North Shore Real Producers - October 2023

Working with Dave has taken all of the guess work out of determining insurance coverage and needs for our family—we had previously enrolled in a corporate option, thinking that our best interests were protected; however, Dave’s analysis and insights not only saved us on 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 would recommend Dave for his knowledge, response rate and genuine customer service.

- Maureen Marblehead, MA

We have worked with Dave Bruett for only a few years and can confidently say we would never change. Dave's 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 our insurance needs. He is our 'go to!'

- Nora Marblehead, MA

Dave is so customer focused he makes things easy when it comes to insurance. Whether it is setting up a new policy, answering my questions promptly, helping get a claim filed or any other insurance related issue he is always right on top of it. I do all my personal insurance with him and when I started my own business a few years ago he set all that insurance up for me as well. Dave is the best!

- Sam Salem, MA

David Bruett President

Phone: 978-594-5308

Fax: 978-594-0236

quote@davebruettinsurance.com

info@davebruettinsurance.com

www.davebruettinsurance.com

ALL OF YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS MET WITH ONE AGENT

Lavin,

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 *Please place Index on a left hand page and Tarpey Insurance ad opposite this article on the right.

ASBESTOS ABATEMENT

Acqua Environmental, LLC

Scott Drinko (978) 735-5541

Cherry Tree Legal, PLLC

Brendan L. Ward, Esq. (781) 496-2013 www.cherrytreelegal.com

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Northwestern Mutual

Martin Connolly (781) 224-1623

MORTGAGE LENDER

Academy Mortgage

Adam Moore (978) 697-6019

about-us/team/adammoore

Tiernan Law, LLC.

400 Trade Center Dr. Suite 5900

Woburn, MA 01801 (617) 791-3538

Jake Turner (339) 235-4278

www.AnthonyAtNRL.com

Humboldt Storage & Moving

SECRET publisher’s note

My very close, personal and special friend recently gave me a “Daily Teachings” calendar for every day of the week. These are based upon the book The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne. Many of these include very thought-provoking words of insight, encouragement and enlightenment.

Now, I will admit, I’m not normally one to get too intricately involved in daily affirmations or anything like that. However, my dear friend and I recently had a rather detailed conversation where she asked me to rank what I thought about these five, what is called Love Languages.

- PHYSICAL TOUCH

- ACTS OF SERVICE

- QUALITY TIME

- AFFIRMATION

- GIFTS

I don’t recall my ranking exactly, but I had Affirmation up in the top two. Hers were different... Acts of Service, Physical Touch, Quality Time, Affirmation and Gifts, in that order. There is no right or wrong ranking, but it was a good conversation starter, which led to her making a different realization about Affirmation.

My reasoning was simply this... whether it’s family, work or a personal relationship, I think we all like

to hear positive feedback on how we’re doing. Or at least acknowledge that all is good and proceeding along in a positive manner.

This leads me back to the “Daily Teachings” calendar I mentioned in the first paragraph... Personal affirmation is important. It creates a calming mindset that allows you to be comfortable with just about anything. Again, provided it’s legal or ethical, everyone loves to hear that what they are doing is important, relevant and appreciated.

Not too far into the calendar was this message which works in reverse, but can have a positive effect on you or anyone who hears it. So here it is...

“There are two words that, when spoken, have the most unfathomable power to completely change your life. Two words that, when they pass your lips, will be the cause of bringing absolute joy and happiness to you. Two words that will create miracles in your life, wipe out negativity and bring you abundance in all things. Two words that when uttered and sincerely felt, will summon all the forces in the Universe to move all things for you.

There are just two words standing between

you, happiness and the life of your dreams...

...THANK YOU”

When you really think about it, isn’t this both affirmation for you, as well as the person you’ve delivered this precious message to in the first place? Think about your business, your family, your friends and your close personal relationships. Wouldn’t a simple Thank You cover a lot of ground in virtually any situation? Like, Thank You for a job well done!

Thank You for your business!

Thank You for being there brother or sister. Or, Thank You for loving me and caring for me like you do.

Thank You for trying. And perhaps Thank You for giving me all I have and the ability to attain it ( thanks to a higher power).

