2023 Tax Rate Fun in the 'Burbs

No time like the present - almost exactly 1/2 through 2023 - to take a look at the 2023 tax rates vs. those in 2022. The chart to the right provides a recap of the 2023 - and 2022 - tax rates in 25 Massachusetts towns/cities, including Weston, Wellesley, Wayland and the surrounding area.

The 2023 average residential tax rate in these towns and cities is $12.95 per thousand, which is down an average $0.95 from 2022. In fact, all of the tax rates in this sample went DOWN across the board - something I’ve never witnessed in my many years in the business. As a side note, keep in mind that generally it’s a give and take with property taxes so if the tax rate goes down, the assessment usually goes up.

Of the 25 towns and cities, Sherborn, at $18.01 per thousand, has the highest tax rate, and Brookline, at $9.97 per thousand, has the lowest tax rate. The biggest decrease was in Carlisle, which was down $2.35 from 2022, followed by Sudbury, which was down $2.28 from the prior year.

So what does this all mean for you? Well honestly, not that much…. If you are buying a home, the tax rate is not usually a determining factor in which town you choose to live. Perhaps it might come into play if you are on the fence between two towns, and there is a striking difference in the tax rates. But even then, likely not. And on the same note, if you are selling your home, the tax rate is probably not one of the compelling reasons why you’re doing so. After all, you bought your house knowing the town’s tax rate. That being said, if the tax rate increased alarmingly over the years, that’s a different story.

What are your thoughts on this subject? Did the tax rate of your town influence your decision when you were buying or selling your home? Did it play a role at all? Look forward to hearing your thoughts….

For more information on this or about the real estate market in Weston, Wellesley, Wayland, Needham, Newton and the surrounding towns or if you are considering selling your home, please contact Beyond Boston Properties at 617-383-7810 or beyondboston@compass.com to answer any questions or for a complimentary home appraisal.

Summer Outdoor Dining Fun

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I don’t know about you, but my favorite time of the year to dine at a restaurant is during the summer when I can sit outside and enjoy the sun, sky, people watching and gorgeous views while eating a meal. Just the thought of it puts a smile on my face, brings fun into the equation and spells R-E-L-A-X-A-T-I-O-N - all at the same time. On this joyful and happy note, I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite, summer outdoor ‘burb and city dining picks (in alphabetical order):

These are only a few of the many fabulous options that the city and ‘burbs of Boston offer to its residents and visitors. What are your some of your favorites for summer outdoor dining? And what makes them special to you? I can’t wait to hear….

For more information on this or about the real estate market in Weston, Wellesley, Wayland and the surrounding towns or if you are considering selling your home, please contact me, Lisa Curlett (www.lisacurlett.com, 781-267-2844 or lisa.curlett@compass.com), to answer any questions or for a complimentary home appraisal.

What Says Summer to You?

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Summer typically runs from June 21’ish - September 22’ish*, and most of us associate it with a time when the kids aren’t in school, schedules are more relaxed, traveling and vacations are more frequent, the days are longer, the weather is warmer, and the sun shines more than during any other season of the year. It’s absolute heaven, right?

So during this magical, sunny, spontaneous and joyful time, what is it that says summer to you? Is it a place, a smell, a song, a memory, a friend, a feeling, an experience or something else? For me, there are a few things that embody summer.

  • First, it’s the smell of my very favorite suntan lotion - Hawaiian Tropic. In my mind, the lotion is synonymous with the beach, relaxation, being in the present, beauty surrounding me, and of course, a yummy fragrance.

  • Second, it’s having a “Pyrate Smash” at Fishbones in Martha’s Vineyard. My sweetie and I absolutely love to go here on a warm, gorgeous day, and we love sitting outside, smiling in the sunshine, meeting new people and drinking our favorite rum drink. What’s better than that?

  • Third, it’s being in Nantucket, where I have been going since I was three years old - which means for a very long time! It’s my absolute favorite place in the entire world, hand’s down and always and forever. I have built and experienced so many incredible memories and times there that it’s the most special place to me all times of the year, but especially in the summer….

So now that you’ve heard about summer for me, what says summer to you? Is it one thing or many? Is it a smell, an experience, a place or something altogether different? I can’t wait to hear….

For more information on this or about the real estate market in Weston, Wellesley, Wayland and the surrounding towns or if you are considering selling your home, please contact me, Lisa Curlett (www.lisacurlett.com, 781-267-2844 or lisa.curlett@compass.com), to answer any questions or for a complimentary home appraisal.


*According to Calendarpedia.com. “In the Northern Hemisphere spring ends and summerstarts at the moment of the June solstice, which occurs every year between June 20 and June 22. Summer ends and autumn starts at the moment of the September equinox, which occurs every year on September 21 to 23.”

Your Favorite Summer Read

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What’s better in the summer than sitting at the beach with the sun in your face, listening to the sounds of the ocean, playing a fun beach game or two and then settling into your comfy chair to start that summer book that you’ve been waiting for months to read. In fact, the photo here just about sums it all up. I look at it, and I’m instantly relaxed and happy. Ahhhhh. Reading at the beach is one of my favorite things to do. There’s almost nothing better than getting completely and fully-immersed into my much-anticipated summer read ☀️🏝📚….

I know there are several of you out there who love summer reading on the beach as much as I do. There must be, in fact, because you can actually google “Summer Reads 2019” and get a laundry list of links filled with books perfect the months of June through August. And keep in mind that summer reading can be done anytime and anywhere - while you’re traveling, going to bed, waiting for an appointment or just killing time. But for me, the beach and reading go hand in hand.

My favorite kind of summer read is some type of psychological thriller. I hate to say it, but recently, these are the only sorts of books I find myself reading. I just finished, The Girl Before by JP Delaney, which was fabulous and soon to be a major motion picture. And prior to that, it was The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn., and Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris. Next on my list is either The Silent Patient or The Mother-in-Law - or both.

Now it’s your turn…what is your favorite summer read? What’s on your list for the beach or while you’re on vacation this summer? And what kinds of book do you especially love during the summer or anytime of the year? I can’t wait to hear….

For more information on this or about the real estate market in Weston, Wellesley, Wayland and the surrounding towns or if you are considering selling your home, please contact me, Lisa Curlett (www.lisacurlett.com, 781-267-2844 or lisa.curlett@compass.com), to answer any questions or for a complimentary home appraisal.

New Restaurant Fun in the 'Burbs

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I’m thrilled to announce that we have two new, exciting restaurant options in the ‘burbs - Door No. 7 in Wellesley and The Federal in Waltham. And I was lucky enough to be a patron of both this week…. First, my Compass colleagues and I met at Door No. 7 on Thursday evening to kick off the New Year! This is “the seventh restaurant for John and Laura Wolfe, the husband and wife team behind the well known restaurant The Cottage, in Wellesley,” according to the website. “The new restaurant will have constantly changing, chef-inspired raw bar, small plates, and entrees as well as craft cocktails and martinis.” We experienced this first-hand with fresh oysters, lobster toast appetizers and asian noodle salads. I also stayed for dinner with a client and friend, and we dined on the Crab Salad, House Ricotta Gnocchi and No. 7 Burger. Everything was delicious. The atmosphere was sophisticated and visually appealing, and the place was full of fabulous energy with people rolling in all night. Based on the crowd we saw, it seems that Door No. 7 is the hottest spot in town right now.

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Second, my sweetie Bob and I went to The Federal in Waltham this weekend to celebrate his birthday. Termed “a modern steakhouse” on its website, we nabbed two seats at the long, dark-wooded bar filled with every kind of bottle you can imagine. The menu includes a full background on Executive Chef Diego, who is originally from Brazil and studied culinary arts at Newbury College, working his way through school at Baker’s Best. He went on to be part of the opening team for Lydia Shire and Jasper White’s Towne Stove & Spirits as well as the Executive Sous Chef for Bancroft & Co. His experience is “legit” as they say because the food was incredibly yummy! We split the New York Strip (16 oz.) with a Horseradish Crema sauce as well as the Creamed Spinach with Double Smoked Bacon and Kennebec Fries with Truffle Oil and Parmesan. There was a great vibe at The Federal, and the patrons around us seemed to be enjoying their dinner choices as much as we did.

I definitely want to go back to both restaurants to get to know them better. What about you? Have you had a chance to try Door No. 7 in Wellesley and/or The Federal in Waltham? If so, did you enjoy your dining experience? Would you go back again? I can’t wait to hear….

For more information on this or about the real estate market in Weston, Wellesley, Wayland and the surrounding towns or if you are considering selling your home, please contact me, Lisa Curlett (www.lisacurlett.com, 781-267-2844 or lisa.curlett@compass.com), to answer any questions or for a complimentary home appraisal.


