"How should I price my home?"

As a Boston real estate agent, I get this question a lot. Setting a list price for your home is a delicate process. If you price your home too low, buyers will wonder what’s wrong with it. If you price your home too high, you risk having your home sit on the market longer than you’d like. To hit the sweet spot in the middle, there are a few suggestions I make to home sellers for guaranteed success in the Boston real estate market.  

1. Start looking at your home objectively

The harsh reality of selling your home is that buyers simply don’t care how much you paid for it originally, how many fond memories you created in the home, and how wonderful you think it is. The sooner you can detach yourself from the emotional aspect of the sale, the easier it will be to see your home and the transaction through the eyes of a buyer.

2. Get a CMA done on your home

A CMA, or comparative market analysis, is an essential tool in determining how to price your home. A CMA is particularly handy because it shows you the prices of recently sold homes and homes that are still on the market in your neighborhood. If you’re thinking about selling, I would be more than happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis of your home with no obligation.

3. Get out and do some market research

Once you have an objective view of your home, spend a weekend visiting open houses in your neighborhood. How do these homes compare to yours? Think about factors such as location, size, amenities, and condition as you scrutinize your competitors. Be sure to take notes and grab a flyer from each house so you’ll have hard copies to look over when you’ve finished your investigation.

4. Get creative with your transaction terms

Don’t be afraid to get flexible and creative with your transaction terms. Many buyers have unique needs you can accommodate to ultimately win a sale. Seller financing, a willingness to close escrow quickly, or a lease option all cater to common buyer needs and could help you get an offer you’re happy with.

As the seller, how you price your home is ultimately your decision. By utilizing these tips and tools as you navigate the Boston real estate market, you will be prepared to decide on a list price that will encourage buyer activity but won’t leave money on the table. If I can be of any assistance as you prepare to sell your home, please contact me! I’d be thrilled to help you sell your home quickly and for a price you deserve. 

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Saint Patrick's Day in Boston!

Each year on St. Patrick’s Day, most Bostonians fall into one of two categories: Those who are loud and proud of their Irish heritage, and those who are determined to be as Irish as possible just for the day. Whether you’re Irish or not, Boston has countless ways to celebrate and get in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. If you have just relocated or are in the planning stages of buying a home in Boston, you might not be not aware of all of the activities going on this weekend. As a local expert with a flair for seeking out the most exciting events in the city, I’ve taken it upon myself to create a quick guide you can reference to get the most out of St. Patrick’s Day in Boston.

Dropkick Murphys Concert

There’s a reason why “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” is the Dropkick Murphys number one hit. This Celtic folk band formed in South Boston in the mid-1990s and is a true musical representation of Irish pride. A hometown favorite, the Dropkick Murphys St. Patrick’s Day concerts usually sell out quickly. Those lucky enough to snag tickets will see the Dropkick Murphys perform at TD Garden this Friday, March 15^th or at House of Blues on Sunday, March 17^th. If you’re a music lover, you’ll want to buy tickets to one of these high-energy shows soon before it’s too late.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston

The parade is one event you won’t want to skip, even if you just catch part of it. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been a Boston tradition since 1901. The annual event draws upwards of 1 million spectators who come to see the elaborate floats, musicians, and performers. Typically, the parade is held on the Sunday closest to St. Patrick’s Day. Die-hard St. Patty’s Day enthusiasts are in luck, as St. Patrick’s Day actually falls on a Sunday this year. Checking out this Boston tradition is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday!

Irish Music and Dancing at Faneuil Hall

This St. Patrick’s Day, come for the shopping and dining, and stay for the Irish music and dancing at Faneuil Hall’s Quincy Market. Bay Street Pipers, Wood School of Irish Step Dancing, the Carlynton High School band, and other talented acts will dazzle passersby with free performances running throughout the afternoon from 11am-4pm.

