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Getting Your Home Allergy Free This Spring

April 17th, 2012 by nwarren

Free your Boston home from allergies.Although spring brings some beautiful changes to the landscape of Boston, the truth is that it is also an unpleasant time for people who suffer from allergies. Therefore, you should do several things to reduce the presence of allergens in your home.

When you have a Boston loft or Boston waterfront condo with a great view, it can often be tempting to open up all of the windows in the spring to get fresh air and enjoy feeling like you’re outside while you check out the view. But during pollen season, this can invite many allergens into your home. Therefore, try to enjoy the view from your deck instead so you can go back into an allergen-free home.

The dust that builds up during the closed-in winter months can also be another major source of allergens in luxury Boston condos. Although your Boston luxury condo is new and fancy, that doesn’t mean it will stay clean without a little bit of maintenance from you. Therefore, give your home a thorough cleaning, including vacuuming dust that gathered under and behind furniture.

Control the humidity level in your home by transitioning from a humidifier that you used during the dry winter months to a dehumidifier during the moist summer months. Especially if you have a Boston waterfront condo, you can end up with high humidity as the weather warms up, which encourages the growth of mold and mildew. Remove these allergens by dehumidifying your air, aiming for about 50 percent humidity overall.

These tips should keep you from spending the whole spring sneezing, so you can enjoy it instead!

Posted in:  boston apartments, Boston Condos, Boston Luxury Loft   |   Tags: , ,   |   No Comments

5 Tips to Improve Your Odds of Pre-Approval

April 17th, 2012 by nwarren

Picking out that great piece of Cambridge real estate or that Boston waterfront condo can be enough of a challenge without having to spend a lot of time worrying about the mortgage approval process. Here are five things you can do to tip the scales for pre-approval in your favor:

Clear Up Your Credit

There are loans out there for you no matter what your credit looks like, but clearly, you have better odds, and more options, if you take the time to clear up whatever debts you can clear up.

Increase Your Savings

Lenders will usually look for 3.5 percent down, and that means that you need the cash to cover it. If you need to move some money around from stocks and property to cash, you may need to.

Don’t Quit Your Dayjob

Even if your constant changes of employer are actually evidence that you’re ambitious and moving up the ladder in your career field, lenders are looking for a steady employment history. Maintaining a regular position or freelancing under your own business name is a start.

Work on Your Credit

Don’t just clear up your debts, improve your credit, too. You might want to finish up your car payments or just avoid new debts altogether, but your credit is a big part of the puzzle.

Get Organized

…And finally, just get your stuff together. If you want to look into those luxury Boston condos, having all of your paperwork toegther and fact-checked will be a big help. They’re not just looking for people with decent credit, they’re looking for responsible borrowers in the South Boston real estate scene and in Boston condos, so get your files in one place and make sure that they’re all up to date and accurate.

Posted in:  Boston Condos, Boston Real Estate, Boston Realtors   |   Tags: , ,   |   No Comments

Featured article on The Capital Grille Restaurant

March 26th, 2012 by nwarren

Dine at the decadent Capital Grille in Boston's Back Bay. The Capital Grille Restaurant, much like its surrounding Back Bay neighborhood, is synonymous with quality and elegance. And again, like the Boston real estate where it stands, The Capital Grille brings modern class and taste to the table without sacrificing history.

The Capital Grille offers a steakhouse menu to die for, in a rich, distinctive atmosphere. All the steaks are dry-aged right on the premises for unparalleled hand-crafted taste. Menu choices also include fresh-caught local seafood, and an award-winning wine list featuring over 350 of the finest vintages. Your meal should be topped off with one of many handcrafted desserts, from homemade ice cream, to fresh berries with cream, to the ever-classic creme brulee.

The mid-century feel of the Capital Grille with its plush leather and deep mahogany are designed to complement the much older roots of the exclusive Back Bay where the Grille makes its home. Once a physical bay, Back Bay has been filled in to become home to some of the most prime real estate in Boston. Nearby is the historic Tower Records building, now remodeled as 360 Newbury St, home to Boston condominiums which are the height of luxury. And any Boston realtor would drool at the mention of 45 Province, with its spectacular views overlooking all of Back Bay, its unique skyline a combination of Victorian brownstones juxtaposed with some of the tallest modern buildings in Boston.

