Ken Talks Boston Real Estate Blog: Ken Snyder

Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

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

Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

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

Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

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

Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

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

Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

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

Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Celebrate the 4th of July in Boston

The Fourth of July is almost here and many Boston area residents are planning their activities for the big day. Whether or not you decide to venture into the city to attend one of the many holiday events this year, Boston is a great place to spend Independence Day! From fireworks displays to live music and celebrations on the harbor, here's what is happening around the city on July 4 this year:

Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
July 3-4, 2014
The Hatch Shell
Boston, MA

This highly-anticipated annual event will kick off with the national anthem and flyover at 7:30 PM on July 4 before commencing its firework show over the Charles River. One of the best fireworks displays in the country (over 10,000!), the Boston Pops Spectacular also includes entertainment with this year's lineup boasting the Beach Boys, Megan Hilty, the Phantom of the Opera, and the Boston Children's Chorus.

Boston Harborfest
July 2-6, 2014
Boston, MA

Boston Harborfest is a well-known celebration of the colonial heritage in Boston, including reenactments, concerts, historical tours, and more. Harborfest is now in its 33rd year and has grown to span over 4 days as the largest patriotic celebration in the country. There will be over 200 activities during the festival, so don't miss it!

Fireworks Cruise on the Boston Harbor
July 3, 2014; 7 PM
Odyssey Cruises
Boston, MA

What a great way to start off the Fourth of July weekend in Boston. Join Odyssey Cruises for a sail around Boston Harbor in addition to dinner and a fireworks display.

Fireworks Sail and Constitution
July 4, 2014; 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Moakley Federal Courthouse Dock
Boston, MA

This lunch and sail takes place alongside the USS Constitution as it pulls into Boston Harbor to Castle Island's Fort Independence for a 21-gun salute. In addition, a Fireworks Sail will also be offered for those wishing to watch fireworks from the deck of the Roseway as it pulls in Charlestown. Great for getting out of the city and watching fireworks from aboard a landmark boat!

Uncharted July 4th Fireworks Shindig
July 4, 2014; 7 PM
Coalition Space Boston
Boston, MA

Boston Uncharted is co-hosting this holiday event with Coalition Boston at their new space which has an incredible 19th story view of Boston and the Charles River! A great opportunity to watch a fireworks display from 19 stories up!

Boston is truly a remarkable city to spend Independence Day with unparalleled events for guests and residents alike. Watching the city come together to celebrate the stars and stripes is not something to miss! If you are considering a move to another home in Boston or are ready to move into the Boston Metro, I would be happy to hear from you!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

Connect with Me: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin