Each year Steve McKenna & The  Home Advantage Team chooses to give thanks to the local community where they work and live.  He and his team contributed $10,000 to local organizations that work hard to give back to the people in our town.

This year, Steve and his team are donating $2000 to EACH of the following organizations:

Fidelity House - Fidelity House is a non-profit community center, which has been serving the needs of Arlington and surrounding communities for the past 63 years.

Arlington Boys & Girls Club - The mission of the Arlington Boys & Girls Club is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from challenging circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive responsible and caring citizens.

Arlington Eats - Arlington EATS ensures that the over 500 local students who receive free and reduced price lunch (FRL) when school is in session still have access to healthy meals when school is not in session.

Arlington Food Pantry - The Arlington Food Pantry is dedicated to eliminating food insecurity by providing nutritious and culturally appropriate food in a respectful and compassionate manner to any Arlington resident in need.

Arlington Fuel Assistance - The Town of Arlington Heating Assistance Program has been helping Arlington families with home heating emergencies for many years thanks to the generous donations from local businesses and residents.

We appreciate all of the volunteers and employees of these organizations who make Arlington a great place to live. Please consider these local charities as you make your own donations this holiday season.

Happy Holidays to all!

Join Tracy Wallace of The Home Advantage Team for the 5th Annual Santa Paws! Bring your pets for a FREE picture with Santa, along with hot chocolate, gifts (for you), treats (for them) and a fur-tabulous way to get into the holiday spirit! Donations to benefit the dog park are welcome!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1st 

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

THORNDIKE FIELD DOG PARK 

      

What's more American than homeownership and apple pie? With Thanksgiving is just around the corner, make it easy on yourself by coming to the DeNapoli Farms OPEN HOUSE to receive a FREE apple pie from Lyndell's bakery in Somerville!*

*You must sign in with one of our agents and be one of the first 20 groups to arrive to recieve a pie. 

ALL attendees that sign in will be entered to win a FULL Thanksgiving festive feast dinner from Whole Foods (valued at $275 for 12 people)! 

OPEN HOUSE:

DeNapoli Farms (658 Summer St., Arlington)

Sunday, November 11th, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Brought to you by Steve McKenna & The Home Advantage Team

 

 

Spoiler alert: Moving is not that much fun. Even if you’re excited to move for all the right reasons, it is a lot of work and can come with a lot of stress. As someone who works in the real estate industry for one of the top real estate teams in the Boston area, I have an inside scoop on the ups and downs of the home buying process. The thrills of victory (offer accepted!) and the agonies of defeat (you were outbid, in cash!). But nothing really prepares you until you go through it yourself.

Seven years ago, a job took us from the Boston area to a place that was not the Boston area. Not only was it outside 128 (keep going), past 495 (keep going), Worcester (nope not there), Route 84 (yes, this is still Massachusetts), to Western Mass near Springfield - we were going to a land far far away. We relied on The Home Advantage Team to sell our home in a down market in record time and for more than we bought it for (oh and our open house was a day before Hurricane Irene). It was pretty remarkable.

Flash forward to the summer of 2018 and we found ourselves shipping back to Boston in a similar manner. “We have to move - now.” It was the end of May and we didn’t know where to begin. But unlike the westward move, our kids were old enough where school districts mattered and the clock was ticking to find a place in time for them to start school in September.  

So, naturally, the first thing we did was call Steve McKenna & The Home Advantage Team. And the second thing we did was feel much, much better that everything was going to be alright.

The Home Advantage Team is the number one team in Arlington, MA, but with so many on the team having lived and worked in the surrounding communities as well, they are also knowledgeable experts on the nuances of the Greater Boston area. They are professional, efficient, and understand the complexities of buying and selling homes – and they got us started on the right track right away.

First, they helped us narrow our criteria to three key factors, 1) Schools 2) Commuting distance, and of course 3) Price (sticker shock is REAL folks). That still left us open to a wide range of possibilities – do we go to the North Shore? Metro West? South Shore? It seemed overwhelming. Steve and the team helped us realize what towns made sense based on what was important to us, and after doing both in-house research and on-the-road open houses far and wide, we were quickly able to narrow down the search to 2-3 towns.

Now to find a house. Steve made sure we weren’t jumping into something that we would regret in the long-run, but he also didn’t let us overlook anything that had great potential. It was helpful to have someone in our court who could eyeball the structure of a home and know it had ‘good bones’ or immediately recognize if there had been issues in the attic or basement and not waste our time. This is the kind of stuff you just wouldn’t know unless you had been examining homes every day for 30+ years.

Ultimately, we found ‘the one’ just 3 weeks after we began our search in a very competitive market with low inventory. As we walked through the house I pulled Steve aside and asked, “What do you think? You think this is it?” And Steve proceeded to explain why he thought this was a great house and neighborhood for us. So I laughed and said, “Is it bad I’m asking you what you think before I asked my husband?” And he says, “Don’t worry. Your husband asked me the same thing 5 minutes ago.” Respect.

And it didn’t stop there. Finding a home is just the beginning. Then there’s the paperwork, negotiating a closing date, finding a lawyer, not to mention a painter, flooring expert, plumber - all those finer details that go along with a major transaction. With Erika, Mitzi, Kristen, and Donna working all angles, everything was as smooth and seamless as it could possibly be.

Did you know the number of thumbs-up emojis in a text string is directly proportional to the success of the home buying transaction?

It’s true.

We closed on the house without any hiccups or headaches. When you’re making one of the biggest financial transactions of your life, that peace of mind is priceless.

And this is why you don’t go it alone. Having a sounding board, a guide, an expert, a resource, a TEAM of people behind you makes a world of difference when your world is turned upside-down for a move.

My job is to communicate the team’s message for the blog, social media, and explain why this is the best team around. But having been through both the home selling and the home buying process first-hand with Steve McKenna & The Home Advantage Team, I can say from experience…

Rest easy and, Put Your Home In Their Hands.

 

Not too big, not too small. Not too urban, not too suburban. Not too far, not too close. Garage parking, but near public transportation. Private yard, maintenance included.

A little something for everyone, even Goldilocks would think DeNapoli Farms was juuuust right.

LOCATION STATS

1 mile to Arlington Heights – get your groceries at Trader Joe’s and grab a coffee from Starbucks.

1 min walk to McClennen Park – there’s a playground, walking trails, skate park, fields to take a stroll or go fly a kite.

6 min walk to the Pierce Elementary School – an easy walk to get the kids to school.

5 min bike ride to the Minuteman Bikeway – cruise to Arlington Heights, Arlington Center or pedal to Cambridge to catch the T at Alewife (no traffic jams!).

1 mile radius includes Arlington Reservoir, Whipple Hill, Arlington’s Great Meadow and Mt. Gilboa – lots of opens spaces to rejuvenate.

2 miles to Wilson’s Farm – one of the best local farms with gourmet items and tons of seasonal activities.

2.4 miles to Arlington Center – theaters, shops, restaurants, history, the Center has it all!

3.2 miles to Winchester Center – Commuter Rail access, lovely boutiques, and a fantastic independent books store.

3.5 miles to Lexington Center – stroll the streets, picnic on the historic green or check out all the great restaurants.

4 miles to the Burlington Mall – Get all of your holiday shopping done in one location - Nordstroms, Burberry, Tory Burch, Sephora.

4.2 miles to Alewife Station – Bike or drive to Alewife and take the Red Line to your Somerville, Cambridge or Boston destinations.

9.6 miles from Boston – less than 10 miles to the heart of The Hub? Yes please.

12 miles from Logan -  a hop skip and a jump to your next worldly destination.

HOME STATS

2018 year built – built by one of the area’s most respected and reliable builders, Conneely Contracting.

2800 square feet of custom living space – open concept living, gourmet kitchen, mudroom and laundry.

10 rooms - including hardwood floors, recessed lighting, detailed woodwork and moldings.

4 bedrooms - including a gorgeous master suite and huge closets.

3 full baths - with detailed custom tilework.

1 half bath - with top-of-the-line fixtures.

.57 acreage - including a private yard.

3 floors - with flexible living space designed to meet your specific needs.

Garage parking – an oversized garage to fit your car and your stuff.

4 homes - in a quiet cul-de-sac for an instant neighborhood.

