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 For most people, retirement feels like a long way off. But, if you don’t start preparing as early as possible, you may find yourself in a place of financial insecurity when the time does come. To avoid this, consider implementing the following tips.
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The Natural Naturalist
“He held up a finger so I wouldn’t break his concentration. I could tell by his accent that he was from England, and his focus was, let’s say a bit more intense. He had heard that a rare European Tufted Duck was spotted in Attleboro and had made a new residence at Manchester Reservoir, and this guy was intent on seeing it .” Steve recalled as we discussed some of the rare wildlife he has seen. “Before you knew it, bird watchers from all over the region were here to catch a glimpse.” Who would have thought that a rare water bird could attract so much attention? But Steve Brasier has seen, and most likely photographed it and so much more wildlife in his decades managing Attleboro’s vast network of water reservoirs and their surrounding forest areas. Unrealized by many residents, Attleboro’s water system is perhaps its most valuable resource. With Hoppin Hill and Orr’s pond first built in the early 1900’s, and Manchester reservoir the latest and largest completed in 1962, the water system of 7 reservoirs span nearly 1,100 land acres and 580 water acres across the city. Thanks to the vision of the city’s leaders over 120 years ago, the lakes and ponds, containing nearly two billion gallons of fresh water, are dedicated for water supply only. There are no housing developments, public boating, or swimming, and are all connected through a series of massive pipes, streams, and pumps that can move water from one to another with the flip of a few switches. Understanding the operations and maintenance of this is no small task. With the climate continuing to heat up and drought conditions growing more common and intense almost every year, this water system is an enormously valuable resource for Attleboro residents, as many nearby towns are lucky to have just a single reservoir. Steve carries the official title of Watershed Tender for Attleboro’s system, assuming the role in 2002. He joined the water department as a general landscaper in December 1987, and has since become the defacto historian, photographer and meticulous keeper of weather records for the city. He says the Watershed Management department’s primary role is to maintain the properties, to move water between the sites as necessary, and to walk the properties every Friday afternoon. And this is where he was able to combine his lifelong passion of photography, his love of nature (especially birds), and his career into the perfect match. “I had always thought of becoming a park ranger, but this job has been the next best thing.” “Possibly Millions” of Photos It is a rare day that you’d find Steve without his professional digital camera, and it’s not his smartphone. He takes his photography seriously which means a serious camera. When asked if he could estimate how many photos he’s taken over the years, he stared across the reservoir, shook his head, and as he pondered a bit, finally replied “Possibly millions. There have been so many. My house is full of photo albums” He has taken so many photos that he has categorized his digital albums on his dedicated facebook page for each mammal, reptile, and avian species he records. Over the years he has seen nearly 20 different species of waterfowl alone, including the famous European Tufted Duck, geese, swans, mallards, loons, and many more. But it’s not just water fowl. Birds of prey also abound including Bald and Osprey eagles, many different species of hawks and magnificent owls. Not to be left out, he has captured amazing photos of turtles, snakes, salamanders, deer, coyotes, otters, beavers, racoons, and much more. His photos have made the cover of a nature magazine, regularly featured in the local paper, and have delighted his facebook followers for years. When asked to recount some of his most memorable experiences interacting with local nature, he stopped to think for a moment in what was obviously a difficult attempt to narrow his memory down. “There have been so many cool things I’ve been able to witness and capture. I think some of the animals have seen me so much over the years that they almost pose for me now.” he says, only partially joking. “I’ve photographed a coywolf hunting down a large buck in real time, almost like you’d see on the Discovery Channel. I remember on the first day in 2008 that I used my first digital camera, a Hawk perched on a tree limb flew out of my lens view right before I started to snap pictures, then flew right up in front of me, almost to give me a few of his most proud poses. He did the same thing the following day. It was amazing. “ He explained that he has always had a passion for photography, even in days of 35mm processed film, as well as an avid bird watcher. He loves to photograph and see birds in action, but he is an equal opportunity naturalist and photographer when he comes across animals in the wild. His camera is not just for nature. Brasier has created a photographic record for nearly all construction and watershed management projects for decades, giving the city invaluable reference points for when repairs or expansion have had to be made years later. Each reservoir has two physical albums full of photos he has taken. “I really have a passion for my job and the care we give to our infrastructure. It’s very fulfilling to see what we have built, and improved, over the years.” “How Much Rain Last Night?” If you asked him, Steve Brasier would be able to answer this question very precisely. In fact, he could tell you the rain totals, snowfall, temperatures, wind speed and direction, and just about any weather record for any day in Attleboro over the past 30 years. As part of his love of the outdoors, and his job with the water department, the weather is obviously intertwined. “Attleboro actually bought its first rain gauge in 1895, which was unique at the time, but someone needs to record what happens. So when I arrived I took the responsibility to record the daily rainfall, and it just grew from there.” Brasier explains. In fact, he became so good as an official weather observer and at recording the city’s weather history that he became somewhat of a celebrity in the