Good 1st Impressions for your Boston Home

Are you planning on putting your Boston home on the market? Many would think that once your home is listed and the for-sale sign is up that your home is all ready for would-be-buyers. But is it? Your home needs to look it's best when it comes time for showings. First impressions are everything, especially for a home on today's market. As a Boston real estate agent I have seen homes in various condition and have learned what does and doesn't help a home out during a showing. Here are some of my tips for making sure that the first impression is a good one.

Front landscaping and decor: Stay on top of any lawn mowing and tidy up the front landscaping. This is the first thing a potential buyer will see! A new colorful welcome mat and a potted plant outside the front door will also help spruce things up. Make sure your windows are sparkling and give your front door a fresh coat of paint.

Think of it as preparing for a formal dinner party: Pretend you have guests coming over and walk through your house from room to room, removing all the clutter, ensuring that all kitchen and bathroom counter-tops and dressers are as clear as possible. Keep all closets and toys organized and remove any other excess clutter. Thoroughly clean all of your appliances, including the inside of your oven and microwave, and make sure the rest of your Boston home has been dusted and polished. In the dining room add a beautiful centerpiece to the dining room table to add elegance to your home. Fresh flowers in the kitchen are always a beautiful touch too.

Touch up: Touch up your interior paint, if necessary, and get a new coat of white on the baseboards, if needed. If you have any carpets consider getting them professionally cleaned before any buyers view your home. Also make sure that you tackle any small projects like leaky faucets or non-functioning light bulbs.

Basically, use common sense when preparing your home. Your job as a home seller is to present a simple, clean, attractive home that potential buyers can picture themselves in.

When you are ready to sell your Boston home, look to an experienced Boston real estate agent. I'm 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

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter

Fourth of July in Boston, MA

As summer is in full swing and June is dwindling down the next big summer event is the Fourth of July! Boston, MA is the perfect place for celebrating our nation and partaking in some Fourth of July festivities. If you don't have plans yet I have compiled a list of some Boston favorites for you to explore.

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. If anyone knows how to do fireworks right, it's Boston, MA! The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is a two day celebration on July 3^rd and 4^th featuring musical performance on both days plus the spectacular fireworks show on July 4^th. This year's headliner along with the Orchestra is The Beach Boys. It really can't be beat, come celebrate with Boston on the Esplanade! If you aren't up for the crowds, Boston.com has a list of secret spots around town to catch the fireworks.

Celebrate at the Museum of Science. The Museum of Science has a fantastic view of the Charles River making it the place to celebrate Fourth of July. A full evening of fun science activities, family entertainment, a live broadcast from the Esplanade, and much more! The festivities start at 5:30 and conclude at 11:30pm. Adults are $28, children (3-11), $17.

Boston Harborfest. A favorite yearly destination by locals and tourists, the 33^rd Anniversary celebrations start July 2^nd and continues through July 6^th. The festival showcases the colonial and maritime heritage of the cradle of the American Revolution: the historic city of Boston! Several activities and tours are planned daily at Boston Harborfest, including a parade on the fourth.

In addition to the festivities I have listed above, there are numerous other festivals throughout the 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 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 me! As your Boston real estate agent, it’s my pleasure to show newcomers what a great place Boston, MA 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

Boston, MA Farmers Markets for 2014

All of the gorgeous weather lately here in Boston, MA, along with the start of summer, has jump started the Farmers Markets! All around this 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. 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 are just a sampling of the Farmers Markets here in Boston, MA.

Downtown. The Boston Public Market on the Greenway has moved to the Plaza at 136 Blackstone Street. Local vendors include Danish Pastry House, Q's Nuts, Seta's Mediterranean, Stillman's Farm, and Rhode Island Mushroom, among others. The market is open now through November 26^th, Monday and Wednesdays from 11am-6pm.

Alston Village. The Allston Village Farmers Market seeks to reinvigorate the Allston Village neighborhood and Union Square and to help strengthen the community. Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables from local farms along with tasty treats and coffee are offered. Located at 500 Cambridge Street, Allston MA, now through October 26^th on Saturdays from 11am-3pm.

