Minuteman Bikeway 25th Anniversary

Come celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway on Saturday, September 29, 2018, when Arlington, Lexington, and Bedford will host a tri-town celebration of the popular rail-trail.  The bikeway was completed and dedicated by the three towns during 1992-93, and its success has inspired countless rail-trail and pathway projects in New England and beyond.  As we celebrate the past 25 years of Going Places on the Minuteman Bikeway, we look forward to an even better trail that is part of a robust regional bicycle transportation network.  
 

Community celebrations will be held simultaneously along the bikeway in all three towns from 11 am to 3 pm on September 29.  You are welcome to visit as many activities as you like in Arlington Center (Whittemore Park), Lexington Center (Visitors' Center lawn), and Bedford (near the Bikeway Source), as well as along the bikeway.  Each location will feature conversations with local bicycle enthusiasts and bikeway representatives, information about current and future bicycling initiatives, and light refreshments.  Planning is underway for special visual art and musical interludes along the path. 

Of course, the best way to celebrate the bikeway's success is to get out and enjoy it by foot, bicycle, skates, or wheelchair!  We look forward to celebrating "Minuteman Bikeway Day" with everyone on September 29.

Curious about the the bikeway and its history? Visit MinutemanBikeway.org and watch the special 25th Anniversary video. 

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What is an Energy Efficient Mortgage?

If you’re in the market for a new Lexington home, there’s a way to save the environment and some cash at the same time: Consider a “green” mortgage.

An energy-efficient mortgage (EEM), the umbrella term for these types of loans, allows buyers to fold expenses for energy-saving home improvements into their mortgage.

EMs are an option if you’re buying or building a home and you want to add energy-efficient features, if you’re refinancing a mortgage for a home you already own and want to add energy-efficient renovations, or if you’re buying a new home that is already energy-efficient.

The idea is that, in the long run, the money saved on monthly utility bills will offset the higher mortgage payment. The projected energy savings from the lower bills could also qualify buyers for a larger loan amount and a better, more energy-efficient home.

And at the point of resale, homeowners will likely benefit again, as the energy upgrades can boost the home’s value and attract buyers in a competitive market.

Improving Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Green mortgages can be used to finance a range of energy-efficient upgrades, from weather stripping to new heating and cooling systems to double-pane windows and solar panels.

A required home energy audit provides recommendations for energy-saving improvements and estimates of the costs and savings of those improvements. Lenders use this information to determine how much you’ll save in energy costs with each improvement.

Fannie Mae, the Federal Housing Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs all offer a version of EEMs. The amount of energy improvements a borrower can finance varies by program, ranging from about 5 percent of the value of the property through an FHA loan to around 15 percent with a conventional mortgage. A VA EEM, available to military personnel, caps energy improvements at $3,000 to $6,000.

Understanding the Green Mortgage Lending Process

While securing an EEM can be fairly simple for the borrower, it can be cumbersome for lenders unaccustomed to the process of managing the “work flow” of the energy improvements, says Tonya Todd, senior vice president of strategic products at Mountain West Financial in Redlands, California. This may be why they aren’t more common.

“The loan itself is easy; it’s the facilitation that takes some work,” Todd says. “Lenders that are successful at this will find a local energy-efficient mortgage facilitator. The facilitator handles everything from A to Z to ensure a smooth and timely process for all parties.”

The facilitator works with the buyer, the energy rater, the contractor, the realtor and the lender to keep everything moving to avoid delays.

“After closing, the facilitator will ensure the installation of the energy improvements are completed,” she adds. “It just makes everything much smoother.”

So, if you’re interested in pursuing an EEM, go for it — just be aware you may have to put some effort into finding a lender.

“Niche lenders do offer these programs and do them well,” Todd says. “However, a lot of lenders do not offer them because they do not understand the operational component, or they don’t have the support system internally.”

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Breakfast & Pajama Party with LexFUN!

You Donut Want To Miss This! Please Come in Your PJs!

Saturday, September 15th
8.30am - 1pm
Keilty Hall at St. Brigids Church, 2001 Mass. Ave.

Open to existing and prospective members!

Help us kick off the 2018-2019 membership year.  We invite you and your family to join us in your pajamas.

Enjoy free breakfast from favorites Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Wegmans and Wicked Bagel. Stay until noon for free custard from Abbott’s!

Schedule of fun:

8.30am - Games, Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, and Instrument Petting Zoo with Keys for Kids Music School begin

9.30am - Pajama Parade with Prizes!

10.15am - Toe Jam Puppet Band

12.00pm - Enjoy free frozen custard from Abbott’s

LexFUN!  

  

Location: Keilty Hall at St. Brigids Church, 2001 Mass. Ave. Lexington, MA 02421

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Lexington Homebuyers Trade Must-Haves for Good Schools

Now that the new school year is in full swing, are you considering relocating to a better school district? As your Lexington real estate agent, I understand! A new report from Realtor.com found that 86 percent of homebuyers defined their home search by school district boundaries, and 78 percent of buyers were willing to sacrifice must-have home features for a dream school district.

The Lexington MA school district was named the second best school district in Massachusetts by Niche, with an overall A+ grade. We received an A+ grade in Academics, Teacher and College Prep!

If you’d like to relocate to Lexington MA for better schools, or you’d like to buy and remain in the Lexington school district, contact me! As your Lexington real estate agent, I can help you find a home that meets your needs in the Lexington real estate market this fall.

Theresa D'Antuono

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Girl Scout Information Nights

Calling all parents and caregivers of girls in kindergarten and older! Join us to learn more about joining Girl Scouts--whether you're joining a troop, volunteering to be a troop leader, or coming to learn about the amazing programs and activities Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts offers, adults are invited to join us for a Q&A.

Choose from two different dates! Both sessions will be held at the Lexington Community Center (39 Marrett Road, Lexington MA).

THURS 9/6, 7pm-8pm
WED 9/12, 7pm-8pm

Recruitment Specialist Molly Kazin will be there, along with volunteers from Lexington MA Girl Scouts to answer any and all of your Girl Scouting questions! We do request that this event is adults-only. 

Can't make it? That's okay, sign up to become a member and join a troop online now! Secure her spot for fall, register on the Girl Scouts of Eastern MA website www.gsema.org/join, select "Join Today", fill out the girl registration page and click continue. Search by troop number or zip code on the next page.

Financial aid is available for girl and adult memberships. Your transaction is complete when you receive an email confirmation for your purchase. Remember to add your adult membership if you plan to help with the troop.

Questions? Email Molly at MKazin@gsema.org.

Facebook Event for Girl Scout Info Session    

Location: Community Center, 39 Marrett Road, Lexington

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