This summer was filled with days of family adventures outdoors. Our family took advantage of the warm, sunny days by exploring New England. The memories from our time in New Hampshire this summer will last us forever. 

Although the kids are back in school and Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, the beautiful weather in the Metrowest Boston area will stick around for a while! Enjoy the sunny days, crisp nights, and spectacular autumn colors this fall by continuing to spend time outdoors with your family. These are our favorite local spots to continue family fun adventures over the next couple of months. 

We are bound to still get some incredibly hot days this September. For those humid days when you need to cool off, splash around in Cochituate State Park (43 Commonwealth Road) in Natick. This state park is perfect for the water enthusiast…..with swimming, boating, windsurfing, and fishing available on the three large lakes. 

Bake a delicious homemade pie from the apples you pick yourself at Belkin Lookout Farm (89 Pleasant Street South, South Natick). Along with spending time picking apples and pumpkins, you and your family can make a whole day of it at the farm with all of the available activities. Your children will love the play area with farm animals, face painting, hay maze, train rides, and so much more. Try some hard apple cider in the tap room while enjoying a freshly baked apple cider doughnut. The farm is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Practice your putt at Golf on the Village Green  (315 Worcester Street) in Natick. You and your family will enjoy a game of mini golf while being reminded of our area’s history. The park is themed after the Freedom Trail. After finishing up your game, grab a delicious ice cream treat. The park is open daily. 

Go for a hike at Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary (280 Eliot Street) in Natick. You and your family can explore 9 miles of trails that will take you over broadwalks and past waterfalls. There are lots of awesome activities planned for the new season including fall foliage canoe rides, wildlife watching activities, and walks through wildflowers. The sanctuary is closed on Mondays.​

Marvel at stunning flowers and plants at The Gardens at Elm Bank (900 Washington Street) in Wellesley . This is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic with your family. Your children will love exploring the gardens specifically themed for them. There are also several activities offered throughout the week at the gardens. Elm Bank is open Tuesdays through Sundays. 

Our furry friends are truly a part of the family! Although we appreciate our dogs everyday for the unconditional love they provide us, there is no better time to show Fido how much you truly love him by celebrating National Dog Day with a special day trip! Take your dog to a pet friendly restaurant or dog park to give him a day he will never forget!

Ready to go on a day adventure with your dog? Follow these get tips to enjoy National Dog Day to its fullest!

Plan Where You Are Going!

The first step is to decide where you and your furry friend are going to go. There are so many great options in the Wellesley & Metrowest Boston area! We will make your planning easy by recommending these awesome, local dog friendly spots!

Restaurants

Petit Robert Bistro (45 Chapel Street) in Needham has delicious french food for you and a dog-friendly patio for your pooch! Sip on some red wine while your dog hydrates with water from the provided water bowls!  

Not only humans love a cool treat on hot summer days! Your dog will love some ice cream from Cedar Hill Diary Joy (331 North Avenue) in Weston.

Parks

Centennial Reservation  (150 Oakland Street) in Wellesley is a dream come true for your dog! With almost 2 miles of trails, your dog will get plenty of exercise in a beautiful natural setting. And, when he gets too warm? He can take a dip in Bezanson Pond with the other pooches to cool off.

Needham Dog Park (145 Pine Street) is a special spot for your furry friend. Let him off the leash in one of the two fenced off dog areas.

Don’t let the name fool you….Cat Rock Park (Drabbington Way) in Weston is a dog paradise! Give your pet a full day of exploring of the lease on the trails, open fields, and swimming area.  

Pack Your Car!

With the hot summer weather, you want to ensure that your dog is comfortable during the entire trip. Make sure your car is fully gassed up before you add him as a passenger to avoid making additional stops that will leave him in the hot car.

Add any pet-friendly accessories to your car to make the trip easier and more fun. Put a blanket or extra cushions in the backseat so he is more comfortable on the trip. You can use a console cover to keep your dog in the backseat where he is safer and able to spread out more.

Your dog needs lots of water! Make sure to pack plenty of water bottles to keep him hydrated along with a bowl so he can easily drink it in the car or at your final destination.

Time to Go!

Beyond making sure your pooch is comfortable in the car, make sure to remember safety once you hit the road. Harness them into their seat to keep them safe in the event of a sudden stop.

While on the road, use the air conditioner and only crack windows a little bit. Although your dog loves the fresh air, it can be dangerous for them to have their heads too far out the window and there is always potential for them to jump out.

