6 Tips for Buying a Historic Boston Home

As you know, Boston is full of charming homes and condos that highlight the rich history of our city.  Stunning single family homes and quintessential brownstones line the streets and could be one of the many reasons you’re considering making Boston your new home!

In working in the Boston Real Estate market as a real estate agent, I know that choosing your dream home can be challenging; especially when there are so many great properties from which to choose.  Buyers will often envision themselves moving into one of the historic options, but it’s important to think through each unique property carefully.  

Below are six key tips to keep in mind when buying a historic home in Boston.

1. Thoroughly Research the Home- The city of Boston can provide you with useful information on the history of individual properties, as well as the pertinent rules and regulations governing ownership, renovation and tax incentives.  

2. Make a conditional offer- Since older homes can have structural issues that are visible only to a home inspector, it’s best to make a conditional offer.  A major issues that’s discovered during the home inspection could greatly lower the price of the home. 

3. Order a home inspection- As stated in the previous tip; the home inspection is imperative.  In older homes, the most common issues include sub-standard wiring, asbestos insulation, toxic lead-based paint, leaky or decaying roofs, damp basements, the presence of bugs and other pests and general neglect.  Old heating units, heating, plumbing or electrical systems are items you’ll want to pay attention to as well as they may need to be replaced. Make sure that modern systems can be installed without damaging the home.

4. Finalize your offer- Your Boston Real Estate agent will be able to consult with the sellers agent about any concerns your inspection may have turned up and adjust your offer accordingly. If the seller agrees to make any repairs or improvements, make certain that these are included in the purchase agreement, along with a stipulation that any renovations be done in a manner that won’t hurt the home’s historical designation. Also, be sure to list in the agreement any items from the home (antique chandeliers, brass doorknobs, etc.) that you want included in the deal.

5. Renovate with care- Renovating one of Boston’s historic properties is a great way to give back to the community.  If you are considering a renovation, you’ll want to hire a contractor whom you know specializes in historic homes. Remember, there may be restrictions on what you can and can’t do to a historic home. If the home is located in a designated historical district, you may be barred from replacing doors and windows, and some districts even place restrictions on what color you can paint the house.  View more information on the Boston Preservation Alliance website.   

6. Consider resale value- While well-maintained historic Boston homes can be some of the best selling properties, some historic homes may be difficult to sell.  There may be a smaller market of those interested in accepting some of the quirks that can come with an older home, so you’ll want to be sure to take that into consideration unless you have plans to renovate for modern conveniences.

So, whether your heart is taken by a Queen Anne style home, or you prefer a Federal Style property; you’ll want to be sure to take these tips to heart and lean closely on the experience of your Boston Real Estate agent.

If you have further questions about buying a historic home, or you’re ready to begin your Boston home search; please feel free to contact me today!  I would be happy to talk with you more about your real estate needs and help you make Boston your new home. 

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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3 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Moving Company

So, you’ve finally achieved your dream of buying a home in Boston. Now the fun part begins – moving! While memories of moving days past may have you dreading the day you bid farewell to your existing home, your experience doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, attitude, and professionals helping you through the process, I assure you the final days of your journey through the Boston real estate market will be smooth sailing. Before dialing up the first moving company that comes to mind, ask each potential candidate these questions before making any final decisions.

Q: Will you perform an on-site, in person estimate of my belongings?

By having a moving company visit your home and assess the amount of belongings you have, you’ll get a more accurate idea of how much you’ll be charged. You’ll also want to find out how each moving company calculates their estimates (by weight per pound and distance, hours, cubic feet, etc.)

Q: What does your quote include?

Some moving companies offer packing services for those homeowners who would prefer to be as hands-off as possible during the moving process. Find out if the quote they provide you only includes labor or if it also includes materials like boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and the usage of carts and dollies.

Q: Does your company offer insurance?

When hiring a moving company, you’re essentially entrusting the care of your personal belongings to a group of strangers. Making sure you and your prized possessions are protected is a key part of making sure your move is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Ask each moving company about the insurance terms for the move. Typically, you can purchase additional insurance to cover the value of your belongings if they are lost or damaged.

Though this isn’t an exhaustive list of questions to ask each potential candidate, these inquiries will have you on the right track to getting enough information to make some informed decisions. If you’re still on the fence about leaping into homeownership and would like to explore your options with the help of a Boston real estate agent, please give me a call! I would be happy to stand by your side throughout the home buying process from start to finish. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Nature-Inspired Fall Décor for Your Boston Home

I don’t know about you, but fall is one of my favorite times of year. As the craziness of summer comes to an end along with the blazing hot temperatures, we find ourselves with more time to slow down and relax. Whether you’re thinking about selling your home or just want to get in the spirit of the season, you’ll get all the inspiration you need for fall décor as you explore the outdoors in Boston. With beautiful crimson leaves and freshly picked pumpkins abound, it’s time to get creative and get in touch with nature to incorporate the season into your decorating scheme.

Add a touch of sparkle to your front porch with luxe pumpkins. Simply coat light-color pumpkins of varying sizes with iridescent spray paint. While the paint is still wet, give each pumpkin a generous sprinkle of iridescent glitter. The result is surprisingly subtle, and will add some festive flair to your Boston home’s curb appeal.

When it comes to decorating your front door, think beyond the circular wreath this season. As a unique alternative to flowers, try gluing an assortment of unshelled nuts to a rectangular picture frame. The finished product will make your front door stand out from the rest in the Boston real estate market!

Watching the leaves change in New England is second to none. Bring the beauty of nature indoors and create a display of the most vibrant leaves you can find. Place each individual leaf in a small bud vase to create a centerpiece on your dining room table, or line them up on your fireplace mantle.

Create a seasonal garland to drape around the entry to your Boston home using multicolored dried corn. Simply space cobs six inches apart on a length of raffia and tie it around each piece where the husk meets the kernels. The finished look will frame your front door and complement the pumpkins and wreath with festive perfection.

I hope these ideas got your creative juices flowing and have inspired you to incorporate nature into your fall décor. If you’re planning to sell your home this season, any of the above ideas are tasteful solutions for enhancing your curb appeal. As a Boston real estate agent, I know what it takes to attract a wide pool of qualified buyers who are looking to settle into a new home before the holidays. Please let me know if you need any additional tips as you prepare your property for the Boston real estate market!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Boston's Best: Parks

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year in Boston. By the time September rolls around, residents have had enough of the heat and have found themselves in an autumn state of mind. If you have recently made the decision to buy a home in Boston, your first taste of the fall season will be a real treat. To make sure you experience the best parks Boston has to offer while the leaves are changing, I’ve highlighted a few favorites below.

Boston Common

When you visit Boston Common, you’re taking a step back in time. Boston Common is the oldest park in the country, and spans nearly 50 acres. Beautiful gardens, playgrounds, art, fountains, and other various attractions make this a great spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery.

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

Pick up a sandwich and head over to Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, a short walk from the North End. This peaceful, quiet park has a great view of the water and provides an ideal spot for a picnic lunch.

Public Garden

This Back Bay destination is arguably the best patch of green space in the city. Public Garden is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and marvel at the beauty of New England’s fall foliage. 

The Esplanade

Located on the banks of the Charles River, The Esplanade is an incredibly beautiful park all year round. Go for a morning run or bike ride on the paved path along the Charles, and come back in the evening for a beautiful view of the sunset.

Grab a companion and a pumpkin spice latte as you explore the best parks in Boston this fall. Even if buying a home in Boston was a goal you accomplished earlier this year, the city takes on an entirely new feel as the seasons shift. I encourage you to revisit your favorite outdoor destinations and experience Boston in a different light! Although the temperatures will soon cool down, the Boston real estate market is still heating up. With interest rates and home prices on the rise, potential home buyers who are ready to dive into homeownership are in a prime position to do so. Please contact me when you’re ready to get started!

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