5 Organization Tips for Your Boston Home in 2014

The New Year is the perfect time to reset the clock and get a fresh start. Whether you’re gearing up to get in shape, save money to buy a home in Boston, reduce your carbon footprint, or jumpstart a healthy eating plan, the start of a new year allows us to reinvent ourselves in any way we choose. While setting goals for making improvements in your personal and professional lives is important, January 1^st is also a great time to get your home organized for the New Year. As you begin packing up your holiday decorations, reference this room-by-room guide for getting your home in top shape.

1. Foyer

The first room your guests will see when they enter your home is often the most chaotic. Invest in a bench with built-in storage bins for hiding miscellaneous items like umbrellas, backpacks, dog leashes, and more.

2. Living Room

Take advantage of vertical space by adding tall shelves to your living room. You’ll have plenty of room to store books, photos, and decorative pieces without infringing on your living area.

3. Kitchen

Glass-front cabinets are going to be a major trend in kitchen design in 2014. By default, transparent cabinetry will force you and your family to be more organized with how you display dinnerware, drinking glasses, and dry goods.

4. Bathroom

Generally speaking, bathroom drawers have a high potential for messiness. By investing in some wooden boxes and trays, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in half the time. Go ahead and sleep in an extra five minutes!

5. Bedroom

If you have the available space, add a bench to the foot of your bed. You’ll increase the surface space in your bedroom while giving yourself a place to store extra blankets and pillows.

As we wrap up the holiday season and look forward to 2014, I hope these tips help you organize your home. Not only will each room look neat and tidy, you’ll feel more energized, clear headed, and prepared to tackle your personal and professional goals in the New Year. If buying a home in Boston happens to be one of your resolutions for 2014, please get in touch with me. As a Boston real estate agent, I’ve helped numerous homebuyers achieve their goals of homeownership, and I would be thrilled to offer you the same outstanding service. 

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Boston's Best: Outdoor Ice Skating

Though the weather outside is frightful, don’t let winter and its chilly temperatures put a dent in your plans for outdoor fun in Boston. Sure, the days of basking in the summer sun are a distant memory, but the arrival of a new season brings its own offering of recreational opportunities. In particular, ice skating is a wonderful way to enjoy the brisk winter weather and get in the holiday spirit. Luckily, there are quite a few spots in Boston that allow you to lace up a pair of skates and hit the ice. Here are your best bets for ice skating in Boston this holiday season.

Frog Pond

For many Bostonians, no holiday season is complete without a trip to Frog Pond. This ice skating rink is centrally located on Boston Common, and is surrounded by trees with twinkling lights.

Prudential Center Rink

As you finish up your holiday shopping at the Prudential Center, take a break to skate a few laps around the Prudential Center Rink. This location is the newest addition to the downtown skating venues.

Faneuil Hall Skating Rink

Whoever said bigger is better clearly hasn’t gone ice skating at the rink at Faneuil Hall. Albeit a bit small, this newer fixture in the winter recreation scene offers restrooms, food vendors, discounted parking, and is easily accessible by public transportation.

Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation

There are a number of ice skating rinks run by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Located in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, Kelly Skating Rink offers an outdoor ice skating experience with free admission and dirt-cheap skate rental.

Those who embrace the cold weather can lace up a pair of skates at one of the many ice rinks around the city. Whether you recently decided to buy a home in Boston or are a lifelong resident, it’s never too late to establish this holiday tradition that will carry on for years to come. If you’re visiting for the holidays and are planning to buy a home in the area, please let me know if I can be of any assistance! I’d be honored to guide you through the Boston real estate market in 2014 and beyond.

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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Boston Real Estate Market Review | 2013

Can you believe there are less than three weeks remaining until we ring in 2014? As we wrap up 2013 and start making predictions for the upcoming year, I’d like to go over a few housing trends that stood out over the past 12 months. Whether you decided to buy a home or sell your home in Boston this year, you likely took notice of a few prominent themes in the Boston real estate market. Here’s a look at the most significant trends in real estate from 2013.

1. Mortgage rates remained near record lowsThose who decided to buy a home in Boston this year were met with affordable interest rates. Although they increased quite significantly in late spring, the average is still below 5% going into the New Year.

2. Low inventory resulted in bidding warsPickings were slim in the Boston real estate market in 2013. A combination of low inventory, low mortgage rates and rising home prices led to the return of bidding wars between hopeful homebuyers.

3. Cash buyers remained prevalent Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of REALTORS® reported that one third of all home purchases in 2013 were made with cash. Furthermore, Buffini and Company noted that 19 percent of winter buyers plan to pay for their new homes with cash going into 2014.

