Sunday, May 25, 2014

Community Spotlight: Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace


 Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace is a dream realized by owners David and Donna Lanni.

“We love good food and we love sharing that food with friends and family. We believe in delivering the best. Because of this, we pride ourselves on having brought together great foods with market fresh ingredients produced locally or in unique destinations across the world. Foods that you will be proud to serve to your family and delight your dearest friends. That's why we called it Tastebuds; delivering flavor beyond description.”

 Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace is your custom butcher shop offering fresh marinated meats, custom cut steaks, fresh ground hamburgers and store made sausages.




Also offering prepared foods, local and international cheeses, fine selection of wines and craft beers and artisan breads made in-store or locally baked.

Need lunch in a pinch? Choose from variety of sandwiches and paninis! Take a look at the MENU.


Connect with Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace:
Website, Facebook
Email: info@tastebudsfreshmarketplace.com
Phone: 508-528-4100
Address: 470 King Street, Franklin, MA (next to the Dunkin Donuts, exit 16 off I495).
Owners: David and Donna Lanni

Photos and text courtesy of Donna Lanni and Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace.

If you would like to have your local business or organization featured on Community Spotlight, please contact Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Listed at a New Price



Schedule an appointment today to see this beautiful, upgraded, bright 4 bedroom/2.5 bath colonial in Franklin MA with open concept kitchen. Move right in!
Call Renata at 508-507-9715.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Open House - 210 Plain Street, Franklin MA


Would you like more information? Contact me at 508-507-9715 or email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Saturday, May 10, 2014

New Listing: 210 Plain St., Franklin MA (MLS# 71675741)


Your opportunity to own in Franklin! Single family home located in a highly desirable Kennedy School district. Private backyard, large side yard, 3 bedrooms, town water and sewer. Great rehab property or first time buyers, needs updating. Listed at $229,900.

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, May 17, 1pm-2:30pm

For more information click HERE or contact me at 508-507-9715 or email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Seller's and Buyer's Closing Costs in MA

Whether buying or selling, it is good to know the costs and expenses associated with your real estate transaction to avoid surprises.




Home selling costs*:
  • Brokerage fee - typically around 5%. Example: on $350,000 sale the commission would be $17,500.
  • Outstanding mortgage and any outstanding liens must be paid off at closing.
  • Massachusetts Tax Stamp or Massachusetts Property Transfer Tax - $4.56 per thousand (exceptions are Barnstable County, Dukes and Nantucket Counties). Example: for $350,000 sale the deed stamp tax would be $1,596.
  • Title V Septic Inspection ($300-$1000, good for 2 years).
  • Real Estate Attorney Fees ($750 and up).
  • Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Inspection ($45 in Franklin, good for 60 days).
  • Adjustments to final water bill, sewer, electric, and oil readings.
  • For Condominiums: 6d Certificate (statement that all outstanding condominium fees have been paid as of the month of the closing) is required at closing. Cost for this certificate is the responsibility of the seller.
  • Miscellaneous costs for mailing, filing fees, recording fees that will be added to your HUD settlement statement at the closing (estimate $200-$300).
  • Moving Expenses

Home buying costs*:
  • Home Inspection ($350 and up, depending on the size of the home and tests performed).
  • Costs associated with loans: Downpayment (usually 5% and up of loan value); Loan Origination Fee (typically 1% of loan amount, not all mortgage providers charge this fee); Recording fees - ($350-$550); Courier fees, municipal lien certificate - ($100); Survey and plot plan ($150-$300); Bank charge for credit report and flood certification fee ($50-$75); Title insurance Lender's Policy (about $3.00-4.00 per $1000 of purchase price); Appraisal fee ($400-$600); Bank attorney's fees; If applicable - Points and PMI (private mortgage insurance premium).
  • Daily Interest Charges - if you're financing, you generally won't make your first payment until the next month, so most lenders will require you to pay the interest due from the time you close until you make your first mortgage payment in advance.
  • Private Representation - Your Real Estate Attorney Fees ($350 and up).
  • Optional Title Insurance Owner's Policy (estimated cost is $3.75 per thousand).
  • Property Insurance and Tax Escrow amount (usually 3-4 months) if being paid as part of the mortgage.
  • Hazard Insurance: most banks require a one-year, prepaid insurance policy.
  • Prorations for your share of costs, such as utility bills, oil left in tank, and property taxes.

Do you have more mortgage questions or need pre-approval? Contact Bob Naranjo from First Home Mortgage
Need a real estate attorney for your purchase or sale? Contact Andrew Rubenstein of Rubenstein and Associates
For your real estate needs connect with me at 508-507-9715 or email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Contact us and let us help you make your buying or selling experience more enjoyable.

*Please note this is a general guide and the list and amounts of fees vary with each transaction. Your lender and attorney will give you more accurate values before your closing.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Walk, Run, Stroll and Roll for a Cause

The Franklin 5K, 2013

Saturday, May 3, 2014: 4th Annual Road Race - Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
Proceeds benefit the development of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) multi-use trail in Franklin and Bellingham.
Where: 431 Washington Street, Franklin MA
Time: Run 10am, Walk 9:45 am, Registration Opens at 8:30am
Distance: 5K run, 1 mile and 3 mile walk
Notes: USATF sanctioned event, paved road, prizes
Register HERE

Sunday, May 4, 2014: SADD Walk of Tears
Proceeds benefit scholarships at both King Philip and Franklin HS. Donations accepted, checks payable to Town of Franklin.
Where: Franklin High School
Time: 10 am, Registration starts at 9:30am
Distance: about 3 miles
More information HERE

Saturday, May 10, 2014: 2nd Annual Elks Care, Elks Share 5K Run and Walk
Proceeds from the Second Annual Elks Care Elks Share Road Race & Walk will be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry and Wounded Warrior Project.
Where: 1077 Pond Street Franklin (Elk's Lodge)
Time: 10am, registration begins at 9am
Distance: 5K
Notes: paved road, T-shirts to on-line registrants, professionally timed, prizes, refreshments, raffle, music, post race celebration
Register HERE

Sunday, May 18, 2014: HMEA 13th Annual Independence 5K Run, Walk, Roll and Stroll in the Park! 
Proceeds benefit HMEA.
Where: EMC Park at 50 Constitution Blvd., Franklin MA
Time: 9am
Distance: 5K
Notes: USATF certified, all day event, free refreshments, entertainment, Kids corner, displays from Franklin Police and Fire Departments
Register HERE, runners not participating in fundraiser may register at RaceWire

Sunday, June 1, 2014: The Franklin 5K
The Franklin 5K (formerly called Run for Bob) was started to honor Bob Biagiotti, Kris' late husband & Kayla’s dad. Bob believed that no child should have to sit on the sidelines.  This is a fun family event, which has become a true celebration of children of all abilities. Since 2005, the event has raised $75,000, allowing children with special needs to participate alongside their typically developing peers in social and recreational programs and activities.
Where: 431 Washington St., Franklin MA
Time: 10am, registration starts at 9am
Distance: 5K
Notes: So come out, whether to run, walk, roll, or cheer.  Enjoy children's activities, free refreshments, raffle prizes, and more!   All participants receive a finisher's medal.  All ages welcome.
Register HERE

Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14, 2014: Relay for Life - Franklin, Bellingham, Wrentham
Proceeds benefit American Cancer Society
Where: Tri-County Regional Technical Vocational HS, 147 Pond Street, Franklin, MA
Time: TBD
Sign up or donate HERE.
Check for Relay for Life walks in your town HERE.


If you have an event you would like to add to the list, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com