Staying Safe in Lexington MA on New Years Eve

New Years Eve is a big night. Everyone wants to have a fun filled night (and more importantly safe). By simply using common sense and following some of these tip you can have a fun and safe night for all.

Designate a Driver. This is probably the most important tip of them all. If you are going to be driving in Lexington MA on New Years Eve, don't drink and drive. Decide before you go out who will be driving home or better yet spend the night at your chosen location (if possible). Bring your own non-alcoholic beverage with you so you are sure you have enough. Consider taking public transportation. Many cab companies put on extra shifts on New Year’s, you can even pre-schedule your pick up.

If you are on the road on New Year’s Eve in Lexington MA make sure everyone in the car is wearing their seat belt and be alert to everyone on the road. DO NOT use your cell phone, whether to make/receive calls or texting. Unfortunately not everyone will use common sense.

If you are going to be in public areas for New Years Eve, make sure to stay together. Consider wearing bright colored clothing so each member is easier to spot in a crowd. If possible, make sure each member of your group has a cell phone AND you know the numbers so you can communicate if you get separated. Determine a central meeting place that you can re-group when necessary. Be alert to your surroundings and the people in it. Not everyone uses caution so you need to be overly cautious and careful.

If you are hosting a party, make sure you provide non-alcoholic beverages for your guests. Monitor your guests alcoholic intake and don’t be afraid to take away keys from people who might be enjoying the night a bit too much. Have bedding available and at hand if guests need or want to spend the night. Be aware of burning candles as they can easily get knocked over and not noticed in a house full of people. (Don’t forget to make sure you smoke detectors are in working order.) Consider placing pets in a secure room so they aren’t a distraction and they stay safe.

Many people use fireworks on this night. Please use caution and follow all safety procedures if you are going to engage in this activity.

Ring in the New Year safely!

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Credit Tips for Home Buyers in Lexington, MA!

With the New Year close at hand, you may be thinking about your plans for the upcoming year, like becoming a homeowner in Lexington, MA! As your Lexington real estate agent I can tell you that getting pre-approved for a mortgage is very important. A big step within that process is making sure your credit report is healthy!

Here are some quick credit tips to get you started:

1. Pull a free copy of your credit report through the official industry website. Beware of imitations; annualcreditreport.com is the real deal.

2. Look for any errors in your credit report. You can file a dispute on any inaccurate items by contacting the credit bureaus directly. Note: a dispute alone on a negatively reported item won’t remove it; be prepared to back up your case.

3. You can find out your credit score and know what goes into it by visiting MyFico.com.

4. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with debt and need help, contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. They can refer you to an approved credit counselor in your area. Again, beware of imitations; credit-repair scams are too common nowadays.

Sprucing up your credit report is a good idea no matter what your goals. And if you’re looking for a new home in 2012, knowing your financial picture will help you find the best opportunities in Lexington real estate!

There are many wonderful homes to choose from in the Lexington, MA area, and I would be happy to tell you more about them. When you have real estate questions, always feel welcome to contact me! I’ll be here to help you.

Wishing you all the best in the New Year,

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent
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Christmas Eve Caroling in Lexington MA

Please bring family and friends to Lexington’s 8th annual Christmas Eve Caroling event! Caroling will take place from 4:00 – 4:30 pm on December 24, 2011 at the Hastings Park Bandstand in Lexington, which is located at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Worthen Road. Join in this town tradition that is enjoyed by several hundred residents and neighbors each year who gather to sing an assortment of traditional and favorite carols. Children will be invited up onto the bandstand with the musicians to ring bells to the final song - Jingle Bells, of course! Song sheets, hot chocolate, and cookies will be provided to all! Contact: Jackie Piscitello 781-861-8772 jackiepiscitello@gmail.com for more information

Saturday December 24 is the last day of the Holiday Marketplace. Open 10:00 Am to 5:00 PM. Lexington Arts and Crafts Society, 130 Waltham Street, Lexington, MA 02421. Excellent, one-of-a-kind gifts; baskets, fine jewelry, paintings, cards and prints, decorative arts, needle arts, weaving,ceramics, ornaments, photography and woodworks. Admission and parking are free.

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A New Home in Lexington MA for the Holidays

The weather outside may be frightful, but the fire could be so delightful in your new home.

