Boston, MA – Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Winter in Boston, MA has settled in and is here to stay for several more months. While the winter season is celebrated for the holidays and cozy nights with hot chocolate curled up by the fire, this blustery season also brings along with it higher heating costs. Following these simple steps will help to ensure your Boston, MA home is as energy efficient as possible.

Turn it down. One of the most obvious ways to keep heating costs down is to turn down your thermostat, especially when you aren't home, are on vacation, or are sleeping. While sleeping or at work keep your thermostat below 65 degrees. You will actually get a better night's sleep and might even lose a little weight as your metabolism works harder to keep you warm. If you leave town for a few days you can safely set your thermostat as low as 55 degrees without your pipes freezing. You can save approximately 1 percent on your energy bill for every degree you lower your thermostat.

Vents. Make sure to keep your vents clear and if possible not blocked by furniture or rugs. This will keep your furnace from working overtime. If you must cover a vent with furniture you can buy plastic covers to help direct the air out from under the furniture. If you have rooms you don't use close the vents and shut the door, only heat the rooms you inhabit.

Fireplace. When not using your fireplace be sure to keep the damper closed. All of the heat being sucked out the damper can add up to hundreds of dollars in energy costs each winter.

Drafty Windows and Doors. You can check for drafts in your Boston, MA home by holding a candle near the frame to the door or window and watching to see if it flickers. Use rubber weatherstripping for large areas and use caulk for smaller areas to seal up any leaks. Underneath your doors a rolled up towel or draft snake will help keep the cold air outside.

Get Cozy. It's as simple as lowering the thermostat and putting on some more layers. A sweater and some cozy wool socks will keep you nice and toasty this winter season.

I hope you enjoy this winter season and can take advantage of some of these tips for your home. Should you decide you want to replace your drafty home with a more energy efficient model I'd love to help you find a new home in Boston, MA. Please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent when you are ready to start the process.

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – Does your mortgage fit your wallet?

If you are a first-time home buyer in Boston, MA you must consider how much loan you can afford before you go shopping for that dream house. Excess debt can affect your ability to own a home or to keep a home so it's important to know what your financial “wallet” looks like. Before you go shopping for a mortgage make sure to calculate how much home you can afford.

Debt-to-Income Ratio. A good place to start is with your debt-to-income ratio. Lenders will use this ratio to see how much you qualify for. You can do a quick calculation yourself by dividing the total of your fixed expenses - such as rent, car loans, and credit cards – by your gross monthly income. This isn't a full picture but is a good starting point. Depending on if your loan is qualified or not your debt-to-income ratio will have a cap of 43%, meaning your mortgage payment can't exceed 43% of your monthly income. If you have a high level of debt you may need to reduce it before you can qualify for the mortgage you want.

What can you afford? Even if you qualify for a high-dollar mortgage you likely should not borrow the full amount. When you add in closing costs with the down payment much of your savings can be depleted. Consider taking on a smaller mortgage, therefore a smaller down payment, so you can keep some money in the bank for emergencies. A Boston, MA home affordability calculator can help you see what your mortgage and monthly expenses may look like.

Test out your mortgage in your wallet. Before taking out a mortgage and officially adding it to your wallet give it a test. Pretend to make a monthly mortgage payment by setting aside the additional amount you would pay each month. Live this way for a few months and see if it leaves you comfortable with your new spending. If the additional payment leaves you stressed or unable to live within your means than you should scale back that Boston, MA dream home.

When you are ready to purchase a home in Boston, MA look to an experienced Boston Real Estate Agent. I'm committed to providing you with the highest quality buyer service. When making the type of investment that buying a home requires, you deserve to have all the latest market information and the very best advice, both of which I can provide you with. I am always here should you have a question on a Boston, MA neighborhood such as South End, Fenway, Beacon Hill, or any other. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – New Years Day Brunch

It's not too early to start thinking about New Years Day. 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, MA, is the perfect city with so many great restaurants to choose from for your brunch. 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 crowd, make sure to make a reservation as some restaurants fill up fast.

