Halloween is just around the corner! Get ready for a weekend full of ghouls, ghosts, and goblins. If you want a good scare, walk through the halls of “The Sanatorium of Horror” at 67 Whittier Road in Wellesley. This haunted attraction is sure to make you go crazy! 

If your little monsters aren’t quite ready for a haunted house, there are plenty of events around town to keep them smiling this Halloween. Dress up in your favorite costume and march down Washington Street for the annual Halloween Trick or Treat Parade on October 25^th. The parade will be followed with kid-friendly activities in Clock Tower Park.

Wellesley Middle School will be the site for the highly anticipated Kiwanis Pumpkin Race!  Oct. 26, from 10am-noon, build, decorate and race the fastest pumpkin on wheels! This is always such a fantastic, fun event for everyone! Award Categories are: Most Creative Pumpkin, Best Pumpkin Crash, and Race Winners (Champion, second, and third place).

Enjoy a free Halloween party at the Wellesley Library main branch on October 28^th at 3:00pm. There will be stories, crafts, treats, and much more!

It's going to be a howlin' good time....just remember to be safe and and have fun! 

LET THE HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES BEGIN......

If you're like most of us Yankee's, you love getting out and enjoying the Fall weather in our magnificent part of the U.S. It really doesn't get much better than New England, we've been blessed with some of the best scenery and it behooves us to get out of our city cubby holes and explore and enjoy the magnificent Fall foliage.

Since we do this every year we rack up some serious miles in the car and when the grandkids are along I like to find new iphone apps and movies for them to watch so they aren't getting too bored with all our "ooh's and ahh's" at the fantastic colors we pass along the way. While checking some new apps out this year I came across some fantastic ones for us!  And you guessed it....they are for checking out Fall Foliage in New England (well some help you with general directions...but who cares...they're still helpful in our quest)!  So of course we have to share them with you and I know you're going to get a kick out of using them and find them helpful in general too.   Enjoy!

If you have any apps you'd like to review or share with us, post them to our Facebook page.  We'd love to hear about them!  As always.....if you're looking to buy or sell a home in the Metrowest area we are always here to help in any way we can. 

#WellesleyMA, #NatickMA, #NeedhamMA, #WestonMA, #RealEstate  #LuxuryHomes  #HomesforSale #TeamLynchRealEstate  

The leaves are changing to their beautiful shades of red, orange and gold and the days are getting cooler....it's Fall in the Metrowest Boston 'burbs!  Well it may not be the most popular season to put your home on the market, there's no reason to wait for spring when the autumn season starts.  People are ready to buy homes year round....you just need to be prepared.

There will most likely be less homes on the market this time of year, so preparing your home ahead of time will allow a fast sale to the right buyer. Most buyers don't want to move when the weather is cold and blustery, if they don't have to, so the fall is your last chance to position your home with those buyers before the winter season moves in.

The Fall season is beautiful in New England and allows for some amazing decorating both inside and out, but it also means that you need to maintain the exterior of your home so that it shows well to each and every potential buyer.  

1. Clean up the Yard. Make sure that the leaves are cleared from the yard regularly and that dead plants and blooms have been cleared.  Shrubs should be cut back as well to give your yard a nice manicured look. This will enhance the overall look of your home from the curb when a prospective buyer pulls up to the curb.

2. Clear deck furniture off for the season and store accordingly and wash deck,& siding of any mildew, mold that has accumulated with the change of season. This is also the time to put on the storm doors and windows and make sure all windows and sparkling clean for your potential buyers.

3. Embrace the Fall season! Most people love the fall color and the anticipation of the coming holidays. Decorating your home with seasonal arrangements of flowers, scented candles, or pumpkin & spice potpourri can really add warmth inside. Adding  lovely Mums to the front porch gives a splash of color that helps create great curb appeal. But DON'T over do it!  A little goes a long way.

4. You NEED the right Real Estate Agent! There's a reason you're selling in the Fall, and you need the agent who is experienced, and knows your area well, knows how to price your home and what it takes to sell your home now. Be serious about asking the right questions so you find the right agent for your needs.  Ask around and get referrals.

5. Keep it Light & Bright. The seasons are changing and that means that the sun is setting much sooner in the day.  It is critical to make sure that you have adequate lighting in place in all rooms. Your potential buyers need to be able to see each room clearly, every area, at all times of the day. Ask your real estate agent for tips on showcasing your rooms best asset's and how to do that at the different times of day.

