Wednesday, December 28, 2011

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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Monday, December 26, 2011

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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Thursday, December 22, 2011

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.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

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.


Monday, December 12, 2011

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!


Thursday, December 8, 2011

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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Thursday, December 1, 2011

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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