Showing posts with label Boston Real Estate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boston Real Estate. Show all posts

Signs It’s Time to Sell Your Boston Home


Are you thinking about selling your Boston home? Have you been considering this for awhile, but haven’t been sure when the right time is? As your Boston real estate agent, I’m here to tell you that when you’re ready to be a Boston home seller, the Boston real estate market is ready for you!

Home sales are up, because Boston homebuyers are eager to buy while mortgage rates remain historically low. Home prices are up, because home values and equity are returning, and also because inventory is still low. In fact, Boston home prices soared in the first few months of 2015!

When the inventory of homes for sale is low, this means that as a Boston home seller, you might receive multiple offers from buyers, and you might score an offer higher than your listing price! Bidding wars are very common right now. Boston homes are also selling fast after being listed.
So if you’re ready to sell your Boston home, now is definitely the time to do it. But how do you know when you’re ready to sell? Here are some common signs that it’s time:
  • You’ve outgrown your space. Is your family growing as you have children, purchase pets or make room for aging parents or relatives? Do you need office space, or bigger closets, or more bedrooms for your growing children? If you feel like a bigger home is your next step, now is definitely the time to sell, so you can score a low mortgage rate when you purchase your next home.
  • Your neighborhood is booming. Notice if other homes in the area are selling. Contact me, your Boston real estate agent, to find out what homes in the area are selling for, compared to what they were listed for, and how quickly they are selling. Get your home reappraised to find out if your home has positive equity. The housing recovery is in full force!
  • You stopped caring about maintenance. Did you used to get excited about home projects, but now the paint is chipping and the gardens are overgrown? This could mean that you’re ready for maintenance-free living, or maybe you just need a change in scenery. Take it as a sign that you are ready to move on, and ready to perhaps downsize to a smaller home, or even to a Boston condo or townhouse.
If any of these signs ring a bell for you, or if your life has changed recently and you are just ready to move on, contact me. As your Boston real estate agent, I can answer any questions you may have, and I would love to help you through the home-selling process in Boston!

Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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7 Earth Day Events in Boston!


Tomorrow is Earth Day, and as such, Boston is hosting all kinds of Earth-related events and activities to celebrate. As your Boston real estate agent, I’d like to fill you in on what’s going on! Gather up your group of friends, your kids, coworkers, or just head out on your own, and enjoy fun activities that also teach you about the planet, or allow you make a positive difference.

1.  Bring the whole family to Discovery Museums for their Celebrate eARTd Day event tomorrow! You can drop into Bessie’s Tent anytime between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to try your hand at turning trash into treasure. You can repurpose electronic equipment or you can uncover your inner naturalist, artist or builder in other ways. Both museums are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

2.  Shop at OMBE on Earth Day tomorrow and receive 10 percent off any Eco Beauty Bar items! This includes beauty products from Erbaviva, Badger Balm, LEAP Organics, Manduka and many more. You’ll be doing a favor to the earth, your skin and your wallet! 

3.  Head to Ecotarium for an Earth Day Festival on Friday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local green organizations and food vendors will be present. There will be lots of indoor and outdoor activities and entertainment, and you can explore the beautiful trails, ponds, woods and more while there. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children, seniors and students with ID. 

4.  Also on Friday, head to Franklin Park Zoo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for “Party for the Planet” Earth Day Celebration! You can meet the zookeepers and participate in scavenger hunts and an array of activities, all while finding out how you can help preserve the earth. There will also be entertainment, compost demonstrations and eco-friendly exhibits. 

5.  Help clean up the Charles River this Saturday, April 25! From 9 a.m. to noon, join thousands of volunteers and community groups to help beautify the banks of the Charles River, from Bellingham to Boston. This is part of a nationwide movement to clean up U.S. rivers, which to date, has removed over 4 million pounds of trash from waterways. Register! 

6.  All week, you can visit national parks for free in honor of National Park Week! With 14 national parks just in Massachusetts, this week would be a great week or weekend for taking some road trips and appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds us. This includes Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, Boston National Historical Park, Longfellow House, Lowell National Historical Park and many more. 

7.  All week, you can also Boston Architectural College on Newbury Street! Today through Saturday, the college’s Green Team will have a special Earth Week Exhibit that anyone can walk through. Topics and activities will include recycling, urban bicycling, movie showings and more. 

