5 Ways Owning a Home in Boston Beats Renting

Today's real estate market has seen a boost in homebuyer motivation, given the rising costs of renting in Boston. Aside from the simple payment aspect of owning a home in Boston (one that goes toward your own mortgage and not your landlord's), there are numerous ways homeownership takes the cake.

For instance, net worth. A homeowner's net worth is over 30 times that of a renter. If you've been on the fence about buying a home in Boston, now might be the time for you to make it happen.

You can make it your own

When you choose homeownership over renting in Boston, you have the opportunity to truly make the spaces your own. The home is yours and you can choose to do with it what you will! There is no need to worry about losing your security deposit simply because you want to renovate the bathroom.

You are investing your money

Think of all of the money you've spent on rent over the years and how you could have applied that to a home in the Boston Metro Area. Each month you are paying a mortgage and through "forced savings" you are investing it in your home instead of spending it on other purchases. Then when the time comes to sell the home and your mortgage is paid off, you will more than likely walk away with a profit!

There are no landlords

When you own a home, there are no landlords to deal with— no landlords to prod about fixing that leaky faucet or one who might raise your rent next year. Owning a home means you are in charge of the home and you don't have to put up with landlords ever again.

You have tax deductions

Owning a home in Boston comes with a few perks, including certain tax deductions. As a homeowner, you have the ability to deduct mortgage interest payments and also eligible expenses like energy-efficient improvements. 

You'll buy less furniture

Did you know that homeowners generally spend less on furniture than renters? Renters tend to think of their homes as temporary and purchase furniture that will simply "fit the space." When you buy a home and settle in for years to come, you purchase pieces that you can see growing with you and those you'll want around for the long haul.

Ready to buy a home in Boston? I'm ready to help! Contact me today to see what's available in your desired neighborhood and how you can start your journey toward homeownership. 

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Boston Nearing Title of Most Walkable City in U.S.

This year as homebuyers set out on their search for properties in Boston, one of the items high on their wish list will be walkability. Today's buyers want to move to an area that can be easily navigated on foot. Well, you're in luck Boston, because the city is quickly becoming the most walkable in the country!

The walkability factor is one of Boston's major strengths—Walk Score even calls Boston a "pedestrian's perfect city"— and it's only going to improve from here on out.

One research group recently analyzed several cities and factors that contribute to their "walkability score," finding the top five to be Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, San Francisco and Chicago. However, according to Curbed Boston, a shakeup is in the works due to new construction which would put Boston in the Number One spot!

The research group took into account the construction and urbanization of Cambridge and the nearby suburbs to arrive at Boston's "walkability score." So where are the best places to live in the city if your plan is to stroll to your various errands, shopping spots, restaurants and nightlife? According to Walk Score, the North End, Chinatown and Bay Village all tied for first place (with a 98 out of possible 100) in terms of walkability in Boston.

The following are considered Boston's most walkable neighborhoods:

North End
The North End is the oldest neighborhood in Boston and today, is one where about 10K residents live. Many people know this area as Boston's "Little Italy" as it is home to many Italian restaurants and shops.

Chinatown
Located close to Boston's downtown shopping and financial district, Chinatown is rich in history, tradition, culture, culinary treasures and unique gifts. It is also the third largest Chinatown in the United States.

Bay Village
Bay Village is relatively quiet with little traffic, making it ideal for pedestrians. It is also located nearby numerous parks and gardens like Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden.

Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill describes itself as a "cozy enclave, filled with nearly 10,000 people, more like a village than an anonymous city." This area of Boston is filled with a strong community bond with beautiful homes, shops, and restaurants all within walking distance.

Downtown Crossing
Downtown Crossing is a shopping district located east of Boston Common and west of the financial district. With large department stores and souvenir sellers alike, this neighborhood also has streets closed to traffic which boosts its walkability factor.

As your local Boston real estate expert, I'd love to help you find a home that fits your homebuyer wish list, including one in a walkable neighborhood. Contact me today to find out which neighborhood would best suit your needs!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Preparing Your Boston Home for Bad Weather

Summer does indeed bring sunshine and warm weather that is much needed after a long, harsh winter. However, the season can also bring a host of thunderstorms and bad weather along with it. There are a few steps you can take to prepare your Boston area home for storm season, most importantly having your insurance up to date. 

This weekend, take the time to prep your home in the Boston Metro Area for any unexpected weather the remainder of the summer may throw our way. To make it easy, Boston homeowners can start with the following:

General Home Preparation

• Unless you're in an apartment, it's important to check your roof regularly for any sign of repair.
• Keep your gutters, downspout and drains clear for rain to pass through.
• Trim any trees, branches or shrubbery that are too close to your Boston home. You don't want to risk them falling onto your roof or even through a window.
• Purchase and install surge protectors for your electronics and appliances as a lightning strike could destroy them.
• Secure any loose items around your home, meaning patio furniture, outdoor planters or pots, yard tools, bikes, decorative items such as flags or lanterns and even mailboxes. Be sure they are all either completely secured and stable or put away during storms.

General Storm Preparation

• Identify the safest room in your home, such as a basement, bathroom or closet and inform all of those who live with you.
• Make sure your car and homeowner's insurance is enough for your location and needs, as well as up to date.
• Make sure you know how to safely turn off your water and gas, if need be, and how to turn the power both on and off.
• Prepare for bad weather by storing water, flashlights, batteries, a radio and a first-aid kit in a safe place.
• Take photos of your home, both inside and out, as well as photos of expensive items, cars, etc. Store the photos off-site or in a safe deposit box for insurance purposes after a storm hits.

The Boston Metro Area is a great place to call home and it's important you go the extra mile to ensure the safety of yours this year. As your Boston real estate expert, I am here to answer any questions you may have about homes for sale in Boston, how to sell your current property, in addition to details about the local real estate market.

Contact me today— I'd be happy to hear from you!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Boston Home Staging Tips for Summer

Staging a home is key to helping potential homebuyers visualize themselves in the space. From rearranging furniture to open up a room to clearing all of the clutter, staging your Boston home will be an important part of your selling strategy, even in the summer months!

Now that we're well into the summer season, that strategy should also be adapted to fit outdoor spaces. In a recent survey by Saber Grills, 1,500 homeowners were polled and 83 percent said outdoor living space is their favorite part of their home, with 81 percent calling the outdoor space "the heart of the home."

As a Boston home seller, it's important to apply the same principles of staging to your outdoor space. If you're new to the concept, start with the following tips for summer staging:

Reupholster Cushions
Every outdoor space is likely to have some furniture and in order to appeal to homebuyers, it should be in great shape. Use outdoor, water-repellent fabrics and change out the cushion covers. This is an easy, inexpensive fix that can quickly update your furniture and transform the feel of the space.

Tend to the Garage
One reason many homebuyers are looking to move this summer is a lack of space. If your Boston home includes a garage, highlight the potential by repainting the walls. An update that takes little effort and little money, a fresh coat of paint can reflect sunshine inside the home and bring homebuyers inside to showcase storage options. "It's important to keep the garage wall white; otherwise it will look cheap and tacky," one interior design expert told Realtor.com.

Plants
When selling your home in Boston, you can bring a sense of warmth to your outdoor space by purchasing inexpensive plants. You can place bright flowers outdoors during home tours and showings to appeal to homebuyers and place more of the same flowers inside near entryways to give the whole home a cohesive, consistent feel.

As your Boston real estate expert, I know there is much to be done to prepare a home for the real estate market in Boston. From updating your interior spaces, to making repairs and staging your outdoor living area, homebuyers will notice a home in great condition. Contact me today to discuss what we can do to help your home sell this summer!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Homebuyers— Market Moving Upward in Boston Real Estate

For many homebuyers in the Boston real estate market, the right time to buy can be difficult to determine. In fact, Boston homebuyers in the past months (even over the winter) may have "waited it out" to see where things were going in the local market. But with new data released by real estate brokerage Redfin, it seems homebuyers have much to be happy about going forward into the summer.

More Options, More Inventory
The past few months have been characterized by a lower amount of inventory for Boston homebuyers  With not much to choose from, buyers may have decided to put their moving plans on hold— but things are changing! "Inventories of existing home are 6 percent higher than year-ago levels," according to the National Association of Realtors. "The higher inventory levels of homes for sale means that buyers have more choices this summer."

Fewer Competition
The current Boston real estate market is seeing upward swings in inventory and on the other end of the spectrum, less competition. This is great news for homebuyers who may have been caught in a bidding war over other properties in the area. Bidding wars are down by double-digit margins this year, Redfin found, while competition from other buyers continues to fall.

Home Prices Slowing
One of the greatest hurdles of homeownership this season has been housing prices in the Boston Metro Area. Increases have priced out certain buyers or simply prompted others to continue saving and try again at a later date. However, this past May only saw a 5 percent increase of existing home prices compared to the previous year (double digit increases were common last year). "Homebuyers are benefiting from slower price growth due to the much-needed rising inventory levels," said the NAR's chief economist.

Lower Costs
When it comes to buying a home in Boston, the cost of borrowing plays a big factor. This summer, homebuyers can expect lower borrowing costs as mortgage rates are now less than half the historical average of a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Mortgage rates now are hovering around 4 percent, while the historical average is 8.7 percent.

If you're ready to buy a home in Boston this summer, I'd be happy to help! There are many other reasons to take advantage of this season's market conditions— Contact me to discuss!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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3 Boston Home Repairs You Should Never Ignore

With a new season comes new weather and a new list of home repairs that Boston homeowners will soon take on. But keep in mind, there are some that are worth more of your attention and could ultimately end up costing you more money if you put them off. As a Boston homeowner, home value and keeping a well-maintained property should be at the top of your list. Don't delay on these repairs and typical home upkeep tasks and you'll save yourself a world of homeowner headache over the next few months and better yet, when the time comes to sell.

Appliances
Boston homebuyers are looking for updated appliances, but more so appliances that are safe and have great ratings. Consumer Reports magazine found that about half of residential fires each year are caused by faulty appliances, many of which had defects unknown to the homeowners. To be proactive, take note of the model and serial numbers on your appliances and check for recalls. Keep the list on hand to recheck periodically. 

Leaks
Water damage can be a major hassle for Boston homeowners who had hopes to sell their property soon, especially since it can be such a costly fix. Pay attention to any wet spots under cabinets, on ceilings, around pipes and of course, any drips or leaks you may spot. If you find them, fix them as soon as possible. Pushing off these repairs can cost you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands depending on where the problem occurs, like the roof.

Flooring
Refinishing floors might not sound like a dire maintenance task, but in Boston real estate, hardwood floors can be a major selling point. All wood floors should be refinished throughout the years, but getting to the task before the old finish is worn and the floors need to be sanded can be a money (and Boston home) saver. "Sanding wears away some of the wood," advises HouseLogic. "Being able to skip that step can extend the life of your floor by decades." If you tend to the floors early on, you can save yourself hundreds and even refinish them yourself.

In Boston real estate, first impressions can be everything and homes with water damage, faulty appliances and even scratched flooring may not make it to a homebuyer's wish list. Boston homeowners should pay close attention to these areas of the home, especially if you have hopes of selling this summer or in the coming months. As your Boston real estate expert, I'm happy to help you get an idea of what buyers are looking for right now— contact me today to discuss the current market!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Summer Events to Visit in Greater Boston Area

Summer is a great time to get out and try new things, visit new areas of the city, visit new events, explore Greater Boston. Whether you've just moved to the area or are planning to relocate to Boston this year, events are one of many ways to get involved in your community. Below are a few events happening this weekend to mark on your calendars:

Fork in the Road Food Truck Festival
Saturday, June 14, 2014; 12 PM to 10 PM
Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
Boston, MA

Boston has a long legacy of fine food and this is another opportunity to experience and enjoy the local fare. This first-ever Fork in the Road Food Truck Festival will bring together Boston's most popular food trucks and Harpoon Brewery favorites, as well as feature live music.

Legends of Boston Comedy
Saturday, June 14, 2014; 8 PM
Citi Performing Arts Center, Wang Theatre
Boston, MA

For one night only, this comedy event will include Boston comedy stars like Lenny Clarke, Don Gavin, "The Undisputed King of Boston Comedy," "The Funniest Man You've Never Heard Of," Kenny Rogerson and Tony V. These men were a part of the golden age of Boston comedy and are coming together for one more night of laughs.

Boston Festival of Bands
Saturday, June 14, 2014; 11 AM to 6 PM
The Great Hall, Faneuil Hall
Boston, MA

Come out and enjoy the 26th annual Boston Festival of Bands this weekend at Faneuil Hall, presented by the Metropolitan Wind Symphony. The event will be held at 1 Faneuil Hall Square, next to Quincy Market and bands will play varying genres from Broadway tunes to classic music. Something for everyone here, with great musical variety!

Father's Day on the Spirit of Boston
Sunday, June 15, 2014; 11 AM
Entertainment Cruises
Boston, MA

Treat Dad this weekend to a family day aboard the Spirit of Boston and take a lunch cruise around the Boston Harbor. This special Father's Day cruise will include a festive lunch, entertainment, and historic view of the harbor.

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Ready to Sell Boston Real Estate? Consider a Deadline

If you've recently placed your home for sale in Boston or have plans to sell in the near future, keep an end date in mind. Every home seller dreams of a quick sale, moving on to their next Boston area home in as little time as possible. That is the goal of selling your home, isn't it? That quick sale is possible, but it requires a deadline.

Deadlines bring about results and your home sale in the Boston metro area is no exception. They also bring about high returns! This year alone has seen "58 percent of home listings with published offer deadlines sold above list price," according to real estate firm Redfin. Those with other deadlines also were known to have been on the market for less time (31 days on average), as compared to those without deadlines (on the market for 60 days).

However, these "published offer deadlines" are rare in the local real estate market. This means a real estate agent, or even home seller, has stated a specific date for offers on the home. Redfin reported as little as 4 percent of listings include a deadline. 

These offer deadlines are not typically long—many of them just a few days— and allow home sellers to look over all deadlines at once. In today's market, we're starting to see more bidding wars and deadlines can be one contributing factor. Deadlines are often a sign of confidence in a home and its listing price, which can lead multiple homebuyers to place an offer. 

How do you let the buyers know your listing has a deadline? Keywords in the listing like "offer" and "bid" coupled with words like "due" or of course, "deadline" can indicated listings published with a date in mind. These dates act as a jumping off point for homebuyers to make a move— since many delay making a decision in Boston real estate, a deadline can oftentimes help them focus and put an offer on a property they like. These work to both the homebuyer and home seller's benefit.

It's a seller market out there and a deadline can help you choose the best offer out of many. As your Boston real estate expert, I'm here to help you with all of those decisions that come along the way, from listing the property to accepting an offer. Let's chat today on the best home sale strategy for your Boston property.

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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