We often forget that there is tourism right here in our own town; and sometimes it’s fun to be a tourist at home! Below are four ideas for summer activities that do not require a vacation but do involve fun for the whole family:

Boston Museum of Science

With over 700 interactive, hands-on exhibits as well as a beautiful planetarium and OMNI MAX Theater (Better than IMAX) with shows running all day, the Museum of Science makes for many hours of educational fun.  While much of the museum is kid-centric, there is certainly plenty to keep adults entertained and engaged as well.  The museum is located on an easily accessible plot of land spanning the Charles River between Cambridge and Downtown Boston, and has plenty of parking.

Fenway Park Tour

Tour the historic ballpark with the whole family!  Learn about the history of Fenway Park, the Red Sox, and Boston in a behind the scenes tour of the stadium.  Make sure not to wear Yankees gear if you have any, because you’ll be the butt of every joke on the whole tour.  If you didn’t already know where it is, the park is located in the Fenway/Kenmore area.   Any Bostonian will happily give you directions.

High-Speed Catamaran Whale Watch

Hop aboard a fun and fast catamaran and get to the whales quickly.  It’s always nice to spend a day on the water, and adding family and whale-watching makes it even better.  The boats feature three decks so everyone on board gets the best view possible.  There is also a spacious, indoor, climate-controlled cabin with cushioned seats, tables, and available snacks and drinks.  Take the Blue Line “T” to the Aquarium stop.  Tickets for whale-watching are available at Long Wharf in Boston’s hip Seaport District.

The Franklin Park Zoo

Take the family to see some exotic animals up close.  The Franklin Park Zoo features the most intimate gorilla exhibit in the whole world where you can see the famous baby gorilla Kambiri!  Zoo guests also love the Lion exhibit and the recreated savannah with giraffes and zebras.  Located in Franklin Park next to Dorchester, the zoo is easy to get to by car or mass transit.

So enjoy your summer with the whole family!  Does your family need a bigger place or are you interested in buying or selling a home? Contact Warren Residential today!

You're looking for a home for sale. What next?

If you are buying a home in Boston or looking for real estate in the surrounding neighborhoods, one of the most important steps is making sure you have the property inspected.  The last thing you want to find out after you seal the deal is that your dream house is actually a project house.

Don’t be fooled!  Be prepared.  A well thought-out and thorough inspection can discover expensive defects such as flaws, damages, infestations and/or legal violations; saving you a lot of money in the long run.  Unless you prefer sharing your home with termites or like living in an accident waiting to happen, then this blog article isn’t for you.  But if you do prefer your home pest-free and without worry of having a roof falling on your head, then here are a few tips.

Step 1.) Hire a professional inspector to check the property.

That’s really all the step you need to take. Really, you don’t have to go any further.  But if you’re a handy-dandy do-it-yourselfer that wants to give it a go, or just too “fiscally minded” to hire a professional then here are some alternative tips.

Step 1.)  Inspect the general appearance of the house.  See how it looks from the sidewalk.  Take a look at the landscape.  Does it look appealing? How about the layout?  Ask yourself, “Do I think it looks attractive? Is this a home that makes me feel comfortable?” When it comes to first impressions with a property, go with your gut feeling.

Step 2.) Examine the health of the landscape.  Check the conditions of the soil; look for any signs of pest trouble, standing water, and any sinkholes.   Also ensure that the vegetation is lush, green and well maintained.  No one wants an ugly, eye-sore of a yard that’s all dried up and dead.

Step 3.) Check the home’s exterior.  Does it have vinyl siding? If so, what condition is it in? How about a painted home?  Is it chipping and flaking? If it’s an older house, you may want a professional to analyze it for lead.  How do the shingles look? Are some missing or look aged and ragged? Observe the shape of the home; does the roof and walls look structurally sturdy?  Be sure to inspect the windows, doors and fences for damages as well.

Step 4.) Survey the interior.  Check the floors, walls and ceilings for any visible damage.  Keep an eye out for any water stains or signs of ageing along these surfaces.  Make sure they feel structurally sound.  Does the floor have a spot that gives in when you step into it?  Probably not structurally sound.

Step 5.) Examine mechanical components. Check all systems that involve heating, air conditioning, furnace, fireplace, chimney and sprinklers.  Make sure that they are operational.

Step 6.) Inspect electrical systems.  You want to observe the fuse panel, circuit breakers, wiring, light fixtures and exhaust fans.  Make sure everything works and keep an eye out for any exposed, damaged or frayed wires.

Buying a home? No one ever said it was easy. Warren Residential is here to help.

Step 7.) Check all plumbing systems.  Inspect the drainage, vent pipes, faucets, sinks and toilets.  You are looking for any signs of damages, leaks or stoppage.

And finally…

Step 8.) You want to observe the functionality of the house.  Here are a few things to keep in mind.  Ventilation, how is the air flow?  Does the interior get enough natural light? Are doors and window frames properly sealed? Does it have enough ceiling height and space for you? Are smoke detectors in place? Does it have all the necessary appliances?  How about a garage and driveway?  Make sure it has all the essential things and functionalities it needs to be a home.

