Working with Dave has taken all of the guess work out of determining insurance
were protected; however, Dave’s analysis premiums, but offered us more coverage. He holds the insurance for our home and our vehicles, continually updating us on policies and rates …without hesitation, I
only a few years and can confidently say professionalism and responsiveness sets him apart from the other agents we have worked with. His expertise and thorough guidance provides us the confidence that we are making the right decisions for all things easy when it comes to insurance.
NORTH SHORE MEET
Kendra St. John Photographer / Scheduling
Talman Hauch
Jessica Wellar Sr. Writer
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community.
ASBESTOS ABATEMENT
Acqua Environmental, LLC
Scott Drinko (978) 735-5541
ATTORNEY
Capano & McGloin, LLP
Lisa J. McGloin (781) 599-1010 CapanoMcGloin.com
Dalton & Finegold, LLP
Christina Petrucci (978) 783-3038 dfllp.com
HEATING, AC & INDOOR
AIR QUALITY
Preferred Air
Tom Favazza (978) 750-8282
PreferredAir.com
HOME INSPECTION
R.J. Home Inspection
Adam Wright (800) 253-4402
rjhomeinspection.com
HOME RENOVATION
Seacoast Enhancements
LLC DBA- Renovation Sells (603) 828-8477
RenovationSells.com
INSURANCE SERVICES
David Bruett
Insurance Services
David Bruett (978) 594-5308 davebruettinsurance.com
INTERIOR DESIGN/ HOME STAGING
I Got a Guy, LLC (978) 476-2671
Tasteful Interiors
Brodie Curtis (978) 476-2671
MOLD REMEDIATION & INSPECTION
Premier Restoration
Jake Turner (339) 235-4278
MORTGAGE LENDER
Edge Home Finance Corp (617) 334-2390
Guaranteed Rate - Liz Ryan
Liz Ryan (978) 237-4431 ccm.com/liz-ryan
MOVING / STORAGE
Barnaby’s Moving & Storage
Robert Barnaby (603) 425-4579
PHOTOGRAPHY / MULTIMEDIA
Lightshed Photography
Studio
Dan St. John (978) 854-5348 lightshedphoto.com
TRANSACTION
COORDINATOR
Real Estate TC Services
Jessica Martinez (978) 770-2964
happy
publisher’s note
Thanksgiving!
By the time you all see this, we will either have a new President of the United States, or, oddly, as states like Arizona have been saying all through September and October, that they will be delayed a week or more in their counting of votes...It’s October 5 as I write this... interesting how they know this already, what with technological advances, etc....hmmmm...
Anyway, I hope that you all have seen the fruits of your labor as we near the end of the year. It’s been challenging to say the least, but with a slight dip in interest rates, you’ve probably seen increase in listing activity. Let’s hope things pick up after this election cycle and into next year.
I’m always reflective this time of year, particiualry around Thanksgiving. The Christmas holiday gets very busy with work and family commitments it’s almost impossible to be reflective of the year past and the one ahead. That said, I’m very thankful for my health, the health and well-being of kids, and that also of my family.
I’ll be heading home to Chicago for a week to spend time with my 85 year old mother and my siblings, my nieces and their kids too. I’ll also get a chance to check in with some long-time friends, some of whom I’ve known for over 50 years.
I’m thankful to have the ability to do that and I’m thankful for those that are still around to celebrate the holidays with. I’m also thankful for being able to Connect, Elevate and Inspire all of you who do a lot for our local communities. I’m thankful to have met so many cool and interesting people over the past four years of publishing Real Producers.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families and friends as well...and Happy Selling!
Talman Hauch Publisher North Shore Real Producers talman.hauch@n2co.com
By Patrick Maguire, CEO, North Shore Realtors
NORTH SHORE REALTORS
ADVOCACY BLOG
Stay up to date on local zoning proposals, legislation, and REALTOR® advocacy efforts by visiting the North Shore REALTORS® (NSR) Advocacy Blog. With over 250 blog posts chronicling local real estate advocacy news, the NSR Advocacy Blog is your go to resource on the key issues affecting homeownership and private property rights here on the North Shore.
