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Book of Homes February 2019

Page 1


CUMMINGTON| $2,850,000 4Beds|2Baths|409AC|225129 JeffLoholdt413.652.7423

PITTSFIELD|$439,000 5Beds|4/1Baths|4,416SF|224178 MMerelle&SWeisz413.717.0717

WASHINGTON |$219,000 9.13AC|225515 StephanieMcNair413.204.4749

PITTSFIELD|$329,000 3Beds|3/1Bath|2,204SF|225491 MarthaPiper413.627.4599

DALTON|$169,900 5Beds|2/2Baths|2,602SF|225213 TheShireGroup413.822.4580

PITTSFIELD |$995,000 6Beds|3/1Bath|5,095SF|225018 MarthaPiper413.627.4599

NORTHADAMS|$629,000 0/2Baths|2,020SF|225255 JLoholdt&MLenihan413.652.7423

DALTON|$479,900 4Beds|2/1Baths|3,481SF|225664 ToniaScalise413.822.0574

BerkshireCountryMeadows6AspenWay$439,900. Recentlyupdatedopen-conceptsinglefamilycondoin verydesirableCondoAssociationinPittsfield.Locatedwithinwalkingdistanceofdining,andmajor lake.Threebedrooms,2baths,2cargarage.Exterior HardiPlanksiding.CoveredDeckonback,finished familyroominbasement,(notincludedinsquare footage),withwalk-out.SeparateWorkshop&storageareaalsolocatedinbasement.

Pittsfield154CromwellAve.$259,000.

Lovinglycaredforhomewithmoreprivacythanyoucanimagine,onalargelot,withmanyupdates.Woodfloors,gasfireplace,abovegroundpool,largefamilyroom,3outbuildings, andgazebo.ThispropertybacksuptoalargeCityPark.Seller isofferingafreemovefromAll-WaysMovingtotheBuyers fromwithinBerkshireCounty,iftheycometoasuccessfulclosingonthisspecificproperty.

Pittsfield1ColtRd.$139,000.

Desirabletwobedroom,onebathCondolocatedonthe firstfloor,withaonecargarage.Locatedwithinwalking distanceofdowntowntheaters,dining,museum,library andmore!Storageareaandlaundryfacilitieson-sitein commonareainbasement.

Ourmissionisto:

•Maximizethevalueofyourtransaction

•Neverunderestimatethevalueofyourgoodwill

•Alwaysnegotiatewithyourbestvalueinmind

•Alwaysvaluetheoptimaltransactionoverthe easiesttransaction

•Bringthevaluesofintegrity,professionalism, performanceandexperiencetoeverysale

Searchforhomesinstantlyat www.dayspringrealtors.com

LISTPRICE:$459,000 BeautifulExpandedCape

Looknofurther!This3-bedroom,4-bath homefeaturesattachedoversized2-car garagew/unfinishedbonusroomabove, privatebackyardoasis,open&spacious eat-inkitchen,finishedlowerlevelhas alargefamilyroom,entertainment/ barareaandbathroomandsomuch more.Over2,900sq.ft.Awesome neighborhood!

BerkshireCampgroundbusinessandReal Estateforsale.Thispropertyboasts42sites onover6acreswithcitywaterandsewer. Includedisa4-bedroomhomebuiltin2006. Propertyhas6cabins,alargeingroundpool andanewlyremodeledbathhouse.Closeto allattractionsandashortwalktolake.Livein homeandcollectyourmoneyorrenthomefor additionalincome.

Asking$799,000

NewEnglandfarmhouseon6.8acres.2,900 Sq.Ft.,4bedrooms,3baths,sunroom,deck andagaragewithastudio.Bringtheanimals. NeedssomeTLC.

Asking$325,000

backyard.

OurBerkshireAgents:

HarryBarney

LisaBouchard

JanetBrennan

GaryCampagna

ThelmaCampagna

Richmond: One-levelliving, turn-keyhome.FPLC,bright sunrooms,2baths,3-4beds, newappliances. $282,0000

Becket: IndianLakeEstates Contemporaryhome,4Beds,2 3/4 baths,3decks,saunaandhot tub,2.46acres. $395,000

Pittsfield: CommercialBldg76 x36,2overheaddoorsingarage area,streetfrontoffice/retail space. $195,000

Pittsfield: 18unitmotelwith ownersapartmenton4full acreswithhighexposureon Route20. $350,000

Washington: TheHistoric “Woody’sRoadhouse”the Buildingandthe1.90acrelot. $130,000

Hinsdale: TwoFamilyDuplex, separateutilities,newer furnaces,roofandwindows. $125,000

Stockbridge: MainStreet,Secondfloorstudiocondominium atStoneCourt.1bedroom,1 bath. $124,000

Pittsfield: WestsideColonial, Beautifuloakfloors,private backyardwithingroundpool,4 beds,1 3/4 bath. $249,900

RyanDonovan

MarnieGarzone

LizGrull

AllyLaBelle

TanyaLeRose

Lenox: 1770’sRestoredFarmhouse3beds,2baths,overacre ofmagicalbreathtakingland. $324,900

Pittsfield: SouthEastColonial, woodfloors,moveinready,3 bedrooms,1bath,sunroom. $157,000

Becket: Lot,1.03acreswith beautifulviews.Closeto Jacobspillow,combuildyour dreamhome $18,900

Lenox: ChurchStCafé; Includesallinventory(Businessonly).Liquorlicensein place.Greatnumbers.Heartof Lenox. $395,000

EricLomagio

TedMarcus

ChristineMartin

JamieNugent

IrinaPolchlopek

Pittsfield: Two,TwoFamily Flats,allseparateutilities, manyrecentrenovationsand newbigitems. $200,000

Washington: Private2.2 acres,2/3beds,1 1/2 bathCape. UpdatedAPLS,furnace,LPG dryer. $179,000

Egermont: Lot.8.10acres oflevelland,GreenRiver runsthroughtheproperty. $240,000

Pittsfield: TurnkeyBusinessForSale,includesliquor license. $110,000

JoeRiesz

NatalieRose

LaurieTierney

CraigWalton

BenWebster

Pittsfield: PizzaBusinessFor Sale,includesLiquorLicense andfurnishings. $125,000

Hancock: Lot,surveyed2.21 acres,Levellot,and5minutes toJiminyPeak.LowHancock taxes,2017-$218.44. $95,000

Savoy: Farmhouse,3Beds, 2baths,ExtraKitchen,Fruit Trees,BerryBushes,Sugar House,MapleTreesonProperty. $268,500

Lenox: Completelyrenovated, 3bedroom,2bath,fireplace, deck,patio,newseptic. $345,000

PattySimonetta 413-446-0530

JenniferShowalter 413-441-6644

MegSchweitzer 413-358-3126

B-Mile

MarkRoos 413-822-6143

TedMarcus 413-841-7496

EugeneMamut 413-841-6679

725NorthStateRd.,Cheshire,MA

CallB-Mile413-841-0096

0OrchardSt.,Adams,MA

40.9acres(structuresnotrepresentedasexistingbut included).Nosubdividing. CallB-Mile413-841-0096 $350,000

115SampsonParkway Pittsfield,MA $249,900

ElizabethGrull 413-441-6705

ABR,CBR,CRS,GRI&BS 413-841-0096

ComingSoon! NewAgent! PITTSFIELD

Bmile333@berkshire.rr.com

CallB-Mile413-841-0096

178HarryelSt. Pittsfield,MA

CallB-Mile413-841-0096 $253,000

CallB-Mile413-841-0096

28StrongAve. Pittsfield,MA

CallB-Mile413-841-0096

10SouthBeechPlainRd. Sandisfield,MA $549,900 ImmanuelChurch,20ChapelSt. Pittsfield,MA $124,900

Regardlessofprojectsizeorbudget,asyour generalcontractorweensureevery detailiscompletedtothehigheststandard. Over25yearsintheindustry.Familyownedandoperated.

Charles Kulas 358-5524

Gus Schnopp

Ellen Kushi 684-1653

Andrew Schnopp 446-3163

H ProfessionalService H SellerRepresentation H BuyerRepresentation H FreeMarketEvaluation H CalltheProfessionalsofDaltonTown&Countrytodaytolistyourhomeorspeakto oneofourBuyeragents.Youcanalsogetonourautomatedemaillistforlistingsheets.

Dalton

PineCrestEstates

8room,4bedroom,2.5bath homewithfirstfloormaster bedroomsuite,openfloorplan, cathedralceilinggreatroom withfireplace,formaldining room,kitchenwithbreakfast nook,firstfloorlaundry, two-cargarage.

Wehavebuyers currentlylooking forhomes

Pittsfield/Dalton,3bedroom, 1.5bathranchupto

$250,000

BerkshireCounty,3bedroom, 1.5bathranchupto

$300,000

Pittsfield,4bedroom,1.5 bathupto$150,000

Dalton,updated3/4bedroom, 1.5bathupto$200,000

CallCharlesat413-358-5524

LotsforSale:Dalton

Pittsfield

Updated4-family,coin-op laundryinbasement,3 bedroom,1bath,toptwo floors,2-1bedroom,1bath mainfloor,1bedroom,1bath lowerlevel,double-sizegarage withonebay,plentyofstorage, woodfloorsthroughout.

$189,900

PineCrestEstates,largelot,3.2acres,$94,900withdistantviews. Threesmallerlots,$74,900,alsoavailable. CallCharlesat413-358-5524

DaltonTown&Country

allwaysmoving1977@gmail.com

Book of Homes 11 |Saturday,January26,2019TheBerkshireEagle|BerkshireEagle.com

PamRoberts,Broker/Owner, CBR® CRB,CRS,GRI 441-9681

TiffanyRoberts,Broker/Owner, ABR,CBR,e-PRO 822-5369

MarieBourassa212-6174

StacyChojnowski281-2569

BarbaraK.Greenfeld, Broker/Associate, ABR,C-CREC,GREEN,SRES,RSPS,CRS 441-5986

JaneKavanau281-6903

AnneMeczywor,Broker/Associate, CRS,MRP,CBR,SRS,RSPS 446-2179

LENOX

PrivateLenoxRetreat! Lookingforaflexible floorplan–whata greatopportunity! Mainhouseoffersupdatedbaths,newly redonekitchen,woodfloors,built-ins,two bedroomsandthreefullbaths;connected viaheatedsunroomandofficeenterthefully equipped‘‘guest’’sidewithliving,kitchen, twoadditionalbedrooms,twoadditionalfull baths.Fullandseparatebasements.Over fiveacreswithtotalprivacyforyourcountry retreat!ClosetoCranwell,CanyonRanch, Tanglewood! $849,900/R2737

LENOX

Spacious,light,andairy,this3bdrmhome onasidestreetnearthehighschoolhasa floorplanthatflowseasilyfromonegreat spacetoanother.Woodandceramicflrs. Cathedralceilinginlivingrmwithone fplc,anotherfplcinthegreatrm,wherethe kitchenfeaturesMillbrookcabinetsand granite.Separateformaldiningrm.Great closetspace.Finishedwalk-outbasement. Screenedporch,multi-leveldeckoverlooks alovely,landscaped,privateydwithmany speciesofplantsandmaturedeciduous andevergreentreesontwolgsunnylawns. $492,500/R2734

LENOX

PreparedtobewowedbythisLenox contemporary!One-ownerhomewithtwo additions.Onelevellivinginthis3200sfhome withroomforentertaining.Largecircular drive.Wallsofwindows,vaultedceilings, livingrmwithfireplacethatopenstospacious dining,kitchenandfamilyrms.Mastersuite withcherryfloorsandprivatedeck.Four bedrooms/fourbaths,openloft.Yourprivate oasisonan1.4acrecornerlotwithfabulous gardens,ingroundpool,woodlandgardenwith pathstoaseasonalbrook.Partiallyfinished lowerlevelbonusspace,too! $599,000/ R2837

RICHMOND

MagicalRichmondspot.Onelevelliving, spaciousmastersuitewithsteamshower, jettub,acreage,privacy,barn/workshop, gardener’sdelight!Contemporaryranch featureslivingrmwithfplc,hardwood throughout,updatedkitchen,heatedyearroundsunrm,centrala/c,privatereardeck, invitingGoshenstonepatio.Ventureupthe windingdrivewaytoyoursliceofparadise! $779,000/R2829

BonnieParsons,AssociateBroker, GREEN® 617-719-4387

MarkParsons822-4169

MaryTyerKelly243-0492

BrianWright822-3830

MollyThomas441-3899

STOCKBRIDGE

OneofakindopportunityinStockbridge! Thisgraciouscolonialfeatures3800+sq. ft.Integratedlivingspacesworknicelyfor entertainingwithformalliving,dining,parlor andlargecountrykitchen.Accommodate familyandguestswith5BRsand5.5BAs; finished3rdfloorgameroom.Takeinthis .69acrepropertyfromthelargescreened porch.Aprivatetranquilsitewithaneasy strollintotownandabutstowntrailsleading toIceGlenandLaura’sTower. $799,000/ R2749

Graciousprimaryorvacationhomeon4+ acres.Firstfloorfeaturesbeautifullyfinished walnutfloorswithradiantheat,9’ceilings, openfloorplan.Kitchenanddiningoverlook privatebackyard.Secondfloor–master suite,twolargebedroomswithgleaming cherryfloorswithradiantheat.Walk-up atticcouldbefinished.Lowerwalkout-media room/officearea.Squarefootageincludes lowerlevelandoffice. $699,000/R2802

DALTON

CozyDesignerCapewithmanygorgeousfeaturesand updates.OpenKitchen/Familyrmhasgasfireplacewith customcaststonemantle,palladiumwindowandopen ceiling,tripleslidertohugedeckwithbrandnewvinyl railings.Hardwoodthroughoutfirstlevel,lgmudroom/ laundryand1/2bath.Beautifulkitchencabinets,granite countertopswith5’island,SSappliancesincludingbrand newmicrowaveandgarbagedisposal.SpaciousDining Roomwithsliderstopatio. $329,900/R2839

PITTSFIELD

Southeast4bedroom2.5bathcolonialin immaculatecondition.Builtin1999,butmany customupdatesincludingcook’skitchenwith Thermidorrange,granitecounters,stainless appliances.Hardwoodflrs,opencircularflowwith dining,living/familyrooms.Naturalgasheat. Invitingfrontporch,privatereardeck,partially fencedyard,twocargarage. $349,000/R2780

RICHMOND

Capewithwonderfulentertaining space.Eat-inkitchenw/granite, centerisland,dining,stonegasfplc, custombuilt-inmediacenter.Huge DRwithtrayceilings.Possibleadd’l 4thrm.Mudrmwithcustomcabinets. Spectacularmasterbathw/tileshower, glasssurround&jacuzzitub.Finished LL.Bluestonepatiow/firepit.2-car attachedgarage.Porchoverlooksa pastoralsettingandbeautifulmountain views. $325,000/R2791