Earth Day is also a great time to incorporate some eco-friendly, energy-efficient upgrades into your Boston home! These will save you money, help protect the planet, and can increase the value of your home. When ready to buy or sell real estate in the Boston real estate market, contact me, your Boston real estate agent!

Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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How to Increase Your Boston Home’s Property Value!


Are you ready to sell your Boston home soon? Now is the time to do it! Housing supply is low, so bidding wars are high among buyers. Plus, mortgage rates are still low and rents are rising, so Boston homebuyers are eager to buy. As your Boston real estate agent, I am here to help you with the home-selling process!

Before you put your home on the Boston real estate market, consider taking some steps to increase your Boston home’s property value. To help you out, I’ve summarized some  recent tips from Realtor Magazine.
  • Repair. The first things they say to check are the foundation, roof, plumbing and electrical.  Take a good look at every aspect of the home, inside and out, and make the necessary repairs. The home inspectors will find what you find!
  • Declutter. Spring clean your entire home, including inside closets, cabinets, drawers and storage areas. Donate, sell, recycle or toss whatever you no longer need. Clutter turns buyers off fast!
  • Lighten up. Allow natural light in by replacing heavy window curtains with lighter options or blinds that you can easily open. Clean the windows. Replace any burnt out light bulbs around the house.
  • Add eco value. If you need to upgrades in the house, such as kitchen appliances, toilets, furnaces, water heaters or windows, opt for more energy-efficient options. Buyers appreciate green, eco-friendly upgrades right now.
  • Refinish. Pay attention to your floors. Give your wooden floors a refinishing, along with your outdoor deck or front porch. Consider replacing worn carpeting with wooden floors, or at least have the carpeting professionally cleaned.
  • Update kitchen. Kitchens are major focal points for buyers. Make small upgrades that won’t cost you your savings, such as replacing or painting cabinets, or upgrading the faucet.
  • Update bathroom. Buyers also pay attention to bathrooms, so consider adding a double vanity or a walk-in shower. Upgrade the cabinets, floors or wall paint if necessary.
  • Remodel. If you’re going to go all out and remodel, consider remodeling the attic or basement before adding on brand-new space to the home. Remodeling the space you have is a more cost-effective option.
  • Spruce up. Add curb appeal with low-maintenance gardens, tree trimming, and lawn watering and mowing. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint, and consider replacing the address numbers or mailbox.
As you can see, there are plenty of simple, cost-effective ways to add value to your Boston home. Deep cleaning, decluttering and depersonalizing go a long way, too. Staging to sell is key to attracting interested Boston homebuyers!

Don’t let this great opportunity for selling your Boston home pass you by. Contact me, your Boston real estate agent, when you’re ready to get started with the home-selling process!

Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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What to Look Forward To In Boston This Spring!


Spring has officially arrived in Boston! Though the weather isn’t as spring-like as most of us had hoped for, warm weather, sunshine and colorful flowers will be here in no time. To get you pumped for the spring season in Boston, as your Boston real estate agent, I’ve compiled a list of events and activities to look forward to!

1.  Done with hot chocolate and mulled ciders? Good, because spring cocktail menus have returned! Check out Brass Union’s Jumpman Julep cocktail, made with tequila, coconut foam and a blend of pineapple, orange and pomegranate juices. Or, go with Legal Crossing’s Bob Lee’s Islander, made with dark rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice and more. These springy flavors will get you ready for warm weather!

2.  Food truck season is returning so soon! Starting April 1, you can expect new and old trucks to return for your enjoyment during your lunch break, on weekends, and anytime you attend a local festival. Monday through Saturday, you can find food trucks at Dewey Square Park, Rowes Wharf Plaza, Greenway Carousel and many other locations. Check out the full Mobile Eats calendar! 

3.  Dining out in Boston seems even more enjoyable than usual when you get to eat on outdoor patios and decks. When we reached 50 degrees a couple weeks ago, Precinct Kitchen + Bar, Trattoria il Panino and Sam’s all opened their patios. So, any day that feels warm enough to sit outside to you, you’ll likely find an open outdoor patio just by walking around!

4.  A sure sign of spring in Boston is when the carousels open for the season! The Rose Kennedy Greenway carousel and the Boston Common carousel are both scheduled to open for the season on April 3. If you’ve got kids, bring them by one of these locations and enjoy the fresh outdoor air as a family.

