Welcome to the April 2026 issue of my free, local and fun monthly email newsletter! I contemplated pushing out publishing my April newsletter by a week, and then I thought Jen, that’s not how you roll. The first Saturday of every month has become an expectation for me, and although this may not speak specifically to you – – there are definitely readers who know exactly when it’s going to be published. And I really try to be if I say something, I do it. 

I’m a pretty decent planner and I consider myself quite organized. But the truth of it is – – working in real estate at a high level requires being ready for the unanticipated – – whether it’s I need to help someone cleaning out their shed before a final walk-through, or a relocation listing needs to come on the market right away and someone needs to put the toiletries in a box because the sellers have already moved–and that someone is me. That’s part of what makes real estate fun, but also challenging when you’re trying to align it with all the other life priorities. 

Today actually reminds me of several years ago when all of my license renewals were coming up that year and I was running out of time. That year my drivers license, my gun license, and my real estate license were all expiring on my birthday–which is smack in the middle of the Spring real estate market, and I needed to prioritize. I definitely needed a drivers license, and having an expired real estate license would be unacceptable, so that year my license to carry did expire.
My conundrum right now is that it’s Easter weekend, where we will have four family birthdays – – we like to do all the Spring birthdays together – – and the newsletter does not write itself – – thank you everyone for noticing that! And, as much as I’m 95% ready to give my tax prep documents to my accountant, that last 5% needs my personal attention. 

So I can’t skip Easter, even though the kids are older (skipping their birthdays, and my mother’s, would put me on the shit list) and Uncle Sam does not wait. All that to say, I’m just working in speed mode right now, because it’s also a perfect day to be working outside–and that’s where I really want to be. I don’t know what I could’ve done to plan differently – – the reality is the real estate market is hot, and if someone calls me and wants me to get their property listed, I am going to also prioritize that. I will be taking the rest of the day off, at least physically, maybe not mentally, to work outside, do some clearing of downed tree clutter and reducing stress by pulling obnoxious vines off of our stone walls and trees.
As per usual, I’ve got quite a wide variety of stories for you – – two local businesses to highlight, a reader request of how the heck do you recycle electronics while keeping your personal information and privacy in mind, another reader request of how do you promote your small business, and very exciting to me is that the crumbling concrete foundations stakeholder group has submitted their final report to the legislature so I’ve got the text of their report in a story – – definitely read that one. The photo above? It’s intended to be the story photo of an update from my VERY popular story last month called Holy Electric Bill! I have a lot of nightlights now. 

I’ve got a little bit about the real estate market, and if you’re paying attention to the real estate market – – the listings are finally coming on and I’m thrilled that so many sellers trust me and my process. I’ve also got info about upcoming town wide cleanups, and a proud mom moment–promoting a WPI STEM day that Adam is participating in, inviting highschoolers who might be curious about STEM careers. 

Also completely unexpected, I got a Google review from an upcoming client (who found me from across the country!) who said she binge-watched the videos on my YouTube channel. I never thought I’d be saying that out loud!
May your Easter be full of good food and good health, and low on political discussions that get nowhere and family drama (we all have it to some degree), a smile on your face, a spring in your step and hope for the season ahead of us.
I recommend reading all the way to the bottom where I will put a big THE END, SO that you will know you’ve reached the end of this month’s newsletter. Some email services clip newsletters after a certain length, so you might have to click on a button that says CONTINUE READING or something like that. 

I have a goal this year of 100 Google reviews, and I’m at 71, 72, 73, 74! If we’ve ever worked together, or if my newsletter has taught you something, inspired you to think differently, or just helped you as any kind of resource~~great news, you qualify to write a review. Here’s a link to my reviews where you’ll find the WRITE A REVIEW button. If not yet, then just keep reading every month, be a background fan, tell your friends, share my stories, or whatever works for you. Here’s to Spring!
If you’ve found value in this newsletter, or if one of my resource stories, town guides, or even the magnet on your fridge has ever helped you, I’d be so grateful if you’d pass my contact details along with your personal recommendation.
When someone you care about is thinking of making a move, or simply wondering what their home might be worth, I’m always here to offer grounded perspective and local insight. No pressure. No scripts. Just help when it’s needed.
My business grows through kindness, trust, and people like you who believe in community. Thank you for being part of that.
Thinking of BUYING or SELLING residential property in Central Massachusetts? Or do you just have a question about anything local? Connect with me anytime!
Jennifer Shenk, Real Estate Broker
Keller Williams Realty North Central
107 Main Street, Westminster
Call/Text: 978 870 9260
Email: jennifershenk@kw.com