Fewer homes are generally on the market this time of year as sellers want to take some time off to enjoy the season and open houses tend to be less frequent due to holiday commitments and the weather. So this is good for anyone looking for a new home because:

• Sellers who keep their homes on the market at this time are very motivated.
• You have less competition from other buyers than you would in the spring.
• Lenders, agents and others have more time to work with you.
• Interest rates are typically lower than in the spring

So if you are considering a new home in or around Lexington MA, now is the perfect time. Call me today.

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Give Back this Holiday Season in Lexington!

The holiday season is in full swing in Lexington, MA: people are completing their holiday shopping, planning for their dinner parties and putting the finishing touches on their home decorations. During the holidays, however, one word always seems to come to mind, and that is “giving.” Sometimes, in the consumer mania and excitement surrounding this time of year, many forget that the purpose of the holiday season is to give back, not just to receive. One of the best parts about being a Lexington real estate agent is that I am constantly in-the-know about what is going on in the community, and that includes all of the holiday donation drives and charity events happening in the area.

One of the best parts about living in Lexington, MA is the sense of community. Neighbors are always looking for another way to help each other out. That’s why I take it upon myself to use my neighborhood knowledge to let the community know about the many different ways they can donate this holiday season. If there is any way that people can make a family who is struggling in the Lexington, MA area’s holiday season a little bit better, then chances are they’ll take it. It’s part of the “neighbor helping neighbor” mentality that is so prominent in Lexington.

Here are a few places around town where you can donate this year:

Toys for Tots
Lexington Police Station 1575 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420
Bring some new, gift-wrapped toys to the Lexington Police Station and benefit one of the nation’s greatest causes, Toys for Tots! Your donated toys will give some kids in the area who may not have too many gifts from Santa this year something to be excited about. Your donations are still welcome, so add a couple new toys to your shopping list.

Food Pantry Donations
Stop & Shop Florist 36 Bedford Street, Lexington, MA 02420
There’s nothing that screams the holidays more than a delicious feast, but many families in the Lexington, MA area are struggling at the moment and may not be able to afford the delicious, filling meal that you’ll be enjoying. With that spirit in mind, stock up on some non-perishable food items next time you’re doing your grocery shopping and drop them off at the Stop & Shop Florist. Your extra food items will go a long way in feeding hungry families this holiday season.

Watertown’s Annual Food Drive
Watertown Savings Bank 980 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02476
On December 14th, at 4:00pm, the Watertown Savings Bank will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items for their annual food drive. Show your support for this great cause and give local families in need something extra for their Christmas dinner. It may be worth the additional drive time to give a little something extra to a family in a nearby town!

You hear it all the time: The holidays are about giving, not receiving. It’s during this time of the year when it’s time for us to take a second and reflect on what we can give to others, even if we don’t know them. One of the best parts about living and working in Lexington, MA for so long is that I can confidently say that I am part of a community that emphasizes giving back. That’s why, as a Lexington real estate and community expert, I think it’s important to keep my area informed about the different ways that they can be a little charitable this holiday season.

If you would like more information about how you can give back to these wonderful charities, or you are interested in living in the Lexington, MA area, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’d love to sit down and talk with you at any time. I hope to hear from you soon!

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent
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Are you Ready to Move Up in Lexington?

These five questions will help you determine whether it may be time to move in to a larger home or maybe just a different neighborhood. We have many great areas to live in and around Lexington MA. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move.

1. Do you have equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build much equity in the first few years of a mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest, but if you have owned your home for five or more years, you may have built significant equity.

2. Has your income or financial situation improved? If you’re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving.

3. Does it make sense to remodel or add on? Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn’t large enough, your municipality doesn’t allow it, or you really want to be in a different neighborhood, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.

4. Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market? If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy also will be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but you’ll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home. It is a really always a good time to move if it makes sense for you.

5. Are interest rates attractive? A low rate not only helps you buy a larger home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer. There are currently at all time low’s.

Something else to think about. The neighborhood you picked for your first home might not be the same neighborhood you want to settle down in for good. You may have realized that you’d like to be closer to your job or live in a better school district or just simply a different neighborhood. This in itself might be worth moving over.

Whether you are looking to move up now or might just be considering a move in the future. Let me help. We can look at all these factors together and make the right decision for you. Contact me at Theresa@LexingtonHouses.com or call 781-718-5881.

