New Year's Day Brunch in Boston

A time honored tradition for many is to start off the New Year with a delicious brunch to rehash last night's goings on and to help ease recovery from the New Year's Eve festivities. Boston is a great city for this tradition with so many great restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of options from the sweet to the savory, along with the perfect drinks to help you recuperate. Here are a few standouts from the brunch bunch.

Meritage. Located right on the Waterfront in Boston, Meritage is a perfect brunch spot. A true brunch with several options to choose from, from the Nantucket scallops to the French toast and omelet station. New Year's Day dining is $55 for adults and $25 for children.

Cafe Fleuri. Located in The Langham, Cafe Fleuri's New Year's Eve Recovery Brunch is just what the doctor ordered. An extensive menu featuring traditional breakfast items, carving and pasta stations. $73 for adults and $36 for children.

Mooo.... Located in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood, Mooo.... has a memorable meal planned for New Year's Day including options such as the Kobe steak and eggs or French toast with caramelized banana and gingered maple. Serving from 10am – 2pm. The regular bar menu is available after 2pm.

Looking for more options? CBS Boston has a few more on their Best Boston Brunch list.

I hope that your New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are memorable and that you enjoy celebrating with your friends and family. Please know I am only a click a way if you have any Boston, MA real estate needs. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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New Years in Boston, MA

It is soon going to be time to ring in the New Year here in Boston, MA. There is no shortage of things to do in and around Boston at this time, here are a few of the most celebrated New Years events. Enjoy!

First Night Boston. First Night Boston festivities are almost here. Boston, MA will be filled with art, music, and dance events, as well as fireworks displays. All outdoor First Night activities are free, indoor events require a First Night Button. There are several convenient ways to buy a button for the event as well as a very busy schedule. 1 PM – midnight, December 31^st.

Fill Your Belly with Food and Bubbly. There are far too many restaurants in Boston, MA to list but boston.com has done a good job wrangling up several prime choices. Make sure to call to check on availability, prices, and reservations.

PubCrawl 2014. Featuring some of the best bars Boston, MA has to offer, spread over three nights from 12/28-12/31. Why stick to one venue when you can sample several? Meet new friends, enjoy great drink specials, and ring in the New Year! With purchase of a pass you gain free entry to all participating venues.

The 6^th Annual Timeless Gala. Voted into the Top 10 Black Tie Event in New England in the past 5 years! This year's theme is Old Hollywood, James Bond, with red carpet, décor, signature cocktails, professional photographers, and live entertainment. Buy Tickets before they sell out!

Please enjoy the holiday with your friends and family and be sure to celebrate safely. If you're visiting us in hopes of buying a home in Boston, please give me a call during your stay. Without the guidance of a local expert, it can be tricky to cover all of the city's vibrant neighborhoods! As a Boston real estate agent, my services extend beyond helping buyers and sellers through their transactions. I thoroughly enjoy getting prospective residents familiar with their surroundings and exposing them to the best of everything Boston has to offer. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Is a 15 year mortgage right for your Boston Home?

The housing market is in now in the process of recovery and foreclosures are lessening. With the financial climate more stable many of today's borrowers are attracted to 15-year mortgages' shorter terms and lower interests rates. But, is this option right for your Boston home?

Can you afford to pay off the mortgage in 15 years?

If you can afford the higher payments associated with the shorter term mortgage why not take one? The rate is lower compared to a 30-year which means less interest AND paying that interest for half as long. But, that 15-year mortgage comes with a higher total monthly payment and this can cramp your ability to set aside money for retirement, investments, or other necessities. You don't want to max out on house payments and not be able to have emergency or fun money either. If this is the case than a 15-year mortgage is not for you.

Are you looking to refinance?

Depending on how high your current 30-year rate is on your Boston home you may be able to refinance into a 15-year mortgage and keep your payments the same PLUS shorten your mortgage term. It may mean a significantly lower interest rate, possibly as much as a full point.

Are you a first-time homebuyer?

A 30-year rate may be a better choice for you because it comes with lower monthly payments. If you are first time buyer trying to buy the most house you can this lower payment will be an attractive option.

There are several choices out there in regards to mortgage terms, I'd be happy to help and point you to a qualified professional who can discuss your personal circumstances and which options would be best for you.

