3 Key Ways to Increase Your Boston Home Value

When it comes to selling your home in Boston, it's difficult to find one single homeowner who doesn't want a healthy home value. In fact, many are constantly looking for ways to increase home value before listing. Regardless of what your renovation plans may say, increasing your home value does not have to be expensive— just consider these low-cost ideas:

Put Away Personal Photographs
No contractor involved, no demolition necessary. Simply put your personal photographs in a safe place while homebuyers are touring your property. Why? Boston homebuyers want to feel a connection to a home and as photos are very specific to the homeowner, they can get in the way of that. While you will have many memories in your home, the homebuyer should feel they're in a neutral space when they come inside.

Edit, Edit, Edit
Like I mentioned above, homebuyers are looking for a neutral space, a clean slate when they tour homes in Boston. Does your home boast an open, de-cluttered feel? Even if you think you're already in good shape, take a few minutes to walk around and "edit" your furniture. Remove the big, bulky items, especially if they're blocking a focal point like a fireplace or city view.

Increase Comfortability
Naturally you feel at home in the property— you're the homeowner. But will a Boston homebuyer? When listing your home in the Boston real estate market, it's important to make the buyer feel welcome and that includes playing to the senses. Be sure to mask any odors left behind by pets, play calming music instead of loud, fast-paced tunes, and keep the home's best features in plain sight. 

As your Boston Metro real estate expert, I am happy to help you with the entire selling process— from listing to closing. For everything in between, I can assist you with details on today's Boston real estate market and what homebuyers are attracted to in homes. We will work together to ensure your home sells and that you'll soon be on your way to your next dream home.

Questions about Boston homebuyers or how to sell your home? Contact me today!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

Visit My Website

See Homes for Sale in Boston

Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

Contact Me

Homebuyers Confident About Boston Real Estate Investment

As we head into the busy summer season, many Boston residents may consider making a move to a new home in the area. With rising rates and Boston housing housing prices, it is still a great time to buy a home and it seems more and more are recognizing the investment of Boston real estate  According to a new Gallup poll, most Americans see real estate as the best investment by far— even over stocks!

The Costs
Many reasons factor into real estate as the best investment, one of those being the costs of renting. If you live in Boston, you may be considering buying a home for that exact reason. Renting costs are rising as well and many see owning a home as the better use of their money. Another housing study from Harvard found that over half of all participants agree that owning a home makes better financial sense than renting.

The Benefits
Owning a home has many benefits, including those associated with finances and building long-term wealth. The Harvard study also found that of current homeowners, 71 percent stated that buying and owning a home was a positive experience for them— while just 34 percent found renting to be a positive experience. If buying a home in Boston is on your to-do list this summer, you might like to get started to beat the busy buying season and snag your dream home to start enjoying the homeowner benefits.

The Demand
Now that housing is being recognized as the best investment for many Americans, the local real estate market is about to get busy! In fact, HousingWire found that 90 percent of current renters have the desire to buy a home and will soon begin the process to make that a reality. You won't want to delay as the summer months heat up— chances are so will the competition in the Boston real estate market!

Ready to make a move to a new home in Boston or make your first purchase to switch from renting to owning? Contact me today and we can get started on finding you a Boston property that fits your wants and needs. As your local real estate expert, I am happy to answer any questions you have about the market or what it takes to get into that home you've always dreamed of. I look forward to hearing from you!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

Visit My Website

See Homes for Sale in Boston

Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

Contact Me

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

Visit My Website

See Homes for Sale in Boston

Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

Contact Me

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
Visit My Website
See Homes for Sale in Boston
Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin
Contact Me

Invest Your Tax Refund in Your Home

With tax season months behind us, are you still holding onto that refund check for a rainy day? Before splurging on a new laptop, a designer handbag, or a cruise to the Bahamas, consider investing in the Boston real estate market! Take a look around your home, and take a look at your finances to see where an extra chunk of change might be put to good use. Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas to consider when thinking about how to invest your tax return into your home.

Pay down your mortgage

If you received a hefty tax refund, use it to pay down a big chunk of your mortgage. The faster you pay down your home loan, the less interest you’ll pay and the sooner you can start saving for other big expenses. Be sure to check with your particular bank, but most lenders will allow you to send additional funds along with your regular monthly payments.