Stay Informed
In this year’s February issue, we discussed short-term rentals (STR) and resources that could be shared with clients. It is also important to note that STR requirements are regularly changing.
This was evidenced most recently when Gloucester City Council voted to add new regulations on shortterm rentals. Updated requirements and restrictions on short-term rentals in Gloucester include:
· A residential unit can only be rented to one short-term tenant at a time.
· The number of short-term rental occupants cannot exceed two people per bedroom.
· An owner can only operate and register one short-term rental property at a time.
· If the owner/operator lives in the home full time, the residential unit can be offered as a short-term rental 365 days per year. The annual permit fee would be $100.00 for an owner-occupied short-term rental.
If the owner/operator lives in the residential unit part time (at least six months out of the year), the property can be offered as a shortterm rental for a maximum of 180 days per year. The annual permit fee would be $150.00.
· If the owner/operator does not live in the residential unit, the property can be offered as a short-term rental for a maximum of 120 days per year. The annual permit fee would be $300.00 for a nonowner occupied short-term rental unit.
· The number of non-owner occupied short-term rental units permitted in Gloucester is capped at 500.
· Permit fees will be directed to Gloucester’s Affordable Housing Trust.
The effective date of the new short-term rental regulations in Gloucester is January 1, 2025. Knowing that these types of regulations exist can be critical when speaking with residents and investors about property potential.
NSR in the Community
From obtaining charitable grants to hosting fundraising drives to rallying volunteers, North Shore REALTORS® is proud to support charities across the North Shore. For the third straight year Nicole Batakis, Keller Williams Realty Evolution, served as captain of the NSR Cycling Team who participated in the Emmaus Cycle for Shelter.
Emmaus owns and operates nearly 100 Affordable Housing units as well as 2 emergency shelters in the Haverhill area. In 2022, NSR donated nearly $5,000 and assisted in securing a $1,500 MAR Charitable Foundation grant towards replacing over 30 beds in the shelters.
This year alone the team raised $750! That makes the three-year total close to $2,000 in funds raised. NSR also hosted the Georgetown Rest stop, which provided assistance to cyclists on the 100-mile course.
Successful Straight Shooter
If you speak with Maria LeBlanc, one thing becomes readily apparent after the first few minutes — this nanny/teacher turned hard-driving Realtor at Lamacchia Realty is incapable of sugarcoating anything.
“You come into real estate thinking it’s going to be butterflies and roses and then you quickly realize you’re swimming with sharks,” Maria candidly begins.
Switching Gears
Originally from Maracaibo, Zulia, Venezuela, Maria studied journalism in her home country. Eighteen years ago, she moved to Boston, seeking new opportunities.
Before venturing into real estate, she worked as a nanny and Spanish teacher at a Montessori school. With her daughter approaching college age though, Maria knew she needed to make a big change.
“I figured if I could teach kids, I could teach adults!” she laughs. “I knew I was good at listening and solving problems, too. I’m relentless when I have an issue on my mind to solve.”
The Leap
Maria obtained her real estate license in January 2020, right as the world was shutting down due to the COVID pandemic.
“The schools closed and I went home and realized I had nothing to do,” she recounts.
Despite the challenging timing, Maria closed her first deal in June 2020 and remarkably completed 25 transactions that same year while snagging her former brokerage’s Rising Rookie of the Year award, as well as earning Platinum Club status.
Still, she admits, the pivot wasn’t easy; but she did what she had to do to provide for her family while gradually easing into her new career.
“I had the commitment and the discipline to wake up early to take calls, and stay up late drafting contracts while transitioning from my nannying/teaching job,” she remarks.
Maria also credits her wonderful mentor, Jason Posnick, for guiding her through the early days in the real estate industry.