And if you are still searching for that perfect Boston Home, let a local expert help you out. Buying a home is an exciting and complex adventure. It can also be a very time-consuming and costly one if you're not familiar with all aspects of the process. So taking the time to learn about the process and your options is critical to making the best informed choices in order to achieve your own particular goals.

Please feel free to contact me, I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Mortgage Application Info for Boston Homebuyers

Applying for a mortgage can be a daunting experience. It's lengthy, time consuming, and over all can be quite confusing. Below are some tips to help you before you start your mortgage process for your Boston home.

Check your credit. Know your score in advance before applying. You never know what you might find on your report and it's best to know before hand then when you are in the midst of your Boston home buying experience. Check your credit well in advance so that you have time to improve your score or remove any faulty information.

Get a preapproval. The bank will look at your credit and combined with your income and assets they will determine how much you can borrow. This number is key to having before you start your Boston home search so you know your price cap. And once you find that perfect Boston home many sellers will want a preapproval with any offer.

Don't make any major changes. Now is not the time to be switching jobs or opening up any new lines of credit. Both of these changes are red flags while trying to obtain a new home loan. It is also not a good idea to have a big deposit within several months before your finances are looked into. This could also set off a red flag and make you appear financially unstable.

Over the last 14 years I have grown a highly successful Boston real estate practice devoted to understanding and satisfying the needs and goals of all my clients. As a result, 90% of my business is referred from those satisfied clients.

Without the guidance of a local expert, it can be tricky to cover all of the city's vibrant neighborhoods! As a Boston real estate agent, my services extend beyond helping buyers and sellers through their transactions. I thoroughly enjoy getting prospective residents familiar with their surroundings and exposing them to the best of everything Boston has to offer.

Please contact me when you decide to start your home search.

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA Holiday Events

'Tis the season for holiday lights, tree-lighting ceremonies, and all around holiday fun. Looking for something fun to do with friends and family in the upcoming weeks around Boston, MA? There is way too many to list them all, but, here is a sampling of some local favorites to help keep your days merry and bright.

Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy the 72^nd annual lighting of Boston's official tree. Singers Joey McIntyre and Erica Van Pelt will perform from 6-8pm among others, including Santa Claus. The highlight of the evening, the tree lighting, will happen around 8pm. Boston Common, Boston, December 5^th.

Bright Nights at Forest Park. Come out to New England's largest holiday lighting display. Enjoy from the comfort of your own car displays such as Seuss Land, Toy Land, and North Pole Village. Tune your radio to 98.5 FM to enjoy holiday music. Sumner Avenue, Springfield, now through January.

The Polar Express at Edaville. Take a magical ride to the North Pole where Santa will board the train and give each child a first gift of Christmas. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served amongst live readings and carols. 7 Eda Avenue, Edaville, Daily through December 28^th.

I hope you enjoy this Boston, MA holiday season with your friends and family. Please know I am only a click a way if you have any Boston, MA real estate needs. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Lucas Garafalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Tips for a Problem-Free Closing on your Boston Home

You've found the Boston Home of your dreams. The contract is signed, the mortgage is approved. The next important step: the closing! Here are some tips for ensuring your closing goes smoothly.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

A week before closing make sure to talk to the people representing you. Make sure that they have all the info that they need from you. Don't worry about bothering your loan officer or Boston real estate agent to ensure everyone is on the same page. Ask whether you will need a certified check, personal check, or if they need it wired. Depending on the amount of your down-payment either of these options are preferred.

Review the documents in advance.

Another great way to be prepared for your Boston Home closing is to review the documents in advance. You can ask the lender to provide them to you, many will do so automatically. By taking a look at the documents, you’ll be prepared with any questions you need to ask, prior to closing. Don't assume that all of the information is correct either. Anticipate human error and double check everything.

Take the day off.

A smooth closing may take less than 30 minutes, but, you won't know for sure until it's done. There may be delays, especially if it is the end of the month. Don't plan on doing the closing during your lunch break. Take the day off to ensure you have plenty of time and are not in a rush to get back to work.

If you are still searching for that perfect Boston Home, let a local expert help you out. Buying a home is an exciting and complex adventure. It can also be a very time-consuming and costly one if you're not familiar with all aspects of the process. So taking the time to learn about the process and your options is critical to making the best informed choices in order to achieve your own particular goals.

