Mortgage Rates ... A Quick Historic Perspective

Interest rates today have gone up a bit but are still at historic lows. I've compiled this simple chart to illustrate how true this is. When I bought my first home, many years ago, I remember paying an extra point to lock in the interest rate at 14.5%, and the rates were going up weekly. Hope you find this interesting.

• Today.....................................4.125 % 
• 2004 & 2005..............................5.71 %
• 2003.......................................5.92 %
• 1998.......................................6.79 %
• 1990's (average)..........................9.80%
• 1979 - 1989 (double digits).............10+ %
• 1987 drop.................................9.2 %
• 1980's (average)........................12.62 %
• 1973-1980 (average)....................9.43%
• 1973-1982 (range).......................7.44 - 17.49%

Backyard Chickens in Sudbury, MA

You've moved to the suburbs to have some land, lots of house, and great quality of life. You've started a vegetable garden and have enjoyed the puttering and the fresh produce. Now you're thinking of getting a few chickens so that you can feed them an excellent diet and have fresh eggs of your own.In Sudbury, you'll have to know a few things before you buy the chicks.

Here's a short list of what you'll need to know:

1. Is an Annual Animal Permit Required? yes, a special permit is required, issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals, cost is $100 first year, $50 annual renewal
2. Is a Building Permit for the Coop Required? not if the coop is less than 120 s.f. footprint
3. Is there an Annual Board of Health Inspection Required? yes
4. Are Roosters Permitted? no
5. Are there Lot Size Limitations? no
6. What are the Coop Setbacks from Property Lines? There is a 5' min distance from lot lines.
7. Are there Manure Pile Storage Limitations? This would be dictated by the conditions of the special permit
8. Is there a specific section of the Zoning Bylaws that I can read regarding this? 2313/6200
   (http://www.sudbury.ma.us/documents/dl/5088/ZoningBylaws2010withIndex.pdf)
9. Is there an Agricultural Commission or Committee that I can join? yes email: agricultural@sudbury.ma.us
10. Is there an Agricultural Group that I can contact to get help/info/advice? yes, Sudbury Grange No. 121 Pomona No. 16 , Meetings: 1st & 3rd Wednesday 8 pm, Grange Hall 326 Concord Rd (beside Town Hall), Contact: Brenda Chamberlain 508-429-5458
11. How do I contact the Board of Health? 978 443-2209 x1379 email: health@sudbury.ma.us
12. How do I contact the Zoning Board of Appeals? 978-639-3387 email: pcd@sudbury.ma.us
13. How do I contact the Building Inspector? (978) 443-2209, x1361  email: building@sudbury.ma.us)

Physical and Esthetic Obstacles that Affect the Saleabilty of Your Home

Below is a list of common things that might affect the sale of your home. I have included my opinions (and those of many, many buyers) of the effect these things will have on the Price and the Time it Takes to sell your home.  Sometimes it's good to have some real values to help you decide whether to do or not do things to improve the condition of your home. I hope you find this helpful, and oh, by the way, if you'd like me to visit and give you some direction on your home, please give me a call.

1. House Located on main thoroughfare (double-yellow painted on street): Price Effect: Minus 15%; Time Effect: Add 30%
2. Very steep driveway up to the house: Price Effect: Minus 5%; Time Effect: Add 10% (Don't list your house in the winter)
3.  Driveway down incline to house: Price Effect: Minus 5%; Time Effect: Add 10% (Don't list your house in the winter)
4. Gully or very steep drop-off behind house: Price Effect: Minus 7%; Time Effect: Add 10%
5. Brook behind or around house: Price Effect: Minus 3%; Time Effect: Add 5%
6. No tall trees around house (except for new construction): Price Effect: Minus 2%; Time Effect: Add 2%
7. Electric heat: Price Effect: Minus 10%; Time Effect: Add 15%
8. No self cleaning oven: Price Effect: Minus replacement cost; Time Effect: None
9. House facing school or business property: Price Effect: Minus 8%; Time Effect: None
10. Power line behind or in view of house: Price Effect: Minus 10%; Time Effect: Add 40%
11. Bedroom, Living room or family room with dated/strong color carpet: Price Effect: Minus replacement cost; Time Effect: Add 15%
12. Cat door: Price Effect: None; Time Effect: Add 10%
13. Cat door in Condominiums: Price Effect: Minus 5%; Time Effect: Add 15%
14. Backyard unsuitable for children to play: Price Effect: Minus 2%; Time Effect: Add 10%
15. Two-story high deck: Price Effect: Minus 3%; Time Effect: Add 25%
16. Interior or Exterior needs painting: Price Effect: Minus 3%; Time Effect: Add 5%
17. Bright color or flowery (especially large flowers) wallpaper: Price Effect: Minus replacement cost; Time Effect: Add 10%
18. Cluttered or messy basement: Price Effect: Minus 1%; Time Effect: Add 5%
19. Swimming pool: Price Effect: Add half the cost of the pool plus landscaping and fencing; Time Effect: Add 25%
20. Worn-out hardwood floor finish: Price Effect: Minus cost to refinish; Time Effect: Add 5%