Boston Farmers Markets 2016

It is now officially harvest season and the farmers markets in Boston are exploding with fresh fruits and veggies. All around our 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. I can't think of a better way to explore around our city than to visit these markets. 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 is a list of a few of the favorite Boston farmers markets, the City of Boston website has a full rundown of all the city-wide markets.

Downtown. The Boston University Farmers Market not only features local farmers and artisan producers but you will also find local musicians. Offered at the Boston University Student Center this fall from Sept 8^th -October 27^th.

Back Bay. The Copley Square Farmers Market is one of the largest markets in Massachusetts. It's mission is to partner with farmers, consumers, and communities to foster, enhance, and sustain farmers markets in Massachusetts in order to improve regional farm viability, consumer nutrition, and community social and economic development. At the corner of Boylston and Dartmouth through the end of November, Tuesdays and Fridays, 11am-6pm.

Jamaica Plain. The Jamaica Plan Farmers Market is a small neighborhood market highlighting produce from Stillman's Farm. Held at the Bank of America parking lot on Centre Street Tuesday's, 12pm-5pm and Saturdays, 12pm-3pm through the end of November. You can locally raised meats, bakery, and honey, in addition to the freshest produce.

Roxbury/Mission Hill Market. The Roxbury/Mission Hill Market is held at Brigham Circle, the intersection of Huntington Ave and Tremont St in Roxbury. Open through the end of November on Thursdays, 11am-6pm. Although small they provide plenty of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and plants.

I hope you take the time to visit one or more of these markets and fill your pantry with locally grown, sustainable food. As your Boston real estate agent I am always here should you have a question on a 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. Contact a Boston real estate agent should you need assistance! I hope to hear from you soon.

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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How is the Boston, MA Real Estate Market?

Are you thinking of dipping your toes into the Boston, MA real estate market and you aren't quite sure what the future holds? Depending on which headlines you read the market is up or down and some of the reports can be down right confusing. To help sort out the confusion, Freddie Mac has issued its monthly outlook for July, with a focus on what has driven down mortgage rates. It also showed how this is expected to drive home prices in the next year. 
 
Mortgage rates in Boston, MA have continued to slowly go down, Freddie Mac believes that the international concerns from the slowing growth in China and the U.K.’s Brexit vote have played a major role in driving mortgages lower. Freddie Mac’s most recent Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to a rate of 3.41%. This is nearly an all-time low. This low rate should boost housing activity, particularly refinancing activity. According to MSN Real Estate, Freddie Mac’s latest economic and housing price outlook is still calling for growth in both the economy and housing. The forecast calls for growth to rebound in the second half of 2016, with gross domestic product (GDP) rising 1.9% in 2016 and then rising 2.2% in 2017. 
 
Most interesting for would-be Boston, MA home-buyers is where the mortgage rates are expected to hit in the second half of 2016 and in 2017. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage forecast has been revised down for both 2016 (by 30 basis points) and 2017 (by 50 basis points) to 3.6 percent and 4.0 percent, respectively. Prospective Boston, MA home-sellers will be interested to hear the home appreciation forecast which for 2016 remains at 5.0 percent, and in 2017, 4.0 percent. All around, the market is in good shape and is expected to continue so for the next year.

If you are thinking of buying your first home in Boston, MA 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. Contact a Boston real estate agent today!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Best Beaches in Boston, MA

Summer is in full swing here in Boston, MA and one of the biggest perks to living in Boston, MA is our close proximity to the water. The refreshing ocean breeze, fishing, sailing, and water sports just touch on the numerous ways to enjoy life by the harbor this summer. Don't let the summer slip away before checking out some of the beaches in Boston, MA. Here are a few recommendations for the best beaches to visit in Boston this summer.
Spectacle Island. Forget driving or parking. Spectacle Island is easily accessible by a ferry, which conveniently runs every half hour. Located just a 15 minute ride from the Boston waterfront, the beaches of this pristine oasis are littered with gorgeous sea glass and seashells. A short hike grants visitors a spectacular view of the Boston skyline. Finally, settle down for the afternoon with a picnic lunch and you have yourself a picture perfect day.

Castle Island Beach. You get a little bit of everything when you visit Castle Island in South Boston. The relaxation of the beach meets the enjoyment of people watching all while savoring an ice cream cone from Sullivan’s. This is the place to go if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without actually going too far. Castle Island is just a quick train ride from downtown, and parking is plentiful, too!
Winthrop Beach. While tourists tend to flock to Revere Beach, Boston locals know where to escape to tranquility just minutes from downtown Boston. This no-frills beach is quite small and lacks the shopping and amenities that tend to attract out-of-towners. Winthrop Beach is much less crowded than your other options in the Boston area, and there is always plenty of free parking available. If you want to pack a lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon away from the city crowds, Winthrop Beach is for you!

In addition to the beaches I have listed above, there are numerous other spots you can visit before the summer is over. Once you buy a home in Boston, MA 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, MA. 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 a Boston, MA real estate agent! 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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Navigate a Boston Seller's Market

The real estate market fluctuates often, making it tough to predict whether the market will favor buyers or sellers when it’s your turn to buy. Boston homebuyers may find themselves in a seller’s market as there isn’t a large inventory of homes to choose from. Buyers in a seller’s market can get what they want, but they need to bring their “A” game. Here are some must-do’s for any Boston homebuyer in a seller’s market. 
 
Make your best offer. Offering lower than asking price is a perfectly reasonable strategy in some instances, such as if the house is overpriced compared with other similar homes in the area, or if it’s a buyer’s market with lots of available inventory. But trying to get a deal when you are in a seller’s market might not be the best idea. When competition is fierce it’s best to come in with a strong offer instead of putting in a low ball offer.

Don’t wait too long. Once you’ve determined the type of home you want, the neighborhood you need, and your price range, and then finally find a home that meets your qualifications, make an offer. 
 
Work with a real estate agent. Save time and stress and work with a seasoned agent. If you have a Boston real estate agent on your side, you’ll probably have a better chance of getting the home you want. 
 
Get a pre-approval. The only way to prove to the seller that you’re a qualified buyer is to get a pre-approval from a Boston mortgage lender. Not sure what you need to get a pre-approval? Check out my recent blog post that has all the how-to’s of getting a pre-approval with a mortgage lender. 
 
When you are ready to sell your Boston home, contact a Boston 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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