Invest in a new property

I’m looking at you, renters! If you’ve been itching to get your feet wet in the Boston real estate market, use your tax refund to start saving for a down payment on a new home or condo. Home prices are rising, and some extra money in the bank might help you make a more competitive offer on that home you’ve had your eye on.

Remodel your kitchen

Homeowners can catch the eye of potential homebuyers with an updated kitchen. If you don’t want to do a complete overhaul, consider replacing dated cabinets, installing under-cabinet lighting, or upgrading to granite countertops. You’ll enjoy the new luxuries and get a return on your investment when it comes time to sell.

Save it for a rainy day

If you are fortunate enough to have paid off your mortgage, consider starting an emergency savings fund just for home-related expenses. The extra cash will come in handy for those expensive, yet necessary repairs. For example, if your refrigerator happens to break or if you need a new roof. 

While dealing with all of the paperwork around tax time can be stressful and exhausting, it usually pays off in the end. If receiving a tax refund this year has given you enough financial security to start pursuing the Boston real estate market, please give me a call. I’d be happy to help you find a property that fits your lifestyle and budget. I look forward to hearing from you!

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
Visit My Website
See Homes for Sale in Boston
Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin
Contact Me

Why I Need Homebuyers in the Boston Market?

I have recently spent a lot of energy speaking to homebuyers in my blog posts. The reason why? There are so many of them clamoring for homes in the Boston real estate market. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, however. We’ve heard for the past several months about record low interest rates are making now a perfect time to buy. Well, it seems as though buyers have finally caught on. We’ve now encountered a home inventory so low that there are bidding wars over new listings. 

Sellers, where are you?! 

On the KenSnyderHomes Facebook page, I post a blend of real estate news and my own personal stories representing homebuyers who are up against six, seven, and even 25 competing offers on any given home in Boston. With inventory so low, Boston real estate agents, such as myself, have to be aggressive to not only snatch up new listings, but also to help each homebuyer through the negotiation process. 

In response to the imbalanced supply and demand in the Boston real estate market, NPR recently published a piece entitled, “Realtors ask: ‘What can I do to get you OUT of that House?’” I was thrilled to be asked to share my experience as a Boston real estate agent and about my view on such a competitive housing market. I encourage you to check out the entire NPR piece to hear some of my personal experiences of working with homebuyers and home sellers in the competitive Boston real estate market.

While the evidence that we’re in a seller’s market is plain to see, I understand the trepidation many homeowners have about deciding to put their homes on the market. Homeowners are keeping a close eye on home prices to see how much higher they will go before considering sticking a “For Sale” sign in the front yard. As a Boston real estate agent, I want to caution these folks. If you purchased your home near the bottom of the housing market, you have probably built up some good equity that can go towards the purchase of a new home. Waiting to sell your home will likely result in a missed opportunity to snag a low interest rate. Not to mention, you would be paying a higher price for your move-up home than you’d probably like. 

Although the spring weather is a bit behind this year, the Boston real estate market sure is heating up. Homebuyers are very competitive this season. With home prices and sales on an upward trend, this is the perfect time to hop off the fence and list your home for sale. As always, please contact me if you’re considering selling your home, if you’ve tried in the past without success, or if you just have some questions you’d like to bounce off of a Boston real estate agent. I hope to hear from you soon!

Saint Patrick's Day in Boston!

Each year on St. Patrick’s Day, most Bostonians fall into one of two categories: Those who are loud and proud of their Irish heritage, and those who are determined to be as Irish as possible just for the day. Whether you’re Irish or not, Boston has countless ways to celebrate and get in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. If you have just relocated or are in the planning stages of buying a home in Boston, you might not be not aware of all of the activities going on this weekend. As a local expert with a flair for seeking out the most exciting events in the city, I’ve taken it upon myself to create a quick guide you can reference to get the most out of St. Patrick’s Day in Boston.