City Landing. In addition to their full lunch menu, City Landing has a special bacon-centric brunch, “Of Bloody and Bacon” for this years brunch. 10am - 3pm, 255 State Street, Boston, MA.

Puritan & Company. Touted as one of Boston, MA's best brunches, Puritan & Company is sure to help soothe away last night's fun. Breakfast-y goodness offered 10:30am – 2pm, 1166 Cambridge Street, Inman Square, Cambridge.

The Salty Pig. Located on the line of famous Boston neighborhoods, Back Bay and South End, The Salty Pig is a neighborhood focused restaurant specializing in house-made meats and hand selected cheeses. Cure your NYE hangover with their delectable charcuterie boards.

10:30am – 1am. 130 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA.

Looking for more options? bostonchefs.com has a complete New Years Day Boston, MA 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 contact a Boston, MA real estate agent 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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Boston, MA – How much home can you afford?

So you recently read the news that renting is now half as affordable as buying in the US and you are looking to purchase your first home in Boston, MA. Congratulations, that is a fantastic idea! Why continue to build your landlords equity when you could start building your own? Finding the perfect Boston, MA home may be easy, but, first you need to consider how much home you can afford.

Five year plan. It's not just about how much you make, but, about what you plan to do with it. Do your best to anticipate the next five years - do you foresee any future debt due to family, car loans, or the like? All of these will raise your debt-to-income ratio. Even if you can afford that mortgage now, life events can bring that ratio up. Do your best to map out what the next five years will bring and keep an emergency fund for the unexpected.

Other costs. Home ownership isn't just as simple as paying the mortgage. Other expenses will for sure pop up in the form of repairs, general maintenance, condo fees, and furnishing your new Boston, MA home. Make sure to also consider your property tax and home insurance costs on top of closing costs.

The more thorough you are with your budgeting, the more comfortable you will be when shopping for a home. When it does come time to search for that perfect Boston, MA home, please make sure to contact a Boston, MA real estate agent. I am always here should you have a question on a Boston, MA neighborhood such as South End, Fenway, Beacon Hill, or any other. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – Holiday Events for 2014

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

Blink! Faneuil Hall Marketplace will be lit up by more than 350,000 Christmas lights. Every seven minutes the lights will blink to the tune of the Boston Pops music. Now through January 4^th.

Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy the 73^rd annual lighting of Boston, MA's official tree. Cast members from Motown the musical, The Voice contestants, the New England Patriots Cheerleaders, and more will perform from 6-8pm with others, including Santa Claus. The highlight of the evening, the tree lighting, will happen around 8pm. Boston Common, Boston, December 4^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 4^th.

Santa Speedo Run. This is a great event for those with a sense of humor. The race is only a mile so very little athleticism is needed. What you must be willing to do is run in public wearing only a Speedo and a Santa hat. It does fill up quickly so register soon! Lir Tavern, Boston, MA, December 6^th.

I hope you enjoy this Boston,MA holiday season with your friends and family. Please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent 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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Your Boston Home – Holiday Stress-Busters

The holiday season is officially upon us and unfortunately with the holidays can come added stress. More than 20 percent of Americans report “high levels of stress” during the holiday season. It's no wonder we feel this way with family members everywhere in your Boston home, over-night guests, and an ever-growing to-do list to manage. Keep your stress in check with some simple five minute activities.

Brew a cup of tea. A few sips of a calming blend of tea can be the key to unwinding during the midst of craziness while preparing your 5 course Thanksgiving meal. Black tea or even green tea can help lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and also can reduce heart rate and overall stress.

Count your breaths. The most effective stress reliever is a nice deep cleansing breath. When the children are running all over your Boston home and you are juggling 5 courses with your one oven its time to take some deep cleansing breaths to help recenter.

Find your center. Take your cleansing breaths a step further with some zen time. A few minutes of mindful meditation will help reduce cortisol levels and give you a new perspective during a stressful situation. Need help with your meditation? Step off to a quiet space and use a guided meditation app – Headspace comes highly recommended.

