The Back Bay neighborhood is one of the most popular areas to live in if you are looking for a combination of culture and luxury. The area is full of authentic Victorian brownstones, many of which have been renovated to contain some of the best examples of luxury Boston real estate. The area offers unrivaled shopping opportunities in Prudential Center and Copley Place. Many businesses have located their offices to this district, making your commute much shorter if your employer is among them.

North End is the city’s oldest residential district and is home to award winning real estate like Lincoln Wharf. Also known as Little Italy, this neighborhood is small but packed with cozy restaurants, charming parks and friendly residents. Historical sites like the home of Paul Revere live side by side with high end boutiques and cafes serving authentic Italian gelato. Numerous street fairs and festivals give you a good chance to mingle with your neighbors during the spring and summer.

Walk to the Boston Public Gardens or admire the Federal-style architecture from your new luxury condo in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. As the home of the Massachusetts State House, this area is full of both historical sites and cultural hot spots. You can have both sweeping views of the city and peace of mind by choosing the quiet and protected borough of Beacon Hill. It is considered the most prestigious neighborhood in the city, having been the home of John Hancock, Anne Sexton and Uma Thurman.

Every city has its own special holiday traditions that define the season for city dwellers and visitors alike. For the denizens of Washington DC, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue marks the advent of the holiday season. In New York City, the annual tree lighting ceremony at Rock Center is the must-attend event of the holidays. For the citizens of Boston, one of those special events is the Zoo Lights display at Stone Zoo in Stoneham.

Located on 26 acres next to the Spot Pond Reservoir on Pond Street, the Stone Zoo was established in 1905 by park superintendent Charles Price. Originally called the Middlesex Fells Zoo, its name was changed in 1969 to honor zoo director Walter Stone. Stone Zoo is currently managed under the auspices of the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston.

Open year round, the zoo offers attractions for people of every age. The animals there run the gamut from snow leopards to llamas to African crested porcupines. Other displays allow a glimpse into the lives of gray wolves, river otters, coatimundi, jaguars, black bears, ring-tailed lemurs, flamingos, emperor tamarins and several kinds of monkeys. During the summer months, there is even a hands-on barnyard where children can interact with goats and sheep.

But when the cold sets in, the barnyard is closed down and some displays stand empty, their residents now kept indoors to protect them from the cold. This might make it seem as though there’s not much to do at the zoo in the winter, but Stone Zoo, it turns out, has a card up its sleeve. For over a decade now, Stone Zoo has offered patrons a special holiday treat. Starting on Thanksgiving day and running through New Year’s Eve, the zoo is transformed into the magical winter wonderland known as Zoo Lights.

During Zoo Lights, the entire zoo is decked out for the holidays. Every shrub and tree is festooned with sparkling lights. The zoo’s many evergreens become living Christmas trees, decorated with garlands and brightly colored balls. Every tree-lined path is ablaze with twinkling lights. Even the bare hardwood trees are dressed for the season, their trunks and branches glittering with light.

Though the pageantry changes every year, exhibits from seasons past have included giant teddy bears sporting bright red bows, penguins busily wrapping presents and loading them onto sleighs, old time streetlights hung with wreaths and Snoopy on his doghouse delivering presents.

One particularly charming tableau is presented in an actual log cabin that was discovered on the zoo grounds. The cabin is believed to have been built by loggers in the 1900s. During Zoo Lights, it is decorated to represent an authentic, homey pioneer Christmas, complete with Christmas tree, period gifts and a bevy of woodland creatures gathered around the tree. Santa is usually there, too, and children will have the chance to visit with him and have their pictures taken with his reindeer.

Those who plan to make Zoo Lights a part of their family holiday tradition will need to do a little advanced planning. There is no bus line to the zoo, so those who wish to attend must make other travel arrangements. Families with homes in the nearby Boston luxury real estate will find it a short drive. Even those with W Boston Residences shouldn’t have to drive more than 20 or 35 minutes and parking is available. Everyone should, however, allow a little extra travel time because of holiday traffic.

Out-of-town travelers who have come to Boston for the Zoo Lights experience, may want to make it part of a longer stay. Renting a Boston loft for the week of Thanksgiving or exploring the possibility of subletting Beacon hill apartments could turn visiting this single travel destination into a real holiday get-away. Downtown Boston condos are also a possible choice for holiday rentals.

Whether visitors are long-time Boston residents, or simply holiday travelers, an evening at Zoo Lights makes the perfect addition to the holiday festivities.

The Boston W Hotel still has 71 luxury condo units available.

Earlier this week, W Boston Hotel and Residences developers won in court to exit bankruptcy, but under the condition to sell 71 unsold condos in the Boston luxury building to cover its debts.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Joan Feeney approved SW Boston Hotel Venture’s plan for reorganization amidst protest from top creditor Prudential Insurance, which shelled out more than $181 million for the project.

With the ruling, SW Boston Hotel Venture will be given the opportunity to pay creditors in full.

