If you and your buyer-agent have ever stopped by one of my Broker Luncheons in Jamaica Plain or Roslindale, you know I’m in the live-to-eat rather than eat-to-live category. Rather than serving store-bought food or catering from a big-box place, I choose to support local businesses by selecting the best our fantastic neighborhoods have to offer.

While the buffet isn’t the focal point of these lunchtime gatherings, this is my way of giving brokers and their home seekers a taste of what Jamaica Plain and Roslindale have to offer while wowing them with some of the most beautifully presented properties in metro Boston.

One event that truly is all about the food is happening next Thursday, November 17th at Cedars Hall in Jamaica Plain. While it’s true you’ll be treating your taste buds to a buffet of international flavor,  the 16th annual Taste of Jamaica Plain offers more than just culinary edification. When you purchase your ticket — $40 in advance, $45 at the door — you’ll be supporting the Ecumenical Social Action Committee (ESAC).  Organized in 1965, this nonprofit focuses on foreclosure prevention counseling and help with sustaining a healthy, safe lifestyle for the seniors and youth of our communities. I hope to see you there, and to catch up between bites!

If you have recently moved to Jamaica Plain or Roslindale, this is a perfect way to meet your neighbors, support a local organization and sample food from all over the world prepared by Jamaica Plain and Roslindale restaurants. You’ll also have the opportunity to jumpstart your holiday shopping by participating in a silent auction. Live music entertainment rounds out this evening of great eats and socializing.

If you happen to still be shopping for the perfect home in Roslindale or Jamaica Plain, check out my featured listings. If you don’t find what you’re looking for on my site, just let me know your particulars and I’ll be more than happy to help you find a place to call home. I’m not sure if you know but I’m on Facebook and Twitter (who isn’t these days?) and post daily about news and community events in Roslindale and Jamaica Plain as well as tips for buying or selling a home. Feel free to connect with me there or just stop by for your daily dose of local happenings!

Linda Burnett

Jamaica Plain/Roslindale Real Estate Maven
Keller-Williams Boston-Metro Real Estate
Search Boston Homes
Find Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Find Me on LinkedIn

Though we’ve been seeing a lot more white (can you believe that snow storm?) than green in Roslindale lately, Roslindale Green & Clean has been out battling the tundra and beautifying the area. If you’re not familiar with them, Roslindale Green & Clean is a nonprofit organization that sets out to design, plant and maintain public green spaces.  A couple of weeks ago, they planted eight trees on private properties in Roslindale as well as at one at a business in the Village.

What’s the catch? The property owners just have to promise to care for and water their new trees. Roslindale Green & Clean purchased these trees from funds raised at the 2010 Garden Tour. Mahoney’s Garden Centers offered a generous discount and delivered the trees to each location with a bag of compost and mulch.

If you’re wondering how you can get in on this, read on. Roslindale Green & Clean is planning to plant another eight to ten trees this spring and are now accepting applications. If you have a piece of land that’s at least 6’ x 6’ on your property, put in your request for an addition to your landscaping. Typically, Roslindale Green & Clean is interested in sprucing up the major thoroughfares like Belgrade Ave., Cummins Highway and Washington Street but all who meet the requirements are eligible to get some new shade in their yard.

Unfortunately, Roslindale Green & Clean only has a limited number of trees to offer to applicants. The sites will be chosen based on what locations will benefit Roslindale as a whole. Contenders will have an available piece of land that is publicly visible and would allow all citizens to enjoy the trees.

If you’re preparing for the spring real estate market, it might be a good idea to get your application in now to have some fresh foliage on display in the upcoming months. It’s never too early to start thinking about how to maximize your Roslindale home’s curb appeal! Speaking of which, that bizarre October snow storm, which happened to be the most severe October snow on record in New England, combined with Halloween seems to have sent buyers scurrying into a preliminary hibernation.

However, with a mild weekend forecast, sustained low interest rates and a crop of great properties for sale (check out mine here!), my weekend calendar is packed with showings and two open houses on Sunday.  The reliability of a real estate investment as compared to the unreliability of the stock market is another factor sustaining the Roslindale real estate market and keeping me busy!

