Buying a home

We know our market area. We value your time, and we know that buying property is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. It is a process.

When you first get in touch with us, we will ask you about your needs and desires for your ideal property. For example, how many bedrooms and baths do you need and how many acres? What is your preferred style of house, the ideal setting (in the country or in the village), and the price range? Which are your area interests (Tanglewood, skiing, golf and more)? Based on our conversations, we will assemble a package of information and photographs on a number of properties. We will either email, fax, or mail the package to you. You will let us know when you would like to make an appointment.

You are probably not going to buy a property on your first day out. This day will be a learning experience for both you and us. We will get to know what your likes and dislikes are, and you will get to know the various Berkshire towns and neighborhoods.

It is best to view four or five properties maximum per day and take notes on each one. Bring a camera and take photos of any property you like. We have a child-friendly office, so don't hesitate to bring them along too!

We have properties in all shapes and sizes from large country estates to in-town homes and everything in between. We specialize in residential property, land, and investments. Our experienced staff can also assist you in evaluating the business potential of the local Country Inns and Bed and Breakfasts currently on the market. If you are looking for investments, we can help you find multifamily dwellings, restaurants, and small businesses.

In one of our favorite books, Reveries at Stillmeadow, Gladys Taber writes:

"Country living is indefinable in terms of estimated value. There is no price tag for secret places, ice-smooth ponds and lanterns lit for winter outing... Who could estimate the value of the secret places the children had in the upper woods, just when they needed secret places under an giant oak tree that has stood for generations, a small cave set in a cliff, and there they could set out their acorn cups of tea, leave mysterious messages for one another and generally reign in a world uncluttered by adults. Every child needs a secret place..."
We at Barnbrook agree - and we believe, too, that every adult needs a secret place, a country retreat, a special haven.

Selling your home

We are fulltime professionals. All our training and experience is working for you, the home seller. We are your employee, and we are responsible for vigorously exposing your property to the largest possible market, which today- thanks to the Internet- is worldwide.

Our objective is exactly the same as yours: to obtain the best price in the shortest possible time with the least inconvenience to you.

We help you project the highest selling price range for your property based on its competitive market value. We will compare yours with similar properties that have recently sold in your market area.

We attract and qualify prospective buyers. In addition to this Web site, our marketing plans often include national and regional advertising, from the New York Times and Wall Street Journal to local print media. We also utilize custom sales brochures, open houses, signage, and Realtor.com, and we coordinate our efforts with all cooperating brokers in Berkshire, Columbia, and Litchfield counties. We also screen all prospects; your home is not opened to casual lookers.

We will show your home to its best advantage.

We will act as negotiator to obtain a complete meeting of the minds regarding the best price and terms of the sale. We advise you regarding all the state and local governmental regulations such as Title V for septic systems, lead paint laws, and smoke detector certificates.

We have access to a large variety of financing techniques, making your property available to the largest pool of prospective purchasers.

We are well versed in the details of the sales transaction: preparing the necessary documents for closing, handling the transfer of funds, helping to establish the closing date, and participating in the closing to consummate the successful transaction.

Client Stories

Much of our business is repeat business and referrals from enthusiastic customers and clients.

The Red Bird Inn: In 1985, I spent a weekend showing property to Arnie and Sandra Hittleman. They were looking for a large house in which they could establish a bed and breakfast inn. They had told me that they had seen one house they liked very much the weekend before with another broker and that they might make an offer on it. I advised them to make an offer on it and sent them back to the broker. They did make the offer, and they bought it.

The Hittlemans then opened the Red Bird Inn which became so successful that they decided to buy a larger inn. They did not call the broker who had sold the property to them- they called me. I sold the Inn for them to Joyce and Don Kaufman, and I then sold the Birchwood Inn in Lenox to the Hittlemans. The Kaufmans ran the Red Bird Inn until 1998 when I sold it for them to Barbara and Douglass Newman, who are happily running it today.

Two New Marlborough families: I sold a large contemporary home in New Marlborough to the Newnham family. The house was in the process of being built, and we worked with the builder who finished it to their specifications. After about ten years, they decided that they would like to be a little closer to town. So, we found them the perfect property in Great Barrington, selling their home in New Marlborough in one month. We now have the New Marlborough property on the market again because this family's lifestyle has changed, and we are looking for a new dream house for these clients.

We are delighted to work with clients who repeatedly value and trust our services.

You made the sale and the purchase so easy. All things in life should be so stress-free. Thanks for your help and friendship. Holly and Harry Desmond

I can't imagine a more positive real estate buying experience than the one we had working with you and Maureen. Thank you so much for your encouragement and help. Mary Berle

"The closing could not have been any smoother, and we are thrilled!" Mark and Diane Arishon

Thanks for all that you both did in the purchase and sale of our homes. Roxanne and Glenn Goble

It was such a delight working with you. Barbara and Michael Stedman