Explore Boston Comic Con 2013!

Vampires, and zombies, and super heroes, oh my! Get ready because New England is gearing up for the re-scheduled Boston Comic Con event in just a couple of short weeks. On August 3^rd and 4^th, comic and gaming enthusiasts will gather at the Seaport World Trade Center for two days of events including a costume contest, a film festival, Q & A sessions, trivia, and a whole lot more. If you’re a fan of comics, video games, art, film, or anything that falls under the umbrella of what Comic Con celebrates, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

So, what can attendees expect out of this year’s Comic Con? The weekend schedule is chock full of artist panels and events that will appeal to a variety of fans from anime to Superman. Test your knowledge with trivia games and get the inside scoop about how to become a comic book artist. Panels such as, “So You Want to Be a Comic Book Artist,” “Female Creators,” “All Age Comics,” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” are just a sampling of the events one can attend over the course of the weekend.

Part of the fun at Comic Con is arriving dressed in style. In the style of your favorite comic book character, that is. The annual costume contest will be held from 3:00pm-4:45pm on Sunday, August 4^th in the Waterfront Room. Another not-to-miss event is the Boston Comic Con Film Festival. Movie buffs and film geeks can catch scheduled screenings of features, shorts, and music videos all weekend long in the Cambridge Room. Don’t forget about the Boston Comic Con Zombie Fest on the 4^th!

While there’s too much planned at Boston Comic Con to cover in this blog post, I have to mention the celebrity guests who will be in attendance. Fans of The Walking Dead will have a chance to meet Laurie Holden, who will be signing autographs and talking about her role as Andrea on the show. Kristen Bauer van Straten will also be at this year’s event, who plays Pam in the HBO series True Blood. Last but not least, Aidan Turner and Dean O’Gorman will make a rare appearance at Boston Comic Con to sign autographs and chat about their roles in The Hobbit movies.

Living in a large city like Boston grants us unique opportunities to explore interesting hobbies, passions, and interests. Boston Comic Con is no exception! Part of what I love most about my job as a Boston real estate agent is showing newcomers all of the amazing events and sites to explore throughout the city. Whether you’re just visiting for a few days to begin your home search or need to buy a home in Boston in the very near future, please contact me. I’d be thrilled to help you find a property you’ll be happy to call “home.”

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
Visit My Website
See Homes for Sale in Boston
Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin
Contact Me

Tips for Staging Your Boston Home to Sell!

When you’re thinking about selling your home, it’s important to look at the space through the eyes of a potential buyer. At one point, specific features made you fall in love with your home. Now it’s time for you to think about the things that stood out to you most as a buyer and help those parts of your home shine during the staging process. While professional home stagers can be a wonderful resource during this time, you can easily save a few bucks and make improvements as you see fit. As your Boston real estate agent, I know what homebuyers are looking for, and am always willing to step in as a resource with a fresh perspective. Follow these tips for staging your home you’ll stir up some major competition in the Boston real estate market in no time.

Freshen up dated kitchen cabinets

Rather than replacing your dated kitchen cabinets, apply a fresh coat of stain to the wood, working with the grain. Install some new hardware and you’ve given your cabinets a facelift for a fraction of the cost.

Splurge for new kitchen appliances

Now that you’ve freshened up those old cabinets, get rid of any old kitchen appliances that stick out like a sore thumb. Studies show that sellers get a high return on their investment by installing new appliances, so get shopping!

Neutralize the master bedroom suite
Avoid overly feminine or masculine themes in the master bedroom suite to appeal to all potential buyers. A neutral palate is the best way to go to from the wall color down to the bedding and accessories.

Stage rooms with a specific purpose

Do you have a room in your home that’s a combination of a guest suite, craft area, and play room? When staging your home, give that room a specific purpose to prevent buyers from becoming distracted or confused. Clear out the clutter and stage the room as a home office.

Show off that storage space

Storage space is a key feature homebuyers are looking for as they scour the Boston real estate market for the perfect property. It’s inevitable that they are going to open your closets, so clear out clutter and organize the shelves to show how much storage space you actually have.

Homebuyers are out in full force this spring trying to find the perfect home in Boston before summer hits. If you’re planning to sell and have questions about the process or would like additional tips on staging your home, please contact me!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
Visit My Website
See Homes for Sale in Boston
Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin
Contact Me

Boston's Best: Ice Cream Shops

When the temperature in Boston soars to the mid-90s like it has this week, there’s only one thing cools you down from the inside out. Ice cream! Luckily, our city is chock full of great little spots to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide some respite from the summertime heat. Once you buy a home in Boston and settle into your new neighborhood, it’ll only be a matter of time before you start frequenting your favorite ice cream shop. Whether you seek a traditional flavor or an unconventional concoction, I’ve compiled a not-so-complete list of the best places to indulge in a scoop (or two) this summer in Boston.

Savin Scoop – Dorchester
107 Savin Hill Ave
Dorchester, MA 02125
Try this neighborhood ice cream shop on a hot summer night. Located right next to the Savin Hill T stop, Savin Scoop easily accessible if you don’t live in the neighborhood. Added bonus: they have ice cream for dogs, too.

Pinkberry – Back Bay
288 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02115
Amidst the boutiques, spas, and coffee shops along Newbury Street, Pinkberry beckons the hot and weary with delicious frozen yogurt and fresh toppings. Stop by to refuel before continuing your errands!

Mike’s Pastry – North End
300 Hanover St
Boston, MA 02113
As you may know, Boston’s North End is often referred to as “Little Italy.” While many visit Mike’s Pastry to sample a delicious cannoli, the Italian ice cream is top notch as well. Tip: Try the pistachio flavor!

JP Licks – Beacon Hill
150 Charles St
Boston, MA 02114
Whether you prefer ice cream or frozen yogurt, JP Licks has a huge variety of flavors from plain old chocolate to “beer and pretzels.” With a rotating seasonal menu, the adventurous soul will always have something new to try.

If you end up buying a home in Boston this summer, you’ll have to let me know once you’ve found your favorite ice cream shop. Although my primary goal is to keep my clients up-to-date on the Boston real estate market, I also love to give newcomers recommendations on Boston’s best restaurants, beaches, theaters, parks, and other hidden gems. Ready to kick off your home search? Contact me and I’d be happy to show you a selection of homes that fit your budget!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
Visit My Website
See Homes for Sale in Boston
Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin
Contact Me

3 Reasons to Buy a Home in Boston Right Now!

I might be a little bit biased, but as a Boston real estate agent I think that deciding to buy a home is one of the best choices you’ll ever make. If you’ve been browsing the Internet trying to weigh the pros and cons of buying a home, the facts are everywhere. Building equity, boosting your credit, and taking advantage of tax savings only scratch the surface of the benefits of homeownership. Nothing quite compares to the sense of pride of investing in a home and owning a piece of the American dream.

Prospective homebuyers who have been on the fence for the past year or so have seen home prices dip and interest rates fall to record lows. With home prices predicted rise and interest rates inching up since the beginning of 2013, buyers are advised to get the most for their money before the market swings any further in the favor of sellers. In other words, now is a better time than ever to start looking for a home in the Boston real estate market, lock in a low interest rate, and bid farewell to writing monthly rent checks. Not convinced? I’ve broken down a few key reasons right now is the right time to buy.

Tax Savings
As you’re filing your taxes this season, you may be brooding over all of the deductions you could have taken advantage of had you owned a home last year. Owning a home can pay off around tax time if you’re eligible for certain deductions and credits. These include, but aren’t limited to, the mortgage interest deduction, prepaid interest deduction, and the energy tax credit. For more information on what you can and cannot deduct, the IRS is the most reliable source of tax information for homeowners.

Build Equity

One of the most common gripes renters have is that they are “throwing away” their money on the first of each month. Rather than shipping your paycheck off to your landlord, why not start investing in your future? Homeowners still pay a monthly mortgage, of course, but the money paid towards the principle is still yours in the form of equity.

Rising Rates & Stable Prices

Renters in Boston are growing frustrated with rates continuing to go through the roof year after year. If buyers can secure financing and find a home, it could be cheaper to buy and pay a mortgage than continue to rent. With the current supply in the Boston real estate market at 4.7 months, we are undoubtedly in a seller’s market. While home prices only increased slightly last year, home prices are projected to spike in 2013 as inventory shrinks and buyers get more and more competitive.

There are so many benefits to settling down and embracing homeownership. Saving at tax time, building equity, and taking advantage of low mortgage rates and stable home prices are just a few of the key reasons why right now is the right time to buy. When you’re ready, please contact me and I’d be thrilled to guide you through the Boston real estate market and help you find your new home.