My specialty is working closing with my clients as a consultant (not just an “agent”) to provide the information and education critical to make those informed choices—at every step throughout the process. My comprehensive, high-quality services can save you time and money, as well as make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful. Please feel free to contact me, I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Lucas Garafalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Thanksgiving Activities in and around Boston, MA

Looking for things to do during Thanksgiving week in Boston, MA? Not only can you spend the most American of holidays where it all began, you can also get a sneak peak at the upcoming Christmas season. Below you will find events happening over the Thanksgiving holiday from the weekend before to the weekend following Thanksgiving, in and around Boston, MA. 

Thanksgiving at Plimoth Plantation. November 28
 – Celebrate the quintessential Thanksgiving experience at Plimoth Plantation. Explore the Plantation’s multiple sites, which include the Wampanoag Homesite, the 1627 English Village, the Crafts Center and Mayflower II. 

Zoolights. November 23-December 31 
5:00-9:00pm
 - A beloved holiday family tradition returns to Stone Zoo when ZooLights opens on Thanksgiving. Strolling along tree-lined paths lit by thousands of twinkling lights, guests can visit Yukon Creek, which not only features dazzling holiday lights but is also home to bald eagles, porcupine, lynx, a gray fox and a pair of reindeer. Make sure to stop by Santa too! 

10th Annual Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run. November 28
 - Work up your appetite on Thanksgiving morning at the largest road race on the North Shore! All proceeds go to Boys & Girls Club and Salem Park & Recreation Youth programs. 

17th Annual Vineyard Artisans Festival. November 29-30 - The largest Holiday Art Show on the Vineyard with over 85 Island Artisans. Balsam wreaths and ceramic ornaments to start off the holiday season and gifts galore from the Islands finest artists and craftsmen. Fine jewelry, glass, ceramics, fine art, clothing, book arts and much more. Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury. 

I hope you enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday season with your friends and family. Please know I am only a click a way if you have any Boston, MA real estate needs. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Lucas Garafalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Tips for Picking a Boston Real Estate Agent

If you are selling your Boston home, a good Boston real estate agent will help you set the right price, market the home professionally, qualify the buyers, and expertly negotiate and finalize the deal.

A great agent has experience with recent sales and can walk a tightrope, balancing optimism with realism and diplomacy with brutal honesty. You'll paying for an agent's service, via commission, so you owe it to yourself to find the right one.

Round up good prospects. To identify prospective agents, you can ask for referrals from neighbors or friends or use the search tools on the internet. You want someone who is on their game, someone who will work assertively on your behalf but won't come on too aggressively, like a used-car salesman. That will turn off the buyers' agents, too.

Ask tough questions. You want an agent who is "intimately and passionately" familiar with your neighborhood. Each agent you interview should offer a comparative market analysis (a comparison of recent and pending sales of homes similar to yours) and know enough about the neighborhood and recent sales to explain why you should list your home for more or less than the neighbor down the street who sold last season. 
 
Ask your agent where they live. An agent that lives and works locally will have their finger on the pulse of the market and be able to answer important questions about the community. They should at a minimum know the schools where they work. This is especially important in large cities, like Boston. 
 
Talk with recent clients. Ask agents to provide a list of what they've listed and sold in the last year, with contact information. Past happy clients tends to make for future happy clients.


As an experienced professional who has helped many Boston residents sell their homes, I know how to handle every aspect of the sales process - from recommending improvements and fix-its that can shorten sales time and increase sales price - to strategically marketing and showcasing your home - to making sure everything's signed, sealed and delivered by the closing date.

As a premier Boston real estate agent, my specialty is working closely with my clients as a consultant (not just an “agent”) to provide the information and education critical to make informed choices—at every step throughout the process. Attaining your goals by providing you with comprehensive, high-quality service throughout the entire transaction is my top priority.

Bottom line, your satisfaction is the key to my success. Over 90% of my business comes from past clients, their friends, family and colleagues. Don’t sell your home without an experienced professional in your corner.

So whenever you’re ready to sell your home, please contact me and let's get started!

