ERA Key Realty ServicesRecently posted or modified blog postshttps://www.keyrealtyservices.com/blog/Copyright KeyRealtyServices.com2024-03-18T05:46:31-07:00tag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6928Haase, Iacoi Receive Sales Awards
Congratulations to ERA Key sales leaders in the Dorchester office! <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Hasse_Gretchen.jpg" width="212" height="250" alt="Gretchen Hasse" title="Gretchen Hasse" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Iacoi_Jamie.jpg" width="188" height="250" alt="Jamie Iacoi" title="Jamie Iacoi" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
Gretchen Haase was named to the Circle of Achievement, which includes agents who have sold at least 45 units or total volume of at least $6 million.
James Iacoi was named to the Circle of Honor, which includes agents who have sold at least 25 units or total volume of at least $3 million.
Award winners were announced at ERA Key’s annual meeting on March 12, 2024 at Cyprien Keys in Boylston.2024-03-18T05:25:57-07:002024-03-18T05:46:31-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6881ERA Key’s Lomasney Ranked Among Top 5 Agents in Middlesex CountyCathy Lomasney, an agent in ERA Key's Billerica office, has been named among the top five agents in Middlesex County by <a href="https://www.ratemyagent.com/?utm_source=media%20release&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=aoya2021-agent-media-release">RateMyAgent</a>, a client review and digital marketing platform for real estate professionals.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Lomasney,%20Cathy_.jpg" width="198" height="275" alt="Cathy Lomasney" title="Cathy Lomasney" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
It was the second consecutive year during which she was named to the top five. Last year, she was named the top agent. RateMyAgent considers more than 234,000 agents nationally in its rankings.
The Agent of the Year Awards are the first industry-wide awards based on client satisfaction rather than sales volume, according to RateMyAgent, which says, “Client reviews provide powerful proof of an agent’s trust, transparency and authenticity when dealing with clients. These awards celebrate Agents and Realtors® who create remarkable client experience throughout the entire real estate transaction process.”
Lomasney, who has been a real estate professional since 2005, is frequently among ERA Key’s top agents. For 2023, she received the Circle of Honor Award, which includes agents who have sold at least 25 units or a total volume of at least $3 million.
She is an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), an Accredited Staging Professional Real Estate Agent (ASPRE®), a Certified Buyer Representative (CBR), a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), a Certified Selling Professional (CSP), a Military Relocation Professional (MRP), a Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) and a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES). In addition, she has earned the At Home with Diversity (AHWD) designation, e-Pro Internet professional designation, the GREEN designation for energy efficiency and sustainability, and Loss Mitigation Certification (LMC).
She is also active in the agency’s charitable contributions, including leading the annual Toys for Tots collection of children’s toys for Christmas.
She attended the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, and Northeastern University, Boston. She is a member of the Women’s Council of Realtors, the Greater Boston Association of Realtors, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, the New Hampshire Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.2024-03-07T09:30:28-07:002024-03-07T09:34:36-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6859ERA Key Named Platinum Award Winner by Anywhere Leads<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/ERA_Key_Logo%202.png" width="350" height="131" alt="ERA Key Logo" title="ERA Key Logo" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />ERA Key Realty Services has been named a Platinum Award winner by Anywhere Leads for its outstanding performance during the past year. Anywhere Leads is a dedicated organization within Anywhere Real Estate Inc., the largest full service residential real estate services company in the United States, focused on delivering high-quality leads to its affiliated brokers and agents in the Anywhere Leads Network.
The Platinum Award is one of three Excellence Awards presented to Premier Network Brokers. Award criteria are based on rigorous scoring and success in a variety of metrics.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Cheryl_Eidinger-Taylor.jpg" width="169" height="225" alt="Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor" title="Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />“I am thrilled to congratulate ERA Key Realty Services on their achievement of the Platinum Award.” said Kristin Aerts, VP & Head of Anywhere Leads. "They have shown exceptional results across local market insights and best business practices to help our customers reach their real estate goals. This dedication has rightfully earned ERA Key Realty Services the prestigious Platinum Award and serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to the real estate sector.”
“We’re pleased to receive the Anywhere Leads Network Platinum Award,” said Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor, President and COO of ERA Key Realty Services. “This recognition puts us in great company with some of the best real estate brokers in our industry.”2024-03-04T07:07:07-07:002024-03-04T07:21:50-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6836Wagenbach-Hughes Joins ERA Key As Business Growth and Development ManagerWendy Wagenbach-Hughes of Bristol, R.I., has joined ERA Key as its Business Growth and Development Manager, working out of agency headquarters in Whitinsville.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Hughes_Wendy.jpg" width="228" height="275" alt="Wendy Hughes" title="Wendy Hughes" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
In her newly created position, she will manage the agency’s training and recruitment efforts.
“Wendy’s experience makes her the ideal person to accelerate ERA Key’s ongoing growth,” said President and COO Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor. “By adding to our already strong training program, while recruiting new agents, we expect to enjoy even faster growth than we’ve enjoyed in the past.”
She previously served as Sales Manager at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate in Wellesley. Before that, she was a Managing Broker for Coldwell Banker Realty in Warwick, Barrington, Bristol and the East Side of Providence, R.I. She was also the Education Manager for Coldwell Banker Realty New England.
She began her career in the hospitality industry, working as a General Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, Front Desk Manager and International Tour Guide for Collette Tours.
She attended the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and received her associate’s degree in Communication Arts from Dean College, Franklin.
“I look forward to playing a key role in advancing ERA Key’s on-going growth,” Wendy said. “ERA Key has long been among the top agencies in Massachusetts and in the ERA Franchise System. One reason has been its focus on training, which will be even stronger now.”2024-02-27T10:46:48-07:002024-02-27T10:56:38-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6831Barbara and Miah Kattman Bring 60+ Years of Experience to ERA KeyBarbara and Miah Kattman of Holliston, who together have more than 60 years of experience in real estate, have joined ERA Key’s Millis office as Realtors.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Kattman_Miah_and_Barbara.jpg" width="250" height="470" alt="Barbara and Miah Kattman" title="Barbara and Miah Kattman" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
The mother-daughter team has worked together for 24 years, during which they have sold hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of real estate and won many awards.
“I am so pleased to welcome Barbara and Miah to the ERA Key Team,”said President and COO Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor. “They are exceptional professionals who really care about their clients’ success. They bring a wealth of expertise to assist both sellers and buyers alike.”
Most recently, they were with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) Commonwealth Real Estate in Wellesley. While there, they consistently ranked in the top 10 teams for Commonwealth’s Eastern New England Region. They earned a Century 21 Commonwealth Relocation Award for the highest buyer conversion rate.
Before joining BHHS, they were with William Raveis Real Estate in Wellesley. They began working together at Carlson GMAC Real Estate in South Natick and Wellesley. While there, Barbara Kattman earned GMAC’s National Top 100 Agent Award.
Barbara Kattman served on the C21 Commonwealth Agent Advisory Council. She has experience in land planning, consulting, appraisal and marketing of luxury properties throughout New England for companies such as LandVest and Hunneman. She graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, earning bachelors of fine arts and landscape architecture degrees.
Miah Kattman earned a bachelor of science degree in journalism from Boston University. Before becoming a Realtor, she was a Communications Associate for the Massachusetts Medical Society in Waltham and a Marketing Associate for Sun Life Financial in Wellesley.
“As multi-generational family members working together, we treat our clients like family and have a deep understanding of family issues in real estate,” Babara said. “We joined ERA Key to strengthen our presence in and around MetroWest. We immediately felt a connection with ERA Key, because of its agent-centric philosophy.”
“At ERA Key,” Miah added, “we feel fully supported in our work, which will help us continue growing, while increasing the support we provide to our clients. ERA Key’s values are consistent with our team approach.”2024-02-26T07:21:05-07:002024-02-26T09:37:45-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6797ERA Key’s Framingham Office Adds Eskandar As a RealtorRania Kromar Eskandar of Framingham has joined ERA Key's Framingham office as a Realtor.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Kromar_Eskandar_Rania.jpg" width="198" height="250" alt="Rania Kromar Eskandar " title="Rania Kromar Eskandar " style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
She moved to Framingham after growing up in Egypt and became certified in medical interpreting before deciding to pursue a career in real estate. She also volunteers at her church.
“As a stay-at-home mom, I recognized the importance of home and decided to pursue a career in real estate,” Rania said. “I joined ERA Key because of the extensive training it provides its agents. I’m also learning a great deal from other agents in my office. I look forward to helping clients find the home of their dreams.”2024-02-18T09:12:21-07:002024-02-18T09:21:04-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6769Funari Listing Featured in The Boston Herald <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Lake_Singletary_home/Lake_Singletary_3.jpg" width="2166" height="1345" alt="Lake Singletary home" title="Lake Singletary home" style="vertical-align: top;" />
A home on Sutton's Lake Singletary that is listed by Whitinsville agent Brooke Funari was featured in <a href="https://www.bostonherald.com/2024/02/08/hot-property-waterfront-living-available-in-sutton/">The Boston Herald</a> on February 8, 2024. The article is below.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Lake_Singletary_home/Boston_Herald_Logo.png" width="545" height="92" alt="Boston Herald logo" title="Boston Herald logo" />
Hot Property: Waterfront living available in Sutton
Escape to your own lakeside retreat on the shores of Lake Singletary (although the state of Massachusetts technically deems it a great pond.)
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Lake_Singletary_home/Funari_Brooke.jpg" width="188" height="250" alt="Brooke Funari" title="Brooke Funari" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />The newly updated thee-bedroom, 2.5-bath home at 39 1/2 West Sutton Road in Sutton offers just under 2,000 square feet of living space, designed for lakeside relaxation and entertaining guests.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Lake_Singletary_home/Lake_Singletary.jpg" width="275" height="183" alt="Lake Singletary home" title="Lake Singletary home" style="margin: 14px; float: right;" />
Currently the only home on the market on these coveted shores, the single-family’s renovated interior features mini-split units throughout to keep you toasty now and cool this summer. And for something even cozier, gather around the fireplace in the living room.
The kitchen boasts all-new appliances and Corian countertops, while the bathrooms have been thoroughly upgraded with modern fixtures and finishes. A finished basement provides additional space for entertaining, just the ticket after a day spent enjoying the water.
And speaking of water, Lake Singletary is (literally) right at your doorstep, offering serene views and endless recreational opportunities, from swimming and boating to angling — the lake is popular for bass and trout fishing — and kayaking. Bird lovers are also in for a treat.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Lake_Singletary_home/Lake_Singletary_2.jpg" width="275" height="172" alt="Lake Singletary home" title="Lake Singletary home" style="margin: 14px; float: left;" />Located conveniently, the home offers the best of both worlds – a peaceful lakeside setting just minutes from major highways like 146 and the Mass Pike, providing easy access to nearby Worcester and Providence.
The sale of the lake house, on the market for $749,900, is represented by Brooke Funari with ERA Key Realty Services, 774-571-1058.2024-02-12T14:43:36-07:002024-02-12T15:13:30-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6701Whitinsville Office Adds Funari As a Realtor<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Funari_Brooke.jpg" width="334" height="275" alt="Brooke Funari" title="Brooke Funari" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />Brooke Funari of Uxbridge has joined its Whitinsville office as a Realtor.
She has several years of experience as a Realtor for a local agency. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Johnson & Wales University, Providence, R.I.
“The resources ERA Key offers to help its agents succeed are unlike those offered by any other agency,” Brooke said. “ERA Key has an outstanding support system – everyone helps each other with anything they need.”2024-01-30T09:20:01-07:002024-01-30T09:26:23-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6692Jones Joins ERA Key’s Billerica Office As a RealtorRoy R. Jones II of Lowell has joined ERA Key's Billerica office as a Realtor.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Jones_Roy.png" width="206" height="275" alt="Roy Jones" title="Roy Jones" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
He is also a Manufacturing Engineer II at Bausch + Lomb in Wilmington. He previously was a Hardware Engineer at iRobot in Bedford. Before that, he served in several engineering positions at BAE Systems, Inc. including as a Field Service Engineer, Process Engineer, Electrical Engineering Assistant, Process Engineer and Electro-Mechanical Build Technician.
“By joining ERA Key, I’m fulfilling a long-time desire to join the real estate industry,” Roy said. “I look forward to helping people find their dream home and, in the process, fulfilling my own dream of becoming a successful Realtor.”2024-01-29T07:01:57-07:002024-01-29T07:19:51-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6664Haynes Joins ERA Key’s Franklin Office as a RealtorMichael Haynes of Franklin has joined ERA Key's Franklin office as a Realtor.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Haynes_Mike.jpg" width="167" height="275" alt="Mike Haynes" title="Mike Haynes" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
He began his career in real estate as a Realtor for Platinum Properties, PC, Franklin. He is also the founder and owner of Terrapin Property Management, LLC, Franklin, which manages local properties, and a Business Analyst for Dell Technologies, Franklin.
He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
He is the son of ERA Key Realtor Michelle Haynes.
“Having grown up in the real estate business, being a Realtor is in my blood,” Mike said. “Joining ERA Key will provide me with an opportunity to put my experience with technology and property management to good use.”2024-01-21T09:51:21-07:002024-01-21T09:58:02-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6536Rhadfi Joins ERA Key’s Framingham Office As a RealtorHassan Rhadfi of Framingham has joined ERA Key’s Framingham office as a Realtor.
Hassan has more than eight years of experience in electronics production, manufacturing and engineering. He also manages and maintains rental properties.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Rhadfi_Hassan.jpg" width="191" height="275" alt="Hassan Rhadfi" title="Hassan Rhadfi" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
After serving as a Pizza Station Manager at Sodexo in Framingham, he became the owner and manager of Oversized Pizza in Natick, which he managed for more than a decade.
He also worked as an Electronics Technician at Edge Tech in Milford, where he played a pivotal role in building and testing acoustic releases and side-scan sonar for underwater communications. He also calibrated and evaluated communication PC boards to engineering specifications.
Before that, he was a Manufacturing Engineer at United Electric Control in Watertown, where he was instrumental in creating and validating hundreds of bills of materials, which include a list of items and instructions for creating products. His responsibilities included designing, building and maintaining test fixture logs, and developing and updating test procedures for various products.
Hassan earned a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston.
“As a leader in the Framingham market, ERA Key was a logical choice for me when I decided to become a Realtor,” Rhadfi said. “I believe my experience as a business owner and my knowledge of technology will serve me well as a Realtor at ERA Key.”2023-12-26T09:55:20-07:002023-12-26T10:09:13-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6488ERA Key’s Milford Office Donates $2,150 To Daily Bread Food Pantry, Project Just Because<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Arthur_Donna.jpg" width="208" height="250" alt="Donna Arthur" title="Donna Arthur" style="vertical-align: top;" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/oreilly_sharon.jpg" width="177" height="250" alt="Sharon O'Reilly" title="Sharon O'Reilly" style="vertical-align: top;" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/abrams_linda.jpg" width="166" height="250" alt="Linda Abrams" title="Linda Abrams" style="vertical-align: top;" />
Agents in ERA Key’s Milford office recently donated $1,200 plus $600 in gift cards to the Daily Bread Food Pantry in Milford, as well as $350 in gift cards to Project Just Because, Inc. of Hopkinton.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Gift_Cards_1.jpg" width="185" height="175" alt="Gift Cards" title="Gift Cards" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
The $2,150 in donations included $1,500 through the ERA Key Realty Services Charitable Trust and $600 in gift cards donated by Milford agents. Daily Bread provides food to needy families in Milford, Hopedale, and Upton. Project Just Because provides food, clothing and other services to needy families throughout the area. Milford Realtors Linda Abrams, Donna Arthur and Sharon O’Reilly helped organize the charitable effort.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Gift_Cards_2.jpg" width="158" height="200" alt="Gift Cards" title="Gift Cards" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />“These two worthy organizations will help to ensure that no one in the communities we serve will go hungry during the holiday season,” said Arthur. “These local agencies are deserving of our support, as they provide much-needed resources to our community’s most vulnerable residents.”
Pictured above, left to right, are Donna Arthur, Sharon O'Reilly and Linda Abrams.2023-12-13T10:19:45-07:002023-12-13T13:54:16-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6416ERA Key’s Team Blue, DaMore Law, CrossCountry Mortgage’s Eric Abenaim Team Raise $1,335 for We're One Wilmington<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/FullSizeRender.JPG" width="2707" height="1669" alt="Team Blue" title="Team Blue" style="vertical-align: top;" />
ERA Key Realty Services’ Team Blue, DaMore Law, and CrossCountry Mortgage’s Eric Abeniam Team raised $1,335 for We're One Wilmington (WOW) through their annual Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser.
“This year's fundraising event achieved remarkable success, owing to the kind-hearted contributions of pies, time, and financial support from local enterprises and community members,” said Team Blue Leader Lori Penney. <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/IMG_5497.jpg" width="250" height="268" alt="Apple Pie" title="Apple Pie" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
She added that Margie Smolinsky of Josie’s Bakery, Two Lowell St., played a pivotal role in the success of the fundraiser through her “outstanding management in coordinating all orders.” For each pie purchased, a portion of the cost was donated to WOW.
WOW supports Wilmington families and individuals connected to the community who are experiencing financial, emotional or medical emergencies; a death, a house fire, or other life-changing events. WOW also provides holiday gift assistance to individuals, families and households with financial needs.
“Team Blue is proud to partner with DaMore Law and the Eric Abeniam Team in this important work,” Penney said. “Thanks again to everyone who contributed. Your support will help make a real difference in the lives of many people right here in our community!” <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/IMG_5498.jpg" width="250" height="246" alt="Chocolate Cream Pie" title="Chocolate Cream Pie" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
“Assisting the Wilmington area holds significant value for Team Blue,” she continued. “Our yearly Thanksgiving fundraiser is a gesture of giving back to the community in the holiday period – a time that is challenging for many.”
For more information on Team Blue’s services, contact Lori Penney at 978-375-2520 or <a href="mailto:loripenney@erakey.com">loripenney@erakey.com</a>, or visit the team’s Facebook and Instagram pages @TeamBlueRealEstate.
Pictured above, left to right, are Nicole Dupuis, Director of Business Development at DaMore Law; Team Blue's Tim Penney, Tatum Fales, Janelle Penney, Alex Wargo, Linda DuCharme and Lori Penney, and Branch Director Eric Abeniam of CrossCountry Mortgage.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/IMG_5500.jpg" width="1500" height="380" alt="Josie's Bakery Pies" title="Josie's Bakery Pies" style="vertical-align: bottom;" />2023-11-30T09:40:40-07:002023-11-30T10:11:31-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6388ERA Key’s Team Blue Welcomes Marissa Zarella<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Zarella_Marissa.png" width="320" height="400" alt="Marissa Zarella" title="Marissa Zarella" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />Marissa Zarella of Chelmsford has joined ERA Key's Team Blue Real Estate Group, located in the Wilmington Office.
“As the newest member of Team Blue, Marissa is eager to harness the opportunities this role presents to deepen her understanding of the real estate industry,” said Team Blue Leader Lori Penney. “Marissa has already demonstrated a keen understanding of market trends and an aptitude for meeting client needs.”
Marissa was previously a Realtor with LAER Realty Partners of Chelmsford. Before that, she was an Account Analyst with Clark Insurance in Lowell. She studied business administration at Stonehill College in Easton.
“I am thrilled to join Team Blue with ERA Key Realty Services and look forward to contributing to the team's success,” she said. “This move represents a significant step in my career, and I am excited to leverage the resources and support of Team Blue and ERA Key Realty Services to provide even better service to my clients.”
Team Blue specializes in real estate in the Boston Suburban areas and Southern New Hampshire. For the past five years, Team Blue has been earned the #1 Team Award from ERA Key Realty Services. Known for its customer-centric approach and innovative marketing strategies, Team Blue’s goal is to guide clients through the contractual, investment and emotional decisions involved in the real estate process.
For more information on Team Blue’s services, contact Lori Penney at 978-375-2520 or loripenney@erakey.net, or visit the team’s Facebook and Instagram pages @TeamBlueRealEstate.2023-11-21T15:23:36-07:002023-11-21T15:32:32-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6345ERA Key’s Auburn Office Adds Chambers as Realtor<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Chambers_Manuel.jpg" width="180" height="250" alt="Manuel Chambers" title="Manuel Chambers" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
Manuel Chambers of Worcester has joined ERA Key Realty's Auburn office as a Realtor.
He is also a teacher in Worcester Public Schools. He has also taught in Yuma, Ariz.; Springfield, and Holyoke, Mass.
He earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, as well as an associate’s degree from Holyoke Community College.
“As one of the area’s largest real estate agencies, ERA Key provides me with plenty of opportunities to keep building relationships, while developing a successful career in real estate,” Manuel said.2023-11-13T10:10:36-07:002023-11-13T10:19:51-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6329ERA Key Volunteers Contribute Time, Money to Habitat for Humanity<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Habitat_for_Humanity_Worcester/20231101_122854.jpg" width="2216" height="1923" alt="Habitat for Humanity" title="Habitat for Humanity" style="vertical-align: top;" />
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Habitat_for_Humanity_Worcester/IMG_6493.JPG" width="277" height="500" alt="Habitat for Humanity" title="Habitat for Humanity" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
A dozen ERA Key agents and staff helped build two new single-family homes at 521 and 523 Sunderland Road in Worcester recently during a recent build day for Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester.
