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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. 


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STORIES

HOMEMADE SOURDOUGH BREAD NEAR ME

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

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MY TEEN YEARS IN PUERTO RICO: SECOND IN A SERIES OF JAY'S MEMOIRS

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

MY HYDRANGEAS ARE AMAZING THIS YEAR, AND I DON'T EVEN HAVE ANY!

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

POPULAR FROM LAST MONTH: DOUBLE DOWN ON MOUNTAINSIDE

OUTDOOR DINING AND BREWS IN PRINCETON

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

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS REAL ESTATE MARKET

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.

CENTRAL MASS REAL ESTATE MARKET: JULY 2024

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

THOUGHTS ON CHOOSING YOUR REALTOR BASED ON PERCEIVED OBLIGATION

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

FIELD TRIP AND RESTAURANT REVIEW: KENNEDY'S RESTAURANT AND MARKET & LAKE WILLIAMS TRAIL AND FLOATING BOARDWALK

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

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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!

Town Wide Yard Sales

Kids Summer Recreation Programs

Pick Your Own

Hiking & Biking Trails

Farmers Markets

Favorite Breakfast Spots

Locally Owned Restaurants in Central Mass

Garden Tours Central Mass and Beyond

Playgrounds Central Mass and Beyond

CONTACT JEN

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RECIPE: LEMONY SUMMER DESSERT PARFAIT

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

CENTRAL MASS 'PICK YOUR OWN' RESOURCE LIST

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

GARDEN TOURS IN CENTRAL MASS AND BEYOND

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

NEW LISTING: FLEXIBILITY! BUSINESS OR RESIDENTIAL OPPORTUNITY

Business or Residential Property for sale at 47 Prospect Street West Boylston

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

WYMAN POND WATERFRONT AT 8 WINTERS DRIVE, WESTMINSTER

Wyman Pond Waterfront listing at 8 Winters Drive in Westminster

CLIENT FEEDBACK

"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

READ MORE CLIENT REVIEWS
MORE LOCAL BUSINESS REVIEWS

OUR JUNE 2024 TRANSACTIONS

Click on the addresses below for more details...

SOLD

542 Oak Hill Road, Fitchburg

SOLD

6 Grassy Pond Road, Westminster

SOLD

337 Hubbardston Road, Princeton

SOLD

116 Mill Creek Drive, Ashby


UNDER AGREEMENT

72 Worcester Road, Westminster

ONLY 4 Remaining!

Age 55+ Luxury Single Level Living

11 Mallard Lane, Bolton

BUYER UNDER AGREEMENT

39 Will Thompson Way, Fitchburg

BUYER UNDER AGREEMENT

535 South Street, Fitchburg

WHAT IS MY PROPERTY WORTH?

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

CONFIDENTIAL VALUE ANALYSIS

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THANK YOU so much for reading!

MEET THE TEAM

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

LAURA THOMASON

Transaction Coordinator

On the team 2018+

AMANDA PECK

Administrative Assistant

On the team 2021+

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


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