6. Make sure your House is Priced Right. Fall is the time of year when your home needs to be priced right from the start. Some people think it needs to be priced lower to sell in the fall and winter seasons, but that is simply not true!  It needs to be priced competitively with the market. This is why you need to rely on your real estate agent to know the market and to price your home accordingly. 

Lastly, be prepared to move!  Once your home sells you need to be ready to move. When people buy in the Fall they want to be able to get into their new home quickly before the weather turns bad. So make sure that you have your plan in place and that once you have the offer on your home, you have set the wheels in motion and will be ready to move when your buyers are ready to get into your home.

HAPPY FALL SELLING!  IT'S A GREAT TIME OF YEAR TO SELL YOUR METROWEST HOME!

It’s hard to believe 13 years have past since that tragic day. Once again, our thoughts and prayers turn to all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 13 years ago. But how can we participate to commemorate this anniversary and why is it so important 13 years later? When we choose to commemorate this anniversary, we’re playing an important role in memorializing those who lost their lives, honoring the first responders and remembering the unifying spirit that emerged afterward. Performing acts of kindness and service in our community, in memory of the victims, is one way we can participate on this day, so that the events, sacrifices and people are never forgotten. Things have never been quite the same in the United States of America, since that tragic day. So as you go through your day, remember the victims you know, those you don’t and that we still live in the land of the free and home of brave. So today, cherish your freedom, family and friends as you remember.

FINALLY...IT BEGINS!

Finally, NFL preseason football is over. Bad, generic football with too many whistles is a poor substitute while we wait for the real season to start. The regular season started Thursday for Seattle and Green Bay fans, and now the regular season is here for us.  Almost.

Our Patriots to open tomorrow against the Dolphins. But if you just can’t stand the wait, here’s my top 10 list of things you can do to pass time until kick off.

1. Watch college football, today. Some of these kids will be on our team soon enough.
2. Watch the last preseason game again. (I know you recorded it.) WATCH the game this time. Cheer when we score. Throw stuff at the TV on bad plays and bad calls. Pretend it’s a real game.
3. Imagine what it would be like to watch a real football game, with game plans, and players who can actually make a difference tomorrow.
4. Laundry. According to mom, you can never have too much clean underwear.
5. Decorate the house for tomorrow’s game. Get out the colored lights, decorations and jerseys.
6. Pray that key players, critical to our playoff run, don’t decide to play a little pickup basketball this weekend and blow a knee or ankle.
7. Celebrate that we live here and aren’t Texan or Viking fans.
8. Bet friends on which second-stringers will become the next WWE Heavyweight Champion, after football.
9. Tailgate. Tailgating isn’t just for game day anymore! Fire up a new grill & try a new drink recipe. Opening day starts tomorrow and gives you a license to have an epic party.
10. Thank the heavens above that the regular season is only a day away.

It's hard to believe that summer is really behind us now, but it's time to move on into fall.  With the crazy schedules of the kids back to school, and all the other activities in our lives....we  forget to have a little fun. Here are some upcoming events in the Metrowest area  that you may want to add to your calendar to "spice up" your week:

Design & Drinks 

Learn the art of flower arrangement while sipping some wine and having great conversation. Volante Farms in Needham will offer their expertise while you get to have a night away from the family and learn to work with these beautiful flowers for a nominal fee.

Wellesley's 6^th Annual Mom’s Day Out

This time of year is always a little bittersweet for the mothers out there. As you send your kids on their way to school,  you may feel a little lost with all of the free time on your hands. Come be a part of Mom’s Day Out on September 18^th. This event gives moms the opportunity to enjoy a day full of new trends, shopping and friends while the kids are at school.

Wellesley's Town Wide Yard Sale

It’s time to clear out that clutter!! Come be a part of the biggest yard sale in town on September 20^th. The event will be held at Morses Pond Beach from 10am-2pm. Whether you are looking to make some extra cash or looking to shop for some new goodies, this Yard Sale is sure to be a great time. After all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Natick Days

Natick Days is a festival of entertainment that celebrates our community by providing fundraising opportunities for Natick youth groups and non-profits.  Come on out for good food, games and fun! Sept 13th is right around the corner...so if you'd still like to volunteer..get signed up NOW!

It takes work to prepare your home for success on the market......but putting in that work will yield greater rewards in the end!  These tips will be your guide to help you get the best return on your investment, your home.

 Get an Inspection

Although your property may look up to par, it is beneficial to be aware of any potential problem that could come up later in the process. Every time a buyer walks through the door, they will be looking for the slightest reason to lower the price. The best way to eliminate this issue is to get an inspection on the front end.  Home inspections usually range from $300 - $700,  but will save you thousands in the end.

