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 We’re proud to share some exciting news: The Inn at Hastings Park, our very own Lexington boutique hotel, for the second year in a row, has been awarded a coveted Michelin Key, one of the hospitality industry’s highest honors. This recognition places the Inn among a small group of exceptional hotels in Massachusetts and the world, highlighting the special place our town continues to hold on the global stage. A Local Vision Turned Global Standard The story of The Inn at Hastings Park begins not with a luxury brand, but with a Lexington resident. Trisha Pérez Kennealy, a businesswoman and trained chef from Le Cordon Bleu, purchased the property in 2012 with a bold vision: to elevate a storied corner of her community into a world-class inn while preserving its deep historical roots. The Inn is composed of three historic buildings: The Main House (1888), once a private residence and later the Dana Home, a retirement residence that served Lexington for decades. The Isaac Mulliken House, named for its 19th-century owner, a local politician. The Barn, once Mulliken’s carpentry shop, now transformed into a warm and stylish guest space. Through thoughtful restoration with the help of local artisans and designer Robin Gannon, Trisha retained the character of these 19th-century structures while adding design-forward details: hand-painted wallpapers, custom furnishings, and locally sourced New England textiles. The result is a boutique inn that feels both historic and fresh, one that reflects Lexington’s unique identity. Hospitality Rooted in Place What sets The Inn at Hastings Park apart is the personal touch. With just 22 rooms, every guest experience is highly curated: Farm-to-table dining at Town Meeting Bistro, shaped by Trisha’s culinary background. Revolutionary War walking tours and Lexington history experiences. Bikes for exploring the Minuteman Bikeway and partnerships with local wellness and cultural providers. This approach, deeply tied to community and history, has earned the Inn international recognition. It is the only Relais & Châteaux property in the Boston area and a Michelin Key award winner. Michelin Key Hotels in the Boston Area The Inn at Hastings Park joins an elite group of Michelin Key hotels in Greater Boston, including: The Newbury Boston – A Back Bay landmark overlooking the Public Garden, known for its rooftop restaurant Contessa and timeless style. The Eliot Hotel – A boutique icon offering Parisian-inspired suites and home to UNI, one of Boston’s most celebrated restaurants. The Langham, Boston – A historic Federal Reserve Bank building reimagined into a modern luxury hotel downtown. The Liberty Hotel – Once the Charles Street Jail, now a lively, architecturally stunning property on Beacon Hill. Why This Matters For Lexington, this recognition is more than an accolade. It’s proof that a small, independently owned hotel, born from a local woman’s vision, can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Boston’s most celebrated luxury properties. It also reinforces what makes our community so special: a commitment to preserving history, elevating hospitality, and sharing our story with the world. For locals and visitors alike, it’s proof that Lexington isn’t just a suburb, it’s a destination. And for those exploring homes for sale in Lexington, MA, it’s another reason this community continues to shine as one of Greater Boston’s most desirable places to live. For buyers considering real estate in Lexington, MA, having a world-class Michelin Key hotel in town is another reminder of the community’s unique appeal. Between award-winning schools, historic charm, and a globally recognized boutique hotel, living in Lexington offers a lifestyle that blends tradition with modern luxury.  Congratulations to Trisha and her team at The Inn at Hastings Park. As neighbors, partners, and champions of Lexington, we couldn’t be prouder to see your dedication honored on a global stage.

Cambridge has just taken a bold step to combat its housing crisis. By eliminating single-family-only zoning and allowing multifamily housing citywide, the city aims to expand its housing supply and improve affordability. This move echoes recent reforms in cities like Austin, which offers valuable insights into what Cambridge can expect. What’s Changing in Cambridge? Many cities and towns have exclusionary zoning laws, restricting land use in large portions of the city, limiting new housing supply in high-demand markets. Cambridge's new zoning policies aim to fix that by: Allowing multifamily buildings citywide — property owners can now build up to four units by right on lots that were previously restricted to single-family or two-family homes.  Raising building heights — Most residential areas can now have up to four-story buildings, or six stories if affordable units are included. Incentivizing affordability — Projects with 10+ units still must set aside 20% as affordable housing. Developments that include the required 20% affordable units can build up to six stories (74 feet) instead of the standard four-story (45 feet) limit providing developers with clear incentive to include affordable units in their plans. Eliminating density limits, developers can build more units within a given space. Removing parking mandates, lowering development costs and encouraging walkability. The goal? Boost housing supply to help stabilize Cambridge’s rising home prices and rents. Austin’s Housing Boom: A Preview for Cambridge? Austin recently adopted similar zoning reforms, and the results have been impressive. In 2023, Austin approved changes allowing up to three units per lot and reduced the minimum lot size from 5,750 sq ft to 1,800 sq ft. These moves unlocked thousands of new development opportunities. The impact was swift: Rents dropped 22% from their peak in mid-2023. Nearly 50,000 new rental units were added in just two years, expanding supply by 14%. Home prices fell 10% in 2023, stabilizing after years of steep increases. Austin’s rapid growth offers a clear lesson: More homes = less pressure on prices. Can Cambridge Expect the Same? Cambridge’s reforms are even more ambitious than Austin’s — with taller buildings permitted and greater density encouraged. Given the city’s intense demand (fueled by tech jobs, universities, and limited land), these changes could unlock thousands of new homes. Like Austin, Cambridge’s success will depend on how quickly developers respond. If enough new housing comes online, prices should stabilize, and rents may even decline, especially for smaller, mid-priced units. Balancing Growth with Affordability Critics of Cambridge’s zoning overhaul worry about gentrification and displacement. However, Cambridge’s inclusionary zoning requires developers to include affordable units in larger projects, ensuring a steady pipeline of below-market housing. Austin’s experience shows that pairing zoning reform with affordability incentives can create new housing without overwhelming communities. The Bottom Line Cambridge’s zoning reform is a bold attempt to ease the city’s housing crisis. By following Austin’s lead, expanding housing options, encouraging density, and reducing development barriers, Cambridge is poised to increase supply and improve affordability. While these changes won’t bring overnight rent cuts, Austin’s success shows that strategic zoning reforms can slow price growth, stabilize rents, and create more housing choices. If Cambridge achieves similar results, it could become a model for other cities seeking to unlock growth while keeping their communities livable and accessible.

I’ve gotten a few texts from Boston clients wondering why their property tax bills were higher than expected. Since I didn’t see many familiar faces at Mayor Wu’s town halls about it, and you may have noticed your bill go up by 10 to 15 percent, here’s a quick summary of what’s going on so you don't have to sit through a three-hour meeting on city budgets. Massachusetts requires cities and towns to pass a balanced budget every year. Since the start of the pandemic, commercial property values, especially office buildings, have dropped across Boston. That means less tax revenue from businesses and more of the burden shifting to homeowners to close the gap. Mayor Wu has proposed several plans to help rebalance the tax load by adjusting how much businesses pay. The goal was to soften the blow for homeowners, especially during the winter when heating bills are already high. With so many interests to consider, the State Senate is still working on a plan they are able to get behind. Mayor Wu has since refiled the proposal with added relief for seniors and small businesses. If it passes later this year, it could start to bring more balance back over the next few tax cycles. There has also been talk of using the city’s rainy day fund to issue one-time rebates, but nothing has been finalized. I will keep you posted as soon as I hear more. Here is a resources to help you find more information or check if you qualify for tax relief: https://lnkd.in/ggtpWraM And as always, if you have questions or just want to talk about the market, please consider me a resource. I am never too busy for your business or your referrals!

