Monday, December 27, 2010

Recyle the Holidays in Lexington!

Homes in Lexington MA are already beginning to shed their holiday décor as the holidays have come and gone. With the festive Christmas season behind us, it’s time to un-decorate, which is something many of us would rather wish away! It’s much more fun to decorate with holiday cheer than come to grips with the fact that the holidays are over.

But, there’s great news! There is still a way to enjoy the holidays even after they’re gone and to give back in Lexington! This charming community is focused on ways to build back in to its environment and starting tomorrow, December 27, you have a great opportunity to do so!

The Lexington Recycling Facility Drop-off Site will recycle your Christmas tree and turn it into mulch! You’ll be able to make your Christmas tree clean up a breeze while donating it for the town of Lexington’s use! Make sure to remove all decorations, including tinsel so that they can be easily recycled. The Christmas tree recycling service is available from December 27- January 31 at the Lexington Recycling Facility located near the entrance to the military base. If you have any questions, you can call 781-862-0500.

I hope you take advantage of this great service for Lexington residents only! If you aren’t currently residing in Lexington, but are hoping to move to Lexington within the coming new year; let me know! I’d love to answer any questions you may have about the Lexington Real Estate market and can show you the beautiful homes that are currently available in Lexington!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Theresa D'Antuono
Lexington MA Area Real Estate Agent
Search Lexington MA Homes For Sale
Search All Lexington MA Area Homes For Sale
Visit us on our Lexington MA Resources Facebook Page for Events and Updates

Monday, December 20, 2010

Tips for Winter Curb Appeal in Lexington MA!

Your Lexington MA home is beautifully decorated with whimsies of the holiday season. Touches of garland, holly and mistletoe add to the scene set with an ornamented Christmas tree and a crackling fire in the fireplace. Your home feels cozy and is an ideal place to relax after braving the cold weather. You are content with the look and atmosphere of your Lexington home and feel ready for the holidays… at least from the inside.

But what about your Lexington home’s curb appeal? Does your home look inviting and ready for the holidays and winter season from the outside? That may be a completely different story! It’s something we don’t often think about as we try to focus on our homes’ cozy interior, but maintaining great curb appeal is possible even in the winter months! The trees may look bare and you can’t showcase beautiful flowers like you would in Lexington’s warmer seasons, but there are ways to ensure your home’s curb appeal is perfectly designed for winter and the upcoming holidays! Below are 7 ways to keep the outside of your home fresh and inviting.

1. Safety First- You may have friends and family planning to visit soon, so you’ll want to put safety first! Be sure your driveway, sidewalk and front porch are cleared of debris or any snow as we’re expected to get some flurries within the next few days. It’s always better to be on the cautious side and put down salt, as even rain can freeze and make walking up to your home dangerous.

2. A Neat Lawn- Whether there is snow covering your lawn or not; be sure to keep your lawn free from any leaves, twigs, etc… that may have blown through with the harsher winds. Just because your lawn is not expected to be as lush as the summer months, doesn’t mean to ignore the state of your lawn. Keeping it cleaned up will show that you care.

3. Clean Gutters- It’s not too late to make sure your gutters are free from leaves and other debris. You’ll want these cleared so that melting snow or rain can easily run through the gutters and not cause damage.

4. Fresh Paint- Your Lexington home is more visible in the winter months as trees are free from their leaves and your home’s condition is more exposed. Touching up chipped or faded paint is a great way to help your Lexington home look refreshed.

5. Lighting- The use of lights can really make your home stand out with the shorter winter days. Since there is more time without the suns light, using a variety of lighting can give your home a warm glow. Indoor window lights in each room provides a nice appeal, while lights along the pathway up to your home, a bright porch light and tasteful Christmas lights are all ways in which to enhance your Lexington homes’ curb appeal.

6. Tasteful Decorations- While you can have fun with the season’s bright lights and characters of Christmas, it can be easy for some to get carried away. Try small white lights around your homes’ bushes or front porch post, a simple wreath and garland to enhance your home’s appearance without being too distracting.