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Things to Do This Weekend in Lexington MA

12/1 at 3:30-5:00 PM-Decorate and Drum-Kids will learn to express their own rhythms, interpret drum circle cues, and improvise music as a group. They’ll also learn basic metal embossing techniques that they’ll use to decorate their own drums. Drums will be provided to session attendees, and session time will be split between decorating drums and playing together. Music educator Karyn Alzayer has taught music to children for the past 7 years. She will create a welcoming environment for both experienced and inexperienced drummers. No previous drumming experience or knowledge is necessary. Location: 212a Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA. Cost: $15

12/2 at 4:00 PM-Holiday Festival Night in Lexington MA. Location: Lexington Center. Cost: Free

12/3 starting at 9:00 AM-2nd Annual Holiday Craft Fair-Benefits the LABBB Best Buddies Program. Holiday shopping, food and fun. for more info contact Janet @ 978-815-7874 or email pazitively@aol.com. Location: 251 Waltham St, Lexington, MA. Cost: Free

12/3 starting at 10:00 AM-41st Annual Holiday Fair-A great day for the whole family, with crafts, performances, activities for kids, and holiday shopping for parents. Marionette shows - Live chamber & choral music - children's crafts - Delectable luncheon and treats - Over 30 area artisans sell unique handmade wares - Huge rummage sale with great bargains - raffle - and more! Location: 739 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA. Cost: $3

Visit: http://lexington.patch.com/events?when=2011-12-02 for more great events happening this weekend in Lexington MA.

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7 Ways to Enhance Your Lexington Home's Curb Appeal This Winter

Now that the holidays are in full swing, we’re embarking on the winter season in Lexington, MA. While a white blanket of snow on this historic town offers added charm, you may be wondering how to still keep your home’s curb appeal inviting with the gray winter skies and bare trees.

Whether you’re trying to sell your Lexington home this holiday season, or are just hosting holiday gatherings with family and friends; the first impression of your home can set the tone for a welcoming experience. Below are seven great ways to boost your Lexington home’s curb appeal this season.

1. Safety- 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. 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. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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.

I hope these tips are helpful as you prepare to have friends, family or even potential buyers to your Lexington home. Even if you’re doing just for your sake, you’ll find this update to your curb appeal refreshing and you’ll enjoy seeing an attractive home and lawn each time you come home.

If you are hoping to sell your home before the end of the year, but aren’t quite sure where to start; please let me know! I’d be happy to answer your questions and guide you through each step of the home buying experience!

I hope to hear from you soon!

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent
Search For Lexington Area Homes For Sale
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Lexington Farmers’ Market Thanksgiving FEASTival

2nd Annual FEASTival on Tuesday, November 22 from 12-4.
Locally-grown and produced items from your favorite farmers & vendors for your Thanksgiving table. Preorders are encouraged. For information on participants and preorders, please visit www.lexingtonfarmersmarket.org
Location: Seasons Four, 1265 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington Ample parking available!

Contact: Betsy Pollack 781-860-0920 bp410@verizon.net

Vendors Participating

Blue Heron Organic Farm

F. Busa Farms

Charlton Orchards

Coastal Vineyards

EH Chocolatier

Flora Restaurant

Giovanna Gelato

Goodies

Globe Fish

The HerbFarmacy

Laurelwood Mushroom

Merton's Maple Syrup

On the Edge Knife Sharpening

Nella Pasta

Puff

Red Apple Farm (you can pre-order Jordan's Turkeys at Red Apple)

Samira's Homemade

Signal Rock Lamb

Sprouted Raw Foods

Taza Chocolate

As your local Lexington MA area real estate expert, I am happy to provide information on events and happenings in the area as well as satisfy all your real estate needs. Visit our Facebook page for even more information on the Lexington MA area.

Holiday Craft Ideas

With the Holidays just around the corner, here are several ideas to add a little fun and creativity to your events in Lexington MA. Look for more great ideas and events in the Lexington MA area in the upcoming months.

Liven up your Thanksgiving dinner table with great looking personalized place cards. They’re sure to put a smile on your family and friends’ faces the next time they come over.

Picture Place Cards (Skill Level Easy)

Don't want to spend money on cards? Why don't you make your own! Personalize and Customize for a truly special memory.
Holiday Print Kit (Easy to Medium)
Pop Up Cards (Skill Level Medium to Hard)

These great ideas are brought to you by Kodak.

As a Lexington Real Estate agent, I am happy to provide these great tips and ideas as well as fulfilling all your real estate needs. I look forward to hearing from you!

Host an Eco-Friendly Party in Lexington this Holiday Season!

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner! With this turkey-filled day, the holidays go into full swing with festive parties and gatherings with family and friends. If you currently live in Lexington, you’ll enjoy the charming atmosphere and events throughout the community that accompany this time of year!

We all know that the holidays are a great time to give back, but have you considered how you can give back to the environment over the next few months? Whether you’re visiting loved ones over the holidays or are hosting them in your Lexington home, you’ll want to be sure to take a look at these nine tips for an eco-friendly holiday party!

1. Switch to Convection- Now, I don’t expect that you’ll run out and buy a new oven before your holiday party, but this is something to consider for the very near future! Switch from a conventional oven to a convection oven. The difference? A convection oven continually circulates heated air, which means food cooks more quickly and reduces energy usage by 20%! Imagine being able to prepare food faster and save on energy- all from one appliance!

2. Cloth Napkins- These “things of the past” are making a comeback! The average American will use around 2,200 paper napkins per year- which are never recycled! Using cloth napkins will cut down drastically on waste and will make any event feel more special.

3. Buy Local- Shopping locally from farmers and other various growers for ingredients for your holiday party (or any time!) is a great way to cut down on our carbon footprint as well as help support sustainable growing in Lexington and surrounding areas.

4. Reusable Towels- When cleaning up after your holiday party; be sure to use reusable towels instead of paper towels. Microfiber towels will hold on to dust, dirt and food particles since the fibers act like a magnet. After cleanup, throw them in the wash and you’ll be able to reuse them over and over!

5. Nix the Microwave- As much as possible, reheat or cook items in the oven or on the stove. Certain plastics can produce harmful fumes when put in the microwave and, while not overtly harmful, microwaves do leak radiation. It’s just better for your health and for the environment to use other options as often as you can!

6. Glass Containers- Storing leftovers or dried foods in glass containers with lids are much safer than the plastic alternative. When heated, certain plastics can break down and put chemicals into your food. Learn more about harmful and safe plastics.

7. Chill Out- Be sure to put a pitcher of water in your fridge at least an hour before your party to ensure it’s completely chilled. Those that prefer water won’t have to stand at your sink and let the water run until it gets cold. The average kitchen faucet flows at a gallon per minute! Thinking ahead can help to chill water before will reduce the waste that a running faucet will produce!

8. No-Cook Dishes- Save energy and give your oven a rest by preparing dishes that don’t have to be cooked. Think: salads, fruit dishes, veggie dips, yogurts and much more! You’ll find yourself being more creative and spending less time in the kitchen!

9. Fill the Dishwasher- To avoid wasting water and energy, be sure to have a full load each time you use your dishwasher. Surprisingly, new energy efficient dishwasher can be more eco-friendly than washing dishes by hand! Be sure to air dry and skip the pre-rinse cycle as most newer models are effective enough to get your dishes clean without the added step!

Of course there are a wide variety of other ways to go green this holiday season, but these should help get you started for an environmentally friendly holiday!

As always, as a Lexington Real Estate agent, I’m here to help in any way I can! Whether you’re searching for a Lexington home or are considering selling and aren’t quite sure where to start; feel free to let me know! I’d be more than happy to meet with you to discuss your real estate needs!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent
Search For Lexington Area Homes For Sale
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Lexington, MA - Cary Library's Mystery Book Group

When: Monday, November 14, 2011

Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Where :Cary Memorial Library

1874 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington, MA 02420

Death by the Book, Cary Library's mystery book group meets on the second Monday of the month, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. in the Learning Center at the Main Library.

Each month, the group will explore a new sub-genre within the mystery field.

A month prior to each meeting, a librarian will compile a list of titles that fall within the upcoming subgenre. Along with the list, library owned copies of the books will be placed on prominent display in the library.

Anyone interested in joining in on a discussion should read at least one book within the month's sub-genre and come prepared to share their thoughts on the title with others in the group.