So, Thank You for being a part of Real Producers. I assure you that me and my team appreciate all of you, agents and partners alike, for all that you do to make this market a fun, exciting and successful one.

Talman Hauch Owner/Publisher North Shore Real Producers talman.hauch@n2co.com

NORTH SHORE REALTORS ADVOCACY BLOG

By Patrick Maguire , Chief Executive Officer, North Shore Realtors

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

ADU Fever in 2023: Have a listing with what the seller calls an in-law apartment, granny flat, or maybe even a backyard cottage? Have buyers looking for multi-generational living in a single-family experience? The options for homeowners to have an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their property has changed immensely as zoning bylaws are being updated across Massachusetts.

Why are we seeing so much change? With the passing of Housing Choice in 2021, changes to select zoning laws have been lowered from requiring a super majority (66%) to a simple majority (50%). ADUs happen to be one of those select zoning laws.

Housing Choice provides a structure for ADU zoning that must be met in order to make a change by simple majority.

• maintains a separate entrance, either directly from the outside or through an entry hall or corridor shared with the principal dwelling sufficient to meet the requirements of the state building code for safe egress;

• is not larger in floor area than 1/2 the floor area of the principal dwelling or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller; and

• is subject to such additional restrictions as may be imposed by a municipality, including but not limited to additional size restrictions, owner-occupancy requirements and restrictions or prohibitions on shortterm rental of accessory dwelling units.

But as you can see in (iii) every community can impose additional restrictions, and they do. Since the passage of Housing Choice, NSR has supported 9 new or amended ADU ordinances in the North Shore area.

Most have dropped longstanding requirements that the occupant must be blood related or a caretaker of the homeowner. In many instances, this simple change alone allows for the transfer of ownership without having to remove the ADU.

New bylaws also predominately allow construction by-right (without the need for a special permit), but always check with the city or town to better understand the nuances for each community. ADU zoning laws are both all unique and are more rapidly changing than ever before.

NSR members have access to our digital library that has a collection of all ADU bylaws across Essex County.

NSR IN THE COMMUNITY

From obtaining charitable grants to hosting fundraising drives to rallying volunteers, North Shore REALTORS® is proud to support those that give back to their communities across the North Shore.

Over the summer, the Amanda Armstrong Group hosted a community conversation event at their office in Magnolia with Harborlight Homes. The purpose was to spread the word about the amazing work that Harborlight is doing throughout the communities, dispelling the negative preconceived notions of affordable housing, and explaining how we got to this point in the crisis. The goal was to bring awareness about exactly how Affordable Housing is created and why it is so important. Housing affordability is important to continuing life as we know it in our beloved communities.

The Amanda Armstrong Group will continue to host community events on a variety of topics to support the local housing industry.

Fun at The Deck, Salisbury, MA

An intimate, impromptu, late summer gathering at one of our favorite North Shore locations!

VIDEO PRODUCTION & MARKETING

COREY STEIN FILMS

CAPTURES THE BEST OF YOUR REAL ESTATE WITH A CINEMATIC FILMMAKING APPROACH.

HIGH-QUALIT Y PHOTO + VIDEO SERVICES for promoting properties and towns

LICENSED + INSURED DRONE OPERATORS for aerial shots

ORIGINAL COMPOSED MUSIC

MATCH BRAND colors + fonts + logos for custom look

VIDEO OPTIONS voiceover + on screen text/titles + split-screen + guided walkthroughs + staged scenes

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT

Match brand colors, fonts + logo for custom look, create + post on social media accounts

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 MLS total sales volume from January 1, 2021-December 31, 2021, 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

By Liz Ryan, Producing Sales Manager, Cross Country Mortgage, Personal NMLS 441907, Branch NMLS 2393492, Company NMLS 3029

HOW TO COMBAT Higher Mortgage Rates IN TODAY’S MARKET

A mortgage buydown is a strategy where the borrower or seller pays additional upfront fees (prepaid interest) to reduce the interest rate on their mortgage for a specific period. It essentially “buys down” the interest rate, resulting in lower monthly payments during the buydown period. Here’s how it works:

Understand the Basics: A mortgage buydown typically involves paying extra points upfront to obtain a lower interest rate. Each point is equal to 1% of the loan amount. For example, if you have a $200,000 mortgage and want to buy down the rate, you might pay an extra 2 points (2% of $200,000 = $4,000) to get a reduced interest rate both temporary or for the duration of the loan term.

Calculate the Savings: Determine how much the interest rate reduction will save you in monthly payments. Use an online mortgage calculator (http/ lizryan.mortgagemapp.com) or consult with me, a mortgage professional to see the impact of the rate reduction on your monthly payments.

Assess the Costs: Compare the upfront costs of the buydown with the savings over the buydown period. Consider how long you plan to stay in the home and whether the upfront expense is worth the long-term savings. It’s important to do the math and ensure the savings outweigh the costs, especially since we expect the rates to come down and doing a refinance will not give you back the money spent.

Negotiate with the Seller: In some cases, the seller may be willing to contribute to the buydown as part of the negotiation process. This can help reduce your upfront costs or allow you to buy down the rate further. Please

keep in mind that closing costs can only be 3% in Massachusetts and 5% in New Hampshire. Most of the time, we need the seller to pay for the buy down.

Evaluate Short-Term vs. Long-Term Benefits: If you plan to stay in the home for a short period, a buydown may not be cost-effective. However, if you expect to stay in the home for an extended period, the savings over time can make a buydown worthwhile.

Understand Buydown Options: There are different types of buydowns available. A temporary buydown, also known as a 2-1 buydown, reduces the interest rate for the first two years, (2% the first year and 1% the second year). A permanent buydown, on the other hand, locks in a lower interest rate for the entire loan term.

There are 3-2-1, 2-1 and 1-1 buy down options. I prefer the 2-1 buy down option, since we believe rates will come down and borrowers will refinance in the next 2 years.

We, CrossCountry Mortgage, offer refinances with no lender fees after 6 monthly payments, if you buy before 10/15/23, until December 2025.

Work with a Mortgage Professional: Please give me a call on 978-500-5378 and I can guide you through the buydown process, help you understand the pros and cons, and ensure you make an informed decision. I can also assist with the paperwork and coordination required for the buydown.

Remember, a mortgage buydown is a financial strategy that requires careful consideration. It’s important to weigh the upfront costs against the long-term savings and assess your specific financial goals.

WORK HARD, SERVE OTHERS, HAVE FAITH

WILLIS & SMITH GROUP, KELLER WILLIAMS

By Dr. Brian Ramsey

Sterling Seymour grew up as the oldest child of six, across the street from the beach in a great family and community environment. As the oldest, she embraced the “caretaker” role that she played – supporting her parents, and that mission forged a quality in her that she employs with the people she serves today. Sterling is an energized force that works hard, serves others and is driven by her faith in God. She is engaging, athletic, smart, and magnetic, but perhaps her greatest quality is her ability to see the value in every situation and in every person.

Sterling began her post-secondary career at Merrimack where she studied marketing and finance and participated on sports teams: track & field and soccer. She later pivoted to Babson College (west of Boston) where she also played sports and overloaded classes so she could finish on time. During her marketing internships, she worked with a construction management company – hard hat and all. She learned much about the business which was a design to build company, and she was able to lead projects from the beginning to finish. She built relationships and developed a true interest in the work which laid a great foundation for her emergence into real estate.

Photography by Lightshed Photography Studio

Seymour loves to advise and educate people and to interact with them on their property journey. She enjoys the creative aspect of her work, and she appreciates the flexibility of her schedule and even loves to negotiate. Of course, there was a large learning curve at the beginning, and she admits that she had to quickly develop a “thick skin” and learn to navigate the many different personalities, but she was able to quickly hurdle her youthful age and acquire the boldness to “put herself out there.”

For Sterling, success is all about helping and serving others. She labors every day to make those around her feel loved and supported. Her grandfather was a real “man of the town,” and his creation of jobs, expert advice, and kindness to others made a lasting impression on her; she tries to keep that legacy going. “I want to be like him. I am kind of an old soul myself, and I love to give of myself generously to others,” she explains.

