Great article from Realtor.com and it's not what you might think! Almost 30 years in this business, I've been asked the question many times: "What makes a great real estate agent?" My response would be, "What does 'great real estate agent' mean?" Makes the most money? Provides the best customer service? Accomplishes both of those goals with refined ethics?" 

Ideally, you would have a skill set that included not only a psychology degree but be as gifted as one of the most eminent psychologists of the 20th century, have legal experience equivalant to one of the most influential laywers in the world, possess the most powerful secrets of super negotiators, be in the top 500 for marketing & advertising, globally. And let us not forget patience; you would have to have the patience of Job.

Of course, I'm speaking dramatically and quite sarcastically, but seriously, none of the necessary skills required to be GREAT in this profession are magically granted upon passing the Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson License Exam. NONE. Anyone can attend the required hours and pass the test; many, who do, never go on to be great. Furthermore, we all measure "success" in our own way. I'm a big proponent of ethics, maybe because I like to sleep at night. I can say the same for my team.

Take a peek at this list of what your real estate agent SHOULD be doing behind your back. This is just a snapshot of what you should expect, in the least, when hiring a real estate PROFESSIONAL. Ask about experience, not how long they've had their license, ask how many transactions they've completed in the last year, 2 years, 5 years, etc. Ask for testimonials. Speaking of testimonials, here's a long list of the kind of service you can expect from Windhill Realty. Do your research. Your REALTOR® is your professional partner in one of the most important and largest business transactions of your financial history. Not getting the answers you need to make your decision? Call me. I'm not in sales. My job is to help people and that includes you!

1987 brings back fond memories of working along side some local real estate legends, some still breaking records, some no longer with us. Boutique firms are nothing new. It's how I started out all those years ago, working for a woman no less, who grew to be the leading company of her time & place. Fast forward 30 years and I find myself again, with the leading company of my time & place. The decades have been telling. I've experienced the giant corporations with their slick marketing materials, convention center expos and thousands of followers; they have a right to be here too. Then there's the independent guy (or gal) who takes a different approach, one of quality over quantity, one of substance over slick, one of personal relationships. The choice is all yours. And while I do appreciate Inman's article about independent brokerages sharing their secrets to success, I'm here to tell you, we've been doing it for decades, proudly so. 2016 was another banner year and Windhill managed to move more real estate in Ipswich than any other firm. More importantly, we built relationships every step of the way. We expect 2017 to be even busier. I still believe this is a relationship business. It's personal. Choose wisely.

All of us are very excited to welcome Andrea to our team! Andrea, a self-proclaimed "real estate junkie", brings an intense desire to combine her natural inclination to help people with her varied career skillset, the wealth of knowledge now by her side with team Windhill, and her excitement to be finally pursuing one of her dreams! You might recognize her from Doyon or Winthrop Elementary, Sullivan Insurance, Open Doors events, FRIES, or even Fidelity!  Get to know Andrea Della Valle by reading her full profile here. 

Don't get shut out! Today's real estate market here on the north shore of Boston is tough! Be first to know about new listings! Like our facebook page. Often times new listings show up there first. It might help you get your foot in the door...or the key to the door!

New to the market and offer already accepted! THAT WAS FAST!!!   4 Fox Run Road, Ipswich, MA - Drenched in NATURAL LIGHT, this CONTEMPORARY COLONIAL is adorned with many TIMELESS DETAILS attributing to it's broad appeal. A LARGE SUNLIT KITCHEN w/SS APPLIANCES & GRANITE COUNTERTOPS opens to a CASUAL DINING area adjacent to one of the many EXTERIOR spaces to just sit & enjoy NATURE. The CLASSIC FLOW of the FLOOR PLAN highlights HW FLOORS throughout the main level adding warmth & casual elegance. The ample MASTER SUITE features a large CUSTOM WALK-IN CLOSET & spacious ENSUITE BATH. CUSTOM CLOSETS also in Bedrooms 2&3! The lower level FAMILY ROOM walks out to a deck w/PATIO ideal for ENTERTAINING or roasting marshmellows by the FIRE PIT. Enjoy a lovely CUL-DU-SAC neighborhood surrounded by FOREST & close to CONSERVATION LAND w/miles of HIKING/BIKING TRAILS. It is conveniently located close to DOWNTOWN IPSWICH, SHOPPING, TRAIN, RESTAURANTS, CSA FARMS, GREENBELT properties & just 7 miles to CRANE BEACH! An easy commute to BOSTON, NBPT, GLOUCESTER, EBSCO, NEW ENGLAND BIOLABS & areas NORTH. 

Check with our office for availability! The market is hot and moving fast. 978-356-8922. 

COMING SOON in Ipswich....NEW CONSTRUCTION townhouse- 3br/2.5bath....who wouldn’t want THIS KITCHEN??!!

• 3 Bedrooms & 2.5 Baths
• 1,800 +/- sq. ft.
• Oak hardwood flooring
• Ceramic & subway tile
• Solid doors
• Gas fireplace, gas stove, gas heat, town water
• One car garage under w/utility room and finished basement option
• Vinyl siding
• Asphalt shingle roof
• Manufactured front steps & decking
• Pressure treated deck

Not your typical Ipswich Antique. Current owners have made excellent decisions with necessary upgrades, and maximized usage of this property. The beautiful Amos/Aaron Jewett House c.1780 boasts a new roof, exterior paint, fencing, paddocks, driveway, and a 24x30 two-stall barn to name a few. The owners also installed a new heating system, converting to natural gas. Worries aside, the historic features of the main house remain with original beams, fireplaces & paneling. Full details on 321 High Street Ipswich, MA listed by Toni Riddle.

AMAZING location set high above the Ipswich River banks in most desirable downtown location. First floor offers large living and formal dining rooms, a large newer ('99 addition) eat-in kitchen w/ center island and dining nook perfect for entertaining. Back entrance mudroom connects rear deck to small fenced in back yard.. Large newer ('99 addition) master suite w/ walk in closet, full bath (whirlpool tub, shower, and double sinks), and sitting area which offers a perfect space to retreat to any time of day. 3rd floor offers family room and/or office/craft space. NEW boiler in 2013. Property also offers a large shed/small garage for extra storage or small car. This home is located close to everything; town, beaches, river, train into Boston, schools, and award winning restaurants. Purchase in time to take advantage of your summer fun at Crane Beach or any of the many activities that take place in or around this beautiful, historical town. Full details on 26 Woods Lane, Ipswich MA here! 

Answers. It's what we all want. But nobody has them, and anyone claiming they do, well, I recommend a fact check. None of us here at Windhil have that elusive crystal ball and no, we can't make you any promises about the future. But what I can tell you is that here in the northeast, north of Boston, on the northshore in particular, what we are seeing right now is serious pent-up demand for inventory and every listing we take has a long line of ready, willing and able buyers. These homes, if priced properly, are going under contract with multiple offers, sometimes over asking and because our network of professionals including lenders, inspectors, attorneys, etc. are now well-versed in the new way of doing business, the closings are happening efficiently and on time. The closings might be curbside but the smiles are still there.

Predictions point to a delay in inventory that will inevitably explode so if you're thinking of selling but the path is unclear, ask for help, get some sound advice, educate yourself about the new process. Lack of inventory is to your advantage, while it lasts. 

The Massachusetts Real Estate Market is Down But Not Out! Great article thank you to WGBH.

New construction is hard to find 'in-town' here in Ipswich, MA. We love our history and our historic homes and streetscapes, but sometimes folks are looking for NEW so we just went ahead and built it - on East Street! Call us for details 978-356-8922 
Just added! See the full listing for 11 East Street, Ipswich here!