“Jason has been, and still is, one of my rocks. He was my mentor at a previous firm. But Lamacchia is home to me now and has been for three years. Jason also came to Lamacchia several months ago, so it’s great to have him back. He always picks up my phone calls and helps,” she acknowledges.
“Additionally, my business coach, Lisa Barravecchio, has been an important influence in the last three years by helping shape my business and hit my goals,” she continues. “My mindset coach, Eva Bricheno, also deserves major credit for helping to keep me motivated and focused when challenges arise. Without the guidance and support of these incredible women, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Last year alone, Maria closed 18 transactions, totaling nearly $10 million in volume while being awarded Top Producer at Lamacchia. This year, she is on track for $15 million in sales.
For Maria though, success is measured by the impact she has on her clients, not her MLS ranking.
“If you take care of your clients, the numbers will follow,” she advises.
“I believe success comes from connecting with my clients and building long-lasting relationships by making a positive impact on each transaction.”
A Personal Touch
Maria’s approach to real estate is deeply personal. She invests significant time in her clients and will often sit down and talk to them for hours to ensure they feel seen and understood.
“It has been said to me by many people that my power is my availability, and that I really listen and remember everything they tell me — it just sticks,” she explains. “I don’t do cold calling either; all of my work is referral-based.”
Maria also won Lamacchia’s Agents Referral Award in 2022. She notes this accomplishment is a direct result of her authentic demeanor and genuine approach to the business.
“I am honest; if I can’t help the person, I say so. That’s why other agents trust me with their clients,” she points out. “I don’t sell homes; I help families make their goal a reality if I can.”
Outside The Office
Maria’s strength and joy comes from her family. She has been married to her incredibly supportive husband, Dan LeBlanc, for seven years, and has a 20-year-old daughter, Dana.
“We enjoy spending time outdoors — kayaking, hiking, and exploring new
places. Traveling together is a big part of our family life,” she smiles.
Their family wouldn’t be complete without their two adopted dogs, Lola and Phia, a pair of hound/lab mix sisters that Maria describes as “our babies.” They love hiking and going to the beach, too.
In her down time, Maria enjoys staying active with her loved ones: “I’m also a fan of horror-themed shows and movies, so you might find me at the theater, or who knows, maybe running a race!”
When it comes to giving back, one cause in particular holds a special place in Maria’s heart.
“I lost my best friend to cancer; so every year I run the Falmouth 10K Road Race to fundraise for this incredible organization,” she shares.
On The Horizon
Looking ahead, Maria is excited about the opportunities her fledgling career presents while continuing to focus on building momentum and relationships; on a personal level, Maria wants to continue creating wonderful memories with her loved ones while seeing the world.
Real estate is a lifestyle; I have to take care of my clients. I can’t forget that commitment and discipline are essential while I continue to learn and adapt.
“Real estate is a lifestyle; I have to take care of my clients. I can’t forget that commitment and discipline are essential while I continue to learn and adapt,” Maria points out.
“In the long-term though, I hope to expand my real estate network, possibly into other states like Rhode Island and Florida,” she concludes, noting that Lamacchia Realty has offices in both states.
“My professional goal is to continue growing my business, achieve milestones like joining the President’s Club, and help more families every year while never losing sight of my ‘why.’
ask the inspection expert
By Adam Wright, Owner, R.J. Home Inspections
HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS
to Share with Homeowner Clients
As a realtor, maintaining a strong relationship with your clients after the sale is key to long-term success. One way to do this is by offering valuable, seasonally relevant advice that helps homeowners protect their investment. With winter approaching, November is an ideal time to share essential home maintenance tips.
Here are four critical tasks New England homeowners should tackle to prepare for the colder months ahead: cleaning out gutters, winterizing irrigation systems and exterior hose bibs/spigots, servicing their heating system, and getting a chimney sweep for fireplaces.
