Friday, May 31, 2013

Your Boston Weekend Event Roundup!

Well, it sure did heat up quickly here in Boston! We’re looking at a gorgeous weekend ahead with loads of events and activities happening all around town. As a Boston real estate agent, I feel it’s my duty to not only provide you with tips and information for success in the local real estate market, but also to keep you updated on all of the fun stuff you can look forward to once you settle in to your new home. If you’re in town this weekend, residents and visitors alike should consider checking out these local events.

CREATE 2: Six Artists, Six Chefs, One Canvas
Get ready for a multi-sensory experience of the visual and culinary arts at CREATE 2: Six Artists, Six Chefs, One Canvas on Sunday, June 2nd. Chef Louis DiBiccari will pair six artists with complementary chefs to create mind-blowing edible installations accompanied by music, cocktails, beer and wine. Purchase tickets now at a discounted rate or pick some up at the door if you decide to attend last-minute.

Million Balloon March for Boston 2013
Butterflies, balloons, and Boston pride abound this weekend at the Million Balloon March on Sunday, June 2nd. It may sound a little bit cheesy, but don’t knock it until you’ve attended at least once! It’s impossible to not feel good at this event geared towards bringing families together in celebration of the young people in our community. Performances, balloon and face art, giveaways, raffles, and karaoke will have you feeling like a kid again.

Beacon Hill Art Walk
As one of Boston’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods, there’s no better backdrop to browse the work of local artists than Beacon Hill. On the first Sunday in June each year, Beacon Hill residents open up their gorgeous gardens and quaint courtyards to allow local artists to display and sell their artwork. The Beacon Hill Art Walk draws thousands of people each year and is an event not to be missed. Especially if you’re thinking about buying a home in the Beacon Hill neighborhood!

American Craft Beer Fest
Craft beer enthusiasts won’t want to miss the east coast’s largest celebration of American craft beer this Friday and Saturday, May 31st and June 1st. Over 140 American brewers will be on site and offering samples of over 600 unique beverages to please any palate. Entry to the American Craft Beer Fest includes a ticket to a session, all beer tastings, a PLA compostable tasting cup, and a fest guide to ensure you hit every stop on your list.

As you can see, there’s a lot going on in Boston this weekend! If you have any free time in between private showings and open houses, any of these events will give you a great taste of what’s in store for you once you buy a home in Boston. If I can be of any assistance during your home search, please contact me! I hope to see you around town.




Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Warm Weather has Begun in Boston!


The spring weather has a bit of catching up to do this year, but Boston is finally coming out of winter hibernation. For several weeks we have seen heated activity in the Boston real estate market amongst buyers and sellers. Permanent residents and visitors have also awoken from their winter slumbers and have begun to occupy Boston’s outdoor spaces to explore a side of the city left untouched since last fall. Whether you’re planning to relocate to the area or are just visiting for the weekend, there’s a lot of ground to cover as you explore the city. Here are a few suggestions for what to see and do this spring in Boston.

Go Red Sox!
The Red Sox opened the season with a win at Yankee Stadium and they’ve been heating up the stadium this past month. If you’re lucky enough to score tickets to the game, sunny skies await you at Fenway Park. Alternatively, just watching the game at a sports bar in the vicinity of Fenway will rile your inner baseball fan and get you excited for the season.

Spend a Day at the Beach
It’s still a little chilly, and only the brave dare dip their toes in the icy Atlantic, but a day at the beach this time of year can still be fun and relaxing. Gather a group and play beach soccer or volleyball, Frisbee, or an old-fashioned game of catch. You’ll beat the summer crowds and get that refreshing breath of salty ocean air you’ve been yearning for since the holidays. No car? No problem. There are a number of Boston beaches easily accessible by public transportation.

Walking Tour of Boston
Whether you’ve lived here your entire life, are just visiting, or are thinking about buying a home in Boston, there’s so much to discover. While you could just drive around and breeze by the main sights, a walking tour of Boston gives you a new perspective of the city. From architecture, to history, to culture, to hidden gems, a guided tour of a specific area is an excellent (and educational) way to enjoy the spring season.

Of course, there are dozens of other ways to explore Boston this spring. Going sailing, going for a ride on the Charles River Bike Path, or just relaxing with a picnic on the Esplanade are all prime springtime activities that will carry you right into the heat of summer. As you frolic about the city, please let me know if I can help in you in your Boston home search. If you are a homeowner considering putting your home on the market this spring, please contact me! Buyers are serious and ready to purchase before summer. 



Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Thursday, May 9, 2013

How to Host a Unforgettable Open House in Boston!