State weather circles. In 2004 Brasier and two other weather observers were recognized by Channel 4 and the State of Massachusetts for their dedication to the weather community. “When I was invited to attend, I didn’t realize that it was to highlight just the three of us. There was a big event in Boston and all of a sudden my face was projected up on the big screen. Everyone in the weather community that attended from around the State seemed to know who I was. I’ll always remember that.” Every Day is an Adventure. “I enjoy coming to work every day and not knowing what I am going to see. Our initial goal when I started was just to get the reservoirs and dams to a point where we could just see them, they were so overgrown. Now, we have a beautiful system where people can fish, hike, and enjoy our nature. It has been a very rewarding job.” If you happen to know Steve, be sure to thank him for his service and dedication to our city. If you don’t know him, I encourage you to visit the Facebook page he created to share his photos by searching Nature/Steven Brasier. He even has put together an exclusive digital album of his ten all time favorite pictures just for this article. You can see his top ten by clicking here. When Steve’s retirement becomes official on January 24th, 2021, he plans to continue enjoying the things he loves doing today. He has a huge garden, loves to fish, kayak, and of course photography. Oh yeah, it goes without saying he has a personal weather station that will require daily monitoring. “I just plan to be able to continue to enjoy the things I have a passion for, and to spend time with my wife, daughter, and granddaughter. I couldn’t have asked for anything more as a career, and I am thankful for all the people I was able to work with over the years.” And we are thankful for you too Steve. Congrats on reaching your retirement and thank you for all your years of service to the City. It is truly a watershed moment for us all. 
10/29/2020 0 Comments A Herd That Heals.
Equi Evolution teaches a new way to treat mental health through the connection between humans and horses.
Tucked on the border of Attleboro and Rehoboth lies a small, unassuming horse farm like so many you may have driven by in the area. Quaint, and quiet by design, you’d never know of the pioneering results for those with PTSD, anxiety, depression and many other mental health needs that occur in the small pasture each day with the six beautiful horses living here. 
While Attleboro’s heritage is tied closely to our equine friends, (the city of Attleboro originated with a land purchase from Rehoboth in 1694 because the locals were tired of the 8 hour round trip horse and buggy ride to the nearest church,) their value to our lives has evolved. No longer seen as simple working farm animals or modes of transportation, horses occupy a space that is far more refined. That relationship forms the foundation of Equi Evolution’s story. Full disclosure, I am on the Board of The Evolution Foundation (a non-profit), but I met Sam Thorpe, the Founder and Director, through local youth baseball. It was only last year when I heard her inspiring story and the vision of her budding operation that I became more involved.
In the World of Mental Health Treatment, Equi Evolution is Unique Almost immediately upon walking onto the farm, you see the fenced-in pasture where the small herd spends most of its time. Not far away is a newly built barn, recently completed after a fire earlier this year burned the previous to the ground. In the distance, a small flock of guinea hens scurry noisily about, while a couple of friendly little farm dogs run up as if to say welcome. You feel both a sense of ease and curiosity that compels you to keep walking further. The horses themselves are beautiful, majestic, animals whose bodies, some brown, others white, and all laden with muscle, always seem larger than what you remember from the last time you were in their presence. Yet when they slowly approach with those deliberate, almost mesmerizingly long steps, you can see that they are curious about you as well, and that they are clearly thinking, perceptive creatures. They glance at Sam to get some sense of how she is responding to this new person, displaying an intellectual and studious awareness of their surroundings. As if taking a cue from some non-verbal communication Sam has clearly developed between them, one approaches from a short distance away to sniff my hand, perhaps to see if I had brought some treats, then allowing me to scratch his neck. Just like that, I feel the pressure of my day dissolve. In a time when mental health is at a crisis point, and treatment is often limited to prescriptions, Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL) offers a pioneering approach where the focus is to address root causes of many mental health issues. Equi Evolution’s specialty is to offer therapeutic, experiential learning programs that facilitate meaningful interactions with horses to improve mental health and wellness. It seeks to provide children, adolescents, adults, and families the tools to navigate life in a joyful way. Sam explains the subtleties of her programs that make it so unique. “We are not traditional mental health therapy, although what our clients experience is extremely therapeutic.” She says. “Unlike other farms that might offer physical or occupational therapy programs that involve riding, our clients do not come to the farm to ride horses; rather, our programs specifically and exclusively approach mental health growth by engaging directly with a majestic living creature. We facilitate this engagement in a safe, quiet, private environment, free of the external “noise” that can be the root cause of many mental health issues.” Most of her clients come to her having no experience with horses, but nearly all have endured the devastating effects of different types of mental trauma, many times caused by external forces beyond their control. “My staff and I act as guides for our clients. We all have extensive backgrounds working with horses and specific training for how to help others in mental health need through our programs.” Why Are Horses Different for Mental Health Treatment? One of the obvious answers to this question is the sheer size of the animal. But horses are naturally graceful, peaceful creatures, and this combination, when working with Sam’s team, allows her to foster self-empowerment for clients who lack