Lucas Garafalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Moving with Kids into your Boston Home

Moving into your new Boston Home can be exciting or stressful, or both. If you are moving with children, you’ll need to consider their feelings during this process too. Depending on their age, the move may be exciting or scary. Here are a few tips to help smooth their transition to your new home.

Communication is key! Keep your child informed of the different steps to moving starting with packing, to moving, and then unpacking. This way, they’ll be prepared for what comes next and it should help ease their fears. If you are selling your current home be sure to explain how that process works so the jumble of house showings doesn't confuse them. If they are particularly young it helps to explain how you will leave your current home and others will be moving in. Keep it positive to ensure that they are not anxious about this change.

Once it is move in day show them around your new Boston home. You can turn this into a fun activity by asking where they’d like to put their belongings and furniture in their new room. You can also involve your child in the move by letting them pack a few boxes of their own with special items and toys that will travel with you so they can get involved and unpack those at the new home. It will also allow them to keep track of their most special belongings.

Keeping up with a normal routine is also essential when helping kids transition to a new Boston home. Keep up your routines as much as possible during the course of the move – it will give your child something familiar to count on. Also, make sure to continue to give your children some alone time every day with you without the jumble of packing or unpacking. It's easy to get lost in the tasks at hand and breeze through your day. This time, more than ever, they need you to be there for them so don't forget that precious family time.

Not only will these tips help your child feel more comfortable, it will let him or her know that you’ve considered their feelings during the move. Moving will likely be stressful no matter what, but taking the time to prepare your child can certainly alleviate much of that stress.

If you’re planning to buy a home in Boston, I’d be happy to help! Please contact me to find out how to start the buying process. I look forward to hearing from you!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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3 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Home in Boston, MA NOW!

Home ownership can be a major, but extremely worthwhile, undertaking. As an experienced Boston real estate agent, I've worked with many clients throughout the years to find their dream home in the community they desire in and around Boston, MA. While the real estate market has long been a buyer's paradise, there are a few reasons why you should consider purchasing before 2014. If you've been thinking about taking the plunge and buying one of the many beautiful Boston homes available, here is why you shouldn't wait any longer:

1. Interest Rates Are Expected to Rise. Take advantage of the incredibly low mortgage rates now, because they have nowhere to go but eventually up. Additionally, after January 1st, 2014, several new mortgage lending rules go into effect nationally. One of these new regulations requires lenders to take a much harder look at your debt-to-income ratio before deciding whether or not to approve your loan application. Potential borrowers will not be allowed to exceed a 43% debt-to-income ratio for mortgage loan approval. 

2. Home Prices are Affordable, But Expected to Rise. Going hand-in-hand with interest rates, average home prices are also expected to slowly rise. Boston homes are still very affordable, but the longer you wait, the less affordable they may become. According to a July S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Home Price Index, home values in May 2013 were up 12.1% from where they were in May 2012. As home values increase, so will sellers' list prices as they move to put their home for sale on the market. Take advantage of historically low interest rates and home prices now, instead of waiting too long. 
  
3. Protection from Inflation. 30-year fixed mortgage rates protect your loan against inflation, which can be significant over the life of the loan (typically a 30-year period). Given today's very low interest rates, locking in your mortgage for the next 30 years at today's prices is a smart move. 

I've been a Boston real estate agent for many years and have worked in a variety of markets. The best time to buy a house is now as waiting until 2014 can be costlier as well as a bit more difficult to obtain a loan. Should you have any questions about the home buying process, I encourage you to contact me today. I look forward to working with potential clients to find the property that they can make their home!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Tips for First-Time Homebuyers in Boston, MA

Buying a home can be a daunting task, especially for first-time homebuyers. It doesn't have to be that way though. Today's housing market is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for first-time buyers. Interest rates are quite low, homes are more affordable, and home inventory is high. Here is a list of tips for the first-time homebuyer in Boston, MA. 

What’s the budget?

This seems like a no-brainer but you'd be surprised, many would-be buyers shop around, fall in love with a home, and then figure out their budget. It's very important to first figure out a budget, then look. This will keep you from future disappointment when you find out that dream house is way out of your league. Make sure to work with a loan officer to figure out how much you can spend. As a rule, you don't want to spend more than 28% of your gross monthly income on the mortgage, taxes, and homeowners' insurance. Certain loans can allow you borrow more, but, that might not be a good idea. Just because someone will lend you more money doesn't mean you should borrow it.