If you’ve checked out the KenSnyderHomes Facebook page, you’ve seen me post many articles about the inventory shortage and stories about buyers getting into bidding wars. In case it’s not clear, the Boston real estate market is firmly in favor of sellers this spring! A homeowner who has his or her property on the market most likely has a pool of serious buyers making competitive offers left and right. If you are thinking about listing your home for sale, it may seem as though you have the Boston real estate market in the palm of your hand. However, there is still some work that needs to be done before your charming condo or humble home is ready for display.

Hosting an open house is an important part of the home selling process. It gives prospective buyers the opportunity to tour your home in a low-pressure environment. Dozens of folks will walk through your home and ask your Boston real estate agent questions about the property, the neighborhood, and even the commute. Sellers recognize the significance of a successful open house, and I am often asked how one can prepare to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are 
my tips for how sellers can give potential 
buyers a true feel for their home.

1. Make a good first impression

You’ve never seen your home this spotless. Go as far as cleaning the carpets and drapes to eliminate any lingering odors, touch up interior paint where needed, and fix that squeaky bathroom door and leaky kitchen sink. A brand new doormat and some potted spring flowers will brighten up the entry and make your home feel welcoming.

2. Remove the clutter

If your home is cluttered, it will make the space look and feel smaller. Allow buyers to see the actual size of the space by clearing off all items sitting on your bathroom and kitchen countertops. Stowing them under the sink or in a nearby closet keeps them accessible, yet enables a buyer to picture how their own items will fit into your home.

3. Create a blank slate

The realization that you’re leaving your home often sets in when you start taking down and packing family photos and children’s artwork displayed on the fridge. This can be emotional, but is a necessary step to allow buyers to envision themselves living in your home.

4. Don’t stick around

You may be tempted to attend your own open house to gauge the interest of the potential buyers, but trust that your Boston real estate agent will fill you in afterwards. Buyers often feel uncomfortable asking questions expressing concerns with the seller present. Take the dog for a walk or use the time to get some errands done.

This spring, buyers are clamoring for a piece of the Boston real estate market. If you use my tips as a guideline to prepare for your open house, you’ll leave a lasting impression on everyone who steps foot in your home. If you’re thinking about selling your home this spring, please contact me! I have so many buyers looking for a property in Boston, making now a great time to start testing the waters and seeing what kinds of offers you’ll receive.

I hope to hear from you soon!



Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Thursday, May 2, 2013

Cinco de Mayo in Boston


It’s finally starting to feel like spring in Boston. The forecast this weekend looks gorgeous and it seems like we’ll have fantastic, sunny weather to accompany our Cinco de Mayo celebrations on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The fifth of May is a wildly popular day to celebrate Mexican pride and culture in Boston, and this year is no exception. There are a ton of events scheduled this weekend all over the city. Check out my roundup below and plan your day by partaking in a traditional celebration, or try something out of the ordinary for a memorable experience.
Cinco de Mayo Cruise
Interested in trying something new? Celebrate Cinco de Mayo from the water this year. Join Boston Cinco de Mayo cruise on either Saturday, May 4th or Sunday, May 5th from 4pm-6pm. Enjoy a drink and take in the amazing views of the harbor for a relaxed evening aboard Vessel Belle.

Del Frisco’s Cinco de Mayo Patron Dinner
Tequila aficionados won’t want to miss the second annual Cinco de Mayo Patron Dinner at Del Frisco’s this Friday, May 3rd. Celebrate the iconic spirits of Patron accompanied by a five-course meal prepared Del Frisco’s Executive Chef, Derek Barragan. The menu includes delectable dishes such as Maine Shrimp Ceviche, Prime Hanger Steak, and more.

Cinco de Mayo at The Beehive
What’s a Cinco de May celebration without mouthwatering Mexican-inspired food? Head over to The Beehive Cinco de Mayo  celebration at 5pm on Sunday for an amazing dinner prepared by Chef Rebecca Newell, and maybe even get in the spirit with a tequila cocktail. Be sure to stick around for a special performance by a nine-piece mariachi band from 6:30pm-midnight. If the munchies hit you later in the evening, Mexican appetizers, entrées and desserts will be served all night. 

If you prefer a low key, traditional celebration with family and friends, why not host a Cinco de Mayo party in your Boston home? Whip up a pitcher of margaritas, make a create-your-own-taco buffet, hang a piñata, and tune in to a festive Pandora station for a memorable night surrounded by loved ones. If you’re planning to sell your home amongst the festivities this weekend, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Buyers are actively looking to purchase a home this spring and you’re in a great position to sell at or above your asking price. I look forward to hearing from you!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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