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

CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that 92% of all mortgaged properties are now in a positive equity situation, while 74% now actually have significant equity (defined as more than 20%)! The report also revealed that 268,000 households regained equity in the first quarter of 2016 and are no longer under water.

Price Appreciation = Good News for Homeowners

Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic’s Chief Economist, explains:

Continue reading at this link: EQUITY REPORT

Buying a new house is an exciting and important time! There is no better place to call home than METROWEST! House hunting in a seller's market, though, adds more factors for you to consider during the process. Although the market might not be favoring buyers at the moment, there are many things that you can use to your advantage to help you buy your dream home! Look through the current HOME LISTINGS so we can help you begin this exciting journey, and follow these 6 useful tips for buyers in a seller's market.

WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED AGENT. Eliminate some of the time and stress that comes with house hunting by working with an experienced real estate agent. Team Lynch Real Estate is here to help you find your dream home! Let us know exactly what you are looking for. We understand the Metrowest housing market, now what is available, and can negotiate the best deal for your new home! Read TESTIMONIALS from our past clients.

BE PREAPPROVED BY A LENDER. Get preapproval for a loan from a reputable lender that you can present to the seller. This shows that you are serious about buying the home and makes the seller feel more comfortable knowing that your finances are in order. If you already know that you can afford the home and have a high credit score, get this part of the process out of the way when you initially start your house hunting process. It can help you stand apart from the other buyers. For help with the kinds of loans that are available for you, check out our FINANCE INFORMATION.

BE DECISIVE IN MAKING AN OFFER. Buying a home is a major decision so being thoughtful about the home you make an offer on is imperative. But don’t get bogged down in over analyzing. Before you begin the house hunting process, be sure to know exactly what you are looking for in your dream home…price, location, and type. When you find a home that checks all of the factors you have previously determined, make an offer! You don’t want to miss out on your dream home due to over thinking.

MAKE YOUR BEST OFFER. Start with a strong opening offer. You should know the maximum that you are willing to pay. Although we all want to get the best deal possible, in a seller’s market competition is high. If you come in with too low of an opening offer, you could miss out on your dream home. Be aware of what other houses are on the market and the pricing of the homes in the area. This will help you determine what is an appropriate amount to negotiate for the house you want. Have a strong opening offer that you are comfortable with AND that will be acceptable to the seller. To strengthen your offer, consider including an OFFER LETTER . An offer letter can help you stand out from other potential bidders and help to personalize why you are interested in the seller’s home.

PREPARE FOR A BIDDING WAR. Bidding wars inevitably cause stress for buyers. The fear of missing out on your dream home is understandable. However, competition in a seller’s market is high. Know what you are willing to pay and search for houses below your max budget. This will help you avoid spending more than you are comfortable with should you end up in a bidding war.

LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES. You might not get the first home that you make an offer on. In a seller’s market, it is likely that you will have to make several offers on homes before finding the perfect one for you. Recognize what happened with the transactions that don’t work out and learn from them. Stay true to what you want and realize that there are other options in Metrowest that our team will be happy to help you find!

Source: Trulia

On Friday, June 3^rd, the 2016 graduating class of Wellesley High School celebrated their extraordinary academic achievements at the commencement ceremony held outside at Hunnewell Field. This graduating class carried on the proud tradition of excellence at Wellesley High School, representing its 147^th graduation ceremony.

The 2016 class was the first class to spend all four years in the newly built, $115 million dollar, Wellesley High School. This beautiful facility features the latest educational technology and green design elements. Wellesley High School is recognized for its dedication to academic excellence and innovative programming. The school was ranked as the 21^st best high school in Massachusetts by U.S. News and World Report in 2016 based on college readiness and state test scores. The city of Wellesley is proud of its public school system and the incredible achievements of its students.

We wish much success to the 2016 Wellesley High School graduates in all their future endeavors!! Go Raiders!

If you're interested in Buying, Selling or Investing in Wellesley, Natick, or any other Metrowest Community, give Team Lynch a call or visit our website at: www.teamlynchrealestate.com/.