Special offer

Sturbridge, MA Real Estate News

By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
I Want to Buy a House:  Will I be Able to Put up a Fence?   This is a question I hear quite frequently.  Most towns have restrictions on the location and size of a fence on a residential property.  In addition, a a specific neighborhood may impose its own limitations.  There are basically two resources for finding out these types of restrictions: 1.  Home Owners' Association (HOA).  When you are thinking of buying a home in a particular neighborhood, ask if there is a Home Owners' Association.  This is typically an organization created to put formal standards in place that relate to the appearance, care, and operation of that neighborhood.  You will want to ask for a copy of the HOA bylaws as well as rules and regulationsto make sure that your intended uses of the property are within th...
Comments 4
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 11:  Chocolates from Sturbridge Candy and Gift Shoppe - Sturbridge, MA     Time is truly running out!  Only 3 more days to finalize your plans for your Valentine.  If you live in Central Massachusetts, I highly suggest that you make a trip out to Sturbridge Candy and Gift Shoppe. This delightful candy store puts together an array of chocolates that no Valentine can resist.  Their hand-picked boxes of candy, available in classic or heart-shaped boxes, includes creams, caramels, mints, truffles - you name it.  The folks at Sturbridge Candy and Gift Shoppe will also happily arrange a customized box of chocolates for you.  They are wrapped in cheerful white-and-red Valentine's Day paper, and they are delicious! In addition to chocolates, Sturbridge Candy and G...
Comments 1
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 8:  Send a Little Spring   One of the most common Valentine's Day traditions is that of sending flowers, particularly red roses.  If you live in an area that has been under the siege of snowstorms, a bouquet of flowers will provide your Valentine with a breath of spring.  Another option may be to send a colorful, edible arrangement of fruit.  Chocolate-covered strawberries come to mind, but a collection of fruit in any flavor is a welcome refreshment. Here are some online resources for ordering flowers and fresh fruit.  Better order today - delivery times are filling up. FTD.com - flowers, candy, and even jewelry delivered by ordering from this site Teleflora - now offering their Faith Hill collection, as well as Flowers for Men ProFlowers.com - bouquets, ...
Comments 0
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
Fourteen Days of Romance - Day 2:  Dinner for Two at the Whistling Swan, Sturbridge Massachusetts People celebrate Valentine's Day in many ways.  Some stay home and cook, others simply exchange cards, and of course others celebrate by going out on the town.  A wonderful option in Sturbridge is Valentine's Day dinner at the elegant Whistling Swan. The Whistling Swan will offer a special Valentine's Day menu that includes New Zealand Rack of Lamb, Beef Wellington, Lobster Ravioli, and a variety of romantic pastries for dessert.  Their usual full menu will also be available for Valentine's Day diners. Reservations are recommended at this busy venue. The Whistling Swan502 Main Street (Route 20)Fiskdale  MA  01518(508) 347-2321      
Comments 4
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
Fourteen Days of Romance from Sturbridge, Massachusetts Today is February 1, 2011.  That means that, including today, we have 14 days to plan and prepare for Valentine's Day.  So for the next 14 days, I am going to write about places to go with your sweetheart, unusual romatic ideas that you might enjoy, and of course some fantastic chocolate encounters.  Many of these will be in and around the quaint town of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, but some will be from other places or simply activities you can try at home. Day #1:  Romantic Escape at Simple Indulgence Day Spa - Sturbridge, MA Simple Indulgence Day Spa offers a Romantic Escape package for couples.  This includes a side-by-side Swedish massage, pedicure, and moisturizing parafin hand dip.  The price for this package is $270; however,...
Comments 5
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
Tunnel of Snow in Sturbridge MA January 27, 2011:  The weather outside has been frightful, and some folks are starting to complain.  But, personally, I love the big snow that we have had this month.  Ten to 20 inches of snow in one storm makes for some interesting driving and positively gorgeous scenery. This quick video shows just what it is like to drive down one of the country roads in Sturbridge following a snow storm.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  
Comments 8
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
Kathryn's Top 10 Blog Posts of 2010   Several other bloggers have created lists similar to this, and I found it to be an intriguing idea.  Of all the blog articles I wrote in 2010, which had the most traffic?  To find out, I went back through my blog stats and picked the 10 that had the most clicks (as compared to views).  Here they are: 10. Annual Harvest Festival Sturbridge MA 9.  Castle in the Clouds Moultonborough NH 8.  Waterfront Living - Leadmine Pond - Sturbridge 7.  Sal's Pizza in Sturbridge is Open 6.  Waterfront Living - Walker Pond - Sturbridge 5.  Stockbridge MA - Hike at Laura's Lookout 4.  Hoo Ya's Restaurant Brimfield MA 3.  Waterfront Living - Cedar Lake - Sturbridge 2.  New Restaurant in Sturbridge - 420 Main 1.  How to Use Facebook in Your Negotiating To all my reader...
Comments 6
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
Sturbridge Common in the Winter - Sturbridge, MA   Driving around Sturbridge this week, there have been many opportunities for winter photography.  Here are some pictures from around the Sturbridge Town Common.   The town common is a central gathering place in Sturbridge.  It played a role as a battle ground in the Revolutionary War, but these days it is used for recreation.   The common is bordered by numerous antique homes that help Sturbridge retain its quaint historical personality.   Would you like to see more of Sturbridge, MA?  Visit AskMeAboutSturbridge.com for information and photos. Your real estate agent around town, Kathryn Acciari, REALTOR All photos copyright 2011 Kathryn Acciari        
Comments 6
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
Westville Lake in the Winter - Sturbridge Parks     Westville Lake After January 2011 BlizzardPhoto copyright 2011 Kathryn Acciari Westville Lake Recreation Area is one of Sturbridge'smost popular parks.  In the summer it offers hiking and biking trails, picnic facilities, fishing, and small craft boating.  But Westville is also very busy in the winter.  There is frequently ice skating on the small pond near the parking lot, and the hill to the picnic pavilions is popular with sledders (although you have to be careful of the concrete blocks at the base of the hill).  The 2-mile loop to the dam and back is busy all times of the year, and dog owner clubs meet here frequently to exercise their pooches. The Army Corps of Engineers operates Westville Lake Recreation Area.  For specific detai...
Comments 2
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
Steladenas Specialty Cakes and Bake Shop - Sturbridge, MA         January 13, 2011:  Sturbridge has a new bakery:  Steladenas Specialty Cakes and Bake Shop.   Owned by Deanne Cardenas, Steladenas offers many temptations for the sweet tooth.  You will find a variety of danish, cookies, pies, desserts, and cupcakes served in take-out fashion along with fresh-brewed coffee. But the most special offerings by Steladenas are its Specialty Cakes.  Made-to-order cakes for weddings, holidays, and other special occasions are the focus of the business.  When I stopped in to say hello, I found a Valentine's Day cake on display.  It is a beautiful confection that shows off Cardenas' talent for design.  Wouldn't you love to receive this cake from your sweetheart?                             Steladena...
Comments 4
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
6 Ways to Boost Your Business on a Snow Day After much preparation and working through various snow day rituals, Massachusetts finally had a proper snow day.  Here in Sturbridge, we enjoyed about 20 inches of accumulation.  Needless to say, it was a great day to go nowhere. For some folks, a snow day means a day off spent in pajamas, baking cookies, and watching movies.  But for those who feel like having a more productive day, there are numerous snow day projects that will help you to boost your business in between snow-blowing and shoveling. 1.  Make those cookies, then wrap them up to give to clients.  You can easily create 1/2 dozen bundles for dropping off to clients in the next day or two. 2.  Call your past and current clients.  A big snow gives you an immediate talking topic.  "...
Comments 6
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
Hoping for a Snow Day?  5 Ways to Make it Happen Since my son started elementary school, he has spent numerous winter evenings hoping for a snow day.  His fifth grade teacher taught the class that to make a snow day happen, you should wear your pajama shirt backwards. Since then, he has picked up a few other tips of actions you can take to make tomorrow a snow day.  Here are 5 of them: 1.  Wear your pajamas backwards, or inside-out. 2.  Place a spoon under your pillow.  3.  Flush ice down the toilet. 4.  Place a light-colored teddy bear on your window sill. 5.  Put a snow ball in the freezer. Note:  We have discovered that placing more than one spoon under your pillow does not work.  Here's to a snow day in your area. Coming to you from the Tantasqua Union 61 School District, Kathryn Ac...
Comments 11
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
Sturbridge Neighborhoods:  Sturbridge Crossing Video Tour Sturbridge Crossing is a condominium complex in Sturbridge, MA.  It is the only gated neighborhood in town.  Sturbridge Crossing consists of 30 condominiums nestled amongst the evergreens.  The complex includes tennis courts, gated security, and alarm systems. Since I have a townhouse listed at the Sturbridge Crossing condominium complex in Sturbridge, MA, I thought it would be helpful to provide a quick peek of the condo complex itself.  Enjoy this 2-minute video tour, and if you would like to learn more about condominiums in Sturbridge just give me a call:       "This post is written as a submission to the ActiveRain Kodak Video Challenge contest. I have the chance to win the KODAK PLAYTOUCH Pocket Video Camera, great for realt...
