Reflecting on the 2024 Inaugural Milton Brown Graduate Recognition Ceremony

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Our real estate team at Lindsey & Associates Realty is proud to have sponsored the 2024 Inaugural Milton Black and Brown Graduate Recognition Ceremony, an unforgettable event that celebrated the remarkable achievements of Black students in our community. Held on May 18 at the Parkway United Methodist Church, this event brought together students, families, and community members in a moving tribute to excellence, culture, and community.

A Celebration of Achievement

The ceremony, themed "Brown is Culture," honored the determination and hard work of our graduates from Milton Middle School and Milton High School. It was heartening to see students and their families gather in a setting that recognized not just academic success but also the cultural and community values that support it. The event highlighted the strength and unity of the Milton community, reinforcing the bonds that help our students thrive.

Keynote Speaker: Justice Diana L. Maldonado

We were honored to have Justice Diana L. Maldonado as our keynote speaker. Justice Maldonado's inspiring address resonated deeply with the audience. Drawing from her own journey from the South Bronx to the Massachusetts Appeals Court, she emphasized the importance of resilience, community support, and the pursuit of justice. Her words were a powerful reminder of what our graduates can achieve with dedication and support.

Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Elaine McNeil-Girmai

We were also privileged to have Dr. Elaine McNeil-Girmai as a special guest speaker. Dr. McNeil-Girmai, an adjunct professor at Curry College and former principal of Milton Public Schools, shared her extensive experience in educational leadership and cultural competence. Her insights into the importance of family engagement and community support resonated deeply with both students and parents. Dr. McNeil-Girmai's distinguished career and dedication to education highlighted the evening's focus on community and achievement.

The Kente Ceremony

A highlight of the evening was the Kente Ceremony, where graduates were presented with traditional Kente stoles. This beautiful tradition, rooted in African culture, was a poignant reminder of the heritage and values that our students carry with them. The presentation of the stoles by loved ones added a personal touch, making the ceremony even more meaningful.

A Personal Connection

As a long-standing resident and parent in Milton, with children attending Tucker Elementary School and Milton High School, I am deeply invested in the success of our community. Through Lindsey & Associates Realty, we prioritize giving back to the neighborhoods we serve, including sponsoring events that celebrate important milestones like the graduation of the class of 2024. Supporting the Milton Black and Brown Families' community celebration is not just about business—it’s about embodying our commitment to unity, diversity, and the bright future of our youth. We are proud to be part of this event and to continue fostering a strong sense of belonging and pride in Milton.

Community and Support

The inaugural ceremony was more than just a graduation event; it was a testament to the community's commitment to its students. We saw firsthand the impact of collective effort, from the support of the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity to the contributions of local businesses and organizations. This event would not have been possible without the dedication of volunteers and the enthusiasm of the families who participated.

Looking Ahead

The success of the 2024 Milton Black and Brown Graduate Recognition Ceremony has set a strong foundation for what we hope will become an annual tradition. As sponsors, we are committed to continuing our support for initiatives that uplift our community and celebrate the achievements of its members. We look forward to many more years of celebrating the hard work and dedication of our students.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this landmark event. Together, we have created lasting memories and set a positive example for future generations.

Warm regards,

Eric Lindsey
Lindsey & Associates Realty
617-288-1052

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Join Us for the Edward L. Cooper Harvest Festival! 🌻

By Eric Lindsey • October 8, 2024

We’re excited to invite you to a special day of community, celebration, and connection at the Edward L. Cooper Harvest Festival! Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at 32-34 Linwood Street, Roxbury, MA 02119. What to Expect: The Harvest Festival offers something for everyone. Enjoy delicious food, family-friendly activities, and informative sessions that highlight our community’s commitment to growth and sustainability. Take a garden tour and discover the beauty of our community spaces, including the Teddy Pomare Rose Garden and the Alan Crite Garden. This event celebrates our mission to uplift the community through environmental education and empowerment. We’ll be honoring the legacy of those who paved the way and sowing seeds of hope for the future. Thanks to a generous grant from GrowBoston, we’re ready to make this event unforgettable! Why You Should Attend: At the Edward L. Cooper Community Gardening & Education Center, we aim to be a sanctuary for environmental learning and community development. This festival is an opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for environmental sustainability and community growth. You’ll have the chance to learn more about our programs, tour the gardens, and see firsthand how we’re making a difference in Roxbury. Whether you’re a longtime community member or a newcomer, we welcome you to join us as we celebrate the season and our shared vision for a vibrant, sustainable community. Get Involved: For more information, visit our website at www.edcoopergardening.com or contact us at coopergardening@gmail.com . Follow us on Instagram @edcoopergardening for updates. We hope to see you there to help us harvest hope and nurture our community! 🌱

How We Helped Our Buyer Gain $47K+ on Their First Home Purchase 🏡

By Eric Lindsey • October 8, 2024

Navigating today’s real estate market can be tricky, especially for first-time buyers. Recently, we worked with our client, Ricky, who not only secured their dream 1st purchase, but also gained over $47,000 in value by closing day, thanks to our strategic approach and experience. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we made it happen. The Challenge: A Competitive Market and Multiple Offers Our buyer fell in love with a 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in Stoughton, listed at $539,900. Right now, this price range in Stoughton is on fire. As rates have dropped, we have seen the buyer pool grow. With several offers on the table, we knew we had to act fast and strategically. In competitive situations, it’s essential to know when and how to go above asking to make the winning offer, while also retaining as much negotiating power as possible. Some situations have more leverage than others. Navigating Inspection & Negotiations After we secured the home, the inspection revealed several issues that needed to be addressed. This is often a critical moment: in a competitive market, negotiating after the inspection can sometimes mean risking the deal altogether. When other interest is out there, a request to adjust the contract can leave the door open to the sellers moving on. However, with a deep understanding of market context and how repairs impact negotiations, we were confident we could turn this into an advantage. We discussed options with our buyer and decided that a reduction in the sale price, along with a credit back to cover closing costs, would provide the best path forward. By negotiating a $16k+ credit for closing costs, we effectively reduced our buyer’s immediate expenses and made sure they felt confident moving forward with the purchase. Surpassing Expectations with the Appraisal It’s common for buyers to worry they’re overpaying, especially in a market where bidding wars drive up prices. But as we always say, a home is ultimately worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it. And this time, the market was in our favor. Before closing, the appraisal came in, and it was another indicator that our confidence in the overall value of the home was correct. The home was valued $31k+ above the final negotiated sale price, which meant our buyer’s investment was already showing equity returns. Between the credit and the appraisal, they gained overf $47k in value the day they closed. Why Representation Matters More Than Ever Recent rule changes mean that buyer agents are now required to sign exclusive contracts, which raises the stakes for agents to demonstrate their value. Our role isn’t just about finding homes, but also about ensuring our clients make sound investments that will serve them in the long run. In this transaction, we provided almost 5x the value compared to the fee charged, a return that shows the importance of having an experienced and skilled buyer’s agent on your side. In a market where expertise and negotiation skills can make all the difference, it’s essential to have someone in your corner who understands how to maximize value. That’s what we do at Lindsey & Associates, and it’s what we’re proud to deliver to each of our clients. Thinking About Buying? If you’re considering purchasing a home, now is a great time to have a conversation about what you’re looking for and how we can make it happen. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, our team is here to ensure you’re not only getting the home you want but also the value you deserve. Rates have changed and you may be surprised what impact that has had. Feel free to reach out to us at 617-288-1042 to discuss your goals. We look forward to helping you make the most of your real estate journey. Thank you for being part of our community, and as always, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Warm regards, Lindsey & Associates Realty

Fed Rate Cuts on the Horizon: Labor Market Signals a Shift

By Eric Lindsey • September 12, 2024

Financial markets are closely scrutinizing each economic release for clues about the Federal Reserve's potential rate cut in September. With inflation seemingly on track towards the 2% target, the Fed's attention has shifted primarily to the labor market. This morning's August payroll report came in slightly below expectations, with July's figures also revised downward. However, wage growth and hours worked in August exceeded forecasts. While the labor market is showing signs of cooling, it’s not declining as sharply as some had feared. The key questions now are whether the Fed will cut rates by 25 or 50 basis points in September and what rate they consider to be neutral. Despite recent data not fully supporting it, the bond market still assigns a 37.5%* probability to a 50 basis point cut. *per Bloomberg’s World Interest Rate Probability calculations Get ready and get Preapproved today! Recent rate cuts have attracted buyers back into the market, beat the spring rush! Sources: Freddie Mac Mortgage Market Survey Federal Reserve Meeting Calendar Recent Inflation Data - Bureau of Labor Statistics Need Help? Contact Vanessa Kane for refinancing or buying a new home! ☎️ Vanessa Kane | Senior Loan Officer Movement Mortgage Phone | 339.236.5162 Email | Vanessa.Kane@movement.com Website NMLS 287711 Disclaimer: Consult a tax professional. This is not financial advice.