Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer and a last few days of fun before a return to the routine. Living in the Patriot’s Trail area of Boston there are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore, whether you are looking for history, nature, art or outdoor adventures! Our [...]

As summer draws to a close and we head into fall, we anticipate an increase in real estate activity – in fact we are already seeing an uptick in inquiries to our offices and have homes ready to come to market right after Labor Day. If you are contemplating selling your home, it’s easy to feel confused about the state of the market with so many articles giving conflicting opinions. More than ever, you need a partner on your side who can help you wade through the hyperbole and position your home to sell at the best possible price and terms. That’s where Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty agents come in! With knowledge, experience, and the backing of an exceptional brand, they are fully committed to working with you to achieve your home selling goals. Here are some of the tools and skills our realtors bring to the party.

Superior Marketing. Even our competitors will tell you, no listings in our market area get more exposure to buyers. We invest in TV commercials, online advertising, websites, social media, and local press to drive traffic to our website and your listing.

Local Insights. Our agents’ deep knowledge of your community allows them to develop an accurate Opinion of Value based on statistical data. With the combined experience of over 160 agents, you can be confident that your home will have the ideal price for you, and buyers, when your listing hits the market.

Global Connections. Most buyers start their real estate searches online - when you list your property with Barrett Sotheby's International Realty, you are instantly connected with a fast growing network of affiliations and distribution channels targeting online buyers across the US and the globe.

Home Sale Preparation.  Worried your home is not ready for sale? Our agents can advise you on that. From minor repairs to staging, we’ll help you get your home list-ready so you can achieve maximum value for your property. We can even help you purchase a new home before you sell your current one.

Exceptional Service. Our agents pride themselves on giving every client million-dollar service, whatever the price point of your home. Don’t just take our word for it - read our testimonials from happy sellers who worked with Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty and our network of experienced agents.

Don’t get paralyzed by the conflicting news reports – contact us today to find out the true story of what’s happening in your local market and find out what your home is worth.

Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibilities and a prospective new homeowner is wise to plan and prepare accordingly. Along with the financial responsibilities come the physical tasks associated with the upkeep and maintenance of your new place. However these responsibilities come with great rewards, as you enjoy the benefits of [...]

The dog days are over but there are still a few weeks of summer left – make the most of it with our realtors’ pick of 7 fun things to do in our local area.

1.     Get out on the water – rent a kayak or paddle board and chill out on the water at Spot Pond, Stoneham, Horn Pond, Woburn or Sudbury River in Concord.

2.     Keep your cool - indulge in some delicious homemade ice cream! We love [...]

Summer is in full swing and the housing market has slowed a little as we expect at this time of year. Compared to last July, when we were still in the post-Covid boom, the number of listings sold has decreased – by more than half in [...]

The Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR) has published the latest housing market report for the towns and cities in our state. Our summary includes our office towns of Acton, Bedford, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Westford and Winchester, along with 54 other towns and cities where we have represented buyers and sellers.  The report covers the first 6 months of this year and compares those numbers with the same period last year. From this you can get an at-a-glance view of how the market is performing – including whether days on market are up or down, are prices increasing or decreasing, and have more homes sold compared to the previous year. Whether you are buying or selling, these reports can be a useful guide, however for a more in-depth market analysis you should talk to an experienced realtor. They'll be able to give you a detailed evaluation of your home, taking into account specific property and neighborhood details, and including information about recent comparable sales to give you the full picture.

Although we are still in the height of summer, if you are thinking of making a move this fall now is the time to start preparing. Despite dire warnings in the press and online we are still experiencing a healthy demand for homes, and prices continue to hold strong in the popular towns and cities north of Boston. Accurate pricing, strong marketing and knowledge of the local market are key to securing a successful sale - all things your Barrett Sotheby's International Realty agent will provide. Contact us or click here to find out what your home is worth today.

While you are enjoying a cool lemonade and warm breeze on the patio this summer evening, remember to bring along a pen and notepad and make a list of the maintenance projects you would like to complete before the end of the season. There are many summer home maintenance projects that add value to your home. In addition to your weekly routine [...]

The Patriot’s Trail is known for its history but there are also many culinary delights that bring visitors to the area. The towns and cities north of Boston are home to many local fine dining establishments, friendly diners and popular family restaurants. Reflecting the influence of the many different cultures in the area, you’ll have the pick of different cuisines – from Thai, Indian and Asian to Italian Moroccan and Mexican, plus some really great traditional American food. You can choose from independent gastropubs, regional restaurant groups and national chains, depending on the occasion and who you are dining with. Plus there are many smaller coffee shops, bakeries and salad bars for grabbing a quick refreshment. Whether you are looking for authentic Italian in Winchester, want to enjoy a spicy curry in Bedford, or grab a burger and beer in Acton, the restaurants on the Patriot's Trail will satisfy your appetite for something delicious!

Don’t know where to start? Pick up a copy of Beyond Boston, a free magazine and pocket-sized guide to your towns and our services. In there you’ll find dining suggestions for each of the towns we serve, plus other useful information for when you are out and about this summer. Pick up your copy from any of our eight offices or at select local businesses.

It’s been a while since we had a “normal” housing market. Since Covid hit over 2 years ago we’ve been on a rollercoaster, riding the dip of the initial lockdown to the highs once Massachusetts opened for business again, and all the changes since. So it’s hard to remember what a typical housing market looks like. Looking back to June 2019 – [...]

Energy prices have been rising steadily in the United States. The climbing costs of natural gas, electricity, and oil have been reflected at the pump and in our monthly utility bills. Bostonians enjoy a reputation for embracing energy-efficient initiatives such as choosing renewable energy suppliers or installing solar. But there are many things a homeowner can do right away to make their home more energy efficient and enjoy the economic benefits that follow. The following summer energy saving tips for your home include cost-free daily best practices, inexpensive routine maintenance, and moderately priced home improvements which will yield substantial savings, leave a little more in your pocket at the end of every month, and give you the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to the global effort of improving energy efficiency.  

1. Windows: Your windows invite natural sunlight into the rooms of your home. They also usher in the heat. Close the window treatments during the day to help keep your home cool, and relieve some of the burdens from your air conditioning system. Taking additional steps by upgrading your window treatments to thermal coverings and properly caulking or weatherstripping around the windows will increase your energy efficiency dramatically by keeping the heat at bay. 

2. Filters: Cleaning and replacing the air filters on your air conditioning system, and other household systems, should be on your routine maintenance checklist. A congested air filter can increase energy usage in the cooling system by fifteen percent. 

3. Thermostat: When first turning on your thermostat to cool your home avoid setting it to a lower temperature than your desired temperature. Attempting to cool the home more quickly using this method does not work. It will only make your unit work harder and use more energy in the process. Additionally, a programmable thermostat is an intelligent and moderately priced upgrade to any home. Using a programmable thermostat to keep your home slightly warmer when you are away, and cooling the home down shortly before you return, will yield significant energy savings. And by all means, don’t confuse your thermostat by placing lamps or other heat-generating appliances close by. These items will keep your cooling system running longer than necessary. 

4. Dining: Using your oven can easily raise the temperature in the kitchen by 10ºF. There is a treasury of dining options in the Greater Boston area. Summertime is the right time for eating out, especially during particularly hot days. Share the wealth by supporting your favorite local restaurants while saving on home energy costs in the process: a frugal and delicious decision. When cooking at home make use of your outdoor grill often. Putting older kids in charge of the grill is a simple way for them to share in household responsibilities, while you can enjoy the cool comfort of the kitchen preparing the salads and cold dishes. 

5. Appliances: Upgrade your air conditioning system to an Energy Star rated model. Higher rated SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and EER (energy efficiency ratio) models are 15% more energy efficient than outdated cooling systems. To enjoy additional savings all year long consider replacing your other appliances - especially your refrigerator and dryer - with Energy Star models. 

Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty has been working with buyers and sellers at every price point in Greater Boston and surrounding areas for 50 years. We look forward to helping you this summer with your real estate needs. Contact our team today!