For a fine dinner in even finer surroundings, you simply can’t go wrong with The Capital Grille. Each customer is served amazing food with the utmost in attentive service, right in the very heart of Boston.

Posted in:  Back Bay, Back Bay Rentals, Back Bay Single Family, boston apartments, Boston Condos, Boston Events, Boston Luxury Loft, Boston Luxury Rentals, Boston Real Estate, Boston Real Estate Firms, Boston Single Family, Downtown Boston Condos, Luxury Apartment, Luxury Buildings   |   Tags: , , , , ,   |   No Comments

How to Apply for a Home Loan

March 21st, 2012 by nwarren

Purchase your next Boston home with Warren Residential Group.Applying for a home loan can be a challenging and sometimes unnerving task, especially for first-time homeowners. Even well heeled buyers can feel a bit anxious when going through the application process, thanks to the many pitfalls that could result in a denial. Fortunately, you can avoid many of the pitfalls that trap most applicants with just a bit of good advice. Successfully navigating through the home loan process will help you be on your way towards purchasing a Boston luxury condo, Boston waterfront condo or other Boston real estate.

The first step in applying for a home loan is to choose the lender with the best rates available. Once you’ve arranged a meeting with your lender, the process of approving the loan application begins in earnest. The lender will investigate your employment history, income and credit scores in order to gauge your ability to repay the loan.

The lender will then assess the state of the condo you’re buying. There are many factors that can influence the lending process. These include the state of the management team tasked with condominium upkeep and the current financial status of the homeowner’s association. Units in foreclosure and units with owed condo fees extending months back are usually red flags to lenders.

Buyers should be aware that there are plenty of reasons for lenders to turn down a loan. For instance, the lender may not approve a Boston new condo loan if there is pending legislation for the condominium complex in question. Many first-time condo buyers choose to finance their condominium purchase with an FHA home loan. However, these loans have stricter underwriting requirements that leave greater chances for a rejected loan application.

Your Boston realtor should have more information on the best condominium purchases in the Boston area.

Posted in:  Back Bay Single Family, Boston Condos, boston investment property, Boston Real Estate, Boston Real Estate Firms, Boston Real Estate Market, Boston Realtors, Boston Single Family, Boston Waterfront Real Estate, Brookline Real Estate, Cambridge Real Estate, Charlestown Real Estate, Downtown Boston Condos, Fenway luxury condos, Foreclosure, Loft Buildings, Luxury Buildings, massachusetts home sales   |   Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,   |   No Comments

Talking with a Real Estate Agent – Things to Consider

March 19th, 2012 by nwarren

What to think about when speaking with a real estate agent.When you decide to purchase Boston luxury real estate, you may hire a real estate agent to help you with your search. However, not every Boston realtor is the same. When you interview a prospective real estate agent, there are several things you should consider in order to make the best possible choice.

If you will be selling a piece of property as well as buying a new one, one of the most important factors to think about when you talk to a realtor is his commission. How much will he charge when he sells your Boston real estate? The commission realtors charge varies considerably, so this is an essential question.

When you interview any real estate agent, you should also make sure that you are clear about what you want. If you are in the market for a Boston luxury condo, then you do not want to be shown real estate that doesn’t match this description. Be clear about your price range, ideal area, and other specifications. For example, if you only want to look at real estate on 360 Newbury St, be sure that your realtor is aware of this fact.

For more information about Boston real estate, contact our offices today! Our experienced real estate agents will gladly help you in your real estate needs.

Posted in:  360 Newbury, boston apartments, Boston Condos, Boston Real Estate, Boston Real Estate Firms, Boston Real Estate Market, Boston Realtors, Boston Rental Market   |   Tags: , , , , , , ,   |   No Comments

Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 14th, 2012 by nwarren

Come join the fun in South Boston for this year's St. Paddy's Day Parade.If there is a community across the nation who knows how to plan an authentic St. Patrick’s Day Parade, look no further than Boston, Massachusetts. Besides, many of the locals will be glad to share with you the tradition that originated in their native Irish homeland decades and centuries ago. For them, it is like planning a family reunion every year that draws more than 500,000 visitors who come and enjoy all of the seasonal festivities. The three mile parade begins at South Boston‘s Broadway T station and completes its route 2.5 hours later at Andrew Square. The really cool aspect of being in the downtown area are for those who have an aerial view of all of the festivities throughout the year from the doorsteps of the downtown Boston apartments.