Fashion Fashionistas: The 76th Golden Globe Awards

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Last night - the airing of the 76th Golden Globe Awards - was big for tv, film and fashion fans like me. The award ceremony was broadcast on NBC from the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA and was hosted by Sandra Oh and Andy Samberg. Taking place just after the New Year, The Golden Globes always serve as the kick off to the award ceremony season and so fashion fever is in overdrive to say the least. The awards, festivities and especially the Red Carpet were all fabulous!

But for our purposes, let’s focus on the fashion of the evening. This year once again, I’ve decided to highlight my Fashion Favorites and not dabble into the “Could Have Been Better.” No need for that…. But before I get started on my choices, I wanted to share the thoughts and perspectives of Zanna Roberts Rassi, E! News Style Correspondent. On this morning’s Today Show, Roberts Rassi said she had two favorites. The first was Emily Blunt in an Alexander McQueen gown. Roberts Rassi said the dress had “the most elegant embroidery…. You can’t see the detail in here, but it has horses and moons and stars; it’s so exquisite…. That belongs in a museum.” She continued by saying that the other person “who completely shut it down for me” was none other than Lady Gaga in Valentino Couture. She described Gaga as a “Fashion maverick. And she always brings it 1,000%…. I love the nod to Judy Garland in the original A Star is Born; it was actually a similar dress…. She just goes for a look head to toe.”

I couldn’t agree more on both counts. But before we get to that, it’s only right for me to add my disclaimer that I am no fashionista* but just a regular Realtor, mom, daughter, sister, etc. without any training in fashion or award show styling. I just like what I like. So with all that said, here are my five favorites of the evening (listed in alphabetical order):

  • Emily Blunt in Alexander McGueen – I loved the intricacy of the lace design and the chic look. I also loved that hers was 3/4 length and so different than many of the others but still quite sophisticated. And her stunning look was completed by her handsome husband (and fellow Brown University alum 👨‍🎓), John Krasinski, on her arm.

  • Patricia Clarkson in a Georges Chakra haute couture gown. After having just binge watched Sharp Objects two days ago, I have such admiration for this grande dame. She is elegance personified, and it was in clear view last night. According to the Hollywood Reporter, “After her win, she smiled in the gown, saying, ‘This is what 59 looks like.’” Impressive! And Congrats to her on her win for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series!

  • Lady Gaga in Valentino Couture. To me, Gaga had - by far - the most dramatic, show-stopping fashion look of the evening. In my humble opinion, no one was even close to comparing. And oh my gosh - the Tiffany Aurora diamond necklace to boot! That being said, I wasn’t a huge fan of the periwinkle blue hair dye to match the dress, but oh well…. And Congrats also to her on her win for Best Song, Shallow!

  • Thandie Newton in a Michael Cors collection gown. This was a Hot Wow given her metallic, shiny dress featuring form-fitting and skin-revealing cutouts. It was perfectly sexy and smoldering and yet understated all at the same time.

  • Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein by Appointment. My favorite part about her gorgeous blue gown was the way it moved and sparkled. One part fun, another part playful and a third part sensational. Bravo!

We can’t end our fashionista review without a shout out to the men of the evening because they looked dynamite too! We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Billy Porter’s colorful “lavishly hand-beaded and embroidered jacket with an attached, fuschia-lined cape layered over a form-fitting beaded and embroidered tulle shirt with a silk collar” as detailed by the Hollywood Reporter. Wow - I love the entrance he made! As you can probably tell, though, I tend to like a slightly more traditional look so some of my faves included Michael B. Jordan in Burberry, Viggo Mortenson in Dior Men and Sterling K. Brown in Brunello Cucinelli. And while I wasn’t a huge fan of the white head-to-toe tux that Bradley Cooper donned, he is a style icon no matter what he chooses to wear (no bias there 😉).

What an amazing night with incredibly elegant, fun and dramatic fashion choices! What did you think? What were your fashion favorites? Were they similar to mine? I can’t wait to hear….

For more information on this or about the real estate market in Weston, Wellesley, Wayland and the surrounding towns or if you are considering selling your home, please contact me, Lisa Curlett (www.lisacurlett.com, 781-267-2844 or lisa.curlett@compass.com), to answer any questions or for a complimentary home appraisal.


* My other caveat is that unfortunately I wasn’t at the Golden Globes, and so I didn’t get a chance to see all of the participants and their fashion choices – only those that were on TV or online – nor did I see them in person with my own eyes.

weston’s First-Ever, Community-Building Winter Festival

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The Women’s Community League of Weston (WCL) is organizing a community-building event in Weston’s Town Center on Sunday, December 9, 2018 from 2 to 5:30 p.m. There will be an inspiring tree-lighting ceremony, caroling by the Weston Friendly Society and Weston High School students, and an ice skating rink (weather permitting)! The Weston Rotary will sponsor marshmallow roasting around fire pits, and the Weston Dads will grill hot dogs and hamburgers. Weston Town Hall will be decorated for the holidays, and participants can enjoy such activities as cookie decorating, face painting and balloon animals. The WAIC (Weston Arts and Innovation Center) will have an open mike night. Numerous businesses will contribute, and some stores will be open for a Sunday shopping stroll. And last but not least, Santa is rumored to be making an appearance….

The WCL is the oldest service organization in Weston, and 2019 marks its centennial year. As you may know, the WCL has donated nearly $1 million to Weston students and organizations over the years, living up to its motto of “building community since 1919,” while offering educational, social, and philanthropic programs to members of the Weston community. Historical contributions include:

  • WCL began the school milk and lunch programs in Weston.

  • WCL gave the first computer to the Fire Department in 1990. 

  • WCL originally purchased computers for three police cars.  

  • WCL donated $45,000 to the Weston Recreation Center building.

  • WCL has a named room within the Library in recognition of its $25,000 donation.

These are just some of the examples of how the WCL has contributed to the Weston community in the past. In current times, its members continue to give back in ways both big and small. The WCL Garden Club maintains the containers at the Field School and sponsors the Memorial Garden in the Middle School drop-off area. Social and educational programs are often hosted in the Barn or in private homes, including chef's nights, "Friendsgiving,” gardening programs, and Speakers Series featuring speakers on contemporary topics. Last month, the WCL partnered with the WCCA (Weston Children’s Community Association) and Weston PTO to have author Nataly Kogan, a TEDxBoston speaker, discuss her mission to help others find more joy in everyday moments.

The WCL has been in the Josiah Smith Tavern (JST) and Barn since 1952. In 1974, the WCL raised the money needed to renovate the JST Barn and Stalls. And for 44 years, the WCL Clothing Exchange has operated every Tuesday (September through June) from this building. Staffed by volunteers, all funds raised are designated for scholarships to Weston High School students. Weston residents can consign or donate clothes and household goods to the Exchange. Lunches are served on Tuesdays as residents gather to socialize and shop. 

 As the centennial year of the Women’s Community League approaches, we hope you will help us create a new community-building tradition in Weston by attending and enjoying the Weston Winter Festival. There will be something for everyone! Mark your calendars for the celebration - Sunday, December 9, 2018, 2-5:30 p.m. 

For more information on this or about the real estate market in Weston, Wellesley, Wayland and the surrounding towns or if you are considering selling your home, please contact me, Lisa Curlett (www.lisacurlett.com, 781-267-2844 or lisa.curlett@compass.com), to answer any questions or for a complimentary home appraisal.

 

Soothing Your Soul

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We live in such a crazy world - getting bombarded throughout the day with emails, texts, phone calls, traffic, loud voices and more - that sometimes we just need a break from the chaos. I’ve talked to many friends and colleagues about this, and everyone concurs that in times like these, we behoove ourselves when we take action or shift our mindset in order to soothe our souls. It could be doing yoga, meditating, listening to soulful music, lighting a candle, kissing your children or walking your dog. Or perhaps it’s more thought-provoking like conjuring up a loving memory from the past, thinking of an exciting adventure in the future or just being in the present.

For me, what I find recently has been soothing to my soul - though I can’t control it when it comes and goes - is the hoot-hoot of my neighborhood owl. I’m not sure where the sounds come from, whether s/he is on my property or my neighbor’s, but I hear the sounds and I immediately smile, relax and feel comforted. I know over the years there have been many owl superstitions - some good and some bad. But for me, the hoot-hoots transport me to the importance and awesomeness of nature and animal life, and I am 100% soothed. One day I hope to finally spot my friend, but until then, I will remain wholly comforted by my sweet owl and her/his calming sounds.

What are your thoughts on this subject? Do ever need a break from your fast-paced life and crazy reality? If so, what is your go-to for the soothing of your soul? I can’t wait to hear….

For more information on this or about the real estate market in Weston, Wellesley, Wayland and the surrounding towns or if you are considering selling your home, please contact me, Lisa Curlett (www.lisacurlett.com, 781-267-2844 or lisa.curlett@compass.com), to answer any questions or for a complimentary home appraisal.