The latest report from Freddie Mac shows that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.61% last week, slightly down from the week before (3.66%), and nearly 20 points lower than a year ago (3.80%).

Get the new rates and learn more by clicking here: Historic Low Mortgage Rates

Are you getting ready to move, or maybe just spring cleaning your home and trying to get rid of unused or unwanted things? DONATE THEM instead of just throwing them into the trash!  Gently used items are needed by so many people, and Big Hearted Books and Clothing, Inc will even come to your home and pick them up for you!  Just make sure to check out the lists above to know what "is and is not" an acceptable donation.

Spring Cleaning or De-Cluttering your home doesn't get easier than that!  So start your project today...then give Big Hearted Books and Clothing a call!  HAPPY SPRING CLEANING!

For more Home Maintenance, Spring Cleaning, Home Staging & Selling Tips visit our Blog and Facebook Page often.

A survey by Ipsos found that the American public is still somewhat confused about what is actually necessary to qualify for a home mortgage loan in today’s housing market. The study pointed out two major misconceptions that we want to address today. 

1. Down Payment

The survey revealed that consumers overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan. According to the report, 36% think a 20% down payment is always required. In actuality, there are many loans written with a down payment of 3% or less.

Continue reading this blog at: 20% is No Longer Needed!

It’s everyone’s favorite day of the year...TAX DAY!!!

Ehh, not so much….

For all of you stressing over this  day, Marketwatch has some great advice. File an extension!! In an article posted by the news source, there are 7 excellent reasons why many people should consider an extension. And contrary to popular belief, filling an extension doesn't automatically raise red flags at the IRS. So if you need the time, or have any one of the following situations present, do yourself a favor and file an extension and give yourself until October 15, 2016 to file.

7 Excellent Reasons to File a Tax Extension:

1.)   You have a balance due and need more time to save up money to cover it. Give yourself that extra 6 months.

2.)   Made charitable donations over $250 to one or more charities and don’t have the proper receipts (which must include the name of the charity, address, taxpayer ID number, and a statement that you did not receive any benefits or items of value for your donation) to submit with your taxes? The IRS is very strict on submitting the required documentation so an extension would give you an extra 6 months to get everything in order.

3.)   Have you recently moved homes? Or are you planning to move within the next few months? If yes, it benefits you to submit an extension because the IRS may need to follow up with you on your taxes and they send all correspondence to the address you have on file.

4.)   If you are waiting for K-1 forms from partnership entities, S-Corps, estates, or trusts you should file an extension.

5.)   Sometimes rushing through your personal or business bookkeeping can cause sloppy or incorrect taxes. Don’t rush and do it right. File an extension to give you that extra time.

6.)   Have a large balance this year? Making contributions to your 2015 retirement plan can help reduce that balance. File an extension if you would like to benefit from this. You have until October 15th to open or add to your retirement fund.

7.)   And finally…. You still have questions regarding your taxes that you have not had answered. Give yourself some time to get everything settled.

Best of luck this tax season!

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According to the BMO Harris Bank Home Buying Report, 52% of Americans say they are likely to buy a home in the next five years. Americans surveyed for the report said that they would be willing to pay an average of $296,000 for a home and would average a 21% down payment. The report also included these revelations:

follow this link for the rest of the BLOG: Home Buying Next 5 Years

Restoration of the “American Legion Building” in Natick’s Historic District

Natick, a historic community just outside of Boston, is a popular place to call home for many reasons-- excellent schools, great shopping, a community organic farm, rich culture, and a prime location that is only a half hour from Boston. Downtown you will find an abundance of impressive red brick buildings, retail stores, restaurants, and beautiful broad streets. This is Natick’s burgeoning Historic District, another one of the many reasons why Natick consistently remains on the list of one of the best places to live!

Last month Stonegate Group- a real estate development company, announced plans to revitalize the former American Legion Building at 13 West Central Street, a landmark in the Historic District. This is exciting news for the community of Natick, as this once beautiful building has been vacant for the last several years. Stonegate Group’s restoration will involve maintaining the character & architecture of the building, including keeping and/or restoring the original facade and reconditioning the original brickwork. Within this development, Natick’s residents and visitors will enjoy restaurants, four retails spaces, underground parking, and eleven housing units. All of these additions will continue to add to the dynamic downtown area.

This project will not mark the end of the growth downtown Natick is experiencing by any means. The Natick Center Cultural District has been awarded a series of grants for 2016 and 2017 that aim to attract new artists and cultural ventures, and to continue to encourage new business developments. In a sense, this is a only the beginning of a growth expansion for our wonderful downtown of Natick, MA.

We will continue to keep you updated on the happenings in Natick! Visit our Blog and Facebook page for updates.

If you'd like information about Buying, Selling or Investing in Real Estate in the Natick, MA community, please give Team Lynch a call at 617-894-5278. You can also visit our website at www.teamlynchrealestate.com

Please join us in CONGRATULATING JON LYNCH on his newest achievement....the Coldwell Banker PRESIDENTIAL ELITE AWARD. On Saturday, March 26, 2016, Jon was presented with this  award, given only to the Top 1% of all Coldwell Banker Sales Associates based on sales production. Presidents Elite winners are the "Best of the Best" real estate professionals out of 3400 Coldwell Banker offices; both nationally and internationally, and over 85,000 sales associates!

Jon joins his mother Dyanne in this distinctive class of top ranked sales associates who have reached President's Elite status.  If you deserve the best and are looking to Buy, Sell or Invest in Real Estate in Wellesley or the Metrowest suburbs of Boston, MA; then, you need to partner with the proven, successful Real Estate Team of Team Lynch Real Estate. Recognized in the top 1% of all Coldwell Banker Professionals.