Dropkick Murphys Concert

There’s a reason why “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” is the Dropkick Murphys number one hit. This Celtic folk band formed in South Boston in the mid-1990s and is a true musical representation of Irish pride. A hometown favorite, the Dropkick Murphys St. Patrick’s Day concerts usually sell out quickly. Those lucky enough to snag tickets will see the Dropkick Murphys perform at TD Garden this Friday, March 15^th or at House of Blues on Sunday, March 17^th. If you’re a music lover, you’ll want to buy tickets to one of these high-energy shows soon before it’s too late.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston

The parade is one event you won’t want to skip, even if you just catch part of it. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been a Boston tradition since 1901. The annual event draws upwards of 1 million spectators who come to see the elaborate floats, musicians, and performers. Typically, the parade is held on the Sunday closest to St. Patrick’s Day. Die-hard St. Patty’s Day enthusiasts are in luck, as St. Patrick’s Day actually falls on a Sunday this year. Checking out this Boston tradition is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday!

Irish Music and Dancing at Faneuil Hall

This St. Patrick’s Day, come for the shopping and dining, and stay for the Irish music and dancing at Faneuil Hall’s Quincy Market. Bay Street Pipers, Wood School of Irish Step Dancing, the Carlynton High School band, and other talented acts will dazzle passersby with free performances running throughout the afternoon from 11am-4pm.

Patronize an Irish Pub in Boston

If you’d rather keep your St. Patrick’s Day celebration low-key, there are hundreds of Irish pubs scattered throughout Boston you can check out. Bar goers can expect to sample some Irish whiskeys and brews while enjoying authentic Irish music. Many of Boston’s Irish pubs also offer full menus with traditional favorites, such as Shepherd’s Pie and Corned Beef and Cabbage, to keep you satiated throughout the day.

Now that you have a solid list of activities to choose from this St. Patrick’s Day, what are you waiting for? Pick out your most festive outfit (you don’t want to get pinched for not wearing green), develop a game plan, and hit the streets of Boston this weekend for an unforgettable celebration of Irish culture. Alternatively, if you’re in town looking for a new home this weekend, please give me a call! I’d be happy to show you some of the fantastic homes for sale in the Boston real estate market.

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
Visit My Website
See Homes for Sale in Boston
Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin
Contact Me

Boston Area Keep a Look Out for Your Buyer's Agent!

If you’re planning to buy your first home, congratulations! At this point you’re most likely figuring out your finances, and you’re beginning to do some preliminary browsing to see what the Boston real estate market has to offer. If you’re relocating from out of state and aren’t too familiar with Boston’s distinct neighborhoods, it can be extremely helpful to enlist the help of a local expert to assist you through the home buying process. As a Boston real estate agent, I find that many homebuyers don’t realize my services as a buyer’s agent are completely free. 

Usually there are two types of agency in a real estate transaction: Buyer agency and seller agency.  As a buyer, here’s what you can expect out of your buyer’s agent. 

Buyer’s Agent

• A buyer’s agent puts the buyer’s interests first. This includes evaluating the buyer’s needs and finding properties that fit their specifications, negotiating on the buyer’s behalf, attending the home inspection, and more.
• A buyer’s agent is hired by the buyer and paid by the seller in nearly all cases. A huge perk of hiring a buyer’s agent is that the buyer gets to benefit from the advice, loyalty, and guidance of a real estate professional without having to foot the bill.
• A buyer’s agent assists a buyer with opinion, strategy, and insight. A buyer’s agent really comes in handy when it comes down to determining the fair market value of the chosen property, crafting an offer strategy, and negotiating with the seller’s agent.

A seller’s agent, or listing agent, has responsibilities to uphold on the other end of the transaction.

Seller’s Agent

• A seller’s agent puts the seller’s interests first. When a seller lists his or her home for sale, they hire a listing agent to perform a competitive analysis, market the property, and negotiate on their behalf. 
• A seller’s agent is hired and paid by the seller. A seller will pay his or her agent a commission, which is documented in the listing agreement. The seller’s agent typically splits his or her commission with the buyer’s agent for bringing an interested buyer to the transaction.
• A seller’s agent can assist a buyer within constraints. The seller’s agent is required to give the buyer all material facts about a property (the good and the undesirable) so the buyer can make an informed decision.

Though a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent represent opposite sides of a real estate transaction, they both have a legal and ethical responsibility to treat all parties fairly.

Now that we’ve established that you do not have to pay for a buyer’s agent to help you find a property, negotiate on your behalf, and assist you in securing financing for your new home, what are you waiting for? Contact me, a seasoned Boston real estate agent and I promise to keep your best interests in mind throughout the home buying process and beyond.

Ken Snyder
Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro
Visit My Website
See Homes for Sale in Boston
Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin
Contact Me