During a time when people are spending more time at home than ever before, there is a new importance placed on homeownership and loving where you live. Homes are no longer a place to simply eat and sleep - they are offices, schools, gyms, and a place to feel safe and secure with family. June is National Homeownership Month and with interest rates at an all time low, now is a great time to buy. 

If you’re a first-time homebuyer or not sure where to start, I recommend checking out my Buyer’s Guide which has helpful articles such as “How Low Mortgage Rates Increase Your Purchasing Power” and “How to Make Your Dream of Homeownership a Reality.” After you’ve had a read-through of the guide, you can start virtually shopping with the user-friendly listing searches on my website. There’s advanced search options so you can filter by town, property type, or style. Or browse popular searches such as country homes or log homes.

If you’re thinking of buying a home, feel free to contact me by phone or email at 413-768-9848 or wanda@wandamooney.com.

For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at wandamooney.com/blog.

 

Sales of single family homes in Franklin County were down 28.3% and median price down 1.1% in April 2020 compared to April 2019. The sales were down in Hampshire and Hampden County. Median price was up in both Hampden and Hampshire Counties. 

The average days on market in the Pioneer Valley was down 29.4% from 85 days in April 2019 compared to 60 days in April 2020. Listings that are pending (under agreement to sell) were up down 23.1% from 568 listings pending in April 2019 to 437 listings pending sale in April 2020.

For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at https://www.wandamooney.com/blog/

Information provided from the REALTOR Association of Pioneer Valley

Greenfield, the county seat of Franklin County is a hub of arts, culture, and impressive cuisine. With a classic New England downtown area set amongst the rolling hills of Western Mass, Greenfield is home to a vibrant community with many small, locally-owned businesses. Conveniently located at the intersection of Interstate 91 and Route 2/The Mohawk Trail, residents of Greenfield love the town because it has a variety of restaurants, shops, markets, professional businesses, and yet still offers ways to get outside and enjoy nature.

Food & Dining

Right in downtown Greenfield, you’ll find Green Fields Market, part of the Franklin Community Coop, which offers healthy ready-made foods and locally-sourced grocery items. The Greenfield Farmers’ Market is another easy way to find local, fresh groceries every Saturday morning May through October. For affordable groceries anytime, Foster’s Supermarket is a family owned and operated grocery store within easy walking/driving distance to downtown Greenfield. For an evening out, there is a long list of great places to eat, such as Hope & Olive, a sibling-owned restaurant with creative cocktails, and The People’s Pint, a craft brewery with creative pub options. 

Arts & Culture

Greenfield is rich in arts and music, with many artists, galleries, music venues, and more. The Geissler Gallery at Stoneleigh-Burnham School, promotes successful and professional women artists to its students. The gallery offers four different exhibits throughout the year, and includes gallery talks when the artist speaks about her work and her career.

Ten Forward is a music venue which books diverse, eclectic, experimental, and world-class artists. Along with musical performances, they also host theater and dance events, film screenings, DJ nights, comedy, fundraisers and more. Another great spot to catch a live music show is Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center. Located in a beautiful historic building, Hawks and Reed has three performance halls and presents performing artists from around the world.

Get Outside

The Energy Park, an urban greenspace in downtown Greenfield is the town’s newest park. The park has sustainable energy exhibits such as solar panels, herb and native plant gardens, and a Boston and Maine railroad caboose with an exhibit inside. Plus, a bandstand is used for weekly concerts and other special functions.

To get the best view of the town, hike up to Poet’s Seat Tower, a sandstone observation tower on Rocky Mountain. The tower was given its name in honor of the long tradition of poets being drawn to that spot. There are a variety of trails to explore which offer views of the surrounding hills, the countryside, and the Connecticut River.

Griswold/GTD Conservation Area is also a great place to explore outside, with hiking trails, wetlands, grasslands, and open space.

Thinking of moving to Greenfield?

Check out available commercial and residential listings in Greenfield, Mass here.

Plus, there are only 2 available units left at Green River Commons, beautiful single level, sustainable, comfortable and net zero ready townhome condominiums. View them here!

--

If you are interested in learning more about the area and what each town has to offer click here to explore Franklin County or search for homes for sale by checking out Wanda's search page here. 

This year, you can still take part in United Way of Franklin County’s Auction Fundraiser from your home! The auction has been moved online to keep everyone safe while still raising money for our community’s education, health, and financial stability. Although we’ll miss the in-person interactions, we’ll still be able to enjoy the fun and humor of the auction through a livestream video feed of the hosts John Howland and David Howe. The auction, which is themed Casino Royale, will include live music, online live and silent auction bidding, and raffle drawings. 

Online bidding opens up Wednesday, May 27 and will close with the virtual event on Saturday, May 30 at 5:30 pm EST. So keep checking back on the items you want because there’s even more time to outbid others. Visit the auction website where you can already start browsing the auction items, which includes a variety of art, household items, gift cards to local attractions, local services, and more! This year’s live auction includes some very exciting getaway packages and a year of desserts by Timberly Grout, baker extraordinaire. You can also start buying raffle tickets for restaurant gift cards and home-cooked meals! 

To start bidding, you’ll need to create an account. It’s easy! Just go to the event page here, select “Click here to register,” fill out your details, and then start bidding on the silent auction. Then on Saturday, tune in to the live event to bid on the live auction and enjoy the show!

--

If you are interested in learning more about the area and what each town has to offer click here to explore Franklin County or search for homes for sale by checking out Wanda's search page here. 

The Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail is an annual event in Western Mass, which draws pottery lovers from around the region and even the country to experience firsthand where and how the potters craft their one-of-a-kind pieces. Trail-goers are welcomed to grab a map and guide themselves door to door to 9 different studios where the artists and their guest artists are ready to proudly demonstrate their techniques and offer sales on their pieces of work. 

This year’s Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail has a new slogan: The show must go on...line! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately the potters cannot open their doors to the public this year. However, the artists did what they do best - they used their creativity to create something new, different, and wonderful! They have brought the pottery trail to the public through virtual tours and online shopping. 

While some of the artists already had existing online stores, many had to create new ones to cope with these times of social distancing. All of the potters have been working hard to boost up their online stores in time for the new Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail online event. From May 30 at noon to May 31 at midnight, the 9 artists and their guest potters will offer sales through their online stores. So you can still purchase locally, handcrafted pottery straight from the makers. The potters are accustomed to shipping their fragile products, so they can safely send you your purchases. If you are local, some may be able to leave your package on their front step for curbside pickup.

To make up for the studio tours, the team of potters have recorded 9 different videos of the 9 studios, so you can see the spaces where the creativity happens and demonstrations of how the products are made. Check them out on their Facebook page. 

In past years, there has been a mug giveaway for one person who visits 7 or more of the studios. Instead, this year anyone who purchases a piece from Lucy Fagella during the event, will have their name entered into a drawing for a free mug. 

The Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail normally draws in thousands of dollars to these potters, who count on this boost in sales once a year. Other local businesses usually benefit from this event as well through all of the visitors who come from near and far and usually spend the weekend shopping, going out to eat, and staying at local accommodations. Let’s all support the potters this year through this adaptive online event so that they may continue their craft and reopen their doors to us all again next year. 

Visit asparagusvalleypotterytrail.com for more information!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

—

If you are interested in learning more about the area and what each town has to offer click here to explore Franklin County or search for homes for sale by checking out Wanda's search page here. 

The Connecticut River Valley has some of the richest and most fertile soils around, which makes us fortunate to have plenty of wonderful farms in our own backyards. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy delicious fresh produce all summer long. Now is the time to sign up for a summer CSA/Farm Share. Here’s a list of some Franklin County farms and how you can get fresh veggies from their fields to your kitchen table, as well as other delightful prepared foods. 

 

Sweet Morning Farm, Leyden, MA

Sweet Morning Farm was on the fence about whether or not they would be offering farm shares this summer, with so much uncertainty due to the virus. However, they recently announced that yes, they will! Of course, they will be taking measures to ensure everyone’s safety around pick-ups. All shares will be pre-bagged and there is a delivery option available. Sign up on their website, sweet-morning-farm.blogspot.com, where they also post weekly what you will find in your share.

 

Red Fire Farm, Montague, MA

Red Fire Farm is still accepting sign-ups for their farm shares in Montague, Granby, Northampton, and Springfield. Their regular summer share, early June through October, is great for households which cook 3 times a week and comes with full pick-your-own privileges. You can also add on baked goods to your share. Sign up is easy on their website, www.redfirefarm.com. 

 

Just Roots, Greenfield, MA

Just Roots is a nonprofit community organization located in Greenfield, Massachusetts, consisting of local people who seek to promote vegetable gardening and grow food on municipal land. They grow their produce on the Greenfield Community Farm which was sold to the Town of Greenfield in 1849 by Justin Root - hence the name Just Roots. You can still sign up for their summer CSA share which runs for 20 weeks from June through October. Each share provides a weekly array of fresh veggies to choose from plus access to the pick-your-own garden. Learn more about Just Roots and sign up for the summer farm share on their website, justroots.org. 

 

Atlas Farm Store, South Deerfield, MA

Located on the rich, fertile soils of South Deerfield in the Connecticut River Valley, Atlas Farm offers their own certified organic produce, as well as other regional, sustainable farm products. They have made it super easy and safe for customers to make purchases through their online store, with curbside pickup available Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Any order made before 2 pm, can be available within 2-3 hours on the same day! Visit their website, atlasfarm.com, to view their long list of offerings and complete an order. 

 

Natural Roots Farm, Conway, MA

Natural Roots is a horse-powered farm in Conway whose aim is to “raise every plant and animal on the farm in optimal health and vitality.” Although they are sold out of farm shares for the 2020 season, you can still stop by their farm store to purchase a long list of either theirs or other products made locally. They also offer part-time shares, so if you’re only in need of a share for part of the season or a smaller quantity of vegetables than what the share provides, then contact Natural Roots to sign up. Visit their website, naturalroots.com, for more information.

 

Diemand Farm, Wendell, MA

Anne Diemand Bucci has found herself very busy lately with a huge demand for Diemand Farm’s turkey pot pies. In addition to their popular pot pies, the farm store offers a variety of other prepared foods using their meat such as soups, meat loafs, burritos and more. Some options can even be made gluten-free! They also have vegetarian options and a list of delicious desserts available for purchase. All of their products are made using local ingredients. Visit their website, thediemandfarm.com, to find out what they offer. You can stop by their farm store Monday through Saturday 9 am to 4 pm. They are also offering curbside service or scheduled deliveries by request. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are interested in learning more about the area and what each town has to offer click here to explore  Franklin County or search for homes for sale by checking out Wanda's search page here. 

Photo Credit: Sarah Heminger

At a time when everyone needs to practice safe social distancing, business is being done virtually, and all areas of life seem to be altered, buying and selling a home has its “new normals” as well. That is why my new website makeover comes coincidentally at the right time for current and potential homeowners. The website's simplicity and user-friendliness makes it the perfect tool to look for real estate and learn about the area. 

If you’re interested in buying a home my website, WandaMooney.com, makes it easy to search listings, with a series of recommended searches to gear your search in the right direction (ex. Country Homes, Antique Homes, Village Homes, etc.) You can also create an advanced search using your own criteria. Sign up for property updates in your price range and never miss a new listing. All of the listings have extensive information about the property and high quality photos to get a realistic sense of the place. Some have walk-through videos as well! 