If you have any questions about real estate or want help finding the perfect home in the Boston area, please contact Warren Residential today. We would love to help you find your new home, and if you’re in need of selling a home, our knowledgeable agents are ready and equipped to serve you today!

Since their acquisition, the firms refurbished the lobby and created an underground parking garage for top executive, spending over $40 million on improvements. In addition to the upgrades, they were able to offer lower rents than previous owners; even luring Bain Capital away from a Boston Properties owned building for a seven-floor lease in the Tower.

Under the deal conditions, Boston Properties paid $289.5 million in cash and assumed $640.5 million in debt, in the form of a securitized senior mortgage loan with a fixed, 5.68 percent interest due in January 2017.

Since its assembly in 1975, the Boston landmark has been known as a barometer for the real estate boom and bust. The 62-story glass skyscraper in Boston’s prestigious Back Bay neighborhood boasts over 2 million square feet of space, with roughly 1.7 million feet being available for rent, and an eight level parking garage with over 2,000 available parking spaces.

If you would like to live in the Back Bay neighborhood, or any of the other great Boston neighborhoods, please contact an agent at Warren Residential Group today to schedule an appointment. We would love to help you find your new Boston condo or luxury residence!

Starting with #5….

#5 – 50 Beacon St. Unit 3 on Beacon Hill – Sold for $5,000,000

4 Bedrooms

4.5 Bathrooms

3905 Sq. Ft. ($1,280.41/sq. ft.)

4 Fireplaces

$2,572.50 Condo Fee

This home has the perfect balance of formal living rooms and comfortable family spaces.  The soaring ceilings and large windows truly make this a sun-filled, enjoyable home.  The building features a doorman and is situated on a corner overlooking the Boston Common.   There is also a beautifully landscaped common roof deck to enjoy the views of Boston from.  The home comes with one valet parking space.

#4 – 50 Battery St. #309 (Burrough’s Wharf) on the Waterfront – Sold for $5,200,000

3 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

2700 Sq. Ft. ($1,925.93/sq. ft.) <– The highest price per sq. ft. on the list!

1 Fireplace

3 Garage Parking Spaces

$2,254 Condo Fee

This spectacular Boston Waterfront home features two fantastic private outdoor spaces with the best direct Boston Harbor views available.  This was a nose unit at the coveted Burrough’s Wharf building which has very little turnover.  Between the layout, views, and finishes it is no wonder this home got the highest price per square foot on the list!

#3 – 257 Commonwealth Ave. Unit 3 in Back Bay – Sold for $5,425,000

5 Bedrooms

2 Full Bathrooms/2 Half Bathrooms

5930 Sq. Ft. ($914.84/sq. ft.)

7 Fireplaces

2 Garage Parking Spaces

$1,669 Condo Fee

Completed in 1886 with the finest detailing, this duplex unit includes all of the home’s majestic entertaining rooms, plus 5 beautifully detailed bedrooms accessed by a grand, elliptical staircase. A magnificent, 50 foot deep great hall, restored detail, 7 fireplaces and a stunning dining room with coffered mahogany ceiling are just some of the features. Four zone central air, keyed elevator, extensive terrace, and two full parking spaces.

#2 – Zero Marlborough St. PH – Back Bay – Sold for $8,350,000

4 Bedroom

4 Full Bathrooms

2 Half Bathrooms

4,681 Sq. Ft. ($1,783.81/sq. ft.)

2 Fireplaces

Valet Parking

Condo fee was not disclosed but most likely around $5000-6000/month

Zero Marlborough is a brand new renovation of a classic building situated on the corner of Marlborough and Arlington Streets in Back Bay.  This Penthouse unit features stunning views of Boston Common, Boston Public Gardens and the Boston Skyline.  Finished with the finest craftsmanship and products, the Zero Marlborough Penthouse perhaps has nothing to compare itself with in downtown Boston.

#1 Ritz Carlton Boston Common #29E+H – Midtown Boston – Sold for $8,500,000

5 Bedrooms

7 Full Bathrooms

2 Half Bathrooms

7216 Sq. Ft. ($1,177.94/sq. ft.)

5 Garage Parking Spaces

$7,000 Condo Fee

Spectacular residence at the Ritz Carlton luxuriously renovated with exquisite design. Grand floor plan offering gracious entertaining space and 5 spacious bedrooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout offer breathtaking views of the city from every room. Gleaming hardwood floors and elegant crown moldings throughout. Additional amenities include five deeded garage parking spaces, central air conditioning, central heating, alarm system, attentive 24-hour concierge services, doorman, and valet parking.

Original List Price – $4,750,000

Final List Price – $4,500,000

Sold Price – $3,900,000

Sold Price Per Foot – $962

On Market Time – 82 Days

Unit Details: Triplex Penthouse with stunning views of the Charles River.  Two large private decks and two smaller private decks.  Just completely renovated with new baths, kitchen, decks and roof.

My Thoughts:  With the original price being dropped so soon after the listing was posted, I’m assuming this seller was extremely motivated.  This is also confirmed by the final sold price being $600,000 less than asking.