Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Thinking Spring in Boston Real Estate


The ground is thawing, birds are chirping again, and you may have just started dreaming about spending more time outside your Boston homes. During the spring and summer seasons, outdoor spaces are highly-coveted along the Boston real estate front. In fact, if you’re planning to sell your Boston home in the near future, it may be an outdoor space that ultimately causes a homebuyer to fall in love with the property.

The American Society of Landscape Architects has recently released a list of predictions for residential outdoor features that you may very well find this year as your begin your search for homes in Boston. Some of the top-rating or in-demand features found on the list were outdoor light fixtures, seating or dining areas, fire pits and fireplaces, grills, ledges, benches and boulders. Not to mention, sports spaces like tennis and bocce ball courts!

As we head into spring, here are a few of the top trends the American Society of Landscape Architects predicted for 2014 and a few of the popular projects trending among savvy homeowners:

Popular Outdoor Design Elements
1. Gardens and landscaped spaces
  1. Outdoor living spaces, such as outdoor kitchens
  2. Outdoor recreation and entertainment, such as pools and spas
  3. Sustainable design, such as eco-friendly materials

Popular Outdoor Living Features
1. Outdoor light fixtures
  1. Seating and dining areas, including installed seating
  2. Fire pits and fireplaces, for entertaning
  3. Outdoor grills

Top Outdoor Entertainment Features
1. Water elements as decoration, such as waterfalls and splash pools
  1. Spas, including jacuzzis, whirlpools and saunas
  2. Swimming pools
  3. Sports spaces, such as tennis courts

Are you planning to update your Boston home with a few of these popular outdoor elements this spring? Looking to buy a new home with one of these trending features this year? As your Boston real estate agent, I’m here to help with all of your real estate needs, from home search to home sale. Give me a call to discuss your homeowner goals, including what to expect in area homes or how to price your newly-updated home to sell. 



Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin


Friday, March 21, 2014

What to Look for in New Boston Neighborhoods


As a Boston homebuyer, you may have noticed that the real estate market is heating up! Prices and rates continue to rise and confidence is booming on behalf of both buyers and sellers. But before you decide to make a move this year, before you purchase new homes in Boston, take a moment to recognize where the best areas may be. 

Did you know, homebuyers were found to favor neighborhoods with a mix of homes, stores, and other businesses that are easy to walk around? The National Association of Realtors 2013 Community Preference Survey found 60 percent of participants favor walkable neighborhoods.

Below are a few tips for that will help you determine when a neighborhood is about to take off— and it just may be the place for you to buy!

Other New Homes Going Up
New homes going up in the area is a great sign that it’s about to take off. In fact, large-scale developments being built in a neighborhood in Boston is a tip-off that the area is progressing and there’s an interest among those who live nearby to spend time there. Another great tip? Look for a Starbucks going! One real estate insider advised that the coffee giant spends a lot on market research to determine the best areas for growth.

Location, location, location
In Boston real estate, it’s all about location. This applies to homebuyers looking for the best possible place to call home. Being that Boston is a major metro area, more homebuyers are looking to be in the city or just outside. Many homebuyers may find that a home they love lies just outside the metro area. Be on the lookout for what makes sense for you and your family in terms of location.

Retail and More
When trendy locations are being built, like retails, hotels, and more, the neighborhood is on the up and up. This should raise flags for homebuyers searching for the next best thing. Look for spaces like juice bars, organic restaurants, boutique hotels to help determine how an area will function.

Want recommendations for the best Boston neighborhoods for you? As your local real estate expert, I am happy to help you find the right home that fits all of your real estate needs!



Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin