Wishing everyone a safe and happy new year!

It has been a great year, I was awarded Top Producing real estate sales agent in my office for 2009. I cant wait to see what 2010 brings!

Its official, after tons of hardwork... I passed my real estate brokers test.

Pending home sales have risen for 9 straight months! Dont miss out on those homebuyer tax credits.

Heard the best saying and wanted to share with you: "I dont bet on fat cats, I believe in the hungry dog"

Busy day showig houses and meeting with wedding photographers, no time to stop and admire the beauty of the snow on the trees. It looks amazing!

YEAH! Looks like ladybug is going to make it after all. Stressful day but test results came back ok.

Moving day, it is surreal! We thought this day would never come.

Quincy MA voted Best Place to Raise Kids in Massachusetts. Weymouth MA came in second. I am happy to live in such a great place!

Thanks to my sweet tea addiction, the lady at the mc donalds drive through recognizes me every time!

It is so soothing to watch Real housewives of orange county and million dollar listing and see how hard the recession hit other realtors

I guess Mikey really was an electrician. Came into the new house and he had a ceiling fan hung and new lights wired in the garage.Yippee

Spent the night at Lowes. Got a fridge at an awesome deal. Never had so much fun shopping before, I guess cuz Mike was there.

Of course the one day I get up early everything is opening late because of Veterans day.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Halloween!

Driving home from the registry of deeds. 4 closings today and happy to say 1 was on my house. Yeah! We are new homeowners.

Large 2 BR 2 Bath Condo for sale. Weymouth, MA. $213,000. Open House Sun 1-3pm http://ping.fm/BmhmB

Updating my internet listings. You can reach me at: Ma-HomesForSale.com

Luxury 1 BR Condo for rent Quincy MA $1400

Luxury 1 BR rental at Excelsior Condominiums. Built in 2004. Stainless steel appliances. Washer & dryer in unit. Bay window offers slight water view of Quincy Bay. Large master bedroom with walk in closet. Convenient location just steps to bus leading to Quincy Center T. Minutes to highway.

$1400 a month
1 BR, 1 Bath

Call Madelene to view
(617) 894-1124

Monumental day! My sister's cat let me pet her for literally the first time in 10 years!

I was sort of concerned because today I was getting bombarded by ladybugs. I was glad to see this was actually addressed on the new!

Sad to see the old Foley Chrysler building on Hancock St being torn down.

Great week last week. Closed on 2BR condo in Quincy MA & single family home in Framingham MA. Looking forward to see what this week holds.

We finally put our heat on :o( It is never easy the first time.

Watching Unwrapped-Just saw a woman that makes jewelry out of coupons. What will they think of next?

I am looking for a company to clean out my dryer vents. Anyone have suggestions in Quincy, MA? Email me: Realtor@Ma-HomesForSale.com

Is just not having any luck

Spent the day crushing and de-stemming grapes at Boston Winery. Very cool experience. 11 more months until our wine is ready.

Sitting out on the balcony with my dog enjoying the beautiful day.

For Rent: Completely updated 2 BR. Steps to T. W/D hookup in unit. $1,300 a month (http://ping.fm/8nyCd)

Is on a rampage. It has been a rough day so I am sending out the warning.

Fall Beer & Wine Tasting to Benefit the Quincy Animal Center. Friday Sept 25th, 6-9pm. Masonic Hall Quincy Center. Tickets $25.

Just listed: 71 Storrs Ave, Braintree, MA 02184 for $489,000 (http://ping.fm/Exc5B)

Sunset driving down Wollaston beach looks so beautiful... The sun shining on the Boston skyline... Priceless

Finally, I can wear my hair down soon. Need a haircut badly

Hair appt 3:15pm Thursday Sept 17th

Could not be any more stuffed. Had a comfort food lunch at Longhorn Steakhouse, which no doubt included dessert. Yum :op''''

Closing this morning. Great 2BR home steps to beach, Weymouth MA. Excellent buy for a first time homebuyer.

Another heartbreaking loss for the Bills.

Great day for an open house at my new listing. 3 BR condo, steps to T. Quincy, MA $249,000

Just Listed - Designer Townhouse. 2 BR 2.5 Bath. Louisburg Square Quincy, MA $290,000 http://ping.fm/1obsO

Just read a story about a bank refusing to cash an armless man's check since he couldn't supply a thumb print. How dumb can someone be?

Yikes, four sharks spotted off the coast of Cape Cod. Sounds like a Jaws remake to me.

Pending homes sales has risen for six straight months. Buyers can take advantage of low home prices and dropping mortgage rates.

Watch out. The US just opened the first rehab for all of us addicted to the internet.

Sitting on my balcony enjoying the beautiful day.

Oh man, and I always used to make fun of all the Wackenhut "guards" in Weston for being dorky. Look how far they have come.

Very excited, got the mortgage commitment letter for one of my clients today. That took a load off :o)

Visualization + Determination = Surrrendering to your goals

Going on the ferris wheel in Toys R Us at Times Square... WHEEEEE!!!!!

Yeah, stopped at a Taco Bell that actually sells cinnamon twists... Could this day get any better?

Yummm, I can't wait to have some of my mom's spanish rice

Spotted a wandering dog Sat10pm in Louisburg Sq. Looked like a beagle. Chased dog for 2 miles lost him on Atlantic St by VW dealership.

Together we are stronger than the sum of our individual parts.

Wait, wait, wait... An elephant that wears slippers... A penguin that wears a wet suit, what is this world coming to?

Learning how to prepare buyers for a 203k rehab loan or a 203k streamline loan, it can be tricky

Attending Lobsterfest hosted by Franklin American mortgage. Thanks for the invite Jen Lambert!

It looks like I am going to be a "Necka"

Milestone weekend, lets see what Monday morning brings

WOW, a biodegradable cell phone... What will they think of next?

Great day teaching little Olivia how to swim... Ahh, its a tough life but somebody's got to do it

Oops, I can't forget the delicious dinner at The Melting Pot. Thank god they opened one in Massachusetts.

Had a great time going wedding dress shopping with the future fam!

It was a tough sell and the bank fought it every step of the way, great learning experience though!

Today I closed on another condo in Mellen Bray, Quincy MA

I can't wait to see who is going to be the next food network star... Go Melissa!

Oh I wish I was a little bar of soap...

Blown away by awesome designs, custom beds and 3D design elements, add something exciting to your home: http://ping.fm/z0wqb

Logging into an online class on REO, foreclosures and bank owner real estate

Still have not gotten my prescription to Allegra but thanks to Clairitin I can see today!

$8000 tax credit now available for use as a down payment, What more can a first time homebuyer ask for?

If you thought about it before, NOW is definitely the time to buy a home! As of July 14th, 2009 the Deval Patrick administration has approved the use of the first time homebuyer tax credit as part of a down payment or to cover buyer closing costs. This act is a huge step toward improving the economy and will help to improve the real estate market throughout Massachusetts. This innovative program is offered by Mass Housing, an organization providing affordable home ownership for low to moderate income buyers. The Mass Housing First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Loan Program will allow first time buyers the opportunity to borrow up to $8000, which can be used at the closing as opposed to waiting until the 2009 tax season. First time home buyers can benefit from using the $8000 loan to use toward the down payment of a new home or to cover closing costs, with the ability to repay the loan once the actual tax credit is received. The tax credit loan will be structured as a 2nd loan to the buyer which, if repaid before June 1st 2010, will not be charged interest. If a buyer does not pay the loan before the deadline the tax credit loan will be charged interest at the same rate as the buyer's first mortgage.

"One of the biggest problems I see with first time homebuyer's is saving up enough money to use as a down payment or to cover escalating closing costs, which can run anywhere from $5000-$10,000;" states Quincy real estate agent Madelene Semeria. "Mass Housing already offers a number of unique programs to assist buyers in purchasing a home and this program will only help open the door to home ownership for many more first time homebuyers." Mass Housing does require that the purchaser use a pre-approved Mass Housing lender. More information on the 20 lenders currently offering the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Loan Program visit: www.Ma-HomesForSale.com.

Madelene Semeria, a real estate agent working for Century 21 Abigail Adams here in Quincy, has been helping first time homebuyers achieve the dream of home ownership for the past 5 years. Since the implementation of the federal Housing and Recovery Act (HERA), Madelene has helped many of her clients benefit from low home prices and current tax credit incentives. For more information on buying a home in your area contact Madelene Semeria at (617) 894-1124.

I just learned how to do "doga", yes that is doggie yoga! Look out ladybug, we have plans to relax with some doga.

Great website for Quincy MA community information

If you are looking to move into a great area near Boston MA, Quincy is a great option. Located just 7 miles from downtown Boston this city can offer you a taste of the suburbs with a city feel. If you are looking to move to Quincy or currently live in this city this check out this link: http://ping.fm/uAfXo

You can find drive times from Quincy Ma to major location, city demographics, Quincy MA gas prices and much more.

Not only am I a proud resident of Quincy, I also assist others in relocating to this great city. Looking to buy a home in Quincy Massachusetts or anywhere in the South Shore check out my website for local information http://ping.fm/OY5Zg

Getting ready to take a social networking marketing class online. You can never know enough!

Attention first time homebuyers: MassHousing offers $8000 tax credit for use on the down payment http://ping.fm/0QsxA{B6C82C2B-01FD-428D-A243-AAF5419430F0}

Setting up appts to show a few houses this evening. Lets hope the rain does not come back tonight.

Passed our smoke inspection with the City of Quincy MA. Everything is in line to close on a condo on Friday.

Click it or ticket. State wide crackdown July 23rd - July 30th. Protect yourself and wear your seatbelt.

Only 4 1/2 months left to benefit from first time homebuyer tax credit. What are you waiting for?

GREAT NEWS! Massachusetts first time homebuyers can use @8000 tax credit as down payment. Looking to buy a home? Call Today 617-894-1124

6 closings in the next few weeks, things are going to get stressful. So happy that buyers are taking advantage of this great real estate market!

Pending home Sales Record Fourth Straight Monthly Gain - Way to go!

Smoke Detector recall - Kidde Dual sensor smoke alarm model PI2000. Check your smoke detectors.

WARNING - Don't text and walk because you could fall in a manhole.

Override the veto to close the Franklin Park Zoo

Ahhh... Sunny Florida I can get used to this :o)

You are the sun I am the moon, you are the words, I am the tune.... Play me.

So happy to hear that thanks to the Children' Burn Foundation my dear fried Chi Chi can see again :o)

Learning that getting an FHA spot approval on a condo is not as easy as it seems.

Touched down safely, off to my folks to have a bologna sandwich... In memory of Oscar Mayer who recently passed away.

Congrats to Michelle & Adam on finding a great home! I am sure this home inspection will go a lot better then the last :o)

Nothing like doing a home inspection in the rain

Black Hole Sun won't you come... And wash away the rain """""""

Off to Quincy building department to do research on a house for a first time homebuyer

I don't understand when Rescue Me turned into a broadway musical....

Uh Oh... Looks like my doggie found a "stud" tonight!

ng water.

Experiencing that credit cards will decrease your credit limit no matter how loyal you are at paying your bill. Now I understand why so many are tired of treddi

Great to hear the National Assoc. Or Realtors will seek federal regulations of appraisal management companies. Hopefully appraisals will be true to marekt value

Experiencing that the new home valuation code of conduct has greatly decreased appraisals

... Thinking that the weather could not be any more perfect today

A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine... Good thing today I had both :o)

Funny the way it is... Somebody's broken heart becomes your favorite song..

... Sees the light at the end of the tunnel

Oh well, at least I was in the Guinness Book for being in the largest group of tap dancers!

Hey, if worse comes to worse you call always buy a parking spot in Boston for @300,000.

Great... I just heard I missed my chance to be in the Guinness Book of World Records for being part of the largest group of Smurfs

Cheers to Boston! We ranked 3rd as the nations most technologically advanced cities.

Sorry, I feel out of the loop... My email and website are down temporarily :o(

Massachusetts Fire Safety Code and Regulations Explained

New codes and regulations from the State Fire Marshall may make passing the required smoke inspection even more confusing then before. If you are currently selling your home or plan to sell in the near future the new code will apply to you now as well as in the future. Every home that is to be sold in Massachusetts will need to pass a smoke detector inspection preformed by the local fire department. Owners and real estate agents have long struggled with the correct placement of detectors as well compliance of additional regulations of the code. This new code may only add to the confusion.

The updated code requires that homes install photoelectric smoke detectors throughout the property. Photoelectric detectors measure light, or the lack of light in a certain area. The change in light can be measured at a distance while in order to trigger a ionized detector the smoke must physically enter the detector to trigger the alarm. The idea of using a photoelectric smoke detector is that the detector will sense visible smoke particles quicker then an ionized detector. Smoke particles accumulate in a slow smoldering fire, which is common in household fires started on furniture or in a bed. The down fall is that photoelectric detectors tend to be larger then typical detectors and more importantly, they are much more expensive.

Photoelectric smoke detectors are less sensitive then the popular ionized version. In the past Ionized detectors have been known to trigger the alarm from steam or even stovetop cooking. For this reason, if the home has ionized detectors they cannot be placed within 20 feet of a bathroom or kitchen to avoid false alarms. Outside of the 20 feet, a combination detector of both ionized and photoelectric detector is required. Correct placement of both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors include: within 10 feet of each bedroom, base of the each set of stairs and one on each finished level. Carbon monoxide detectors are only required in homes that use fossil burning fuel such as gas or oil, as well as homes that have a fireplace. Homes or condo’s that are solely electric and do not have a fireplace will not require a carbon monoxide detector in addition to the required smoke detectors.

Although this new code does not go into affect until January 1st, 2010 many home owners may experience this change immediately.

If you are looking to sell a home in Quincy MA, Weymouth MA, Braintree MA or the entire South Shore Massachusetts call Madelene Semeria at (617) 894-1124 or visit http://www.Ma-HomesForSale.com

Quincy Ma Realtor Madelene Semeria Earns Loss Mitigation Certification Designation

Madelene Semeria of CENTURY 21 Abigail Adams, Quincy, has successfully completed the Massachusetts Association of Realtors Loss Mitigation Certification Course (LMC) offered by the Plymouth and South Shore Association of Realtors. Madelene Semeria adjusts to increasing foreclosures, short sales and corporate owned properties in Massachusetts.

This comprehensive one-day course was developed to educate Realtors on the intricate issues and problems associated with transactions involving foreclosures, short sales, properties being sold by auction, and bank-owned (REO) real estate. The course is taught by national and local industry experts in loss mitigation and is designed to equip Realtors with the tools and knowledge needed to deal with short sales on both the buying and listing side; the process, ethics, laws, contracts and credit issues involved and how best to work with lenders.

Lastly, the course addresses the human element of these transactions as consumers face losing their homes. “These transactions can be hugely complicated with many players, let alone the emotional component,” said Semeria. “I feel better equipped to advocate and advise my clients with the knowledge gained from this course, I definitely have an advantage”.

Upon completion of the Loss Mitigation Certification Course, participants earn lifetime usage of the LMC designation and continuing education credits necessary for real estate license renewal.

Madelene Semeria is a full service real estate agent working out of Quincy MA. As a Century 21 Abigail Adams agent, Madelene has gained experience working with buyers and sellers in Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton and the entire South Shore Massachusetts. Through the LMC designation Madelene is equipped with the knowledge to handle foreclosure properties, and short sales in Massachusetts. Madelene has worked in the local real estate market for the past 5 years and also specializes in helping first time home buyers find their dream home as well as marketing and listings homes for sale. For more information check out Madelene Semeria’s website at http://wwwwww.ma-homesforsale.com/ or contact Madelene at (617) 894-1124.

With low home prices, falling interest rates and FREE MONEY, Why Aren’t More First Time Home Buyers Taking Advantage?

