When I look at everything coming across my desk right now — my texts and emails, my database, and the XL whiteboard next to my desk — one word keeps floating to the top: preparation.
And here’s what’s interesting: a lot of the people I’m working with aren’t necessarily looking to change the size of their house. They’re relocating. North Carolina. South Carolina. Louisiana. Colorado. Maine. They’re moving to be near their adult kids, and — here’s what keeps catching me off guard — they don’t seem nervous about it. Not even a little. There’s almost a YOLO energy to it that I haven’t seen before, and I find myself wondering if Covid quietly planted that seed. A reset. A “what are we actually waiting for?” moment. Some people mention the weather (fair). Some just want something different. Whatever the reason, they’re moving with intention.
I almost feel like I could start a club. Membership requirements: currently downsizing, sorting through 20-40 years of accumulated life, researching your new home location on approximately 14 open browser tabs, and periodically texting me things like “who wants a wedding gown?” and “should I just throw away these craft supplies or…?” (The answer, by the way, is almost never throw them away — and I love being asked, because if you’re wondering, someone else is too.) If you missed my story about recycle/upcycle options in your town, here it is again.
One of my current clients literally moved across town. New house already purchased, old house in full departure mode. The wife is inside like the Energizer Bunny — sorting, packing, boxing up 40 years of possessions with remarkable focus. The husband, meanwhile, is in a perpetual loop: clear a path at the old house for the movers, drive around back to the new house, clear a path there, repeat.
What might preparation look like for you?
Maybe it’s a conversation you’ve been putting off. Maybe it’s figuring out who to call about the proper ownership of your home — because yes, that matters more than most people realize, and yes, there’s someone you should talk to before something forces the conversation. Maybe it’s just getting curious about what your home is worth right now, quietly, without committing to anything.
I have so many of these conversations that I think “confidential” has officially replaced “expectations” in my top 10 most-used vocabulary words. Which is fine by me — I’d rather be the person you call before you’re ready than the person you call when you have no choice.
What’s happening in the market right now?
Here’s what I want you to know: serious buyers are out there. Year-round. Always. The “real estate equals spring” thing is a myth, and if you’ve been waiting for the right moment — this is a reasonable moment.
Here’s what I have coming up:
For Sellers:
- Princeton — 1,500 SF Cape with a beautiful sunroom | $430K
- Westminster — Truly meticulously maintained Dutch Colonial with heated cabin | $650K
- Ashburnham — In-town Colonial with 3 living levels | $475K
- Princeton — 3 bed, 3.5 bath, finished basement with room for more | $700K
- Westminster — 3 bed, 1-acre private setting | $525K
- Ashburnham — 3 bed, Sunset Lake views with adjacent lake access | $575K
- Lunenburg — 3 bed, 2,500 SF | $675K
- Westminster — In-town, water/sewer, classic neighborhood | $500K
For Buyers, we’re actively looking for:
- Westminster up to $500K with room to garden
- Westminster waterfront up to $800K (I know — tough one, but we’re looking)
- Westminster — flexible budget, first-floor primary suite, and a garage as impressive as the home
If you’d like a confidential conversation about getting your home ready to sell, figuring out the right ownership structure, or finding a good home for that wedding dress — I am genuinely local, genuinely accessible, and I genuinely make myself available. If you, or anyone you know, are moving to (or from) Central Massachusetts, I’m here to deliver an exceptional experience. My team combines strong communication, proven strategies and deep local expertise to guide throughout the home selling and buying process. If you’re considering the purchase or sale of residential real estate, you owe it to yourself to have a confidential conversation with me.
Jennifer Shenk, Real Estate Broker
Keller Williams Realty North Central
107 Main Street, Westminster
Call/Text: 978 870 9260
Email: jennifershenk@kw.com
