Boston, MA – Smart Upgrades for Your Home

Nowadays it seems as if everything is going digital and getting “smarter”. We are all very connected to our technology in the form of smart watches, smart phones, and other devices. Our Boston, MA homes are not exempt from this digital overhaul. Many homeowners are choosing to make their homes smart and in return more secure and efficient. If you are thinking of selling your Boston, MA home this spring, in addition to sprucing up your home, you should consider some of these smart upgrades. Not only will you benefit from them while you live there, it may put your home at the top of the list for technology-savvy Boston,MA homebuyers.

Smart Doorbell. Smart doorbells often cost between $100 and $200 and are equipped with cameras that turn on whenever the button is pressed or activity is detected near the door. These features can help to increase home security. 
 
Smart Door Locks. If you’re tired of always losing your keys, then smart locks, which retail between $79 to $250 will help. You can program them to only open with a tap from your cellphone, unlock with Bluetooth proximity sensing, or program with a code for temporary or periodic access for contractors or house cleaners. Most look just like regular door locks so would be thieves are none the wiser.

Smart Lighting. No need to run around after the kids turning off all the lights when you have smart lighting. Not only does it keep your home more efficient, you can program them to display certain lights at certain times via your smart phone. Come home to a cheery home in the evening or turn on lights when you are on vacation. 
 
If you are looking to sell your Boston, MA home this spring, please be sure to contact a Boston, MA real estate agent. I am happy to help you sell your home. I hope to hear from you soon! 
 

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – What Can You Learn from Your Neighbor's Home Sale?

Spring is here and along with that gorgeous Boston, MA spring weather we will also begin to see a ramp up in homes for sale. Springtime is known as the best time to list your home for sale in Boston, MA and 2016 is no exception. Many homes have come on the market in the last few weeks and this will continue for some time. If one of your neighbors has recently listed their home for sale there is some studying you should do to prepare yourself and your home for a future home sale.


Be the nosy neighbor at the open house. Be nosy, well, not that nosy. There is plenty that you can learn by asking your neighbor what kind of feedback they are receiving from their showings and open houses. Or, you can ask to attend the open house and see how prospective buyers are reacting to their home. Chances are their home is pretty similar to yours and you will be able to gauge what you may need to change about your home prior to listing it on the Boston, MA real estate market.

Did the home sell, and how fast? Its easy to get hung up on the number the home is listed for, but, the more important number is how much it actually sold for. A home priced right will sell quickly and an over priced home may take some time and several price changes to finally sell. Once your neighbor’s home sells, compare the sale price and the amount of time it took to get a better idea on where your home may be priced.

Timing is everything. As I previously mentioned spring is a very busy time for real estate in Boston, MA. If you aren’t ready to sell this spring consider getting your home ready over the next year or so to focus on next year’s spring market. Should you need to sell sooner, fall is a great time as well. I’d be happy to work with you to give you a comparative market analysis of your home and speak about timing your sale just right. A Boston, MA real estate agent will have their finger on the pulse of the market and know the best way to proceed. I hope to hear from you soon. Contact a Boston, MA real estate agent today!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – Buy a Home Now?

Just as we expected, 2016 is shaping up to be a great year for real estate in Boston, MA. If you have been casually browsing the online listings and aren’t quite sure if you should jump in, NOW is a great time! There is no shortage of homes in Boston, MA so don’t hesitate.

Experts previously stated that rates were expected to go up gradually over the course of 2016. Those higher rates push up borrowing costs and monthly mortgage payments for Boston, MA homebuyers. However, shaky economic news and a volatile stock market have actually caused rates to stay low and are currently at 3.72%.

Mortgage experts have weighed in and agree – rates will likely increase later in 2016. The only thing we know for sure is that, according to Freddie Mac, recent rates are the best they have been since last April.

Bottom Line

If you are thinking of buying your first home or moving up to your ultimate dream home, now is a great time to get a sensational rate on your mortgage and therefore reduce your borrowing costs and monthly mortgage payments.

There are so many incredible benefits of homeownership, both financially and personally. If you are considering buying a home in Boston, MA, but aren’t sure if homeownership is for you, let me fill you in on all the financial perks to owning! Contact a Boston, MA real estate agent today!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Boston, MA – Homes are Selling Fast!

The spring market is in full effect and that means that Boston, MA real estate is hot right now! According to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Existing Home Sales Report, existing sales kicked off 2016 on solid footing, rising slightly to the strongest pace since July 2015. Properties typically stayed on the market for 64 days in January, below the average of 69 days in January 2015.

Buyer demand remains strong. The inventory of homes available in Boston, MA for sale remains low. I recently shared that home equity gains in Boston, MA are up, as well as across the country. With so many more homeowners right side up in their mortgages we can predict tremendous growth in the market in 2016. Now is the time to take advantage of this growth! As an experienced real estate agent I can do a comparative market analysis to show you what I think your home is worth in this market. There is no better time than the present to become active in the Boston, MA real estate market! 
 
When you are ready to sell your Boston, MA home, contact a Boston, MA real estate agent. I am 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

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Boston, MA – St. Patrick's Day Eats

Are you ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, it's just around the corner! There are plenty of options for Irish fare and drinks in Boston, MA for the upcoming holiday. Here is a round up of of some of the favorite places to grab a St. Patrick's Day bite in our great city of Boston, MA. Enjoy a pot of stew and some Guinness, too!

The Beehive. The Beehive will not only have Irish favorites for sampling but will feature Irish singer Katie McD and special guests. Enjoy Irish tunes while sipping your favorite Irish beer. Starting at 8pm, 541 Tremont St., Boston.

Doyle's Cafe. It's not just about the food at Doyle's Cafe. There is live Irish music all day, every day. It's the quintessential Boston Irish Bar. 3484 Washington St., Jamaica Plain.

The Harp. The Harp will have plenty of traditional Irish fare plus some new twists on Irish classics. Stop by at 85 Causeway St., Boston for some Irish music by The Back Rose Band.

McGreevey's. The self proclaimed headquarters of the Dropkick Murphys, you will have plenty of chances to see the band during the multiple day celebration at McGreevey's, 3/16 – 3/20. Opening at 9am on St. Patrick's Day at 911 Boylston St., Boston.

If you are traveling into Boston, MA to celebrate and are interested 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 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 a Boston, MA real estate agent when you decide to start your home search.

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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