There are two ways to think about remodeling projects that will boost your home’s value; you can get one or two major remodels done or opt for a bunch of small fixes. Depending on your budget and your timetable, one approach may be better for you than the other. For instance, if you have an unfinished basement, maybe your dream when you first moved into your home was to refinish it. It never happened. But now that you are thinking about selling your home, you feel that a prospective buyer would really appreciate a full finished basement. Is that the remodeling project that you should do before selling? On the other hand, you want to spend as little as possible to squeeze as much value out of your home. Maybe you would prefer to just spruce up the kitchen cabinets or repaint the house. Whichever camp you fall into, here’s one thing to keep in mind: focus on high-impact areas. While it may be tempting to tackle every room, concentrating on key areas can yield the best return on investment. Here are some proven winners: Flooring & Paint Removing old carpet can bring a fresh, natural look and feel into a familiar space. If its replacing the carpet, refinishing existing hardwood floors or installing new ones can dramatically improve the appeal of your home. Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are another popular, durable option that offers a high ROI. Adding a fresh coat of paint makes the home feel fresh, new, and allows buyers to envision the home to be there own. Kitchen & Bathroom Upgrades Minor Remodels: Instead of a complete overhaul, focus on updating key elements like countertops, cabinets, and appliances. A minor kitchen remodel often provides a high return on investment (ROI) by modernizing the space without the extensive cost of a full renovation. Updating Fixtures: Replacing outdated faucets, showerheads, and lighting with more contemporary options can refresh a bathroom’s look with minimal investment. Adding Modern Features: Consider installing a walk-in shower, dual-flush toilets, or underfloor heating. These additions not only improve the functionality of the bathroom but also appeal to buyers looking for luxury touches. Storage Solutions Adding built-in storage solutions, such as expanded closets or customized shelving, can enhance the functionality of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. Exterior Improvements Siding and Paint: Repainting your home’s exterior or upgrading to new siding can significantly enhance its curb appeal. Consider adding stone veneers to parts of the exterior for an even more dramatic effect. Garage Doors and Entry Doors: Replacing your garage door and front entry door with newer, more energy-efficient models is one of the highest-ROI projects you can undertake. Decks and Patios: Creating or updating outdoor spaces like decks or patios can be a major selling point, especially in regions where outdoor living is popular. Consider adding features like built-in seating, fire pits, or even an outdoor kitchen. Landscaping: Simple landscaping upgrades like adding new plants, mulch, or a paved walkway can make a significant impact on your home's first impression and value. Windows and Insulation: Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and adding insulation can not only reduce energy costs for the future homeowner but also increase your home’s market appeal. A qualified agent with years of experience in the real estate market can help you determine the best improvements to make based on your particular market. When you’re ready to learn more, connect with us today. We’re happy to help!

Buying your first home is a thrilling yet daunting adventure. It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions, anxiety, excitement, and maybe even a little fear. But remember: you’re in control of your homebuying experience; and with the right approach and a great real estate agent by your side, finding your dream home can be a smooth process. Here’s a list of tips tailored just for you, the first-time homebuyer. Following these steps will help you get off on the right foot and make the home-buying process smoother for yourself and everyone involved. Be Transparent with Your Agent Your agent is there to help you find the perfect home, but they can only do their job effectively if you’re open and honest about your needs, wants, and budget. The more detailed you are about your goals, the better they can assist you. Create Detailed Lists Before you start house hunting, take some time to get organized. Write down a list of what you want in a home and another list of what you need. Prioritizing your needs over your wants will help both you and your agent focus on finding a property that ticks the most important boxes. As you refine your thoughts, update these lists and share the changes with your agent to keep the search on track. Keep Personal Notes on Properties While your agent will keep thorough records of the homes you visit, it’s a good idea for you to take your own notes, too. After each open house or showing, jot down what you liked and didn’t like about the property. Share your thoughts with your agent; this feedback will help them narrow down the search and find homes that are a better fit for you. Stay Organized with Your Documents Keeping your paperwork in order is essential. If you have a mortgage pre-approval letter, bring it with you when you go house hunting, especially if you’re ready to make an offer. Make sure that all necessary documents, such as inspection reports or appraisals, are easily accessible as you search for your new home. Maintain a Positive Attitude The home-buying process can sometimes be longer and more challenging than expected. It’s important to stay positive throughout the journey. If you’ve viewed several homes and haven’t found the right one yet, don’t lose hope. Trust that your agent is working hard to find the perfect match for you. Even after making an offer, the closing process can take time, so patience is key. Ready to Work with an Agent? Having an experienced real estate agent by your side is invaluable, especially when you’re a first-time buyer. They can help you navigate the complexities of the process and answer any questions you might have. If you’re serious about starting your home search, now is the time to connect with an agent. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any specific questions or to begin your journey toward finding your dream home. We’re here to help!