Newsletter Introduction: July 2024
Taking a gamble on whether it’s a good idea to publish this month's newsletter on a holiday weekend, but my thinking is it’s possible I’ll hit a different subset of readers who can’t get to the newsletter when it comes out on a normal weekday. I love the feedback I heard from a few people at a BBQ we went to yesterday. The really cool thing is that people will tell me specific stories that they like, and then repeat the information back to me as though they’re telling me about the story. I’ve got some fun things in this issue, and always look forward to feedback and ideas. The photo above is being used with permission from photographer Erik Fraser, who captured a lightning strike on Wachusett Mountain, as seen from Prospect Hill in Harvard. I was intending to use the photo to write about a lightning strike at the farm next to our house, but thankfully when I talked to one of the farmers, he didn’t know anything about lightning hitting the farm (not sure who started the rumor), but I thought the photo was beautiful, so I kept it.
Are you seeing my newsletter for the first time? Click here to subscribe!
| Like what you're reading? Please share! | |
|
I love a good piece of sourdough bread, with champagne mustard and a slab of cheddar. I’ve recently noticed an abundance of pop up bake stands in my travels around the main streets and back roads of Central Mass (and on my social media), and like the opportunity to purchase delicious homemade bread and pastries. Continue reading for specifics on 4 local bakers. If you know anyone else who should be included, I can add to the story!
READ MORE | |
Like what you're reading? Please share! | |
|
After a very inauspicious start into the world of being missionaries (see the previous story: Even in 1962, It’s a Miracle that Jay’s Parents didn’t end up Divorced), we moved into our new home in Santurce, Puerto Rico, on the second floor of Robinson School, a mission school originally founded by the Methodist Church. It wasn’t remotely what us kids or my parents expected.
READ MORE | |
|
It’s hard to discuss gardening around here without commenting on how tremendous the Hydrangeas look in 2024. This year has been a bumper year for Hydrangeas, a New England perennial that virtually everyone loves, and this year it’s really in bloom. Even the more unusual varieties are thriving. So what’s going on?
READ MORE | |
|
We recently met with Christian McMahan, former Wachusett Brewing Company president, and now co-founder of Double Down Brewing – – to have a few beers and chat about his latest business venture—Double Down on Mountainside, located in an annex building on the Mountainside Bakery & Cafe in Princeton.
READ MORE | |
I have 2 Real Estate Market stories in this issue, because I wanted to write about both topics, and they don't really have much in common. | |
|
As anyone who’s paying attention has noticed, the market trends are unchanged for about a year, keeping the housing supply tight while housing prices continue to escalate. One of the phrases I hear so often is “I can’t believe that house sold for so much”. But of course, by now people are believing it, and there actually are a number of good reasons for it.
READ MORE
| |
|
In life there are lots and lots of small to medium sized financial decisions to be made, like can we afford to go on vacation? Should we buy that new dishwasher? Do we really want a fourth dog? And then there are big decisions, with large financial implications, the biggest of which is often whether or not to sell your home.
READ MORE
| |
|
I decided to surprise Jay with dinner reservations at Kennedy‘s Restaurant and Market in Marlborough, on the recommendation from a friend, two different friends actually! My plan was we would have dinner at Kennedy‘s and then explore the recently opened Lake Williams floating boardwalk just a few miles away.
READ MORE | |
Like what you're reading? Please share! | COMING SOON: 4 RANCHES IN 4 DIFFERENT LOCAL TOWNS | |
|
You saw it here first! I will have 4 ranch style homes listed for sale over the next few weeks. Prices will range from $320K to $650K. The homes are in Gardner, Leominster, Winchendon and Westminster. Why the lake photo? Because the one in Westminster has deeded beach rights. Stay tuned!
USE MY CONTACT FORM TO RECEIVE MORE INFO on these properties!
| |
My Local Resource Stories section below is updated frequently and will be at the top of each newsletter for easy reference! | |
Like what you're reading? Please share! | |
|
This summer dessert is my favorite, and there are never any leftovers! I just went to pull the recipe together, and it turns out I posted this last summer, too! It's SO easy to make for short notice BBQs, a quick picnic, or prepare ahead.
READ MORE | |
|
Love fresh fruit and veggies? I’ve compiled a juicy list of local and regional Pick Your Own opportunities. Harvest season notes are general~~make sure to check in on hours of operations, conditions and pricing before heading to any of the PYO locations!
READ MORE | |
|
I love Garden Tours and have assembled quite the list for 2024. Have you ever been to Tower Hill, now called New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill? It's a real escape from the every day--amazing views and garden displays, located in nearby Boylston. They have a beautiful spot where you can have lunch, and spend a few hours (or the entire day) enjoying the gardens!
READ MORE | |
47 Prospect Street in West Boylston offers flexibility for business, home occupations or personal use. Currently in operation as a private counseling practice with 6 rented offices, located in a business zoning district. This property a classic colonial style home with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms is suitable as a single family, or to explore the conversion to single family with accessory apartment or to a 2-family property. Recent significant updates and upgrades. Conveniently located within 10 miles of Worcester, Shrewsbury, Boylston and Holden.
LEARN MORE | |
"We recently had the pleasure of working with Jennifer Shenk from Keller Williams to sell our home, and we couldn't be happier with the experience. From start to finish, Jennifer demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to helping us achieve our goals. Communication was seamless, Jennifer was always prompt in responding to our questions and concerns, keeping us informed every step of the way. Her attention to detail was remarkable, from staging suggestions to the marketing materials that showcased our home in the best possible light. We wholeheartedly recommend Jennifer to anyone looking for a top-notch real estate professional. Her commitment to client satisfaction makes her a true standout in the industry and a pleasure to work with! We also want to thank Jen’s transaction coordinator Laura Thomason, who helped with all the closing preparations. We are forever grateful!!"
— Theo and Ronel Willemse, Princeton
| |
OUR JUNE 2024 TRANSACTIONS | |
Click on the addresses below for more details... | |
Huge Favor, Please!
If I've been a local resource for you, even if not to buy or sell a home, I'd love it if you'd write a quick Google review. Even if you write a review about my newsletter! So much of my real estate business comes from people who read my reviews. THANK YOU!
WRITE A QUICK REVIEW HERE
| |
|
MORE STORIES FROM PAST NEWSLETTERS | |
THANK YOU so much for reading! | |
JENNIFER SHENK
Team Leader, Listing Agent
Your Local Realtor since 2013
JenniferShenk@KW.com
978 870 9260
| |
LISA SAULNIER
Realtor, Buyer Specialist
On the team 2020+
LisaSaulnier@KW.com
978 790 7591
| |
Put our TOP CENTRAL MASS TEAM to work for you!
Jennifer Shenk and Team
2023 RESULTS
#1 Team at Keller Williams Realty North Central
Total Sales Volume
Total Units Sold
#8 Team in Keller Williams New England Region
Listings Taken
Listings Sold Units
Listing Sold Volume
Keller Williams International
Luxury Agent
Platinum Producer
North Central Massachusetts Association of Realtors
Platinum Top Producer
| | | | |