5.  Baseball is another sure sign of spring in Boston, and the Red Sox opening game at Fenway Park takes place on April 13! They’ll be playing the Washington Nationals. Buy your tickets now for some great sports entertainment. If you miss opening day, there will be many more home games to look forward to all season.

6.  The Boston Marathon returns to Boston on April 20! Thousands of runners are expected to participate in the 119th Marathon, and the Red Sox “Patriots Day” game will take place that morning as well. Tons of people flock to the streets to cheer on the runners. This is an exciting day in Boston, full of Boston pride!

For more events and activities to look forward to this spring in Boston, check out this list from BostInno. When ready to buy a Boston home, or to sell your Boston home this spring, contact me, your Boston real estate agent! I would love to help you achieve your Boston real estate goals this spring season.

Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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Use A Real Estate Agent When Selling Your Boston Home!


Are you getting ready to sell your Boston home? Now is a great time to do it! New home construction is on the rise, so the longer you wait, the more competition you’ll have from new homes and other sellers. Pending homes sales were at their highest level in 18 months, so the real estate market is already active! Once spring weather arrives, it’ll get even busier.

As a Boston real estate agent, I want to help you understand why it’s a smart idea to use an agent to help you sell your Boston home. With so much technology at our fingertips, it might seem like a breeze to sell on your own. That isn’t typically the case, though.

You may have heard that in a recent survey, 92 percent of buyers have used the internet in their home search. However, it’s important to also know that 96 percent of those that used the internet purchased their home through a real estate agent! Only two percent of buyers bought their home directly from a seller.

Buyers responded in the survey to say that they work through an agent to find the actual home they’ll buy, to negotiate terms of the sale and price, and to understand the process. There is a lot of information out there, and a lot of paperwork involved in closings. As the Boston home seller, you don’t want to be left to figure all that out and to connect the dots on your own!

There are a couple other good reasons to work with a Boston real estate agent, too.

We keep emotions out of it. Chances are, you’ve lived in your Boston home for a long time. You’ve grown attached to it. It’s much harder to sell the home that way. As an agent, I can lend you tips on staging your home to sell in a neutral way that suits most buyers. I can listen to the criticism from buyers without taking it personally or getting offended. I know what  buyers will be willing to pay for your home according to market trends, instead of overinflated figures that stem from pride of ownership.

We also sift through the paperwork and explain the process to you. Unless you’ve sold a Boston home in the past, you won’t realize all the steps involved in the home-selling process. It gets tricky! There is also a lot of paperwork to be filled, a lot of negotiating to be had with the buyer’s agent, and a lot of steps to follow during the closing process. I can lead you each step of the way.

When you’re ready to sell your Boston home, or you have questions about selling, contact me, your Boston real estate agent! I would love to help you understand the process, and help you sell your house as fast as you can, for as much as you can. Let’s get started!

Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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Fall in Love with a Boston Home This Valentine’s Day!


Are you ready to buy a Boston home? Now is the perfect time to do it! Consumer confidence is at its highest level in over a decade, which is expected to create a very robust Boston real estate market. Already, foot traffic is higher than usual this time of year. Boston homebuyers want to buy now, while mortgage rates are still at record lows. Don’t miss out!

As your Boston real estate agent, I would love to help you through the home-buying process. I have some tips I’d like to share with you on how to know when you’ve found “the one.” Similar to how you know when you’ve found the one to marry and spend the rest of your life with, finding the house you’ll spend many years living in is an important decision, too!

Here are some tips from RIS Media to help you know when it’s the one:
  • The home makes you happy. It sound simple, but sometimes checking in with your intuition is the best way of knowing if you’ve found the right Boston home. Do you feel anxious, or like you’d like to keep looking, or do you feel excited and hopeful when you think about the home? Just like in a relationship, butterflies in the stomach can occur when you’ve found your Boston dream home, too!
  • The home has a strong foundation. You need a strong foundation in a relationship, but also with a home. Of course, we’re talking literally with a home. Make sure to have an inspection done to find out if the Boston home needs any repairs, and if it does, if the Boston home seller is willing to pay for them. If the home is good to go, you’ve found a winner!
  • The home meets your need. Why are you buying a Boston home? Are you relocating for work, or are you buying bigger for your growing family? Do you want to be closer to a bustling downtown, or further away in a family-friendly, quiet neighborhood? Consider the home and the area around the home, and if it suits all of your needs.
  • The home supports your future. Don’t just think about whether the Boston home has what you need right now. Think about your future too, because you’ll most likely be spending many years living in this home! Can you visualize raising a family, or retiring as empty nesters, or living on your own in that particular neighborhood? Can you imagine nights out on the patio, and cooking dinners in the kitchen.
Whether you buy your Boston dream home this Valentine’s Day, or sometime in the months to come, I’d love to help you out! Contact me, your Boston real estate agent. I will help you make sure that you have found “the one” before you officially close on your new living space.

Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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Affordable Winter Activities in Boston!


A lot of Bostonians are going to be stir crazy after getting cooped up inside during this snow storm! As soon as it’s safe to go outside again, get active and enjoy all that Boston has to offer. Boston.com put together a list of activities you can do for under $25, and as your Boston real estate agent, I’ve shared some of the best ones here with you.

Next time you’re out exploring Boston, consider one of these activities:
  • Visit the Top of the Hub at Prudential Tower and walk the Skywalk Observatory above Boston. You’ll see amazing views of our great city! Cost is $16 for adults, $13 for students and seniors, and $11 for kids. Admission also includes an audio tour and museum admission.
  • Go ice skating on Frog Pond at Boston Common. It’s picturesque, right in the heart of Boston, and you’ll have a blast doing it. Cost is $5 for those over 58 inches tall, and free for those under. Skate rentals cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids.
  • Head to the Boston Public Library for a free art and architecture tour! You don’t have to make an appointment. Just meet in the lobby of the McKim Building. The tour lasts about an hour and includes information and views of famous sculptors and painters.
  • Enjoy an out-of-the-box film by visiting the Brattle Theatre! They show classic, foreign and independent films. Cost is $11 or $9 before 5 p.m., and $8 for seniors and kids. Casablanca is coming up Valentine's Day weekend!
  • Visit a free museum. Plenty of the museums in Boston are free! The Museum of Bad Art, the Fuller Craft Museum, the Boston University Art Gallery, the MIT Museum on the last Sunday of the month and many other museums in the area are free. Explore one you’ve never been to!
  • Samuel Adams brewery tours depart every 45 minutes and last about an hour. Get there early on weekends, it’s very popular. For a suggested donation of $2, you get beer tours and tastings. At 9:40 a.m. on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, you get a specialty tasting during the Morning Mash In Tour.
  • The Boston Children’s Museum understands that kids need to left off some steam after a week of school or daycare. That’s why every Friday night between 5 and 9 p.m., the museum costs just $1 per person! Normally, admission is $14 per person. Take advantage!
For more activities around Boston that cost less than $25, view the Boston.com article in its entirety. Stay safe in the snow, and get out exploring Boston when able to do so!

Don’t let a little snow scare you away from browsing the Boston real estate market. When you’re ready to buy a Boston home, or ready to sell your Boston home, contact me. As your Boston real estate agent, I’m always available to help you out!

Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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Boston Homeowner Checklist For 2015


We are nearing the end of 2014, which means a brand-new start in 2015! If you’ve had projects around your Boston home that you’ve been meaning to tackle, or changes you’ve been wanting to make, a new year is the perfect opportunity to accomplish these goals. As your Boston real estate agent, I’m here to offer you some suggestions.

As a Boston homeowner, does your home need some updates before you sell it in the Boston real estate market? Are you looking to make some changes in order to enjoy living in your home again on a daily basis? Did you recently buy a Boston home and haven’t had a chance to customize it?

No matter what your situation is, here are some great ideas for how to spruce up your Boston home in 2015:
  • Repaint. Painting is one of the most cost-effective updates you can make in a home. A fresh coat of paint can make a room look brighter and cleaner, and it can also update it to a more modern look. For example, beige is out, according to Realty Times, and gray is in.
  • Save money. If there are changes you’d like to make to your Boston home, but you just can’t afford it right now, make it your resolution to save pennies until you can. Don’t DIY something you should be calling a professional in for. Cut back on dinners out, and fancy coffees, and you’ll be able to afford it in no time.
  • Clean. There is no need to wait until spring to give your Boston home a good cleaning. In fact, winter is a great time to do so, while you’re stuck inside because of the cold weather anyway. Really dig into clutter and get rid of anything you no longer need. Clean out all the storage areas hidden from holiday company!
  • Fix. Now is the time to fix what is broken. If you have a leaky faucet, fix it. If you have a burnt out light bulb, replace it with a new one. If you hear a rattling sound when you turn on your shower, get it inspected. From annoying nuisances, to safety precautions, winter is a great time to take control of home maintenance.
  • Go green. Now is a great time to commit to making more eco-friendly choices around the home. Add some potted plants to your interior, which is a nice pick-me-up in the winter. Add a programmable thermostat as a sound investment. Stick draft dodgers in front of your doors.
  • Update lighting. Winter is a dark season. Updating your lighting is an easy way to make your Boston home seem brighter or more cheerful during the darker months. Whether it’s changing the bulbs, or investing in new lighting fixtures or fans, an update can make a big difference on appearance.
Enjoy updating your Boston home to a home that you can feel proud of, and that you enjoy spending time in. When you’re ready to sell your Boston home, or ready to buy a Boston home, contact me! As a Boston real estate agent, I look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals in 2015.

Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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Brighten Up Your Boston Home This Winter!


Brighten Up Your Boston Home
We lost an hour of daylight this past weekend in Boston, MA. That means that either your electricity bill will go up, or it’s time for you to incorporate some tips and tricks to brighten up your home naturally. As your Boston real estate agent, I’d like to help you out with the latter!

There are plenty of things you can do around your Boston home to brighten it up during the dark hours of winter. Here are few to get you started:
  • Open your blinds/curtains. This seems like an obvious one, but a lot of people leave their blinds or curtains closed during the day. Unless it’s brutally cold and windy out, allow natural light to stream into your home for as long as it’s light out. Remove solar shades from windows to allow more light in.
  • Install a skylight. If you’re ready to make an investment, this is one that could cut energy costs year-round, and increase home value. Plus, they look great, and they allow natural light to shine into places that otherwise wouldn’t get much! These are especially great for bathrooms with small or no windows.
  • Add task lighting. Ceiling lights just don’t cut it in the winter. Notice where there are dark corners in each room and strategically place a new floor lamp or desk lamp in that area. These typically use less energy than overhead lights and give rooms a softer glow.
  • Repaint. Dark colored walls can make a home feel dark and dreary, especially in winter. Lighter colored paint reflects light back into a room. If you have dark colors on your walls, consider lighter, softer neutral colors. You could always accent the room with a darker color for a winter appeal.
  • Add mirrors. Mirrors create the illusion of extra space, but they also reflect light and create the illusion that there is more of it than there actually is. If you hang a mirror opposite a window, it’ll double the light in the room. Get creative with glass or mirrored furniture or decorations as well.
Aside from these tips, you could also clean your windows, mirrors and light bulbs really good, so that optimal amounts of light can shine through. These are great tips to incorporate, especially when staging your Boston home to sell! Boston homebuyers want a bright, cheerful home to come home to in the dead of winter. These tips will make your home more appealing to them.

Ready to buy a Boston home? Ready to sell your Boston home? Have questions? Contact me, your Boston real estate agent! I am here for you when you need me.

Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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5 Halloween Events around Boston, MA!


Halloween is quickly approaching here in Boston. Have you planned how you will celebrate this beloved holiday? As your Boston real estate agent, I’m here to fill you in on some of the events and activities coming up around Boston, so you don’t miss a minute of the spooktacular fun!

Whether you’re up for a fun Halloween party, safe trick-or-treating for kids, or an authentic tour of Boston’s historic sites, there is an event or activity for you. Here are five that particularly stood out to me and felt worth sharing:

1.  Make reservations for Boston’s nightly Ghosts and Gravestones Tour! These fill up fast this month and are widely popular among Bostonians. You ride a trolley and walk around Boston’s scariest sites while costumed gravediggers guide you and tell you haunting tales about strange discoveries and mysterious happenings in the city’s earlier days. 

2.  Make reservations for Dining in the Dark at Hampshire House on Halloween night! From 6 to 9 p.m., you’ll put on a blindfold that will allow your other senses to take over as you enjoy a delicious meal in pitch dark. The dinner will also include stirring music, a theatrical story and other dining companions. It’s not a Halloween you’ll soon forget! 

3.  Beacon Hill’s historic homes go all out for Halloween with extravagant decorations. Stroll through the neighborhoods, such as Chestnut and Mt Vernon Streets, to view these decorations on your own. Or, you can join a Beach Hill photography tour while capturing the decorations in photos, and getting tips on how to capture the best shots. You’ll also receive a lot of stories about the area and past residents! 