Repair What You Can.                                                                                                         

After receiving your home inspection, it is time to tackle each problem one step at a time. Whether you revive your garden, replace an appliance or repair a broken screen... every improvement counts.  A new line of caulk in the shower and a fresh coat of grout on the tiles can make your bathroom look brand new. If you are ready to take on your next project, head over to your local hardware store for a great selection of tools, paint, grout and just about anything else you may need. Just remember, the old 3:1 ratio...you want to make sure that for every dollar you spend, you are getting at least a return of three dollars back in your pocket.

Get Estimates on What You Can’t Fix.

While making repairs to your Natick home, keep in mind that the money spent on small projects will give you a positive return. However, there may be a few issues that stretch outside your budget, or the return on your investment may not be worth the dollars spent. In this case it is better to negotiate with your potential buyer than to lay out the larger sums of money at this time.

Clean......and then clean again!

Imaging getting ready for a first date, trying on different outfits, and spending hours in front of the mirror. This is the same way you need to treat your home. Your potential buyer needs to fall in love at first site. It doesn't cost you any additional money, just your time...and it will pay off big. Your home needs a DEEP clean in every corner, nook and cranny.  Appliances, counters, bathroom sink, tub, toilet, closets...everything!  A home in pristine condition will ALWAYS garner a higher selling price point than one that is not. If you would rather call in a service to help you do a deep, thorough clean, check out the preferred link here.

Get Rid of the Clutter.

It may be hard to clean the house with a pile of boxes, toys, your collections, etc  taking up all the great space. In order to maximize your properties potential, you need to show off the beautiful square footage in every room. It starts with getting rid of the clutter, unused furniture and stacking up your moving boxes in the proper areas;  including the garage, basement or even a storage unit. Check out a list of our Recommended Moving and Storage Companies.

Painting.                                                                                                                                

Give your home a fresh look by changing the color scheme or redesigning altogether.  You won’t believe how far a can of paint can really go until you see it for yourself. Give every room a new facial by tearing down that old school wallpaper and rolling on a shiny new color. When a buyer sees the fresh look and modern colors, it is sure to leave a positive impact, mainly in the form of an offer and in dollars.  If you need some help with an interior design make over, we have some of the best designers at our fingertips!  Click on this link for their contact information.

Landscape.

Aside from checking every nook and cranny inside the home, a smart seller would spend a day working on the outside as well.  When a buyer pulls into the drive, the first thing they notice is the welcoming look of the front of the home.  Taking extra time to mow the lawn, trim the greenery, laying fresh mulch or planting colorful flowers appropriate for the season are cheap and easy ways to make your house stand out and greet your potential buyers with a warm and friendly welcome.  Being from Natick you can head on over to Windy-Lo Nursery and pick up anything you may need!

Bottom line...Don't leave money on the table.  A little preparation goes a long way. Do the little things that will pay back in a big way.....in the form of an offer that you will find most acceptable.

For more Home Selling Tips check out our website or give us a call!  We'll be happy to come to you and go through your home with you to make sure that every room is absolutely "SHOW TIME" ready, to bring you the best offer and timeliest sale available today.

SOURCE- AOL REAL ESTATE SURVEY

It’s that time of year again! Time to check off that school supply list and send the kids on their way. For some families that means a new home, new school and new friends. Moving can be stressful on everyone, but here are some tips that will make the transition a little easier.

1.With a house full of boxes you may not remember where you put that backpack or calculator from last year. If you are starting to pack up the house, be sure to keep all of your school supplies in one or two boxes, and make sure they are clearly marked so they can be easily identified in your new home.

2.The first day of school can be a little scary, especially when you are the new kid in class. Make it a special occasion by going shopping for a great back to school outfit. Head over to Central Street for the latest trends. Central Street has a great strip of locally owned boutiques and delicious restaurants;  find an outfit and get a bite to eat....make a day of it for both of you!

3.Not ready for those early mornings? Don’t worry, after driving the kids to school you can swing by for a cup of joe at one of the local coffee shops. If you are in the Wellesley area check out Peet’s Coffee & Tea on Central. This coffee shop has friendly baristas who know how to make a great latte.

4.Finally, take a moment out of every day to just breath. Between decorating your home and getting ready for back to school, you may forget to have a little YOU time. Take a stroll around town or take in the view from your new front porch.

Whatever you do, just remember to enjoy your new home.