House Hunting Mistakes to Avoid for your Boston Home

Home searches are not always simple and it's easy to make a mistake while searching for your perfect Boston home. Having helped potential buyers through countless searches I've learned what not to do during a home search. If you are in the midst of home search or are thinking of starting soon, please consider these tips.

Missing out on the “one”

Boston home inventory can move fast and desirable homes move even faster. Make sure you are using all of the house hunting tools available to you. A seasoned real estate professional local to Boston, like myself, can help move you beyond the online search sites. Access to the local MLS search is very convenient and a real estate professional also knows the ins and outs of what just came on the market or what may soon be on the market.

Getting hung up on price per square foot

First off, square footage is not guaranteed to be accurate so make sure you aren't searching just by price per square foot, you may miss out on many opportunities. Also, consider that from neighborhood to neighborhood, Boston home's price per square foot varies. What you get for that price per square foot can vary wildly depending on where you are searching.

Desperation

If you have sold your current home or have a lease that is ending soon it is easy to get antsy and to jump on a property just to have some place to live. Consider a back up plan such as short-term or corporate rental options while you wait for your dream home to come on the market.

Forgetting the inspection

Since we don't live in a perfect world where every issue in a home is disclosed openly, it is important to get an inspection. Many issues can also go unknown to the current owners so even if you know the sellers make sure to pay for a pest and contractor inspection. The inspection will identify any current issues or potential threats in the future. You can also use it as a means of negotiation.

Buying a Boston home is one of the most exciting milestones you’ll reach during your lifetime. Before you start scouring the Internet in search of your new pad, be sure to keep in mind the important items above. And when you are ready please contact a Boston real estate agent. 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, 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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Summer 2014 Festivals in Boston, MA

The weather might not feel like summer just yet, but, I promise – summer is just around the corner! Boston, MA is known for incredible summer weather. I can't think of a better way to enjoy the weather then to get out around Boston and enjoy one of the many festivals. It's the perfect reason to get together and celebrate our city and its culture, eat, dance, or appreciate local culture and art. Boston, MA has several summer festivals, too many to mention them all, here are a few of the top picks for 2014.

Boston Calling. Done twice a year, Boston Calling is a music festival done up right at City Hall Plaza in Boston. This year's summer fest takes place this weekend from Friday, May 23^rd – Sunday, May 25^th. Located on two different stages with various artists, this years headliners are Jack Johnson, Death Cab for Cutie, and Modest Mouse.

Boston Pride. The Boston Pride parade heads through Boston every year so supporters of the LBGT community can come out to spread awareness of rights and to just have a great time. At the end of the parade there is a festival at City Hall Plaza. All ages are welcome and there are family-friendly areas for parents and kids as well as fun for the 21+ crowd. June 14^th at 12pm.

Boston Harborfest. The Boston Harborfest is a yearly event around Fourth of July. With events such as the Boston Pops show and Chowder Fest, there is something for everyone! This year's festival takes place July 2^nd – July 7^th at City Hall Plaza.

If you are traveling into Boston, MA this summer to partake in some festivals and are interested in learning more about what this great city has to offer please contact me.

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, MA 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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The Best Bars to Watch the Red Sox in Boston

Here in Boston, MA baseball season is in full swing and your 2013 World Series Champions are ready to do it all over again. There is no shortage of beers and burgers in Fenway, but, here is a list of the best spots for Red Sox celebrating, whether or not you have tickets.

Cask 'n Flagon. A neighborhood tradition for over 35 years and touted by ESPN as the “Top baseball bar in America”, Cask 'n Flagon has something for everyone. Plenty of beers on tap plus a new updated menu with everything from burgers to Big D's BBQ. Make sure to get there early to get a table. 62 Brookline Avenue, Boston

The Baseball Tavern. With more than 50 years of service to loyal Red Sox fans, The Baseball Tavern has three floors and a roof deck with a prime view of the park. Cheap drafts are on tap with a yummy sports bar menu featuring apps, dinners, and sandwiches. 1270 Boylston Street, Boston

Boston Beer Works. At Boston Beer Works beer does WORK, it's featured not only on tap but in such menu items as beer dough bites with stout cheese and ice cream beer floats. The menu doesn't end at appetizers though, Boston Beer Works has a full menu and is currently highlighting their Southwestern-inspired menu items all month long. 61 Brookline Avenue, Boston

The Lansdowne Pub. If you are looking for a bit of Irish flair for your Boston baseball, head on over to The Lansdowne Pub. Featuring over 57 brews and an Irish feast of a menu, The Lansdowne Pub has you covered. Favorites include corned beef and cabbage spring rolls and shepherd's pie with house made soda bread and Kerrygold butter. 9 Lansdowne Street, Boston

Bleacher Bar. You can't get a better view of the game unless you buy a ticket. Bleacher Bar is tucked beneath Fenway's center-field seats and has a view of the legendary diamond through two giant garage door-sized windows. Get there early if you want a good seat. 82A Lansdowne Street, Boston

If you are traveling into Boston, MA to catch a game and are interested in learning more about what this great city has to offer please contact me.

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

Connect with me:

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Buying vs. Renting in Boston, MA

Are you currently renting and wondering if now is a good time to buy in Boston, MA? Rents have been on the rise across the country and Boston was not spared from these increases. With the steady monthly payment of a mortgage you will find that purchasing your own home in Boston will really pay off and will keep you from the constant worry of potential rent increases. But, not everyone is ready to jump into the full homeowner experience of a single family home to take care of. Also, when considering the Boston, MA neighborhoods of South End, Fenway, and Beacon Hill, your single family residences are limited.

Affordability. Condominiums are often priced lower than single family homes. If you want to dive into home ownership, a condo can be a great first step. 
 
Security. Many condos offer gated or locked entries, doormen, or even security professionals for residents. If you live alone, or security is a concern for you, this can be a major perk. In addition, you’re living in close proximity with many other people; in an emergency, you’ll have plenty of people to turn to for help. 
 
Maintenance. One of the biggest benefits to living in a condo is that other people do the maintenance for you. They cut the grass and plant the flowers, they fix the roof, and whatever other maintenance the building needs. If you are a first time homeowner, in poor health, busy with work, like to travel, or you just don’t want to deal with all that work, this is a major benefit to living in a condo. 
 

It's not just about not needing to keep up with lawn work or roof repairs, owning a condo has many lifestyle benefits. While apartment complexes have transient residents frequently moving in and out, condo owners are more likely to invest in building a community. Apartments are managed by corporate entities or a landlord, while condo buildings are managed by the homeowners association.

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 any Boston, MA neighborhood. 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

Connect with me:

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Twitter