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
Visit My Website
See Homes for Sale in Boston
Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin
Contact Me

Architecture in the Boston Real Estate Market

Whether you're after a charming brownstone in Beacon Hill, a luxurious condo downtown, or a single-family home in Dorchester, finding a home in the right neighborhood within your price range can be daunting task. Luckily, as a Boston real estate agent, it's my job to help homebuyers find the perfect property without so much as lifting a finger. Because Boston is such an old city, aspiring residents have quite a few options when it comes to choosing an architectural style of home. Here, I'll explore a few of them and tell you in which neighborhoods you should narrow your focus.

Single-Family Homes

When looking for a single-family home in Boston, you'll have the best luck if you venture outwards towards the more residential areas of the city. A single-family home is ideal for a growing family, a couple, or a professional who values the perks of suburban living in an urban environment. Homebuyers will find parking, outdoor space, and ample room for hosting guests in areas like Dorchester and Somerville.

Neighborhoods: Somerville, West Roxbury, Dorchester

Brownstones & Row Houses

Beautiful, elegant, and highly sought after in the Boston real estate market is the brownstone. Most brownstones in Boston were constructed in the 1800s, and typically stand four to five stories high. Unmistakable for their bowed fronts, brown or red brick exterior, and intricate architectural detailing, you'll have to look in Boston's most desirable and affluent neighborhoods to find a brownstone to call "home."

Neighborhoods: South End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay

Condos

Those seeking a housing option that is low-maintenance and chock full of amenities should consider buying a condo in Boston. As the economy improves, more and more homebuyers are expressing interest in living in an urban environment close to the office, nightlife, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. You'll find condos scattered throughout the city with the heaviest concentration downtown.

Neighborhoods: South End, Downtown, Back Bay

Lofts

A truly unique housing option, there are a wide selection of lofts available in the Boston real estate market. Converted warehouses in areas like the Leather District boast exposed brick walls, beamed ceilings, and spectacular views of Boston's skyline and harbor. With open floor plans and oftentimes expansive terraces, a loft is the perfect housing option for those who love to entertain! 

Neighborhoods: Seaport, Leather District, Waterfront

And there you have it. A brief overview of the different housing options you'll find as you begin your adventure in the Boston real estate market. Once you're ready to begin your search in earnest, please contact me so I can put together a list of brownstones, condos, single-family homes, or lofts for you to consider. I look forward to the opportunity to stand by your side as you begin the home buying process!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
Visit My Website
See Homes for Sale in Boston
Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin
Contact Me

Invest Your Tax Refund in Your Home

With tax season months behind us, are you still holding onto that refund check for a rainy day? Before splurging on a new laptop, a designer handbag, or a cruise to the Bahamas, consider investing in the Boston real estate market! Take a look around your home, and take a look at your finances to see where an extra chunk of change might be put to good use. Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas to consider when thinking about how to invest your tax return into your home.

Pay down your mortgage

If you received a hefty tax refund, use it to pay down a big chunk of your mortgage. The faster you pay down your home loan, the less interest you’ll pay and the sooner you can start saving for other big expenses. Be sure to check with your particular bank, but most lenders will allow you to send additional funds along with your regular monthly payments.

Invest in a new property

I’m looking at you, renters! If you’ve been itching to get your feet wet in the Boston real estate market, use your tax refund to start saving for a down payment on a new home or condo. Home prices are rising, and some extra money in the bank might help you make a more competitive offer on that home you’ve had your eye on.

Remodel your kitchen

Homeowners can catch the eye of potential homebuyers with an updated kitchen. If you don’t want to do a complete overhaul, consider replacing dated cabinets, installing under-cabinet lighting, or upgrading to granite countertops. You’ll enjoy the new luxuries and get a return on your investment when it comes time to sell.

Save it for a rainy day

If you are fortunate enough to have paid off your mortgage, consider starting an emergency savings fund just for home-related expenses. The extra cash will come in handy for those expensive, yet necessary repairs. For example, if your refrigerator happens to break or if you need a new roof. 

While dealing with all of the paperwork around tax time can be stressful and exhausting, it usually pays off in the end. If receiving a tax refund this year has given you enough financial security to start pursuing the Boston real estate market, please give me a call. I’d be happy to help you find a property that fits your lifestyle and budget. I look forward to hearing from you!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
Visit My Website
See Homes for Sale in Boston
Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin
Contact Me

Explore Your Creative Side in Boston

With how fast-paced life has become nowadays, do you ever find yourself so wrapped up in your daily routine that you forget to step outside of your comfort zone? As a Boston real estate agent, I'm constantly required to flex my creative muscles. Whether I'm helping a buyer craft the perfect offer or I'm developing a strategic marketing plan to help a seller move his or her home quickly. If you've found yourself seeking inspiration as of late, there are plenty of ways to explore your creative side in Boston. 