The volunteer effort was organized by the Worcester office, which also contributed $500 to the local Habitat for Humanity office. An additional $326 has been raised to date through a <a href="https://habitatmwgw.charityproud.org/Fundraising/P2P/CynthiaQuinn">fundraising page</a> set up on Charity Proud.
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization that seeks to build “strength, stability and self-reliance in partnership with families in need of decent and affordable housing. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.”
“Helping Habitat for Humanity build homes is one way we also help to build a healthy, strong community,” said Framingham Manager Ali Corton. “Contributing time and effort as volunteers is as important to us as the financial contributions we make.”
Volunteers, pictured above, included Worcester Manager Kelly Brown, Framingham Manager Ali Corton, Auburn Manager Jonathan Boisjolie; Worcester Office Administrator Cyndi Quinn and Spencer Office Administrator Nicole Cusson, and agents Valerie Cohen, Bryan Davis, Kris Gaffney, Josh Hoffsommer, Brian Hurley, Erin Mahoney and Chris Reilly.
Pictured below, left to right, are Josh Hoffsommer, Bryan Davis, Chris Reilly and Erin Mahoney; a member of the construction crew with Cyndi Quinn, and additional members of the construction crew.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Habitat_for_Humanity_Worcester/123_1.jpg" width="262" height="300" alt="Habitat for Humanity" title="Habitat for Humanity" style="vertical-align: bottom;" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Habitat_for_Humanity_Worcester/123_2.jpg" width="230" height="300" alt="Habitat for Humanity" title="Habitat for Humanity" style="vertical-align: bottom;" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Habitat_for_Humanity_Worcester/IMG_6491.JPG" width="246" height="300" alt="Habitat for Humanity" title="Habitat for Humanity" style="vertical-align: bottom;" />2023-11-08T12:10:26-07:002023-11-10T11:56:30-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6220Victorian Home, Built Around 1900, Features Stained Glass, Grand Stairway, Other Features<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/140_Hartford_Ave._E._Uxbridge/140_Hartford_Ave._East.jpg" width="877" height="592" alt="140 Hartford Ave." title="140 Hartford Ave." style="vertical-align: top;" />
A Victorian home at 140 Hartford Ave. East, Uxbridge, built around 1900 for the Whitin family, offers amenities rarely seen today, such as stained-glass windows, a wrap-around porch, a foyer with a grand stairway, window seats and lots of natural woodwork. <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/140_Hartford_Ave._E._Uxbridge/CAI_5747.jpg" width="100" height="150" alt="140 Hartford Ave." title="140 Hartford Ave." style="float: right; margin: 14px;" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/140_Hartford_Ave._E._Uxbridge/CAI_5781.jpg" width="375" height="250" alt="140 Hartford Ave." title="140 Hartford Ave." style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
But its Victorian charm is complemented by modern amenities, such as an auxiliary heating system and an updated kitchen featuring a five-burner AGA Legacy gas stove and other new appliances, plenty of counter space and cabinets, plus an island. <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/140_Hartford_Ave._E._Uxbridge/CAI_5752.jpg" width="375" height="250" alt="140 Hartford Ave." title="140 Hartford Ave." style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
The home, which has been listed by Kathy Craig of ERA Key for $814,900, makes full use of its 1.5 acre lot and 4,275 square-feet of living area. It features five bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a private office, a third-floor game room, and a basement with a large exercise area, a utility room and a laundry room.
The home, which has hardwood floors throughout, includes a spacious dining room with a built-in cabinet and a canvas-covered ceiling, a living room with a fireplace, and a family room that’s ideally suited for entertaining. If the ample closet and storage space in the home is insufficient, there are also four garages, two of which are used for storage.
The nearby village of Whitinsville was named for the Whitin family, which built a thriving textile business in that area. The Whitins also built worker housing adjacent to its mill complex.2023-10-19T10:18:50-07:002023-10-20T06:04:49-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6168Cohen Honored by RACM for 20 Years of ServiceValerie Cohen, a Realtor in the Framingham office, received a pin for 20 years of service during the recent annual meeting of The Realtor Association of Central Massachusetts.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Cohen_Valerie_2.jpg" width="155" height="400" alt="Valerie Cohen" title="Valerie Cohen" style="margin: 14px; float: right;" />
Valerie has extensive experience with clients seeking to relocate and working with military personnel. She was named to the Circle of Achievement, which includes agents who have sold at least 45 units or total volume of at least $6 million, for each of the past several years.
She co-chairs the Framingham office’s charitable giving committee, which determines where funds from the ERA Key Realty Services Charitable Trust will be donated. She also regularly volunteers for charitable events sponsored by the Framingham office.
She is a graduate of Queensborough Community College of The City University of New York (CUNY). She has earned certifications as an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), a Cartus Network Referral Specialist (CNRS), a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) and a Distinctive Property Specialist (DPS). She is a member of the Realtor Association of Central Massachusetts (RACM), the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
“During her two decades of service, Valerie has not only become one of our top agents,” Framingham Manager Ali Corton said, “she has also shown a real commitment to community service. Whether she’s helping someone in the military find a home or volunteering at a charitable event, she always seems to be helping someone.”2023-10-09T12:18:06-07:002023-10-11T06:05:24-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6149Framingham Office Donates $1,500 to Three Area Non-Profits<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Framingham_Family_Promise.jpg" width="2643" height="1810" alt="Family Promise Metrowest" title="Family Promise Metrowest" style="vertical-align: top;" />
ERA Key’s Framingham office recently donated $500 each to the Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton, and the Metrowest Symphony Orchestra and Family Promise Metrowest, both of Natick.
The $1,500 in donations were made through the ERA Key Realty Services Charitable Trust. Baypath Humane Society is dedicated to providing shelter, care, humane treatment and loving homes for stray or unwanted companion animals. The Metrowest Symphony Orchestra has been providing classical and pops concerts, using both professional and volunteer musicians, for the enjoyment of area residents since 1973. Family Promise Metrowest provides shelter, education and comprehensive support to families that are facing homelessness.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Framingham_Bay_Path_Humane.jpg" width="443" height="350" alt="Baypath Humane Society" title="Baypath Humane Society" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
“With all the challenges faced locally in the tight and expensive housing market,” Framingham Manager Ali Corton said, “we are glad to support local agencies providing much-needed resources to our community’s most vulnerable people and pets.”
Pictured, top, left to right, are, back row, ERA Key’s Nelson Zide, Eliz Portal of Family Promise, ERA Key’s Ali Corton and Valerie Cohen; seated, ERA Key’s Cheyenne Dellasanta and Rob Haser of HUNT Mortgage. Above, left to right, are Zide, Baypath’s Elizabeth Jeffries, Corton and Cohen; seated, Dellasanta and Haser.2023-10-04T05:45:29-07:002023-10-04T05:58:19-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6107Chelmsford Agent Oliveri Inducted Into Marquis Who’s WhoEdward L. Oliveri, an agent in ERA Key’s Chelmsford office, has been inducted into Marquis Who's Who.
Selection by Marquis Who's Who is based on factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Oliveri_Edward.jpg" width="167" height="250" alt="Edward Oliveri" title="Edward Oliveri" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
With more than 15 years of experience as a Realtor “he focuses on helping his clients understand the buying and selling process throughout every transaction and ensuring their trust,” according to Marquis Who’s Who. “Remaining abreast of the ever-changing market, Mr. Oliveri also strives to ensure that every buyer and seller receives the best deal.”<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Whos_Who.jpg" width="246" height="250" alt="Marquis Who's Who" title="Marquis Who's Who" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
After graduating from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology, he became a quality assurance manager at Data Metrics in Wilmington.
“As a devout Christian, Mr. Oliveri has been heavily engaged in religious work as a Eucharistic Minister and lector at Saint Margaret of Scotland Parish in Lowell, Mass.,” Marquis Who’s Who noted. “He has also served as an altar servant for funerals, has been involved in ministry work with Saint Joseph the Worker's Shrine in Lowell, has served as a senior president and treasurer at his local Saint Vincent De Paul Society, as the founder of the Men of Saint Joseph, and has been a Boston Catholic Appeal participant. He has also been active with the Oblate Historical Museum as an Oblate Associate.”
He received a Christian Worker Recognition Award from Saint Joseph the Worker Shrine.
During his real estate career, he has received numerous awards, and one year closed deals totaling more than $8 million.
“Mr. Oliveri attributes his success to his strong faith in the Lord,” Marquis Who’s Who said. “He prays and attends Catholic Mass daily, an activity he thoroughly enjoys. Mr. Oliveri also credits his professionalism as a man of integrity. Because of his faith, he treats others honestly and with respect and would never take advantage of his clients.”2023-09-25T09:37:40-07:002023-09-25T09:43:35-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6092Whitinsville Office Donates Nearly $5,000 to Area CharitiesAgents in ERA Key Realty’s Whitinsville office have recently donated $4,575.63 to area charities and schools.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Hebb_Laura_2.jpg" width="175" height="275" alt="Laura Hebb" title="Laura Hebb" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
Donations, which were made through the ERA Key Charitable Trust, included $500 each to the Northbridge High School Food Bank, the Town of Upton Food Pantry, Uxbridge Public Schools and the St. Denis Food Pantry in Douglas. The donation to Uxbridge Public Schools was made to provide students with after-school snacks.
In addition, Carla Horn arranged the donation of $2,575.63 through the Charitable Trust for school supplies for elementary schools in Northbridge, Uxbridge and Douglas.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Horn_Carla%202.jpg" width="196" height="275" alt="Carla Horn" title="Carla Horn" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
“High inflation has made it especially difficult for families and individuals in the communities we serve,” according to Charitable Trust Chair Laura Hebb. “We do our best to give back through our charitable trust.”
“By providing schools with extra supplies, we hope to lessen the burden on teachers, who often pay for supplies with their own funds,” Carla said. “Hopefully, this assistance helps everyone, providing what is needed for classwork and assignments.”
Pictured are Laura Hebb, left, and Carla Horn.2023-09-21T04:58:05-07:002023-09-21T05:03:46-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6090Brown to Manage ERA Key’s Worcester OfficeKelly Brown of Petersham has been named Branch Director of the agency’s Worcester office.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Brown_Kelly.jpg" width="233" height="300" alt="Kelly Brown" title="Kelly Brown" style="margin: 14px; float: left;" />
Brown previously was a Branch Manager with Coldwell Banker Realty in Chelmsford and a Realtor for Coldwell Banker Realty in Leominster. She began her career in real estate at Foster-Healey Real Estate in Leominster. Before real estate, she spent her career in sales and sales management mostly within the building materials industry.
She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Montana, Missoula, and has studied business administration at Southern New Hampshire University, Hooksett. She has volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, Junior Church Leader, and at local food pantries.
“I was attracted to ERA Key, because its technology, training programs and team approach will enable me and the agents in our office to better serve our clients,” Kelly said. “As manager, I will have an opportunity to put my past sales experience to good use for the benefit of all of our Worcester agents.”
“Worcester is the largest city in our region, so it’s important for us to have an experienced manager in that office,” said President and COO Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor. “We believe that Kelly has the experience and the talent needed to help our office achieve even greater success than it has to date.”2023-09-20T08:22:58-07:002023-09-20T08:31:10-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6078Worcester Office Volunteering, Raising Funds for Habitat for Humanity<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Habitat_for_Humanity_Worcester/Picture1.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="Habitat for Humanity" title="Habitat for Humanity" style="vertical-align: top;" />
Agents and staff in ERA Key’s Worcester office are rolling up their sleeves and breaking out their hammers to help Habitat for Humanity build two new single-family homes at 521 and 523 Sunderland Road in Worcester.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Habitat_for_Humanity_Logo.png" width="125" height="125" alt="Habitat for Humanity logo" title="Habitat for Humanity logo" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
Agents and staff in the Framingham, Auburn and Spencer offices have also been invited and other offices may be added.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Habitat_for_Humanity_Worcester/Picture3.jpg" width="205" height="300" alt="Habitat for Humanity 2" title="Habitat for Humanity 2" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
Ground was broken in June for the new homes and ERA Key’s volunteers will be working on site on Wednesday, Nov. 1.
In addition, a <a href="https://habitatmwgw.charityproud.org/Fundraising/P2P/CynthiaQuinn">fundraising page</a> has been set up on Charity Proud with the goal of raising $1,000 for the project.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Habitat_for_Humanity_Worcester/Picture4.png" width="162" height="275" alt="Habitat for Humanity" title="Habitat for Humanity" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities throughout the U.S. and in 70 countries.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Habitat_for_Humanity_Worcester/Picture5.jpg" width="206" height="275" alt="Habitat for Humanity" title="Habitat for Humanity" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
Habitat’s vision is to build “strength, stability and self-reliance in partnership with families in need of decent and affordable housing. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.”
The project is being sponsored by the Metrowest/Greater Worcester office of Habitat for Humanity.
“With housing inventory low and housing prices at record highs, Habitat for Humanity is more important than ever,” according to Framingham Manager Ali Corton. “ERA Key has a long history of working with Habitat and we’re proud to do our part by participating in this project.”
Pictured above are Worcester agents from a previous Habitat for Humanity project.2023-09-18T05:31:31-07:002023-09-18T10:14:00-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6044Coppinger Joins ERA Key as Realtor in Framingham Office<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Coppinger_James.jpg" width="206" height="275" alt="James Coppinger" title="James Coppinger" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />James Coppinger of Framingham has joined ERA Key's Framingham office as a Realtor.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Marine_Corp_w_Sempe_Fi_002.jpg" width="175" height="175" alt="Marine Corps Logo" title="Marine Corps Logo" style="margin: 14px; float: left;" />
Coppinger previously worked for many years in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, then became a firefighter for the Town of Framingham.
He was also a chef at Natick Labs. At the time, his Barn Burning Baked Catfish Wrapped in Bacon was a finalist in the 2007 national Tabasco Cook & Ladder Competition held at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.
“My goal for every client is to find the perfect place to call home,”Coppinger said. “I joined ERA Key, because I believe it will provide me with the best opportunity to achieve that goal.”2023-09-05T08:11:53-07:002023-09-05T08:35:06-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:6031Eisenhardt Joins ERA Key as Realtor in Marlborough Office<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Eisenhardt_Mara.jpg" width="275" height="418" alt="Mara Eisenhardt" title="Mara Eisenhardt" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />Mara A. Eisenhardt of Marlborough has joined ERA Key's Marlborough office as a Realtor.
She is a Construction Technology Specialist at Commodore Builders, a construction management firm in Waltham. She has also worked as a CAD Drafter at Walsh/Cochis Associates in Westborough.
She is earning a bachelor’s degree from Boston Architectural College. She speaks German, as well as English, and is a licensed drone pilot.
“I was seeking greater knowledge of the real estate market, as well as purchasing and selling properties,” Eisenhardt said. “I found that ERA Key has some of the best training in the field, and offers great opportunities for new and current Realtors.”2023-08-31T09:04:22-07:002023-08-31T09:14:42-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5982Experts Believe Mortgage Rates Are Heading Modestly LowerThe following article by ERA Key President and COO Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor was published recently in Banker & Tradesman.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/banker-and-tradesman.jpg" width="500" height="108" alt="Banker & Tradesman logo" title="Banker & Tradesman logo" />
Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates have risen more than 260% since the year 2020, when the year ended with an average rate of 2.67%, according to Freddie Mac.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Cheryl_Eidinger-Taylor.jpg" width="226" height="300" alt="Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor" title="Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
Today’s average mortgage rate is 6.96%, which may seem high compared with the historically low rate of 2020, but it’s still below the historical average of 7.74% from 1971 to the present. And those who need a mortgage can be thankful that today’s rates are far below the 18.53% average rate reached in October 1981, when rates were raised to lower inflation that was even higher than we’ve recently experienced.
But what can we expect moving forward? Will rates continue to rise? Or will they drop back to a lower level?
Many experts believe mortgage rates will fall moderately in the coming months. For example, Freddie Mac chief economist Sam Khater said that, with inflation decelerating, rates should “gently decline” over the remainder of 2023. Others predicted rates could drop to 5.5% to 6.6% by year’s end:
Fannie Mae’s July Housing Forecast predicts that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate will drop to 6.6% by the end of 2023 and 5.9% by the end of 2024.
The National Association of Realtors expects that the 30-year fixed rate will fall to 6.0% by year’s end and 5.6% in 2024.
Bank of America Global Research predicts that rates will drop to 5.25% by the end of the year.
Michael Fratantoni, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association forecasts that rates will be close to 5.5% by the end of 2023 and that they will “drop a little lower next year.”
For someone with a $500,000 mortgage, a decrease from 6.96% to 5.25% would represent a drop in monthly mortgage payments of $552. Such a drop could not only make housing affordable to more people, it would also enable potential homebuyers to buy more expensive homes.
It could also boost housing sales, which have fallen as rates rose. Many homeowners who want to move are reluctant to sell their existing home, which may have a low mortgage rate, because they would have to assume a higher rate on their new home. With higher rates, sales of existing homes fell 18.9% in June from a year earlier.
Mortgage Rates and Housing Prices
Housing prices typically rise when mortgage rates fall – and fall when rates rise. But the modest rate decrease that’s predicted may have little impact on prices, which have remained high even as mortgage rates have risen.
The national median housing price fell 0.9% in June from a year earlier to $410,200, but even that small drop is little consolation to anyone buying a home in Massachusetts, where the median sale price for a single-family home rose slightly from $615,000 a year ago to $616,450 in May 2023, according to the Massachusetts Association of Realtors.
Prices remain high because supply is not keeping up with demand. Millenniums, who are now buying homes for the first time, are pushing up demand for homes, even as mortgage rates have been increasing. This generation of 72.4 million, many of whom are becoming first-time home buyers, outnumbers baby boomers.
And while demand for housing is high, supply is not keeping up. The number of new listings fell 26% in June from a year earlier, according to Realtor.com.
Inventory is low, not only because homeowners are reluctant to exchange their low-rate mortgage for a higher-rate mortgage, but because it’s become increasingly difficult to build new homes. The pandemic drove the price of both lumber and labor higher, outpacing general inflation. Restrictive zoning and unavailability of buildable land have also contributed to a lack of inventory.
What Determines Mortgage Rates
Most of today’s home buyers have never seen mortgage rates anywhere near the historical average. Rates began dropping significantly in 2008, when the Federal Reserve Board began lowering rates to boost economic growth in reaction to the financial crisis. The Fed’s monetary policy kept the federal funds interest rate near zero for more than a decade.
The Federal Reserve doesn't set mortgage rates, but rates are affected by the Fed’s actions. Factors such as economic growth, inflation and unemployment also affect rates, as does competition among lenders. Mortgage rates dropped below 5% in April 2009, bumped back up to 5% in February 2011 and again in November 2018, but otherwise remained below 5% until April 2022.
Whether interest rates drop, as predicted, or increase depends largely on what happens to the rate of inflation. In an effort to tamp down inflation by slowing economic activity, the Fed in October 2022 began gradually raising rates from near-zero, pushing its current benchmark rate to between 5.25% and 5.5%.
If inflation continues to drop toward the Fed’s target rate of 2%, the Fed is expected to reverse course or, at the least, keep rates where they are. That would be good news for home buyers and sellers, and for the real estate industry.
Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor is the President and Chief Operating Officer of ERA Key Realty Services, which is based in Northbridge, Mass. She can be reached at CherylTaylor@erakey.net.2023-08-18T08:03:27-07:002023-08-18T08:15:57-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5948Bimberg Joins ERA Key as Realtor in Millis OfficeLucas Bimberg of Franklin has joined its Millis office as a Realtor.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Bimberg_Lucas_2.jpg" width="195" height="275" alt="Lucas Bimberg" title="Lucas Bimberg" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
He was previously a Commercial Account Representative for RSA Security LLC in Bedford. Before that, he was a Sales Representative and Account Executive for Dassault Systèmes SE in Waltham. He began his sales career as an Account Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. in Waltham.
He studied construction management at Central Connecticut State University and earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Framingham State University.
“During my first experience with ERA Key, I recognized that the Millis office had an innovative, forward-thinking team of future-oriented professionals,” Bimberg said. “That’s just what I was looking for. I look forward to working with them and to becoming a key resource for my clients.”2023-08-08T08:29:48-07:002023-08-08T08:40:44-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5933ERA Key Adds Turner as Realtor in Whitinsville Office<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Turner_Joselle.png" width="228" height="275" alt="Joselle Turner" title="Joselle Turner" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />Joselle L. Turner of Whitinsville has joined its Whitinsville office as a Realtor.
She previously served as General Manager of the Valley Pub in Whitinsville. She has been involved in many fundraisers and community activities through her restaurant work.
“When I decided to get into the real estate industry, I wanted to learn from the best of the best,” she said. “Whitinsville agents Laura Hebb and Carla Horn were instrumental in my getting my license and signing on with ERA Key.”2023-08-06T06:15:04-07:002023-08-06T06:22:15-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5927Team Blue Hosts Dog Photoshoot to Support Wilmington Animal Food Pantry<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Wilmington_Animal_Food_Pantry/IMG_4689.jpg" width="2792" height="1717" alt="Dog Photo Day" title="Dog Photo Day" style="vertical-align: top;" />
ERA Key's Team Blue hosted a fundraiser on July 26, 2023 to help support the Wilmington Animal Food Pantry.
In honor of National Dog Photography Day, the team hosted a free photoshoot for anyone in the community who wanted to bring their dogs. The team asked for donations for the food pantry including cat litter, cat dry food, dry dog food, new toys, leashes and collars. <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Wilmington_Animal_Food_Pantry/Picture1.jpg" width="245" height="300" alt="Dog Photo" title="Dog Photo" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
The Wilmington Animal Food Pantry serves the surrounding communities, including Wilmington, Tewksbury, Woburn, Billerica, Burlington, Reading and North Reading. The non-profit collects donations from the local community to provide free animal food and supplies to families in need. When people are unable to provide for their pets financially, they often surrender them to a shelter. <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Wilmington_Animal_Food_Pantry/2014-01-01_00.01.42-1.jpg" width="183" height="300" alt="Dog Photo" title="Dog Photo" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
“Our team recently heard about the Wilmington Animal Food Pantry, and we were all immediately interested in helping,” said Lori Penney, leader of Team Blue. “Each one of us on the team has a dog at home, so it was important for us to get involved in any way we could. We saw that National Dog Photography Day was on July 26 and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to host a fundraiser to get some awareness for this wonderful organization.”
Team Blue is located at the Wilmington branch of ERA Key Realty Services. The team specializes in real estate in the Boston Suburban areas and Southern New Hampshire. For the past five years, Team Blue has been named the #1 Team at ERA Key Realty Services. Team Blue’s goal is to guide clients through the contractual, investment and emotional decisions involved in the real estate process.
For more information on Team Blue’s services, contact Lori Penney at 978-375-2520 or loripenney@erakey.net, or visit the team’s Facebook and Instagram pages @TeamBlueRealEstate.
Pictured, left to right, top, are Tim Penney, Linda DuCharme, Lori Penney, Alex Wargo, Janelle Penney and Tatum Fales.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Wilmington_Animal_Food_Pantry/2014-01-01_00.01.42.jpg" width="341" height="300" alt="Dog Photo" title="Dog Photo" style="vertical-align: bottom;" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Wilmington_Animal_Food_Pantry/2014-01-01_00.02.40.jpg" width="412" height="300" alt="Dog Photo" title="Dog Photo" />
2023-08-03T08:58:15-07:002023-08-03T09:16:04-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5880Billerica, Chelmsford Agents Donate $2,000 Worth of Women’s Clothing<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Dressed_for_Success/Lisa_Rob_Mary_2.jpg" width="3271" height="3893" alt="Lisa Rob Marie" title="Lisa Rob Marie" style="vertical-align: top;" />
ERA Key agents in the Billerica and Chelmsford offices recently donated about $2,000 worth of women’s clothing to <a href="https://www.uncommonthreads.org/">Uncommon Threads</a>, a non-profit based in Lawrence, Mass.
Uncommon Threads uses an “outside-in, inside-out” approach to “help low-income women see and feel their true potential by using clothing and image as tools for building self-esteem and self-worth. Unlike other organizations that solely focus on work attire, Uncommon Threads addresses all aspects of a woman's clothing needs while nurturing personal growth through self-esteem focused styling sessions and workshops.”
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Dressed_for_Success/thumbnail_IMG_4634.jpg" width="212" height="250" alt="Agents" title="Agents" style="float: left;" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Dressed_for_Success/thumbnail_IMG_6276.jpg" width="267" height="250" alt="Group" title="Group" /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Dressed_for_Success/thumbnail_IMG_6270.jpg" width="240" height="250" alt="Dressed for Success" title="Dressed for Success" />
Pictured, left to right, top, are Lisa Benoit, manager, Billerica office; Rob Haser, Hunt Mortgage; Mary Bilodeau, manager, Chelmsford office; bottom, left, Michelle Nugent, store and inventory manager, Uncommon Threads; Claire Prudhomme, ERA office administrator, and Lisa Benoit, manager, Billerica office; middle, agents Beth Cleary, Carolyn Corbett, Andrea Dutile and Daisy Walker; right, agent Andrea Dutile with representatives from R.J. Home Inspections.
2023-07-27T08:58:59-07:002023-07-27T10:29:53-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5831Elliott Returns to ERA Key as Realtor in Billerica OfficeLisa Beth Elliott of Hampstead, N.H., has rejoined ERA Key's Billerica office as a Realtor.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Elliott_Lisa.jpg" width="220" height="275" alt="Lisa Elliott" title="Lisa Elliott" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
She previously left ERA Key to become a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty in Londonderry, N.H. She has also been a Realtor with Coco, Early & Associates in Methuen and a Client Relationship Manager at William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance in Andover.
She is also an Accounts Payable Specialist at Elliot Hospital in Manchester, N.H. She has also worked in other sales, retail and administrative positions. She is a volunteer at the Family Promises Shelter in Nashua, N.H.
“I returned to ERA Key, because I love the teamwork and ethical integrity that the Billerica office offers me,” Lisa said. “It’s good to be back.”2023-07-13T05:44:33-07:002023-07-13T08:24:31-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5815Morel Joins ERA Key as Realtor in Chelmsford OfficeLinda A. Morel of Chelmsford has joined the Chelmsford office as a Realtor.
She previously was a Realtor with an independent family owned agency and with ReMax in Arlington.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Morel_Linda.jpg" width="200" height="300" alt="Linda Morel" title="Linda Morel" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
She also has many years of experience in the software industry and is currently a Major Account Sales Executive at DigiCert, Inc. in Boston. She previously served as a Senior Strategic Account Executive at Deque Systems, Inc. in North Chelmsford, a Senior Sales Executive for RadView Software Ltd. in the greater Boston area, a Senior Account Executive for NEOTYS USA, Inc. in Lexington and a Principal Partner and Sales Consultant at Strategic Prospects in Chlelmsford.
Linda earned bachelor’s degrees in business administration, and law and justice from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, and studied law at the Massachusetts School of Law, Andover.
She is a disaster recovery volunteer in the northeast U.S. for the Red Cross, a member of the Chelmsford Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee and a volunteer at the House of Hope, a homeless shelter in Lowell. She is also a Make-A-Wish volunteer and a Lowell Transitional House volunteer.
“I decided to join ERA Key after speaking with several local real estate companies,” Linda said. “ERA Key had a warm and friendly atmosphere. I found the Chelmsford manager to be very friendly, honest and a joy to talk to. ERA Key has a reputation for honesty, integrity and excellent customer service.”2023-07-10T13:46:29-07:002023-07-11T05:12:56-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5809Eidinger-Taylor Discusses Current Housing Market With WBJ<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Worcester_Business_Journal/Housing-ERA_Realty_Cheryl_Taylor_2_opt.jpg" width="770" height="525" alt="Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor" title="Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor" style="vertical-align: top;" />
ERA Key President and COO Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor discusses the local housing market in the latest issue of the Worcester Business Journal.
LATE SPRING: THE BOTTOM HAS DROPPED OUT OF THE SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING MARKET, BUT REAL ESTATE AGENTS SEE THINGS WARMING UP
By Timothy Doyle
The first half of 2023 was a difficult one for home buyers and for real estate agents as single-family home sales cratered and home prices plateaued high above pre-COVID levels.
In Worcester County, year-to-date single-family home sales fell by nearly 28% through April compared with the same time period in 2022. The median sale price in the first four months of 2023 in Worcester County was $400,000, down slightly from $405,000 in 2022, but up from $290,000 in 2019, according to data from Peabody-based research firm The Warren Group. The early-year decline was a continuation of a trend started in 2022.
Now, real estate professionals are optimistic for a normalization of the market for the rest of the year.
“This is a late spring market, later than normal,” said Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor, president and chief operating officer with ERA Key Realty Services in Whitinsville. Eidinger-Taylor added she is seeing the beginnings of an uptick normally seen in April. <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Worcester_Business_Journal/housing-worcester_county.jpg" width="900" height="275" alt="WBJ Table 1" title="WBJ Table 1" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
Tough time for the buyers
Real estate professionals told WBJ the main culprit is a lack of inventory. The dearth of homes for sale is caused by existing homeowners who are unwilling to part with their homes, which they bought or refinanced during a time of record low interest rates, people who moved away from expensive areas in the eastern part of the state, by slowing construction caused by inflation and rising interest rates, and by those who purchased homes as an investment.
In 2020 and 2021 during the COVID pandemic, interest rates hit historic lows, allowing people not only to borrow money to buy homes at an approximately 3% interest rate but to help them refinance their homes.
“The rising interest rates have less effect on buyers than on sellers,” said Rick Healey, owner of Foster-Healey Real Estate in Leominster. Rising rates make potential sellers feel like they are handcuffed because not only have home prices been rising, but they would have to borrow at a higher interest rate than they are currently paying.
“What we’re missing is people moving from smaller homes to bigger,” Healey said.
Rather than move, some people are taking out home equity loans to improve or grow their existing home, said Ellen Steinfeld, executive vice president at Berkshire Bank, based in Boston. She has seen an uptick in home equity loans.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Worcester_Business_Journal/housing-single_family_central_mass.jpg" width="900" height="1125" alt="WBJ Table 2" title="WBJ Table 2" style="vertical-align: middle;" />
New construction woes
This has been a difficult time to build new houses to put on the market, said Eidinger-Taylor. Builders are facing higher interest rates themselves, and the cost of building materials and labor have played a significant role.
In 2022, single-family home starts in Greater Worcester were at 1,100, the lowest level since the statistic started being tracked in 2012, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The homes being built do not directly help people who are looking for a modestly-priced home. Builders can make more profit constructing larger higher-end homes because expenses like land, utilities, driveway, and foundation are similar for a ranch house versus a larger two-story, colonial-style home, said Eidinger-Taylor.
Another factor facing communities around Central Massachusetts has been a migration westward of people who are seeking less expensive housing. With the rise and staying-power of working from home and hybrid work places, people with jobs in Greater Boston or MetroWest communities, which typically have higher salaries, can move to Worcester County.
Healey has seen the increase in interest in North Central communities like Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner, and even as far west as Athol, one of the handful of communities that saw an increase in sales in the first part of 2023.
North Central boasts an easy commute to Boston, Cambridge, and the North Shore along Route 2 and a commuter rail line. Healey touts the downtown development of Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster, saying people are looking for and finding a real community, rather than just a bedroom community.
Worcester real estate agency RE/MAX Diverse, owned by Leominster-native Hejoma Garcia, is aiming to dig into that new market with its purchase of RE/MAX Patriot Realty in Leominster.
“People have to go farther out to get something,” said Elaine Evans, a 23-year real estate veteran and leader of the Elaine Evans Group at RE/MAX Diverse.
First-time home buyers with kids face another obstacle when choosing a place to settle down: school systems. Evans said even if a community has inexpensive housing, a buyer with a family may choose not to move there if the schools are of poor quality, cutting down on their already-limited options.
