Boston, MA – Home Equity Up For Boston Homeowners

As we finish out 2015, the Boston, MA real estate market has something to cheer about. There has been steady growth in your home's equity, according to new data from the Federal Reserve. Home equity is the difference between the market resale value of your Boston, MA home and the mortgage debt you have against it.

Between the third quarter of 2014 and the same period in 2015, American's home-equity holdings grew by nearly $1.3 trillion, due mainly to rising home prices. Boston, MA shared in this wealth and has seen tremendous growth over the last year.

This growth has helped many homeowners crawl out from being underwater on their home. Underwater means you are upside down – with mortgage balances that exceed your property value. As more homeowners come out of upside down mortgages this brings more good news to the Boston, MA real estate market. Why? Because negative equity stops up the housing system and the economy as a whole. Read more at The Washington Post, with any luck 2016 will be just as fruitful for Boston, MA homeowners.

If you are looking to enter the Boston, MA real estate market in 2016, please be sure to contact a Boston, MA real estate agent. I am happy to help you find the perfect home for you!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – New Years Day Brunch

A time honored tradition for many is to start off the New Year in Boston, MA with a delicious brunch to rehash last night's goings on and to help ease recovery from the New Years Eve festivities. Boston, MA is a great foodie town for this tradition with so many great restaurants to choose from. 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 bunch.

Bostonia. Bring on the new year with Bostonia's Brunch. Their extensive Bloody Mary bar will help you recover from last night's fun and the food is great too. Brunch from 10am – 3pm, 131 State Street, Boston. 617-948-9800

Cafe Fleuri. Located in The Langham, Cafe Fleuri's New Year's Eve Recovery Brunch is just what the doctor ordered. An extensive menu featuring traditional breakfast items, carving and pasta stations. $91 for adults and $45 for children 5-12. 11:30am – 2pm, 250 Franklin Street, Boston. 617-451-1900

The Butcher Shop. Don't plan on being up in time for breakfast? No problem, the late brunch at The Butcher Shop is just what you need, serving from noon – 4:30pm. Offering both breakfast and lunch type items all taste buds will be satisfied. 552 Tremont Street, Boston. 617-423-4800

Looking for more options? Eater Boston has a map of all the Boston, MA brunch spots.

I hope that your New Years Eve and New Years Day are memorable and that you enjoy celebrating with your friends and family. If you have any Boston, MA real estate needs, please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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4 Reasons to Buy a Home in Boston, MA in 2016

The real estate market comes and goes each year, but, 2016 is looking to be a banner year for buying real estate in Boston, MA. Even though mortgage rates are set to go up soon, you still haven’t missed your chance on a deal of a house. Per the experts at CNN Money, several factors are coming together to make 2016 a great year to buy a home in Boston, MA.

Prices slowing down. Real estate values have been on the rise but they will slow down in 2016 leaving you the perfect time to jump into the real estate market.

More options. The slowdown in home prices is predicted to prompt more owners to list their homes in 2016, giving you more options to buy a home in Boston, MA.

Mortgage rate changes. The time of the super cheap mortgage is on it’s way out. Rates are expected to go up gradually but you should be able to take advantage of the best rates you will see, possibly in your lifetime, through most of 2016.

Rent prices still going up. The new year will bring with it a continuation of climbing rent prices. Why deal with the stress of raising rent while you pay your landlord’s mortgage? Start building your own equity in your own home. In many cases, buying is the smartest choice in Boston, MA.

If you are looking to enter the Boston, MA real estate market in 2016, please be sure to contact a Boston, MA real estate agent. I am happy to help you find the perfect home for you!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Sell Your Boston Home During the Holidays

‘Tis the season for pulling out the holiday gear and decking out your Boston home in your best and brightest holiday décor. But, what if your Boston home is on the real estate market? Should you decorate? I previously talked about how to freshen your Boston home for a holiday sale, but, what else can you do during this holiday season? Luckily, experts agree that you do not have to completely avoid holiday décor. Curb appeal and first impressions are important for a house sale, any time of the year. If you keep the decorations tasteful, your home could actually show better during the holidays. Here are some ways to enhance your home this holiday season.

Lights. Christmas lights are okay as long as you keep it minimal and many agree that white shows best. Also, ensure your entryway is well-lit and inviting for potential homebuyers. Adding seasonal globes or LED candles can create a warm, welcoming glow.

Less is More. Similar to when you are selling outside of the holiday season, less is more. Make sure to keep the decorations to a minimum and keep it classy. This year would be the year to skip the Santa inflatable or others strewn about the lawn. You don’t want to distract the buyer from the features of your Boston home. The same goes for inside, keep the decorations inside to a minimum.

Create a vignette. Create eye-pleasing holiday vignettes throughout your home. You can also create an attractive scene outside your front door to spruce up your curb appeal.
When you are ready to put your Boston home on the real estate market please contact a Boston real estate agent. I’d be happy to talk you through the selling process and can help you get your home sold, even during the holiday season.

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – Free Holiday Fun

When December rolls 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? Even better, looking for something FREE to do to celebrate the season? Here is a sampling of some local free 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. Daily at 4:30, now through the holidays, Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy the 74^th annual lighting of Boston, MA's official tree. The tree has been donated by the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police will be there to hand it off to Mayor Walsh. There will also be a free skating spectacular ice show at the Frog Pond. Boston Common, Boston, 5-8pm on December 3^rd.

Christmas Craft Fair at Old South Church. This craft fair will feature knits, candles, jewelry and more. Get plenty of shopping done at the Christmas Craft Fair, this Saturday, December 5^th, 9am-3pm. 645 Boylston Street, Boston.

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! Whiskey's, 885 Boylston Street, Boston. December 12^th, 10am-1:30pm.

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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