4.  Visit the SoWa Open Market on Sunday, Oct. 26 for Market of the Living Dead! This is the last market of the season, and people go all out with zombie costumes. There is a prize for best costume, so get creative! The market will also feature live music, pumpkin carving, food trucks and more, aside from the 130 artists and designers that are always featured. 

5.  Bring the kids to the Prudential Center on Oct. 26 for Pru Boo! From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., costumed children can trick-or-treat at over 50 participating stores and restaurants. It’s warm and safe inside, so this is a great alternative to trick-or-treating on Halloween for the younger kids! Other activities will include face painting, magic shows, pumpkin decorating and more. 

Enjoy the rest of October with these wonderfully spooky and festive Halloween events in Boston! For more events happening in Boston, check out my Boston events page. When you’re ready to accomplish your real estate goals in the Boston real estate market, contact me, your Boston real estate agent!

Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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5 Ways to Make Your Boston Home Green


Environmentally-Friendly Features Could Help Sell Your Boston Home!
Boston Real Estaet
Creating A Green Boston Home


“Green” features have become increasingly more important to Boston homebuyers. As an experienced Boston realtor, I can tell you that green upgrades will have a great return when it come to selling your home in today’s market. While there are many things you can do to make your Boston home more green, here are a 5 areas that are fairly easy to address during regular home upkeep:

Light bulbs: Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have become an increasingly popular alternative to the standard incandescent light bulb. While these bulbs to cost a bit more upfront, they will save homeowners money in the log run. Swap your bulbs in both lamps and hardwired light fixtures. It will not only save you money while you’re living in the home, but also appeal to buyers if you choose to sell your home.

Plumbing Fixtures: Consider switching your faucets and shower heads to low-flow replacements. If your Boston home doesn’t already have them, you may want to look into upgrading your toilets to low-flow models as well. Low-flow toilets can save up to 3000 gallons of water per year compared to standard models. Another interesting water-saving feature that has recently become popular is touch-less faucets. Not only do they reduce the potential for the transfer of germs from hands to faucet handles back to hands, they also turn on and off on their own, reducing water consumption.

High-Quality, Programmable Thermostat: There are many programmable thermostat models on the market today; however, if you are planning to replace your current thermostat, opt for a slightly higher-end model with more features. In the age of “smart” everything, homebuyers want their home to be so as well. The more features that a thermostat has, the more potential energy savings it offers.

Appliances: If the time comes when you have to replace one of the appliances in your Boston home, purchase one with an ENERGY STAR rating. This rating indicates that the appliance uses 20-30% less energy than the federal limit, and that means reduced electric bills for you and potential future owners as well.

Home Improvement Supplies: With the rise of building “green”, there are now many sustainable and environmentally friendly options for home improvement. When it comes to flooring, there are now environmentally friendly options in both carpeting and hardwood. Even in tile now has both sustainable and recycled options. You can also opt for a more eco-friendly paint as well that emits less toxic fumes and pollution into the air. Choose those that are zero- or low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) as a healthier alternative. When it comes to selling your home, opting for more environmentally friendly replacement materials will be something that you can boast in your home’s listing to attract more buyers.

These are just a very small handful of the many “green” improvements that you can make to your Boston home. If you are considering selling your home in the near future, these improvements will be valuable in attracting potential buyers! If you’re looking to buy or sell in the Boston area, please contact me. I can help you determine what improvements, green or otherwise, will make your home more appealing to potential buyers. My #1 priority is to get my clients’ Boston real estate sold as quickly as possible!

Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com

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Celebrating Labor Day in Boston, MA


Things to do this Labor Day Weekend in Boston
Boston Real Estate
Labor Day Weekend in Boston

Summer is coming to a close, which means that Labor Day weekend is almost here! While it’s never difficult to find something to do in Boston, MA, the city gets particularly lively on holiday weekends. Labor Day this year is no exception. Here are 4 great ways  to get out and enjoy your Labor Day in Boston this coming weekend:


Boston Arts Festival

The Arts Festival takes place from noon to 6pm on August 30th and 31st in Christopher Columbus Park. The festival will highlight both visual and performing arts. There will be exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, and much more. Head out to this free festival to experience all of the artistic culture that Boston has to offer.


Fireworks on the Harbor

A fireworks display will be taking place over Boston Harbor on Sunday, August 31st as a closing to the Arts Festival. The display will be viewable from anywhere along the waterfront in the North End, Downtown, South Boston, East Boston, and Charlestown. The free fireworks show begins at 9pm.