PITTSFIELD

ContemporaryhomenearBCCon.52acreswith 4bdrmsand3.5baths(3bdrmsand2.5baths onfirstlevelplus1bedroomandfullbathon lowerlevel).Ingroundpool,twocarattached garage,twoslidersoffgreatroomandtwo slidersofflowerlevel.Agreatvaluefortheprice. $369,000/R2825

PITTSFIELD

Capewithwonderfulentertainingspace.Eatin kitchenw/granite,centerisland,dining,stonegas fplc,custombuilt-inmediacenter.HugeDRwith trayceilings.Add’l4throomapossibility.Mudroom withcustomcabinets.Spectacularmasterbath w/tileshower,glasssurround&jacuzzitub. Finishedlowerlevel.Bluestonepatiow/firepit. Twocarattachedgarage..FarmersPorchoverlooks apastoralsettingandbeautifulmountainviews.. $395,000/R2843

W.STOCKBRIDGE

WestStockbridgecharmer!Lightand brightc1820farmhouse.Largeopen countrykitchen,hardwoodflooring, threebedroomsincludingoneonthefirst floorandtwofullbaths.Replacement windows,spaciousscreenedporch overlookinglevelrearyard.Established plantingsandtwostoragesheds. Walkingdistancetotown! $239,000/R2840

LEE

SpaciousRanch!Onelevellivingwithawonderful finishedgardenlevelwalkout.Fourbedrooms/3 baths,spaciousentry,twofplcs,seasonalsunroom. Twocarattachedgarageandpaveddrive.Centrally locatedtoLee,LenoxandStockbridgeand convenienttoallareaattractions.Pricewellbelow assessedvalue. $399,000/R2805

PITTSFIELD

Mid-centurymodern1-levelcontemporary! Fireplacedlivingrm,dining,updatedlg kitchen,reardeck.Wallsofwindowsand vaultedceilings,woodflrsthroughout!Master andtwoadd’lbdrmswithupdatedfullbaths, 1stflrlaundry.LLfamilyrm,exercise/craft, halfbath.2-cargarage,gasheat,centrala/c andnewroof.Magicalgardens. $309,000/ R2838

LENOX

AdorableLenoxpropertyonthe seldomtraveledquietloopoffofEast Street–“oldEast”!Twobedrooms, withtwobonusrooms-den/office plusglassedinsunporch.Open living/kitchen.Sunnyopensloping rearyard. $264,500 R2815

PITTSFIELD

Delightfulbrickcapeonquiet dead-endstreet.Threebedrooms, twofullbaths,openkitchen, livingroomwithpicturewindow, attachedgarage.Privatereardeck. $189,900/R2819

NEWPRICE!

Reduced!One-of-a-kindparcelwiththreebuildingsinplaceonRailroad Street.Ownedbythesamefamilyforgenerations–thetwooriginal buildingsdatefrom1865.Themixedusebuildingiscomprisedof4200+ sfandthestorage/warehouse/barnaddsanother3900sf.Asinglefamily residencewasconstructedbetweenthestorefrontandthestoragebarnin 1970.Propertyisjustunder1/2anacrewithtownwater/sewer,off-street parking,naturalgasheat. $384,900/RB2517

NORTHAMPTON

HarlowLuggage!Longestablished,turn-keybusiness onhightraffic(carandfoot)andhighlyvisibleMainSt. inbustlingdowntownNorthampton.Oldestbusinessin continualoperationforover140years!Currentowners haveanexcellent20-yearrelationshipwithvendorsand repeatandloyalcustomers.Street-levelentry,handicapped accessible,1000sfretailandadd’lbasementstorage/office space. $49,900/RB2835

WATERPROPERTIES?

LocatedonthebacksideofPontoosucLake. Unique2-familyflat.Fireplaced1stflrunit features2bedrooms/fullbath.Secondflrunit has3bdrms/1.5baths,anddeckwithviews. Greatinvestmentproperty,familycompound orhomewithsupplementalincome.Kayak, paddleboardorjustrelax.Manyupdates.Well maintained. $234,900/R2826

RICHMOND

Wow!Bepreparedtobeamazedatthissite-ready offering.Drivewaynewlyconstructedleadingtoyour privatemountaintopretreat.Eightplusacresoffering beautifulviewsoverthebucolicRichmondmountains andmeadows.Hikerightfromyourdoor,exploreyour ownforest,maturetreesandyear-roundbrook.Leave yoursliceofparadiseforatwomile/fiveminutedriveto KripaluandTanglewood’smaingate!One-of-a-kindestate parceladjoiningconservationland. $749,000/L2733

BECKET

Greatvacationretreatoryearroundhome.Contemporary offersthreelevels.Mainfloor hasopenkitchen/living/ dining,sliderstoopendeck.Firstflrbdrmandfull bath.Upperlevelwithtwoadd’lbdrms/fullbath, balconywithlakeviews.Lowerlevelwithfamilyroom. Paveddrive.Acrosstheroadoffersgrassystripofland todockyourboatorswiminGreenwaterPond.Near Jacob’sPillow,AppalachianTrail,LeeOutletsandMA Pike. $299,900/R2796

BuildyourdreamhomeonaquietTyringham cul-de-sac.Allhomesitesareatleast5acres ensuringmaximumprivacyforall.Minutes toLeeandMonterey,buttheserenitywill makeyouthinkyouaremilesawayfromitall! $164,500/L2832

