Friday, December 16, 2022

How to Prepare Your Lexington MA Home for Holiday Guests

We all know schedules can get a bit hectic during the holiday season and before you know it, your guests have arrived at the door! There is no better time than now to get your Lexington MA home in order for hosting holiday gatherings this year, no matter how many you plan to have in attendance. The best way to avoid any last minute headaches? Take it one room at a time and the earlier you can begin, the better!

Consider these tasks your go-to list for holiday home prep and enjoy the season without any homeowner hassles!

Clean out the closets

Give your guests more room to hang their coats and store their belongings by purging your closets. In doing so, you can also make space for any gifts you receive or need to store before your holiday events. 

Touch up walls and doors

Throughout the year, your Lexington MA area home can acquire smudges, spots and paint chips. Now is the time to touch them up, even before you deck the halls with holiday decor! Small sponge blocks can quickly remove smudges from walls, bathroom tile, flooring and even appliances. 

Clean your appliances

During the holidays, the focus shifts from living spaces to the kitchen and dining room. You’ll likely be cooking up a storm if you’re hosting guests—or at least eating at your table—so spend some time addressing dirty appliances and dusty dining rooms. It is fine to scrub the inside of your oven and stovetop prior to cooking your holiday meal, but do not self-clean until afterward! One of the main causes of oven breakdowns during the holidays is that self-cleaning button.

Winterize your entryway

As you welcome guests into your home, their boots and shoes will need somewhere to gather! If you store shoes in the entryway, add mats for your guests to wipe their feet when they come inside. Mats will also keep your floors cleaner longer as the snow and dirt can collect here rather than on your wood or carpet.

I wish you a happy holiday season and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions you have about buying or selling a home in the Lexington MA area!

Theresa D'Antuono

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Avoid Thanksgiving Disasters in Your Lexington MA Home

Thanksgiving will be here sooner than we know it and as Lexington area residents, you may be preparing to host the holiday in their home. You've cleaned each room from top to bottom, you've purchased your turkey, but just as your guests arrive, you realize the oven won't heat.

Holiday hassles are not uncommon in the hustle and bustle of the season, but there are precautions you can take to avoid them! Follow these rules to make sure you can enjoy your Thanksgiving feast without worry.

Problem: The Oven Won't Heat

Unfortunately, a heating malfunction in the oven will pop up in homes everywhere during the holiday season. But the good news is that there is an easy solution to prevent it! Do not allow the oven to self-clean until after the holidays as you risk blowing a fuse or thermostat. What's more, it can be tricky to find an available oven technician around this busy time of year.

Problem: You Have No Heat

Although the weather we've been experiencing may not call for heat this Thanksgiving, you don't want to risk your thermostat going out. The key to this is having your HVAC system serviced as usual each year. Regular maintenance tasks like replacing the filter can help you avoid holiday disasters such as this.

Problem: The Fridge Won't Cool

Thanksgiving cooking requires a chilly refrigerator to keep every dish in its best form and discovering this problem too late can really put a damper on your holiday plans. Install a thermometer on your fridge to make sure it stays below 40 degrees. 

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the busy holiday season and an opportune time to buy a home in Lexington MA. As your local real estate expert, I'm happy to help you find your dream home and sell your current property before the new year arrives. 

Give me a call today!

Theresa D'Antuono

Friday, October 14, 2022

Lexington MA Home Problems to Identify Before You Buy

When shopping for homes in Lexington MA, there are dozens of features to look over and factors to consider. How many bedrooms does the property have? What does the yard look like? How close is the home to your workplace? All of these questions can cause your mind to fog over and you to forget to inspect some of the following real estate red flags.

Below are key home problems to spot before you move forward with the homebuying process.

Backwards insulation

As you tour a Lexington area home, take note of the insulation in the attic (if the property has one). Is the foil side of the insulation facing up below your feet? If so, it may have been ruined by moisture coming up. The foil side of insulation—or the vapor barrier—should be facing the main rooms of the home, not the attic. On the flip side, if the foil side is facing you on the ceiling, that is nothing to worry about.

Slow drains

You’ve probably been advised to flush toilets and run all faucets when touring homes in Lexington and beyond— and for good reason. Slow drainage can signal a larger issue with the plumbing of the home, either with clogged drains, poor installation or worse, a sewer line problem.

