Category Archives: Local Businesses

Each week we feature a local business.

Heightening Your Curb Appeal

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EV Landscaping ♦ Draw in the buyers you’ll want to work with

In recent years home staging has become a staple of real estate. Molding the inside of a home so that potential buyers can envision themselves living there can not only reduce the time needed for a sale but can also increase the final sale price.

The outside of a home is no different. I’ve had good buyers, buyers that you would dream to put an offer in on your house, who will drive by a property to examine the curb appeal before asking for a showing. If they don’t like it then we aren’t going to see that home.

An easy fix is to hire a landscaper, like EV Landscaping out of Wilmington and Newbury. EV Landscaping has decades of experience and for a minimal cost they can create a portrait that will pull in all those potential buyers, which will in turn land you better offers. And when I say better offers I mean higher prices and more friendly conditions.

Even if you’re not looking to sell EV Landscaping does quality work and can assist you with your next landscaping project, renovation, or seasonal cleanup. You can reach EV Landscaping at (978) 658-2017 or call the owner Eric vonSchantz directly at (978) 479-0496.

We are Essex County real estate specialists centered in Beverly. Our group has over thirty-five years of collective experience dealing in Massachusetts property. If you would like to schedule a buyer or seller consultation please feel free to call our office at (978) 524-8725 or leave us a message here.

The Northshorist Group offers so much more than just real estate expertise. We spend the time to learn about expectations and lifestyle. Combining that with a strong focus on the buyer or seller’s best interest creates an incomparable experience. Most importantly we are longtime residents of, and love, the North Shore. Click to browse waterfront properties, luxury homes, foreclosures, short sales, multi-families, or make your own search.

Beverly downtown continues to improve with a new solution for parking.

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Construction on the new MBTA parking garage has just begun. Located next to the Depot Square condominiums, it will consist of 500 parking spaces on four levels with the main entrance on Rantoul Street a second on Court Street.

This will be an attractive high-tech garage with two elevators, eight charging stations for electric cars, a bike-storage area, solar panels on the roof, and security cameras monitoring the license plates of every vehicle that enters and exits.

Construction is scheduled to take 14 months, with the opening planned in December 2013.

We are Essex County real estate specialists centered in Beverly. Our group has over thirty-five years of collective experience dealing in Massachusetts property. If you would like to schedule a buyer or seller consultation please feel free to call our office at (978) 524-8725 or leave us a message here.

The Northshorist Group offers so much more than just real estate expertise. We spend the time to learn about expectations and lifestyle. Combining that with a strong focus on the buyer or seller’s best interest creates an incomparable experience. Most importantly we are longtime residents of, and love, the North Shore. Click to browse waterfront properties, luxury homes, foreclosures, short sales, multi-families, or make your own search.

Tastebuds

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151 Hale St, Beverly ♦ Take 62 until it turns into 127, Tastebuds will be a little ways down on your right

On Hale Street in Beverly there is a little eatery called Tastebuds that takes lunch and turns it into an experience you’ll want to share. The first time I went there was to meet a friend on her recommendation and by the time I left I felt liked I’d been going there for years.

I had actually already had lunch, my usual spinach salad, so I didn’t anticipate eating but that plan didn’t last long. After none too much convincing, I indulged. In the end, I finished half my friend’s sandwich (with her blessing of course).

The food is only a single piece of the puzzle. When you meet the owner Jan, and you almost assuredly will, you’ll know why you came and why you’re coming back. The atmosphere she cultivates is second to none. It wasn’t just my own impression, you could see it on the face of everyone that walked through the door. Their demeanor, their tone, their body language was so comfortable and at ease after a single conversation with Jan or one of the other staff members. If you’re in the area, no matter what, this is the place to indulge your taste buds.

Stop by Tastebuds anytime Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm for breakfast or lunch. If you’d like to have them cater your next event you can call (978) 922-0151.

We are Essex County real estate specialists centered in Beverly. Our group has over thirty-five years of collective experience in Massachusetts property. If you would like to schedule a buyer or seller consultation please feel free to call our office at (978) 524-8725 or leave us a message here.

