Fourth of July in Boston, MA

As summer is in full swing and June is dwindling down the next big summer event is the Fourth of July! Boston, MA is the perfect place for celebrating our nation and partaking in some Fourth of July festivities. If you don't have plans yet I have compiled a list of some Boston favorites for you to explore.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. If anyone knows how to do fireworks right, it's Boston, MA! The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is a two day celebration on July 3^rd and 4^th featuring musical performance on both days plus the spectacular fireworks show on July 4^th. This year's headliner along with the Orchestra is The Beach Boys. It really can't be beat, come celebrate with Boston on the Esplanade! If you aren't up for the crowds, Boston.com has a list of secret spots around town to catch the fireworks.

Celebrate at the Museum of Science. The Museum of Science has a fantastic view of the Charles River making it the place to celebrate Fourth of July. A full evening of fun science activities, family entertainment, a live broadcast from the Esplanade, and much more! The festivities start at 5:30 and conclude at 11:30pm. Adults are $28, children (3-11), $17.

Boston Harborfest. A favorite yearly destination by locals and tourists, the 33^rd Anniversary celebrations start July 2^nd and continues through July 6^th. The festival showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of the cradle of the American Revolution: the historic city of Boston! Several activities and tours are planned daily at Boston Harborfest, including a parade on the fourth.

In addition to the festivities I have listed above, there are numerous other festivals throughout the summer. Once you buy a home in Boston and get acquainted with your neighborhood, you’ll find all of the hidden gems that the locals rave about and return to year after year.

Summer is a fantastic time to buy a home in Boston. All of your new neighbors come out of hibernation and are outdoors, making it easy to develop new friendships. If you’d like a personal guide to help show you around the city, please contact me! As your Boston real estate agent, it’s my pleasure to show newcomers what a great place Boston, MA is to settle down.

I look forward to hearing from you when the time is right!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA Farmers Markets for 2014

All of the gorgeous weather lately here in Boston, MA, along with the start of summer, has jump started the Farmers Markets! All around this beautiful city you can find farmers markets brimming with local, affordable produce, fish, meat, cheeses and other locally Boston-made small batch products like jams and jellies. Farmers markets are more than just a chance to grocery shop, they are also a great gathering space for the community to get together. Here are just a sampling of the Farmers Markets here in Boston, MA.

Downtown. The Boston Public Market on the Greenway has moved to the Plaza at 136 Blackstone Street. Local vendors include Danish Pastry House, Q's Nuts, Seta's Mediterranean, Stillman's Farm, and Rhode Island Mushroom, among others. The market is open now through November 26^th, Monday and Wednesdays from 11am-6pm.

Alston Village. The Allston Village Farmers Market seeks to reinvigorate the Allston Village neighborhood and Union Square and to help strengthen the community. Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables from local farms along with tasty treats and coffee are offered. Located at 500 Cambridge Street, Allston MA, now through October 26^th on Saturdays from 11am-3pm.

South Boston. The South Boston Farmers Market is located at 446 W. Broadway next to the West Broadway Municipal parking lot. Fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, flowers, plants and more are featured along with bread and baked goods. Some local vendors include Cape Cod Fish Share, Freita's Farm, and Mary's Handmade Items. Open now through October 27^th on Monday's from noon-6pm.

I hope you take the time to visit one or more of these markets and fill your pantry with locally grown, sustainable food. Boston Farmers Market also has a very convenient PDF for access to all of the 2014 Farmers Markets in Boston, MA so make sure to check it out!

As your 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 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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Buy your Boston Home with less than 20 percent down

Are you looking to buy your first Boston home? Now would be a great time as mortgage rates are low and they are expected to climb later this year. If you haven't been able to save up enough to have a full 20 percent down payment you may think you are out of luck for purchasing your Boston home. Luckily, this isn't the case. It is possible to buy your home with less than 20 percent down, even in today's mortgage climate. Here are some tips to help you get a mortgage without 20 percent down.

Negotiate

Talk directly with your banker, you will have the best luck if it happens to be a smaller bank who writes their own loans. Be persistent and negotiate with them. They may very well agree to terms under 20 percent down.

Go for an FHA loan

A loan through the Federal Housing Administration may be the answer if you cannot come up with 20 percent down. There are looser underwriting guidelines and less-than-stellar credit scores are accepted. FHA loans are the most popular and easiest way for a first time homebuyer to get their Boston home. FHA loans are available to first time buyers with as little as 3.5 percent down and you can also roll in your closing costs, as long as the loan and closing costs don't exceed 96.5 percent of the home's fair market value. The only caveat to an FHA loan is that PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required.

Look into state and municipal programs

Both Boston and the state of Massachusetts offer down payment assistance. The City of Boston offers up to 3% of the purchase price for down payment and closing costs. There is also a 3D Advantage program that offers up to $20,000 towards down payment and closing costs. If it is a foreclosed home additional support is given. Check out the City of Boston site to read more specific detail on who is eligible. The State of Massachusetts site also offers further information on the programs along with guidelines on who may be eligible.

Lower your debt-to-income ratio

The best way to get a loan successfully with a low down payment is to be financially fit. The best indicator of this is to have a strong debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. The DTI ratio is one way lenders measure your ability to make the monthly payments. They add up your monthly debt payments and divide them by gross monthly income. A DTI ratio of 43 percent or less is ideal. If your ratio is higher than 43 percent you can either increase your income or pay off your debt.

Increase your credit score

Dependent on your credit score you may be eligible for certain loans, or not. For example, an FHA loan requires a FICO score of at least 580 if using the low down payment option. What should you do if your credit score isn't so great? First ensure that the report is factual and there aren't any errors on it. A mortgage professional can also help you get things removed from it or helping you spot errors.

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 hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Father's Day Fun in Boston, MA

We already celebrated moms' Boston-style last month. Now it is time to celebrate dads! Father's Day 2014 is June 15^th so start making plans. Treat the dad in your life to a weekend of fun at one of the Boston, MA area events happening Father's Day 2014 weekend.

Boston Dragon Boat Festival. Teams in colorful Hong Kong-style dragon boats compete in time trials at the 35^th annual Boston Dragon Boat Festival. At Bank of the Charles River, Harvard Square, Cambridge. Saturday, June 14^th, 7am – 2pm. FREE

Arts Fest Beverly. This outdoor festival includes more than 100 fine artists and crafters, music and entertainment, kids' activities, and food trucks. Arts Fests Beverly is in downtown Beverly, Saturday, June 14^th, 10am – 3pm. FREE

Father's Day at the Zoo. Both Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo will celebrate dad with free admission for fathers on Sunday, June 15^th. One Franklin Park Road, Boston and 149 Pond St., Stoneham.

Music and Art Weekend. In Old Sturbridge Village there is free admission and a special gift (while supplies last) for dads on Father's Day. The Village will come alive with the sights and sounds of the 19^th century popular music and art. Over 50 singers, dancers, musicians, and artists will perform and demonstrate over the two day festival. Saturday, June 14^th – Sunday, June 15^th, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge.

Father's Day Road Race. This year marks the 20^th Annual Father's Day Road Race at the Children's Museum in Easton. Start the day right with either the Road Race or the Fun Walk. On Sunday, June 15^th, 9am – 11:30am, 9 Sullivan Avenue, Easton, MA. $25 pre-registered, $30 day of race, $10 for walkers.

If you are traveling into Boston, MA to celebrate 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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