5 Bathroom Upgrades for Your Boston Home

If you’re planning to remodel your bathroom, the fundamental question on your mind is likely: How much money will I recoup once I decide to sell my home? While there is no cut and dry answer, it’s worth noting that an updated bathroom is a top feature hopeful homeowners look for when buying a home in Boston. In fact, a minor bathroom remodel will get you an average return of 102 percent when it comes time to stick the “For Sale” sign in your front yard. Whether you have unlimited cash to spend or are looking to make big improvements on a slim budget, consider the following projects for upgrading the bathroom in your Boston home.

Freshen up stained grout

It’s time to get on your hands and knees and get the grunge out of your grout lines. This can easily be accomplished with an old toothbrush and a mild bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water).

Replace your shower head

Add a luxurious touch to your bathroom with a new shower head. Whether you desire a pulsating spray, an adjustable head or rainfall style, this is an upgrade you’ll enjoy long before you decide to sell your home in Boston.

Update your faucets

Updating your bathroom faucets is a simple and cost-effective way to give your bathroom a subtle enhancement. From the sink to the tub, shiny new fixtures will immediately make the entire room sparkle.

Install a new vanity

This is likely the priciest upgrade of the bunch. However, your local hardware store should have a variety of styles with at least a few options in your price range. If your bathroom lacks a linen closet, consider a model with plenty of storage space.

Replace the lighting

The right lighting can dramatically improve the appearance of your bathroom. If you only have an overhead light, consider installing a couple of sconces on the walls or adding an attractive fixture over the sink.

As you can see, it’s easy to transform your bathroom even if you’re working with a shoestring budget. If you’re puzzled as to where you should start, I recommend giving your entire bathroom a thorough cleaning. Once you clear the dust and grime off of the walls, ceiling, exhaust fan, doors, cabinets, surfaces, and light fixtures, you’ll be able to step back and assess what features require the most attention and biggest portion of your remodeling budget. If you need any additional guidance as you prepare to sell your home in Boston, please reach out to me. The Boston real estate market is already buzzing with activity leading into what’s sure to be a busy spring for buyers and sellers alike. I look forward to connecting with you!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Prepare Your Boston Home for the Spring Real Estate Market

Greetings, Boston! Have you had enough of this cold weather yet? The good news is that spring is well on its way – in the Boston real estate market, that is! Despite the fact that winter isn’t even half way over, the spring real estate market is already heating up. Hopeful homebuyers have kicked off 2014 with renewed energy and enthusiasm for buying a home in Boston, and are readying their finances to purchase a piece of the American dream. As a homeowner, now is an ideal time for you to make your property shine in what’s sure to be a dynamic season for real estate. To get you started on the path to a successful sale, use the checklist below as a guide for preparing your Boston home for the spring real estate market.

Exterior maintenance:

• Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint. Apply a fresh coat of paint where necessary (pay close attention to the front door).
• Check your foundation, walkways, porch, and patio for cracks. Make any necessary repairs before listing your home in the Boston real estate market.
• Carefully inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles. Repair or replace where necessary.
• Clean and align your gutters if you didn’t do so last fall.
• Inspect and clean your chimney.
• Examine your landscaping. Trim back any bushes or trees that block the front of your home.
• Boost your curb appeal by hanging a winter wreath on your front door and placing a new welcome mat on the front porch. 

Interior maintenance:

• Clear out the clutter. Recycle old magazines, shred your paid bills, and use old newspapers to pack fragile items in moving boxes.
• Give every room a thorough cleaning. If you’re too busy to maintain a pristine home, hire a cleaning service to come once every couple of weeks while your home is listed in the Boston real estate market.
• Repaint dingy or brightly-colored walls with a neutral shade of paint. This simple task will brighten your entire home.
• Get your carpeting professionally cleaned to eliminate any odors, stains, and other signs of wear and tear.
• In the bathroom, repair leaky faucets and showerheads and replace any broken floor tiles.
• Give your kitchen some TLC. Repaint or re-stain your kitchen cabinets and invest in some new knobs.
• Walk through your entire home and flip the lights on and off. Replace light bulbs where necessary.

While this isn’t an exhaustive list of ways to prepare your Boston home for the spring real estate market, these tasks will give you a great head start. When you’re ready to take the next step and stick a “For Sale” sign in your front yard, please get in touch with me. As a Boston real estate agent, I would be happy to give you some additional pointers for getting your home ready to compete in the busy spring real estate market.

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

In the early 20^th century, pizza was considered inexpensive peasant food reserved for working-class Italians. Fast-forward to present day, and pizza has become all but a staple in the average American’s diet. From your classic cheese pizza to off-the-wall toppings like shrimp scampi, figs, and ranch dressing, it’s hard to go wrong with a piping hot slice of pie. However, there are a few Boston pizzerias that go above and beyond when it comes to preparing the perfect pizza. Whether you seek a flawless cheese-to-sauce ratio, inventive toppings, or an authentic Italian experience, Boston’s Best pizzerias are guaranteed to satisfy your gastronomic cravings.

Galleria Umberto

North End

289 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

What’s inside: Sicilian style pizza, arancini, and panzerotti – all at affordable prices.