See an unexpected stop on your way? Make an extra spot. It’s your dog’s special day so make sure they are able to experience all that they might want to. Or, remember the spot for in the future and take your pet back there the following week.

Bring some delicious treats for you and your furry friend. Pack a picnic for you and your family. Be sure to throw in something extra special, and healthy, for your dog as well!

A photo lasts a lifetime so be sure to grab your camera to capture all of the fun that you and your beloved dog have throughout the day!

We hope you and your four legged family member have a very happy National Dog Day!

Fannie Mae’s “What do consumers know about the Mortgage Qualification Criteria?” Study revealed that Americans are misinformed about what is required to qualify for a mortgage when purchasing a home.

Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment”

Fannie Mae’s survey revealed that consumers overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan. According to the report, 76% of Americans either don’t know (40%) or are misinformed (36%) about the minimum down payment required.

Many believe that they need at least 20% down to buy their dream home. New programs actually let buyers put down as little as 3%.

Read the remainder of this blog here.

The Wellesley High School Raiders are getting a new Track and Field at Hunnewell Park! Work began on the project on June 6th and is now expected to be completed by mid-October. Although the opening date has been pushed back, work on the project has been progressing well.

The $3 million renovation project has truly been a public-private partnership to help improve the facility for the high school. Funds were raised through the Community Preservation Commission, the town of Wellesley, and private fundraising.

The Wellesley High School Stadium will occupy the same space that the previous track and football field were on. The new field will be wider and have synthetic turf, allowing for more sports to utilize the field throughout the course of the school year. The track is being completely replaced due to the very poor condition of the previous one. To date, the contractor has been installing the electric conduits and drainage pipes at the site. The work on the sewer and water service connections is already done. The new Track and Field will improve the athletic programming at the high school as well as help support community events.

We cannot wait to see the finished stadium at Wellesley High School this fall and to cheer the Raiders on in their upcoming athletic seasons!!!

Wellesley High School is a top rated school in the Metrowest Boston area. If you are interested in moving to the great town of Wellesley or one of the surrounding communities, give Team Lynch a call today or visit our website at http://www.teamlynchrealestate.com/.

Just because the work week started doesn't mean that the fun stops in Wellesley!! There are events occurring all week long! Enjoy the summer weather and time with family and friends at one of these awesome events.

July 26th

Navy Band Northeast Woodwind Quartet Concert: 2:00 pm at Waterstone at Wellesley (27 Washington Street). Celebrate the brave men and women that serve in our armed forces by attending a concert by the Navy Band Northeast Woodwind Quartet. This is one of the 11 official U.S. Navy bands and is based onboard NAVSTA Newport. The concert is FREE but an RSVP is requested at (781) 235-1614.

July 27th

BaHa Brothers Concert: 7:00 pm at the Wellesley Town Hall Green (525 Washington Street). This week’s Summer Concerts on the Green features Massachusetts band the BaHa Brothers. Dance the night away to the perfect summertime music. Concessions will be available from the Rotary Club of Wellesley.

July 28th

Raiders of the Lost Ark Screening: 7:00 pm at Davis Square (106 Central Street) at Wellesley College. Bring your blanket and enjoy this 1981 classic film under the stars. Arts and crafts projects start at 7:00 pm and the film will be shown at 8:15 pm. This event is FREE and popcorn and beer are also complimentary!

Arts on the Green: 5:30 to 8:00 pm at Elm Bank Horticulture Center (900 Washington Street). Spend a beautiful evening in the gardens while enjoying live music and admiring the work of local artists. This great family event will also feature hands-on activities. Bring your own picnic dinner with beverages available for purchase. Admission is $8. Children 12 and under, as well as Massachusetts Horticultural Society members, are FREE. 

July 29^th & 30^th

Annie Jr.: Performances at 7:00 pm (Friday) and 2:00 pm or 5:00 pm (Saturday) at Wellesley High School (50 Rice Street). See the beloved musical presented by the Wellesley Theatre Project, a local nonprofit organization that grants our community’s youth access to acting and theatrical productions. Tickets can be purchased in advance HERE or at the door prior to the performances.  

Looking for something fun to do in Wellesley and Metrowest Boston? There are several family fun events coming up through the next week. Whether it’s a movie, concert or outdoor activity, these summertime events offer something for everyone!