Mass Brewers Fest

Taking place at the World Trade Center Head House Concourse, the Master Brewers Fest will be held on Friday August 29th from 6pm to 9:30pm. Attendees can taste craft beers from over 30 unique Massachusetts breweries, many of which are very creative with bold New England flavors. Locally renowned brews will also be featured for sampling at this age 21+ beer event. This event features live music by local talent Three Day Threshold, along with more than one hundred varieties of beer.


St. Anthony’s Feast

Head to Boston’s North End from August 29th through September 1st to honor patrons Saint Anthony and Saint Lucy with colorful parades, religious services, strolling singers, live entertainment and a wide variety of great Italian and American food options. Dating back to 1919, Saint Anthony’s Feast has become the largest Italian Religious Festival in New England. It was named the “Feast of all Feasts” by National Geographic Magazine.

As you can see, Labor Day weekend in Boston, MA will not be boring! Activities and events are only one of the many reasons that so many love Boston, MA and choose to call it home. Boston offers rich history and culture, a New England lifestyle, phenomenal educational institutions, and so much more. If you haven’t already, come visit! I’m certain that you’ll be contacting me to help you find the perfect Boston, MA home once you do.

 Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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A Guide to Preparing Your Boston, MA Home to Sell


Making your Boston, MA real estate more appealing to buyers
Boston Real Estate
Selling Your Boston, MA Home


So you’ve decided it’s time to sell your Boston, MA home? Congratulations! There are a few things to consider before putting the for sale sign in the front yard though. Before listing your home, you'll want to make sure that it will appeal to as many buyers as possible. The more potential buyers it attracts, the quicker you’ll get your home sold. Follow this guide to preparing your Boston, MA home to sell, and you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

Evaluate your curb appeal. The first thing that potential buyers will see is the exterior of your home. Start with your landscaping. While somewhat seasonally dependent, you'll want it to appear neat and tidy no matter the time of year. Ensure that your walkway, porch or landing, and front door are clean. A fresh coat of paint can be a quick and easy facelift for your front door.  If lighting fixtures and hardware are worn, consider replacing them. If buyers are intrigued by the outside, they will be excited to see what the inside has to offer.

Make your interior sparkle. Go beyond the regular surface cleaning that you do on a consistent basis, and dig into those cleaning tasks that take a bit more effort. Some things to consider: clean windows outside and in, re-caulk sinks and bathtubs, dust light fixtures and ceiling fan blades, clean your carpets and rugs, thoroughly clean appliances inside and out, etc.  If you don't have the time or means to complete these chores, consider hiring a professional to do them for you.

Remove the clutter. Clutter makes your home appear smaller and can also give it a messy appearance. Focus your energy on your countertops and storage areas.  Countertops should be clear of any unnecessary items, so store small kitchen appliances elsewhere for the time being. Consider packing up knickknacks and books on shelves to give a more open appearance. Potential buyers will want to open closets, cabinets, and drawers to get a feel for the home’s storage space. Be certain that all of these areas neat and orderly and do not appear overstuffed.  If you are having a difficult time finding space for your belongings, visit the idea of renting a storage space while selling your home.

Depersonalize. As potential buyers are touring your home, they are trying to envision themselves living in the home. Items that reflect your personal life and taste can make it difficult for them to do so. Pack up the family photos, and remove the children's artwork from the fridge. If you have any highly taste-specific décor, your may consider swapping it out for something more neutral. When those viewing your home are not distracted by your belongings, they can better gauge whether or not the home will suit their needs.

Attend to minor repairs. While you don’t want to invest a ton of money into your home before selling it, there are certain minor things that you should do. Repair leaky faucets, patch any holes in the walls, realign doors that don’t open and close properly, etc. Most of these repairs do not take long to complete and will help prevent unnecessary checks in the cons column of the checklists of buyers.

Enlist an objective set of eyes. No matter how much time and energy you put into preparing your house to sell, it’s still worth having someone who has no emotional investment in the house give you a second opinion. Your real estate agent can be the perfect individual to do so. He or she works to sell the homes of many each and every year, so utilize his or her expertise!