self belief. A second element is the act of developing trust with an enormous animal that is perceptive and lives in the present moment. These animals naturally have a way of putting humans into the same state of mind. Finally, Sam continues, “Bonding with horses, when it does happen, is a truly unique experience.” A primary goal of EFL is to gain mindfulness. “Horses are naturally mindful, very perceptive, peaceful creatures that live in the moment all the time. The farm is quiet, which adds to the ability to let go and become aware of surroundings.” she explains. “Just being amongst a herd has a physically calming effect.” “Which Horse Are You?” Sam, who is certified in Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) through The HERD Institute, has over 20 years of experience coaching and helping build the confidence and self-esteem of youth in her community. She also volunteers at Greenlock Therapeutic Riding Center in Rehoboth, MA where she works with children facing developmental delays. Equi Evolution employs two additional facilitators each with decades of experiences with horses and backgrounds in psychology. Equi Evolution offers private twelve-week programs, with sessions once per week, one hour per session. Most of any session is spent in the pasture with the horses, but each client and session can be very different. Many times, Sam begins the first session by simply asking “Which horse are you?” to begin the process of building authenticity. Just watching the herd interact, run, and sometimes play, her clients will begin to recognize the unique characteristics of each horse and then identify with one (or more) of them. Sam also spends many sessions on simple breathing exercises or meditation to learn to calm the mind and to be present in the moment. As the sessions progress, others become more hands-on around the farm as they want to learn about horsemanship and dive in. “Horses have always been seen as something we ride, but there is so much more to them.” Sam explains. “Horses are herd animals, and develop a social structure similar to humans.” This trait makes it easier for her clients, many of whom may struggle with their own standing in society, to relate to what they see in the pasture in a completely non judgemental, non-threatening way. Second, the experience allows clients to develop trust with an enormous animal. Sam facilitates this trust through simple actions like grooming, haltering, and leading the animals through the pasture. This trust with such a large animal is a foundation to trusting yourself and building amazing confidence in her clients. Growing Need Drives Demand While Creating Unique Business Challenges The programs have produced results nothing short of amazing. Instead of just treating the symptoms, the program allows healing from the causes of the underlying mental wounds, and begins to build the foundation that leads to a joyful, productive life. It is so effective that many clients continue regular sessions longer than the initial 12-weeks and maintain lasting relationships with the herd. Since opening in 2019, she has already seen more than 200 clients from all over New England, averaging nearly 15 per week. Her work is also gaining national attention with speaking requests and even international interest from other farms as far aways as Australia, who have asked her to consult with their own operations for treating mental health. Sam describes her vision as evolving, much like the name of her company. “Our goal now is not necessarily to have everyone in the world served at our farm, but rather to have the experiences and knowledge gained on our farm exported to the world.” This growth, however, doesn’t come without challenges, and this is where you can help. Her sessions are not covered by insurance, and require a fee of up to $2,400 for the full 12 week program, all paid out of pocket. “It is not an inexpensive operation. Horses cost a lot of money to feed and care for. An unexpected vet bill can run into the thousands of dollars,for example.” She adds. And while she has nearly reached a break-even point in just a short period of time since starting operations, her real goal is to make the programs more affordable and sustainable. We Can All Choose to Make a Difference “The challenges that we face to fund operations while maintaining a price structure that is affordable also present the opportunities for others to become involved.” said Sam, who has established the Evolution Foundation. The Foundation allows anyone to make donations as small as $20 and higher to fund the feeding and care of the herd. “We find that many people want to contribute to solving the mental health crisis in our society but don’t have a clear path for how to do so. These contributions not only provide care for beautiful animals who deserve it, but also help to offset the costs of the programs for our clients in need.” You can learn more about The Evolution Foundation and donate at https://www.equievolution.org/donate. In addition to the Foundation, Sam also raises funds through group sessions and retreats, but she adds that the core focus of her business is treating individuals. Visit the Farm to Learn More For those that would like to meet Sam, her staff, and of course the horses while experiencing the farm first-hand, Equi Evolution has planned an open house event for Sunday, November 8th, 2020 at 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM EST. The farm is located at 36 Slater St., Rehoboth, MA., just over the Attleboro line. If you can find the time to visit, I’d highly encourage it. This is one of those stories that resonated with me as soon as I heard it, and I’m certain you will find it as inspirational as I have. If you cannot attend, please consider donating by visiting the links above. Covid has driven mental health related issues to an all time high, and Equi Evolution is at the forefront for bringing amazing results and value to our community. In the end, this is how great communities grow and thrive. Even in times of uncertainty for us all, we come together to support the people dedicated to helping those in greater need. Here are additional ways to learn more: Website: www.equievolution.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WellnessWithHorses/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/equi-evolution/ 
For those that missed part 1 of this series, you can click here to read about Skyroc's humble beginnings.
The Secret to Skyroc’s Growing Popularity Almost without hesitation, Nate shared the secrets to Skyroc’s early success. “Two things form the foundation and always have from the start: our commitment to quality, and our product variety. Most breweries we visited were too focused with a narrow product line. One location might only produce IPA’s, but if you wanted a lager, you wouldn’t go. Our vision was to produce a great atmosphere offering high quality brews across a spectrum of tastes, from pilsners to lagers and stouts, all with varying levels of alcohol content, some stronger than others.” But that begged another question - how have they learned to make so many varieties so well? “Experimentation and a commitment to keep learning.” said Tracey. “We would make small batches and test them with people we trusted and knew would give us straight feedback. We continue with that approach today” Their original vision was to build something that no one had ever built in Attleboro. It started with the idea of the microbrewery, but it has expanded as more people came to know the brand. Not long after opening the location at Riverbank Rd., restaurants started to call them to ask if they could carry Skyroc brands in their bars. Soon, package stores were calling too. Then they had to learn how to package, (canning) their own product to keep up with demand. Growth has been swift. The first year started with 4 brew tanks, then 3 more were added in year two, and 2 more the next year. Now, there are ten, 500 gallon tanks that are producing non stop. This growth didn’t come without a host of challenges, the first being that the city of Attleboro had an outdated ordinance that would not permit microbrews or distilleries. Today, with Covid, Nate said that finding good employees and things as simple as getting new cans for their product is a major challenge. “No one ever told us that would be our biggest problem, but right now it is and we will figure it out, just like we have from the beginning” added Nate. Nevertheless, they have adapted and overcome each obstacle with grit and perseverance - the same similar traits that probably existed for all those button entrepreneurs two centuries ago. From Garage Brew to Local Industry Pioneer. Skyroc Continues to Expand. Covid has presented challenges to every business in 2020, particularly for the restaurant and bar industry, but despite the circumstances, Skyroc has continued to grow. They now have outdoor seating and have adapted to the new state rules to allow for some indoor seating, while their canning and pick up business has, well, picked up. The exciting new addition to the Skyroc vision is nearing completion for later this year - Skyroc Distillery. Earlier this year Nate and Tracey made the decision to expand their tap room to include the space next to them to house their new distillery, which allows them to make Skyroc branded whiskeys, vodkas, and other alcohols to serve on site in mixed drinks. The still, which sits in view of their new space, looks like something straight out of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. But don’t be fooled, it is state of the art. Like the brewing process, Nate had to learn the art of distilling grains to alcohol from scratch, but his mindset from the beginning was, as he said it “to figure it out.” “The difference between the brewery and the distillery is the aging process - it takes more time to produce and age the product properly. You have to have patience.” explained Nate. “But this completes our vision, which was to have a place where you could get off the train from working in Boston or Providence, and meet someone after work. Or take a short drive downtown on a nice evening to be part of the community.” The addition allows Skyroc to offer something that has never existed in Attleboro or in the general area - to have a single location that is licensed to cohabitate a brewery and distillery in a single location. They first plan to offer an in-house Vodka-soda mix along with a second product called Skyshine, a corn based family moonshine recipe. Like the Brewery, they will listen to customers and grow from there. The building and eventual opening of the distillery marks a culmination of the entrepreneurial cycle the is the pillar of any vibrant business community. The people who have contributed, whether it’s electricians, craftsmen, plumbers, or the countless more people who have helped the Cinelli’s build this business, that community is sure to spawn new ideas, new growth, and perhaps entirely new shining industries for Attleboro’s future. As Nate answered with a wry smile to my question about what’s next after all this, “My daughter said she really wants a winery some day.” So if you find yourself looking to explore downtown Attleboro one of these nice fall weekends, take a stroll downtown in the new riverwalk and allow yourself to end up at Skyroc for a break. You will find Nate and Tracey there greeting customers and treating you like family. You can learn more about their products by visiting their website at https://www.skyrocbrewery.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Skyrocbrewery, or on Instagram @skryrocbrewery. Skyroc Brewery and Distillery is a thriving example of Attleboro’s past and future. 