Step outside. If all else fails step out into the brisk Boston air to grab a bit of sunshine or to take a breather. You'll feel much better when you return to the hectic holiday schedule.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and families and that it is relatively stress-free thanks to these tips. Most of all I am thankful for my clients and future clients - please know, a Boston Real Estate agent is only a click away 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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Boston, MA – Do you Qualify for a Jumbo Loan?

Have you been shopping around for a mortgage loan for your Boston, MA home? You may have come across the term jumbo loan and wondered what exactly that is. Jumbo loans come into play when the property cost exceeds the mortgage conforming limit. Basically, loans starting from $417,000 - $625,501, depending on what part of the country the property is in. If you are planning on buying a higher priced property, a jumbo loan is a viable option, but, qualifying for it is tougher than with a traditional mortgage. Here are key factors in qualifying for a jumbo loan.

Income. Because jumbo loans have more scrutiny than conventional loans you will need to be able to prove you have the income and liquid reserves to cover the payments on your new Boston, MA home. Traditional borrowers will need paystubs dating back 30 days and W2 forms from two years back. If you are self-employed you will need to show further verification such as tax returns and bank statements as well as 6 months reserve of the new mortgage payments.

Debt-to-Income Limits. Since many jumbo loans are qualified mortgages your debt-to-income ratio cannot exceed 43%. If your debts put you over that limit you can still apply for a non-qualified mortgage.

Credit Scores. Because of the higher dollar value of jumbo loans, credit score requirements are higher. You will need at least a 680 credit score to qualify for most jumbo loans. Since all lenders set their own credit score requirements some lenders may require a higher score for approval.

Documentation. With qualified mortgages come increased need for documentation. When you apply you will need to provide documentation to back up any claims you made, including, but not limited to, the following: proof of income, proof of liquid assets, documentation on other loans you hold, and proof of ownership of non-liquid assets such as other owned properties.

Down Payment. While it may be tougher to apply for a jumbo loan, many have one thing to look forward to: lower down payments. In today's mortgage climate 10% is usually sufficient with good credit.

When you are ready to purchase a home in Boston, MA look to an experienced Boston Real Estate Agent. I'm committed to providing you with the highest quality buyer service. When making the type of investment that buying a home requires, you deserve to have all the latest market information and the very best advice, both of which I can provide you with. I am always here should you have a question on a Boston, MA neighborhood such as South End, Fenway, Beacon Hill, or any other. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – Buying with a VA Loan

There are several myths and misconceptions surrounding VA home loans. Many Boston, MA home-buyers are not aware of eligibility, multiple purchase rules, and safety of these 0% down loans. As a military veteran, don't let outdated or bad information keep you from exploring your hard-earned home loan benefits. In honor of yesterday's Veteran's day here are a list of four VA Loan myths. Don't let them hold you back!

Myth #1: VA loans cost more.

In reality, the interest rates, upfront expenses and closing costs aren't inherently more with VA loans. Rates tend to be competitive with conventional loans, if not below. When you also consider the no down payment requirement and no need for mortgage insurance a VA loan is very comparable to conventional loans and quite “cheaper” than FHA loans, both which require minimum down payments and mortgage insurance.

Myth #2: You can only use the benefit once.

In reality, qualified borrowers can use the VA loan program over and over again. It is also not a benefit exclusively for veterans, a small percentage of VA loans went to active-duty military in the last year.

Myth #3: Your purchasing power is limited.

Qualified borrowers in most of the country can purchase up to $417,000 without a down payment. In Boston, MA the VA loan limit is a bit higher at $500,000. Please note, this doesn't restrict how much home you can buy in Boston, MA, but, limits how much you can borrow before having to figure in a down-payment.

Myth #4: VA loans are risky loans.

VA loans actually have the lowest foreclosure rate of any loan on the market, for nearly all of the last six years. Whether this stability is due to common-sense underwriting or the VA's commitment to keeping veterans in their homes, you can feel secure taking out that VA loan.