The W Boston Hotel is a 235-room hotel and 123-unit luxury condo tower that was built in October of 2009, but found itself bankrupt by April 2010 after unsuccessfully selling condos to keep revenue flowing into the Theater District project.

Efforts by Prudential to foreclose the building were rejected as well as the company’s objections to the plan for reorganization.

SW Boston plans to pay back the $52 million it owes to Prudential through the cash earned from condo sales over the next three years, then repay $10 million to the city of Boston in a loan they owe, and move on to the lesser amounts to other creditors.

Currently 52 units have already been sold with another eight under agreement.  There are still many more Boston luxury condo units available at the W Boston Hotel.  If you are interested in any of these properties and would like to know more, please contact our Warren Residential offices today and let our expert real agents help you!

Rich with History, Beacon Hill is named for the beacon that once stood atop a hill to warn Boston of invasion.  Ever heard of “One if by land, two if by sea”?  Yea, that beacon.  Though no longer used to notify of an imminent attack, the famous Massachusetts State House, a popular and extremely historic landmark, still resides at the corner of Beacon and Bowdoin Streets.

Modern day Beacon Hill is famous for some of Boston’s best shopping and dining, not to mention some of the city’s most prestigious addresses.  Charles Street, Beacon Hill’s main traffic artery, is lined with amazing antique shops and many of Boston’s best restaurants.

For more information about homes, condos, or apartments in Boston’s spectacular Beacon Hill neighborhood, contact Warren Residential today!

1.  Flush Sprinkler Systems

Many sprinkler systems are buried above the frostline, meaning that any residual liquid in them can freeze when temperatures get low enough.  Freezing liquid can cause pipes to burst which means costly repairs in the spring.  There are companies that can flush residual liquid out of sprinkler systems by pumping air into them.  Consider looking into getting your sprinkler system checked out if you are unsure.

2. Prevent Mold Growth

Certain areas that are prone to humidity and stuffiness.  Bathrooms, crawl spaces, and basements, can be hotbeds of mold growth.  Make sure exhaust fans in bathrooms are working properly and used if the room gets humid, such as after a shower.  Ever smell that mildew smell in your basement? Mold and mildew can increase the risk of illnesses.  Consider placing dehumidifiers in crawlspaces or basements.

3. Check your Heating System

You may have your AC on full blast at the moment, but soon you’ll need your heater.  It has probably been sitting dormant for months, are you sure it still works?  Consider taking an hour, however uncomfortable it may be, and cranking the heat.  You may end up a bit sweaty, but you will be able to rest assured that your heater will work the moment you need it.  An hour of heat is better than a few days of cold while you wait for repairs.

4. Roof Maintenance

Roofs have a lifetime of many years, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need periodic maintenance and repairs.  Get a roofing company topside on your home to check that everything is in mint condition.  Make sure they check for missing or rotting shingles.  While their at it, you might as well have them clean out your gutters and repair any broken gutters, drains, and downspouts.

5. Garage Safety

If you have an attached garage, you may heat up your car before leaving on cold days.  The carbon monoxide fumes are extremely toxic and can build up in the garage as your car is heating.  These fumes can be dangerous to you, and can seep into your house as well.  Fumes from certain chemicals and fertilizers stored in your garage can also be seeping into your house.  Know what is in your garage and look it up to make sure that its safe.

Now you can feel secure and enjoy a beautiful New England Fall!  Thinking about buying a new home or moving into a luxury condo for the fall?  Contact Warren Residential today!

In times of economic struggle, people seem to start resorting to desperate measures to earn money, and sometimes it can lead to scamming others out of their hard-earned cash. One well-known scam is called a Rental Scam. Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment in Brighton, Beacon Hill, or the South End, here are a few suggestions to help you avoid falling into the hands of a rental scammer:

–Perform a background check. Ask for a business license, company profile and the contact numbers/addresses of at least two customers who have dealt with the Realtor in question. In turn, if a Realtor approves your application without so much as checking your background, this is cause for suspicion.

–Be extremely wary of a Realtor who insists you pay cash instead of check for a deposit. Cashing a check leaves a trail while they can just disappear with your money, so only pay with a check.

–If the rent seems too low compared to other apartments in the neighborhood, question it! There is a benchmark from which rental rates are based, so check the cost of living in your location against the rent you will be charged for the property you have your eye on. Odds are, if you have a suspicion about the validity of the property being rented to you, you are probably right in your suspicions.

–Don’t sign right away! If the person you’re negotiating with seems far too eager to get you to sign, offering you anything and everything they can think of to make it happen, this is a RED FLAG! Make sure your questions are answered and every transaction has been made clear to you before signing.

–Do your research about foreclosures. Before sending a deposit, check with local banks or a trusted real estate agent that can provide you with property information. If the property is under foreclosure, it is under lock and key from a bank and you will not be permitted to move there.

–Ask your friends and family for their opinions. If you allow the people you trust to help you, it will be harder for scammers to con you out of your hard-earned cash.

Avoiding a rental scam all comes down to your ability to listen to your instincts and pay close attention to facts. By using a real estate company like Warren Residential Group, we can help you to avoid the stresses of searching for rentals on your own, so contact us today to schedule a viewing.

Once you have agreed on the terms, it is time to review and sign the formal purchase and sales agreement. Typically, this will contain the following:

-The approximate closing date

-What property, such as drapes, appliances, and lighting fixtures is included

-The amount of mortgage that the buyer needs to finance the purchase of the house

-Cost adjustments to be made at closing, which can include points, property taxes, etc.

-The amount of buyer’s deposit and where it will be held until closing (it will usually be held in escrow, i.e. by a third party)

-Inspections the buyer may want to make: general home inspections, and more specific inspections for hazards such as radon, termites, asbestos, etc.

-What happens if either party backs out of the deal

-Any special conditions or contingencies: the seller fixing a problem with the house, the buyer obtaining financing, or a satisfactory home inspection report among others

It isn’t uncommon for a closing to be delayed due to one issue or another, such as a delay in the mortgage company processing your application or a number of other complications, and occasionally deals do fall apart at the closing conference table. It’s important to cover these contingencies when drafting your P & S Agreement. A Closing is when the ownership of the house passes from the Seller to the Buyer- the house isn’t yours until the entire process is complete!

Buying a home can be a stressful time, but working with a trusted broker can ease some of that stress. Contact a Warren RE agent today for help in buying your new home. We have listings including luxury buildings, apartments, and condos in a variety of different neighborhoods.

The Ritz-Carlton Towers overlook the Boston Common on one side and the harbor on the other.

Within this range is a niche category – hotel residences.  There are four major hotel residences in Boston – Four Seasons Place, the W Boston Residences, the Ritz-Carlton Towers, and the Mandarin Oriental.  These condos not only are some of the most luxurious in the city, but they also offer all of the amenities of a five-star hotel including maid and concierge services.

Four Seasons Place is a full service luxury condo building that overlooks the Public Garden and Boston Common.

The W Boston Residences are a welcome addition to the already flourishingTheatre District neighborhood of Boston.

Living in a five-star hotel is akin to a permanent luxury vacation.  The amenities are legendary, including access to room service, the fitness centers, valet parking, the hotel spa, the swimming pools, and a 24 hour concierge.  There is a pride of ownership that is derived from living in a place that most people only stay in for a week at a time.

Completed in the fall of 2008, the Mandarin Oriental is one of the most talked about and exciting projects that Boston has ever seen.

Check out all of the luxury building listings in Boston or contact a Warren RE real estate agent to find out more about these or other luxury residences in Boston.

Great opportunity for a buyer to steal a gorgeous Beacon Hill home.  Originally priced at $8.95 million NOW $4.99.  The auction is to be held March 3, 2010 however all interested parties must tour and register beforehand.  Please contact us is you are interested in the 20 Brimmer Street auction.

“When developers Peter and Elizabeth Georgantas paid $2.25 million for a dilapidated 1860s Beacon Hill brownstone about four years ago, they saw the potential for a hefty profit.”

Of course the market was in a different shape back then and the developer thought nothing of spending upwards $4 million in renovations on the 5,400 sqft Brimmer Street beauty.  Nobody could predict the economic storm that lay ahead and with all the buy-rebuild-flip profits going on it’s easy to see where the buyer could put such money into the row house and expect to still make money of its sale.  But as we all know times have changed…

In an effort to move the home quickly Georgantas reduced the asking price from $8.96 to $7.95 million, and then again, last year, to $7 million.  Now it is hitting auction at $4.9

The home consists of five bedrooms, four baths, three powder rooms, and seven fireplaces…oh and a gorgeous wine cellar. Other upgrades include, imported italian marble in all baths, smart-home technology throughout, solarium , greenhouse, library and an enormous roof deck, heated flooring, and top of the line kitchen.

According to The Boston Globe, “The Georgantas purchased the Brimmer Street property and an adjacent building for $4.5 million with plans to return the 18 rental units back into two elegant single family homes.”

The photos do not do this home justice.  If you are interested please contact us at once.

There are currently 7 Beacon Hill condos for $300,000 or less.

Average price per square foot – $787

Sample Listing – 11 Irving Street Unit 1

Asking $295,000

335 Sq. Ft. Studio

$500,000

There are currently 25 Beacon Hill condos priced between $300,001 and $500,000

Average price per square foot – $680

Sample Listing – 92 Beacon Unit 4

Asking $499,900

743 Square Foot 1 Bedroom

$1,000,000

There are currently 31 Beacon Hill condos for sale between $500,001 and $1,000,000

Average price per square foot – $709

Sample Listing 66 Chestnut St Unit 2

Asking $995,000

1397 Square Foot 3 Bedroom