Boston Seaport's Pier 4

The Boston Redevelopment Authority recently gave the green light to New England Development’s plans to erect a new building comprised of residential and retail space on the Pier 4 wharf in Boston’s Seaport district. Plans for redeveloping the pier have been in the works for over thirteen years now, and originally the focus was on commercial space. As overall interest in office space in the area has gone down and South Boston apartments have been in high demand, the focus has shifted to a Phase One plan comprised of nearly 380 units plus three stories of parking for over 250 cars. The footprint of the building has been reduced to account for common space, and retail shops will find a home on the ground level. Architects ADD, Inc. penned the design.

Phase two will add a hotel in a second building, and phase three will bring a condominium building offering over 100 units. The entire development will house over 1200 parking spaces in total, and phase three will also include the extension of the existing Harbor Walk with the addition of a one acre park at the terminus. City planners welcomed the new ideas, with the plans for the space fitting nicely into Mayor Thomas Menino’s goal to make the now-vibrant Seaport neighborhood a true “24-hour neighborhood”.

New England Development projects construction time for phase one at 18 months. Phase two is being held until a hotel signs off on the project – given the desirable location and the popularity of South Boston real estate, the wait may not be too long. For now, those looking to relocate to the Seaport have myriad other options – contact Warren Residential Group today to learn more!

Harbor Towers - Luxury on the Waterfront

Whether you’re newly relocated to Beantown or have spent your entire life along the Clarendon Back Bay, Battery Wharf, and Fenway Park, it’s time to upgrade to a new, luxurious way of living. The Boston real estate industry is as diverse as the people who live within the doors of residences from South Boston apartments to the downtown Boston condos, and everything in between. When you’re ready to make a move, let your trained and dedicated Boston realtor take you through the doors of the Harbor Towers luxury residence.

Well-situated to all that Boston has to offer in terms of dining, entertainment, sports and socializing, these new Boston waterfront condos are true luxury real estate. Sit high in the sky as you take in the hot spots of North End and Faneuil Hall. Walk instead of trying to battle for a parking space. You may never want to leave your new condo when you spend time indulging in our outdoor pool, concierge service and breath-taking views of Charleston and Fort Point Channel.

Harbor Towers has something to suit each potential resident’s discerning taste. Our one bedroom, one bath upscale condominiums offer between 748 to 884 square feet. Want more room to spread out, cheer on the Sox on game day or unwind after a long day in the Financial District? Upgrade to our three bedroom, 3.5 bath residency, with a comfortable 2,510 square feet, and one of our lowest price-per-foot condos in all of Harbor Towers. Our largest accommodation includes 3,609 square feet of space, five bedrooms and 4.5 baths.

Every one of our luxury apartments includes a balcony, dishwasher, microwave, disposal, air conditioning and gas range. High quality hardwood floors and water views are also a part of your new living experience. The condos are all cable/satellite ready so you can plug in or unplug and unwind. These residences, which offer the utmost in quality, security and attention to detail through our always-on doorman and concierge, are move-in ready and just waiting to accommodate your every desire. We’ve recently remodeled our lobby and elevators, giving the Harbor Towers a brand new feel for less than you’d pay for new construction. You’ll also find our grounds immaculately landscaped for an enjoyable evening stroll or a couple of hours to soak up the sun with a book and a cocktail.

Life in Boston can be stressful, whether the Sox are in the Series or not. With such a fast pace, demands on your time and so many apartments available, you may find it difficult to choose or even devote enough quality attention to selecting where to live. But with Harbor Towers, your living starts here. We’ll arrange a tour on your schedule, when it’s convenient for you. We can work around your long hours at the office, hospital, clinic or golf course. We know Boston, and we know real estate. Our realtors will even help you choose whether renting a condo may be a better way to get your foot in the door. Pick Harbor Towers as your new address, and start living.

Take a stroll down the Freedom Trail and explore Boston's history.

As one of the most prominent cities during the years that shaped the country that became America, Boston, Massachusetts is rich in history. From Paul Revere’s famous ride to the infamous Boston Massacre, the city saw more than its share of historical moments that changed the course of history and the fate of the fledgling country that became the United States of America. Just as the city itself blends history with the modern world, so does the city’s real estate. Boston real estate is unique in that it allows you to find a downtown Boston apartment that offers both the charm of days gone by and the amenities of the future. Boston luxury real estate offers the finest in Boston condominiums and lofts. Whether you plan to visit Boston in November, or are planning a Boston relocation during the Thanksgiving holiday, a tour of some of the more famous Boston sites is a must.