Wellesley

Saturday, July 16th

July Jubilation Sidewalk Sale: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm at Wellesley Square. Come for amazing deals from over 60 merchants located throughout Wellesley Square but stay all day for the family fun! Enjoy music, performers, food, kids activities, and so much more!

Thursday, July 21st

Pumpernickel Puppets: 2:30 to 3:30 pm at the Wellesley Free Library (530 Washington Street). Bring the family down to the library to see performances of  “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” and “The Lion and the Mouse”. This entertaining show will include colorful puppets, sound effects, and audience participation.

Friday, July 22nd

Summer Family Flix: 1:30 to 5:00 pm at the Wellesley Free Library (530 Washington Street). Watch the hilarious family animated films Ice Age and Ice Age 4: Continental Drift. Popcorn will be provided! First screening is at 1:30 pm and the second movie will start at 3:15 pm.

Natick

Saturday, July 16th

Natick Farmer's Market: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Natick Common (Intersection of Routes 27 and 135). Stock up on some delicious food and beverages from local vendors and farmers.

Fun with Butterflies and Dragonflies: 1:00 to 2:15 pm at the Mass Audubon’s Broodmoor Wildlife Sanctuary (280 Eliot Street). Learn more about the magnificent butterflies and dragonflies that call the Broodmoor Wildlife Sanctuary home.

Summer Morning Canoe on the Charles: 6:00 to 9:00 am at the Mass Audubon’s Broodmoor Wildlife Sanctuary (280 Eliot Street). Enjoy the great outdoors on the beautiful Charles river. Admire at the local wildlife as you canoe.

Needham

Friday, July 15th

On Your Mark, Get Set - Read! Summer Film Festival: 3:00 pm at the Needham Free Public Library (1139 Highland Avenue). Bring the kids to the library for a screening of the Disney film Cloud 9.

Weston

Friday, July 15th

Olympics Celebration:  9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Spellman Museum (241 Wellesley Street). Celebrate the upcoming Olympic Games by viewing an exhibit of stamps that feature past Olympians, participate in many hands on activities, and potentially meet some past Olympians! Make your own Olympic stamps that you can bring home with you. Admission is FREE!

Friday Night Flicks: 8:00 to 11:00 pm at Town Green. This week’s Friday Night Flicks is the beloved 1980’s classic John Hughes film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off! Bring a blanket and watch the film on the big screen outside. Free popcorn will be available for the first 100 people!  

Sunday, July 17th

Caribbean Cruise Day: 1:00 to 3:30 pm at Memorial Pool (Alphabet Lane). Head down to the pool for a fun Caribbean themed day. Enjoy a sundae buffet, games led by cruise directors, and listen to some great music. Event is free with regular pool admission.

Tuesday, July 20th

Concert on the Green: 7:00 pm at Town Green. Swing the night away with the Tom Nutile Big Band! This great regional band features 15 musicians. Enjoy past swing classics as well as contemporary favorites.

Spruce up the landscaping of your WELLESLEY & METROWEST BOSTON home with a garden! After those cold winter months, gardens are a great way to add a bit of color and cheer to your yard. You can ensure gardening success during the warmer seasons by turning to plant varieties that naturally grow throughout the northeast. As an added bonus, native plants require less maintenance. Here are the 15 top native plants for northeast gardens!

CULVER’S ROOT (Veronicastrum virginicum) – Place this plant towards the back of your garden as they can grow up to 5 feet tall. This perennial can flourish in part shade or full sun. In the summer months, petals in varieties of white, pink, and blue will appear.

MAIDENHAIR FERN (Adiantum pedatum) – Perfect for shady areas with moist soil, this fern adds texture to the landscaping. This plant takes a while to establish itself so allow it plenty of time to grow.

CAROLINA LUPINE (Thermopsis villosa) – The Carolina Lupine is a standard along the East coast. It provides fuzzy foliage throughout the year and blossoms with pea-like flowers in the spring.

WILD GINGER (Asarum canadense) – Another great plant for shady areas, this groundcover produces heart-shaped leaves. As an added surprise, burgundy flowers appear under the leaves in late May.

VIRGIN’S BOWER (Clematis virginiana) – This awesome plant will add interest to your garden throughout the summer and fall months. In summer, the vine is covered in white star-shaped flowers that produce a beautiful aroma. In the fall, the fuzzy heads add texture.

WILD ANEMONE (Anemone canadensis) – Fill up large spaces in your garden with this groundcover. It grows easily in organically-rich soil. Make sure to keep this plant well watered.