Comments 5
By Kathleen Cooper, Sposato Realty Group - Broker Owner
(Kathleen Cooper, Sposato Realty Group)
Sal's Pizza in Sturbridge Review & NOW OPEN! On my way home from Worcester last night I decided to pick up some Sal's Pizza for dinner.  Sal's Pizza opened up in Sturbridge 2 months ago.  Sal's comes to us straight from Boston's North End and is home of the 19" 3 lb. pizza!  We didn't order a 3 lb. pizza, but the pizzas we did pickup were HUGE!  Great size, large slices & very tasty!  Definitely recommend the onion & hamburger pizza!  So mouthwatering!   If you're in the area and looking to try some really good pizza, Sal's is the place for you!  Great atmosphere for indoor dining.  They did a wonderful job rennovating the place.  Check out their other locations to find one near you!      
Comments 1
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
Cedar Street Grille Opening January 2011 - Sturbridge, MA   The Newly Renovated Cedar Street GrillePhoto Copyright 2011 Kathryn Acciari January 9, 2011:  The new sign is up, and the exterior looks gorgeous, as renovations on the Cedar Street Grille are completed.  The restaurant opened with a limited, price fix menu this weekend and I can't wait to go back. Previously known as the Cedar Street Restaurant, the Cedar Street Grille will feature an updated menu in addition to its new look.  Once the liquor license is approved, a full bar will provide a welcome spot for casual get-togethers, and the craftsman-style interior promises to be a place where diners will want to linger. A brief but mouth-watering sampling of the updated menu is shown on the Cedar Street Grille's web site.  Take a p...
Comments 0
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
Thank You for Helping Me Help Children As 2010 draws to a close, I want to thank my clients of this year, and prior years, for helping me help children with medical needs. For the past several years, I have been a part of the Children's Miracle Network program sponsored by RE/MAX.  With every real estate sale that I make, I donate a portion of my commission to the Children's Miracle Network in my clients' names.  These donations are used to help children who are ill get the medical care they need. In the 18 years that RE/MAX has sponsored Children's Miracle Network, it has provided the Network with over $100,000,000 in funds, due in large part to the successful real estate transactions of RE/MAX buyers and sellers. I believe in the power of children - our future - and I thank all of my...
Comments 5
By Lisa Matondi
(RE/MAX Professional Associates)
The Cornerstone Café at Tantasqua Regional High School is now accepting orders for the Holidays for the following baked goods:  Apple Pie                                  $6.95 each Cranberry Apple Pie                   $6.95 Chocolate Cream Pie                 $6.75 Pecan Pie                                 $8.95 Holiday Cut-out Cookies             $4.00/dozen Italian Cookies                           $4.25/dozen Anise Biscotti                            $4.50/doz. Almond Biscotti                         $4.50/doz Pumpkin Nut Bread                    $4.25 Cranberry Nut Bread                   $4.75 Dinner Rolls                               $3.95/doz   Culinary Arts is accepting orders until Friday, December 17th, 2010. All outside customers, please call 1-508-347-9301. Pick up orders...
Comments 0
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
"I Want a Deal" - 3 Tips for Getting a Real Estate Deal in Sturbridge MA   "I want a deal."  These are the four most common words I hear from buyers in real estate these days. Well, there is a lot of competition for the deals.  So, here are my 3 top tips for getting a real estate deal in Sturbridge MA: 1.  Hire a buyer's agent and get access to the MLS.  With the availability of information on the Internet, many buyers try to go it alone.  They do research online.  They sign up for listings on dozens of real estate sites.  They keep an eye on what has sold.  But they neglect to go to the professional who has inside access to property information:  their local real estate agent.  An agent can provide you with the fastest, most accurate information on deals as soon as they hit the market....
Comments 5
 As the weather turns from cool to downright cold here in the Northeast the iinevitable prospect of snow days becomes a reality.  For us in the Tantasqua Union 61 School District, finding out if we have the day off due to inclement weather is easy just go to www.cancellations.com enter the zip code and you are good to go.  They also have an automatic e-mail feature so you''ll be the 1st to know when schools are closed.
Comments 2
By Kathryn Acciari, Mortgage Loan Originator
(Central One Federal Credit Union)
Winter Tree Scavenger Hunt in Sturbridge, MA Sturbridge, MA:  Get outdoors for a fantastic holiday event.  The Conservation Commission of the town of Sturbridge is hosting a Winter Tree Scavenger Hunt through the month of December 2010.  The commission has decorated 14 trees that are along conservation trails.  Participants are required to find all 14 trees and have a photo taken of themselves beside each tree.  Then, the photos must be emailed to the Conservation Commission prior to New Year's Day, at sturbridgetreehunt@hotmail.com What a fun holiday activity.  Take a hike, search for Christmas trees, and enter to win a prize.  All participants will be entered into a drawing to win a gift certificate tree (the grand prize).  In addition to the scavenger hunt, the Conservation Commissio...
Comments 7
Sturbridge, MA Real Estate Professionals