Buyers must navigate a sellers’ market where homes are only available for 15-17 days, which Evans said was a much shorter amount of time than normal. She sees properties frequently sell for well over the listing price and has seen an increase in demands from sellers, including sellers who want to stay in the home after the sale for an extended period of time.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Worcester_Business_Journal/housing-single_family_worcester_county.jpg" width="884" height="1127" alt="WBJ Table 3" title="WBJ Table 3" />
Tough time for the sales force
The drop in sales has been difficult for brokers who are new to the market. The pandemic saw people getting their real estate license online in order to take advantage of the hot market at the time. Now with fewer sales and more agents, pickings can be slim in the commission-based field.
Healey said there are 43,000 Multiple Listing Service participants (agents) in the region who have 3,600 listings to fight over.
“I’ve seen departures from the marketplace,” said Eidinger-Taylor, “particularly people new to the market.” More experienced agents, with developed networks and sales pipelines, can weather the slow times, she said.
“I already have my battle scars,” said Evans, who added agents have to get organic and not sit at home and wait for the phone to ring. It’s important to be nosy and understand the clients and their needs.
Going forward
The group of real estate professionals WBJ spoke with, each with decades of experience, foresee the market returning to normal.
Typically, the market heats up in April and continues through August, in time for the school year to start, said Steinfeld. Now, she is seeing mortgage applications increasing in June.
“People are feeling more favorable toward home-buying,” said Steinfeld. “Interest rates hit an all-time low, but not an all-time high.”
She recommends if people buy during a time when mortgage rates are higher, they make sure the mortgage doesn’t have a repayment penalty, so they can refinance when rates drop.
Healey said it’s a matter of people getting used to the market normalizing after a period of record-low interest rates. People have gained confidence in the economy since the latest potential debt-ceiling crisis was averted.
“People got spoiled [by low interest rates] during the pandemic,” said Evans, who added potential homebuyers need to look at the bigger picture. “We bought a house at 13%.” 2023-07-07T08:49:37-07:002023-07-07T09:01:15-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5789Poirier Listing Featured on Boston.com<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Hopedale_Home_Boston.com/Hopedale_Home.jpg" width="727" height="270" alt="2 Briarcliff Road, Hopedale" title="2 Briarcliff Road, Hopedale" style="vertical-align: top;" />
A farmhouse-style ranch home at 2 Briarcliff Road in Hopedale that’s listed by Milford agent Kim Poirier is the "Home of the Week" featured on <a href="https://www.boston.com/real-estate/home-of-the-week/2023/06/28/home-of-week-farmhouse-style-ranch-for-aging-in-place/">Boston.com</a>.
Home of the Week: A farmhouse-style ranch for aging in place
By John R. Ellement
It’s not a prerequisite for ownership of this 58-year-old ranch-style home, but if one is looking to age in place, this house definitely qualifies. A down-to-the-studs reimaging by SPB Design Build — a contractor focused on creating age-in-place and multigenerational residences — resulted in a barrier-free home.
The adaptation starts with a wide, gently sloping, smooth walkway that slips under the gable roof shielding the front doorway. The 63-square-foot foyer has a bench with storage along a shiplap wall. The foyer leads to an open floor plan that the dining area, great room, and the kitchen occupy. This comes as no surprise in a home that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Think doors and hallways that are wider than the standard size, no carpeting, and curb-less showers.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Hopedale_Home_Boston.com/Hopedale_great_room.jpg" width="450" height="300" alt="Great room" title="Great room" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
To the right off the foyer, a bay window overlooking the front yard and a boxy, cast-iron light fixture with four glass globes marks the dining area.
Exposed beams and a shiplap wall on the right direct one’s eye to the 280-square-foot great room, which features a cathedral ceiling punctuated by partially exposed trusses, recessed lighting, and a ceiling fan.
The great room also has sconces, but natural light plays a big role in this space. Two glass sliders to a Trex deck and the backyard appear to steal the attention from an electric rectangular fireplace that is clad floor to ceiling in white oak.
The flooring throughout much of the home is a recently installed red oak. The bathrooms and laundry room have porcelain tile.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Hopedale_Home_Boston.com/Hopedale_bathroom.jpg" width="450" height="300" alt="Bathroom" title="Bathroom" style="margin: 14px; float: left;" />
The 238-square foot kitchen, found off the dining area in the front of the home, boasts a 10-foot-long island with drawer and cabinet storage, seating for four, and three pendant lights that honor the dining room fixture.
Farmhouse style rules the day, and the kitchen is no exception. The sides of the island are marked with a barn door “X,” the sink is farmhouse-style, and the white Shaker-style cabinets have black pulls to match the plumbing fixtures. The pot filler will come in handy for boiling summer corn. The backsplash is a white subway tile that adds to the kitchen’s clean look, and the appliances are stainless steel.
Just beyond the kitchen is a 90-square-foot mudroom that connects to the two-car garage and a 42-square-foot laundry room.
The three bedrooms take up the left side of the home. The primary suite, found off the foyer, comes first. The bedroom is 252 square feet and features a ceiling fan, a pair of double-hung windows, two sconces, a gas fireplace with a maple mantel, and a 70-square-foot walk-in closet with custom cabinetry.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Hopedale_Home_Boston.com/Hopedale_Kitchen.jpg" width="450" height="300" alt="Kitchen" title="Kitchen" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
A sliding barn door opens to the en-suite bath. The 126-square-foot room has a deep, rectangular soaking tub and a ceramic-tile-lined, curbless shower behind a glass door. The bath also features a high-rise toilet, porcelain tile flooring, and a double vanity with a light-colored quartz countertop and cabinetry painted w The remaining bedrooms line up along a hallway.
The guest bedroom — the smallest at 156 square feet — offers a single double-hung window and a closet with double doors. It sits next to a full bath that has a curbless shower, porcelain tile flooring, and a single vanity topped with quartz.2023-07-03T08:35:38-07:002023-07-05T05:36:06-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5786ERA Key’s Chelmsford Office Donates $1,000 For Playground<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Junies_Place_002.jpg" width="1536" height="1276" alt="Junie's Place" title="Junie's Place" style="vertical-align: top;" />
ERA Key's Chelmsford office has donated $1,000 toward construction of Junie’s Place at Friendship Park.
The donation was made through the ERA Key Realty Services Charitable Trust Foundation.
The playground, which is being designed for children aged two through five, is being constructed in memory of Juniper “Junie” Dillion, who passed away from Sudden Unexplained Death in Children (SUDC) in 2022 when she was two years old.
With a planned budget of $145,000, construction is being funded by a partnership between the Town of Chelmsford, the community, Friends of Roberts Field (501c3), and the Dillon family.
Donations can be made at <a href="http://www.juniesplace.org/">www.JuniesPlace.org</a> or checks can be sent to Friends of Roberts Field, 42 Barton Hill Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824.
Chelmsford agents are pictured with, second from left, Heather Allen from Friends of Roberts Field. Chelmsford agents are, left to right, Tom Pratt, Donna Bursey, Maureen Howe, Stephanie Martin and Angela Caputo Griswold.2023-07-02T06:20:33-07:002023-07-03T08:31:06-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5726ERA Key Adds Birri as Realtor in Whitinsville OfficeOlivia K, Birri of Woonsocket, R.I., has joined ERA Key's Whitinsville office as a Realtor.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Birri_Olivia.jpg" width="219" height="275" alt="Olivia Birri" title="Olivia Birri" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
She has experience as a Special Education Instructional Assistant, Career Development Specialist, Behavior Technician and Respite Provider at schools and treatment centers in Franklin, Worcester, Grafton, Milford and Berlin.
“I joined ERA Key because of its stellar reputation, strong network and commitment to professional growth,” Olivia said. “I was drawn to the agency's well-established brand and the trust it inspires in clients. The agency's extensive network of agents provides valuable opportunities for collaboration and learning from experienced professionals. Additionally, ERA Key's dedication to ongoing training and development aligns perfectly with my goal of continuously improving my skills as a Realtor.”2023-06-19T05:42:25-07:002023-06-19T05:46:54-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5719ERA Key’s Flannery To Receive Commonwealth Heroine AwardDonna Flannery, an agent in ERA Key's Spencer office, will receive the Commonwealth Heroine Award from The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) on June 23, 2023 at the Massachusetts Statehouse.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Flannery_Donna-2.jpg" width="240" height="300" alt="Donna Flannery" title="Donna Flannery" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
The Commission partners with state legislators to identify women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and in their communities. Each legislator is encouraged to submit one woman from their constituency as a means of recognizing their invaluable efforts and extraordinary acts of service.
“Thousands of women in every community across the Commonwealth perform unheralded acts on a daily basis that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities, and towns better places to live,” said MCSW Chairwoman Dr. Sarah Glenn-Smith. “Commonwealth Heroines use their time, talent, spirit, and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others in their community. They are mentors, volunteers, and innovators - they are the glue that keeps a community together.”
Flannery recently received a Distinguished Alumni Award from David Prouty High School earlier this year. She also has received numerous awards for her real estate sales and community service. She has 30 years of real estate experience and this year was nominated for ERA Real Estate’s Jim Jackson Award for the second time. The award recognizes the top agent, team or company in all of ERA Real Estate for providing the best customer service.
ERA Key merged with HUNT Real Estate ERA in 2018 and together they are the largest brokerage in ERA Franchise Systems. The brokerage operates as ERA Key Realty Services in Massachusetts and as HUNT Real Estate ERA in New York.
“Donna epitomizes ERA Key’s values,” said ERA Key President and COO Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor. “She is consistently among our top-selling agents, but she also contributes to and volunteers her time for many organizations. It’s good to see her being recognized for her hard work and dedication.”
Flannery received the Town of Spencer Meritorious Public Service Award in 2014 and ERA Key’s Circle of Light Award-for exceptional volunteerism for the needy in the community in 2016. She was named Spencer Exchange Club Citizen of the Year in 2007 for her volunteer work in the community.
She is a past president and director of the Spencer Exchange Club and she has been a coordinator of Spencer Toys for Kids since 2004. She is a member of the Spencer Housing Authority and served as cooperator at Spencer Savings Bank.
Flannery consistently finishes among the top 10 agents in sales for ERA Key, which has more than 350 agents, and several times she has led the agency for the number of transactions closed. She is regularly named to the Leader’s Circle, which includes agents who have sold at least 65 units or total volume of at least $10 million for the year.
She worked for four years as the MLS supervisor for the Greater Worcester Board of Realtors before pursuing her license to sell real estate. She became a Realtor in 1992 at the former Hometown Real Estate and was named Rookie of the Year. She was her office’s top-selling agent from 1993 through 1998, finishing each year with the highest number of closed transactions and the dollar volume of homes sold.