When you are ready to purchase your dream home contact an experienced Boston Real Estate agent. I'm committed to providing you with the highest quality buyer service. I am always here should you have a question on a Boston, MA neighborhood such as South End, Fenway, Beacon Hill, or any other. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – Thanksgiving 2014

Thanksgiving 2014 is Thursday, November 27^th and is just right around the corner. Boston, MA is not short on restaurants with menus ranging from traditional to innovative. Seeing as many families have a long standing tradition of eating out on this holiday, be sure you make your Thanksgiving reservations early, should you plan to dine out. Typically most Thanksgiving menus are prix-fixe, but, some do offer lavish Thanksgiving buffets. Here is a round up of some of the Boston, MA hotels offering dinner on Thanksgiving.

Millennium Bostonian Hotel. At North 26, in the Millennium Bostonian Hotel, Chef Julia Brant will offer a 3-course prix-fixe dinner featuring the bounty of the season. From noon – 6 pm, 26 North Street, Boston.

Ritz-Carlton. At the Artisan Bistro in the Ritz-Carlton, Thanksgiving brunch takes a family-friendly approach with kid-friendly favorites, plus fun dessert decorating stations. The whole family will enjoy the live music. From noon – 2:30 pm, 10 Avery Street, Boston.

Beacon Hill Hotel. At the Beacon Hill Bistro, in the Beacon Hill hotel, the food has received national fame but still remains a neighborhood favorite! A 3-course prix-fixe menu featuring several delicious selections also offers wine pairings. Located at 25 Charles Street, in to the Boston, MA Beacon Hill neighborhood, 1 pm – 10 pm.

If you're visiting us in hopes of buying a home in Boston, please contact a Boston, MA Real Estate Agent after your holiday. Without the guidance of a local expert, it can be tricky to cover all of the city's vibrant neighborhoods! 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, MA 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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Boston Home - 3 Steps to Being an Attractive Mortgage Candidate

When you are searching for your perfect Boston home you will need to make yourself as financially attractive as possible to your potential mortgage lender. There are three key steps to being an attractive mortgage candidate. And don't worry, if you need some help with one or all of these categories – with a little work, you can fix those first-time Boston homebuyer blemishes.

#1 Have a Stable Job

Evidence of a dependable income can help you get a better mortgage rate and make you more attractive to lenders. Banks understand a certain degree of turnover, but, the longer you are with one company, the better it looks to a lender. Stay in your present position for a while, at least until you have secured the loan. Make sure you know your debt-to-income ratio and don't try to buy a Boston home outside of your means.

#2 Manage your Credit

The better your credit score the better looking you will be to the lender. If you have made credit mistakes you can work to clean up your score by removing any non-factual items from your credit report, pay off any bills or credit cards to lower your debt-to-income ratio, and don't take on any new debts at this time.

#3 Have a Down Payment

Ideally you would want to have at least 20% of a down payment in your savings. Do you need help saving for your Boston home down payment? There are several things you can do such as downsizing where you are now while you save, strict budgets, and low risk savings plans.

When you are ready to purchase your Boston home, look to an experienced Boston real estate agent. I'm committed to providing you with the highest quality buyer service. When making the type of investment that buying a home requires, you deserve to have all the latest market information and the very best advice, both of which I can provide you with. I am always here should you have a question on a Boston, MA neighborhood such as South End, Fenway, Beacon Hill, or any other. I thoroughly enjoy getting prospective residents familiar with new neighborhoods 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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Boston, MA – Pick Your Own Pumpkin, and More!

Fall is officially here in Boston, MA and Halloween is just around the corner. I hope you and your family enjoyed some of the Boston, MA kids Halloween activities that I posted a few weeks back. With October 31^st just around the corner its time to start looking for that perfect pumpkin. Whether you will turn it into a jack-o-lantern or create an artful display for your home, pumpkins are an essential component to any fall decoration in your Boston home. To make things easy for you, here is a list of some of the top farms in Massachusetts for your pumpkin hunt!

Boston Hill Farm. Not only can you pick the perfect pumpkin at Boston Hill Farm, but, you can also take a hayride tour, visit the petting zoo, ice cream shop, bakery or gift shop, and go apple picking! Every weekend through October is the Fall Festival which includes all of that plus food, activities, and live music. Route 114, North Andover, MA

Connor's Farm. With a 7-acre corn maze, a mechanical bull, and pumpkin tether-ball, Connor's Farm has activities for all ages. On Friday and Saturday nights in October (adult) horror fans can go to Hysteria Scream Park and of course, there are plenty of pumpkins for the picking. 30 Valley Road, Danvers, MA

Long Hill Orchard and Farm. Located on 150 acres, Long Hill Orchard and Farm is just an hour away from Boston, MA. Spend the day hiking the trails or pack a picnic, dog friendly too. 520 Main Street, West Newbury, MA

I hope you enjoy this beautiful autumn season and are able to get out and support some of these local farms. Please know, a Boston Real Estate agent is only a click away 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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Boston, MA – Why you should buy NOW

Have you been teetering on the edge of the Rent vs. Buy decision in Boston, MA? Don't delay any further as the average 30-year mortgage has now dipped below 4%. With the average rate hovering around 4.5% for most of the past summer this is good news for those looking to buy real estate in Boston, MA. Why else is now the perfect time to buy in Boston?

Home prices expected to go down

Real Estate forecasters are predicting a third dip in home prices making this fall the perfect season for purchasing your Boston, MA home. Buying during this lower pricing period may ensure significant appreciation of your home over the next few years.

Rates are down, but, not for long

Mortgage rates for the 30-year fixed are at a low for the year, but, it is very likely they won't stay there for long. Rates are expected to climb at the end of 2014 and into 2015. It is best to take advantage now and lock in that low rate.

When you are ready to purchase your dream home contact an experienced Boston real estate agent. I'm committed to providing you with the highest quality buyer service. When making the type of investment that buying a home requires, you deserve to have all the latest market information and the very best advice, both of which I can provide you with. I am always here should you have a question on a Boston, MA neighborhood such as South End, Fenway, Beacon Hill, or any other. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – Best Halloween Events for Kids

One the best times of year for a kid is coming up soon – Halloween! Kids enjoy dressing up as their favorite princesses, super heros, monsters, and more and of course - collecting all of the candy! Halloween doesn't have to be all about trick-or-treating though, there are several fun events in Boston, MA and the surrounding cities for all sorts of Halloween fun. Here are a few of the highlights for Halloween 2014 in Boston, MA.

Professor Wunder's School of Magic. Kids of all ages will love Professor Wunder's School of Magic. The Professor guides the kids through a fun show with a non-scary atmosphere. Available Sunday's in October, reservations encouraged! Salem, MA.

Boo at the Zoo. Stone Zoo invites families for a weekend of Halloween-themed activities including crafts, scavenger hunts, mazes, and costume contests. October 18-19^th, Stone Zoo, Stoneham, MA.

Pumpkin Fest at 75 Chestnut. 75 Chestnut Restaurant invites the whole family to carve and paint pumpkins. Adult fun featuring special apple and pumpkin martinis will ensure the parents have a great time too. Specialty themed desserts and seasonal treats will be available. Take home your pumpkin creation! Call for reservations, event on October 11^th. Beacon Hill, Boston, MA.

If you're visiting us in hopes of buying a home in Boston, please give a Boston real estate agent a call in between your Halloween fun. Without the guidance of a local expert, it can be tricky to cover all of the city's vibrant neighborhoods! 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, MA 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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Boston, MA – 3 Steps to Getting a Mortgage

Shopping for a mortgage is one of the first steps toward owning your own home in Boston, MA. It can be especially daunting if you are not prepared. There are dozens of loan types and hundreds of loan programs available through even more mortgage brokers, bankers, lenders, and credit unions. Contrary to popular belief, finding a mortgage doesn't begin with an application. First you must educate yourself on the vast number of mortgages available. The three steps outlined below will help you get that application process and then eventually to the closing table to purchase your Boston, MA dream home!

Step 1: Examine your finances

Start by determining how much mortgage you can afford. Lenders may have a heavy hand when it comes to what you are approved for. Do the math to figure out what sort of payment you will be comfortable with. Don't forget to include insurance, taxes, any homeowner dues, and other costs associated with the payment.

Step 2: Shopping for a loan

When shopping for a loan there are two “stores” you can shop at – direct lenders and mortgage brokers. When borrowing from a direct lender they are the ones lending the money to you and have the final decision on your application. Brokers are intermediaries who have lenders to choose from, just like you. Direct lenders may have only a few in-house loans available while a broker can shop many lenders and their store of loans.

Make an educated choice and don't just go with the lowest interest rate. There are many factors that affect the true cost of your loan, including fees, points, penalties, loan term, application fee, appraisal, and more.

Step 3: Apply for a loan

Now that you've done all the work the easy part is next – filling out the application. You will need several documents to prove income, debt, and job status but other than that it is just a bit of paperwork. Once you submit the paperwork your lender will run your credit score and verify the numbers that you submitted. If they deem you creditworthy they will likely hire an appraiser to check the value of the Boston, MA home you want to buy. After that you will be well on your way to the closing table!

And above all, make sure you are working with a qualified professional! A Boston Real Estate agent who has the experience to help you compose the perfect offer to get that Boston, MA home of your dreams and the skills to negotiate you straight to the closing table. Please contact a Boston Real Estate agent when you are ready, I cannot wait to earn your business!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Your Boston Home Open House

Have you recently put your Boston home on the market? Have you hosted an open house with not so good results or maybe you are planning on hosting your first open house soon? We've previously covered the importance of home staging for your Boston home's open house. I have some additional tips for what not to have at your open house. Make sure to banish these from your home for the best results on your Boston home open house.

• Poorly maintained exterior: Address all outdoor issues such as weeds, peeling paint, or or a unsightly door. You don’t want to give the wrong idea by showing your home exterior is neglected, they will assume the inside is too.
• Odors: You may not notice the litter box, cigarette smoke or food smells in your home, but, a potential buyer will. Neutralize odors as best as possible with a professional deep-cleaning and deodorizing.
• Pets: You may love your pets, but, not everyone feels that way. Keep the pets and all evidence of them out of your home for your Boston home open house.
• Valuables: Remove anything you don’t want broken or possibly stolen. This includes prescription drugs, bills/personal documents, jewelry, and any firearms.
• You: Homeowners and their family and friends should never be present during an open house. The buyers need to visualize the home as their own so give them the space to do so and leave the open house to your Boston, MA Real Estate agent.

If you still don't know what to do about prepping your Boston home to sell then talk to a professional! As a Boston, MA Real Estate Agent I am well versed in what it takes to get the job done. Please contact a Boston, MA Real Estate agent and I can point you in the right direction. I look forward to hearing from you!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – Apple Picking

It may not be summer anymore, but, we sure do have some enjoyable weather this time of year, here in Boston, MA. As we settle into a gorgeous autumn, a local Bostonian favorite is to visit the nearby farms and to share in the local bounty along with some fun on the side. Apple picking is a great way to visit a farm, get some local produce, and have a great time. It's not just about apples either, many have pumpkin patches, other fresh produce and baked goods, and some have farm animals. Apple picking is a great way to support your local farms. Below are some of the best the Boston, MA area has to offer.

Tougas Family Farm

Tougas Family Farm is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. Current selection includes McIntosh, Gala, Fuji, Cortland, and Ginger Gold. In addition to the picking there are also hay rides and pumpkin picking. Farm animals, fresh baked goods, and apple cider donuts complete the fun! Located at 234 Ball St., Northboro, MA.

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, 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.

Nashoba Valley Winery and Orchard

Nashoba Valley Winery has fun for the whole family with both local produce and apple picking, a restaurant, and of course, wine. Currently available for picking are Pioneer Macs, Nashoba Macs, Liberty, and Gala. Open daily at 9:30 am for picking and 10 am for the winery. Located at 100 Wattaquadoc Hill Road, Boston, MA.

There are several pick-your-own farms in the Boston, MA area, for fresh produce year long, not just during apple picking season. I hope you enjoy this beautiful autumn season and are able to get out and support some of these local farms. Please know, a Boston Real Estate agent is only a click away 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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