1. Clean Out Gutters
Fall leaves are beautiful, but they can clog gutters, leading to serious problems once snow and ice arrive. Blocked gutters can cause water to back up onto the roof, creating ice dams that may result in leaks and structural damage. Now is the time to take of this before we are fully into winter.
Tip to Share with Clients: Cleaning your gutters before the winter sets in can prevent ice dams and water damage. If you’d rather not handle the task yourself, it’s worth hiring a professional to ensure your home stays protected.
2. Winterize Irrigation Systems and Exterior Spigots
With New England’s freezing temperatures, it’s essential for homeowners to winterize outdoor water systems to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Burst pipes can lead to significant repair costs and water damage, making this a critical maintenance task.
Key Steps for Homeowners:
· Shut Off Water Supply: Remind your clients to turn off the water supply to their irrigation system and exterior spigots.
· Drain and Protect: Have them drain any remaining water from the system and disconnect hoses from spigots. Installing faucet covers and insulating exposed pipes can further prevent freezing.
Advice to Give: Winterizing your irrigation system and spigots can prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs in
the spring. A little prep now goes a long way in protecting your home.
3. Service the Heating System
Heating systems are essential in New England’s harsh winters. Ensuring they’re properly maintained in November can prevent costly breakdowns and improve energy efficiency. Homeowners should schedule an HVAC professional to inspect and tune up their heating systems, whether they rely on a furnace, boiler, or heat pump.
Why It Matters:
· Improved Efficiency: A well-maintained system heats more efficiently, saving on energy bills.
· Longer Lifespan: Regular maintenance helps extend the life of the system and avoids emergency repairs.
Share This Tip: A heating system tune-up ensures your home stays warm and comfortable throughout the winter and can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns during a cold snap.
4. Get a Chimney Sweep for Fireplaces
For homes with fireplaces, a chimney sweep is essential for safety. Over time, creosote builds up inside chimneys, increasing the risk of fire. A professional chimney sweep will clean out creosote and inspect for blockages or damage that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Safety First:
· Prevents Chimney Fires: Creosote is highly flammable, making chimney cleaning essential for safe fireplace use.
· Ensures Proper Ventilation: A clean chimney allows for proper ventilation, preventing dangerous gas buildup.
Tip for Clients: “Before lighting any fires this season, have your chimney cleaned and inspected. This simple step ensures your fireplace is both safe and efficient.”
Sharing these November maintenance tips with your homeowner clients not only helps them protect their homes but also strengthens your relationship as a trusted advisor. By offering timely and practical advice, you can stay top-of-mind for future real estate needs and referrals.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE OUR BREAD & BUTTER
Buyers typically take 30 seconds when making a decision on how they feel about your property.
We make sure EVERY SECOND COUNTS!
Tasteful Interiors is a full service home design company specializing in Home Staging and Interior Design Planning. With a collective experience of 20 years in the industry, we take pride in our diligence, quality of services & creative outlook on the market as a whole. Located in Andover, MA our team has serviced hundreds of vacant and occupied properties in the Greater Boston, North Shore, South Shore & Metro West regions.
Our team caters to the needs and expectations of home owners & their respective real estate experts. By working hand-in-hand with clients through this process, we aim to accentuate the most crucial & unique aspects of every listing. Providing experience, perspective & professionalism in order to exceed any goals set forth for the project; As we dedicate ourselves to your success in the market to maximize every home’s selling potential.
"When getting ready to list a home for sale, It's vital to complete the necessary prep work to make a favorable and lasting first impression”
NAR President Kenny Parcell (National Association of Realtors)
• 89% of Buyers’ Agents cited that Home Staging has an e ect on buyers’ view of homes.
• 81% of Buyers’ Agents claim that staging a home made it easier for buyers to visual a property as their future home.
• According to buyers, Living Rooms (39%), Primary Bedroom (36%), and Kitchens (30%) are the main selling points when referencing how Home Staging played a role in their decision making.
• Nearly half of Seller’s Agents (48%) report that staging a home decreased its time on market.