Firsttimeoffered,thischarming617squarefoot commercialbuildingislocatedintheheartofthe village.Perfectspotforaprofessionalofficewith invitingfrontporchandparkingintherear.Town water/sewer,naturalgasheatandonthebusline. $249,000/B2813

LENOX

In-townfarmhouseon1.53acres.Fourbedrooms/two baths.Woodfloors.Replacementwindowsandnewer roof.Detachedtwocargaragewithadd’lstorage. Daylightbasement.Specialdetailsincludearchitectural itemssalvagedfromtheWoolseyestate.Itneedssome work,butwithyourspecialtouchitwillbeexceptional. Shownbyappointment. $300,000/R2817

BeautifulGambrelwithmorethananacreofenjoyable yard!Eat-inkitchenwithcustomwhitebirchcabinetry, granitecountertops,stainlessappls.Spaciousliving, formaldiningrm,firstflrofficenook/mudrm.Fourlg bedroomsw/updatednewbathsincludinglgmaster bdrmswithcedarwalk-incloset,spabath.Hardwood flooring.Heatedattached2cargarageisheated. Minutestodowntown.Restoredstonewalladdstothe charm! $459,000/R2814

LENOX
TYRINGHAM
LENOX

WINDENHILL–STOCKBRIDGE

SomeofthebestviewstheBerkshireshavetooffer.WindenHillcondosarelocatedinStockbridge,butclosetoLenox,Tanglewood andShakespeare.Enjoycondocommunitylivingthatincludespoolandtennis/pickleball.Imagineyourownspectacularsunsets overmountainsandwater–everysingledayoftheyear!

Magnificentwesterlyviews!Openplanwithcathedralceilinginliving/dininggreatroom featuresgasfireplace,exposedbeams,twosliderstoprivatedeck.Firstfloormastersuite andspaciousfrontentry.Upperlevel-secondfullmastersuitewithbalcony/privatesitting area.Lowerlevelforfamily/guests–spaciousbedroom/sitting/familyroomwithtwosliders topatiowithviews.Thirdfullbath,storageandcabinetryabound! $689,000/C2818

THINKINGOFBUILDING?

Lenox

1.4Acres. $169,000 Becket

4.13acresinBecketWoods. $33,900 Richmond

2acresplus2.5acres–PrimeRichmondmeadow buildingsite(s) $140,000 forboth! N.Adams

AcrossfromMt.Greylock,3lotseachwith1.6acres. Partiallycleared,previouslyperced. $49,900 each!

TakeinthesunsetsandviewsofLilyPondfromyourprivatedeck. Twobedrooms,eachwithprivatebath,denwithFrenchdoors servesasabonussleepingspace.Centrala/c,naturalgasheat,and fireplace. $499,000/C2778

ROLLINGHILLS

LookingforfirstfloorlivingatRollingHills? Newlylistedandreadyforyourupdatesto callithome.Privatereardecklookingout onlawnandwoods.MinutestoallBerkshire attractions! $209,900/C2821

Enjoytheon-siteamenitiesofthisestablished condocommunity.RollingHillshasclubhouse, pool,tennis,kayak/canoestorage,walking trails,communitygarden.Thisfirstfloor unitwithtwobedroomshasupdatedbaths, replacementwindows,newermechanicals. Lowerlevelpartiallyfinished.Slidertoopen reardeck. $209,000/C2833

Endunitinbuildingsix.Beautifulmeadow viewsfromyourprivatereardeckwithawning. Sliderhasbeenreplacedinthistwobedroom/ twobathupperunit.Enjoyclubhousew/ exerciseroom,sauna,pool,tennis,walking trailsandcommunitygarden.Efficientnatural gas,centrala/c.ConvenientLenoxlocation! $189,900/C2820

OCTOBERMT.–LEE

Enjoycommunitypool,har-trutennisintheOctoberMountainVillageCondocommunity.

Pricedtosell –thistownhousecondofeatures openkitchen,threebedrooms,twofullbaths andalargeopenreardeck.Invitingfrontporch withwoodyviewsmakesthisaprivatesettingin thelong-establishedOctoberMountaincomplex. Enjoycommunitypool,tennisandconvenienceto shoppingandalltheareaattractions.

$229,900/C2830

$200,000/C2692/C2693 STOCKBRIDGE

Turnkey2-bedroom,1-bathunitscloseto Tanglewood,KripaluandStockbridgeBowl.All onsamecondoparcel!

EnjoytheBerkshiresfromthisspaciouscondo overlookingameadowwithnootherbuildingsinsight. Lightandbrightwithbigopenspacesandvaulted ceiling.Fullbathandden/smallbedroomonfirstfloor.

$279,000/C2834

Privatesettingwithwoodsandopenviews!Three bedroomsandthreefullbaths!Thelowerlevel isfullyfinishedwithsliderstoawalk-outfor extraguestspace.Enclosedrearporchprovides seasonalspacefordining,relaxingandtaking innaturewhileshelteredfromtheelements!

$242,500/C2800

Ifyouareaproperty owner,itisaninevitable factthatatsome pointyouwillneeda professionaltohelp youwithhomerepairs andrenovations.

Whetherworkingwithabuilder, remodeler,plumber,electricianor heatingandair-conditioningspecialist,indealingwithyourlargest investment,yourhome,youmustbe sureyouarechoosingthemostcompetentofprofessionals.Notalways aneasytask,hereareafewthingsto thinkaboutandaidyouwhenpicking acontractortoworkonyourhome.

→ Doyourhomework

Homeownersarealotmorelikely tomakepoorchoicesiftheyfeel pres-suredwhenpickingacontractor. Pick-ingwhoevershowsuponyour doorstepisrarelyyourbestoption, soplantodosomehomeworkahead oftime.Thisisn’talwayspossible foremergencies,ofcourse,soitisa goodideatohavesomecompaniesin mindbeforeyouactuallyneedtheir services.Choosingcompaniesthat completemultiplefac-etsofhome remodelandrepairsisveryuseful. Manycompanies,suchasMorrison’s HomeImprovement,evenhavean officeandshowroomspacewhere salesmenareavailabletoeducateyou, thecustomer,abouttheproductsthey supplyandinstall.

“AneducatedcustomeristheBEST customer.”-SteveC.Morrison, PresidentofMorrison’sHome Improvement.

Itisalsoimportantwhenchoosing acontractorthatyoufindacompany thatiswellestablishedinthearea. Toooftenconsumershavework completedbya“carpenter”who worksoffofthebackofhis/hertruck, andinduetime,whenfaultsbeginto showintheworkthatwascompleted, said“carpenter”isnowheretobe found!Afamilyownedandoperated businesssince1992,Morrison’shas beenhelpingtheresidentsofBerk-

HOWTO ChooseaContractor

shireCountyandbeyondwithallof theirhomeimprovementneeds,and withtheirnewestlocationinLenox thecompanyintendstocon-tinuetheir workwellintothefuture!

→ Comparequotes, materialsandpersonnel

Whencomparingprices,the cheap-estquoteisrarelythebest. Oftenthisreflectspoorworkmanship and/orproducts.Consumersmustbe suretocompareallquotescomprehensivelytoensurewhatthebottom linepriceac-tuallyincludes.Make sureallcostsarerelevant,detailed, andthequotesre-ceivedarecomparingapplestoapples-forexample, onequotemaybecheaperbutfail toincorporatethecostofcer-tain materials,goodsandservicesthatare neededtocompletethetaskathand (i.e.Dumpstercharge).Don’tbe fooledbyfalsepricingschemes

Comparingmaterialchoicesisjust asimportant.Consumersneedtobe awarethatwhenitcomestohome improve-ments,notallmaterialis createdequal.Windows,forexample, rangedrasticallyinenergyefficiency, performance,andprice.Othersmay claimtohavesupe-riorwindows, buttheefficiencyratingsdonotlie. Searchforgreatproductswithsuperiorwarrantiesatafairprice.

Lastly,confirmthatallofthework beingcompletedisbyalicensed car-penteroratrainedandcertified em-ployee.Educationandexperience inthefieldisdirectlycorrelatedto skill-setandcraftsmanship.Lookfor qual-itynotlowestprice.Skilledlabor isn’tcheap,cheaplaborisn’tskilled.

→ Licenses,permitsand insurance

Inchoosingyourcontractor, con-firmtheprofessionalpossesses licensesnecessarytocompletethe work.This

willvalidatethattheprofessional hasmetnecessarycriteriarelevantto theirindustry,ensuringcompetency intheirtrade.GeneralContractors, forexam-ple,aretypicallylicensedby individualstates,withtheabilityto obtainrequiredpermitsandperform workonyourhomeonlywithinthat state(*Somestateshavereciprocity). Theworkdonebyunlicensedpeople canbedownrightdangerous,notto tomentionaviola-tionofbuilding codes.Withoutknow-ingthelicensing requirementsforyourstate,homeownerscouldfacefines,re-moval ofprojectwithoutcompensation,or adangeroussituationregardingthe safetyoftheirhome.

Didyouknow?Ifacontractoris notlicensedandapermitispulled, thehomeownerbecomesliableif anythinggoeswrongduringtheprojectorany-oneisinjured! Insuranceisanotherimportantfactorwhenchoosingyourcontractor.Be suretoaskwhetheryourcontractor carriestheirowninsurance,andverify thatitisineffectwhenthejobisbeingdoneonyourproperty.Believeit ofnot,inmostcasesyourhomeownersinsur-ancepolicywillnotcover injuriesoraccidentsthatoccurfrom workbeingdoneonyourproperty. Thismeansyoucouldbepersonally liableforanyinju-riesthathappenon thejobsite-some-thingthatleaves youathugefinancialrisk,giventhe costofhealthcareandlawsuitsthese days.

Morrison’sHomeImprovementis fullylicensedandinsuredinthestate ofMassachusettsasaHomeImprovementContractorandConstruction Supervisor.Allofourprojectsare com-pletedwiththeappropriate licensesandpermitsinplace.Additionally,ourfullliabilityandworkerscompensationcoverageonallof ourcrews,furtherprotectsyouasthe homeowner.

→ Getreferences

Oneofthemostimportantparts ofchoosingacontractorislookingat theirreferencesandpastwork.Talk toyourfriends,family,neighbors, andthecontractorthemselves.Take yourtimeandmakesurethepeople you’redeal-ingwitharetrueprofessionalswithatrackrecordofhappy customerstobackuptheirclaims. Mostreputablecontractorswillhave onlineandwrit-tenreviews,examples oftheirwork,andalistofclients/referencestheycansupplyyouwith.

Ifyou’relookingforasidingcontractor,forexample,drivebysomeof thehomesthecompanyhascompletedandviewthequality.Youmight evenbeabletofindanexamplethat isafewyearsold,thatwayyoucan seehowthejobholdsupovertime.

Somethingstolookforinyourresearch:

•Didtheycompletethejobon timeandwithinbudget?

•Weretheyprofessionalatall times?

•Didtheykeeptheworksitetidy andcleanupafterthemselves?

•Wasthequalityoftheirworkup topar?

•Arepastcustomerslikelyto recom-mendthecompanyanduse themforworkagaininthefuture?

Afteryouhavedoneyourhomework,choosingtherightcontractor willbesimple.

StopbyMorrison’sHomeImprovements at25PittsfieldRd.inLenox,MA0124 toseeourbrandnewshowroom highlightingourtopoftheline products,readsomeofourtestimonial lettersfromhundredsofsatisfied customersandmeetourfriendly, professionalstaff.

Sponsoredby:Morrison’sHomeImprovement

I’vebeenaRealtorfor33years.Peoplefrequentlyaskfor myadviceandopinions,andbysharingthosequestionsand answerswithyou,Ihopetooffersomehelpfulinformation.

HiReaders!TobeginthisNewYearIhavededicatedthismonth’scolumntoaninterview withKathyKelly,MortgageOfficeratLeeBank.Kathyhas30yearsofexperienceinmortgage bankingandcanhelpyoustartoffontherightfootinplanningtobuyahomethisyear!

What’sthebestwayforabuyertoprepare financiallytobuyahouse?

Thethreeareaspotentialborrowersshould concentrateonarecredit,savingsand employment.Establishcredit,trytokeep creditcardbalancesbelow30%usageandmost importantlypaybillsontime.Iftherearesome blipsinacredithistoryacredibleexplanationwill berequired.Savingmoneyinthebankorcredit unionisessential.Therearesome100%financing programsouttherebutit’salwayshelpfuland requiredtohavesavingsofyourown.Ifthere’s moneyinthemattressitshouldbedeposited becausecashonhandisnotanacceptablesource andmostlenderslookbacktwomonths.Lastly, employmenthistory,generallyatleasttwoyears orastronghistoryinthesamefieldofwork.Lee Bankofferscomplimentarypre-qualificationsand willcounseltheborroweriftheyarereadytobuy andwhatisaffordable.BuyersshouldspeaktoaLee Bankmortgageprofessionaltoplanthroughthe pre-qualificationandbuyingprocess–forinstance it’samyththatcreditcardsshouldbepaiddown beforeapplying.Mostlenderswouldprefertoseea strongsavingshistoryandmoneyinthebankthan nosavingsandsmallercreditcards.

Ifthebuyer’sincomeisgood,theirdebtis low,buttheircreditscoreisnotsogood duetoan“event”inthepast,isthere

anythingabuyercando?

Ifitisanisolatedeventandthereisagood explanationit’spossibletheymaybeable togetfinancing.Adownpaymentwillhelp inthissituationandalsohavingcashreserves.

Iunderstandthereisfederalgrantmoney availabletoassistabuyeranditdoesnot needtobepaidback.Seemstoogoodtobe true!Canyouexplainalittlebitaboutit?

TheFederalHomeLoanBankhasan equitybuildergrantfundprogram.Lenders canapplyforfundstypicallyinMarch ofeveryyear.Abuyerhastobeundercontract inordertoapplyforthegrant.Theprogramis incomebasedandthefundsaredistributedona firstcomefirstservebasis.Aslongastheowners stayinthepropertyforatleast5yearsthefunds donotneedtoberepaid.Nowisagreattimetosit withamortgageloanofficeratLeeBanktoseeif youqualify.

Isthereanythingelseyoucanthinkofthat wouldbeimportantforabuyertoknow?

Yes.It’ssoimportantthatonceyouare pre-qualifiedthatyoumaintainyourcredit, employment,andfinancialpicture.You willwanttokeepyourmonthlydebtthesame

andavoidanynewcreditinquiries.Thelender willneedtopullyourcreditandverifyyour employmentagainrightbeforeclosing.Ifyouhave newdebtitcouldaffectyourabilitytoqualify.We wanttohelpgetyouintoyournewhomeandhave asmoothandtimelyclosing.

What’syourfavoritecoldweatherrecipe?