This story represents the first of what we hope to be many newsletters bringing you stories about the diverse, unique people, businesses and places that make Attleboro such a great place to live and work.
City's History - A Backdrop to the Present Some 200 plus years ago around the time of the revolutionary war, (yes, that long ago), a nascent button industry started to sprout from the carriage houses and homes in Attleboro. The enterprising craftsman in the area realized there was a booming market for fancy shirt and coat buttons - which were essential to keep the popular long overcoats of the time closed up and looking sharp. Eventually, the quality of those buttons began to signify societal status, and an entire industry blossomed. Over time those craftsmen began to make even fancier buttons, bracelets, watch chains, and rings, which in turn led to adding gold and diamonds for nearly all types of jewelry. Soon, an entire industry emerged that placed Attleboro as the jewelry capital of the world, producing both jewelry and the manufacturing equipment that made it, and fueling the growth and wealth of this community for the next 150 years. But even as that industry largely left the area several decades ago, the same entrepreneurial spirit has not, and one needs to go no further than a short stroll down the heart of Attleboro’s old jewelry district to find it thriving at Skyroc Brewery and Distillery, the first of its kind in Attleboro history. From Humble Home Brews to Fast Growing Brand For those that have not yet visited Skyroc, located down the street from Attleboro Jewelers in a refurbished Balfour Jewelry factory, it is a confluence of the past, the present, and the future. Your immediate reaction to the one-level tap room at 11 Riverbank Rd. would most likely be that Skyroc is unique - a true microbrew of open space, brick walls, and wood framed glass doors that tease you with glimpses of large silver brew tanks towards the back. Behind the large wooden bar, multiple taps emerge from the wall ready to serve freshly brewed beer. Even during Covid, socially distanced customers sit at round tables, enjoying a brew with friends, family, or people that may just be there to share a story. There are no TV’s, meant to keep the experience as a place to meet, converse, and build community. Others arrive to pick up take out orders - the energy is palpable and always positive. Off to the left of the large serving bar, a second room opens up revealing what is best described as a Willy Wonka type copper topped whiskey still, with oak barrels for aged moonshine stacked in neat rows across another wall. This is the Skyroc distillery which is nearing completion and set to open later this year. (More on that later). In just a few years since Nate and Tracey Cinelli founded Skyroc in 2016, it has become one of the most popular destinations and brands in the area. Today, Skyroc produces more than 3,500 gallons of its own craft beers per week, distributing over 18 beer and spiked seltzer labels at their tap location, through more than 65 package stores, and an estimated 150 restaurants in the greater area. They were kind enough to take an hour out of their very busy day to share their story with us - and what a great story to pass along to you. “It really started about 10 years ago when Tracey gave me a home brew kit for Father’s Day. Our whole neighborhood was into home brewing, and we were always trying everyone’s new beer,” explained Nate Cinelli, who recently retired as a police officer to focus on all of the brewing and distilling at Skyroc, “and what began as a hobby in our garage and kitchen became a passion, which then evolved into a vision for success.” “Pretty quickly, our family vacations were being planned around touring a new microbrew somewhere in New England. “ added Tracey, “We asked a lot of questions and absorbed every ounce of information we could.” When Tracey’s corporate job was eliminated in a round of layoffs nearly six years ago, they knew that it was the time to go all in. Like many great entrepreneurs, they learned to ask the right business questions and to understand their specific market for their product vision. The pivotal moment to go full steam occurred after a particular visit to a brewery in Maine. “The product at this microbrew was not impressive, but they were already selling in four states.” Said Nate. “We knew we already had an outstanding product, and if that other brand was successful, then we could do this.” A Family Business with a Focus on Family Perhaps one of the most endearing elements to the Skyroc story crystalizes when Nate and Tracey talk about their work/life balance. Both made the decision from the outset that their values were family first. “We didn’t want a business so consuming that our kids resented it because we weren’t there for them.” Tracey explained. “When we started, we decided to be open to the public for 15 hours per week, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and that is the schedule we keep today. It allows us to stay involved with our kids’ lives, sports, and school.” This core value extends beyond their own family and into how they treat customers. “We want people to feel like they are family when they visit.” she added. But the limited hours for the bar doesn’t mean this isn’t a full time job. Just the opposite, as the brewing and now distilling process are running all the time even when the tap room isn’t open. If they aren’t brewing, the small group of loyal employees is canning, cleaning, and preparing for the next batch. With all that said, family first is the mantra at Skyroc. Even the name Skyroc reflects a combination of family names. “Each of the names chosen for our products is connected to a person or to some part of the history of Attleboro.” Nate explained. Some of the many examples include its popular 14K and 24K beers, Balfour’s Brown Ale, or Bomber Seltzer. Whatever the name, both view each product that is served on sight or that is shipped to be sold elsewhere as having their name on it, and the taste has to represent the highest quality. COMING UP NEXT...Part 2 - The secrets to Skyroc's success, and big plans for the future. 