Patronize an Irish Pub in Boston

If you’d rather keep your St. Patrick’s Day celebration low-key, there are hundreds of Irish pubs scattered throughout Boston you can check out. Bar goers can expect to sample some Irish whiskeys and brews while enjoying authentic Irish music. Many of Boston’s Irish pubs also offer full menus with traditional favorites, such as Shepherd’s Pie and Corned Beef and Cabbage, to keep you satiated throughout the day.

Now that you have a solid list of activities to choose from this St. Patrick’s Day, what are you waiting for? Pick out your most festive outfit (you don’t want to get pinched for not wearing green), develop a game plan, and hit the streets of Boston this weekend for an unforgettable celebration of Irish culture. Alternatively, if you’re in town looking for a new home this weekend, please give me a call! I’d be happy to show you some of the fantastic homes for sale in the Boston real estate market.

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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144 W Concord Street #2 South End - My Newest Listing!

I'm excited to announce my newest South End listing at 144 W. Concord St #2 in Boston. This two bedroom gorgeous designer home has everything! 

Rich walnut floors, soaring 10 foot ceilings, marble fireplace and a wall of windows grace the living and dining areas. The open custom kitchen provides a generous amount of granite counters, oversized warm wood cabinets, and Sub-Zero and Thermador appliances to please any chef!

The luxurious newly renovated bath includes a double sized walk-in glass shower, custom stone vanity, and beautiful stone tile work.

Both bedrooms have hardwood floors ceiling fans, and there are closets and bonus storage throughout the condo.  At the rear is an oversized sunny deck, perfect for summer living!

New HVAC and hot water heater, 100% owner occupied building, easy walk to Toro, Flour, mass transit, and more!  There's even your own tandem parking space!

See photos and video tour at www.kensnyderhomes.com

Boston Area Keep a Look Out for Your Buyer's Agent!

If you’re planning to buy your first home, congratulations! At this point you’re most likely figuring out your finances, and you’re beginning to do some preliminary browsing to see what the Boston real estate market has to offer. If you’re relocating from out of state and aren’t too familiar with Boston’s distinct neighborhoods, it can be extremely helpful to enlist the help of a local expert to assist you through the home buying process. As a Boston real estate agent, I find that many homebuyers don’t realize my services as a buyer’s agent are completely free. 

Usually there are two types of agency in a real estate transaction: Buyer agency and seller agency.  As a buyer, here’s what you can expect out of your buyer’s agent. 

Buyer’s Agent

• A buyer’s agent puts the buyer’s interests first. This includes evaluating the buyer’s needs and finding properties that fit their specifications, negotiating on the buyer’s behalf, attending the home inspection, and more.
• A buyer’s agent is hired by the buyer and paid by the seller in nearly all cases. A huge perk of hiring a buyer’s agent is that the buyer gets to benefit from the advice, loyalty, and guidance of a real estate professional without having to foot the bill.
• A buyer’s agent assists a buyer with opinion, strategy, and insight. A buyer’s agent really comes in handy when it comes down to determining the fair market value of the chosen property, crafting an offer strategy, and negotiating with the seller’s agent.

A seller’s agent, or listing agent, has responsibilities to uphold on the other end of the transaction.

Seller’s Agent

• A seller’s agent puts the seller’s interests first. When a seller lists his or her home for sale, they hire a listing agent to perform a competitive analysis, market the property, and negotiate on their behalf. 
• A seller’s agent is hired and paid by the seller. A seller will pay his or her agent a commission, which is documented in the listing agreement. The seller’s agent typically splits his or her commission with the buyer’s agent for bringing an interested buyer to the transaction.
• A seller’s agent can assist a buyer within constraints. The seller’s agent is required to give the buyer all material facts about a property (the good and the undesirable) so the buyer can make an informed decision.

Though a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent represent opposite sides of a real estate transaction, they both have a legal and ethical responsibility to treat all parties fairly.

Now that we’ve established that you do not have to pay for a buyer’s agent to help you find a property, negotiate on your behalf, and assist you in securing financing for your new home, what are you waiting for? Contact me, a seasoned Boston real estate agent and I promise to keep your best interests in mind throughout the home buying process and beyond.

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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See Homes for Sale in Boston
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Contact Me