Easter Sunday Brunch 2018 in Boston MA

It’s not too late, although Easter Sunday is approaching quickly there is still time to get reservations! Boston, MA has a plethora of options from casual dining to full-fledged champagne brunch. Whether you are looking for a place to go after church or your annual Easter egg hunt, I've got you covered. Check out some of the options I've rounded up and make sure to book your reservation today!

Brasserie Jo. They're pulling out all the stops for Easter at Brasserie Jo. The midday festivities include an elaborate buffet complete with mimosa and bloody mary bars, live jazz and lots of fun for the kids including candy, coloring books and Easter egg hunts (at 12:00 and 1:30pm) and visits with the Easter bunny (between 11:00am and 2:00pm). $55+ per adult; $22.95 per child (3-12); free for children 2 and under. 617-425-3240

No. 9 Park. Easter celebrations commence at No 9. Park's intimate Beacon Hill dining room for lunch. An elegant a la carte menu of French and Italian cuisine will be available alongside mid-morning cocktails and sparkling wines by the glass, all served overlooking picturesque Boston Common. Five course tasting menu available for $75. Available from 11:30am-2pm. 617-742-9991

Beat Brasserie. Try something different this year at Beat Brasserie in Harvard Square. There will be Easter-themed special menus for both lunch and dinner and of course there will be live music! Brunch is 9:30am-3pm and Dinner is 5pm – 10pm. 617-499-0001

My friends over at Gayot.com have several more options for Easter Sunday Brunch in Boston, MA if you want to see the full list of what Boston restaurants have to offer. If you are traveling into Boston, MA to celebrate and are interested learning more about what this great city has to offer please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent. I can't wait to hear from you!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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Interest Deductions for Boston Home Owners

Despite widespread fears to the contrary, the IRS has clarified that last year’s big tax bill did not kill all interest deductions on home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and equity loans. This is good news for Boston homeowners who opened a recent home equity line of credit and wish to receive a tax deduction. 

In a policy statement, the IRS said that it has received “many questions … from taxpayers and tax professionals” about HELOCs and equity loans in the wake of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017, which passed in December. That legislation eliminated a section of the federal tax code authorizing interest write-offs on “home equity indebtedness” from 2018 through 2025. But as noted in this column in January, the law did not curtail deductions on all HELOC and equity loan interest payments. It depends on how you use the money you borrow.

Taxpayers can “often still deduct interest on a home equity loan, home equity line of credit or second mortgage, regardless of how the loan is labeled,” said the IRS, provided the borrowed funds are used to “buy, build or substantially improve the taxpayer’s home that secures the loan” and the total debt on the house does not exceed statutory limits. There are some further details not to be missed to ensure you can take the deduction so please do check with your tax preparer. The Boston Herald also has a good run down of the policy on HELOC interest deductions. 

My specialty is working closely with my clients as a consultant (not just an “agent”) to provide the information and education critical to make those informed choices—at every step throughout the process. My comprehensive, high-quality services can save you time and money, as well as make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful. Please feel free to contact a Boston 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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Prepare for the Boston Spring Real Estate Market

Warmer weather will soon be on the way and spring is just around the corner. Spring is well-known as one of the busiest times in the Boston, MA real estate market. If you are you planning to buy a home in Boston, MA this spring, you are not alone. Over the next month, the Boston home inventory will soar and you'll have a whole new crop of homes to consider. If you’re a first-time homebuyer or if it’s been a while since you’ve gone through the home buying process, it’s important to know that there are a few items you should start thinking about right away. Here are three tips to ensure you are ready to jump into the spring Boston real estate market.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage. In a competitive real estate market, home sellers favor buyers who have been pre-approved for a mortgage. Though the terms are commonly used interchangeably, pre-approval differs from pre-qualification in that pre-approval includes having your financial information run through the underwriting process. This will give you a pretty accurate picture of how much you can expect to borrow from your lender and therefore how much home you can afford.

Be prepared with a down payment. It’s generally recommended to put 20 percent down when you buy a home. However, this amount can vary depending on the type of mortgage you’ll be applying for. For those seeking a traditional mortgage, it’s important to note that you’ll have to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you don’t come up with a 20 percent down payment.

Choose the right realtor. Unless you’re a seasoned pro, having a Realtor on your side can make a big difference. Making an offer on a house in a competitive market can require more than just a willingness to pay the price. If a seller must choose between multiple buyers, they’re likely to choose the one that’s coming to them with the best overall package. A good Boston real estate agent will present your offer along with other information, including your ability to get a loan, your down payment, and anything else that might make you more appealing than someone else vying for the same property.

Buying a home in Boston, MA is one of the most exciting milestones you’ll reach during your lifetime. Before you start scouring the Internet in search of your new pad, be sure to keep in mind the three important items above. And when you are ready please contact a Boston, MA real estate agent. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

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