Business is better than ever and I’m never too busy to answer your questions about Roslindale and the local real estate market. Please give me a call or send me an email to see any of my listings. Or, if you’re looking for representation, I can help you find the perfect new home just in time for the holidays.

Oh, and in case you’re tired of looking at my current head shot that’s all over the web, I had new photos taken today – you’ll be seeing them next week. With each new photo shoot, my photographer uses more and more diffused light – c’est la vie! Enjoy the weekend and fasten your seatbelts for a busy pre-Thanksgiving selling season.

Linda Burnett

Jamaica Plain/Roslindale Real Estate Maven
Keller-Williams Boston-Metro Real Estate
Search Boston Homes
Find Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Find Me on LinkedIn

As if I really need to convince you that Roslindale is an amazing place to work, play and live, another great event is coming up the first weekend in November: Roslindale Open Studios. The Roslindale community is always coming up with ways to bring people together to experience something extraordinary, and ROS is no exception.  This event is a perfect way to get acquainted with people and places, especially if you’re new to the area or are considering buying a home in Roslindale in the near future.

Roslindale Open Studios is a weekend event taking place on Saturday, November 5th and Sunday, November 6th where local artists show off their talent and connect with each other and the public. This year, over 113 artists will be showcasing their work, with items ranging from jewelry to mixed media photography to textiles. The artists will have their pieces for sale which gives you the opportunity to stimulate the local economy while sneaking in some early holiday shopping. Remember: the first official shopping day of the season (Black Friday) will be here in 4 weeks. Avoid the last-minute shopping mania and pick up a few unique pieces for your loved ones at Roslindale Open Studios next weekend.

The event is free to attend so come and explore for the afternoon. Besides, you’ll get the opportunity to catch up with me if you stop by the School of Modern Languages on Saturday from 11 to 2!  Even if you can’t take in the whole event, swing by to pick up a Roslindale Open Studios brochure and look on page 3 for my sidekick, Moses,  pictured to the left.  And if art alone is not enough of a draw (pun intended!), did I mention there are prizes? There will be raffles and Home Studio Bingo to keep you on your toes and entertained all afternoon.

In addition to volunteering on Saturday, I’m looking forward to taking in as much art as I possibly can between open houses on Sunday.  I’m passionate about the Roslindale community and love my work here and in the surrounding neighborhoods because of the wonderful local treasures, such as Roslindale and Jamaica Plain Open Studios.

I hope to see you at Roslindale Open Studios, but if you can’t make it I’d still love to connect with you! I’m always out and about the neighborhood whether I’m running errands or helping clients sell or buy amazing homes in Roslindale, Jamaica Plain or West Roxbury. Let me know if I can help you in your home search!

Linda Burnett

Jamaica Plain/Roslindale Real Estate Maven
Keller-Williams Boston-Metro Real Estate
Search Boston Homes
Find Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Find Me on LinkedIn

Whether you’re a voracious reader or not, The Boston Book Festival was the place to be this past Saturday, October 15th. Taking place at Copley Square, the Boston Book Festival is the largest literary event in all of New England. With over 100 world renowned authors and literary leaders, the event caters to all ages and areas of interest.

Among the group of inspiring presenters and guests was Richard Russo, a Pulitzer Prize Winning author who has written seven novels, including Empire Falls, for which he was awarded the 2002 Pulitzer Prize. He has also published a short story collection,  dabbled in the art of writing screenplays and has had several of his novels made into films.

Can you tell I’m a fan? The Rabb Auditorium at the Copley BPL was filled to capacity as Russo discussed his work, “The Whore’s Child”, in the presentation of One City One Story on Saturday. I had always wanted to hear Mr. Russo speak, and I was not disappointed. Unfortunately, my participation stopped here, as my busy schedule took over most of the weekend. Even with my fabulous marketing team behind me, client service is a full-time commitment. It’s been busy (with several new listings on the horizon) but my time spent at The Boston Book Festival was well worth it!

If you haven’t gotten your hands on a copy of Russo’s fiction, bound copies of his short story have been being distributed at bookstores, libraries and other venues throughout Greater Boston.

If you missed out on the Festival this year, don’t sweat it. The Boston Book Festival will be making its return in 2012, and there are more ways to get involved in the event than just attending. The Festival is always looking for volunteers, donations, sponsors and exhibitors. They always expects to attract thousands of visitors and every contribution counts!

Special features include book signings, kid-friendly presentations, live music, and of course, a ton of delicious food!

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you know there are plenty worthwhile events that take place throughout Greater Boston year round. Stay in touch with my blog or subscribe to keep up to date on everything and anything, including buying a home, selling a home, and local events in and around Roslindale, Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury.

Real estate moment: many of my home-seekers, as well as those working with other brokers, seem to be professionals in the medical and academic fields and are relocating to Boston from other areas. This demographic,  combined with steady prices, are what keep Boston real estate healthy and resilient even in a less than perfect economy.

If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, your timing is great! More sellers are hoping to sell sooner rather than later, especially with the holiday season approaching, and this is motivating buyers to intensify their search as well. Get your home sold or find your new abode before 2012 with my real estate expertise.

Please contact me if you’re ready to begin your next (or first!) real estate transaction.

Linda Burnett

Jamaica Plain/Roslindale Real Estate Maven
Keller-Williams Boston-Metro Real Estate
Search Boston Homes
Find Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Find Me on LinkedIn

The temperatures might be cooling off but upcoming holidays do not mean the same for the Boston-Metro real estate market. Along with the chillier weather we’re met with holiday weekends which many may initially think of as a challenge when trying to sell or buy a home. This may come as a surprise, but serious home buyers and home sellers who choose to stay in the Roslindale, Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury areas this season have a great opportunity to see their efforts to  buy or sell finally come to fruition.

The notion that the real estate market slows down over holiday weekends is a misconception that could prevent buyers from finding the perfect home in one of Boston’s fabulous neighborhoods before the year’s end. While interest rates are low and there’s a strong inventory in the Boston-Metro real estate market, there’s still an element of competition among serious buyers. To keep a competitive edge, serious home buyers are going to be staying in town and attending open houses over holiday weekends.

Sellers are often surprised that agents stay in town and hold open houses while many people take the opportunity to hit the road and spend the holidays elsewhere. As an experienced real estate agent, I can tell you that letting a holiday weekend slip past is a missed opportunity for sellers to expose their home to a host of serious buyers. Not convinced? Believe me, it will pay off! Though it seems unlikely, Thanksgiving is a time when a lot of properties go under agreement. Negotiating a transaction between courses at Thanksgiving dinner seems to have become one of my holiday traditions – and I wouldn’t have it any other way. A property under agreement is something for buyers, sellers and brokers to feel thankful for.

Staying in the Roslindale, Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury areas this fall won’t only boost your chances of achieving a successful real estate transaction; you will also be able to take advantage of all the festive fall activities in store. The Roslindale Farmers’ Market is open through the end of October and is an excellent way to get outdoors and experience the area. Use these last remaining weeks in October to pick up some fresh fruits and veggies or just walk around and enjoy the live acoustic music and kids’ activities.

If you feel like your home’s curb appeal could use a boost this season, consider scooping up some pumpkins and gourds at the farmers’ market to make your front porch welcoming. This is a great way to enhance your home’s exterior without the natural beauty of summer’s greenery and blossoming flowers. With vendors selling handcrafted gifts, you might even find a pretty fall wreath to hang on your front door. What a wonderful opportunity to support local farmers and artisans while making the most of the fall real estate market here in Boston!

I often hear sellers becoming discouraged as summer turns into fall and as fall turns into winter here in New England. I’m committed to my clients year round and would love the opportunity to talk with you about getting your home exposed to as many serious buyers as possible in the upcoming months. Please contact me to get started in what I promise will be a stress-free – even fun – adventure into the Boston-Metro real estate market.

Linda Burnett

Jamaica Plain/Roslindale Real Estate Maven
Keller-Williams Boston-Metro Real Estate
Search Boston Homes
Find Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Find Me on LinkedIn

You know that great feeling you get when you’ve finished your spring cleaning? You’ll feel just as good after you’ve made a list and tackled your “fall cleaning” to get your home in top condition before winter.  The holidays will be upon us in no time at all (Thanksgiving is only 8 weeks away!),  so it’s time to buckle down and get a handle on your fall home maintenance so you can relax and enjoy this beautiful season.

For you new condo owners in smaller associations: do you know your neighbors? If you are new to the association, make it a point to contact other owners in your building now about working together to establish a plan for exterior maintenance this fall and winter. Most self-managed buildings assign tasks or rotate weeks to clean up fallen leaves and shovel snow.  If your building hires outside workers to do these tasks and your monthly association fee doesn’t include grounds upkeep and snow removal, talk with your fellow owners to find out how they deal with these expenses. Most established associations have solid plans in place, but you want to be sure you’re OK with them and that you’re able to do your part.

If you live in a home in Roslindale, Jamaica Plain or West Roxbury, you might want to consider hiring a local landscaper to prepare your trees and shrubs for winter. I highly recommend  Arborway Tree Care for tree pruning or removal. For fall, be sure to trim shrubs at least a foot from exterior walls and have tree limbs cut back at least five feet from your home to avoid damage during potentially severe winter storms. Inspect your roof carefully, too. Are there any loose or missing shingles? Take care of these now so that a heavy snow doesn’t cause leaks that can lead to exterior and interior repair and painting.

Speaking of spring cleaning, prevent a major headache — and back ache! —  by installing a sump pump in your cellar. Early winter rain storms and more importantly, melting snow and spring rain, are causing flooding even in homes that have never had water before. Most plumbing companies install sump pumps — I’m very happy with the one I had Pipelines in Roslindale install in my house a few months ago.  Reach them at (617) 327-0044 and talk with Cath about scheduling the work. The peace of mind is priceless, especially if you plan to travel during the winter and early spring months.

And  just because temperatures are cooling down doesn’t mean the Boston real estate market is. Because of low interest rates, bad news in the stock market and other magical forces, there are lots of quality properties on the market and sales are piping hot in Roslindale, West Roxbury and  Jamaica Plain. Let me know if you want a market update — the news is exciting and prices are strong.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Linda Burnett

Jamaica Plain/Roslindale Real Estate Maven
Keller-Williams Boston-Metro Real Estate
Search Boston Homes
Find Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Find Me on LinkedIn

One thing I’ve always loved about Boston is that every neighborhood has its hidden gems of culinary delights. In order to capture the essence of these vibrant communities, you’ll need to know where the locals go and lucky for you, I’m a self-proclaimed expert in the Roslindale, Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury neighborhoods.

A great way to sample local flavor is to literally, well, taste it! An opportunity to do so presents itself this Thursday September 22nd at A Taste of Roslindale. This unique charity event gives those planning to relocate to Roslindale a chance to sample local cuisine from 21 participating restaurants. Among the participants are Blue Star Restaurant, Sophia’s Grotto and Himalayan Bistro which all promise to impress your palate.

Presented by Roslindale Village Main Street, a community-driven volunteer organization, A Taste of Roslindale will also give prospective home buyers a chance to mingle with other Roslindale residents. One of the best ways to find out what a neighborhood is really like is to talk to people who actually live there. Because really, who (besides me, of course!) knows Roslindale better than its residents and business owners?

Though the delicious food may make it difficult to put down your fork, you won’t want to miss out on everything else A Taste of Roslindale has in store! Live music, a live and silent auction as well as raffles and prizes are sure to make this a sold-out event. To make sure you can get the full palate of what living in Roslindale means, purchase your tickets online or visit one of the participating restaurants.

As if the fabulous food, the opportunity to mingle with Roslindale residents, live music and participating in raffles and auctions wasn’t enough to give you a well-rounded Roslindale experience, you can feel great about the fact that all of the proceeds will be going right back into the community through Roslindale Village Main Street and the Roslindale Food Pantry.

There are always tempting events like A Taste of Roslindale happening in Boston’s distinctive neighborhoods. Be sure to check my blog weekly or subscribe to ensure you won’t miss out on exclusive tips and information on buying a home, selling your home quickly and local happenings. If you are considering buying or selling a home in Roslindale, Jamaica Plain or West Roxbury, you won’t find another Realtor more knowledgeable than RosLinda! Please contact me any time to get started o on a low-stress/high success real estate adventure.

Linda Burnett

Jamaica Plain/Roslindale Real Estate Maven
Keller-Williams Boston-Metro Real Estate
Search Boston Homes
Find Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
Find Me on LinkedIn