Thanksgiving in Boston is a beautiful time of year. Although snow is possible at Thanksgiving, you are more likely to encounter cool days and cooler nights. A daytime walk along the Freedom Trail will allow you the opportunity to take a step back in time while strolling through downtown Boston. The 2.5 mile trail takes you past many of Boston’s more well known historical sites such as the Boston Latin School. Founded in 1635, the school is not only the country’s first public school, but the oldest school in America. Both the Bunker Hill Monument and the statue of Benjamin Franklin can also be found along the trail. The Freedom Trail also passes by the site of the Boston Massacre which took place in 1770. The incident resulted in the death of five men at the hands of British Soldiers and is seen as one of the important seeds that eventually led to the American Revolution. The Revolutionary War, in turn, cost thousands of men their lives. The trail includes three important historical burying grounds where many Revolutionary War victims were laid to rest. Granary Burying Grounds, for example, is home to three signers of the United States Constitution along with Paul Revere and all five of the victims of the Boston Massacre.

Along with the Freedom Trail, the Boston National Historical Park offers a glimpse into many of the events that led to the American Revolutionary War. The U.S. navy, as part of the Historical Park program, offers tours through the U.S.S. Constitution. The Constitution, named for the U.S. Constitution by president George Washington, is the oldest commissioned naval vessel still capable of floating. Commissioned in 1797, the vessel was built in Boston and was part of the newly formed United States Navy. Both guided and self-guided tours are available along both the Freedom Trail and through the Historical Park.

Boston is not only a historically significant city, but a modern city with a wealth of real estate options for the discerning renter or investor. Whether you are looking for a Boston waterfront condo, a back bay condo, or prefer the elegance of South Boston apartments, Boston, Massachusetts has what you are looking for in luxury living.

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!

Sidewalk Café

If you’re in the mood for great food and even better coffee, stop by the Sidewalk Café at 764 E 4^th Street or call for delivery. With a large and very reasonably priced menu (entrees are under $10) that ranges from coffee and breakfast sandwiches to brick oven style pizza and pasta, residents in South Boston real estate will be able to find something to satisfy their every craving.

Flour Bakery & Café

Are sweets more your style? Look for the cute logo of an egg cracking in Flour Bakery, located at 1595 Washington Street. The bakery offers a great variety of desserts with lots of cookies, tarts, and cakes for those with a sweet tooth to choose from. In addition to their selection of delicacies, Flour Bakery offers a number of delicious sandwiches for those who are stopping by for lunch.

Teriyaki House

If Asian fare is your favorite, try Teriyaki House at 32 West Broadway. Offering high-quality Japanese and Chinese signature dishes in addition to fresh Sushi and the delicious and healthy Bubble Tea, step out of your South Boston apartment and head to the Teriyaki House whenever you’re in the mood for good value and excellent service.

Sportello

Founded by famous chef, Barbara Lynch, Sportello is an Italian interpretation of a classic diner that serves lunch, dinner, and brunch along with a bakery counter that offers pre-prepared meals for those on the go. Located at 348 Congress Street, Sportello is a little more expensive, with entrée prices ranging from $15-$25, but the extensive menu of trattoria-inspired Italian dishes and artisanal wine list make this Italian diner a must-try.

Barking Crab

If you’re a fan of seafood, try the Barking Crab at 88 Sleeper Street. Diners have the option of eating on the deck overlooking Boston Harbor or in the equally casual indoor dining room where live bands play daily. If you’re heading there for dinner, call ahead to make a reservation; it can get pretty crowded!

Salsa’s Mexican Grill

Can’t get enough of authentic Mexican cuisine? Salsa’s Mexican Grill offers great food from Chile en Nogada (fresh peppers stuffed with ground beef, almonds, raisings, apples and honey, and topped with a creamy walnut salsa) and Albondigas (Mexican-style meatloaf of ground beef, ham and garlic, topped with orange-chipotle salsa) to simple quesadillas and enchiladas all at totally reasonable prices. Next time you’re sitting in your South Boston condo, thinking about how you have nothing for dinner, head over to 118 Dorchester Street to try this Mexican grill.

