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.

Soak up the sunshine and enjoy the weather before it’s too late! Soon you'll be packing lunches and getting the kids ready for school so get out and enjoy some of the great adventures right in our own backyard.  The Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary has an event planned for everyone. From yoga and kayaking to bird watching and butterflies, there is something that is sure to fit your interests. Register the kids for a class about turtles and reptiles or take a moonlight hike with your special someone. After all, the summer days are coming to an end. Explore your outdoor adventures below and visit the Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary. 

If you'd like to do something with a little more action, Morses Pond Beach has Beach Volleyball, Boot Camp Fitness, Yoga, Kayaking and more! The weather is great and we have so many great activities right here in the Metrowest area to keep us busy in the great outdoors before the cooler weather starts moving in...and the kids are back in class, Have fun with what's left of summer in the the great Metrowest!