In 2007, she was the ERA Boston Broker Council Agent of the Year, with the highest dollar volume for homes sold and the largest number of transactions from more than 800 agents. In 2009, she again achieved the highest dollar volume and finished second for number of closed transactions.
In 2013 and 2014, she was ranked #33 by Real Trends for being among the top 50 agents in Massachusetts. She also received the REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts’ (RACM) 2020 Emerald Top Producer Award.
She served as a director and vice president of the Worcester Regional Association of Realtors and as an alternate director of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. She is certified as an Accredited Buyer Broker and is continuing her education to achieve the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation, as well as requirements to become a mediation officer for the Massachusetts Association of Realtors.2023-06-16T08:29:22-07:002023-06-16T08:36:22-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5590Poblocki Joins ERA Key’s Boston Office as Branch DIrectorMaryBeth Poblocki of Milton has been named Branch Director of ERA Key – Great Spaces in Boston.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Poblocki_Mary_Beth.jpg" width="300" height="450" alt="MaryBeth Poblocki" title="MaryBeth Poblocki" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
She previously served as an Associate Broker at William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance in South Boston. Before that, she was a Real Estate Broker at Capital Residential Group in South Boston, a Vice President/Real Estate Broker at GKR Residential in South Boston and a Client Services Associate at Meredith & Grew in Boston.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams. She is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and an Accredited Seller’s Representative (ASR). She is a member of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.
MaryBeth is a member of the Parent Volunteer Committee at Xaverian Brothers High School and is a fundraising representative for various local organizations.
“After working alongside some of Boston’s top commercial real estate brokers, I realized that my true love was residential real estate,” Poblocki said. “Since then, I have sold more than $100 million of real estate in Massachusetts. ERA Key – Great Spaces provides me with an opportunity to continue my career in a management position with a rapidly growing leader in residential real estate.”2023-05-15T05:26:17-07:002023-05-15T08:25:32-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5588Team Blue Raises $2,245 for Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Kentucky_Derby_2023/2014-01-01_00.02.07.jpg" width="5280" height="3658" alt="Kentucky Derby 2023" title="Kentucky Derby 2023" style="vertical-align: top;" />
Team Blue at ERA Key Realty Services has raised $2,245 for the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. To show appreciation to clients who have supported Team Blue and the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, Team Blue hosted its annual Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 6, 2023. <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Kentucky_Derby_2023/IMG_0137_2.JPG" width="150" height="316" alt="Kentucky Derby 2023" title="Kentucky Derby 2023" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
Team Blue partnered with Peter DaMore at DaMore Law, Shant Banosian at Guaranteed Rate Mortgage, Joe Lombardo at Guild Mortgage Company, Austin Styffe at Leader Bank, Betsy Robinson at Hunt Mortgage, Laura Piro at LBP Insurance Agency, LLC, Tony Cardinelli at Cross Country Mortgage, Red Door Mobile Bar, WOW Factory Auto Detailing, and Scott Advisory Group to throw the party. The party featured raffle prizes, derby games, a best dressed prize, and a best hat prize. Guests included clients, friends, and family of Team Blue and DaMore Law. <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Kentucky_Derby_2023/2014-01-01_00.03.36.jpg" width="300" height="380" alt="Kentucky Derby 2023" title="Kentucky Derby 2023" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
“Each year we choose a different foundation to support at our annual Kentucky Derby Party,” said Lori Penney, the leader of Team Blue. “This year we decided to go with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation because of their wonderful mission to help people and families affected by autism live life to the fullest. It is an honor to support all the families and friends to help them live in a world where people with autism are engaged with their community.” <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Kentucky_Derby_2023/Best_Hat.jpg" width="250" height="244" alt="Kentucky Derby 2023" title="Kentucky Derby 2023" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
Team Blue is located at the Wilmington branch of ERA Key Realty Services. The team specializes in real estate in the Boston Suburban areas and Southern New Hampshire. For the past 5 years, Team Blue has been awarded the #1 Team at ERA Key Realty Services. Their goal is to guide their clients through the contractual, investment, and emotional decisions involved in the real estate process. <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Kentucky_Derby_2023/IMG_5398-preview.jpg" width="150" height="413" alt="Kentucky Derby 2023" title="Kentucky Derby 2023" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
For more information on Team Blue’s services, contact Lori Penney at 978-375-2520 or loripenney@erakey.net, or visit the team’s Facebook and Instagram pages @TeamBlueRealEstate.
Pictured, left to right, top, Tim Penney, Linda DuCharme, Tatum Fales, Alex Wargo, Lori Penney and Janelle Penney; right, Kyle Penney and Tim Penney; left, Nicole Dupuis, Peter DaMore and Cassidy Donovan; Best Hat Winner Rich Bussiere and Best Dressed WInner Brian Schofield.
2023-05-13T09:35:49-07:002023-05-13T12:06:56-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5587Billerica’s Ozana Planning “Coasting for Kids” Fundraisers<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Coasting_for_Kids.jpg" width="872" height="581" alt="Coasting for Kids" title="Coasting for Kids" style="vertical-align: top;" />
Rus Ozana, a Realtor in ERA Key’s Billerica office, is working on two “Coasting for Kids” fundraisers, which will support weeklong, cost-free vacations for children with critical illnesses and their families at Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee, Fla.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/GTKTW_logo.jpg" width="275" height="183" alt="GTKTW Logo" title="GTKTW Logo" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
Ozana is the New England representative of <a href="https://www.aceonline.org/">American Coaster Enthusiasts</a> the world’s largest ride enthusiast organization, with 6,500 members from 16 countries. Each year, members hold “Coasting for Kids” fundraisers across the country.
New England ACE members are planning “Coasting for Kids” events on June 10, 2023 at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Conn., and on July 15, 2023 at Story Land in Jefferson, N.H
<a href="https://www.gktw.org/">Give Kids The World Village</a> is an 89-acre, nonprofit "storybook" resort in Central Florida.
The photo above is of participants from last year's "Coasting for Kids" at Story Land.2023-05-12T09:53:10-07:002023-05-12T18:23:45-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5568ERA Key Adds Shalin to Millis Office as RealtorJosh Shalin of Bellingham has joined ERA Key's Millis office as a Realtor.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Shalin_Josh.jpg" width="275" height="275" alt="Josh Shalin" title="Josh Shalin" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
He previously was a Realtor with William Raveis Real Estate in Canton. Before that he was a store General Manager for The Michaels Companies, Inc. in Taunton. He has also worked in sales positions for Best Buy’s Magnolia Home Theater in Braintree, The Vitamin Shop and GNC.
“In 2022, my first year as a fulltime Realtor, my sales totaled $8 million and I was named to the William Raveis President's Club, as well as being nominated for Rookie of the Year company-wide,” Josh said. “I’ve moved on to ERA Key for the opportunity to learn more and grow as an agent.”2023-05-08T08:23:07-07:002023-05-08T14:32:47-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5555Team Blue Hosts Teacher Appreciation Night Out<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Team_Blue_Teacher_Appreciation.jpg" width="1279" height="665" alt="Team Blue Teacher Appreciation" title="Team Blue Teacher Appreciation" style="vertical-align: top;" />
ERA Key Realty Services’ Team Blue and DaMore Law hosted a Teacher Appreciation Night Out for Wilmington Public School teachers in honor of Teacher Appreciation Day on May 2, 2023.
Team Blue and DaMore Law wanted to do something special for Wilmington Public School teachers this year to show their appreciation for all they do. They hosted a night out at Panchos Cantina in Wilmington for the teachers to come celebrate and have a cocktail with Team Blue and DaMore. The team members of Team Blue – Lori Penney, Tim Penney, Linda DuCharme, Alex Wargo, and Janelle Penney – along with Peter DaMore from DaMore Law all graduated from Wilmington High School. Team Blue’s Tatum Fales’ father was also from Wilmington and she now resides in Southern New Hampshire. <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Team_Blue_Teacher_Appreciation_2.jpg" width="226" height="300" alt="Team Blue Teacher Appreciation" title="Team Blue Teacher Appreciation" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
“I have always appreciated the hard work that teachers put in to better their students,” said Lori Penney, team leader of Team Blue. “My husband and I both graduated from the Wilmington High School and my five children also went through the Wilmington Public School system. It was nice to show the teachers how much we appreciate everything they do for their students.”
Team Blue specializes in real estate in the Boston Suburban areas and Southern New Hampshire. For the past 5 years, Team Blue has been awarded the #1 Team at ERA Key Realty Services. Their goal is to guide their clients through the contractual, investment, and emotional decisions involved in the real estate process.
For more information on Team Blue’s services, contact Lori Penney at 978-375-2520 or loripenney@erakey.net, or visit the team’s Facebook and Instagram pages @TeamBlueRealEstate.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Teacher_Appreciation_Group_Photo.JPG" width="3518" height="940" alt="Teacher Appreciation Group" title="Teacher Appreciation Group" style="vertical-align: bottom;" />
Pictured are, left to right, top, Tim Penney, Peter DaMore, Linda DuCharme, Lori Penney, Cheryl Cazeau, Bob Mauriello, Kerry Sheehan and three of the teachers who participated. Middle, Cheryl Cazeau and Janelle Penney. Bottom, the entire group.
2023-05-04T05:11:27-07:002023-05-04T08:33:16-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5550Sansotta Joins ERA Key’s Milford Office as RealtorGuisseppe "Joe" Sansotta of Milford has joined the Milford office as a Realtor.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Sansotta_Guisseppe.jpg" width="193" height="275" alt="Guisseppe Sansotta" title="Guisseppe Sansotta" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
He has been the night shift manager at Art’s Auto Service in Milford since 2014. Before that, he was a dispatcher at OnProcess Technology, Inc. in Ashland, a salesperson at Best Buy in Milford, and a line cook at Blue Dog Sports Bar & Grille in Milford.
“My experience in customer service and problem solving will serve me well at ERA Key,” Joe said, “The training programs, technology and team approach used at ERA Key will help ensure that I am doing the best I can for my clients.”2023-05-03T06:08:43-07:002023-05-03T06:16:01-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5527Spencer’s Flannery Receives Distinguished Alumni AwardDonna Flannery, an agent in the Spencer office, recently received a Distinguished Alumni Award from David Prouty High School.
Donna, who graduated from DPHS in 1978, has received numerous awards for her real estate sales and community service. She has 30 years of real estate experience and this year was nominated for ERA Real Estate’s Jim Jackson Award for the second time.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Flannery_Donna-2.jpg" width="220" height="275" alt="Donna Flannery" title="Donna Flannery" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
The award recognizes the top agent, team or company in all of ERA Real Estate for providing the best customer service. The ERA Franchise System has more than 2,400 agencies and more than 30,000 agents worldwide.