The Northshorist Group offers so much more than just real estate expertise. We spend the time to learn about expectations and lifestyle. Combining that with a strong focus on the buyer or seller’s best interest creates an incomparable experience. Most importantly we are longtime residents of, and love, the North Shore. Click to browse waterfront properties, luxury homes, foreclosures, short sales, multi-families, or make your own search.

the blue OX

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  One of the Hottest North Shore Restaurants ♦ Serving Upscale American in Lynn

When planning an evening out, there are so many great restaurants on the North Shore.  One particular restaurant, that has not only received many prestigious awards but has everyone talking, is the blue OX in Lynn. Last weekend I decided to find out what all the excitement was about.

I began by making on line reservations Friday for Saturday evening. To my surprise the only open reservations were 5:30 and after 9:00. Not ideal times, but I decided to go for the 5:30. The “OX” experience began when I received a call from the restaurant confirming my reservation and asking if it was my first time eating there. We arrived, having easily found a parking spot, and were greeted warmly by the hostess.

Knowing how many reservations were on the books, my first concern was about being rushed.  As it turns out that concern was completely unwarranted. The waitress was friendly, knowledgeable, and well trained. She knew just what to say and how to serve the meal. We sampled a couple of wines before settling on a recommended chardonnay. For an appetizer I thoroughly enjoyed the spicy tuna tartare, which was served with cucumber, cilantro, scallion, chive cream, ox chili sauce and  homemade potato chips. My friend tried the fried mountain farm pickles, both unusual and excellent choices. Dinner for me was the pan roasted cod with pumpkin risotto, leeks, mascarpone, apple, arugula, and fennel salad.  My counterpart had the grilled marinated hanger steak, hand cut french fries, and grilled asparagus. Everything was outstanding; the food, the service, the atmosphere, everything.

Our experience continued after the meal when we were greeted by owner who asked if it was our first visit.  I even received an email Monday morning looking for feedback and inviting me to participate in their open table to earn dining reward points.

Not only did I enjoy the fantastic food and service but I was also impressed with their marketing and online presence.  If you have not already tried the Blue Ox you should do so soon, but make reservation several days in advance.

We are Essex County real estate specialists centered in Beverly. Our group has over thirty-five years of collective experience dealing in Massachusetts property. If you would like to schedule a buyer or seller consultation please feel free to call our office at (978) 524-8725 or leave us a message here.

The Northshorist Group offers so much more than just real estate expertise. We spend the time to learn about expectations and lifestyle. Combining that with a strong focus on the buyer or seller’s best interest creates an incomparable experience. Most importantly we are longtime residents of, and love, the North Shore. Click to browse waterfront properties, luxury homes, foreclosures, short sales, multi-families, or make your own search.

Salem Village Carpentry

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Mark Pattison ♦ Carpentry and handiwork around the North Shore

I first met Mark Pattison during the walk-through of a potential listing. We were there to see how some repairs were coming along and we left impressed. It should be first noted that the initial inspection of this property was rugged. If put onto the market at that time the home would have demanded a significant amount of work from any potential buyer. Thus the seller, with the assistance of Mark, went about making the necessary repairs.

Upon each successive walk-through the price of the property climbed significantly. Mark’s 25 years in the business were evident in all aspects of the craftsmanship. The work ranged from floor patches to fencing, moldings to sheet rock, several rooms even had a complete overhaul. In the kitchen a custom built breakfast bar redefined space, maximizing utility and function.

Mark and the homeowner took special care to make the new addition blend with the 1870s base and the buyer’s noticed immediately. After five weeks of repair, the property ended up going under contract in one day for over 50,000 dollars more than our original estimate.

Whether you are selling or your home just need some revitalization, Mark specializes in fixing properties. You can contact him by phone at (978) 473-2935. The picture used for this article is a gorgeous fence Mark built at 81 Essex St in Salem. Drive by and take a look for yourself.

We are Essex County real estate specialists centered in Beverly. Our group has over thirty-five years of collective experience in Massachusetts property. If you would like to schedule a buyer or seller consultation please feel free to call our office at (978) 524-8725 or leave us a message here.

The Northshorist Group offers so much more than just real estate expertise. We spend the time to learn about expectations and lifestyle. Combining that with a strong focus on the buyer or seller’s best interest creates an incomparable experience. Most importantly we are longtime residents of, and love, the North Shore. Click to browse waterfront properties, luxury homes, foreclosures, short sales, multi-families, or make your own search.

Friends of Beverly Animals

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Beverly, MA ♦ The Friends of Beverly Animals can be found throughout the community helping animals

Beverly does not have an animal shelter. That is not to say the city doesn’t have animals who need shelter. Since 2008, some local residents have been stepping up to lend a hand. The Friends of Beverly Animals (FOBA) is a non-profit organization serving homeless animals in any way they can.