South Boston. The South Boston Farmers Market is located at 446 W. Broadway next to the West Broadway Municipal parking lot. Fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, flowers, plants and more are featured along with bread and baked goods. Some local vendors include Cape Cod Fish Share, Freita's Farm, and Mary's Handmade Items. Open now through October 27^th on Monday's from noon-6pm.

I hope you take the time to visit one or more of these markets and fill your pantry with locally grown, sustainable food. Boston Farmers Market also has a very convenient PDF for access to all of the 2014 Farmers Markets in Boston, MA so make sure to check it out!

As your Boston, MA real estate agent I am always here should you have a question on a Boston, MA 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. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter

Buy your Boston Home with less than 20 percent down

Are you looking to buy your first Boston home? Now would be a great time as mortgage rates are low and they are expected to climb later this year. If you haven't been able to save up enough to have a full 20 percent down payment you may think you are out of luck for purchasing your Boston home. Luckily, this isn't the case. It is possible to buy your home with less than 20 percent down, even in today's mortgage climate. Here are some tips to help you get a mortgage without 20 percent down.

Negotiate

Talk directly with your banker, you will have the best luck if it happens to be a smaller bank who writes their own loans. Be persistent and negotiate with them. They may very well agree to terms under 20 percent down.

Go for an FHA loan

A loan through the Federal Housing Administration may be the answer if you cannot come up with 20 percent down. There are looser underwriting guidelines and less-than-stellar credit scores are accepted. FHA loans are the most popular and easiest way for a first time homebuyer to get their Boston home. FHA loans are available to first time buyers with as little as 3.5 percent down and you can also roll in your closing costs, as long as the loan and closing costs don't exceed 96.5 percent of the home's fair market value. The only caveat to an FHA loan is that PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required.

Look into state and municipal programs

Both Boston and the state of Massachusetts offer down payment assistance. The City of Boston offers up to 3% of the purchase price for down payment and closing costs. There is also a 3D Advantage program that offers up to $20,000 towards down payment and closing costs. If it is a foreclosed home additional support is given. Check out the City of Boston site to read more specific detail on who is eligible. The State of Massachusetts site also offers further information on the programs along with guidelines on who may be eligible.

Lower your debt-to-income ratio

The best way to get a loan successfully with a low down payment is to be financially fit. The best indicator of this is to have a strong debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. The DTI ratio is one way lenders measure your ability to make the monthly payments. They add up your monthly debt payments and divide them by gross monthly income. A DTI ratio of 43 percent or less is ideal. If your ratio is higher than 43 percent you can either increase your income or pay off your debt.

Increase your credit score

Dependent on your credit score you may be eligible for certain loans, or not. For example, an FHA loan requires a FICO score of at least 580 if using the low down payment option. What should you do if your credit score isn't so great? First ensure that the report is factual and there aren't any errors on it. A mortgage professional can also help you get things removed from it or helping you spot errors.

When you are ready to purchase your Boston home, look to an experienced Boston real estate agent. I'm committed to providing you with the highest quality buyer service. When making the type of investment that buying a home requires, you deserve to have all the latest market information and the very best advice, both of which I can provide you with. I am always here should you have a question on a Boston, MA neighborhood such as South End, Fenway, Beacon Hill, or any other. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter

Father's Day Fun in Boston, MA

We already celebrated moms' Boston-style last month. Now it is time to celebrate dads! Father's Day 2014 is June 15^th so start making plans. Treat the dad in your life to a weekend of fun at one of the Boston, MA area events happening Father's Day 2014 weekend.

Boston Dragon Boat Festival. Teams in colorful Hong Kong-style dragon boats compete in time trials at the 35^th annual Boston Dragon Boat Festival. At Bank of the Charles River, Harvard Square, Cambridge. Saturday, June 14^th, 7am – 2pm. FREE

Arts Fest Beverly. This outdoor festival includes more than 100 fine artists and crafters, music and entertainment, kids' activities, and food trucks. Arts Fests Beverly is in downtown Beverly, Saturday, June 14^th, 10am – 3pm. FREE

Father's Day at the Zoo. Both Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo will celebrate dad with free admission for fathers on Sunday, June 15^th. One Franklin Park Road, Boston and 149 Pond St., Stoneham.

Music and Art Weekend. In Old Sturbridge Village there is free admission and a special gift (while supplies last) for dads on Father's Day. The Village will come alive with the sights and sounds of the 19^th century popular music and art. Over 50 singers, dancers, musicians, and artists will perform and demonstrate over the two day festival. Saturday, June 14^th – Sunday, June 15^th, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge.

Father's Day Road Race. This year marks the 20^th Annual Father's Day Road Race at the Children's Museum in Easton. Start the day right with either the Road Race or the Fun Walk. On Sunday, June 15^th, 9am – 11:30am, 9 Sullivan Avenue, Easton, MA. $25 pre-registered, $30 day of race, $10 for walkers.

If you are traveling into Boston, MA to celebrate and are interested in 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 Boston 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, MA has to offer.

Please contact me when you decide to start your home search.

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter

House Hunting Mistakes to Avoid for your Boston Home

Home searches are not always simple and it's easy to make a mistake while searching for your perfect Boston home. Having helped potential buyers through countless searches I've learned what not to do during a home search. If you are in the midst of home search or are thinking of starting soon, please consider these tips.

Missing out on the “one”

Boston home inventory can move fast and desirable homes move even faster. Make sure you are using all of the house hunting tools available to you. A seasoned real estate professional local to Boston, like myself, can help move you beyond the online search sites. Access to the local MLS search is very convenient and a real estate professional also knows the ins and outs of what just came on the market or what may soon be on the market.

Getting hung up on price per square foot

First off, square footage is not guaranteed to be accurate so make sure you aren't searching just by price per square foot, you may miss out on many opportunities. Also, consider that from neighborhood to neighborhood, Boston home's price per square foot varies. What you get for that price per square foot can vary wildly depending on where you are searching.

Desperation

If you have sold your current home or have a lease that is ending soon it is easy to get antsy and to jump on a property just to have some place to live. Consider a back up plan such as short-term or corporate rental options while you wait for your dream home to come on the market.

Forgetting the inspection

Since we don't live in a perfect world where every issue in a home is disclosed openly, it is important to get an inspection. Many issues can also go unknown to the current owners so even if you know the sellers make sure to pay for a pest and contractor inspection. The inspection will identify any current issues or potential threats in the future. You can also use it as a means of negotiation.

Buying a Boston home 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 important items above. And when you are ready please contact a Boston real estate agent. Without the guidance of a local expert, it can be tricky to cover all of the city's vibrant neighborhoods! As a Boston 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, MA has to offer. I hope to speak with you soon!

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter

Summer 2014 Festivals in Boston, MA

The weather might not feel like summer just yet, but, I promise – summer is just around the corner! Boston, MA is known for incredible summer weather. I can't think of a better way to enjoy the weather then to get out around Boston and enjoy one of the many festivals. It's the perfect reason to get together and celebrate our city and its culture, eat, dance, or appreciate local culture and art. Boston, MA has several summer festivals, too many to mention them all, here are a few of the top picks for 2014.

Boston Calling. Done twice a year, Boston Calling is a music festival done up right at City Hall Plaza in Boston. This year's summer fest takes place this weekend from Friday, May 23^rd – Sunday, May 25^th. Located on two different stages with various artists, this years headliners are Jack Johnson, Death Cab for Cutie, and Modest Mouse.

Boston Pride. The Boston Pride parade heads through Boston every year so supporters of the LBGT community can come out to spread awareness of rights and to just have a great time. At the end of the parade there is a festival at City Hall Plaza. All ages are welcome and there are family-friendly areas for parents and kids as well as fun for the 21+ crowd. June 14^th at 12pm.

Boston Harborfest. The Boston Harborfest is a yearly event around Fourth of July. With events such as the Boston Pops show and Chowder Fest, there is something for everyone! This year's festival takes place July 2^nd – July 7^th at City Hall Plaza.

If you are traveling into Boston, MA this summer to partake in some festivals and are interested in 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 Boston 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, MA has to offer.

Please contact me when you decide to start your home search.

Lucas Garofalo

Keller Williams Realty

(617) 861-3631

Lucas@LucasBostonHomes.com

Connect with me:

Facebook
Twitter