Boston, MA - Why You Should Buy a Home Now!

Wow, is it nearly August already? With summer sputtering to a close soon, parents aren’t the only ones who should be celebrating. Would-be home buyers, rejoice! If you are looking for a deal on the right Boston home, now is your time and you may not want to delay based on some recent news from the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve has been raising rates and confirmed more rate hikes are on tap in the second half of 2017 and 2018. With the Fed raising its benchmark interest rate, banks will likely follow suit and mortgage rates will also rise. Still, although interest rates are off all-time lows, they remain extremely cheap by historical standards. 

So, what can you do to get the Boston homebuying process underway?

Get started. NOW. It’s okay if you have been procrastinating this summer on your Boston home search. The time for home buying is now, so don’t delay and get to work. With fewer buyers looking there is less competition so you may see some decent price reductions around this time.

Negotiate, but, stay flexible. After the start of school some sellers may be up for more negotiation than usual on contracts. It is possible to gain contributions to closing costs or an allowance to upgrade the home, such as a carpet allowance or appliance upgrade. Remember to stay flexible though and don’t lose a deal just because of wanting extras.

Take your time. In recent years, home buyers have increasingly dealt with Boston home bidding wars, and low inventory. Many homebuyers felt rushed to make an offer on a home because it may be gone soon. With the back to school rush over you can take your time to find the perfect home for you and not settle on a not-right home.

Research comps. Be on the lookout for price drops, and make sure you study up on comps (the prices paid for comparable homes in the neighborhood). You don’t want to get stuck paying too much because a seller is still trying to capitalize on the summer buying fervor.

The bottom line: Contrary to popular belief, August and September is a great time to buy a Boston home. If you are searching for the perfect Boston home, let a local expert help you out. Buying a home is an exciting and complex adventure. I take pride in being a local expert and would love to show you around our fine city. Contact a Boston, MA real estate agent to get the buying process underway!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter

The Time to Sell Your Boston Home is Now!

Real Estate experts agree that spring is the busiest time of year for Boston home sales, but, fall is right behind at a close second. But, do you really need to wait for a perfect time to sell in 2017? If you thought about selling your home this year, now more than ever may be the time to do it! The inventory of homes for sale is well below historic norms and buyer demand is skyrocketing. The best time to sell something is when supply of that item is low and demand for that item is high. That defines today’s Boston real estate market!

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors, recently commented:
“Buyer interest is solid, but there is just not enough supply to satisfy demand. Prospective buyers are being sidelined by both limited choices and home prices that are climbing too fast.”

Yun goes on to say:
“Current demand levels indicate sales should be stronger, but it’s clear some would-be buyers are having to delay or postpone their home search because low supply is leading to worsening affordability conditions.”

As a seller, you are in the driver’s seat in this market. Now is the time. So, what can you do to get ready?

Contact a Real Estate Agent. The most important step of selling your home – meet with a Boston real estate agent who can show you the supply conditions in your neighborhood and assist you in gaining access to the buyers who are ready, willing and able to buy now! Please contact a Boston real estate agent if you need any assistance.

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter

Boston, MA – Best Beaches

One of the best parts about living in Boston 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. Because Boston is an urban area, many newcomers aren’t aware of how simple it is to escape to nature for a day. Even those who don’t own a car can easily get away to a local beach for the afternoon. 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 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 this summer. Once you buy a home in Boston 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. All 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 real estate agent, it’s my pleasure to show newcomers what a great place Boston is to settle down. I look forward to hearing from you when the time is right!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter