Lexington Event Promotes Health and a Stronger Community!

Living in Lexington MA means being a part of a strong community that supports each other and the growth of future generations. Lexington has a great atmosphere for everyone and offers activities and ways to connect within the community on a regular basis which lends to the towns vibrant lifestyle! One of these great activities is taking place this weekend with the 1st Annual Hastings Harvest 5K Run/Walk in which the entire Lexington community is welcome to join!

This fun event is being put on by the Maria Hastings Elementary School PTO, and all benefits will go to support the school. The day will begin with a Kids Fun Run at 10am followed by the 5K Run/Walk at 11am with registration for both events beginning at 9am. Running through the course in the scenic Lexington community offers people a chance to support a local school as well as take in the beautiful season. Health and fitness are important to the community as well and this race will be a great way to promote an active lifestyle for the students. A celebration after the race will include an awards ceremony, picnic, entertainment and games for the kids! For more information on this event, visit the Hastings Harvest 5k Run/Walk website.

Being in a great community is a key ingredient to enjoying the town in which you live. I feel honored to live in Lexington where neighbors genuinely care for each other and the well-being of the town, not only for the present, but for years to come! Having events such as the Hastings Harvest 5K Run/Walk offers residents a chance to meet new faces, enjoy a healthy lifestyle, support Lexington and build into its’ future. If you have been searching for a town like this, perhaps Lexington is the place for you! Homes in Lexington are offered in a variety of styles, sizes and price ranges; so there is sure to be one that fits your needs!

I have been involved in the Lexington Real Estate market for years and can make the home buying process and easy, and even fun, experience. I would love to show you some of the Lexington homes that are available! Please contact me today to set up a time to view some of the great homes in Lexington!

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent

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Lexington MA - New Cooking Classes

Does your teen want to learn to cook? Would you like to learn to cook?

There are two classes being offered by Sonia DeMarta (co-founder of the Lexington Farmer's Market) in her Lexington home this fall.

Teen's In the Kitchen class will be held on Tuesdays in October from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

Moms In the Kitchen classes are aimed at mothers looking for new cooking ideas or to improve their cooking skills.

For further information, contact Sonia DeMarta at 617-645-2231 or soniademarta@gmail.com .

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent

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Lexington, MA - Mortgage Rates Hover At Record Lows

According to Inman News:


With signs emerging that the economic recovery is slowing, mortgage rates continue to hover at or near record lows and demand for purchase loans remains weak, surveys by the Mortgage Bankers Association and Freddie Mac show.

Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.37 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending Sept. 23, Freddie Mac said in releasing its weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

That's unchanged from last week, and not far off the 4.32 percent record low seen during the week ending Sept. 2. At the same time a year ago, 30-year fixed-rate loans averaged 5.04 percent.

Rates on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages were also unchanged from last week, remaining at a record-low 3.82 percent with an average 0.7 point. That's down from 4.46 percent a year ago.

Rates on 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans averaged 3.54 percent with an average of 0.6 point, down from 3.55 percent last week and 4.51 percent a year ago. That brought rates on 5-year ARM loans back down to a low in records dating to 2005, last seen during the week ending Sept. 2.

One-year Treasury-indexed ARM loans averaged 3.46 percent with an average 0.7 point, up from 3.4 percent last week but down from 4.52 percent a year ago.



Theresa D'Antuono
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Lexington, MA - The Secrets of Holding A Successful Garage Sale

How to Hold a Successful Lexington MA Garage Sale.

Garage sales can be a great way to get rid of clutter — and earn a little extra cash — before you sell your home. But make sure the timing is right. Garage sales can take on a life of their own, and it might not be the best use of your energy right before putting your home on the market.

Follow these tips for a successful sale:

1. Don’t wait until the last minute. You don’t want to be scrambling to hold a garage sale the week before an open house. Depending on how long you’ve lived in the home and how much stuff you have to sell, planning a garage sale can demand a lot of time and energy.

2. Ask if you need a permit. Most municipalities will require you to obtain a special permit or license in order to hold a garage sale. The permits are often free or very inexpensive, but still require you to register with the city.

3. See if neighbors want to join in. You can turn your garage sale into a block-wide event and lure more shoppers if you team up with neighbors. However, a permit may be necessary for each home owner, even if it’s a group event.

4. Schedule the sale. Sales on Saturdays and Sundays will generate the most traffic, especially if the weather cooperates. Start the sale early, 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. is best, and be prepared for early birds.

5. Advertise. Place an ad in free classified papers and Web sites, and in your local newspapers. Include the dates, time, and address. Let the public know if certain types of items will be sold, such as baby clothes, furniture, or weightlifting equipment. On the day of the sale, balloons and signs with prominent arrows will help to grab the attention of passersby.

6. Price your goods. Lay out everything that you plan to sell, and attach prices with removable stickers. Remember, garage sales are supposed to be bargains, so try to be objective as you set prices. Assign simple prices to your goods: 50 cents, 3 for $1, $5, $10, etc.

7. If it’s really junk, don’t sell it. Decide what’s worth selling and what’s not. If it’s really garbage, then throw it away. Broken appliances, for example, should be tossed. Know where a nearby electrical outlet is, in case a customer wants to make sure something works.

8. Check for mistakes. Make sure that items you want to keep don’t accidentally end up in the garage sale pile.

9. Create an organized display. Lay out your items by category, and display neatly so customers don’t have to dig through boxes.

10. Stock up on bags and newspapers. People who buy many small items will appreciate a bag to carry their goods. Newspapers are handy for wrapping fragile items.

11. Manage your money. Make a trip to the bank to get ample change for your cashbox. Throughout the sale, keep a close eye on your cash; never leave the cashbox unattended. It’s smart to have one person who manages the money throughout the day, keeping a tally of what was purchased and for how much. Keep a calculator nearby.

12. Prepare for your home sale. Donate the remaining stuff or sell it to a resale shop.

Now that all of your clutter is cleared out, it’s time to focus on preparing your house for a successful sale!

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent

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Lexington's Fix-It Shop - Drop By to See How They Can Help!

Attention Lexington residents: Did you know we have a Fix-It Shop at the Lexington Senior Center? If you have a broken toaster, iron, cd player, etc., this could be what you are looking for.

We have some very talented Lexington seniors ready to help you out. Just drop by on Thursdays from 9AM to 12 Noon.

The Fix-It Shop is for repair of small items. Labor is FREE! Donations accepted. You just have to pay for the cost of the repair parts.

The shop is located at the Senior Center, 1475 Mass Avenue (enter through the rear parking lot).

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent

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Enjoy Autumn and Art in Lexington This Weekend!

There’s no better way to enjoy the beginning of Lexington’s fall season than being outdoors. You may have already noticed a slightly crisper start to each day as you step outside in the morning and breathe in deeply. The leaves are also sensing the change in season and are just starting to embark on their yearly show of stunning changes that draw visitors from all over the country each autumn. Living in Lexington means being in the middle of these brilliant changes and being able to experience all that Lexington has to offer from a local perspective.

For the past sixteen years, Lexington has enjoyed kicking off the fall months with an array of art and is looking forward to the 17th Annual Autumn Fine Arts and Crafts Festival this weekend! The Lexington Chamber of Commerce will host this free event this coming Saturday, September 25 from 10am-4pm on the Visitors Center lawn located at 1875 Massachusetts Ave. This festival will highlight over 80 local artisans with their handmade jewelry, woodwork, pottery, photography, and much more! This is a great opportunity to interact with the community, and spend time with family and friends! For more information on this event, visit the LexingtonPatch website.

If you have lived in Lexington for any amount of time, you know that this town is truly a special place to call home! Perhaps you’re interested in seeing what your home is currently worth in the Lexington Real Estate market or have been wondering about selling your home in order to buy the Lexington home of your dreams. Either way, whether selling or buying a home in Lexington, I would be happy to help you each step of the way! I have years of experience in the Lexington market and know which areas would be the best fit for your needs and lifestyle. I’d love to set up a time to meet with you, so feel free to contact me today!

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent

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Lexington, MA - Condominium Questions To Ask

Thinking about moving to a condominium?

