Have you been wishing for sightings of spring? I know we have....and we may be getting that wish this week with temperatures predicted to reach the 50's.  One problem, with so much snow on the ground, and the ground itself frozen up to 20 inches, where is all the melting snow going to go?

That answer is not one we're going to like...... Flooding!  Because of this, It is extremely important to pay attention to the weather reports and take any precautions necessary to safeguard your home and it's belongings.

1- Make sure your sump pump is working properly.

2- Invest in back-up generators in the event that you lose power and your sump pump would not work.

3- Check the sump pump discharge pipe outside of your home to ensure it is not frozen, clogged or blocked by mounds of snow.

4- Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and are moving water away from the base of your home.

5- Check your street drains to make sure they are clear of debris and can handle the melting snow.

6- Repair leaking or cracked basement walls and cracks in basement floors. Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

7- Move snow on the ground away from your house, create a clear drainage path.

8- Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel in your basement if you are susceptible to flooding.

Check out your local hardware store for sump pumps and other supplies that may be necessary to safeguard your largest investment...your home.

It's pretty amazing looking at all the snow Wellesley & the Metrowest Boston area has gotten this year. Even though we are not at record totals for year to date, the combination of snow accumulation mixed with the extensive number of days with frigid wind chills makes this a record year already.

All we can do is get out and enjoy what mother nature has blessed us with and hope that the chirping sounds of spring will be here soon.  In the meantime, The Elm Bank Reservation is calling our names and the snow is perfect for making snowmen and snow forts.  Our parks are ready and willing to be your cross-country ski paths...and our local ski venues are rocking!  The Weston Ski Track is in great condition and The Ski Ward ski area & Boston Ski & Sports Club are awaiting your arrival.

I'm personally yearning for the golf season to begin.....but in the meantime......I'll be heading for the hills and outdoor fun with my family!

Boston Ski & Sports Club          Ski Ward ski Area         Weston Ski Track

Although the Super Bowl is not going to be as much fun this year, with our beloved New England Patriots out of contention, we are still going to "whoop it up" and have a great time.  Like always, we are going to decorate, and make lots of great food....but we are also adding a great dimension by having our own TEAM LYNCH SUPER BOWL PARTY CONTEST!  What does that entail, you ask?  Not a whole lot, we came up with the set of questions below to have all our family, friends and acquaintances answer and post their answers to our Facebook Page by Saturday, February 1 at 5:00 pm. Make sure to LIKE US ON FACEBOOK when you're there!

                                     We challenge all of you to have the most correct answers!

THE QUESTIONS:

1.Which team will win, and what will be the final score of game?

2. Who will be the Super Bowl MVP?

3. Who will be ahead at half time, and what will the score be?

4. Which Team will have the most rushing yards? How many?

5. Which QB will throw the most touchdown passes, and how many will he throw?

THE FOOD:

We all have our favorite party foods, but let's face it....if you serve this....you'll go down in Super Bowl Food history!!  Add in a few other appetizers, sweets and a fabulous, signature Super Bowl cocktail, and you'll be on your way to having the Best Super Bowl party ever!!

THE DECORATIONS:

Let's face it...you've got a ton of choices here, so we went with some of the basics.  But get creative, and have some fun!

What are your predictions for the game???

If you are thinking of buying or selling  a home in Wellesley & Metrowest Boston CT,  your best opportunity could be right now... in January!  Yes, it is cold outside, and rainy, but mortgage interest rates are most likely at their lowest levels for 2014.

The interest rate on a 30 year mortgage, if you were to obtain your loan today, is 4.51%...but predictions show the rates rising by year-end to the 5.75% level.  It is even better for the 15-year mortgage as it is at 3.56% today.  Getting into the housing market early this year is going to make all the difference in the world when it comes to costs. Rates like this make it feasible for Wellesley & Metrowest home buyers and refinancing homeowners, to eventually live mortgage free!

However, with the Fed announcing the pull back of the stimulus packages of the past year, the rates will start climbing soon.  In addition to mortgages and rates, inventory of homes will be a key component in buyers being able to obtain their desired residence.  At present, the Wellesley & Metrowest housing inventory is somewhat low...So homeowners thinking of putting their home on the market, will want to do so now.  This way they are guaranteed more of a "sellers market" and a better chance at getting the asking price of their home. Buyer demand and limited inventory does drive up prices...and the peak selling season is NOW!

Take a look at the most recent Wellesley MA Market Update below:

For more information about the wonderful Wellesley & Metrowest homes for sale, or to learn about our unique Team Marketing & Selling plans, give us a call!  Our knowledge and experience in the Wellesley area marketplace combined with our client satisfaction program will give you the confidence that Team Lynch Real Estate is the only place to call  for all your real estate needs.  Let Team Lynch be your guide to all Wellelsey & Metrowest Real Estate.

In Massachusetts, and our Wellesley & Metrowest Boston area, the housing market had a banner year in 2013.  Home sales and prices hit numbers that haven't been seen in a while...But what does that mean for 2014?   Experts agree that 2014 will be a year that sees continued growth and stabilization in the housing market, with home prices rising, greater activity among underwater homeowners, and fewer foreclosures.

What is important to note is that to buy a home in the 2014 marketplace, you will need incredible credit or have the ability to put together a cash offer.  In November of 2013, the average FICO score for conventional home loans was 756, while the average score for denied applications was 729.  Don't expect the credit standards to loosen up anytime soon, with the new regulations from Dodd-Frank, lenders will be closely monitored to prevent risky products from entering the marketplace.

Still, even Warren Buffett is smiling about the state of the housing market, and knows the numbers will continue to climb- offering many individuals the opportunity to own a home.  What does that mean for the Wellesley & Metrowest area?  Sticking with the 3 elements to home ownership;

1- Fixed Mortgage

2- Affordable Payments

3- Long-term Hold

​If you are looking to buy or sell in the Wellesley MA & Metrowest Boston area....NOW IS THE TIME TO ENTER THE MARKET!  Know what you want, do the research on the home and area you desire, and put together a plan and budget of how you will achieve your goal.

Team Lynch has the knowledge, technology and Real Estate Experience to bring together your dream home...and YOU.  Give us a call today to develop your personal marketing or sales plan.

No doubt about it.....we're having a white Christmas!! It is so beautiful to look outside and see all the sparkling snow tipped trees and children playing outside.  Christmas is such a magical, joyous and blessed time, and we cherish the moments we can spend with all our family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.  After all, that's what Christmas is about....it's the people, not the presents, that make life worth living.

As 2014 comes to an end, We want to thank all of you for your faith and trust in Team Lynch Real Estate to handle all your Wellesley & Metrowest Real Estate Needs!

We've lived here all our lives and cherish the lives we lead in Wellesley and the local area.  We are blessed to have an incredible town to call home;  the natural beauty and all the wonderful people we live and work with everyday.  Building our families and businesses in Wellesley and the Metrowest area  strengthens our town, and local economy....and continues to bring new families to join our fantastic area.

We are  looking forward to 2014 and all the possibilities it will bring for everyone, and wish you and your families an abundance of Christmas Blessings and a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!

Team Lynch

"Your 200% Solution for Wellesley & Metrowest Real Estate"

Are you debating  whether or not to make an offer on a home before the New Year begins? Well....STOP deliberating and get out there and submit the offer!  Between changing lender rules, mortgage rate hikes and the 2013 tax benefits;   closing before the end of the year can mean significant financial benefits.  

Here are five ways you WILL benefit by closing on a home before the end of the year.

1)  New Year means new lending rules.  Lending rules are changing on Jan 1st, and that means it could become more difficult to get a loan. The new rules will allow you to borrow less, at your same income level! The current 2013 mortgage borrowing rules allow for a 45% total debt-to-income ratio.  This ratio does go down to 43% in 2014,  meaning you will have to make or reduce your debt in order to buy the same house you are currently living in.

2) Avoid rising interest rates. Although mortgage interest rates are still pretty attractive, they are up 1-2% over last year during the same time period.  The Mortgage Banker's Association is predicting that mortgage rates will rise to around 5% in 2014.  If you decide to buy now and the rates drop...you can always refinance, but if you wait...you are stuck.

3) Maximize tax deductions.  Although this is the most commonly thought reason for closing on a home before years end, it is an important one.  You can start deducting mortgage interest and building equity immediately.  Also, because some closing costs and points are deductible, you can start deducting them the year you purchase the home,....and that means they are included in your 2013 tax return!  If you wait even 3 days into the new year,  you will not be able to take any deductions until years end of 2014.

4)  Easier financing.  Are you waiting for home prices to decrease?  Don't!  It is quite possible that the mortgage rule changes for 2014 will make it more difficult to get financing.  So if you are waiting to "save" a few bucks hoping for home prices to drop, you may put your ability to purchase a home in jeopardy,  if you cannot secure a mortgage at all!

5) Lower Sales could mean higher inventory.  Look at it this way...it's the "After Christmas" sale...before Christmas!  Even though 2013's theme was low inventory and higher home prices, the fourth quarter has always seen a slowing down of the housing market, and 2013 is no exception.  Housing sales have declined since September, so the inventory has increased, but the constrained inventory still means double digit year-over-year gains.  What does that mean to you...you may secure a GREAT DEAL IN DECEMBER!

At Team Lynch Real Estate Consultants, we are here to answer any and all of your real estate questions, provide you with a unique, successful, personalized marketing plan to help sell your home or utilize our expertise to help you find the home of your dreams.

Source:  RISMedia

Pretty winter snowfalls and glistening trees are a beautiful sight here in Wellesley & the Metrowest area, but the bitter temperatures, howling winds and icy precipitation can turn into a dangerous winter storm very quickly.  Are you ready?

First, you need to make sure you are in a safe and warm place.  If you are using your fireplace for warmth, make sure you follow all  fireplace safety precautions.  Using candles almost always come to mind first, but make sure you never leave them unattended or close to combustibles.  If you are using a generator, make sure it is outside of the home only, in order to provide the proper ventilation.

Anticipate a power outage. Close off any unused rooms and turn your heat up...this allows the home to warm to a much a higher level, allowing it to retain the heat longer during an outage.  Allow water to trickle from your faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.  Make sure your battery powered flashlight, radios and other electronic devices are fully charged and ready to go.  You should also have a first aid kit readily available, should the need arise.

Check your supplies.  You will need to check your supply of  heating fuel so that you have enough for your home and generator,  or a stock pile of dry wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.  Snow-blowers, shovels and melting salt should be on hand to keep all walkways clear.  Also, make sure you have plenty of non-perishable food, water, medications, warm clothing and blankets for you and your family to cover several days of need.

Stay inside your home.  If at all possible, you need to stay at home and off of the roads.  If you go outside to clear snow, make sure you are dressed in loose layers of clothing to prevent any frostbite or hypothermia;  this will also keep you the warmest when you have to be outside in the elements.  If you absolutely MUST use your vehicle, make sure you have sufficient gas and an emergency roadside kit, should you need to pull off the road.  Always stay clear of downed power-lines!  Additionally, it is important to have your gas tank at least half full at all times, to prevent gas-line freeze.

Take care of your pets.  It is important that you treat your pets to the same precautions that you yourself would use.  Make sure they have plenty of food and water and when they need to go outside, that they are only out for a few minutes at a time.

Winter in the Wellesley & Metrowest area is a wonderful and beautiful season, filled with skiing, snowboarding, sledding and other enjoyable events....but you need to be prepared at all times for the weather to turn dangerous.

If you need any other valuable information about the Wellesley or Metrowest area, please feel free to contact our offices at Team Lynch Real Estate, and we'll be glad to help in any way we can.