Make sure to consider life after the home sale too. You don't want to be “house poor” and put most of your income into your home. Leave room for possible fixes and upgrades down the road and also consider your regular expenses and “fun” money too. You want to be able to enjoy that new Boston neighborhood you bought in! Take the extra step of getting a pre-approval through your lender so that you are all set when it comes time to write an offer.

Make a Realistic Wish List

The key here is ‘realistic.’ Based on the housing budget you figured out, and where you want to live, compile a list of what you’d like to have in your first Boston home. Check out some homes in your price range online to get a feel for what your money will buy, and make your wish list based that. If you’d love a fully renovated kitchen but none of the listings in your price range have one, be prepared to compromise. You can always upgrade later, but you really shouldn’t spend more than you can afford just for nicer finishes. It's always good to keep in mind that you can always upgrade but you cannot change your location. Location is key in real estate. 

Find a Good Real Estate Agent

A qualified real estate agent will educate you about the market and help guide you to homes that fit your criteria. Once you find that perfect home your Boston real estate agent will negotiate on your behalf, coordinate the work of other needed professionals, and work to solve any problems that may arise during the sale. A qualified real estate agent is your best asset during a home sale.

Over the last 14 years I have grown a highly successful Boston real estate practice devoted to understanding and satisfying the needs and goals of all my clients. As a result, 90% of my business is referred from those satisfied clients.

Without the guidance of a local expert, it can be tricky to cover all of the city's vibrant neighborhoods! As a Boston real estate agent, my services extend beyond helping buyers and sellers through their transactions. I thoroughly enjoy getting prospective residents familiar with their surroundings and exposing them to the best of everything Boston has to offer. Please contact me when you decide to start your home search.

I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Halloween Events in and around Boston, MA

Halloween is coming up soon, are you wondering about some family-friendly events in and around Boston, MA? The following are a small slice of the ghoulish going-ons.

Boo at the Zoo
StoneZoo offers trick-or-treating among the animals. Get spooked on the Trick-or-Treat Trail or partake in some creepy crafts, ghoulish games, costume contests, and a haunted maze. 149 Pond St., Stoneham. This weekend, Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 19-20, 11 am - 3 pm. Free with admission: adults, $14; seniors, $12; ages 2-12, $10; under 2, free.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
RogerWilliams Park Zoo's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is really a sight to see. Thousands of illuminated pumpkins on display in a woodland setting, hundreds of which are carved with amazing artistry. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI. Now through Nov. 3, 6-11 p.m. Mon. - Thurs.: adults $12; seniors, $10 seniors; ages 3-12, $9; under 3, free. Fri. - Sun.: adults, $15; seniors, $13; ages 3-12, $12; under 3, free.

Fort Point Channel Pumpkin Pageant
At the Fort Point Channel Pumpkin Pageant, children and their families are invited to celebrate ghouls, ghosts and all things Halloween during an afternoon of pumpkin carving and fall fun. All pumpkins, child-friendly carving utensils, and refreshments are free throughout the afternoon. 300 Congress St., Boston. Thurs., Oct. 24, noon - 4 p.m. Free.

Halloween Zoo Howl
FranklinPark Zoo offers creepy crafts, ghoulish games, a trick-or-treat trail, and the haunted maze. Other activities include music by Magic 106.7, the chance to view special Halloween-themed animal enrichment, and hay rides. One Franklin Park Rd., Dorchester. Sat. & Sun., Oct. 26-27, 11 a.m. 3 p.m. Adults, $17; seniors, $14; ages 2-12, $11; under 2 free.
 
Haunted Higgins
Higgins Armory Museum has a spooktacular Halloween Party for the entire family. Storytelling, trick-or-treating, creepy crafts, and ghouls and goblins around every corner. 100 Berber St., Worcester. Sat., Oct. 26, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Adults, $12; ages 4-16, $8; 3 and under, free. 


Fall Pumpkin Festival at Frog Pond
At the Frog Pond in Boston Commons, hundreds of illuminated jack-o’-lanterns will be floated on the water and ParkSCIENCE activities will be offered. Please bring an 8-inch or smaller carved pumpkin that will be lit and then floated on the Frog Pond for an early evening display. All are encouraged to wear costumes for the Halloween parade. Other family friendly activities include a puppet show, a magic show, and a giant bubble show. Boston Common, Boston. Sun., Oct. 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free.