During a recent conversation with Heidi Roberts, President and Founder of FOBA, and Bonnie Hannable, Editor of their newsletter and E-News Bulletin, the plight of local cats took the spotlight. Kittens and cats become homeless for many reasons. Some felines become lost and roam the neighborhood or are abandoned by previous owners. Others are born outdoors (like Olive and Pepper pictured above) and have not had human contact as newborn kittens. The future is grim for such cats and kittens. They either starve or are killed by cars or predators, but not before producing more kittens. Thirteen felines (mostly kittens) from 3 different locations were taken in by Cheryl Mezack, the FOBA Director of Fostering and Adoptions, this summer. She has been working to get them socialized and vetted before they can be placed. Some of these kittens have already gone into foster homes or been taken in by animal shelters. The idea is to change the future of these animals, from being unwanted neighborhood nuisances that are forced to scrounge for food and shelter into playful family pets with secure homes.

Placing is also an issue. FOBA really needs more foster homes to provide care. The Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem is nearly always full, which leaves few alternative options other than finding an adoptive home for these furry little companions. FOBA has, over the years, rescued hundreds of cats and with a shelter they could save even more. Heidi says that people would be more willing to adopt rescued animals if they could visit them at their hometown shelter. It would also open up working with dogs as FOBA currently has no place to house them.

As the organization moves towards their goal of a establishing a shelter, they could use some help. If you can foster an animal, especially a cat, contact the Friends of Beverly Animals. To assist those who foster FOBA does cover the cost of food and litter. If circumstance don’t allow you to assist through fostering or adoption, you can give monetarily through a donation or attend a fund raiser. FOBA’s major event of the year, the Fur Ball, is on Friday, September 28th 2012 at the ICC, 302 Rantoul Street in Beverly. Equally important, if you know others that would be willing to help please spread the word.

For more information, visit FOBA’s website or call (978) 927-4157. They also have a facebook page and run a TV program on Beverly Community Access.

Find other local businesses in our Business Directory

We are Essex County real estate specialists centered in Beverly. Our group has over thirty-five years of collective experience in Massachusetts property. If you would like to schedule a buyer or seller consultation please feel free to call our office at (978) 524-8725 or leave us a message here.

The Northshorist Group offers so much more than just real estate expertise. We spend the time to learn about expectations and lifestyle. Combining that with a strong focus on the buyer or seller’s best interest creates an incomparable experience. Most importantly we are longtime residents of, and love, the North Shore. Click to browse waterfront properties, luxury homes, foreclosures, short sales, multi-families, or make your own search.

Intrinsic Health

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184 Broadway, Saugus ♦ Find Intrinsic Health online at myintrinsichealth.com

Nutrition is dangerous territory to navigate. If you are looking for advice there is certainly no shortage but many miss the most important aspect of the subject: you, or more specifically your body. Wellness coach Kathryn Leibfried of Intrinsic Health teaches the intricacies of how to listen to your body.

Most of us never pay attention when our body sends us messages. We live a life where ‘tired’ is a condition and not a consequence. Kathryn educates her clients how to recognize their body’s response to food and best capitalize on that knowledge. Clients begin their journey exploring topics like general wellness and what makes up a healthy plate before progressing to more focused points like how sugar affects the body and why fats are critical to a balanced diet. Combining the learned information, specific goals, and body feedback her clients can maintain a simple, sustainable path to wellness.

Experiencing your body respond in the positive is an incredibly powerful motivator and when you can harness that momentum the journey doesn’t feel like a regiment, it simply becomes the way you live your life.

Intrinsic Health can be found both on the web and on facebook. If you’d like to contact Kathryn directly there is a contact form here. You can also follow her on twitter.

Find other local businesses in our Business Directory

We are Essex County real estate specialists centered in Beverly. Our group has over thirty-five years of collective experience in Massachusetts property. If you would like to schedule a buyer or seller consultation please feel free to call our office at (978) 524-8725 or leave us a message here.

The Northshorist Group offers so much more than just real estate expertise. We spend the time to learn about expectations and lifestyle. Combining that with a strong focus on the buyer or seller’s best interest creates an incomparable experience. Most importantly we are longtime residents of, and love, the North Shore. Click to browse waterfront properties, luxury homes, foreclosures, short sales, multi-families, or make your own search.