Though she has been in the business a short time, Sterling has seen enough to know what qualities are vital to real estate success. She says the best agents walk their clients through the transaction and know when to talk them off the ledge. Hard work is key, and consistency is a must. She tells newbie agents to be unafraid to work hard and be patient for results which come slowly sometimes.

Sterling has four sisters and one brother, and her home and community is quite valuable and very enjoyable for her. Much of her family lives on the same street or nearby. Her father was the principal of the local high school, and Sterling had a great group of friends while at home and in college. She loves to spend time on the beach, ride a bike or hang out. Just a brief conversation with Sterling reveals that she is driven and detail-oriented but also kind, compassionate, and caring.

I AM KIND OF AN OLD SOUL MYSELF, & I LOVE TO GIVE OF MYSELF GENEROUSLY TO OTHERS.

a seaside antique shop.

Going forward, Sterling looks forward to her friends stepping into the first-time buyer’s category so that she can join them in their house hunting. She wants to buy some Airbnb’s and become more adept with property management. She hopes that someday her legacy will be defined by the fact that she was always there for her clients, and she was the friend who helped them get a great deal. She hopes that people will think of her as friendly, supportive, reliable, and responsible, but the truth is … they already do!

Sterling is engaging, athletic, smart, and magnetic, but perhaps her greatest quality is her ability to see the value in every situation and in every person.

Adam Adam

WRIGHT

By

R. J. Home Inspections

Adam Wright of R.J. Home Inspections proves the maxim that decisions and paths of life are not just about finding the positives but also the non-positives. Everything in life’s experience teaches, and it is up to us to pay attention, absorb and learn all we can and then apply that knowledge and experience to our success. Sometimes, we are preparing for a task for years – and we do not even know it!

Adam left his home to attend the University of Rhode Island to study microbiology and chemistry, run track, maybe pursue a field of pharmacy, and to find his wife – wait … he did not know about the last one, but it was the greatest find. After graduating, he landed a job as a microbiologist which he did for five years. His co-workers voted him the most likely to be in the wrong place (not really), but they did notice his interests and skill set that shaped him for other things.

Dr. Brian Ramsey, Senior Writer; Photography by Amy Bucher, Amy Bucher Photographic Artist Inc.

Wright was raised around construction, and he watched his father build some 100+ homes. Later, his dad, Jim Wright, formed an inspection company with a partner, Robert “Bob” Corsetti (1987), and Adam always had an interest in the industry. He returned to his hometown in 2010, began to work in the company, and for over a decade now, he has been at the helm. “I am so glad to be leading such an established company with over 10 inspectors that covers southern New Hampshire and eastern Massachusetts,” he notes. It seems clear that Adam found his niche and had been preparing for it since he was very young.

R. J. Home Inspections has a storied and very trusted brand, and people have truly benefited from the familylike culture that exists there. The team loves to educate families on the “health” of a home and on the need for proper maintenance. The company provides a money-back guarantee and a 90-day warranty too. Adam offers a home-buyer protection plan that includes discounts for future inspections. They have a cutting-edge report system (returned within 24 hours), and they are available seven days a week including nights and weekends. Having done over 75k inspections, the company’s

Adam appreciates the steady and organic growth that he has watched in his company’s trajectory. The closeness that he has been able to enjoy working with his father is inexpressible, and he has gained strategic insight from him and his partner in home inspection knowledge, experience, finances, and management. He says that success is about being comfortable where you are in your family and business and that

Customers give their hearty appreciative comments on the over 1500 google 5-star reviews. They like the open communication the business brings and the more-than-helpful spirit the inspectors give. R.J. Home Inspections is always supportive of the customers and the many agents who recommend them, and they seek to explain things in a user-friendly way that customers understand.

I AM SO GLAD TO BE LEADING SUCH AN ESTABLISHED COMPANY WITH OVER 10 INSPECTORS THAT COVERS SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE AND EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS.

Adam notes a key component of the real estate market by seeing that “even in this crazy market, a home inspection is vital for people to prepare properly for homeownership. If someone needs to waive it for the deal, there are other options to help them such as relying on a preliminary inspection or doing one post-closing. He does not want to see families buy their dream home and then experience remorse when they find a host of problems.