Your grandchildren are growing in numbers and size, but with your children out of the nest, perhaps the thought has crossed your mind that your own home is too big and downsizing is on the horizon. But many in the boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964) face the double duty of having to make the tough decision about your own parents; how to care for them, and for many, how to sell their homes to ensure that appropriate care can be funded properly moving forward.
For many, the parents of the boomer generation have lived in their homes for 40, 50, sometimes 60 years, and it’s extremely difficult emotionally to let go of so many memories that become intertwined with these homes. But we are living much longer, and with that age comes the risk of living alone, or in the wrong type of home suitable for the realities of living into our late 80’s or 90’s. Selling is becoming the best option for these late years. If you are facing this life-planning decision for your parents, you must realize that there is a critical difference between downsizing from your own home and selling your parents’ home: you have the benefit of knowing the history of what you have done to your property, how it is managed in your estate, and how you acquired it. Selling Your Parents’ Home - Avoid These Pitfalls For your parents who have lived in homes for decades, that history may hold some surprises as they may have made decisions when you were a child that you were completely unaware, and remain so to this day. Those decisions can now present great risk to selling that property when you least expect it and when you most need the funds. Now is the time to do the research to avoid some of the real pitfalls I’ve encountered that have either completely blocked the sale of a home, or that nearly did without causing some high-anxiety, last minute scrambling.
Many of us will face the transition point when we become the caregivers for our parents. All of the real-world examples above are good reminders that a little planning can go a long way to manage the process and to provide the best care and enjoyment of life that your parents deserve. If you have any questions about the topics above, or if you'd like for me to do a free home value assessment and market evaluation of your home, just message me on Facebook by clicking the button below. About Kelly Crowley Kelly Crowley is a Licensed Real Estate agent for Keller Williams Realty. Kelly has lifelong ties to the area and a keen understanding of the marketplace through her personal history and extensive knowledge of the varied communities she serves. Kelly invests her passion for the area by serving her clients with the utmost integrity, honesty and expert guidance in their real estate endeavors. When you’re seeking an agent who will put your goals first, call on Kelly Crowley. [email protected] c. 734.274.0707 1/1/2020 2 Comments Selling Your Home or Land: Legal Ways to Minimize (or Eliminate) Capital Gains Taxes
In my last post I referenced the role that capital gains can impact how many baby boomers plan for the future. Obviously, maximizing the net profit is the ultimate goal whether it’s for your inherited land sale, selling your home when you downsize, or executing estate sales. I’ve been asked about capital gains repeatedly over the past 12 months, so I consulted Steve Withers, a Partner and Estate Planning expert at Coogan, Smith, LLP in Attleboro, MA, to consult in providing a short summary of the strategic tax options available for any seller to consider. The good news is that there appear to be a couple of options that could significantly reduce or even eliminate any tax obligations if planning is done correctly.
One of the more well-known IRS exemptions is the one-time, $250,000 ($500,000 for joint filers) exemption all taxpayers receive for the sale of a home. This exemption allows up to these amounts in capital gains to be tax exempt. But taxpayers can use it only once. So what other strategies exist that can also help to minimize or eliminate capital gains? Your Current Income (Tax Bracket) Matters One of the easiest strategies to consider in the planning phase is the timing of a sale with respect you your (or perhaps your parents) current income. The IRS exempts those individuals from any capital gains tax at the Federal level, which would save sellers between 15% and 23% of the net sale price if long-term assets are sold (ie home, land, personal property held for more than 1 year). In Massachusetts. It is more difficult to avoid state long-term capital gains taxes (5.1%), but as always consulting with a tax professional to confirm your specific situation is always a good idea. Property Basis Step Ups for Trusts and Inherited Property There is a second, slightly more complicated option that might allow you to avoid Long Term Capital Gains tax at both the Federal and State level. This provision in the tax code allows inherited property to "Step Up" the basis (the value of the land) to the current market value upon the date of inheritance when it occurs. This means that instead of showing that your home, land, etc was acquired for $10,000 40 years ago (as an example), when it passes to a trust or through inheritance, the new value would be listed at current appraised market value. Let's say $500,000 for easy math. This way, if you sold the land for $500,000, and it is valued at $500,000, your net gain is 0. There would be no tax required. It should be noted that Stocks and Bonds transferred in inheritance are treated by the IRS the same way as real-estate, but that holdings in retirement accounts (IRA, 401k), are not. There are some additional steps to the second option above that require more detailed questions to be asked and a review of the history of the prior property transfers, such as the creation of living trusts, credit trusts, or whether property is held jointly, but both options above can be viable and should be explored sooner rather than later. For real estate deals in Massachusetts, where the average real-estate sale can easily fall between $500,000 and $1,000,000, the potential tax savings could be in the five or six digit range. With the uncertainty of long-term rates, and reports that the housing