Boston luxury real estate attracts young professional homeowners who want the strong community atmosphere that South Boston offers. The public transportation is convenient in the downtown area that makes commuting between home and work a breeze. From the rail system to bus transportation, families have access to anywhere they wish to travel in the region. Walking distance to parks, restaurants, and performances lure the young professionals to one of the many south Boston condos. The breathtaking view a Boston waterfront condo will let the imagination run wild with all of the possibilities. However, it does not have to be a dream. All you have to do is select a Boston Realtor who knows the area and works hard to find the right home that fits your taste. Soon, you can be watching sailboats fade into the distance and then you will know that you are right at home.

Posted in:  boston apartments, Boston Condos, Boston Real Estate, Boston Realtors, South Boston, South Boston Apartments, South End, South End Apartments   |   Tags: , , , , , , , , ,   |   No Comments

Boston’s Back Bay Neighborhood – A Victorian Treasure

March 12th, 2012 by nwarren

Beautiful victorian Back Bay homes in Boston.Pleasantly posh and tantalizingly scenic, Boston’s historic Back Bay neighborhood is a draw for the cultural and architectural enthusiast. The collection of Victorian brownstones, dating back to the late 19th century, is just part of this Paris-like enclave that is so different from other parts of Boston. Streets are wide, tree lined and in a near perfect grid pattern. Row upon row of colorful homes with facades of almost every shape and size add character and class. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Back Bay’s architectural gems are protected, down to the last quirky bay window and bit of gingerbread trim.

Students flocking to Boston to begin their academic lives are also drawn to Back Bay. Northeastern University is on the southwest edge of the neighborhood, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is just a quick drive across the Charles River Basin. A number of Back Bay, Boston university apartments are within easy reach of not only the colleges, but the Prudential Center shopping mall and iconic Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Socks Major League Baseball Team.

One example of the high-end Allston apartments is the towering Greenhouse complex, located south of the Victorians near State Highway 3. Suitable for the affluent student or up and coming professional, these fully furnished units are within easy reach of Copley Place, the Symphony Hall and the Boston Back Bay Station, providing both local and long distance train service. At least three trains a day offer direct service to Washington DC.

Other Boston college apartments include the 463 Beacon Street Guest House, located among the Victorians, and a cluster of smaller buildings surrounding the Boston Architectural College, the Boston Public Library and along Beacon Street. Northeastern university apartments tend to be on the western end of Back Bay, in and around Massachusetts Avenue.

The Charles River Esplanade offers hiking and biking trails along the shoreline and is part of the Charles River Reservation State Park. In the winter, the bike paths often turn into impromptu cross-country ski runs. Near the Harvard Bridge is a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, filled with flowers timed to bloom each May around the great man’s birthday.

On the eastern end of Back Bay is Boston Common, an open space that bills itself as the oldest public park. Created in 1634, the 50 acre park fronts the Massachusetts State House. The park is home to the Frog Pond, a public winter skating rink, and hosts war memorials for both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. There is even a memorial to the Great Elm Tree, an oversized icon that served as both a symbol of freedom and in Boston’s early days as a place for public hangings.

Beacon Street runs along the northern edge of Boston common and is home to Cheers, the bar that became famous as a long running TV series during the 1980s and early 1990s. More Boston college housing is found along this end of Back Bay, much of it on the streets surrounding Massachusetts General Hospital. Residents in this area are within easy reach of Chinatown, Government Center and the Boston waterfront. Historic Paul Revere’s House, the Old North Church and the North Station are all within walking distance from the North End.

As far as restaurants and pubs, the hard part is choosing which eatery to visit. South of Back Bay’s Commonwealth Avenue are cafes with names like Luigi’s, Snappy Sushi and Casa Romero. This eclectic mix of cultures insures variety in both food type and price. Nationally known bands such as Starbucks and the Cheesecake Factory are represented, but this is the place to “eat outside the box.” Think how fun it would be to visit a place called 5 Napkin Burger or the Lir Irish Pub. Then again, if you are looking for a bit of nostalgia, the doors of Cheers are always open.

Posted in:  Back Bay, Back Bay Rentals, Back Bay Single Family, boston apartments, Boston Condos, Boston Real Estate, Boston Single Family, North End condos   |   Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,   |   No Comments

Featured Neighborhood – Charlestown

March 7th, 2012 by nwarren

A beautiful street winding through Charlestown MACharlestown is one of the 21 neighborhoods recognized as part of the greater Boston area. With a population of over 16,000, full of history and yet ever-changing, Charlestown has become the place for young professionals looking for a Boston luxury condo to call home.

North of Boston, between the Charles River and the Mystic River, Charlestown is a great walking town with many interesting historical sites. The monument to the Battle of Bunker Hill is at the north end of Boston’s Freedom Trail. The Charlestown Navy Yard is the home of the USS Constitution, the US Navy’s oldest commissioned ship.

Walking along the residential streets through Charlestown, one notices down the side streets a mixture of the colonial homes first built in the area. They will also encounter some of the brick homes built during a Greek Revival period in the 1800’s, castle-like Queen Anne-style homes, and newly updated designs that reflect the taste of the affluent who reside there now.

The Warren Tavern on Pleasant Street opened in the late 1700’s and is still serving pints to the thirsty patron. Once serving George Washington and Paul Revere as customers, the Warren now caters more to the local fans of the New England Patriots. Proving that some good things are slow to change, the Warren Tavern looks basically as it did in the 1780’s.

A Boston realtor can guide one through these neighborhoods and point out the growth of this colonial town built on the heels of the events that created this nation.

Charlestown is just a short drive to the Boston nightlife, shopping, and Logan International Airport. Close to the hub of activity and commerce but far enough away to relax in a comfortable modern apartment or condo, Charlestown is becoming the place to live for the young professional.

Posted in:  boston apartments, Boston Condos, Boston Luxury Loft, Boston Luxury Rentals, Boston Real Estate, Boston Real Estate Firms, Boston Realtors, Boston Rental Market, Boston Single Family, Boston Waterfront Real Estate, Charlestown Real Estate   |   Tags: , , , ,   |   No Comments

Boston Approves Two Large Scale Apartment Projects

February 20th, 2012 by nwarren

Boston Bulfinch Triangle development concept image.Great news for the Boston real estate market, Boston Redevelopment Authority just approved a couple projects that bring in nearly 300 new units to the Fort Point and Bulfinch Triangle neighborhoods.

The first development the BRA board approved will be the Merano, a $165 million project that will add 230 residential spaces, 210-room hotel, 4,700 square feet of retail space and 13,000 square feet of restaurant real estate to the Bulfinch Triangle area between the North End and West End.

The other project approved by the BRA board will happen at 49, 51, 63 Melcher Street, revamping three connected buildings in Fort Point Channel of the Innovation district located near the Boston Harbor Waterfront.
For more about this latest news, read Boston Business Journal article, “Boston Approves Apt Projects”.

Posted in:  Boston Condos, Boston Development, Boston Luxury Loft, Boston Luxury Rentals, Boston Real Estate, Boston Real Estate Market, Boston Rental Market, Boston Waterfront Real Estate, Luxury Buildings, North End condos   |   Tags: , , , , , , , ,   |   No Comments

Deal Sealed for Tower at Vacant Filene’s Site

February 3rd, 2012 by nwarren

Filene's Basement at Downtown Crossing will be home to a new tower.The gaping Filene’s site at Downtown Crossing has a future. The site will be the home of a new tower that will contain retail stores, office spaces, and residences say city officials.

This is great news for the Downtown area after having to deal with the unsightly hole for the last three years since property owner, Vornado Realty Trust of New York, halted construction.

Now it will be Ritz Carlton Hotel developers, Millennium Partners, to take over the site and  join Vornado Realty Trust of New York. As for the terms of the deal, they have yet to be disclosed, but this deal has been some of the most exciting news for the real estate world in Boston. The project outlines are broad, but people can expect roughly a 39-story building with retail stores and restaurants filling out the base.

For more information about the latest news on the new tower project in Downtown Crossing shopping district, please read the Boston Globe article, Deal set for a tower on gaping Filene’s site.

Posted in:  boston apartments, Boston Commercial Real Estate, Boston Condos, Boston Development, Boston Real Estate, Boston Real Estate Firms, Boston Real Estate Market, Downtown Boston Condos, Luxury Apartment, Luxury Buildings   |   Tags: , , , ,   |   No Comments

 
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