Calling the current real estate market a “buyers market” is an understatement! Low interest rates, dropping house prices and most importantly a federal tax credit offered to first time home buyers. Recent changes in the economic stimulus bill offers first time home buyers a tax credit of up to $8000, which does not need to be repaid. The original tax credit offered to first time buyers was more of an interest free loan; however recent changes have increased the tax credit as well as lifted the need to repay the money. “I am surprised that more first time home buyers are not taking advantage of this great opportunity,” states Madelene Semeria a local Quincy Realtor working for Century 21 Abigail Adams.
The tax credit is applicable on the purchase of a primary residence on or after January 1st, 2009 and before December 1st, 2009. The credit is only offered to first time home buyers, which is identified as any purchaser (and purchase’s spouse) who has either never owned a property or who has not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years prior to the purchase. This option opens up the opportunity to buyers who may have sold their property in the past and were unable to buy a home in the past few years when prices began to skyrocket. Applying for and receiving the credit is a seamless addition when filing your taxes, since it will simply be claimed on the tax return. It is suggested that first time home buyers consult a tax professional before applying for this tax credit.
While the tax credit available is up to $8000, or 10% of the home’s value, some income limits do apply. For a married couple the combined income cannot exceed $150,000 in order to qualify. The availability of this tax credit is an outstanding opportunity for buyers. This additional money can be used to help furnish the new home or to make wanted improvements. First time home buyers should not miss out on their window of opportunity to receive this credit, which is truly a gift.
Current homeowners looking to make energy efficient improvements to their current property may also be eligible for a tax credit. An additional aspect of the stimulus bill includes a tax credit of 30% of the cost of the improvements, not to exceed $1500, for any energy efficient improvements. The type of improvements eligible for this credit include: energy efficient insulation, heating/cooling units, doors and windows. Again, it is recommended that you discuss these items with a tax professional in order to maximize your return. For more information on the current real estate market or for help buying a home in Quincy, contact Madelene Semeria at (617) 894-1124. You can also obtain additional information by visiting her website at http://www.ma-homesforsale.com/. Madelene has worked in the local real estate market for the past 5 years and specializes in helping first time home buyers find their dream home.

South Shore Real Estate Company opens real estate school offering real estate salesperson pre-licensing courses to prepare you for your career.

Century 21 Abigail Adams Agency opens The Abigail Adams Real Estate School in Quincy, Norwell and Marshfield offering pre-licensing courses and continuing education. Abigail Adams Real Estate School is now open to enrollment of students for pre-licensing and continuing education classes at their Norwell, Quincy, and Marshfield locations. Classes commence Monday, January 5, 2009.

School director and owner, Jayne Magown, is an experienced broker licensed since 1979. She earned her Commonwealth of Massachusetts Instructors license in 2007. She is a member of the Plymouth and South Shore Association of Realtors where she serves on the Board of Directors and as Chair of Education to its 2480 members.

“After hearing so many stories from new licensees regarding the impersonal nature of listening to tapes or sitting in a room with 30 students, I immediately recognized a need for small classroom live instruction,” said Director Jayne Magown. “Classes will be kept small in order to enhance the learning experience. With the failure rate now exceeding 50% on the State exam, smaller classes should provide the learning platform for many more to pass.”

For more information on classes, visit our website at http://www.abigailadamsrealestateschool.com/ or please call 781.837.2832 or email: abigailadamsRES@aol.com.

Looking forward to another successful week

Quincy MA great place to live near Boston and the South Shore

Quincy Ma, located just minutes from Boston, was ranked in the Top 100 Best Places to Live in 2008 by CNN Money Magazine. Quincy has always been a hot spot due to its close proximity to Boston as well as Quincy’s local restaurants, public transportation and real estate options.

Quincy is an amazing town with rich history. Commonly referred to as the Birthplace of the American Dream or the City of Presidents. As a resident and real estate agent for Quincy MA, I am proud to be a part of city named by CNN Money as one of the best places to live in 2008.

Click Here to Read the Full Article: http://www.ma-homesforsale.com/Local_Info.html

Flickr Tags: quincy ma,massachusetts,boston ma,south shore ma,birthplace of the american dream,city of presidents

Top Pizza Restaurants in Quincy, Massachusetts

The Top Pizza Restaurants in Quincy, Massachusetts
Presented here, is a guide which offers brief profiles of the top pizza restaurants located in Quincy, Massachusetts.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/784947/the_top_pizza_restaurants_in_quincy.html

Great Places to Bring a First Date in Quincy, MA

Great Places to Bring a First Date in Quincy, MA
Want to go for a walk in the Blue Hills, drop by on a Presidential residence, take a stroll at the beach or check in on the shopping scene? You and your date can do it all in the Quincy area.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/73192/great_places_to_bring_a_first_date.html