Boston, MA – Labor Day 2015

Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer and typically celebrated with picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, parties, and other events. Labor Day is approaching and is just around the corner. Here in Boston, MA there is a host of different fun activities in and around our fine city on this three day weekend. Here is a round up of some of my favorite events this Labor Day Weekend.

Mass Brewers Fest. Kick off the Labor Day Weekend at the 6th Annual Mass Brewers Fest. Featuring more than 100 different beers from 30+ member breweries in the Massachusetts Brewers Guild, the Mass Brewers Fest provides an excellent opportunity for craft beer lovers to sample local favorites, as well as some specialty beers brewed exclusively for this festival. The Mass Brewers Fest will begin at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 4^th at the World Trade Center Head House Concourse, located at 200 Seaport Boulevard, Boston.

Deutsche Bank Championship. Don't miss the top 100 golfers on the PGA Tour at the 2015 Deutsche Bank Championship. Tickets start at $25 so there is an option for everyone. Even the kids won't be left out with the Kids Zone golf challenge. Parking is at the Xfinity Center 885 S. Main Street, Mansfield MA 02048. The fun starts Friday, September 4^th and lasts all holiday weekend.

Play local. Most Boston locals head to the Cape, the Islands (Nantucket and the Vineyard), or the mountains - so if you're planning a Labor Day, you'll find it easier than usual to make reservations easily in local restaurants, get Red Sox tickets, see a show, cruise around Boston Harbor, go shopping for Labor Day sales - and even find some Boston hotel bargains.

I hope you enjoy every last bit of our summer here in Boston. If you're visiting us in hopes of buying a home in Boston, MA, please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent in between checking out our fine city. 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 – House Hunting with Kids

Congrats! You’re in the market for a new home in Boston, MA. After searching online for the perfect Boston, MA home and narrowing down your list, you’re ready to start actually going to some prospective homes. Before you go property-hopping, though, there are some pint-size participants to consider: your kids. We all know home buying is a complex and sometimes overwhelming process, especially for children. Here are tips to help survive the house-hunting process with your family while keeping your sanity fully intact.

Whenever possible, don’t bring the kids. Parents might not like to hear it, but most real estate agents agree that its best if kids, especially the 9-and-under crowd, are left at home during showings. They can be a distraction and keep you from fully seeing the new home. You may spend more time watching your kids than looking at the house.

But if they must come, keep them busy. If child care options are scarce and you’re in a time crunch, keep them as busy as possible so you and your spouse can focus on the task at hand. Walking through owner-occupied homes where young kids live can be incredibly distracting for your own children, who will likely be fighting the urge to dig into their toys. Help them fight this temptation by coming well-equipped with their favorite games and activities.

Maximize your time at each showing. Plan on spending 10 to 15 minutes at each property. If you’ve come prepared with the aforementioned diversions, you’ll get in and out with minimal meltdowns and distractions. If you walk into a property and know right away that you don’t love it, speak up so you can all move on to the next listing. You don’t want to waste time when your kids are in tow.

Build the excitement for them. Once you’ve chosen the right home, sit down with your kids (depending on their ages) and explain what they can expect in the weeks ahead. It’s best that kids of all ages know what to expect so you can calm their nerves. Also make sure you talk through the moving process with them as well. 
 
If you’re planning to buy a home in Boston, MA, I’d be happy to help! Please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent 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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Boston, MA – End of Summer

With September fast approaching, we are quickly getting into the last leg of our Boston, MA summer. Below is a short roundup of what makes the Boston area so wonderful in the summer. Act like a tourist and enjoy your city and the surrounding area before fall approaches. Or, if you are thinking of buying a home in Boston, MA, come explore our city and learn more about your future home!

Apple Picking. Escape the city for a bit and live the farm life for a day. Apples and other fruits are ripe for the picking at the end of summer. Spend a day at a local farm and pick some apples around Boston, MA. There are also many pick-your-own berry options nearby as well.

Explore the Harbor Islands. Hop on the ferry and take a tour of the 30 islands that make up the Boston Harbor Islands, just off the mainland. Take in a bit of Boston, MA history exploring Fort Warren on George's Island.

Find Your Inner Yogi. What better way to start off the weekend than with a moment of zen? On Saturday mornings through the rest of this month, yoga fans can head down to the InterContinental Hotel for a complimentary "Sunrise Yoga" class on the waterfront lawn overlooking Boston Harbor.

Hop in a Kayak. Paddle or canoe around some of the rivers and waterways Boston, MA has to offer. Get a workout while taking in the sights around Hingam, Magnolia or Thompson Island.

Dine Al Fresco. Boston, MA has a plethora of tasty restaurants to enjoy. Pick an old favorite, or a new one, and take a table outside. Sit, relax, and enjoy this beautiful city.

If you're visiting us in hopes of buying a home in Boston, MA, please contact a Boston real estate agent in between checking out our fine city. 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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Your Boston Home – Fall Tips

August is here already and before we know it we will be getting into one of Boston's most beautiful seasons – Fall! Before we are ready to bask in the beautiful colors Boston has in store for us, we homeowners have work to do. Each season your Boston home goes through abuse either from the weather, temperature or its homeowners. To keep your Boston home in tip top shape follow these simple fall tips and get to work as summer winds down.

Examine your Property. Check walkways and paths for cracks and loose material. Fix them now before slippery weather is here and can cause tripping or other accidents.

Examine your Roof/Gutters/Downspouts. Clear the gutters and check the downspouts for damage. Check the chimney and any other openings, such as skylights, for leaking issues.

Change any Filters. If you have central air conditioning in your Boston Home you will need to change the air filter frequently. Stoves, clothes dryers, and possibly fans need filters changed seasonally too.

Prepare your Fireplace. Throw away any old ashes and make sure the damper works well. Check the handle and springs to ensure the flue is functional. If necessary, hire a professional chimney sweep.

Drain your Hot Water Heater. Hard water is very tough on hot water heaters by building up sediment in the tank. To avoid this make sure to drain it and double check for any rusting. If your hot water heater is rusting or is very old consider buying a new energy efficient model.

Check your Windows. Most heat is lost through windows and doors. Go through your Boston home and check the seals and caulking around the frame. Repair as necessary to ensure less heat lost this winter.

As a real estate agent I pride myself on continuing relationships with my Boston home buyer and Boston home seller clients well beyond the closing table. As a part of my promise to be your real estate consultant for life, I like to provide useful tips and tricks to help make home-ownership a stress-free experience. These Fall tips are just the beginning, so please contact a Boston real estate agent if you need assistance buying or selling a home. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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