December 2024 Newsletter

We got creative

This year we helped almost 30 individuals, couples, and families buy, sell, and rent homes, but three transactions stood out because we needed to think outside the box to get our clients what they wanted.

Even though she wasn’t planning to sell, a client in Brighton was approached by her neighbor with what looked like a deal she couldn't refuse. She brought us in to evaluate the offer and help navigate potential stumbling blocks—and there were definitely some tricky moments! We are pleased to report everyone was happy with the outcome...and by the way, it really *was* a deal she couldn't refuse!

Clients in Cambridge weren't looking to sell to the highest bidder; they wanted to find buyers who otherwise could not afford to stay in their beloved city. We were thrilled to connect them with folks using HomeBridge, a program that offers financial assistance to first-time homebuyers, and both buyers and sellers realized their dream.

In a similar transaction, we facilitated a rent-to-own agreement for sellers who wanted to make home ownership a reality for people who couldn’t compete in the multiple-bid market. Although more complex, this type of arrangement can further a move that would be otherwise impossible. In this case, the buyers needed a little more time to save up for the down payment, and the sellers were willing to accommodate.

We rolled with the times

We saw big changes in our profession as a result of a class-action lawsuit. In August, new regulations went into effect governing how real estate commissions are handled. Adjustments to the way we do business are nothing new; we've been doing this a long time and we've seen a lot of changes. And as we've done with changes in the past (the advent of buyer agency, the mortgage crisis and resulting regulations, etc) we make it a priority to stay informed and provide clear guidance. We love a challenge!

We supported our local communities

Ellie and Stephanie volunteered their time to pull off a successful Somerville Dog Festival, bringing in over 30 vendors selling merchandise and crafts, almost a dozen food trucks, and organizing various agility activities for the canine participants. Approximately 3,000 people attended, most accompanied by their dogs, and there were even some puppies for adoption! This annual event supports the Somerville Foundation for Animals.

Liz continued volunteering with Food for Free’s Healthy Eats, a program designed to bring fresh fruits, vegetables, pantry items, meat, and fish directly to qualifying households unable to access traditional food pantries due to illness or disability. Sadly, this program is going to be discontinued. Please reach out if you have a favorite local volunteer opportunity that might fill her soul the way Healthy Eats did.

We weathered (and welcomed) some big changes

Ellie and Liz are very sad to have to say good-bye to our beloved team member Rebecca, and Stephanie's role is shifting.

Rebecca became a partner at Pathways to Restorative Communities, where she educates teachers, staff, parents, and kids in Restorative Practices. Humans naturally want to be connected to other humans, and conflict and harm present opportunities to learn skills and repair relationships rather than to punish and exert power. Rebecca suggests saying, “What happened?” rather than “Why did you do that?” when noticing conflict or misbehavior. It’s a pretty cool approach! We are so happy and proud of her for pursuing such a meaningful endeavor.

Stephanie will continue to work with us while also taking on the role of Assistant Director of the Finca Vigía Foundation, a non-profit organization working to restore and preserve Ernest Hemingway’s historic home in Cuba. Finca Vigía (or Lookout Farm), located 12 miles from central Havana, is an extraordinary time capsule. The home is filled with books, fine art, typewriters, clothing, furniture, record albums, safari trophies, fishing rods, and more. Sadly, time, humidity, and sunlight have had damaging effects. Reach out to Stephanie if you want to learn more about this project.