frustrating months, but we got there. Read on for Joan vs Toilet.
A Walk to Remember
Photos of Christmas morning for my mother-in-law, Anneliese, of whom was loved and dearly missed.
Creative ways to finance a home in MA
Are you a buyer whose loan got denied because you’ve recently moved from a W2 to 1099 tax filing? Or just moved to the US and thus lack established credit for a loan? Otherwise looking to get a loan and buy a house, but main source of income is abroad? Fret not, for here’s an article for all your out-of-the-box financing needs.
How to replace carpet with hardwood floor? A step-by-step guide to removal and installation.
Replacing carpet with hardwood is one of the most popular and immediate updates that buyers embark on right after the Closing. It is a bang for buck home improvement project, second only to painting. Here’s a step-by-step guide as to how we removed carpets and replaced it with white oak hardwood!
2021 Update:10 Public high schools near Littleton that I watch
A 2021 update of Public High Schools in Greater Boston that I watch, rankings courtesy of Boston Magazine! Do you believe in the correlation of school rankings and home prices? Coz spoiler alert, home prices in Littleton have had a MASSIVE 42% increase!
How to achieve a net-zero home? Step 1: Start with oil tank removal.
We are striving for a net-zero home! Having ordered our solar panels, the next logical step was to remove the oil tank- starting with sawing it into 3. These guys from Rag Man Oil Tank Removal did a phenomenal job!
How to clean air ducts? A look at before and after photos of air duct cleaning.
The EPA recommended that Joan clean her air ducts.
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.
Guest Post! Do you know your house foundation? Understand foundation types, repairs and maintenance.
First guest post of this blog! Read on to learn how to identify house foundations, understand the implication of cracks and solutions to repair them. Next,, head to your basement and check your knowledge against what you find!
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!
What does a General Contractor do?
From replacing siding destroyed by a woodpecker to removing mold, excavating a basement to finishing an attic, here’s a glimpse of what a General Contractor could do… described in poetry.
The Village at Bedford Woods is the coolest real estate project that I’ve done (so far)!
The Village at Bedford Woods is the coolest real estate project that I've worked on (so far!). Read on to find out the story behind this unique development and what it took to get this far. Lastly, don’t forget to check out www.villageatbedfordwoods.com for actual listings and project info!
2020 Update:10 Public high schools near Boxborough that I watch
Schools, schools, schools! Which are the best schools in Boston? As one living in a town that is - and is surrounded by - top public high schools, these are the 10 that are on my radar. Complete with a dynamic graphical chart!
What are closing costs and how much are they? An itemized breakdown of closing costs in MA
Beyond the sum of money agreed to for the sale of property, there are other costs involved. These “other costs” are closing costs- a summation of expenses incurred by the Buyer and the Seller throughout the housing transaction and for the necessary completion of it. Here’s a detailed look at an ALTA with a clear breakdown of itemized costs.
Part 2: How to remove a flood determination
The aftermath of a flood determination. How to apply for flood determination removal with FEMA, what documents to submit and how long did the process take? This is Part 2 of “What to do when your property is suddenly in a flood zone”.
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.
Part 1: What to do when your property is suddenly in a flood zone
The owners of the property had no need for flood insurance. Our offer to purchase was accepted; loan application’s started, then BAM! - flood checks reveal that the property is in a flood zone. Now what? The process of seeking answers was a nightmare that my poor buyer and I went through. Here’s sharing our experiences so that you don’t have to.
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.
Jan - May 2020: A graphical look at MA real estate before Phase 1 reopening
A week-by-week graphical look at Sellers’ and Buyers’ behavior in Middlesex County, MA. A look into the effect of Massachusetts’ stay-home-advisory on real estate and the lead up to phase 1 reopening.
312 Prospect St: A case of listing and multiple offers over (a $900k) asking.
312 Prospect St in Cambridge - listed by my team - is the epitome of listing RIGHT. This post is dedicated to the importance of having clear vision of the buyer audience, and a pulse on their needs, wants and tastes. We got well over asking our $900k, if you’re wondering.