People often ask Adam why he is still working in the field, and the answer is simple; he loves it. He loves to help people understand the differences in their homes from something that needs an upgrade or improvement and something that needs replacing. The knowledge and insight have removed the angst from many new owners. Wright says that his goal is to give families a proper snapshot of their home at the time and to help them learn to take care of it for the future.

Adam is married to Kristen Quinn, who is a private therapist and also runs a daycare business that she inherited from her family. The couple has two sons: Declan (3) and Kellan (2), and they love to escape to the mountains of New Hampshire to enjoy the outdoors and time together. Adam is also into fitness, learning about mental health, and skiing, though COVID has certainly slowed down the family activities.

Adam Wright has a long road ahead to watch his journey develop, but he hopes that someday people see his legacy in the strong business of R.J. Home Inspections – one of teamwork, positivity, serving others, and solid careers. Personally, his legacy is all about his family and preparing his sons for life. Of course, he will most likely teach them about learning from any circumstance or lesson of life, as it all goes into one tool belt – so to speak.

For more information, you may call 978-681-8759 or write Adam at adam@rjhomeinspection.com or info@rjhomeinspection.com.

TERLIK Deb

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY EVOLUTION

It is metaphorical, but Deb Terlik has been holding hands with those whom she serves for a few decades. She educates, guides, presents options and solutions, and then helps others navigate their ship into the right harbor – you get the point. Deb is adept at building strong relationships, and she really cares about the goals and aspirations of other people – so much that she exhausts her resources to help them, and she loves it all.

HOLDING HANDS

Deb graduated from Emmanuel College with a degree in English and Communication Arts. She met her husband and was married in 1984. She focused on working as a stay-at-home mother for years. When she launched her professional career, she did so with a weekend receptionist position at REMAX – 29 years ago. People kept saying to her, “You could really do this work.” She was licensed in 1998, and she has been pleasing clients since.

Deb loves the relationships & friendships that she forges – especially with the younger mothers. She has a special heart for them, for she vividly remembers what it was like to raise children at their early ages, and she knows what it takes to make a family work. Deb loves to work with people and learn about the features of every home. It really does not feel like work to her, but it is vital to find her clients the right homes for that is our “home base” so to speak.

Terlik later worked on Jason Parisella’s team and little did she know that when he went to Texas to explore information about a new/upcoming brokerage called Keller Williams, it was going to change her trajectory. Jason returned and was convinced that he should open an office, and Deb was the first team member to join. It was a bit of a leap of faith to the unknown, but it became a game-changer for her.

Another defining moment came when she added her son to her business. “I saw the business really grow, and we have learned a lot,” she notes.

Living a long time in one area and loving the community, both helped Deb find her sphere. She explains that the mothers of her children’s friends became her group, and that group continued to grow

exponentially. For her though, achieving a balance in life with both work duties and home responsibilities is vital and really defines her success. “When your adult children want to hang out with you, you have done something very right!” she quips.

Deb has seen a lot of agents succeed over time, and she has noted similar characteristics. The best agents

WHEN YOUR ADULT CHILDREN WANT TO HANG OUT WITH YOU, YOU HAVE DONE SOMETHING VERY RIGHT!

are detail-oriented, patient with people, consistent, trustworthy, and they build great relationships. She often tells new agents that they must “hold their clients’ hands” – walk the journey with people since the clients are trying to navigate an unfamiliar territory. New agents need to know that the work is tiring and time-consuming, and they must stay focused upon providing proper service.

Tom, Deb’s husband, is retired from medical sales, and he is a stellar help and supporter to Deb. They have three children: Liz (36), Christopher (34), and Jeff (29). Liz and Christopher live very close by, and Deb’s parents also live close. Family

is very important, and she loves to also spend time with her grandchildren: Brooke, Evan, and Lola. Deb enjoys relaxing by taking in a production at the North Shore Music Theater or listening to music. She is also excited to visit Aruba soon.

Deb Terlik has always made her service to others a top priority, and she is very motivated by finding creative solutions to get a deal done. She hopes that her legacy is defined by her ability to be a great mediator and to provide emotional support for the buyers and sellers with whom she works. They are quite thankful that during the tumultuous journey of real estate transactions, she always has an extended hand to hold – for support!