market is showing some weakness, there is no better time than now to create the plan that maximizes both the sale price and profits of what is most likely your largest personal asset. About Kelly Crowley (www.kellycrowleyrealtor.com) Kelly Crowley is a Licensed Real Estate agent for Keller Williams Realty. Kelly has lifelong ties to the area and a keen understanding of the marketplace through her personal history and extensive knowledge of the varied communities she serves. Kelly invests her passion for the area by serving her clients with the utmost integrity, honesty and expert guidance in their real estate endeavors. When you’re seeking an agent who will put your goals first, call on Kelly Crowley. [email protected] c. 734.274.0707 About Steve Withers STEPHEN K. WITHERS, JR., is a partner with the firm, whose practice covers a wide-range of legal fields, and focuses primarily in Estate Planning and Administration, Probate Law, Real Estate, and Small Business and Non-Profit Organizations. Steve is actively involved in serving the Greater Attleboro Area as a member and present chairman of the Attleboro School Committee, Rotary Club of Attleboro, Massachusetts (President, 2011-2012), a Director of the United Way of Greater Attleboro/Taunton, and as a member of the Sturdy Memorial Foundation, Inc. He is a member of the Attleboro Area, Bristol County, and Massachusetts Bar Associations. 6/17/2018 1 Comment The Commuter Rail and Your Net Worth. How Much Value Does a Commuter Train Stop Add?
In the Northeast, access to the commuter rail into major metropolitan areas is a way of life. Decisions about where to live can be made on access to getting into Boston, New York, Philly, and the DC metro areas.
In Massachusetts, the MBTA is almost an institution for commuters, and is as common as any highway. Hundreds of thousands of people depend on it to avoid the expense, time, and fatigue of driving into Boston each day. Simply drive to the nearest train station, park for the day, and let the train do the driving. You can work, sleep, or socialize for 30-45 minutes on your way to work. As most commuters will also tell you, it’s a lot less expensive to use the rail than to drive. So much so that there have been many articles written that suggest home values in cities that have stops on the commuter rail command higher values than towns without a stop due to the demand for the rail. One study from 2013, completed by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reveals that during the last recession, residential property values performed 42 (41.6) percent better on average if they were located near public transportation with high-frequency service. Many others seem to mirror this same conclusion. But is this conclusion a reality or just anecdotal confirmation of our gut instincts? What are the real economics of the rail vs. car travel, and does having a commuter rail stop in your town increase the value of your home? Let’s first do the math, and then discuss a study that examined this very question when the MBTA re-opened a station in Scituate MA in 2007 after a 40 year absence. The Math: Train Vs. Driving To compare real cost savings and to account for all factors (gas, depreciation, insurance, parking, commuter rail fees etc), I found a useful online calculator designed for this purpose. See link at end of article. Using a base assumption of $100 per month to park in Boston (very light, I know, but let’s assume you know a friend of a friend who found you a spot), and assuming you pay roughly $25 per day for round trip and parking on the rail (let’s use Attleboro as the assumption), which would be a 45 mile commute each way. $2.50 per gallon average, and with a few other assumptions in the calculator it shows that a typical commuter can save upwards of $150 to $300 per month depending on costs to park. Perhaps more. That’s between $1,600 and $3,200 per year - definitely not chump change. But are the economic savings, the reduced stress (unless you are always late for the train), and the other intangibles adding enough value to create higher demand for homes in towns that have a commuter rail? Scituate, MA Study: Commuter Rail and Home Values In my research I found a number of interesting studies, but one in particular released by Colby College in 2017 caught my attention. It examined the home values in Scituate, MA both before and after the MBTA Greenbush line was restarted in 2007 after a 40 year absence, and compared those values to homes in nearby Norwell and Hanover, which did not have a train stop added to the line. The results are surprising. Based on over 150 homes examined in Scituate that existed before and after the train stop was added, it found that those values showed no statistically significant increase to home values in Norwell or Hanover. This mirrors other studies that suggest that noise, traffic, and other factors seem to cancel out the economic benefits of a conveniently located station. Obviously, I’m condensing the information to make this a readable post. But the general conclusion could be this: Choose a home because you love the home, it works for your family, you like the neighborhood or school system, and because you can afford it. If it is in a town with a commuter rail station, then that is a bonus, but probably not the driving factor for a decision. (Pun intended). CLICK HERE AND SCROLL DOWN THE PAGE FOR A LINK TO COMMUTER RAIL CALCULATOR About Kelly Crowley Kelly Crowley is a Licensed Real Estate agent for Keller Williams Realty. Kelly has lifelong ties to the area and a keen understanding of the marketplace through her personal history and extensive knowledge of the varied communities she serves Kelly invests her passion for the area by serving her clients with the utmost integrity, honesty and expert guidance in their real estate endeavors. When you’re seeking an agent who will put your goals first, call on Kelly Crowley. [email protected] c. 734.274.0707
The vote is in, and a new high school is coming to Attleboro. If you are a homeowner, whether you voted for or against the debt exclusion this past spring (or perhaps didn’t vote at all), the only question that remains is this: Will the new high school really increase property values?