I hope you enjoy the Halloween season and are able to get out and have some spooky fun with your friends and family. Please know I am only a click a way if you have any Boston, MA real estate needs. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Selling your Boston Home in the Fall

Many feel spring is the busiest time of year for home sales but fall is right behind at a close second. Fall is the perfect time to put your property on the market. Inventory is low, so your competition is less, if you price your Boston Home well it will sell! Here are some tips to have your home looking great this fall selling season.

Don't forget about the lawn

Keep your property well-maintained, even in the fall. Continue to mow the lawn as needed and rake up the excess leaves. Make sure the walkways are clear of any leaves as well. Don't worry about needing to rake daily, colorful leaves look beautiful in the fall, even on your lawn. Just make sure it's not overdone or cluttering your walkways.

Get seasonal

Add some fall-themed decorations and plants. Since not much is blooming in fall make sure to add some color in the way of seasonal decor and plants. A nice harvest wreath or some pumpkins and mums can go a long way for curb appeal.

Maximize light

Open all blinds and turn on all lights for every showing. You want each room to be as bright and sunny as possible. The less-intense sunlight of fall may make it necessary to upgrade your interior lights. Even a lamp here and there can help brighten up a room. To maximize the sunlight make sure your windows are sparkling clean.

Give your home a cozy smell

For many, fall conjures up memories of hayrides and Thanksgiving dinners. Make your house more “homey” with some yummy smells. Some recommend simmering some spiced cider on the stove-top or baking some fresh cookies. The folks at Yahoo have some simmer pot recipes that are easy to pull together, you likely have most of these ingredients in your home.

When you are ready to sell your Boston home, look for a professional, someone well-versed in all aspects of the sale process. From small tips like the above to strategic marketing, and negotiation, a qualified professional is a home seller's best asset. Your satisfaction is the key to my success. Don't sell your home without the help of an experienced agent. Contact me when you are ready. I look forward to hearing from you!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Low-Cost Bathroom Remodels for your Boston Home

Do you have an old bathroom that could use a spruce up? Or maybe you recently purchased a home but don't love the bathrooms? You can change the entire look of your bathroom with minimal money but still net big impact. Here are a few renovation suggestions for your Boston Home's bathroom to give it a whole new look.

Bathtub Refacing

Refinish your old, chipped, or dingy tub into nearly a brand new tub. You can do the project yourself for less money but it likely will take you longer than a professional. A professional could get the job done for under $500 and quickly.

Replace the Flooring

It's time to ditch the vinyl floors or plain tiles. You can purchase porcelain or travertine tiles relatively cheap at your local improvement store. Go with a matte finish for a higher-end look. Invest in a professional to install as bathrooms are quite tricky with all the fixtures needing to cut around. You can estimate doubling the cost of your tile square footage to figure for installation.

Update your Lighting or Fixtures

Updating the lighting in your Boston Home bathroom is the perfect DIY project. A new updated fixture can change the whole design scheme in the room. Also relatively inexpensive are bath fixtures. Fixtures in brushed nickel, antique bronze, pewter finished, or brushed chrome are good choices. A new fixture can help to spruce up an old plain tub or sink and give it more modern design appeal.

I hope you can benefit from some of these design ideas for your home. Should you decide you just can't live with your bathrooms anymore and it's time to sell your Boston Home please look for a professional, someone well-versed in all aspects of the sale process. From strategic marketing, and negotiation, a qualified professional is a home seller's best asset. Your satisfaction is the key to my success. Don't sell your home without the help of an experienced agent. Contact me when you are ready. I look forward to hearing from you!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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The Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival

Looking for something to do this weekend in Boston? Jazz and music lovers unite this weekend at Boston's biggest block party, The Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival, taking place this Saturday, September 28^th, from noon to 6pm on Columbus Avenue between Massachusetts Avenue and Burke Street in the South End. This year's theme is Jazz: The Next Generation, featuring talented alumni artists and Grammy Award-winning musicians. The jazz festival is a perfect way to spend a long afternoon enjoying Boston's late-September sunshine.