The DeNapoli Farms lifestyle has all the life and style you want in a location that has a little bit of everything for everyone. But don’t take our word (or our stats) for it, book an appointment today and take a tour to see for yourself!

(DeNapoli Farms, 658 Summer Street, Arlington MA)

Big weekend, biiig weekend here around Boston. We've got the Pats, the Red Sox and these fantastic open houses? Game on!

2-4 Norcross Circle, Arlington

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, 10/13 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Sunday, 10/14 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Are you looking for that something special? Is it a renovated 2 family in a highly desirable location? Is central air conditioning on your must have? Do you want to be close to the Cambridge, Somerville, Medford line? Are you dreaming of gleaming white kitchens with beautiful counter tops and stainless appliances? Would you like finished basements that offer flexible space and beautiful tiled baths with stand-up showers? Do updated systems pique your interest? The recently painted exterior offers easy maintenance. A large deck off the back unit is a perfect place to relax and enjoy fall evenings. The front unit offers a patio which is a great place for grilling! If you are looking for an investment or an owner occupied 2 family with some help paying the bills then this place is not to be missed! Convenient local easily accessible to the West Medford Commuter Rail, and close to shops restaurants and other public transportation giving you so many options to get around town!

Listed at: $1,199,000

658 Summer Street, DeNapoli Farms, Arlington

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, 10/13 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Sunday, 10/14 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Are you looking for a home that checks all your boxes? Come check out DeNapoli Farms, built to fit your life and your style! What does the DeNapoli Farms lifestyle look like? It begins w/oversized garage leading into a spacious mudroom w/custom built-ins and flows into an expansive gourmet kitchen w/large island to gather around. Open concept 1st fl offers flex space around the kitchen and fireplaced living room. A walk-in pantry is a must have! It means relaxing in the serene master suite w/exceptional bath & huge closet. 2 beds, main bath, & laundry room w/utility sink cover the rest of the 2nd fl. If you have guests coming to town there is a wonderful private guest suite on the 3rd Fl. Top it off with a location that is tucked away w/4 gorgeous farmhouse-style homes, private yards & patios, all close to shopping, restaurants, beautiful parks & public transportation. The boxes are checked, the homes are ready and it's time to check new home at DeNapoli Farms off your to-do list!

Listed at: $1,175,000

4 Swan Street, Unit 3, Arlington

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, 10/13 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Sunday, 10/14 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Stunning restoration of a historic property located in the heart of Arlington Center! This superb location is just around the corner from restaurants, name dropping coffee shops, shopping, and The Minuteman Bikeway. This special condo was gut renovated in 2006 and checks all the boxes on your wish list. Circular floor plan offers that open concept feeling but with old world charm. The jaw dropping kitchen offers immense counter space for cooking, a pantry for your gadgets, and plenty of entertaining space. High ceilings, beautiful molding, a fireplaced living room and study with French doors and built-ins complete the main level. The master bedroom offers en-suite bath with tiled shower and tub. 2 other beds with jack-and-jill bath and laundry room complete the 2nd fl. The piece de resistance is the 3rd fl roof deck that is a dream come true! A full finished basement w/ mudroom, bath & an office, playroom, media room - or all three! Garage parking and patio space complete the package!

Listed at: $1,100,000

213 Waverly Street, Arlington

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, 10/13 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Sunday, 10/14 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Freshly painted, floors re-finished, landscaped, newer roof & front steps, well maintained and move in ready, this is a terrific home, just waiting for you! Enter through a french door/vestibule, then into the gracious living room, with fireplace and beamed ceiling. The living room opens to a dining room, with easy access to a charming kitchen, offering open shelving with space to eat in and hang out. Off the dining room, you can watch the seasons from your sun room, with French doors and direct access to the sizable back deck, overlooking the garden. The first floor boasts two bedrooms, or guest space and a den/office, plus a full bath. The private second floor offers a master bedroom, with walk in closet and a master bath, plus an additional bedroom with built ins! A great location, close to Dallin school, bus lines, major routes, Red Line, Cambridge & Boston. This four bedroom home offers plenty of space and room to grow! Enjoy all that Arlington has to offer from your own home!