EASTERN BLUESTAR (Amsonia tabernaemontana) – Attract butterflies to your yard every spring with the blue flowers of this plant. The flowers turn a beautiful yellow to add autumnal color to your garden in the fall.

MERRYBELLS (Uvularia grandiflora) – Enjoy delicate yellow flowers in the spring with Merrybells. Plant several together to reap the most benefit from this easy to grow plant.

TRILLIUM (Trillium grandiflorum) – In shady areas, add this woodland wildflower. In the early spring, the lower part of your garden will sprot beautiful white petals.

SWAMP MILKWEED (Asclepias incarnata) – Monarch butterflies will flit amongst the pink flowers in mid-summer. This plant is perfect for average soil conditions.

JACOB’S LADDER (Polemonium reptans) – In partly sunny areas, rely on Jacob’s Ladder to add great groundcover. There are many different varieties that provide shades of blue, pink, and white to your garden.

FOAMFLOWER (Tiarella cordifolia) – This plant can be placed throughout your garden, whether in the sun or shade. It will produce white flowers in the spring and summer months.

WOODLAND IRIS (Iris setosa) – This iris adds a beautiful blue-violet color to your garden in late spring. It can bloom in partial shade.

YELLOW LADY’S-SLIPPER ORCHID (Cypripedium parviflorum) – Patiently await the blossoming of this stunning flower. In the spring, your garden will be the talk of the neighborhood with this yellow, slipper-shaped flowers. This plant flourishes in moist, acidic soil.

AMERICAN CORAL BELLS (Heuchera americana) – This resilient plant adds great texture to your garden throughout the year. Place in partly sunny areas with well-drained soil.

Adding these gorgeous perennials and other plants, trees, ponds and accents to your yard and landscape can add value to your home and definitely punch up your curb appeal!

For more Home Selling Tips, give our office a call or visit our website at www.teamlynchrealestate.com.

Resource: Better Homes & Gardens June 2016

You've decided to Sell your Metrowest home this summer....BRAVO!  That's a fantastic decision! As you go through the many different tasks to get your home ready to be put on the market, don't forget one of the most important, it's face. Well, not literally, but truly it's first impression it's going to make to your potential home buyers when they drive-by your home, come to a showing or open house, or even the first photo they usually see as a 'Listing Photo'...the front of your home.  We call it 'CURB APPEAL'!

In the summer we have so many fantastic choices to create award winning curb appeal, but the basics are always the same...so we'll start there:

1) Pride of Ownership- Nothing puts a potential home buyer more at ease than driving up to a home that shows an owners 'pride of ownership' from the moment you see the home, and it all starts with the state of the exterior of the home.

2) Homes Exterior- Choose your upgrades carefully. Siding is largest visible surface on your home. Make sure to power wash the entire surface and make any necessary repairs before putting your home on the market. Windows & Screens should also be perfectly cleaned and windows should sparkle (yes I did say sparkle!). If your siding is a hideous color, painting then becomes a serious consideration! 

3) Front Door & Porch- This is an area where you can introduce some pops of color and have a little bit of fun! First make sure you have thoroughly cleaned all surface areas. Once you've accomplished this, then evaluate your front door. A New Front Door has one of the greatest ROI's. If your's is looking a little rough, then this is a great area to invest....and you may want to look for a fantastic complementary color. Again, don't get wild and crazy, we're talking complimentary, not outrageous. Once that's chosen take a look at the porch and decide if you need to repaint any railings or decking. Then you can choose whether a chair, table, rug or other fun, small, uncluttered choices would be a nice touch for your "Welcome" area.

4) Lighting- Do you have adequate lighting on your front porch? How about Landscape Lighting? Have you enhanced any area of the yard that you'd like to highlight? Get rid of dated fixtures and take advantage of outdoor living! Home Buyers rate the yard as 25% of their decision in the summer months! If your yard is a big selling point, don't let it go to waste! Illuminate your walkways as well.

5) Landscaping- Todays homeowners and home buyers love outdoor living and take pride in having their yards landscaped. Take time to give your yard extra attention. If you don't have a lot of extra money to spend, concentrate on the front yard first. Consult a landscaper or even a local garden center and ask for lower cost alternatives that can be implemented for a great look and flow. Add a few solar lights for a walk-way and you'll have a beautiful front yard before you know it....without having to spend a fortune.

For more Home Selling Tips give Team Lynch a call or visit our website at www.teamlynchrealestate.com.