For thirteen years the Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival has delighted concert-goers with a bevy of jazz, Latin, blues and groove acts. The Boston community comes out to enjoy the music on three stages, the awesome food, and good times. The littlest concert-goers are also included with several kids activities at the The Natixis Family Park, including face painting, an instrument petting zoo, and KidsJam, led by Berklee's Education department.

Some of the featured performers this year are Meshell Ndegeocello, Will Calhoun Trio, Robin McKelle & the Flytones, Grammy-nominated trumpeter Christian Scott, Mike Tucker Trio, and the Matt Savage Quartet. Berklee College of Music is the proud recipient of a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support the 2013 Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival. Come out and celebrate Boston's diversity through music, food, and more!

If you're visiting us in hopes of buying a home in Boston, please give me a call during your stay. Without the guidance of a local expert, it can be tricky to cover all of the city's vibrant neighborhoods! As a Boston real estate agent, my services extend beyond helping buyers and sellers through their transactions. I thoroughly enjoy getting prospective residents familiar with their surroundings and exposing them to the best of everything Boston has to offer. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Apple Picking near Boston, MA

As the weather cools and the sweaters come out one of the best perks of Boston, MA's autumn is the abundance of farms in the vicinity. And in the Fall, farms mean Apple Picking! It's not just about apples either, many have pumpkin patches, fresh produce and baked goods, and some have farm animals. Its a great way to support your local farms. Below are some of the best the Boston,MA area has to offer.

Honey Pot Hill Orchards

Honey Pot Hill Orchards is open every day from 10am-5pm. Current selection are MacIntosh, Cortland, Golden Supreme, and Bosc pears. In addition to the picking there are also hay rides and a farm store filled with fresh produce and baked goods. Farm animals and a few HedgeMazes complete the fun! Located at 138 Sudbury Road, Stow, MA 01775

Russell Orchards

Just 35 miles north of Boston is the family owned farm, Russell Orchards. Hayrides and pick your own is in full swing at Russell Orchards. Cortland, Empire, Jonagold, Gala, and McIntosh are currently ripe for the picking. In the store you can also take your pick of a selection of fruits and vegetables from the garden. Located at 143 Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA 01938

Smolak Farms

Smolak is a 300-year-old family farm located 30 miles north of Boston, MA. This weekend, September 21^st and 22^nd there is a Fall Festival which has in addition to apple picking, hayrides, a festival, animals, crafts, bouncy house/slide, and so much more! Located at 315 South Bradford Street, North Andover, MA 01845

There are several you-pick farms in the Boston, MA area, if wanting even more choices boston.com lists several. I hope you enjoy this beautiful fall season and are able to get out and support some of these local farms. Please know I am only a click a way if you have any Boston, MA real estate needs. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Tips for Painting your Boston Home

Have you found your perfect Boston Home? Chances are your new home doesn't have wall colors that you love or might need some fresh paint on the walls. If you're not sure where to start, then read on.

Start Small

Pick an accent wall or a small space such as a powder room and add a splash of color. For inspiration look at your belongings, what color speaks to you? Select a favorite color and go with it. Since it's a small space if you don't love it, its quick to change. Hopefully you will love it and can move on from there.

Mood

When selecting a color for a particular room think about mood. Do you want your bedroom to be soft and soothing or dramatic? Pick a cool neutral for a soothing place to rest or go for a stronger color for some drama in your space.

Consider the Lighting

Depending on the lighting in the room your paint color can change in hue. Consider the lighting in your Boston Home before committing to a new color. Many paint stores have light boxes so you can visualize the color in either natural daylight, incandescent light, or fluorescent lighting.

Keep Colors Coordinated

When you are in one room you usually can see a peek of another room. Make sure that rooms that are adjacent to each other flow nicely from color to color. Don't pick colors that clash or create too much of an eyesore when together.

If you feel challenged and can’t quite nail a color palette that works with your taste and preferences, enlist the help of a professional. As a Boston real estate agent, I can recommend some interior decorators in the area who can give you their professional opinions on how to make each room in your home sophisticated and livable. Along the same lines, an interior decorator comes in handy if you’re planning to sell your Boston home and want to make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Please reach out if you need any assistance!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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