Listed at: $659,000

43 Epping Street, Arlington

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, 10/13 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Sunday, 10/14 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Located in the Stratton school district this quaint Cape style home offers 3 beds and 1 bath. Grab your contractor, your HGTV ideas, and put your Pinterest board to use to turn this into your own Home Sweet Home! There is a lovely living room with fireplace, convenient main-level bedroom, an eat-in kitchen, and dining room. The circular flow of the main level offers great entertaining opportunities! Off the kitchen is a screened porch to enjoy the outdoors “bug-free”. Upstairs offers 2 good sized bedrooms, hardwood floors, and ample storage space. A garage parking space and some storage space in the basement are and added bonus! This is a great starter home to begin your life in Arlington, or a perfect downsizing opportunity that keeps you close to what you love. This is a great opportunity to join break into the Arlington housing market!

Listed at: $539,000

A market analysis is a chance for you to know what to expect from the home selling process - and what to expect from your team. Learn why it's a smart move to put your home in our hands.

 

If a picture speaks a thousand words, then a client endorsement (in a picture) speaks volumes. 

 

It’s hard to know what to expect when you jump into the home buying process. Where do you begin? How do you know what’s a good value or what will turn into a money pit? Having an eye for a quality home comes with experience. Don’t go it alone, take a look at what Tracy and Annie have to say about the home buying process and then give us a call. We’ll make sure you find the right home for YOU.

 

2-4 Norcross Circle, Arlington

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, September 29^th and Sunday, September 30^th, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

 

Are you looking for that something special? Is it a renovated 2 family in a highly desirable location? Is central air conditioning on your must have? Do you want to be close to the Cambridge, Somerville, Medford line? Are you dreaming of gleaming white kitchens with beautiful counter tops and stainless appliances? Would you like finished basements that offer flexible space and beautiful tiled baths with stand-up showers? Do updated systems pique your interest? The recently painted exterior offers easy maintenance. A large deck off the back unit is a perfect place to relax and enjoy fall evenings. The front unit offers a patio which is a great place for grilling! If you are looking for an investment or an owner occupied 2 family with some help paying the bills then this place is not to be missed! Convenient local easily accessible to the West Medford Commuter Rail, and close to shops restaurants and other public transportation giving you so many options to get around town!

For more information, visit 2-4 Norcross Circle, Arlington.

658 Summer Street, DeNapoli Farms, Arlington

OPEN HOUSE TAILGATE: Saturday, September 29^th and September 30^th, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Are you looking for a home that checks all your boxes? Come check out DeNapoli Farms, built to fit your life and your style! What does the DeNapoli Farms lifestyle look like? It begins w/oversized garage leading into a spacious mudroom w/custom built-ins and flows into an expansive gourmet kitchen w/large island to gather around. Open concept 1st fl offers flex space around the kitchen and fireplaced living room. A walk-in pantry is a must have! It means relaxing in the serene master suite w/exceptional bath & huge closet. 2 beds, main bath, & laundry room w/utility sink cover the rest of the 2nd fl. If you have guests coming to town there is a wonderful private guest suite on the 3rd Fl. Top it off with a location that is tucked away w/4 gorgeous farmhouse-style homes, private yards & patios, all close to shopping, restaurants, beautiful parks & public transportation. The boxes are checked, the homes are ready and it's time to check new home at DeNapoli Farms off your to-do list!

For more information, visit DeNapoli Farms, Arlington.

211 Mystic Street, Arlington

 OPEN HOUSE:  September 30^th, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Unbelievable potential in this magnificent oversized 2 family! Bright, open, spacious with plenty of decorative period details - this 6 bed 3 bath multi-family home consists of 2 units, both brimming with potential and bursting with charm. You will love the tall ceilings and large windows that let the light stream in. The rooms are substantially sized with hardwood floors throughout and detailed woodwork abounds. The upper unit has a rustic wood stove to warm you up on winter nights. The basement provides extra storage w/ laundry hookup. The backyard has great space and you'll enjoy off-street parking. Garage is currently used for storage. Stroll to Arlington Center shops, restaurants, theaters, public transportation, or take advantage of Mystic Lakes recreations just up the road. This is a fantastic opportunity to own a home that speaks to your lifestyle!

For more information, visit 211 Mystic Street, Arlington.