Here are a few issues that are important to keep in mind.


Fees: All associations have some sort of monthly fees. Always ask about their history of previous increases, as well as any upcoming special assessments.

Parking: How many cars can you park? Where is the parking? What about guest parking? Are there special parking arrangements for an occassional overnight guest?

Pets: Check to see if pets are allowed. If so, are there restrictions? Many condominium associations who do allow pets have size and breed restrictions. Also ask about walking your pet on the property. What about a "visiting" pet?

Maintenance: What does the association take care of? Typically, most condo owners rely on workers hired through the association to mantain the exterior of the home including painting, roof repairs, lawn care, snow removal, etc. Be sure to find out the specifics to avoid future headaches and unpleasant surprises.

Have questions about one of our local condominium complexes? Just give me a call and I will be happy to talk with you and answer any of your questions.

Theresa D'Antuono
Lexington MA Real Estate Agent
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Top Tastes of Lexington

Lexington MA is a wonderful place to call home for a wide variety of reasons! Many quickly think of the infamous “shot heard round the world” and the vital role the city has played in American history. Those visiting Lexington are drawn to the historical sites or quaint atmosphere; all of which are beloved characteristics of Lexington residents. But, there’s a steadily growing appetite in this charming town for the flavorful fare that Lexington is serving on a daily basis, and we’d like to share some of the local favorites. Whether you’re just visiting Lexington on the weekend, or are thinking of moving into one of available homes for sale in Lexington; we recommend you try one (or all!) of the following:

http://www.lemongrassmenu.com/
http://www.lexx-restaurant.com/
http://www.vialagocatering.com/
http://www.khushboorestaurant.com/
http://www.nourishlexington.com/
http://www.ixtapacantina.com/home.php

As you can see, Lexington has is much more than just its history. It appears that dining in Lexington has a very tasty future! If you have questions about my favorite place to eat, or would like to share which restaurant you enjoy; I’d love to hear from you! Buying a home in Lexington may bring up some questions too, and if you’re not sure where to start – let me know! I enjoy every aspect of Lexington and have a finger on the Lexington Real Estate pulse. Together I am fully assured that we can find the home in Lexington for which you’ve been searching! I hope to hear from you soon!

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent

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Lexington, MA - Fife & Drum Open House for New Members

When:
Monday, September 13th

Time:
6:30 PM

Where:
Hancock Church
1912 Mass Avenue
Lexington

Ages:
8 to 18 years

Do you like music and parades? Would you enjoy traveling along the East Coast?

The William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps is hosting an Open House for new members:

NO musical experience is necessary! Membership includes instruction, instruments, uniform, event meals, and the opportunity to participate in some fantastic venues.

For more information call Tanya Morrisett at 781-862-1907

Theresa D'Antuono
Lexington MA Real Estate Agent
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Lexington MA Kitchen Remodeling Trends

Thinking about remodeling your kitchen? Here are some of the latest design trends.

Counter tops: Stainless steel, antiqued marble, lava stone, concrete, mosaics and flamed granite with a textured, matte finish.

Cabinetry: Fewer overhead cabinets. Lift-up or sliding doors, self-closing drawers, glass-fronted cabinets and glass shelving, tracks inside doors for attaching storage accessories, pantires with multiple storage options.

Fresh finishes, from smooth, high-gloss and matte lacquer, to textured, horizontal-grain laminates.

Free-standing accent pieces and fully-integrated designs that blend with cabinets.

Refrigerators: More crisper space and less freezer space.

Ovens: combination gas/electric ranges.

Dishwashers: Super-quiet

Sinks: specialty sink faucets

Lighting: Soft incandescent, bright halogen and cool, energy-efficient LED bulbs.

Colors: Warm neutrals.

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen and not quite sure if you are making the right choices, just give me a call. I will be happy help.

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent

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Lexington MA Arts and Crafts Society Offers Fall Classes and Workshops

Lexington Arts and Crafts Society: Fall Classes and Workshops

When: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 9:00am–4:00pm

Where: Lexington Arts and Crafts Society, 130 Waltham Street, Lexington

Registration for the Fall Session of Classes and Workshops offered at the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society.