• On Average, every $400 spent on staging results in atleast $1,000 ROI.
“I’ve only lived in two homes my entire life,” Lynda Surdam reflects. “The one I grew up in, in Wellesley, and the one we bought in Manchester — over a drink with a divorcing cousin, mind you, with no agent involved. I was still in finance back then, but little did I know, real estate was already calling.”
cover feature
Jessica Wellar, Sr. Writer; Photography by Michelle Morello, Lightshed Photography Studio
With a quick laugh and a terrific sense of humor, this seasoned Realtor has navigated the ups and downs of life with resilience and grace. A top producer with Coldwell Banker for decades, Lynda’s secret sauce blends her background in finance, an ability to juggle multiple roles, and her love for connecting with people.
Family First
After earning a bachelor’s in Psychology, Lynda landed a hard-won position as a tax-exempt securities trader at a Midwestern bank. But life had other plans. When her first son was born, Lynda and her husband Peter moved to the North Shore from Boston, and she traded her fast-paced career for full-time motherhood. Another son soon followed.
“Being on the desk at 8 a.m. with an hour-long commute just wasn’t going to work anymore,” she explains. “But I felt fortunate to stay at home with my boys.”
Lynda then threw herself into her community, serving as President of the local Garden Club, volunteering for a Children’s Aid group, and sitting on the boards of the community center and country club.
“I’ve served on just about every committee there,” she remarks with a chuckle.
Eventually, when her sons were both in school full-time, Lynda was ready to dive back into the workforce. Real estate, combining her knowledge of commodities trading and her psychology background, seemed like the perfect fit.
“It felt like a natural next step, blending my skills and love for working with people,” she notes.
A Different Era
Venturing into real estate was no walk in the park back in 1986. Lynda recalls how different the industry was in those early years.
“Real estate firms weren’t as established as they are now,” she points out. “The Realtor we worked with didn’t even have an office. He’d meet us in his car behind Town Hall.”
Nevertheless, Lynda hit the ground running and quickly made her mark, snagging Rookie of the Year at her office.
“I aligned myself with the top agents, did everything they needed, and learned from them,” she says matter-of-factly.
Today, her diligence continues to pay dividends as Lynda has consistently ranked in the top 2% of Coldwell
Banker agents internationally, even securing the #4 spot out of 4,000 New England agents earlier this year.
But Lynda is quick to note her success is rooted in more than just hard work. Her sharp instincts, honed through years of finance, combined with her psychological insights and plain old intuition, helped her better understand clients’ needs.
“I brought a level of education and experience that wasn’t all that common back then,” Lynda offers.
Global Reach
While Lynda has been courted by plenty of other brokerages, she remains loyal to Coldwell Banker, and for good reason.
“I have tremendous respect for other local firms,” she emphasizes, “but Coldwell Banker’s national and international presence is unbeatable. It’s the oldest firm in the country, founded in 1929.
“No matter where I travel, I can always check in with a Coldwell Banker office,” she continues. “And it’s so nice to find that even little islands in Italy have an office, where everyone is friendly and welcoming.”
Lynda’s global network through CB has certainly led to some serendipitous business connections.
“We were skiing in Cortina, Italy, when I met a businessman from Milan who was looking to buy in New York City. I handed him my card, and that led to a referral with one of our Manhattan agents.” Lynda chuckles, “It’s funny how these things happen, whether I’m in Hawaii, Italy, or anywhere else.”
As a member of Coldwell Banker’s elite Presidential Elite category, Lynda also enjoys annual networking trips to exotic locales like Palm Beach and Cancun.
“It’s a great life,” she admits, “but I’ve worked hard to get here.”
Beyond The Business
While real estate may be her passion, Lynda’s world revolves around her family.
“My husband, Peter, has been my rock through everything,” she shares. “We share the same interests — golf, tennis, skiing, sailing, and lately, pickleball. We even have mean backgammon challenges!
