Shop Small Business Saturday in Boston

For many Americans, the day after Thanksgiving signifies the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season. That’s right, Black Friday is upon us, and the deals are more tempting than ever. In fact, many stores in Boston opened their doors early on Thanksgiving night to take advantage of eager shoppers waiting for their chance to snag the season’s hottest items.

With that said, Black Friday shopping certainly isn’t for everyone. Luckily, those of you who awake from your food-induced comas and feel unprepared to battle the crowds will still have the chance to start your holiday shopping this weekend. This Saturday, skip the big box retailers and show your support for local, small businesses in Boston by participating in Small Business Saturday.

Founded in 2010, Small Business Saturday has grown into a nationwide celebration of small businesses and all they do for our communities. From picking up a unique item at one of Boston’s best antique shops to stopping to get a croissant at one of Boston’s best bakeries, there are so many ways that you can show your support for the small businesses in your very own neighborhood. With the variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants, spas, and coffee shops in Boston’s shopping districts, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your holiday list.

This Black Friday, I encourage you to sleep in and spend your afternoon grazing on Thanksgiving leftovers. Not only will you save yourself the headache of battling thousands of Boston residents at shopping malls around the city, you’ll be putting your hard-earned dollars directly back into the local economy. Where do you plan to shop this Small Business Saturday? If you know of any great deals or promotions going on at your favorite specialty shop, feel free to share on the KenSnyderHomes Facebook page.

As we near the height of the holiday season, don’t be afraid to continue your Boston home search. And, if you’re planning to sell your home in Boston this winter, I encourage you to keep your home on the market over the holidays. Although the period between November and January is often considered an undesirable time to pursue the Boston real estate market, it can prove fruitful for serious and motivated buyers and sellers. Please let me know if you need any assistance. As a Boston real estate agent, I’d be happy to help see your transaction to fruition.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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4 Tips for Selling Your Boston Home Over the Holidays

Between traveling, hosting parties and shopping for gifts, it’s no wonder the period between November and January is often considered the worst time to try to sell your home in Boston. Although, however unappealing it may seem to list your home for sale in the upcoming weeks, there is a silver lining: buyers are typically more serious this time of year. Couple this with a low inventory in the Boston real estate market and you’re in good shape to sell quickly and at a price you’ll be happy with. If you’re planning to put your home on the market this winter, here are a few tips to make your property stand out.

Boost your curb appeal

Albeit a beautiful season, fall can do some pretty ugly things to your home’s exterior. Now that all of your trees are bare, it’s time to clean your gutters and rake up any linger debris outdoors. Once the winter weather arrives, be sure to keep your exterior walkways and stairs free of ice and snow.

Decorate for the season

Just because your home is for sale doesn’t mean you can’t decorate for the holidays. In fact, homes often look their best this time of year. Just be careful not to overdo it. Instead of hanging décor with religious themes, opt for general winter decorations so you can appeal to the widest pool of homebuyers.

Hire a reliable Boston real estate agent

Many home sellers are under the impression that going the “For Sale By Owner” route will save them money on an agent’s commission. In reality, you’ll probably net a larger profit by hiring a Boston real estate agent from the start. Unless you have the skills necessary to negotiate a contract, it’s usually a better idea to hire a professional. Especially a reliable one who won’t disappear over the holidays!

Offer seller financing

As of late, many homebuyers are struggling to get approved for a mortgage. Terms are starting to ease, but offering seller financing could afford less qualified buyers the opportunity to buy now and get a traditional mortgage later. If you have the means to act as a lender for a potential buyer, seller financing just might be the ticket to a quick sale.

I hope these quick tips are helpful as you prepare to sell your home in Boston this season. While enhancing your curb appeal and decorating for the winter season are important parts of the equation, it’s up to your Boston real estate agent to effectively market your property and expose it to as many agents and qualified buyers as possible. When you’re ready to dive into the Boston real estate market, please give me a call. I’d be happy to discuss my extensive marketing plan to get your home sold in a timeframe you’ll be satisfied with. I look forward to speaking with you!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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4 Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Thanksgiving in Your Boston Home

Only two weeks remain until Thanksgiving. Do you know where your turkey is coming from? If not, you’re not alone. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving for the first time or fifteenth time, you’re in the company of millions of other Americans who wait until the last minute to reserve a bird. However, just because you’re a bit behind preparing your Boston home for Thanksgiving doesn’t mean your holiday is doomed for disaster. If you start organizing and preparing today, you’ll be ready to handle a swarm of out-of-town guests with an air of panache come Turkey Day. Ready to get started? Here are my tips for hosting a stress-free Thanksgiving in your Boston home.

Order your turkey – today!

Some folks order a turkey as early as October, but two weeks should give you enough time to skip the grocery store, lines of people, and frozen birds. If you know where to look, you can order a farm-fresh turkey and pick it up a few days before Thanksgiving right here in Boston. Be sure to finalize your guest list so you order the right size turkey.

Get a head start on cleaning

Start tidying up your Boston home at least a week before Thanksgiving. Dust the cobwebs off of your dining room chandelier, get your carpeting professionally cleaned, make your guest bathroom shine, and give all glass surfaces a thorough wipe down. Now is also a great time to clean out your freezer and refrigerator to create space for the turkey and make-ahead dishes.

Pre-make side dishes and desserts

Anything that can be frozen or refrigerated should be made the weekend before Thanksgiving. This includes bread, piecrust, casseroles, and cranberry sauce, to name a few. Allow the dishes to cool completely before placing food in a labeled resealable plastic bag or Tupperware and storing in the freezer or refrigerator.

Stock up on household essentials

While you’re out and about running pre-Thanksgiving errands, it’s wise to stock up on things you’ll need to accommodate a large number of out-of-towners. Add toilet paper, paper towels, and aluminum foil to your shopping list. And, stock up on extra Tupperware so your guests can take home leftovers.

Hopefully these tips for hosting a stress-free Thanksgiving will help ease your anxiety over the next couple of weeks. If you happen to be off the hook for hosting the holiday this year, offer to bring a dish. Or, at the very least, pick up some fresh flowers or a host/hostess gift on your way to dinner. As soon as you buy a home in Boston, chances are it’ll be your turn to offer your dining room for Turkey Day! If diving into the Boston real estate market is one of your resolutions for 2014, please get in touch with me. I’d be happy to help you find your dream home in the South End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, or another one of Boston’s exciting neighborhoods!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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5 Tips for Keeping Your Boston Home Warm this Winter

Now that November has arrived, there’s a crisp chill in the air that indicates winter is well on its way in Boston. Though snow has yet to fly and Thanksgiving is still weeks away, it’s never too early to start making small changes around your home in preparation for the numbingly cold months ahead. After all, the earlier you prepare your Boston home for winter, the sooner you can start saving on your monthly utility bill! Whether you’ve recently decided to buy a home in Boston or are a longtime homeowner in need of a quick refresher, these tips for preparing your home for winter will ensure you’re warm and toasty all season long.

1. Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to preset the temperature in your home so it’s colder when you’re at work and warmer when you get home at the end of the day.

2. Check your air filter. A dirty air filter slows the flow of warm air into your home. It also means your heating system is working harder than it needs to be, and is therefore wasting energy.

3. Keep the cold air outside. Adding a door sweep and installing clear plastic film across the inside of your windows will prevent warm air from seeping outside and cold air from rushing in.

4. Let the sunshine in. Allow the sun to warm your home by opening drapes during the day and closing them just before sunset. Be sure your windows are clean to allow maximum sunlight to shine through.

5. Clear the area around your heating vents. Make sure beds, dressers, couches, chairs, and other large pieces of furniture aren’t blocking the flow of heat into each room in your home.

As you stow away your Halloween decorations and start thinking about the holiday season ahead, be sure to give your Boston home the attention it needs to perform at it’s peak this winter. While routine home maintenance tasks usually aren’t at top of mind this time of year, the small changes I have noted above are quick and painless, and cost just a few dollars at most. You should start seeing a difference on your utility bill in as little as one to two months! If you’d like any additional tips for how you can reduce heating costs and keep your Boston home warm this season, feel free to reach out to me. As a Boston real estate agent, I’m happy to lend a helping hand to homeowners long after their transactions are complete. I look forward to catching up with you soon!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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