Join with our local and nationally known, expert art instructors as they guide everyone from the novice to the advanced. The Society is an approved venue to award Professional Development Points (PDP's) to teachers for Mass. DOE certification.

Classes fill up quickly so stop by the Society Office at 130 Waltham Street, or call 781-862-9696 for a detailed listing of selections, dates, times and fees (become a member for reduced fees) or visit our website at http://www.lacsma.org/

Open to All, Seniors, Teens

Theresa D'Antuono
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A Second Look at Overpriced Homes in Lexington

There are many beautiful homes for sale in Lexington MA that offer historical charm and stunning detailing. If you are looking to buy your dream home in Lexington, but are afraid the homes you love are out of reach, read on! Oftentimes home buyers feel that there’s no use in even considering those homes that seem overpriced, but these are just the properties that may be worth a second look.

There are a few reasons why buyers may be avoiding these homes altogether. If a home has been sitting on the market for a while, buyers may feel that there is something wrong with the home. But, more often than not, it is just that the sale price is too high and buyers are shying away from attempting to make an offer. A few other reasons buyers may not be biting:

- Fear of Offending the Seller- Buyers may feel that a significantly low offer on a Lexington home would completely offend the seller. The buyer may also feel embarrassed that they attempted such a low offer and may be convinced that the seller would never accept.

- The Price is Solid- Buyers may think that they seller is already aware that the home is overpriced. They think that if the seller was anxious to sell, they would have lowered the price and perhaps the seller is solid on the listing price and not willing to budge.

- Offers Have Been Turned Down- If an overpriced home has not moved at all in price, those interested assume that lower offers have been made and the seller has simply turned them down. The reality could be that, in fact, no offers have been made.

Since these factors play in to an overpriced home sitting on the market; there’s a good chance the seller may be willing to rethink their price. If they haven’t had any offers, they may assume it’s the house itself that people are not interested in and they may not realize how overpriced their home truly is. Or, it could be they have had low-ball offers that have been far too low and simply not worth their time. They may be willing to accept an offer somewhere in between or they may eventually grow weary of trying to sell their home and may be ready to give a little on the price.

Whatever the reasoning may be, if you have your eye on your dream home in Lexington that seems to be out of reach; let me know! I would be happy to give you information on how long it’s been on the market, comparables and other useful information that we can look over together. Seeing what the options are and even taking time to visit the home may be the jump start needed towards buying that gorgeous Lexington home! Feel free to contact me today with any questions you may have about the Lexington Real Estate market or to get started in finding the home of your dreams! You’ll be glad you took that second look!

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent

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Increasing The Value of Your Lexington MA Home

Thinking of selling your Lexington home?

If you want to increase your value here are some small projects that can result in a big value.

Surprising, increasing the value of your home can be simple and inexpensive:

Clean up your yard by planting flowers to give added curb appeal.

If your carpet is worn, replace it.


If you have hardwood floors beneath the carpet, remove the carpet and have them refinished.

Repaint your interior walls in a neutral color to make your rooms appear brighter.

Make sure that your kitchen, bathroom and garage are protected by GFI breakers, if they are not, install GFI outlets.

Use floor lamps for light instead of overhead lights.

This is probably the most important tip: Make sure your home smells clean and is sparkling. Unkept homes are much less likely to sell.

Want to Go The Extra Mile ?

Add a few architectural details to your home such as moldings and wainscoting.

Refinish or paint the kitchen cabinets.

Install a new counter top.

Update the front and back doors to energy efficient doors.

Replace any interior doors that are worn or outdated.

Adding a deck is a great way to add value to your home.

Want more tips? Just send me an email and I will be happy to give you more useful suggestions.


Theresa D'Antuono
Lexington MA Real Estate Agent
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Lexington Symphony New Season's Begins!

Lexington Symphony 2010-2011 Season Begins on September 25th at 8PM with Beethoven's iconic Fifth Symphony, Prokofiev's Sinofonietta and Haydn's Symphony No. 104 "London".