“I’m an exercise nut, too,” she adds. “I need at least an hour a day.”
Lynda also values giving back. She’s a Trustee of the Hooper Fund in
Manchester-by-the-Sea, which raised nearly $100,000 last year for afterschool children’s programs. She was on her church council and continues to mentor women facing difficult circumstances, particularly those recovering from illness.
“I know firsthand how life can take unexpected turns,” Lynda reflects, having survived a life-threatening illness years ago. “It changes your outlook. You see unexpected kindness in others, and it makes you want to give back.”
Mentoring women has become one of her most rewarding commitments. “Giving hope is so important,” she remarks. “Helping others connect with the specialists they need, guiding
IT CHANGES YOUR OUTLOOK.
YOU SEE UNEXPECTED KINDNESS IN OTHERS, AND IT MAKES YOU WANT TO GIVE BACK.
them through difficult times — it’s part of what keeps me going.”
On The Horizon
With Peter recently retired, Lynda looks forward to eventually spending more time with him at their new property in Florida, though she has no plans to slow down herself.
“I love all that real estate is about,” Lynda affirms. “It’s about family, stability, and for most, one of the biggest financial assets they’ll ever handle.
“It’s been a rewarding career,” she concludes. “I just want to keep doing what I love, helping people, and maybe spend a bit more time with Peter on the golf course.”
? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I often get a lot of compliments about North Shore Real Producers content, our quality of photography, professional design appearance, and overall, the positive nature and influence that our publication has brought to the real estate community here in Essex County and the North Shore.
But like anything, not everyone agrees. I also get notes and calls about why we decided to feature some of the people who we've featured. How did they get in the magazine, and oftentimes, how can I be included in your pages? These are fair questions which warrant some discussion, so let me offer explanation into some of the frequently asked questions.
Who receives North Shore Real Producers?
The top 300 agents/teams in Essex County, and I also include Reading, North Reading and Wakefield, based on MLStotal sales volume January - December 2023, will receive the magazine FREE of charge for the remainder of this year. The list then resets at the end of this year.
I'm hopeful that as we grow, I'm able to expand our footprint and distribute our publication to the top 500 agents/ teams and include more towns outside of Essex County. Stay tuned.
What is the process for being featured in the magazine?
Almost every feature you see has
been nominated by peers. You can nominate other REALTORS, affiliates, brokers, owners or even yourself. We will consider anyone brought to our attention because we don't know everyone's story.
None of the REALTORS in our magazine paid to be featured. They were either nominated by fellow Top 300 REALTORS, or industry colleagues in the community and featured FREE of charge.
I spent a lot of time getting to know the North Shore and Essex County REALTOR® community during my ramp-up period from April 2020 through January 2021. I was able to then catalog a lot of information on a lot of top-performing REALTORS®, many of whom were more than worthy of a presence in
our publication at a future date. In some of those instances, I selected the REALTORS® to be featured based on my conversations. At the end of the day, based on nomination information, or those who I've met on my own, I select who I think would best represent our publication each month.
What does it cost a REALTOR® or team to be featured?
The answer is simple... NOTHING. None of the REALTORS® in our magazine paid to be featured. They were either nominated by fellow top 300 REALTORS® or industry colleagues in the community and featured FREE of charge.
Who are the Preferred Vendor Partners?
Anyone listed as a Preferred Vendor Partner in our Partner Index in the front of every publication is an integral part of this community. Our Preferred Vendor Partners pay for their presence in our publication and will have an ad in every issue, attend our private events and be a part of our online presence. We don't just find these businesses randomly, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. Many of you have recommended every single Preferred Vendor Partner you see in our publication.
Our goal is to create a powerhouse network, not only for the best REALTORS® in the area but the best affiliates as well, so that we can grow stronger together: Connecting. Elevating. Inspiring.
If you have questions, suggestions or nominations, please feel free to send me an email at talman. hauch@realproducersmag.com or call me at 617-921-7033.