Once you’ve addressed all of these areas, you’re ready to get the sales process on the road! Taking the time to prepare your Boston, MA house before listing it will pay off in helping to reduce the amount of time that it will spend on the market. As a longtime Boston area realtor, I have assisted many in making the sale of their homes as streamlined and stress free as possible. If you’re considering selling your Boston real estate, please contact me. I’d love to help you sell your current home and even find you the perfect new home.

Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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Boston Market Statistics for the Week of 6/13/14



Presenting you with your monthly market stats for the Greater Boston area single family homes...

Real Estate Market Chart by Altos Research www.altosresearch.com


For single family Boston properties in zip code 02118 there was a total of 2 homes listed as of June 13th.   With an average of 2,898 square feet and 4 bedrooms, the median list price comes out to $2,572,500. No homes were newly listed. Finally, with an average of 122 days on the market, none of the 2 homes were absorbed.



Presenting you with your monthly market stats for the Greater Boston area condos...
Real Estate Market Chart by Altos Research www.altosresearch.com


The numbers for Boston condos in zip code 02118 are promising. The median listing price was at $830,000 at a total inventory of 70. The average condo size is currently sitting at 1,372 square feet, along with an average of 2.06 bedrooms and 1.73 bathrooms. With an average of 37 days on the market, 19 of the 70 condos were absorbed.


Below are the 7 day average price compared to the 90 day average price for Single Family Homes and Condos in 02118.

  
Data provided by ©2014 Altos Research LLC

Data and charts are based on the last 2 weeks, but are current to the day.  I have the ability to focus on different zip codes in the Boston area.  Please contact me with whatever your area of interest is; 02116, 02118, 02129 and I will be glad to help you, just let me know!


Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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The 5 Most Common Boston Home Seller Mistakes


Chances are, you probably don’t go through the process of selling a Boston home very often.  This being said, there tend to be common mistakes that I see happen frequently with Boston home sellers.  Here are 5 that I probably see the most often, so If you’re looking to sell your home, take note!

Neglecting repairs and appearance.  No one wants to purchase a home that appears to be poorly maintained.  Unless they are searching for a “fixer upper”, buyers don’t want to have a long, expensive to-do list as soon as they move into a home. Inspect your home top to bottom for repairs, big or small.  Any repairs that aren’t particularly costly should definitely be completed.  If there are larger repairs that need to be done, you will need to decide whether completing them will be a benefit to the selling price of your home; however, keep in mind that all issues must be disclosed to buyers. Also take the time refresh the exterior of your home — repaint the front door, clean or update hardware, plant fresh flowers.  Anything that will make your home look more appealing when a buyer drives up.

Unappealing pictures.  Since so many start their home search on the internet, the pictures of your home have to make it look its best.  It can be a wise investment to hire a professional photograph.  A real estate photographer is trained to catch the best angles of your home and has the proper equipment to do so.  Great photos can definitely help your home stand out from the pack when a buyer is sifting through a sea of homes on a website.

Pricing your home too high.  Your home must be priced in line with those in the area that are comparable to it.  If your home is one the high end of those available, you will be turning away potential buyers.  It is best to price your home near the median of the available homes in your area.  This will allow your home to fall into as many home searches as possible.

Letting your emotions take over.  While difficult, you have to try to keep your heart out the sales process of your home.  If your realtor recommends that you remove certain taste-specific items from your home, it’s only because he or she wants it to have broad-base appeal.  Should a buyer come to you with a low-ball offer, try your best to not be insulted.  Much like you’re trying to get the most you can for your home, buyers are trying to get the best deal they can on their new home.  Use the low offer as a jumping off point for negotiation.  You cannot take anything that happens during the home sale process personally.

For sale by owner:  Since you don’t sell homes for a living, it is a good idea to enlist the help of a trained real estate professional.  Hiring a realtor who is experienced in your market will be able to assist you in pricing your home correctly to attract buyers.  A realtor will also be able to help you prevent all common pitfalls that sellers tend to fall into by giving you an objective point of view. Overall, enlisting a professional will alleviate much of the stress than can come along with selling a home.

These are just a handful of the mistakes that I have encountered with the sellers I’ve worked with over the years.  With all that’s involved with selling a home, it’s no surprise that this is the case.  As a seasoned Boston real estate agent, I work closely with my clients to help ensure that the sale of their home goes as smoothly as possible.  If you have been considering the purchase of Boston real estate, please contact me.  I look forward to helping you avoid these mistakes while finding the Boston home of your dreams.

Patti Fine
Phone: 617-642-7585
Email: pf@pattifine.com
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