4. Home prices increased more quickly than anticipatedAccording to Trulia.com, the median sales price for all properties in the Boston real estate market is $439,000, up from $389,450 at this time last year. That’s a 12.7% increase year-over-year, which has been great news for homeowners.

5. Rising rents created an influx in first-time homebuyersIt’s no secret that rental prices are rising faster than home prices. Many renters have had enough, and are more motivated than ever to buy a home in Boston and start building equity.

2013 has been a strong year for the housing recovery. If you decided to buy a home in Boston, you were probably involved in a bidding war, but were fortunate enough to receive a very low mortgage rate. Homeowners who sold a property this year saw their home values appreciate, and likely received an offer or two above asking price. As we move into 2014, the housing market is predicted to strengthen even more. If you need any assistance as you navigate the Boston real estate market, please contact me! I’d be happy to help make your dream of homeownership come true. 

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

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

The holiday season is officially underway, and Boston sure knows how to celebrate. As you finish up your Christmas shopping and start making plans for New Year’s Eve, make it a point to check out all of the fun festivities going on around town. Especially if you recently decided to buy a home in Boston! From the SoWa Holiday Market to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Castle, getting in the spirit of the season and immersing yourself in the community are fantastic ways to get to know your new neighborhood. To make sure you don’t miss a single moment, pencil these notable holiday events into your calendar.

10^th Annual SoWa Holiday Market

The SoWa Holiday Market is the place to shop to find a unique gift for everyone on your list. This year’s event will feature New England’s best independent designers, artists, and crafters who will have their wares on display for sale. Expect to find handbags, jewelry, pottery, letterpress stationary, baby clothes, and more!

Salvation Army Christmas Castle

Be a part of a movement that helps provide toys and coats to over 4,000 in Boston at the Salvation Army Christmas Castle. You’ll help turn Park Plaza Castle into a winter wonderland by helping to decorate, set up tables, display the toys, and hang coats.

A Christmas Toy Story

The entire family will love “A Christmas Toy Story” presented by Contrapose Dance at the Boston University College of Fine Arts. This hour-long ballet is set in Santa’s workshop and features a story about elves, broken toys, a big gust of wind, and the helpfulness of friends.

Holiday Dollar Day

Kids and adults alike will enjoy themselves at the annual Holiday Dollar Day celebration on December 14^th. Sip hot drinks, be entertained, and shop for some books to cozy up with this winter. Best of all, everything in the store will be just $1.

Eat Boutique Holiday Market

Shop, eat, drink, and be merry at the Eat Boutique Holiday Market on December 7^th. You’ll mingle amongst cookbook authors, culinary experts, wine/spirit makers, and more as you sample delicious fare and get your shopping done for your favorite foodie.

As you can see, there are tons of ways to celebrate the season in Boston. From the South End to Boston’s waterfront, you’re certain to find an event or two that fit into your busy schedule as you wrap up 2013. If you’re planning to buy a home in Boston in the New Year, please get in touch with me. There are some important changes coming up that will have an impact on all buyers who require financing for their home purchases. I’d be happy to sit down with you and discuss what this means for you, as well as stand by your side throughout your journey in the Boston real estate market. I hope to hear from you soon!

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

Whether you’re in it to discover a piece of history, for a twinge of nostalgia, to add to your collection or to score a bargain, shopping for antiques is a favorite pastime for many Americans. Luckily, Boston is home to dozens of antique shops that range from small rooms filled with clothing and accessories, to large markets where you can pick up a new couch, a piece of artwork, or a bicycle. In every case, each item has a story waiting to be told to those who have the patience to dig around and explore the possibilities. Of course, it helps to know where to find the best antique shops in Boston so you can begin your journey! Here are a few popular spots that always yield the best finds.

Twentieth Century Ltd.

Beacon Hill

73 Charles St, Boston, MA 02108

What’s inside: Vintage designer costume jewelry, clocks, hats, handbags, photographs.

SoWa Vintage Market

South End

460C Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118

What’s inside: Vintage clothing, jewelry, home furnishings, painted furniture.

Bartevian

Roxbury

160 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

What’s inside: Jewelry, clothing, books, board games, trinkets, figurines.

Marika’s Antique Shop

Beacon Hill

130 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114

What’s inside: Home accessories, silver serving pieces, estate jewelry.

Machine Age

Seaport District

645 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210

What’s inside: Refurbished antique furniture, lighting, and art.

Whatever you seek as you rifle through Boston’s best antique shops, you’re sure to head home with at least a few tokens from the past. If you’re planning to sell your home in Boston, adding a carefully chosen antique or two is a great way to give your interior décor a subtle upgrade. If you’d like any professional staging tips or if you have any questions about the home selling process in general, please feel free to contact me. I have years of experience helping homeowners achieve successful sales in the ever-changing Boston real estate market. I look forward to doing the same for you!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
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