Drink Lots of Water when House-hunting

Yesterday, I was the agent on duty at Prudential Sawicki in Amherst. Our top agent came in and she just leaned against the receptionist's counter with her head in her hands. Another agent quickly got her a chair and a drink of water. I got her car keys and got her something to eat from her back seat. She sat in that chair, right in the office doorway, for quite a while.

I haven't yet set the stage. What I haven't yet explained, is that until this morning, western Massachusetts, and all of the North East for that matter, has been undergoing almost 100 degree heat. Yes, a heat wage just came and went from the Quabbin region.

That's why our best agent entered the office yesterday in the condition she did. She hadn't drunk enough. And in the heat we had, one couldn't drink enough water. It didn't seem like I could drink too much. The office was cold as the air conditioning was cranked up so high. But when coming and going from roasting hot car to the great outdoors or an un-air conditioned property, the heat is overwhelming! Lesson learned: Drink lots of water.

Pride gas in Hadley

Beware of add-on amounts at the pump! I filled up my gas tank this morning at Pride in Hadley. The pump had 5 cents on it before I even started pumping. I went into the office and she credited the amount to me. Then I started over and it did it again! The clerk gave me a credit and said she'd tell the manager. But beware! Check the amount before pumping your gas.

Ticks

I was talking with an older gentleman the other day. We were both rowing away at the gym. We got to talking about hiking. He said he likes to hike the trails above Laurel Lake, north of Erving. He also likes to hike the Quabbin Reservoir, gate 27. He said last time he hiked gate 27 he had eight ticks on his clothing.

Ticks cause lime disease. So always check yourself, head-to-toe, when you return from the great outdoors.

Looks like today is going to be another scorcher, so find a body of water and get out there!

49 Greenfield Road, Montague Home For Sale

Are you looking for a three-bedroom, one-bath 1880's farmhouse with two acres for $150,000? Then check out 49 Greenfield Road, Montague, Massachusetts! I showed this antique farmhouse to a customer this morning. The home is right on the busy street, the acreage is up a steep hillside, there is a sewerage treatment facility nearby. The property boasts a one-car garage, a front porch, views of the Connecticut River, and is livable in the short-term. But come winter, if you want livable heating bills, lots of ceiling insulation will be a necessity. There is room to add an upstairs bathroom. Imagine the views from a future hillside treehouse! The views from the upstairs windows are great. If you have the ability to add the tons and tons of elbow-grease and sweat equity necessary to make this classic charmer everything a modern family needs, then check this one out!

9 Edgewood Terrace, Hadley Open House

Come to my open house at 9 Edgewood Terrace, in Hadley tomorrow (Sunday), between 1pm and 3pm. This open house will be the first showing of this newly-listed cul-de-sac property. I'm told this home will receive an offer to purchase during this open house. So don't miss out! See you tomorrow.

264 Harkness Road, Amherst Open House Today

Come to my open house today at 264 Harkness Road, Amherst. This home is accessible from both MA-9 and Pelham Road/Main St. This home has huge classrooms (3), multiple bathrooms, three-car garage, three acres in a very desirable location. The home is in need up updating, but could be lived in as is. Also, there are several outbuildings and paved parking areas. This property might be considered for application for multi-family or lot sub-division. Current use is non-profit. See you between 1pm and 3pm!

290 West Street, Amherst Showing

Are you interested in a four-bedroom, one-bath cape in Amherst, on bus route, with .92 acres for $219,000? Then consider 290 West Street, Amherst, Massachusetts! I showed this home to a customer this morning. This home is located on MA-116, just 1.6 miles from the heart of downtown Amherst. There is road noise from the highway. And there is a little water in the basement. And the roof has lack of venting issues. And the one-bathroom would be an issue for some buyers. And the entire home is in need of updating. But you could live in it while you bring this 1952 home up to 2008 standards. And renting this home would be easy, as it is close to town, a big plus for those of us suffering with today's gas prices.