Plum Island

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The Walk ♦ Visiting Plum Island

After my first failed attempt to spend the day on Plum Island beach, I knew enough to head out early. In fact, I ended up getting there so early that I was the only one in the parking lot. Overcompensation aside, I was happy to have arrived.

Since I parked at the Refuge I could only travel north towards Newburyport. When I hit the sand it was too early for the beach to feel like hot lava but the sun was doing its best to get there. After about ten minutes I committed to walking all the way to the Point and back. That decision was questioned repeatedly during the hour and a half trip.

By the time I reached the Point the sun had hidden itself away behind a sheet of clouds. You’d think this would put a damper on the elegance of it all but the way sunbeams streamed down over the ocean actually made the scene more beautiful.

The trek was peaceful but tiring. About halfway through I was passed by someone running in the sand. My legs felt more tired watching her go than they did when I finally made it back to my car.

We are Essex County real estate specialists centered in Beverly. Our group has over thirty-five years of collective experience dealing in Massachusetts property. If you would like to schedule a buyer or seller consultation please feel free to call our office at (978) 524-8725 or leave us a message here.

The Northshorist Group offers so much more than just real estate expertise. We spend the time to learn about expectations and lifestyle. Combining that with a strong focus on the buyer or seller’s best interest creates an incomparable experience. Most importantly we are longtime residents of, and love, the North Shore. Click to browse waterfront properties, luxury homes, foreclosures, short sales, multi-families, or make your own search.

Peter Meo Photography

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100 Cummings Center Suite 104F, Beverly ♦ Enter the lot from 62 and then use the 100E entrance

When you’re looking to buy a home you will pan through hundreds of pictures. Some will be good and some will be bad. Some of the good ones are going to be by a Realtor named Peter Meo. Three years ago Peter Meo was able to marry his 36 year real estate career with his lifelong hobby of photography to become a real estate photographer.

Sellers and agents are realizing that today the first showing of a property is online. Buyers need to be immediately pulled in so that they don’t click away. Pictures now sell properties and in the internet age, with Peter’s real estate eye, properties are moving.

The shots aren’t just impressing buyers. One seller loved his photographs so much she recommended Peter to take promotional pictures for a local children’s store. He has also been contracted, from other clients that admired his work, to do the photography for two books.

Peter is a fantastic example of how even with a job you feel like you know front to back you can still find a new angle and explore.

For more information you can contact Peter by email at peter@petermeo.com. You can also browse his photography on his website www.petermeophotography.com.

Find other local businesses in our Business Directory

We are Essex County real estate specialists centered in Beverly. Our group has over thirty-five years of collective experience in Massachusetts property. If you would like to schedule a buyer or seller consultation please feel free to call our office at (978) 524-8725 or leave us a message here.

The Northshorist Group offers so much more than just real estate expertise. We spend the time to learn about expectations and lifestyle. Combining that with a strong focus on the buyer or seller’s best interest creates an incomparable experience. Most importantly we are longtime residents of, and love, the North Shore. Click to browse waterfront properties, luxury homes, foreclosures, short sales, multi-families, or make your own search.

Up Country Landscaping

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Byfield ♦ Landscaping a lawn near you

When I was young it fell unto me to mow my grandparent’s lawn. They would suit me up with an electric lawnmower, safety goggles, and a corresponding level of embarrassment. Off I’d go, trying not to run over the cord while cutting a foot wide swath of grass.

When it came time for my retirement I knew there was only one person I could hand the keys to. For years now, Steve Murphy has been doing a much better job landscaping the property than I ever did. It’s easy for my grandparents, especially as they grow older, and the lawn always looks like something to be proud of.

I can’t say I’m not slightly jealous of his riding lawnmower. Course he still wears the safety gear, though I can’t help but think he has more cause to then me with my electric mower.

To contact Steve for landscaping services call (978) 462-9263.

Find other local businesses in our Business Directory

We are Essex County real estate specialists centered in Beverly. Our group has over thirty-five years of collective experience in Massachusetts property. If you would like to schedule a buyer or seller consultation please feel free to call our office at (978) 524-8725 or leave us a message here.

The Northshorist Group offers so much more than just real estate expertise. We spend the time to learn about expectations and lifestyle. Combining that with a strong focus on the buyer or seller’s best interest creates an incomparable experience. Most importantly we are longtime residents of, and love, the North Shore. Click to browse waterfront properties, luxury homes, foreclosures, short sales, multi-families, or make your own search.