Oh,that’seasy...RoastedChickenwith Vegetables...delicious!Ingredients: 1WholeOrganicChicken,1/4Cup OliveOil,1/2Butter-Melted,SeaSalt, SeasoningstoPreference(Iusegarlicand pepper),GourmetCarrotswithStemsandBaby Potatoes.Directions:Smotherthechickenwith oliveoil,meltedbutter,seasaltandseasonings.Let itsitintherefrigeratorovernightuncovered.Place inalargeroastingpan.Addcarrotsandpotatoes. Drizzlecarrotsandpotatoeswithalittleoliveoil andseasaltandafewpatsofbutter.Checkand mixcarrotsandpotatoesafter1hour.Bakeat400 degreesforabout2hours.

REALTORSGive$4,053toUnitedCerebralPalsyofBerkshire

Thismonth,BerkshireCountyBoardofRealtor’sCEOSandyCarrolland PresidentCortneyDupontweresoproudtopresentacheckfor$4,053toSal Garozzo,theExecutiveDirectoroftheUnitedCerebralPalsyofBerkshire County.ThismoneywasraisedthroughthehardworkofareaRealtorswhohosted ourannualChiliCookoff,andtoawonderful,supportivecommunitythatenjoyed anamazingchilitastingandparticipatedinraffleticketsales.

TheRealtor’sREACTcommittee,ledbyChairMaryJaneDunlopandstaff workedincrediblyhardtomakethisasuccess.Thisfundraiserwouldnotbe possiblewithoutthecontributionsfromarearestaurantsandsomuchgoodwill extendedtoBerkshirecharitiesforthisevent.

FlavoursofMalaysia offNorthSt,inPittsfield didanawesomejob,winningboth ‘Best Presentation‘and‘BlazingSaddles‘

SalmonRun onMainStinLeetookthe‘Chili OutsidethePot‘awardfortheircrazygood seafoodchili;

Andallaround‘FanFavorite‘wentto Gala RestaurantandBar intheOrchardsHotelin Williamstown,firsttimeentryandtheyknocked itoutofthepark.

KJNoshCatering was‘OutstandingNewcomer‘ withtheiramazingcornbreadandtopping additions,operatingoutoftheLee(Greenock)& Dalton(Wahconah)CountryClubs.

REALTORS S Support Housing and Living Skills for ALL

Amongmanyotherservices,UnitedCerebralPalsyofBerkshireCountyofferspeoplewithdisabilities theopportunitytodeveloptheskillsneededtoliveindependently.Theirprogramassistsindividuals whoneedtoimprovetheirindependentlivingskillsinonlyafewareas,orwhomaybenefitfromthe opportunityforincreasedpeerinteractioninanenvironmentoutsidetheirownhome.

SmokeyDivas broughtanamazingBBQchili madewiththeir92ndsaucenowbeingcarriedat theBigYandtheirBBQshop239OnotaSt.

AJ’sTrailside,hadalivelyandtastychili,which youcangetattheirfunpublocateddirectly alongtheAshuwillticookRailTrailinAdams.

Roman’sRestaurant&Cuchifritos,whotook doubleawardslastyear,wasalsoacrowd pleaserwiththeirCubanchili,locatedin PittsfieldonTylerStreet!

Thanksto Mazcot’sSportsBar&Grill inLenox acrossfromthePriceChopperfortheirsuper spicybowlofwonderfulness.

Andaveryspecialthankstoour twolongestrunning contestants&pastwinners;

LocatedaroundParkSquareinPittsfield,We thank Patrick’sPub fortheirtraditional, deliciouschilithatalwaysdelights

OldeHeritageTavern inLenox,whoalways comeswithanewandwonderfulchilievery year(andwhohostsourBattleofthe Bartenderfundraisertoo!

REALTORSGive$2,000toBerkshireChildren& Families'CommunityCenteredFamilySupport

TheBerkshireCountyBoardofREALTORSappliedforanwonagrantfortheBCFCommunity CenteredFamilySupportprogramfromtheMassachusettsAssociationofREALTORsCharitable Foundation.

ARealtor’spassionistohelpallmembersofourcommunityfindasafeplacetocallhome.

BerkshireChildren&Families'doesamazingworktohelpparentsandfamilieswhofacehousinginsecurity.Thestaff there,someofwhomareshownbelow,helpworkthroughsituationssuchasevictions,missedrentpayments,abusive relationshipsandlocationofsafehousing,etc.TheCCFSsetsgoalsandprovidesresourcestokeepfamiliesintactorto reclaimfamilystructurewhileassistingwithmediationbetweenfamiliesandlandlords;searchesforsafeandappropriate housing;jobskillstraining;daycareandindividualizedfamilyplans.Theyalsomakesurechildrenfindnurturing,safe fosterhomeswhenneededandworktirelesslytoenhanceparentingskills,promotechildwell-being,strengthenfamilies andsecuresafehousing.Bravo!Weareproudtoofferoursupportandfinancialhelpforsuchahugeandimportanttask.

Showninphoto:BerkshireCountyBoardof Realtorsstaff-OfficeAdminSueO’Brien,and CEOSandyCarroll,withBCFstaff,Vice PresidentStephanieSteed,DirectorofFamily SupportMegCaron,andFamilySupportStaff MarielleAppletonandJudyHanley.

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