Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Lexpress Route Changes Starting July 1

Adjustments are being made to Lexpress routes 1, 2, 3, and 4 starting July 1, 2014 to:

  • Improve on time performance by reducing total route times.
  • Reduce the amount of time residents are riding the bus to arrive at popular destinations.
  • Increase ridership on under performing routes.
  • Accommodate the future opening of the Lexington Community Center (Lexpress will not pull into the facility until it is open to the public). 
New Lexpress Routes
(click on route for detailed schedule) 
Full Route Map, Pricing and Schedule

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Questions to Ask Movers

Are you making a move into or out of the Lexington Area? Well if you are, you should be asking your potential moving company these following questions:

Do you work for the mover or are you a broker?
Broker’s play an important role in helping customers match up with moving companies. Keep in mind, however, that a broker cannot give you a binding estimate and a broker is not responsible for loss or damage.

Do you give binding quotes?
Over the phone, a mover or broker may give you a quote that is generally not binding. A mover may give a binding, or “not to exceed” quote upon reviewing your items in person. Brokers don’t typically give binding quotes.

Does the quote include extra charges?
For example – flight charges, long carry charges, appliance charges, parking charges, storage charges, fuel charges, awkward objects, etc. If you have a piano, you should let them know right up front. Ask them if they have equipment to help with heavy and awkward items.

Will my items be transferred?
Long distance moves can sometimes require your items be transferred to another truck. This extra handling increases the chances for damage to occur.

What forms of payment do you accept and on what terms?
We don't recommend that you hire movers if they only accept cash; be sure you are clear about the amount that is due on delivery versus the deposit amount, and whether deposits are refundable.Most companies that have a merchant account will accept credit cards so be sure to ask if credit cards are an option.

What type of insurance is included in your quote? What else is available to me?
Basic coverage is 60 cents per pound but your moving company may offer an upgrade at a reasonable price. You can also work with 3rd party insurance providers to cover the move.

What is the process if something were to break or is missing? Who’s responsible?

This is a follow-up to the previous question that clearly breaks down who is responsible for what. If you’re discussing a self-service move, you may not get reimbursed for something that you packed poorly.

A good place to look for reputable movers is through your Real Estate Agent. A good Agent has made relationships and have heard who is good and who is not so good.

Happy Moving!

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Special Lexington Farm Event


The Lexington Farmers Market is hosting a VERY local tour of three farms to honor the agricultural tradition of this town. Three historic farms are the focus of this event:  Meadow Mist Farm and Lexington Community Farm both in Lexington, and Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester. Preservation of these farms and the sustainable methods in which they are being farmed is to be celebrated.  The more local farms we can support, the healthier our community and all its inhabitants. These farms are a haven from the hectic lives we lead, bringing us back to our roots, our sustenance.

These three farms have donated their time in support of the double incentive program for SNAP customers at the LFM. For 5 years we have offered a double incentive to our SNAP customers, encouraging them to shop, cook and eat locally-grown, nutritious foods. When SNAP customers shop at the LFM, we “match” them with DOUBLE their SNAP money, enabling them to DOUBLE the amount of nutrient dense-farmed foods  to take home. In the past we have matched up to $20, and we hope to do the same this year.
As a result, our SNAP customers have been increasing annually; in 2013, we gave away $2500. Our double incentive program is an important part of the farmers’ market and our community- we look forward to seeing you for this fun fundraiser!

Please join us on June 14th at 9am, with a $25 suggested donation by contacting
Helen Theodosious at Hthedodosious@rcn.com, for more info and to register.
Donations to support SNAP directly are also appreciated!

Contact Rose@lexingtonfarmersmarket.org for more info.

Special Appreciation:  The Lexington Farmers’ market appreciates the support of our sponsors, Joyce Murphy from William Raveis Real Estate, Encharter Insurance, Lexington Pediatrics, aloft and element hotels, Boston Private Bank & Trust, Eastern Bank, Seasons Four,  CareWell Urgent Care and Cycle Loft.
We would also like to offer special thanks to Barry Tuber of PersonalCTO.net for his continued assistance with our website.

10 Tips for Improving Your Lexington Home’s Curb Appeal!


The first impression your Lexington, MA real estate leaves on buyers will stick in their minds as they walk through the front door.  If the exterior of your home excites buyers, they’ll be eager to see the interior.  As an experienced Lexington realtor, I have assisted many sellers in home preparation for listing.  There are many simple things you can do to amp up your curb appeal that can be accomplished in a weekend and won’t even break the bank.  Here are 10 tips to help to help whip your house into shape for selling!
  1. Paint your front door.  You would be amazed how much newer your home will look with a fresh coat of paint on the front door.  Between sun, weather, and the unavoidable abuse that your front door takes, it’s quite easy for it to look aged.  If you have shutters, you may want to consider painting those as well.
  2. Replace the hardware on the front door.  If the hardware appears old and worn, you’ll probably want to update it.  Much like your door, the hardware takes a beating on a regular basis as well.
  3. Update your light fixtures.  While you want to ensure they match the style of your home, new light fixtures can take years off your home's appearance.
  4. Buy a new doormat.  A brand new doormat will make your home seem more inviting.  Stick with something relatively neutral so it’s not a distraction.  
  5. Replace your house numbers.  Having bright, clean, clearly visible house numbers will both improve the look of your home and make it easier to locate. 
  6. Remove taste-specific lawn decor.  While you may love your gnomes or pink flamingos, not all buyers will share in that love.  Store them until you can put them in your brand new lawn.
  7. Purchase flowers.  If you have a flowerbed, deck it out in bright colors.  If you don’t have a bed, purchase some potted flowers and place them next to your front door.  Flowers will make your home appear more lively and vibrant.    
  8. Have a well-maintained lawn.  Keep your lawn mowed and the edges neatly trimmed.  If there are dead or sparse areas, reseed those areas.  If you don't have the time for reseeding, consider purchasing sod to replace the areas.  
  9. Clean your driveway and walkways.  Sweep and even power wash, if necessary.  Not only will it improve curb appeal, it will also help prevent dirt from being tracked into your home during showings.  
  10. Clean your windows.  Thoroughly clean your windows inside and out.  They will sparkle in the sun, and the interior of your home will be brighter.  Open your curtains or other window coverings as well.   
Sprucing up the outside of your Lexington home can go a long way when it comes to attracting buyers.  Sometimes it can be difficult to look at your own home with a critical eye, so it can be a good idea to enlist the help of a real estate professional to give you an objection opinion.  I am in the business of making sure that homes sell, so I always support my clients in any way I can to expedite the selling process.  If you’ve been considering selling or buying Lexington, MA real estate, please contact me.  It would be my pleasure to assist you!

Monday, June 2, 2014

Lexington Yard Waste Collection Schedule

Town of Lexington
Residential Yard Waste Recycling
CURBSIDE PICKUP: 6  Spring Weeks - Apr 7-11, Apr 21-25, May 5-9, May 19-23, Jun 2-6 and Jun 16-20.
ONLY A FEW DATES LEFT

Place open / uncovered  yard waste barrels or containers or biodegradable paper bags at least
8 feet away from regular trash containers and recycling bins on your regular trash collection day.

CONTAINERS: Biodegradable Paper Bags &/or Open Barrels … May be used for curbside pickup or Hartwell Avenue dropoff.

Plastic Bags … May only  be used for Hartwell Ave dropoff and must be emptied and removed from the area by resident.

WHAT IS “APPROVED YARD WASTE”:
Leaves, grass clippings, dead flower/vegetable plants, wood chips, hedge clippings, pine needles/cones and brush (defined as cut or broken branches) 1" inch or less in diameter.

Requirements for brush 1" or less in diameter  included in “Approved Yard Waste”:
a. Curbside collection
 - brush should not protrude out of the top of bags/barrels or be tied.
b. Hartwell drop-off
 - brush is collected in a separate brush pile at the Composting Facility.

Requirements for branches 1" up  to 4” in diameter (not collected with curbside yard waste):
a. Curbside trash collection
 – Must be cut in maximum 3' lengths and tied in bundles not to exceed 75 lbs. in weight or 24” in diameter.
 A maximum of 5 bundles may be put out with the regular refuse on collection day. Note: these are incinerated and are not recycled.
b. Hartwell Ave. drop-off 
– branches are collected in a separate brush pile at the facility.
Small quantities of unscreened composted material and wood chips are available free to residents.

Home Composting Bins are also available for $30. Call (781) 274- 8300 and choose #1 for information.

Print schedule here