ERA Key merged with HUNT Real Estate ERA in 2018 and together they are the largest brokerage in ERA Franchise Systems. The brokerage operates as ERA Key Realty Services in Massachusetts and as HUNT Real Estate ERA in New York.
“It’s good to see Donna being recognized in her local community, given her service to the town of Spencer,” said ERA Key President and COO Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor. “She has probably sold more homes in Spencer than anyone, while also contributing to and volunteering her time for many organizations.”
Donna received the Town of Spencer Meritorious Public Service Award in 2014 and ERA Key’s Circle of Light Award-for exceptional volunteerism for the needy in the community in 2016. She was named Spencer Exchange Club Citizen of the Year in 2007 for her volunteer work in the community.
She is a past president and director of the Spencer Exchange Club and she has been a coordinator of Spencer Toys for Kids since 2004. She is a member of the Spencer Housing Authority and served as cooperator at Spencer Savings Bank.
Donna consistently finishes among the top 10 agents in sales for ERA Key, which has more than 350 agents, and several times she has led the agency for the number of transactions closed. She is regularly named to the Leader’s Circle, which includes agents who have sold at least 65 units or total volume of at least $10 million for the year.
She worked for four years as the MLS supervisor for the Greater Worcester Board of Realtors before pursuing her license to sell real estate. She became a Realtor in 1992 at the former Hometown Real Estate and was named Rookie of the Year. She was her office’s top-selling agent from 1993 through 1998, finishing each year with the highest number of closed transactions and the dollar volume of homes sold.
In 2007, she was the ERA Boston Broker Council Agent of the Year, with the highest dollar volume for homes sold and the largest number of transactions from more than 800 agents. In 2009, she again achieved the highest dollar volume and finished second for number of closed transactions.
In 2013 and 2014, she was ranked #33 by Real Trends for being among the top 50 agents in Massachusetts. She also received the REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts’ (RACM) 2020 Emerald Top Producer Award.
She served as a director and vice president of the Worcester Regional Association of Realtors and as an alternate director of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. She is certified as an Accredited Buyer Broker and is continuing her education to achieve the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation, as well as requirements to become a mediation officer for the Massachusetts Association of Realtors.2023-04-26T05:44:15-07:002023-04-28T05:57:17-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5525ERA Key Realty Services, HUNT Real Estate ERA Named #34 Brokerage in U.S. for Real Estate TransactionsERA Key Realty Services, which merged with HUNT Real Estate ERA of Buffalo, N.Y., in 2018, has been named the 34th largest real estate agency in the country, based on transactions, in a survey by REAL Trends.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Logo.jpg" width="275" height="101" alt="ERA Key Logo" title="ERA Key Logo" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
The combined brokerage, which operates as ERA Key in Massachusetts and HUNT ERA in New York, closed 13,997 real estate transactions in 2022 to move its ranking up from #40 to #34. In addition, with $4 billion in sales in 2022, the brokerage moved up 23 spots in the ranking for sales volume to #67.
“The survey results reflect our focus on not only continuing to grow, but to grow at a faster rate than most other brokerages,” said ERA Key President and COO Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor. “I’m proud of the efforts of our agents and staff, who are consistently putting in the hard work that’s necessary for us to achieve our sales goals.”<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Cheryl_Eidinger-Taylor.jpg" width="188" height="250" alt="Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor" title="Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
“This recognition by the prestigious REAL Trends organization is testimony to the focus on growth and productivity evidenced throughout our company in 2022,” said Peter F. Hunt, Chairman and CEO of HUNT Real Estate Corporation. “It was a year with significant challenges, yet our leadership and sales professionals, to whom I am very grateful, rallied for a remarkable collection of achievements.”
The combined brokerage was recently named the number one brokerage for ERA Franchise Systems, based on both units sold and sales volume for 2022. ERA Franchise Systems includes 2,390 brokerages worldwide.2023-04-25T10:01:11-07:002023-04-26T04:06:09-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5520ERA Key Realty Services, HUNT Real Estate ERA Named #1 Agency in ERA Franchise SystemsERA Key Realty Services, which merged with HUNT Real Estate ERA of Buffalo, N.Y., in 2018, has been named the number one agency in ERA Franchise Systems.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Logo.jpg" width="300" height="110" alt="ERA Key Logo" title="ERA Key Logo" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
The combined brokerage, which operates under the name ERA Key Realty Services in Massachusetts and HUNT Real Estate ERA in New York, is number one in units sold and sales volume, based on 2022 sales, ERA Real Estate announced.
ERA Key’s sales totaled $947,246,432 in 2022, based on 1907 units.
ERA Key is consistently in the top 10 for sales volume among all brokerages in Massachusetts and has won many awards during the past 30 years, including two of ERA’s most prestigious awards. ERA Key won the Momentum Award as the fastest growing ERA franchise in 2012 and the Gene Francis Memorial Award as the Top All-Around Company in ERA in 2014 and 2018.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Cheryl_Eidinger-Taylor.jpg" width="188" height="250" alt="Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor" title="Cheryl Eidinger-Taylor" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
ERA Key was also named among the top places to work in the state in the large company category for seven of the past eight years (ERA Key didn’t participate during the pandemic), based on a survey administered by Energage for The Boston Globe.
“In addition to our number #1 ranking, ERA Key is celebrating its 30th year with ERA Franchise Systems,” Eidinger-Taylor said. “ERA has played an important role in our success, helping us to help our agents. We offer them top-notch training, technology that provides a competitive edge and more. ERA has helped us grow. We hope to also help ERA continue to grow by building on our success for many years to come.”2023-04-24T10:15:07-07:002023-04-24T20:26:22-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5450Ritchey Joins ERA Key’s Worcester Office as RealtorDante Ritchey of Mashpee has joined ERA Key's Worcester office as a Realtor.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Ritchey_Dante.jpg" width="275" height="275" alt="Dante Ritchey" title="Dante Ritchey" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
He graduated from Bryant University, Smithfield, R.I., with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was named to the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society.
He was previously a self-employed landscaper in Westborough, as well as a caddy at Sacconnesset Golf Club in Falmouth for 10 years. He also volunteered at Building Bridges, Westborough.
“As one of the largest real estate agencies in the region, ERA Key has the resources to help me succeed,” Ritchey said, “The training programs and technology being offered, as well as the team approach that’s used, will prepare me to help my clients succeed, too.”2023-04-06T08:27:49-07:002023-04-06T08:35:28-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5424Alex Wargo Joins Team Blue as an AgentAlex Wargo of Wilmington has joined the Team Blue Real Estate group located in the Wilmington Office of ERA Key Realty Services as a real estate agent. <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Wargo_Alex.jpg" width="240" height="300" alt="Alex Wargo" title="Alex Wargo" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
Alex started with Team Blue as their Marketing Specialist in March 2022, and she became captivated with the real estate world. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in July 2022 with a degree in business administration – marketing and a minor in psychology.
“After I started working with Team Blue last year, I quickly knew that real estate was going to be for me,” she said. “I am very excited to step into the world of real estate, but on the sales side this time. With my background in marketing and my current knowledge about real estate, I believe I will be able to help my clients successfully purchase or sell a home with ease. It is my goal to make my clients feel as comfortable as possible, while still providing them with the utmost professionalism.”
Team Blue specializes in real estate in the Boston Suburban areas and Southern New Hampshire. For the past 5 years, Team Blue has been awarded the #1 Team at ERA Key Realty Services. Their goal is to guide their clients through the contractual, investment, and emotional decisions involved in the real estate process.
For more information on Team Blue’s services, contact Lori Penney at 978-375-2520 or loripenney@erakey.net, or visit the team’s Facebook and Instagram pages @TeamBlueRealEstate.
2023-03-31T07:01:39-07:002023-04-04T06:22:44-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5423Billerica's Lomasney Earns ABR Designation, Her 12th CertificationCathy Lomasney, an agent in the Billerica office, has been awarded the Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) designation by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) of the National Association of Realtors.
It is her 12th professional certification.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Lomasney,%20Cathy_.jpg" width="216" height="300" alt="Cathy Lomasney" title="Cathy Lomasney" style="float: right; margin: 14px;" />
To earn the designation, she successfully completed a comprehensive course in buyer representation and an elective course focusing on a buyer representation specialty, in addition to submitting documentation verifying professional experience.
Cathy is also an Accredited Staging Professional Real Estate Agent (ASPRE®), a Certified Buyer Representative (CBR), a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), a Certified Selling Professional (CSP), a Military Relocation Professional (MRP), a Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) and a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES). In addition, she has earned the At Home with Diversity (AHWD) designation, e-Pro Internet professional designation, the GREEN designation for energy efficiency and sustainability, and Loss Mitigation Certification (LMC).
Lomasney, who has been a real estate professional since 2005, is frequently among ERA Key’s top agents. She was recently named Agent of the Year for Middlesex County by RateMyAgent, a client review and digital marketing platform for real estate professionals. For 2022, she ranked 8th in sales among all ERA Key agents. She also received the Leaders’ Circle Award, which includes agents who have sold at least 65 units or a total volume of at least $10 million in a year.
She is also active in the agency’s charitable endeavors, including leading the annual Toys for Tots collection for Christmas.
She attended the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, and Northeastern University, Boston. She is a member of the Women’s Council of Realtors, the Greater Boston Association of Realtors, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, the New Hampshire Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.2023-03-31T06:45:08-07:002023-03-31T06:56:49-07:00Dave Kowaltag:keyrealtyservices.com,2012-09-20:5410 Auburn's Hamel Named 2023 Ruby Level Top Producer Stacey Hamel, a REALTOR® in ERA Key's Auburn office, was awarded the 2023 Ruby Level Top Producer Award for Individual Production at the REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts Top Producer Luncheon on March 23 at the DCU Center.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/657/image/Hamel_Stacey_new.jpg" width="214" height="300" alt="Stacey Hamel" title="Stacey Hamel" style="float: left; margin: 14px;" />
Top Producers of the Association were recognized for outstanding levels of production in real estate transactions based on dollar volume or units sold in the 2022 calendar year. Only 9% of RACM members qualified for this award. Top producer awards are presented for Ruby Level, Emerald Level and Diamond Level awards.
“I’m honored to be recognized among and in front of my peers,” Hamel said. “I’m grateful to work with some of the best agents in the business, and I’m appreciative of all of the clients who placed their trust in me to help buy or sell their homes.”
Hamel, who joined the REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts in 2009, resides in Oxford and can be reached at her office at 774-289-6135.
She has more than a decade of experience in real estate and previously worked as a Senior Sales Representative, U.S. Government/EMEA Accounts for Wright Line LLC. Prior to that, she was Group Sales and Service Specialist with The Paul Revere Insurance Group.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Assumption College, Worcester, and became a certified Project Manager through the University of Phoenix.2023-03-28T08:26:57-07:002023-04-03T04:08:41-07:00Dave Kowal