Boston, MA August 2014 Events

Summer is wrapping up soon, but, there is still plenty of time for summer fun here in Boston, MA! Whether you want some live music, baseball, or a parade, Boston, MA and the surrounding area has you covered - all August long. Get out there and enjoy the last few weeks of summer while you still can!

Newport Jazz Festival. The Newport Jazz Festival has 40 performances by established and emerging jazz artists, out in Newport, RI. August 1^st - 3^rd at Fort Adams State Park.

Boston Comic Con. Boston Comic Con brings comic creators, vendors, celebrity guests and gaming to the World Trade Center, 200 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA on August 8^th – 10^th.

Italian Feast. At Fisherman's Feast, enjoy Italian food, music, and culture on the streets of the North End, August 14^th – 17^th.

Brew at the Zoo. On August 16^th from 3:30-7:30pm, Franklin Park Zoo will have a fundraiser featuring beer from dozens of breweries, local restaurant food, live music, and of course live animals!

Provincetown Carnival. Plan a short trip away in Provincetown for the week-long gay and lesbian Provincetown Carnival. Several events and parties, including the famous parade on Thursday! August 16^th – 22^nd.

Picnic at Fenway. An autograph session plus a BBQ dinner on Fenway's famous outfield is included at the ever popular Picnic at Fenway. Get your tickets now as this event always sells out! August 24^th.

Arts Festival. The Boston Arts Festival includes a covered artists' village, two stages of performing arts, and family activities. At Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park on August 30^th – 31^st.

I hope you enjoy our last few weeks of summer here in Boston, MA, I know I will! 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

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter

Buy your Boston Home by the End of the Year

As we approach the end of July, and summer is winding down, it seems a bit far off to think of the end of the year. But, we are now more than half way through 2014, there are only 5 months remaining this year. Forecasters predict some changes on the real estate front in 2015. If you are looking to buy a Boston home, don't delay, NOW is the time. Why the rush to buy before the end of 2014? Read on...

Prices are still not at their highs

Sure, home prices are higher now than during the crash in 2008, but, they are still lower than the peak we had in 2006. According to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index the average prices of a home are currently at summer 2004 levels. If you buy now and take advantage of today's pricing, you may see significant appreciation over the next few years.

Interest rates are still rising

As the Federal Reserve concludes its economic stimulus program we can expect the interest rates to continue to slowly rise. Even a small bump in interest rates can significantly bump up your monthly mortgage. The longer you wait, the more you will pay for your dream Boston home.

Rental prices are on the rise

Boston rental prices are continuing to rise and will likely do so throughout 2015. If you are ready to plant your roots in our great city, why not invest in a Boston home of your own? When you own your home, you grow your own equity instead of your landlords.

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

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter

Boston, MA Summer Fun

Here in Boston, MA we are surrounded by fun year-round, but, nothing beats a good outdoor event in my favorite season - summer! We love our street fests, parades, concerts, and more. Summer is in full swing and there is no better way to enjoy the beautiful weather than to spend some time outside at a local Boston, MA event.

Boston Calling Block Party Series

Have you checked out the Boston Calling Block Party Series? Crash Line Productions, in partnership with the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District and The Rose Kennedy Greenway, are co-hosting this Block Party Series which kicked off in May. There are still plenty of block parties left as they run through September 25^th. The parties are held every Thursday from 5-8pm in Dewey Square, directly across from South Station. All parties are free and open to the public. Leave the workday behind and enjoy live entertainment and some libations. The farmer's market and food truck pavilion are also open during the parties.

Berklee Performance Series

New this year is the Berklee Performance Series, featuring musicians from the Berklee College of Music. The performances take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 100 Summer Street from noon to 2pm, through August. Make the most of your lunch break and enjoy some free entertainment! For a full schedule of performers, check out www.downtownboston.org.

Downtown Boston Brass Band

Three days a week you can catch more free music in downtown Boston, MA with the Downtown Boston Brass Band. They will be strolling through high-visibility areas playing favorites on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from noon to 2pm through October.

Are you currently working downtown and hoping to buy a home in the city? Buying a home in Boston, MA is one of the most exciting milestones you’ll reach during your lifetime. 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

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter

Your Boston Home – Design Tips to Spruce it up

Does your Boston home feel a little “blah” lately? Sometimes all you need is a little splash of color and décor here and there to help you spruce it up. This is also a great idea if you are thinking of selling your Boston home or if you have just purchased your dream Boston home and are wanting to personalize it. When experimenting with a particular room in your home keep in mind the current décor. It is possible to keep the majority of your current furniture, while adding some key accents, to obtain a new fresh feel and have a huge impact on the overall look. Here are some of my favorite ways to spruce up your Boston home.

Chairs

A perfectly placed accent chair can do a lot for a room. No need have an identical chair that matches the couch, go for a complementary pattern in a suitable style for your room. It can really punch up the room and change the look quite a lot. Outside of the living room a chair can serve as a nice focal point. Don't shy away from some color or a different pattern either.

Mirrors and wall art

Used either alone, or as a gallery, mirrors and wall art can help dress up a blank wall. A large mirror can also make your space seem bigger and serves as a nice focal point in any room in your Boston home.

Cushions 

If you aren't looking to replace your couch, but, do want to add to some style, consider new cushions or pillows. A variety of pillows added to the couch will give it a whole new feel. Feel free to mix patterns with one color cushions and make your couch an inviting space to chat or lounge.

Lamps 

Even if you have overhead lighting, lamps can add drama to any room. From simple lines to your own personal style, lamps add character to your living room, bedroom, and any studio or office space.

I hope you enjoy your new, fresh Boston home. After some time if you decide that maybe it is time to sell your Boston Home please look for a professional, someone well-versed in all aspects of the sale process. From strategic marketing to 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

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter

Good 1st Impressions for your Boston Home

Are you planning on putting your Boston home on the market? Many would think that once your home is listed and the for-sale sign is up that your home is all ready for would-be-buyers. But is it? Your home needs to look it's best when it comes time for showings. First impressions are everything, especially for a home on today's market. As a Boston real estate agent I have seen homes in various condition and have learned what does and doesn't help a home out during a showing. Here are some of my tips for making sure that the first impression is a good one.

Front landscaping and decor: Stay on top of any lawn mowing and tidy up the front landscaping. This is the first thing a potential buyer will see! A new colorful welcome mat and a potted plant outside the front door will also help spruce things up. Make sure your windows are sparkling and give your front door a fresh coat of paint.

Think of it as preparing for a formal dinner party: Pretend you have guests coming over and walk through your house from room to room, removing all the clutter, ensuring that all kitchen and bathroom counter-tops and dressers are as clear as possible. Keep all closets and toys organized and remove any other excess clutter. Thoroughly clean all of your appliances, including the inside of your oven and microwave, and make sure the rest of your Boston home has been dusted and polished. In the dining room add a beautiful centerpiece to the dining room table to add elegance to your home. Fresh flowers in the kitchen are always a beautiful touch too.

Touch up: Touch up your interior paint, if necessary, and get a new coat of white on the baseboards, if needed. If you have any carpets consider getting them professionally cleaned before any buyers view your home. Also make sure that you tackle any small projects like leaky faucets or non-functioning light bulbs.

Basically, use common sense when preparing your home. Your job as a home seller is to present a simple, clean, attractive home that potential buyers can picture themselves in.

When you are ready to sell your Boston home, look to an experienced Boston real estate agent. I'm committed to providing you with the highest quality service. You deserve to have all the latest market information and the very best advice, both of which I can provide you with. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter