Newsweek sent out a survey to more than 5,000 high schools in the U.S., with about 2,500 schools responding in 2013. You can see the details about Hopkinton, Medfield and Dover-Sherborn High Schools rankings.

Dover-Sherborn High School #140
Medfield High School #252
Hopkinton High School #257

The survey scores were then weighted and calculated using several criteria including on-time graduation and college acceptance rates. Instead of averaging the number of courses offered, this year Newsweek considered the percentage of students enrolled in AP, IB or Advance International Certificate courses. The final scores then determined Newsweek’s final rankings.

Details above provided by Holliston-Hopkinton.Patch.com and TheDailyBeast.com

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To put a “human face” on the issue of housing discrimination, three videos (with captions and without) were developed. Each tells an up-close and personal story of how individuals were affected by housing discrimination (based on disability, race, or familial status) and how they took action to stop it. Each video is based on a real life experience and seeks not only to educate others about the issue, but to inspire them to take action. The videos were developed by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) in partnership with HUD. ~ HUD.gov

Click here to access the official Fair Housing Laws PDF of details and specifications 

Contact us to learn more about these laws and how they may affect you.

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7 Edge Hill Rd, Hopkinton, MA 01748 (MLS # 71527556)

If acres of picturesque greens, challenging fairways and links lavished with adventure are your calling, this is your home. A Royal Barry Wills Cape prominently situated on the 9th hole of the HCC. Golfer or not, the grounds are stunning. Linger by the in ground gunite pool. Catch a flowing breeze in the screened in porch. Teen/Guest suite over garage.Much attention paid to detail throughout the home.

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Our vision is about artfully uniting extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives. This video explores the evolution of the extraordinary qualities that set our brand apart, along with some interesting global statistics, which combined reinforce the marketing strategies that we employ to help us maintain our leadership role in the luxury real estate marketplace.

For more information, please contact us at your convenience.

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The post The Evolution of the Extraordinary appeared first on Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty.

Posted by Chris Chapin on Wednesday, 7.5.2012

This information will help you discover how you can manipulate your credit score and keep your scores as high as possible.

The following is a simple outline of credit scoring and the different factors used to by the three credit bureaus, Trans Union, Equifax, and Experian, to calculate your credit score:

1. Payment History- 35% …The largest factor!
2. Amounts Owed- 30% …The most important element here is credit card debt.
3. Length of Credit History- 15%
4. New Credit- 10%
5. Types of Credit Used- 10%

Notice that the first two factors equal about 2/3’s of your score!

So, simply making timely payments and keeping your revolving debt low will have the biggest impact on your score.

Length of History- This is based upon the months the account has been open and obviously helps increase your score with each monthly payment. Just make sure it’s not over 30 days late!

Types of Credit Used- This simply means a person should have a good “mix” of credit. In other words a Credit card or two, auto loan and a home loan being the most important. Owning a house vs. renting shows stability in the eyes of the scoring model and thus is the highest rated type of “trade-line”.

In the meantime focus on making payments on time each month & keeping credit card debt below 30% -if possible. Do not pay off credit card balances in full though-you want to show some activity on the account(s). Credit scoring models love to see a 10-20% balance on credit cards. Also it is important to not close the credit cards because it reduces the availability of credit, thus taking the chance of reducing the credit scores.

Origin of Data:

Michael Dunsky
Vice President of Mortgage Lending
NMLS ID: 21372

P: (508) 528-1800
F: (508) 749-7695
Michael.Dunsky@guaranteedrate.com
GuaranteedRate.com/MichaelDunsky

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The post Newsletter Spring 2012 appeared first on Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty.

Posted by Chris Chapin on Thursday, 3.15.2012

Maximize Your Marketing Reach with Facebook

Many agents today are touting themselves as trailblazers in their field because they are utilizing all of the bells and whistles that are hot at the moment. Whether it be through the utilization of video, photography, floorplans, property websites or the like, the question always comes up when all of this is complete. What do I do now? Exposure is a key component to marketing any home and often an overlooked one. If no one can see all of the great marketing tools you have provided, does it really matter if you do it? This is where social media can be a huge benefit. Once you have created all of the fantastic marketing for your property be sure to drive it home and be sure it is exposed to the maximum audience. Often times your brokerage will syndicate out to the mainstream listing locations (MLS, Trulia, Zillow, etc), but what about reaching your sphere of contacts and potential clients through your network? Facebook is perfect for just that. The only cost to you is time …which is pretty brief. A common analogy which is often used when comparing real estate to “something” is fishing. If you cast your net wide enough you are more apt to catch that big fish in the most effective manner possible. With that being said, here is precise example of how Facebook can aid in your fishing expedition.

One of our top agent’s, Nikki Devaux, clearly has a firm understanding of the power of social media in real estate and provides us with an example of what she does to be sure that she is going that extra mile for her clients. On February 25th, 2012, Nikki posted a “Status Update” on her Facebook page for a new property ( 40CudworthLane.com ).  The day she posted this update her viewership of the property was increased over 400%. This is a direct correlation of the power of Facebook in real estate!

Be sure that your time and efforts are maximized. Both your clients and you are benefiting greatly when you utilize the optimal channels provided in todays technologically advanced environment. The only investment that was needed in this scenario was a 2 minute post to Facebook. You are doing a disservice to yourself and your clients if you are not taking advantage of this powerful broadcasting tool.

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The post Facebook and Real Estate appeared first on Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty.

Posted by Chris Chapin on Wednesday, 3.7.2012

Existing Home Sales rose 4.3% in January to of 4.57 million, highest level since May 2010. Inventory of unsold homes contracted 0.4% to 2.31 million at the end of January, the lowest level since March 2005.

This data represented a 6.1-month supply at the current sales pace, a level economists consider healthy. The median sales price was $154,700, down 2% from $157,900 a year earlier. For all of 2011, about 4.26 million homes were sold, up 1.7% from 4.19 million in 2010. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said “The uptrend in home sales is in line with all of the underlying fundamentals – pent-up household formation, record-low mortgage interest rates, bargain home prices, sustained job creation and rising rents.” “The broad inventory condition can be described as moving into a rough balance, not favoring buyers or sellers,” “Foreclosure sales are moving swiftly with ready home buyers and investors competing in nearly all markets. A government proposal to turn bank-owned properties into rentals on a large scale does not appear to be needed at this time.”

Origin of Data:
Tom Coburn
Loan Officer
NMLS #703910
Residential Mortgage Services, Inc.
c: 508-380-7975
w: 508-417-7704
e:: tom.coburn@rmsmortgage.com

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The post Market Update Winter 2012 appeared first on Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty.

10 Wescott Dr, Hopkinton, MA 01748 (MLS # 71413049)

Rare opportunity to own this extraordinary country manor nestled on the shores of Lake Whitehall in prestigious Cranberry Cove. This home features three gorgeous levels of living designed to create a lifestyle of comfort & elegance ideal for entertaining. Old world European style*extensive use of iron, stone & masonry*custom moldings*furniture-like cabinetry & finishes*sophisticated systems throughout. All this combined w/ the exquisite estate-like grounds make this property a true gem.

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56 Blackstone Street, Mendon, MA 01756 (MLS # 71406272)

Tucked away on 45 acres, resort like bliss awaits in this exquisitely crafted home designed and built by the current owners. Compelling features such as an antique mahogany bar, flown in from England, a custom Italian marble mantle, direct from Beijing, and custom millwork throughout are just a few of the signatures of this stunning residence. Vast outdoor living spaces showcase a salt water pebbletech pool, built in BBQ, covered porches, patios, a 13 acre cranberry bog and acres of privacy.

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WATERFRONT SUNSETS.. 2 WATERFRONT HOMES ..200 FT FRONTAGE..EITHER RENT ONE OUT OR EXPAND INTO MINI ESTATE.. GORGEOUS LOT ..LEVEL.. FRUIT BUSHES..CLEAN WATERFRONT SANDY BEACH AREA..MYLAR OF EXPANSION IN HAND.. EXCELLENT LOCATION TO ARTS, AIRPORT, HIGHWAYS, UNIVERSITIES, HOSPITALS....

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(view all details for MLS #71483055)

The post 128-134 South Quinsigamond Avenue Shrewsbury MA appeared first on Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 71441004 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

The post 12 Stonegate Road Hopkinton MA appeared first on Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty.

Stunning brick front Toll Brothers Colonial at end of cul-de-sac in Hopkinton Highlands. Grand foyer w/19ft ceilings & palladium window leads to stunning 2story family room w/gas fireplace.Dining rm & formal living rm w/ 9ft tray ceilings,crown moldings & chair rails.Expansive kitchen w/island & gas cooktop appointed w/ granite counters & stainless steel appliances.Bridal staircase leads to master suite & 3 guest rooms w/full baths in each.Walk out bsmt ready to finish.EZ access to T, 495 & Pike

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(view all details for MLS #71476598)

The post 7 Summit Way, Hopkinton, MA appeared first on Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty.

Nestled privately into a 1+ ac lot, this beautiful Colonial in Highland Park is completely updated & well appointed w/ gorgeous new gourmet kitchen featuring Wolf & Sub Zero appliances,granite & custom cabinetry. Recently expanded master suite w/ tray ceiling, cove lighting, hardwood, bench seat & luxurious master bath w/steam shower. New carpet,paint & new exterior lighting. Finished walkout lower level w/ new carpet & NEW BOILER. Quick access to commuter rail, Ma Pike & 495.Must see property.

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(view all details for MLS #71496618)

The post 15 Wedgewood Drive, Hopkinton, MA appeared first on Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty.

Rare opportunity to own this one of a kind & impeccably maintained home on coveted Jackson Street in Springwood Estates! Main floor features soaring ceilings*open floor plan*moldings & details galore*hardwoods*open floor plan * wood-burning fireplace*spacious eat-in kitchen*ss appliances.Upstairs bonus/game room*laundry*4 spacious bedrooms*walk up attic* W/O basement ready to finish.Outdoor living on the covered deck w/wisteria vines & fire pit area.EZ access to com rail, MA Pike & 495.

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(view all details for MLS #71514550)

The post 3 Jackson Street, Hopkinton, MA appeared first on Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty.

$1M+ spent to custom design home. Exquisite details meet you at every turn in this custom col home in one of Milford's most exclusive cul-de-sac nhbds. See upgrade sheet. Built with the finest materials, incl custom cabinets, tray ceilings &more; heated - plus self-cleaning Gunite pool w/cabana; smart home controls; stonework &more on private 2+ acres. Beaut fin walkout basement w/great in-law pot'l. Pls don't drive down driveway.

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(view all details for MLS #71463497)

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We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 71457980 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

The post 9 Killam Farm Lane Southborough MA appeared first on Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty.

Idyllic, exceptional, estate-like setting surrounds this custom, immaculate, expanded, sun-drenched colonial in Taft Mill Estates neighborhood. The perfect home for your lifestyle for all seasons. Thoughtful detail was crafted into this home from the private first floor office, walk-in storage room, upgraded chef's kitchen, open floorplan, vaulted family room, built-in speakers/sound system, inground sparkling pool with patio, gazebo, storage shed, show-stopping master suite with spa retreat.

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(view all details for MLS #71482011)

The post 168 South Street Upton MA appeared first on Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty.

This thoughtfully designed & impeccably maintained Colonial is nestled into a large lot in desirable Wildwood Glen Estates. The floor plan is designed for maximum use of space & features high ceilings, beautiful built in cabinetry,2 sided propane fireplace & spacious bedrooms. The gorgeous kitchen is equally efficient w/ granite counter tops & GE profile appliances. Fresh interior paint throughout. Sunset views from rear deck & beautiful patio off walk out lower level. Easy access to 495 & Pike.

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(view all details for MLS #71504490)

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