Subsequent events take place on November 20, December 3, February 5, April 2 and June 11.

Tickets are available online at http://www.lexingtonsymphony.org/ or by phone 781-523-9009

Theresa D'Antuono

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Lexington Pops Chorus Open Rehearsals

The Lexington Pops Chorus 2001-2011 Season open rehearsals are beginning.




When: Tuesdays, September 7, 14, and 21.

Where:

Pilgrim Church
55 Coolidge Avenue
Lexington, MA

No auditions! All voices are welcome.

For more information, please visit http://www.lexingtonpopschorus.org/

Theresa D'Antuono
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Lexington MA High School Ranks #3 in the State!

Congratulations to Lexington High School!!

Lexington High School has been named the third best school in Massachusetts by Boston Magazine’s September issue, according to a press release.

Among the schools Lexington beat out in the top ten, in decesnding rank order, are Wellesley Senior High, Concord-Carlisle High , Bedford High, Brookline High, Wayland High, Newton North High and Newton South High.

Weston High School was ranked number one, while Dover-Sherborn High School was ranked second.

Lexinton High has an enrollment of 1,955 students with a 12.4:1 student-teacher ratio, according to Boston Magazine.

The average MCAS scores at Lexington are 97/96/94 for English, math and science, respectively.

Average SAT scores come in at 614/618/631 for reading, writing and math. The school spends $15,368 per pupil, according to the magazine.

Factors included data from the Massachusetts Department of Educaton, MCAS and SAT scores, per puil spending, student-teacher ratios, graduation rate, percentage continuing education and extracurricular activities.

Theresa D'Antuono

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Lexington Schools Get More than $500,000 in Additional State Aid

Great News for Lexington MA Public Schools!

Acccording to a story by Michael Phillis/Staff Writer for GateHouse News Service (Lexington Minuteman Newspaper): Lexington Public Schools has received more than $500,000 as part of $204 million in federal funds allocated to Massachusetts to support education.

The funding is a result of Public Law No. 111-226, the Education Jobs Fund, which President Obama signed on Aug. 10.

“This is a nice surprise from the U.S. Congress,” said J.C. Considine, spokesperson for the Department of Education. “This was something the Obama Administration made a priority. You’ve probably been hearing this is a tough budget year. When districts were making their budgets it was rough, this was welcome news.”

Much of the funding was a surprise to Lexington as well.

After Gov. Deval Patrick announced the funding on Aug. 24, the school district learned it would receive $548,918 through the Education Jobs Fund, and an additional State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF) allotment of $37,654.

“What’s new is the Education Jobs program money,” said Mary Ellen Dunn, assistant superintendent of finance and operations for Lexington Public Schools. “We knew something was in the wind … SFSF we had heard we might get something, but that wasn’t going to be confirmed until late August.”

In total, the district will receive $586,572.

“It’s all for supporting learning in the classroom,” said Dunn. “One of the specifics is that it has to be used for learning and teaching.”

According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the primary purpose of the Education Jobs program is to allow local school districts to retain existing employees, to recall or re-hire former employees, and to hire new employees for the 2010-11 school year.

The Obama Administration has said the $10 billion bill could save 160,000 jobs in education this year. Republicans have chastised the bill as a handout to teachers’ unions and ultimately aimed to benefit the election chances of Democrats in the fall.

DESE hopes to have all allocations completed by November of this year.

According DESE, Chapter 70 funding for Massachusetts schools will rise from $4.043 billion in fiscal 2010 to $4.072 billion in fiscal 2011.

Lexington’s Chapter 70 funding increased by $151,400, which represents a per pupil rise of $25, the minimum allowed by the law. Prior to the singing of the Education Jobs Fund, Chapter 70 funding had decreased by $430,000 in the last two years.

“We have just been informed [of the funding] and have no immediate plans to spend the funds at this point. It is still a tough economy,” said Dunn. “What we will probably end up doing, as we always do, is work with the town as to the most appropriate use.”

There is some concern in the district about funding levels for fiscal 2012, when much of the federal stimulus money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be exhausted.
“We are all concerned about what this will mean,” said Dunn.

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent

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