Bubbling walls or ceilings

Does it look like the paint is bubbling or the ceiling seems to sag in one spot? Beware! While it could simply mean the paint is old and chipping away, it could also point to water damage. On the ceiling, it may be from damaged roof tiles which could be a significant cost to a new homeowner. Consult your inspector if you identify these red flags.

Not sure if a home is the right one for you in Lexington MA? Give me a call today! 

Theresa D'Antuono

Thursday, September 15, 2022

How to Find How Much Your Lexington MA Home Is Worth

When you decide to sell your home in Lexington MA, you begin to dream about how much profit you can make and moving to your next location. However, there is one figure you'll need to determine before you can make those dreams a reality— your home value.

It is not uncommon for homeowners to over-estimate how much their property might be worth, so as your local real estate expert, I have put together a few tips that can help you determine just that.

Comparable properties

One of the first places to look to help find your home value is a list of comparable properties in the area. Look at homes that have a similar square footage to yours or those with the same types of features. 

Home improvements

Have you made any recent improvements to your Lexington MA home? They could make a big impact on your home value— or not add as much as you thought. Know that there are some updates that don't add as much value as others at resale so it is always wise to consider ROI (return on investment) prior to completing projects. If you are unsure if a certain update will boost your value, you are welcome to consult your real estate agent!

Location

There is a reason "location, location, location" is a real estate mantra. Factors in your area like the schools, proximity to entertainment, parks, commute times, neighbors, and of course, a sense of community can all either help or hinder your home value. 

There are many ways for you to determine the value of your Lexington MA home and it is helpful to have an idea of what you might be working with prior to listing the property. Remember, it's best to put on your home seller hat and set aside your emotional ties to the property to find a realistic price.

Curious about your home value? Contact me today to find out!

Monday, August 15, 2022

Frustrated Homebuyer in Lexington MA? Here's What to Do Now

With rising mortgage rates, home prices, inflation, and the lack of homes for sale in Lexington MA, there are many reasons to be frustrated when looking to buy a home right now. And while it may feel challenging to both find a property and close the deal, there may be good news on the horizon.

"While the median list price for a home is still a staggering $435,000," Realtor.com reports. "Prices [recently] dropped for the first time in six years—by $15,000." 

So what can you do this year if you're ready to buy but feeling fed up with market conditions? I'm sharing three tips below on how you can still buy a home despite all of the above.

Buy a Starter Home

With rising mortgage rates and inflation, it may be time to shift your expectations on what type of home you will buy, so perhaps consider a starter home instead. The easiest way to better position yourself in the market may be to adjust the number of bedrooms, square footage, or amenities you're looking for in a home.

Be Ready to Negotiate

We are coming out of a seller's market where power was essentially taken away from buyers, but now we are starting to see the reversal of that. Homes are now sitting a little longer on the market which means buyers can attempt to negotiate on price. 

Get Pre-Approved

I always recommend pre-approval as the first step for homebuyers in Lexington MA. Not only does your pre-approval letter mean you can act quickly if you find a home that you love, but it shows the seller that you're serious which could get you under contract much faster and help you secure the deal.

Questions about buying a home in the area? Give me a call today!

Theresa D'Antuono

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Friday, July 15, 2022

Lexington MA Real Estate Deal Breakers for Buyers

As you’re shopping for homes in Lexington MA, you’re likely taking note of features like paint color, flooring, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and even yard size. These are all essential in determining whether a property is for you, but there are also a few others that should ultimately raise red flags and cause you to move on to the next home in your search.

I have included three deal breakers below to ensure you’re not purchasing a Lexington MA home that will be a source of stress later.

Floor plan

Cosmetic elements like paint colors and flooring can easily be changed, but altering the floor plan of a home may not be in the cards— and may be extremely costly. For instance, a small, enclosed kitchen is not ideal for many homebuyers and opening up the space into the living room oftentimes requires a large budget, construction crew and installing overhead beams to re-distribute the weight of the home. If you love only certain aspects of the home, but the floor plan is not for you, move on.

Location

Many times homebuyers think they find “the one” in terms of updates, floor plan and square footage, but the location leaves much to be desired. Homes that are located near major highways, busy intersections or even next to shopping centers can be valued much lower than similar properties away from the hustle and bustle. If you’re considering the home for the school district, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of the area before deciding, otherwise, it’s best to keep looking.

Placement

Older homes tend to have different placement on their lot than newer homes— for example, close to the street, in busy areas, or on corner lots. If you prefer to have more privacy with a home set back on the lot, or in a place where you don’t need to drive by your neighbor’s home to get to yours, you’ll want to pass on these ill-placed homes. Not only will it affect the value, but it may keep you from feeling truly at home.

Do you have questions about buying a home in Lexington MA? Give me a call today!

Theresa D'Antuono

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

How to Stand Out as a Lexington MA Home Buyer

As we move further into summer, the temperatures aren’t the only thing picking up! The number of Lexington MA residents planning to buy a new home is rising— as it tends to do during these warmer months! But how can you stand out? 

Grab a pen and paper and make yourself a checklist to ensure you’re on the right track to buy a home. Here are a few tips to give you that homebuyer edge over the others this year:

Clean Your Finances

After you spring cleaned your home this year, it’s time to turn to your finances. To be pro-active, you can get pre-approved by your lender. The pre-approval process is extensive and involves paperwork to detail your income and assets. This letter of approval offers peace of mind that you’re serious about buying.

Work with the Seller

Think about it— when you’re competing with other buyers, the best thing you can do is to work with the seller. Be flexible! There are likely a number of buyers in Lexington MA real estate who are set on dates, numbers, and come packaged with contingencies. Show that you are willing to work with the seller on the home sale puts you ahead of other buyers who may have the purchase contingent upon their own home sale. 

Be Quick

Found a home in the Lexington MA that you love? One that meets all of your wants and needs? You may want to act fast. Other homebuyers may have started the process and love the home as much as you do. Remember, sometimes an accepted offer can come down to a matter of minutes between buyers.

I'd be glad to help you find your dream home this year! I've helped numerous other buyers find the perfect property to call home and would love to assist you in doing the same!

Theresa D'Antuono

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Top Reasons to Own a Home in Lexington MA

Summer is upon us and it's an exciting time in local real estate! The conditions are ideal for moving, homebuyers are feeling motivated, and Lexington MA home sellers are ready for a change of scenery. However, despite the market statistics on rising mortgage rates and housing prices, there are still a few buyers on the fence.

If you find yourself wondering if now is the right time to buy, consider these top reasons to own a home:

Paying rent is not the best investment

If you're currently renting, ask yourself where your money is going every month. When you rent a home in Lexington MA, you are paying down your landlord's mortgage, not your own. When you own a home, you are paying down your own mortgage and putting your money into a much more solid investment.

You need more space

When deciding whether to purchase a home in Lexington MA or beyond, ask yourself if you have enough room in your current home. Do you have enough storage space? Is your family growing? Could you use an extra bedroom? If you answered yes to the last two questions, then it may be time for you to move.

The financial opportunity

Right now is an exciting time in the local real estate market as mortgage rates are still considered "low" but continuously rising. Real estate is very much about timing and if you've been on the fence, the time is now!

Whether you decide to purchase a new construction home or an existing home, I am happy to help you! Give me a call with any questions about first-time home buying or for the latest updates from the local markets

I look forward to hearing from you!

Theresa D'Antuono

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

3 Hassles to Avoid When Moving to a New Lexington MA Home

Moving to a new home in Lexington MA can be a stressful process, no matter what time of year it is. In fact, failing to do enough research before your move can cause even more problems that will dampen your excitement about your fresh, new start. 

As your local Lexington MA real estate expert, I am sharing three common moving hassles that can throw a wrench into new homeowner plans for an easy transition.

1. Not Researching the Moving Company

When you're choosing a moving company to help shuffle your belongings from home to home, it is important to do the background work. Gather recommendations from family and friends, or even your real estate agent, on the best team for the job. Checking references and reading all customer reviews can also offer insight into the abilities of the moving team.

2. Not Reading the Moving Contract

Go over every line of the moving contract prior to signing on the dotted line. Oftentimes, these contracts come with fine print and disclaimers and you do not want any surprises on Moving Day! 

3. Not Allowing Enough Time

This is perhaps one of the biggest (and most common!) moving hassles— and one that could be easily avoided! Start as early as possible with your moving preparations. Begin clearing out all clothing and items that have gone unused and take a trip to donate them. Organize everything into labeled boxes and take care to only place items that belong in that respective room or area in the box. The last thing you want is a lost toothbrush on your first night in your new Lexington MA home!

Ready to make a move this year? I'd love to be your guide! Give me a call today for a list of available properties in the area!

Theresa D'Antuono

Saturday, March 12, 2022

Spring Home Projects to Boost Your Lexington MA Curb Appeal

With the weather beginning to warm up and the official start of spring finally here, many homeowners in Lexington MA are looking for ways to improve their property. But if you're one of those making a home to-do list this spring, it's important to consider the projects that will be worth your while in terms of boosting curb appeal and adding value.

Clean it up

Before you can start on improvement projects like adding new landscaping or painting the shutters, start by giving your home's exterior a good cleaning. Wash the windows, inside and out, and don't forget to wash away any dust or dirt on the garage door. In some cases, simply washing your home can add thousands to the sale price.

Grab your paintbrush

Giving your home's exterior a fresh coat of paint might be just what you need to grab Lexington MA buyers' attention this spring. This is one of the easiest and most effective projects to complete—although it can be costly—as both the appraiser and buyer will see the value.

Groom the yard

Your home's lawn is a major focal point, especially in the spring. Take the weekend to clean up any branches and debris from around your home and groom any overgrown hedges, bushes, trees or plants that may give a local Lexington MA area buyer the wrong impression. 

Replace fixtures

Do you have an old porch light that has a mind of its own? Now is the time to replace fixtures like outdoor lights, mailboxes and house numbers. These may be small touches, but they can have a big impact on giving your home an updated feel.

Questions about selling your home in Lexington MA? Wondering what your home might be worth in today's market? Give me a call today! 

Theresa D'Antuono

Saturday, February 12, 2022

Lexington MA Home Seller Advice to Ignore in 2022

As a Lexington MA homeowner, you've probably heard dozens of real estate myths bouncing around from family and friends— running the gamut from when to sell your home to how much buyers are willing to pay. However, it's important to note that these should be taken with a grain of salt—unless they come from a trusted real estate expert—and in some cases, ignored entirely.

If you plan to sell your home this year, you will want to ignore the following home selling advice:

You should only sell in spring

With smartphones, online listing alerts, and home search websites galore, buyers are constantly searching for properties— no matter the season! You might be surprised by how motivated buyers are to secure their dream home in the beginning of the year, for instance. Be careful not to prioritize one season too much when it comes to listing.

Pricing high will make you the most money

You can only make a profit if you sell and pricing too high is a great way for your property to "sit" on the market for longer than necessary. In fact, if it sits too long, you could end up settling for less than you'd like. The key is to price your home according to supply and demand to allow for the most successful sale.

You can save money without a Realtor

While cutting out the commission factor may seem like a great way to save money, the opposite is actually true. Did you know that homes sold with a Realtor sell for more money than those without? Not to mention all of the correspondence involved in a single transaction that the Realtor handles on your behalf— including the buyer's agent, lender, title company, inspection company, and more!

Questions about selling your Lexington MA home this year? Give me a call today!

I'm here to help!

Theresa D'Antuono

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Tasks to Complete Before Selling Your Lexington MA Home This Year

It may not feel like it just yet, but spring will be here before we know it! And while home buyers are indeed scouring the market for the perfect home year-round these days, traffic tends to pick up significantly in the spring months. What does that mean for you as a Lexington MA home seller? It means your property must be in tip-top shape to outshine the others on the market and as your local real estate expert, I have included a few tasks below to help it do just that!

Clean the gutters

Don't forget to take stock of your gutters, giving them a good cleaning before the spring is in full swing. If left unattended, gutters can begin to overflow and wreak havoc on your foundation or the interior of your home via water damage.

Wash the windows

Not only do clean windows allow for more light to enter your Massachusetts home, but they give the impression that your home is tidy and well cared for. No matter what time of year you list your Lexington MA home, be sure to give your windows a thorough washing!

Remove yard debris

Especially before having listing photos taken of your home, you'll want to make sure your home's curb appeal is on point. Yard debris in the form of tree limbs, twigs, and dead landscaping can really bring down the property's image for buyers. Take the time to clean up your yard—as well as clear walkways—and ensure it gives off a welcoming aura to buyers.

Store your winter tools

Before you invite buyers into your Lexington MA home, it is essential to store your winter tools, including shovels and rakes. Not only do these items give the feeling of clutter to your outdoor space, but it suggests to the buyers that the rest of the property is not organized and maintained.

If you're thinking about selling your home in the Lexington MA area this spring, give me a call today! I am here to guide you through the entire process, starting with preparing your property for sale!

Theresa D'Antuono