Location: Learning Center

Our Endangered Planet: Cases from a Traveler's Experience

WHERE: Lexington Senior Center


WHEN: Monday November 14, 2011


TIME: 1:30 pm


Based on the extensive travels of the lecturer, Barry Pell, this presentation will discuss how human activities have affected the people and animals of four of the earth's most fragile places -- the Brazilian rainforest, the Galapagos Islands, Canada's Hudson Bay polar bears and China's endangered pandas. Barry Pell is a world traveler and photojournalist. Mr. Pell's photography accompanies his presentation.


Sign up is required by calling 781-861-0194

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent

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Veteran's Day Events in Lexington MA

Friday (11/11)10:00 AM- 11:30 AM Annual Veteran's Day Parade along Massachusetts Avenue from the Police Station to the Battle Green for Ceremonies. Stopping to lay wreaths at monuments in front of Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue and the Visitor's Center, 1875 Massachusetts Avenue. Ceremonies on the Battle Green include: Flag Raising, Wreath Laying and the 2011 Veteran's Day Essay Contest Winners. In case of inclement weather Ceremonies will be moved indoors to Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue for a 10:00 am start. Check voicemail 781-862-0500 x 708 after 12 Noon on November 10, 2011 for updates.

Friday (11/11) 12:00PM- Remembering the Veterans. A family oriented program honoring Lexington's Civil War Veterans, including Civil War re-enactors, crafts and music. Located at the Lexington Depot, 13 Depot Square. Free to the public!

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Five Left Over Candy Ideas

Now that the kids of Lexington MA were finally able to go trick or tricking and they have eaten all the candy they can now what? Here are 5 ideas to get rid of that mound of halloween candy.

Freeze it

Even if you don’t plan to bake with it, freezing candy can prolong its shelf life. Then a piece or two can be dropped into lunch bags as a special treat or as an occasional reward. Candy such as Dots, Necco Wafers, Skittles and hard candies can be stored and used later to decorate holiday gingerbread houses.

Bake it

Halloween candy is a key ingredient in countless recipes. Just go to myrecipes.com and put in keyword “ Leftover Candy”.

Another idea is to search the candy company’s website. Milkywaybar.com lists recipes such as Milky Way Brand Brownie Gems and Turtles. And www.brightideas.com has recipes that use M&M’s, Twix, Dove, Skittles and several other candy brands.Consider substituting candy for chocolate chips in a basic recipe.

Share it

Bring it to work and put in the break room for all to enjoy! How about taking some to a neighbor who may not have children (and their own stash of candy)

Donate it

Halloween candy can make the holidays brighter for troops serving overseas.

Donate the candy to children in the hospital who may not have had the opportunity to trick-or-treat themselves.

Use it

Crafts are a great way to use candy and not get the calories! Colorful hard and gummy candies can be used to make candy necklaces, which could be a fun party activity. Gumdrops and Life Savers can be used when making a garland for your Christmas tree.

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Lexington MA Sunday Open Houses!

Here are the Open Houses in Lexington this weekend. Check them out below!

Click Here for All Sunday Open Houses

If you would like more information or a private showing, please let me know.

Enjoy the weekend!

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent

Lexington MA Homes For Sale

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Rental Property Tax Changes for 2012

Here Ye Here Ye “Rental property tax law changes go into effect this year” Yes more great news for those who own Real Estate – NOT!

If you are the owner of rental property there is a pretty significant tax law change going into effect for 2012. As of this year anyone who owns rental property must now report all vendors doing work that exceeds $600. For the landlord that holds multiple rental properties this really is nothing new as they have been required to report this to the IRS.

Last year however, the Federal Government enacted the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (H.R. 3297) that expanded the reporting requirement to include ANYONE who owns rental property. To put it bluntly the little guy is now required to send a 1099 to contractors working on their homes.

Rental Owner Tax Obligations
If you are the owner of rental property it means you now have a legal obligation to collect information from contractors doing work at your property including their name, address, tax identification number or social security identification. You must also keep a detailed record of what you pay them through out the year. Again at the end of the year you are obligated to send them a 1099 form.

Rental Property Exemptions
There are a few exemptions that would allow a home owner not to report to the IRS including:
• The property is only a temporary rental of your primary residence.
• The income generated from the rental does not meet minimum threshold requirements.
• Putting together the forms necessary to complete the reporting to the IRS would create a hardship for you.
As of this writing the IRS has not determined what would be considered the minimum income and what constitutes a hardship on your part. Expect the IRS to update these requirements soon. In the meantime do not let this deter you from keeping detailed records.

Recording Keeping For All Contractors
The requirement for keeping diligent records applies to all contractors doing work including but not limited to painters, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, landscapers, cleaners and even your accountant. Anything associated with running the business of having a rental property is included in these calculations.
When calculating the work that was generated on the property recoding keeping becomes vital because if you have a landscaper doing work in the beginning of the year that amounts to $350 dollars and later on in the year does another $300 dollars worth of work the burden of providing this information becomes necessary under the new rules.

Rental Tax Penalties For Filing Late
The IRS has not set the important tax dates as of yet for the 2011 tax year. These dates will become important to have on your calender as the penalty for reporting late will be $250 dollars.
You will be able to file a 30 day extension for getting the tax forms to the IRS, however, this will not apply to making sure you get the appropriate forms to the contractors who have done work on your property. The contractors are going to need to have these forms in order to complete their own taxes and the burden is on the rental owner to provide them in a timely fashion.
If you are the owner of rental property you are probably aware of all the tax deductions available to you. If you are considering purchasing a rental property for the 1st time you may want to brush up on the rental property tax deductions. Of course this becomes an important piece of the puzzle come tax time!
_________________________________________________________________
About the author: The above Real Estate information on rental property tax law changes was provided by Bill Gassett, a Nationally recognized leader in his field. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-435-5356. Bill has helped people move in and out of many Metrowest towns for the last 24+ Years.

Theresa D'Antuono
Lexington MA Real Estate Agent
Lexington MA Homes For Sale
Lexington MA Area Homes For Sale
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Determine if Refinancing Your Lexington Home is Right for You!

Living in Lexington Massachusetts is the ideal lifestyle for many who enjoy historic character and a small town atmosphere close to the metropolis of Boston. For many of you, you’ve enjoyed living in Lexington for years but have questions about the current Lexington Real Estate market and what this means for your home.

If you’ve been considering refinancing your Lexington home in order to cash in on the currently low mortgage rates, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. While this can be a viable option for you, take a the time to do your research and talk with your Lexington Real Estate agent will ensure you make the right decision. Take a look at these five factors in determining if refinancing your Lexington home is the right choice for you!

1. Interest rates- Refinancing right now is great for homeowners whose current rates are above 5.5% and are hoping to save on their monthly mortgage costs. For a Lexington home; you could potentially save a percentage point or more on an outstanding mortgage.

2. Credit score and income- Most banks in today’s market will require you to have a minimum credit score of 620 in order to refinance. You will also need to prove that your household finances have been stable. If unemployment or other issues have come up that have decreased your finances significantly; you’ll find it hard to refinance.

3. Costs- Refinancing your home will cost you typically 2% of the new loan amount. This includes application, appraisal and inspection fees. Included within refinancing costs is the new escrow account you’ll need to fund. The lender will set up this account for home-insurance and property-tax payments from which they’ll draw annually. Want to avoid this fee? Use the same lender you used for your initial mortgage. Their only costs are limited to issuing new paperwork, so they’re able to keep costs low and can oftentimes speed up the process. Another option is a good faith estimate. Your Lexington Real Estate agent can help you determine which option would work best for your home.

4. Adjustable-rate mortgages- Determining whether you’d like to go with an adjustable-rate mortgage or a fixed-rate mortgage can be tricky. An ARM can be a good choice for today’s market as you’ll cash in on the current lower rates, but can be unstable in the long run. However, a fixed-rate mortgage ensures that your rates will remain stable and won’t rise if the market changes.

5. Greater pricing disparity- Based on your current credit score, the rates offered for refinancing can vary greatly. Lenders will look at Massachusetts's average loan-to-value ratio and the percentage of homes with negative equity. The higher the percentage of these homes, the higher the rate a borrower will most likely be offered.

I hope this helps answer some of the questions you may have concerning refinancing your Lexington home. As an experienced Lexington Real Estate agent, I am always here to answer your questions or help you navigate through the Lexington Real Estate market.

Please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions you may have!

Theresa D'Antuono

Lexington MA Real Estate Agent
Search For Lexington Area Homes For Sale
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Halloween Fun In Lexington MA

Saturday Oct 29, 8:45 am-Halloween Parade- hosted by LexFUN! Calling all little witches, goblins, and superheroes and their families to parade in costume with musical instruments around the Lexington Battle Green! After the parade join in more fun with a Halloween craft. Be sure to bring a canned food and/or financial donation to enjoy our bake sale to support the Lexington Food Pantry. The event is free, and the kids are the show!

In the event of rainy weather on Saturday 10/29, please check the LexFUN! website, lexfun.org, after 7 AM on 10/29 for cancellation/rain date instructions.

Saturday Oct 29, 8-11:30-Wild Halloween Dance Party - ADULTS ONLY - at the Lexington Knights of Columbus Hall, (177 Bedford Street, Lexington).

Food; Deejay & Dancing; Cash Bar; Silent Auction all to benefit the Lexington High School Softball Team. Open to the Public. Costumes strongly encouraged! Admission is $20 in advance and $25.00 at the door. To be on the Advance purchase list, please sent check made payable to: Lexington High School Boosters and mail to: Peggy Barons, 4 Bowser Road, Lexington, MA 02420 or call 781-862-7505

Sunday Oct 30, 2-4 pm- Citizens for Lexington Conservation Fall Walk

Whipple Hill contains some of the most extensive and beautifully preserved stone walls in all of Lexington. Late fall after most of the leaves have fallen is a wonderful time to appreciate these treasures and the overall lay of the landscape. Sturdy shoes are recommended for this strenuous walk. Heavy rain will cancel the walk. Meet at the Winchester Drive parking lot at Whipple Hill.

Monday Oct 31, 2-5 pm-Trick or Treating.
Sponsored by the Lexington Retailers Association, enjoying trick or treating in Lexington Center (rain or shine). Those dressed in costume are invited to stop in at participating local businesses (just look for the black, orange and white balloons) for treats!

Enjoy the day and be safe!

Lexington, MA Book Lovers Brunch Sign Up

Calling all book lovers! You are invited to Cary Memorial Library’s first ever Book Lovers Brunch! Celebrate great books and the joy of reading. We'll talk books, swap favorite titles, enjoy some delicious refreshments.... and have a great time!. This event will be held in the Library's Large Meeting Room on Saturday, November 12 at 10:00 a.m.

This event is free, but Advance Registration is required. Registration for this special event is now ongoing. Individuals wishing to attend can register online, in person at the Reference Desk, or by phone (781-862-6288 ext. 250.)

Special guest for this event will be local author Juliette Fay. Juliette is a Lexington native and LHS graduate. She is the author of Shelter Me, a novel that was a surprise bestseller and book club favorite. On November 12, Juliette will be discussing her new novel, Deep Down True.

So save the date and plan to join Juliette at the Cary Library brunch table! For more information about Juliette Fay and her new book, go to
http://juliettefay.com/ . For more information about this event, go to http://www.carylibrary.org or call the library at the number above.

Theresa D'Antuono
Lexington MA Real Estate Agent
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Lexington MA Liberty Ride Ends 10/30

Celebrate history in your own backyard! In honor of your support of the Liberty Ride we are celebrating our 10th season by giving you a special opportunity.

Daily through October 30th you can take the Liberty Ride at the original rates! Normally $25 for adults and $10 for students 17 and under, adults are just $10 and students $5. Children under 5 are always free.

The Liberty Ride is a 90 minute narrated tour of Lexington and Concord http://www.libertyride.us/
See a brief glimpse of the ride at:

http://concord.patch.com/articles/video-liberty-ride-rolling-on-61bf60fb#video-8074278

Most of the guides are from Lexington or have a Lexington connection. Three are Town Meeting members.

This offer is for Lexington residents and the guests only. (Identification required.) You must purchase your tickets onboard at the National Heritage Museum stop and only good on the 1:00 and 2:30 tours.

In addition, your Liberty Ride tickets provides FREE admission to all three historic houses in Lexington: Buckman Tavern, Munroe Tavern, and the Hancock-Clarke House. Visit the houses on the same day or different days, and the house admissions are good next season. If you have not yet seen the renewing renovated Munroe Tavern it is worth the trip!

Take advantage before the Liberty Ride closes for the season on October 30th. This special will not be available next year. Don't keep the deal a secret. Pass it along to all your Lexington friends and neighbors.

Thank you for making the Liberty Ride a "must see" in Lexington.