Lucky’s Lounge

Head over to 355 Congress Street if you’re in the mood for upscale pub fare and an extensive beer and cocktail list. With a sizzling, Sinatra-flavored subterranean lounge that features live bands, Lucky’s Lounge is a favorite hot spot among South Boston real estate locals. Whether you’re stopping in for after work drinks, an epic night on the town, or Sunday brunch, Lucky’s is friendly, laid back, and fun!

Salvatore’s

With good food, reasonable prices, great service, and a friendly staff, if you’re in the mood for pizza or Italian food, check out Salvatore’s at 225 Northern Avenue.  The pizza is amazingly garlicky with a fresh, pillowy crust, and there are lots of great additional entrées to choose from, which range from $15 to $25. Salvatore’s also offers takeout for those who want to pick up food then head back to their South Boston apartment.

No Name Restaurant

No Name Restaurant at 15 Fish Pier Street West offers hearty seafood with a minimalist approach, all at the reasonable and affordable price of under $10 per entrée.  A great, no-fuss seafood restaurant, this Seaport District eatery offers little by way of décor and ambiance, with only simple harbor views distracting diners from their lobsters and chowder.

L Street Diner & Pizzeria

Stop by 108 L Street if you’re in the mood for fabulous breakfast, pizza, and diner food. The portions are huge and the prices are low, and the though the place isn’t anything fancy, the service is great and the staff is friendly, making it a perfect option for a low key night out.

If you’re in the market for South Boston real estate or want to find the perfect South Boston condo, please contact Warren Residential today. Don’t forget to try out one, or all!, of these top restaurants while you’re in the neighborhood!

Completed in 2005, Atelier 505 was one of the most successful luxury condo projects that have been completed in the past decade, selling out pre-construction very quickly, and its current resales are now in very high demand. Many units feature views of Boston’s Back Bay from their beautiful, large floor-to-ceiling windows.

Atelier 505 offers lots of great amenities, including a 24/7 concierge who is there to help you with packages, dry cleaning, reservations and more, an underground parking garage, as well as hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, and appliances. The 3^rd floor of the luxury apartment houses a gym outfitted with cardio equipment and free weights, as well as a common room and a patio that you can use for anything from family get-togethers to business functions.

Atelier 505 is truly one of the South End’s most luxurious properties. Located in the fabulous and diverse neighborhood along Tremont Street’s various cuisine offerings and sitting right next to the Boston Center for the Arts, residents of Atelier 505 will have numerous dining and entertainment options to choose from.

For more information on current sales and rental listings at Atelier 505, please contact a Warren Residential Group agent. In addition, if you’re considering a move to Boston or if you have any questions about Boston Real Estate or any of the Boston neighborhoods,we are qualified and knowledgeable on those aspects as well and would love to assist you.

If you plan on listing Boston real estate or Brookline real estate, consider giving your home a little winter face-lift. There is a lot of competition in the marketplace; your listing needs to be in tip-top shape.

Remove Snow and Ice.

If  a buyer can’t easily park and access your property, it’s not going to sell. Shovel, salt, and tidy your walkway and driveway at least every other day, and especially when you know buyers are going to be touring your home, whether you’re listing a Cambridge condo or a South Boston apartment.

Create a Warm Atmosphere

If you know a buyer is coming through, turn up the thermostat! While it may be tempting to save a few bucks by skimping on heat, buyers who aren’t comfortable won’t stay for very long. For those who are fortunate enough to have a fireplace, utilize it during open houses for additional ambiance.

Light Up

Use timers and technology to your advantage to make your home feel lived in. Install motion sensors that light up a driveway or walkway and set indoor lamps to automatically turn on in the evening. Another trick to creating a better mood for potential home buyers is by tuning your radio to a classical station; the soft music is welcoming and soothing.

Showcase Seasonal Listing Photos

Since the winter months are often cold, gray, and dreary, show potential buyers an album of photographs taken during the warmer months, even if you don’t have a ton of landscaping or outside amenities included with the property. Pictures that display warm light streaming through the windows or flowers and trees in full bloom present a brighter and happier home than the bare branches of winter.

Don’t be discouraged! Winter is a popular time for relocation; Boston is the 8^th largest city for relocating professionals with many corporate moves occurring during the winter. If you would like to invest in Boston Real Estate or find the perfect Brookline apartment, contact an agent at Warren Residential Group today. One of our knowledgeable agents would be happy to assist you!

While the market continues to fluctuate, Mark Strickland of www.bostonrealestateobserver.com notes that the current real estate market trends for the South Boston neighborhood potentially weigh in favor for both the seller and buyer. Strickland defines these advantages as follows:
•    Seller Advantage Market – there is currently less than a six (6) month supply of homes for sale
•    Buyer Advantage Market – there is currently more than a six (6) month supply of homes for sale

As of January 21st, 2010, all condos priced at or under $499K in South Boston are in a Seller Advantage Market, whereas all other condos are in a Buyer Advantage Market. All multi-families are in a Seller Advantage Market, as are single-family homes priced under $499K. Single-family homes priced between $500K and $749K are in a Buyer Advantage Market.
While this data shouldn’t indicate that there are NO exceptions, it provides a good understanding of where the market is and where you can go from here. Stickland further explains his terminology: “In a Seller Advantage Market, a particular owner may be flexible on price if there are mitigating circumstances such as a pending relocation, or the pre-purchase of another home. Similarly, in a Buyer Advantage Market there are always going to be sellers who are unrealistically inflexible on their price because they are in no hurry to sell, or still unrealistically believe that their home is worth far more than it actually is.” He also recommends hiring a good Marketing Agent or Buyer’s Agent to understand your individual circumstances within the larger context of your neighborhood’s market conditions.

(This data was compiled through a 12-month rolling calendar from December 2008 to December 2009 for condos, multi-family and single-family homes. You can find more information on additional Boston neighborhoods in the full article, here)

Also make sure to check out our selection of available South Boston Apartments!

Here are some quick market statistics over the past 12 months for South Boston Condos from MLS:

Total Market Volume: $148,968,280

Average Sale Price of a South Boston Condo: $367,823

Median Sale Price of a South Boston Condo: $359,000

Highest Sale Price of a South Boston Condo: $1,150,000

Over the last 5 years or so South Boston has seen a massive move towards renovating and converting triple deckers into luxury condos targeted towards people who want to be close to the city but can’t quite afford the South End or Back Bay.   There has also been a lot of ground-up construction of luxury developments with 50-100-200 units in them which is something completely new for South Boston Real Estate.  This has been providing a more affordable alternative to some of the luxury condo projects in downtown Boston like the Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, or 45 Province.

Here are a couple of the luxury projects that Southie has seen be developed over the past few years:

The Macallen:

The Macallen is Boston’s “Greenest” residential luxury condo building.  Units feature great ceiling height, bamboo hardwood floors, large windows, and beautifully designed kitchens and bathrooms.  Click the picture for current listings and more info at the Macallen.

The Allele:

These South Boston lofts feature gorgeous bamboo floors, 10 foot ceilings, and direct access to private terraces and balconies.  For current listing and more info please click the picture!

Court Square Press Lofts in South Boston

Court Square Press is a beautiful loft building located by the Broadway T stop in South Boston.  Court Square Press is the loft building which kicked off the construction boom in South Boston in 2004-2005.  Today you will find a handful of luxury condo buildings surrounding the Broadway T stop including the Macallen, The Lofts at 36A, and the Allele.  The building features a fitness facility and 24/7 concierge.  You also have access to the Macallen’s amenities which include a beautifully landscaped 20,000 sq. ft. common deck with a fantastic pool and a fully equipped screening room.

The lofts at Court Square Press feature warm exposed brick and beams as well as wide plank hardwood floors.  The kitchens were designed with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops but many owners have completely customized their lofts to fit their needs.  Most of these loft condos come with direct access garage parking which is rare for a loft building in Boston.  Court Square Press is perfect for those needing to commute into Boston.  The Broadway T stop is right outside your door and you are only 1 stop to South Station.

Features and Amenities of Court Square Press Lofts:

• Brick and Beam Construction
• Concierge
• Hardwood Floors
• Stainless Steel and Granite Kitchens
• Garage Parking
• Pool
• Fitness Facility
• Screening Room
• Red Line T Access

For more information on Court Square Press Loft rental and sale listings please CLICK HERE or contact Nick Warren at nwarren@warrenre.com and 617-848-9616 ext. 706.