As a seller, these tools are also helpful for promoting your home to potential buyers. Find out about my marketing strategies and how I will get your listing in front of the right buyers. At WandaMooney.com you can also download my seller and buyer guides with updated information specific to 2020. 

While you’re looking around, you can explore Franklin County by viewing pages dedicated to each town in the county. Then search by town to see what listings are available in that area. You’ll also find community videos about various local businesses and events. And of course, don’t forget to keep scrolling through this blog for information on area events, news, market updates, and tips for buyers and sellers. Feel free to leave a comment or a question, as well!

I hope you enjoy browsing around my new website. Please contact me with any questions or inquiries at wanda@wandamooney.com or 413-768-9848.

   

 

During these times, it’s tough to know how to help. However, our local ski resort’s owner, Jon Schaefer, found a simple thing that many people and companies can do to help the doctors and medical professionals who are taking care of sick patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, Berkshire East’s Goggles for Docs have connected 41,788 pairs of ski and snowboard goggles from goggle donors to hospitals and medical centers in need of protective equipment. 

Ski and snowboard goggles are an effective personal protection while fighting COVID-19 because they create a strong seal around the edges, generally don’t fog up easily and are reusable. Even if the goggles are tinted, doctors would still prefer them over exposure to the Coronavirus. Photos of gratitude have been sent back to donors showing medical professionals wearing the donated ski goggles on the job. 

According to their website, gogglesfordocs.com, 1,178 pairs are currently still needed. If you have a pair of new or used ski goggles that you would like to donate, visit their website, and you can select a hospital to donate to, as well as instructions on how to safely prepare your goggles to be shipped. If you don’t have any ski goggles to donate, you can make a monetary donation, become a drop-off spot, or a regional volunteer. 

I am so proud of this local business for stepping up and helping our medical community near and far, as well as our locals for participating in this effort.  

If you are interested in learning more about the area and what each town has to offer click here to explore Franklin County or search for homes for sale by checking out Wanda's search page here. 

 

Start Saturdays Fresh!

The Greenfield Farmers’ Market is opening in a different way this year. In order to keep the community safe while still offering local and fresh products, the Market has created important rules and guidelines for market goers. They feel that the measures they have put in place are above and beyond what other shopping options have installed. Right now, it is so important that everyone stay safe. However, people still need to purchase food and agricultural products and the GFM has worked hard to cater to both. 

Located next to the Greenfield Commons, The Greenfield Farmers’ Market plans to make things as safe as possible. They have mapped out the entry and exit points for market goers. At the entrance, customers will pass through a hand washing station. All customers will be required to wear masks. They will then be guided through the market, always maintaining 6 feet from vendors and other customers. Volunteers will be stationed throughout the market to instruct customers and ensure everyone is following the protocols correctly. A menu of all the items for sale will be available for customers to ease the flow through the market.

While this is not the usual way we shop at farmers’ markets, the Greenfield Farmers’ Market is providing the opportunity for local vendors to earn money and move their products, and for shoppers to still find their favorite local items, all while keeping the community safe. Now more than ever, we need to support our community and shop local. 

Visit the Greenfield Farmers’ Market every Saturday now through October at Court’s Square in downtown Greenfield from 8 am to 12:30 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a list of vendors and safety protocols, go to greenfieldfarmersmarket.com.

If you are interested in learning more about the area and what each town has to offer click here to explore Franklin County or search for homes for sale by checking out Wanda's search page here. 

 

Sales of single family homes in Franklin County were up 33.3% and median price up 7.3% in March 2020 compared to March 2019. The sales were up in Hampshire and Hampden County. Median price was up in both Hampden and Hampshire Counties. 

The average days on market was down 2.3% from 82 days in March 2019 compared to 80 days in March 2020. Listings that are pending (under agreement to sell) were up 4.2% from 529 listings pending in March 2019 to 551 listings pending sale in March 2020.

For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at https://www.wandamooney.com/blog/

Information provided from the REALTOR Association of Pioneer Valley