Take a cooking class

The Boston Center for Adult Education offers a ton of interesting cooking classes whether you're an aspiring chef or just want to pick up a few kitchen skills. From pasta making, to tapas, to ice cream, to tacos, you're sure to find a class that pleases your palate. For the sweet tooth, BCAE also offers baking classes. How satisfying would it be to serve your very own summer tarts at your next BBQ?

MFA Boston adult art classes 

With classes offered seven days a week and in the evenings, there's no excuse not to fit an art class at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston into your schedule. Perfect if you're seeking a creative challenge, you can choose from several art forms like drawing, sculpture, photography, and more. This is a great way to improve your technique and meet other Bostonians with similar interests!

Learn to play an instrument

If playing music is more up your alley, consider picking up a new instrument. The Boston School of  Music Arts offers beginner classes to students of all ages. Learn to play piano or guitar in one of their 4-week introductory classes in a small group setting. This is a great option if you want to learn a new skill but don't want a long term commitment.

Exercising your creative side once in a while is key to success in both your professional and personal lives. Who knows, maybe you'll even discover a new passion or shift your career path as you explore everything Boston has to offer! The opportunities are truly limitless when it comes to how you can break out of your normal routine and get a little bit creative. If you have any particular questions or would like a recommendation on where you can take a class in something specific, please reach out to me! Even if I don't have the answer, I'll ask around so I can point you in the right direction. 

Though my primary passion is helping buyers and sellers have positive experiences in the Boston real estate market, I also enjoy helping newcomers get acquainted with our vibrant city. When you're ready to begin your home search, allow me to be your trusted guide. From selecting the perfect home to making a dinner reservation at one of Boston's top restaurants, I know this city like the back of my hand. Contact me when you're ready to get started!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
Visit My Website
See Homes for Sale in Boston
Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin
Contact Me

3 Myths About Selling a Home in Boston

As a Boston real estate agent, I hear a lot of the myths that tend to circulate as sellers prepare to put their homes on the market. While it’s natural to consult our friends and family members who have “been there, done that,” it can be detrimental to the success of your real estate transaction if you solely follow the advice of your loved ones. This is where enlisting the help of a professional comes in handy. Because we have a lot of experience working on both the buyer side and the seller side of a real estate transaction, a Boston real estate agent such as myself has valuable insight you’ll find helpful as you begin your journey through the Boston real estate market. Here are a few popular myths about selling your home – debunked. 

Myth #1: I have to price my home high to anticipate an offer at market value

In reality, pricing your home too high can be just as bad as pricing your home too low. By setting an unrealistic price for your Boston home, you’ll miss the group of buyers who are looking for homes in the price range where your home should actually be listed. If you have to lower the price as time goes on, you miss the window of opportunity for maximum exposure (the first 30 days your home is listed). Price your home correctly from the start and attract the right buyers at the right time.

Myth #2: You’re better off going the “For Sale By Owner” route and saving the real estate agent’s commission fee

Selling a home is an incredibly complex task that the average homeowner usually isn’t prepared for. Yes, it’s true you that you will save money on the commission you would have paid a Boston real estate agent. However, you most likely won’t sell your home for as high of a price as you would have if you had consulted a professional. Not to mention, your REALTOR® will implement extensive marketing efforts to expose your home to his or her network of local agents and their qualified buyers. Can your newspaper ad do that?

Myth #3: Skipping over minor repairs won’t affect the marketability of my home

Wrong again. While some buyers are willing to accept a home “as-is” and make repairs once they move in, you probably won’t be impressed by their offers. Caulk that drafty window, oil those squeaky door hinges, fix the leaky kitchen sink, and repair those broken bathroom tiles. You don’t want to give a buyer an excuse to offer you less than your home is worth to cover the repairs they’ll need to make on their own dime. Make your home as attractive as possible to as many buyers as possible and you’re guaranteed to receive at least one offer you’re pleased with.

What are some of the other myths you’ve heard about selling your home? If you have any questions about the home selling process or the Boston real estate market on a more general level, please reach out to me. I have helped countless buyers and sellers reach successful closings and would love the opportunity to do the same for you. I look forward to working with you!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
Visit My Website
See Homes for Sale in Boston
Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin
Contact Me