We’ve all heard the anecdotal arguments that good schools increase property values. There is ample evidence to support this conclusion. In a 2013 Realtor.com survey, one out of five of those surveyed said they would pay between six and ten percent more for a home – and one out of ten people surveyed stated that they’d go even higher, paying up to 20 percent more for a home with access to the right schools. (See Hopkington, Southboro, and Westboro). But does a new high school building have the same effect as a well funded school system? The good news is that Attleboro is in position to have both. The most recent U.S. News and World Report rankings for Massachusetts had Attleboro ranked 79th in the state, a strong ranking that compares well with other towns in the area. And study after study show that a good school system is almost always one of the top five reasons people choose where to live. Higher Taxes or Higher Property Values? Or Both? The new high school also means higher taxes, so will those new taxes we all have to pay actually result in a school building that increases home values more than the taxes paid? The data is somewhat muddled, but I did find two studies that analyzed and statistically validated that in fact the new buildings on their own have two measurable effects: 1) an increase in student test scores and 2) an increase in home values for the communities it serves. In one 2011 study conducted at Yale, which measured the effects of major new construction in a historically poor area of Maryland, the study found that while the new construction initially lowered test scores due to the disruption during construction, after six years, the test scores and home values increased and were sustained increases in the entire area. In a second study conducted at Michigan State that analyzed Ohio’s capital subsidy program which distributed over ten billion dollars for school construction and renovations to 231 school districts between 1997 and 2011, a similar conclusion was made. The housing price result suggests that a $10,000 increase in prior year capital expenditures is associated with a 1.2% increase in housing prices relative to the average housing price in our sample, which is similar in size to the 10% increase found in Neilson and Zimmerman (2014) as a result of $70,000 per pupil increase in capital expenditures. In Attleboro terms, when coupled with the State funds, Attleboro now has a $260,000,000 capital commitment spread over approximately 7,000 students in the entire school system, equating to $37,000 per student. Translation: It’s not unreasonable to think our home values will be worth 3-5% more than they would have been simply due to the new high school. For a home worth $300,000, that would be $9,000-$15,000 in increased value with the expected increase in tax expenditure in 10 years approximately only $3,000. Obviously, time will tell and many other factors can have an impact, but if these peer-reviewed studies apply, it looks like we made a good investment. About Kelly Crowley Kelly Crowley is a Licensed Real Estate agent for Keller Williams Realty. Kelly has lifelong ties to the area and a keen understanding of the marketplace through her personal history and extensive knowledge of the varied communities she serves. Kelly invests her passion for the area by serving her clients with the utmost integrity, honesty and expert guidance in their real estate endeavors. When you’re seeking an agent who will put your goals first, call on Kelly Crowley. [email protected] c. 734.274.0707
If you own land and have been thinking about selling, you might think it's a pretty clear-cut proposition.
With land development, it is rarely that easy, and there are many details you will need to be aware of as you navigate selling your property. I’ve included a few examples of some obstacles I’ve encountered, and ways that you can prepare for them before you decide to sell.
These are just a few of the many examples of challenges that can pop up when you finally decide to sell your land. It is important to know your land, understand the town regulations and learn the value of your land. An acre in one area can be vastly different than an acre in another, even if they are in the same town. Before you list your land, give me a call and I’d be happy to give you an initial assessment of your land and work with you to get the right information as it pertains to town rules and regulations. About Kelly Crowley Kelly Crowley is a Licensed Real Estate agent for Keller Williams Realty. Kelly has lifelong ties to the area and a keen understanding of the marketplace through her personal history and extensive knowledge of the varied communities she serves. Kelly invests her passion for the area by serving her clients with the utmost integrity, honesty and expert guidance in their real estate endeavors. When you’re seeking an agent who will put your goals first, call on Kelly Crowley. [email protected] c. 734.274.0707 |
AuthorAbout Kelly Crowley : Kelly Crowley is a Licensed Real Estate agent for Keller Williams Realty. Kelly has lifelong ties to the area and a keen understanding of the marketplace through her personal history and extensive knowledge of the varied communities she serves. Archives
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