Bear Sightings All Over Easthampton MA

The bears are in town and plan on hanging around until October... The BearFest, that is! The Easthampton City Arts has put together a tremendous exhibit that has definitely brought much attention to our community. Easthampton is becoming well known as a city that embraces the arts with ongoing Open Studio exhibits at both Cottage Street and Eastworks. The addition of BearFest is certainly one more reason why visitors and residents alike will enjoy their colorful presence about town.

Now, for my own bear story.....

I bought a house in Vermont years ago that came with its own wildlife, a 300 cement bear who was chained to a rock in the front yard. I couldn't wait to get rid of the enormous "lawn ornament" and proceeded to hack away at the chain that bound him (not that anyone would attempt to steal him) to the boulder. I revved up my John Deere lawn tractor, attached the little trailer to the back and began my mission. It actually took 3 people to roll the bear onto the trailer, immediately sinking the tires of the tractor and almost succeeding in getting it stuck. Finally we arrived at an isolated area at the edge of our field and rolled the bear out of the trailer into its new home. He looked kind of funny with his legs in the air -- kind of sad actually. After a momentary pang of regret, I left Gentle Ben in his precarious position and went home.

It wasn't more than a day or two later that I began getting phone calls...where was the bear? What happened to the bear? Did someone take the bear? It seems that the bear was a local landmark, loved and adored by all. A week later Gentle Ben was picked up by a middle aged woman who used to sit on the bear as a child. Needless to say, the bear had a new home now in her yard, hopefully not back on the chain.

Real Estate: Easthampton MA Condo For Sale

Check out this immaculate 2 bedroom condo for sale in Easthampton, MA (01027). Don't pay NOHO prices when you can buy here!

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Buy A Home In Springfield Massachusetts

Are you feeling a bit priced out of the real estate market in Western Massachusetts? Maybe it's time to consider Springfield, the "City of Homes". Not only is the city on the come-back trail, the area is already the home to many of the largest employers in the area including Mass Mutual, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield College and AIC. Home to the Basketball Hall of Fame, within an easy drive to Bradley International Airport and strategically placed at the hub of the NYC - Boston - Montreal rail connector, Springfield offers a wide selection of historic Victorian homes, trendy condo conversions and great neighborhoods for first time home buyers looking to stretch their dollars. School choices include, public, private, parochial, and several area charter schools.

Recently, Springfield officials announced the "Buy Springfield Now" program, designed to spark renewed interest in buying a home in the area's largest community. Check out the area at one of our favorite Springfield websites, Choose Springfield Mass!

Home For Sale By Owner, Easthampton, MA

This beautifully maintained raised ranch features hardwood floors and a spacious deck.

• 1,500 sq. ft.
• 3 bedrooms
• 2 baths

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Home For Sale in Belchertown, MA

This Colonial home is under a year old and boasts hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces, a spacious master and is set on a generous one acre lot.

• 3,100 sq. ft.
• 3 bedrooms
• 3 baths

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New Construction - Daisy Lane Estates - Ludlow, MA

This brand new cape style home is located in a brand new sub-division on over an acre lot.

• 2,200 sq. ft.
• 3 bedrooms
• 2.5 baths

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Home For Sale - Brand New Subdivision in Ludlow, MA

This brand new cape-style home is for sale directly from the builder and is set on a spacious one-acre lot.

• 1,900 sq. ft.
• 3 bedrooms
• 1.5 baths

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New England Farmhouse For Sale - Hardwick, MA

Renovation has begun on this classic New England cape located in Hardwick, MA. Located on 2 acres, with original stone walls, fruit orchards and outbuildings, this could be a real gem!

• 2,000 sq. ft.
• 4 bedrooms
• 1 bath

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Eco-Friendly Green Construction For Sale - Wellesley, MA

Brand new home under construction - for sale directly from builder. Eco-friendly "green building" offers many amenities.

• 3,000 sq. ft.
• 3 bedrooms
• 2 baths

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Winning The Commission Game

In today's tough real estate market, it pays to be smart and informed about the sales process. One of the most expensive parts of the real estate transaction involves the potential payment of a real estate commission to either the seller's or buyer's agents involved in a traditional sale.

Throughout the years we have working with private home sellers when selling "by owner", it has always amazed me to learn how both sellers and buyers feel that commissions are an inevitable and unavoidable part of the sales transaction and that they are set in stone.

The average U. S real estate commission in 2008 ranged from 5-7%, depending on where you live. Some agents will quickly say that their commission is 5% (but only if the buyer comes through their agency. One might presume that their motivation would be to not go out of their way to encourage brokers from other agencies to become involved.

Discount brokers claim they can offer the same services as "full commission" agents at a fraction of the cost, but at what price to the home seller. Be very careful and read the fine print before signing any contract, even one with only a 3-4% listing fee.

Private home sellers pay Zero listing commission and can offer a buyer's agent whatever they want, of course.