Picco

South End

513 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

What’s inside: Craft beer, homemade ice cream, and pizza cooked “well done.”

The Currach Bistro and Pizza

Dorchester

787 Adams St, Boston, MA 02124

What’s inside: Buffalo chicken pizza (a favorite of the locals), wings, and subs.

Regina Pizzeria

North End

11 ½ Thacher St, Boston, MA 02113

What’s inside: Neapolitan style, brick oven pizza. Regina Pizzeria is also home of the oldest pizza oven in Boston!

Figs

Beacon Hill

42 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114

What’s inside: Thin crust pizza with inventive toppings (Calamari Pizza and Fig & Prosciutto Pizza are popular picks).

Boston may not be known as the pizza capital of the Western hemisphere, but it sure can hold its own against Chicago and New York. Did I miss any outstanding restaurants that should have been included on this list? Feel free to leave me a comment, or share your favorite pizza joint with me on the KenSnyderHomes Facebook page. While you’re there, take a look at the articles I’ve recently posted for those who are planning to buy a home in Boston or sell a home in Boston in 2014. There have been some big changes in the Boston real estate market, and I’d be happy to catch you up to speed. I look forward to connecting with you!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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How Millennials Can Save Up to Buy a Home in Boston

As you probably know, buying a home in Boston is one of the biggest investments you’ll make during your lifetime. Saving up enough money to cover your mortgage payment, homeowner’s insurance and utility bills, not to mention having enough cash saved in case of an emergency, can be a big adjustment for even the most financially equipped homebuyer. For Millennials, the struggle is even more challenging. Faced with crippling student loan debt and a weak job market, the goal of buying a home in Boston is an uphill battle at best. Although homeownership may not be realistic in the immediate future, there are some steps you can take to begin improving your financial situation right away.

Examine your spending habits

There are various websites and mobile applications that can help you track your day-to-day spending. Do you often eat out for lunch, or get a coffee on your way to work? Start grocery shopping and meal planning to see instant savings.

Consider getting roommates

If you’re currently renting, getting a roommate or two is an excellent way to reduce what you spend on rent and utilities. Who knows, you may even form a lasting relationship with someone who can help you pay your mortgage in the future.

Eliminate unnecessary monthly expenses

Make a list of your monthly expenses and start making some changes. Cancel the gym membership you never use, downgrade your cable TV package, and unsubscribe to all of those magazines that have been piling up.

Save your income tax refund

You may be tempted to spend your income tax refund on a new wardrobe or an elaborate vacation. However, putting that money towards a down payment will be much more gratifying in the long term.

Set up a new savings account

There’s nothing more motivating than watching your savings grow. Open a new savings account dedicated to your goal of buying a home in Boston, and set up an automatic deposit from your salary earnings.

Though the dream of homeownership may seem unattainable at the moment, these financial tips and tricks will have you on the path to buyinga home in Boston before you know it. Once you’re ready to start exploring the Boston real estate market, please get in touch with me. I’ve helped countless first-time homebuyers find their dream homes, and I would be honored to provide you with the same service. Whether it’s in six months or six years, I look forward to connecting with you!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Treat Yourself to Relaxation in Boston

The holiday season has finally come to a close. And, if you’re like most homeowners, you’re exhausted and burnt out from the all of the shopping, hosting, cleaning, and celebrating that goes on between the end of November and the beginning of January. This is especially true if you decided to buy a home in Boston towards the end of the year! Now that you’ve rung in 2014 and have begun putting your holiday decorations away, it’s time to refocus your attention on yourself. Luckily, Boston offers countless ways for residents to relieve residual holiday stress. Here are a few ways to unwind as we step into the New Year. 

exhale Mind Body Spa 

Fairmont Battery Wharf

2 Battery Wharf

Boston, MA 02109

Though Boston is wonderful and exciting, we all need an occasional break from the hustle and bustle of living in a big city. That’s where exhale comes in. Treat yourself to a few hours of relaxation at this Battery Wharf day spa with a facial, massage, or body scrub.

Sadhana Yoga 

15 Worcester Street

Boston, MA 02118

Start the New Year off on the right foot by taking yoga at this South End studio. Sadhana Yoga has been ranked “Best in Boston” three times, and receives rave reviews from novice and advanced students alike. If you’re hesitant about making a long-term commitment, new students can enroll in one month of unlimited yoga for just $30.

Boston Center for Adult Education 

122 Arlington Street

Boston, MA 02116

Make it a point to discover a new hobby in 2014. Research shows that our stress levels are lowest and our energy levels are highest when we’re engaged in activities we enjoy most. Whether it’s painting, running, taking a writing workshop, or joining a recreational basketball team, be sure to make time for activities that give you release. The Boston Center for AdultEducation has a wide variety of classes to choose from.

Now that the season of giving is said and done, it’s time to treat yourself to some serious relaxation. Whether you choose to rejuvenate your mind, body, or spirit, you’re sure to find a way to replenish your energy and get on track to achieving your goals in the New Year. If buying or selling a home in Boston is on your list of resolutions for 2014, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. As a Boston real estate agent, I’d be happy to help you kick off the New Year with an aggressive marketing plan to sell your home in the spring real estate market. I look forward to hearing from you!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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