7. Cold Weather Plants- Hearty plants and Evergreen trees can withstand the winter months while adding visual appeal to the outside of your home. Evergreen Holly will add a splash of color with its red berries and can stand up to the cold weather.

While it’s great to focus on an inviting indoor atmosphere as chilly temperatures move our activities inside; you don’t want to forget about the outside curb appeal of your Lexington home! I hope these tips are helpful and can spark ideas for ways to keep your home looking fresh and well-maintained all winter.

Perhaps you’re hoping to buy a home in Lexington this winter or need to sell your Lexington home, but the thought of jumping into the Lexington Real Estate market seems overwhelming. Please feel free to contact me with any questions! I’ve been a Lexington Real Estate agent for years and can help you navigate through the home buying or home selling process. I enjoy helping people each step of the way and can make the process a smooth and efficient one.

Happy Holidays!


Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Area Real Estate Agent
Search Lexington MA Homes For Sale
Search All Lexington MA Area Homes For Sale
Visit us on our Lexington MA Resources Facebook Page for Events and Updates

Monday, December 13, 2010

Searching for a Home in Lexington? Visit this Weekend to Enjoy Lexington Holiday Events!

Lexington MA is busy celebrating the festive holiday season! This historic town filled with tons of charm and a vibrant community that is enjoying the spirit of the season to the fullest! Now is a great time to visit Lexington if you’ve been considering a move to the area. You’ll be able to take in the festive decorations and plenty of holiday cheer with the endless events taking place.
If you’re planning on visiting Lexington MA this weekend, or if you’re a current Lexington resident; I thought I’d highlight a few of the holiday events in the Lexington area! There are a wide variety of styles to fit how you enjoy celebrating the season, so be sure to pick your favorites!

Victorian Messiah Sing
December 19, 2010, 2:00pm–4:00pm
Friends of The Performing Arts in Concord
51 Walden St, Concord, MA
-Enjoy a Victorian style Messiah Sing as well as a semi-staged reading of The Christmas Carol by the Concord Traveling players.

Holiday Handbell Concert
December 19, 2010, 2:00pm–3:15pm
Hancock United Church of Christ
1912 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA
-Hear the sounds of the Christmas bells at this classic handbell holiday concert! The five handbell choirs of the Hancock United Methodist Church will feature holiday songs from around the world which will be a unique experience!

It's About Time for Some Holiday Wine
December 17, 2010, 4:00pm–6:00pm
Busa Wine & Spirits
55 Bedford St, Lexington, MA
- Enjoy holiday cheer at this premiere wine tasting event! Taste the seasons best wines picked by the Busa Wine expert!

Jorma Kaukonen, Patty Larkin, Chris Smither & Lucy Kaplansky Benefit
December 17, 2010, 8:00pm–11:30pm
The Regent Theatre
7 Medford St, Arlington, MA
- Four renowned songwriters and guitarists come together for one important cause- to benefit the Half the Sky Foundation. Hear great music in nearby Arlington and support a worthy cause this holiday season!

As you can see, the Lexington area has much to offer this time of year! If you have been considering buying a Lexington home but are unsure about the Lexington Real Estate Market during the holiday season, below are a three great reasons why now is the time to begin your Lexington home search!

1. Lower Prices- Those with homes on the market during the holiday season realize that the housing market does slow down a bit. With the shopping, holiday parties and events; many are not thinking of buying a home. The lack of a home sale previous to the holidays may mean those homes undergo a price reduction or if placing a home on the Lexington Real Estate market during the holidays; oftentimes home prices begin at a lower selling price than they would during the busy spring or summer seasons.

2. Less Competition- You’ll find that your competition is far less because of the holiday which means you can look more leisurely and will most likely avoid any bidding wars.

3. Motivated Sellers- Sellers realize that this time of year slows down in the housing market and so they’re probably prepared to be flexible. Whether it’s the price, closing costs, etc... you’re sure to find that negotiating terms will be easier.

If you have questions about Lexington MA or the Lexington Real Estate Market; I’d love to talk with you! My years of experience in helping buyers and sellers in Lexington will be a great advantage to meeting your needs. Feel free to contact me any time! I look forward to hearing from you! Happy Holidays!


Theresa D'Antuono
Lexington MA Area Real Estate Agent
Search Lexington MA Homes For Sale
Search All Lexington MA Area Homes For Sale
Visit us on our Lexington MA Resources Facebook Page for Events and Updates

Monday, December 6, 2010

Tips for Selling Your Lexington During the Holiday Season

You may be a little leery of selling your Lexington MA home during the holiday season, but the holidays can actually be an ideal time to sell! The hustle and bustle of the holiday season doesn’t mean the Lexington Real Estate market gets put on hold as there are many buyers looking for homes in this charming town. Job transfers, lifestyle changes and other circumstances can bring a sense of urgency to those hoping to buy a home in Lexington.

Oftentimes sellers feel that selling their home during the holiday season means they can’t enjoy the holidays to the fullest. They assume that decorating the house is off limits since buyers want to see the home for what it is and not have to clear their minds of the decorations. But, that’s not entirely true! While it may be best not to go overboard, there are 7 key ways to play up the holidays and allow your home to stand out. Learn how to make the most of your open houses or showings while still highlighting the spirit of the season!

1. Add Holiday Adornments- Again, you don’t want to go overboard, but a simple evergreen wreath, a poinsettia center piece or hot cider simmering on the stove can create a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. Of course it’s best to avoid overly religious flourishes as this can be off-putting to some.

2. Complement Your Décor- You’ll want to make sure that your Christmas decoration palette matches or complements your current décor. If the colors clash or seem to be fighting for attention, this can be very distracting to buyers and can take away from the great features of your home you’re trying to highlight.

3. Highlight the Highlights- Draw attention to a beautiful fireplace mantle with a few tasteful ornaments or enhance an arched doorway with hanging mistletoe.

4. Go Light on the Lights- An abundance of outdoor lights can leave Lexington buyers wondering what the front of your home looks like. And, while you may love your giant inflatable lawn ornaments; it may be best to leave those in storage this year. Everyone has different tastes and you don’t want buyers to be met at your home with a sense of “tacky.”

5. Mind the Tree- While a tall Christmas tree can showcase a two story living room, be sure to be careful of the tree’s width. The last thing you want is to have your Lexington home appear smaller than it really is. Also, you’ll want to stick with a cohesive theme for your ornaments. The family homemade ornaments can be meaningful to you, but can quickly make your tree look gaudy to outsiders. Keep it simple this year and remember, there’s always next year when you can display those keepsakes in your new home!

6. Give Warmth- Just before a showing, be sure to turn up your thermostat a few degrees to make it extra toasty inside. Prospective buyers will be thankful for the change from Lexington’s cold winters. Put a fire in the fireplace to add an extra sense of warmth and highlight the cozy atmosphere that this feature of your home can bring.

7. Offer Tasty Treats- While you don’t want to come across as trying to bribe buyers, everyone loves holiday treats and having a plate full of cookies and candy can make the home showing a little sweeter. Hot chocolate and apple cider are always welcome and buyers will feel that you have their best interest in mind.

These tips can help your Lexington home stand out this holiday season and, although seemingly small, can make a big difference to buyers. I hope you take advantage of enjoying the holiday season even if your home is on the market. It can be a great way to enhance the warmth and appeal of your Lexington home!

If you haven’t started the home selling process and are searching for a Lexington Real Estate agent; let me know! I’d love to help you each step of the way to get your home sold. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have or to get started! I look forward to hearing from you!


Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Area Real Estate Agent
Search Lexington MA Homes For Sale
Search All Lexington MA Area Homes For Sale
Visit us on our Lexington MA Resources Facebook Page for Events and Updates