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.

Plymouth Thanksgiving Day Parade second to the famous Macy's Day Parade and a wonderful experience for all ages.

Plymouth, Massachusetts is known around the globe as the city that started America — the place where the pilgrims landed in the 17th century and the spot where the first Thanksgiving Day was held. Today, the city of Plymouth, known as “America’s Hometown,” celebrates the history of Thanksgiving each November with a three-day festival. This festival is a great event for those who live in Boston luxury real estate or downtown Boston apartments. It’s a fun time to get away from the city and celebrate the history of Massachusetts and America.

In 2011, the festival will take place from November 18 through 20. The festival includes a food festival, parade, a concert series and a variety of waterfront activities. This festival that celebrates the history of Thanksgiving has been a mainstay in Plymouth for 16 years and counting. It’s a perfect weekend getaway for those living in Cambridge luxury apartments.

The parade at this festival has come to be famous during the past 16 years, and is ranked the second best Thanksgiving parade in the country — second only to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2011. The opening ceremony takes place on the Plymouth waterfront, and marks the beginning of the annual parade celebration. This parade is known for its historical accuracy, bringing to life each century from the 17th century through the 21st century. Included in the parade are decorated floats, Drum and Bugle Corps, historical reenactments from every period of our country’s history and also military marching units. The parade draws visitors from all over the country and the world in order to celebrate the historical culture of America and take a trip back through our history.

Also a part of the weekend celebration is the New England Food Festival. This festival celebrates the hearty, comfortable foods of the New England region. It features a variety of chowders, soups, deserts, party foods and regional decor. The festival allows restaurants to compete for the top spot in a variety of categories, and guests can sample the festival food while enjoying the live entertainment that will be on hand throughout the day. The food festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday November 19, 2011. Admission is $12 per person, and children ages 6-12 are $7. Children 5 and under are allowed into the festival for free.

Other activities at the festival include a weekend concert series, which features a patriotic-themed concert each night of the festival — Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Those living in south Boston apartments might enjoy a getaway on one of those evenings to enjoy some live music and take in the other sights and sounds of the festival. Also a part of the festival are waterfront activities, such as the Edible South Shore Harvest Market, the Crafter’s Pavilion, Historic Village and Re-enactors, The Kids Tent, The Wampanoag Educational Pavilion and Plimouth Plantation Turkey Dinner and Mayflower II tour.

While this is an event that attracts visitors from all over the country, it certainly shouldn’t be missed by locals living in Boston condominiums. This fun and festive event highlights all that is great about New England, America and the traditions of Thanksgiving Day. It is a fun way to spend a fall weekend on the New England coast, and allows people to experience all that is best in life — good food, great music and the company of friends. This is a great way for young couples, retired people and families to spend their weekend.

Asana
776 Boylston Street
617-535-8888

For a Thanksgiving menu with an oriental twist, those living in a Boston loft could easily move their Thanksgiving dinner to Asana. Their Thanksgiving Day menu is four courses, with starters such as five-spiced poached seckel pear with La Pearl blue semifreddo and a main course of turkey with potatoes, chestnuts and vegetables. An adult can dine at the restaurant for $76 while a child will dine for $34. Call in advance to make reservations, as Thanksgiving day is a popular day to eat at a Boston restaurant.

Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro
25 Charles Street
617-723-7575

For Thanksgiving Day, the Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro affords its diners the luxury of enjoying a true New England Thanksgiving dinner without the hard work that goes into it. At $53 a person, diners enjoy a multi-course menu on Thanksgiving Day at this restaurant. The menu includes lobster bisque, turkey breast, New England soft cod stew, winter vegetables and homemade pies and tarts for desserts. You can’t go wrong with this classic take on the Thanksgiving meal, with a New England twist.

The Beehive
541 Tremont Street
617-423-0069

For those living in South End Boston condominiums who are looking for a truly unique way to spend Thanksgiving Day, The Beehive is the answer. This restaurant is offering live entertainment all day on Thanksgiving, as well as an a la carte menu that gives guests the luxury of choosing exactly what they want for their Thanksgiving meal. Menu items include pumpkin soup, farm-raised turkey, cranberry chutney, parsnip mashed potatoes and pumpkin chocolate chip cheesecake for dessert. In addition, the restaurant offers a vegetarian Thanksgiving menu as well as a menu for “little pilgrims” who may not eat as much.

Dante
40 Edwin H Land Boulevard
617-497-4200

If you happen to live in Cambridge condos, consider spending your Thanksgiving Day at Dante. Dante is offering a traditional yet elegant Thanksgiving Day menu. This prix fixe, three-course menus features all the wonderful aspects of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with touches of elegance and class. The menu includes Vermont turkey with stuffing, sweet potato fries, maple Brussels sprouts and cranberry sauce. For dessert, the restaurant is offering a sampling of four different homemade pies topped with homemade ice cream. Boston residents can’t go wrong dining traditionally on Thanksgiving Day at Dante.

Of course, these are just a few of the restaurants offering Thanksgiving Day menus in the city of Boston. Those living in Boston waterfront condos are sure to find plenty of options when they try and decide where to spend their Thanksgiving holiday. Just remember: you can still enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving Day meal, with all your friends and family by your side, without the work of cooking a turkey, timing your side dishes and baking the absolute perfect pie. Let some of the best restaurants in Boston do the work for you, so you can truly enjoy your holiday and reflect on everything you have to be thankful for.

Ring in the holiday season with a must-see tradition of the Nutcracker performed by the world-class Boston Ballet. Original musical accompaniment for the performance by Russian composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, while dance choreography created by Mikko Nissinen. Performances are scheduled for November 25 to December 31–with the exception of Mondays, as well as November 29 to December 1, December 6 to 7, and December 25. Shows held nightly at 7:30 with the exception of Sundays, when matinee performances are set for 5:30. Daytime shows are set for 1:00 on all Saturdays except December 31, all Sundays, and for performances held on December 21 to 29. Join Boston Ballet for the Nutcracker at the Boston Opera House located at 539 Washington Street. Please note that children younger than two are not permitted in the theatre.

If you are interested in redecorating your Boston rental with fine art produced by local artists, or the idea of Boston relocation stimulates your interior decorator spirit, join the rest of Bostonians for the Fifteenth Annual Boston International Fine Art Show. Make plans to attend the Gala Preview on Thursday November 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm to get the première choice of the selections, as well as the occasion to wine and dine in opulence with the rest of Boston’s high society. Become a “First Look” patron to receive VIP service for the charitable event that raises money to support the Greater Boston Food Bank just in time for Thanksgiving. The event will be held at the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) at 539-551 Tremont Street, located between Berkeley and Clarendon Streets in the historic South End.

The official start of the 2011 holiday season begins with Boston’s holiday tree lighting ceremonies. Visit the famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace on Saturday, November 19, 2011 for a traditional tree lighting ceremony located on the edge of Boston’s historic North End district. On Thursday, December 1 join Mayor Menino as he hosts the invigorating all-ages event located near the Visitors Information Center on Tremont Street. Traipse through the Common and Boston Garden featuring more than 80 elegantly decorated lit trees as you and yours are entertained by joyous live musical entertainment. Venture over to the Commonwealth Avenue Mall in the Back Bay on December 1 following the Boston Common Holiday Extravaganza for a continuance of the celebratory events. Experience the glorious arbor on display at Boston Common, in historical remembrance for the city’s assistance during the 1917 Halifax Harbor explosion, as you conclude your evening of holiday bliss.

The vivacity of Boston’s Theatre District entices visitors and residents alike to expand their cultural repertoire. Spend your holiday evenings sauntering down the promenade between Washington and Tremont after you are enthralled by the evening’s entertainment. Expanding all the way to Boston Common, as well as down Boylston and Stuart Street, the District has venues located in the Bay Village. The District even has its reaches all the way to residents of the Clarendon Back Bay. With all of the posh Boston condominiums now available in the vicinity of the Theatre District, new members of the dashing Boston community, including the providential members who reside in the swank new W Boston Residences, have a plethora of outstanding entertainment options for the 2011 holiday season.

If you answered yes, then apartment #309 at the Prince of Newbury may just be the home of your dreams. It’s hard to argue with its location in the heart of the Back Bay, right on Newbury Street, but its prime location isn’t the only special feature this apartment has to offer.

This recently renovated building features a concierge/doorman service as well as spectacular views of Boston from its common rooftop deck. The apartment itself features an airy, open floor plan, hardwood floors, large windows, fireplace, walk-in closet, and a separate dining area. This place has it all!

If you’re interested in learning more about this wonderful, exclusive listing from Warren Residential Group contact real estate agent William Montero today!

There’s no denying the fact that a Boston luxury condo will cost more than any “regular” apartment, but prices will vary depending on each building. It is it not uncommon to find two different apartments in the same neighborhood that offer similar services and amenities, but are listed at different prices. Determining how much you are willing to spend will help you narrow down your search and prevent you from wasting time looking at apartments that are completely out of your price range.

As you do your research, make a list of all the Boston luxury rentals that fit your size, services, location, and price requirements. Note apartments available, along with monthly rent and any services and amenities that are offered; this will make it easier to choose which apartments you would like to visit.

To narrow a long list of choices down, do additional research on the differences between the apartments that interest you. Some specific things to look out for are the services provided by the building, parking options, surrounding neighborhoods, the school system (if you have children), and its proximity to such necessities as banks, grocery stores, etc.

When you have finally narrowed down your list, visit those apartments. Seeing the actual building and surrounding area for yourself is one of the most important aspects of picking a luxury apartment in Boston. Make sure that the apartment has everything that is listed and that it will suit your taste and needs.

As always, finding a luxury apartment in Boston can be a time-consuming and sometimes frustrating process. Working with a qualified real estate agent who knows about the different neighborhoods and buildings can make your search a lot easier, so contact Warren Residential to get assistance from a knowledgeable agent today.

‘Potential’ is all about maximizing your investment dollar and is measured largely by foreseeable changes that will make the area more convenient and desirable, and therefore increase the value of your home in time.  The article uses Somerville as an example.  While not widely considered to be one of Boston’s most attractive locations, it is becoming increasingly popular, due in part to the pending improvements of public transportation with the extension of the MBTA Green Line.

The prospect of such improvements weighs heavily with those who value potential in their real estate investment.  Other area improvements such as new restaurants and stores in Davis Square and other parts of Somerville also indicate that the area is ‘up-and-coming’ and a good investment.  Many neighborhoods of Somerville are often already compared to Cambridge Real Estate, for example.

On the other hand, there are those who believe that the future potential of a currently-less-desirable-location is not worth sacrificing the convenience or piece of mind that comes with investing in an already-established area.

These individuals might feel more comfortable investing in a less impressive home in a more affluent neighborhood in order to stay within their budgetary constraints and live in a location they desire.  For example, would you rather live in a Boston waterfront condo, or for the same price, purchase a home in Dorchester that is three times as large?

In order to determine what will drive your Boston Real Estate search, you should create a list including your ideal area amenities and your ideal property features, and then determine what you value most in each category.  Once you’ve determined what matters most to you, you can use your list and your budget to help guide you in your search for a new home.  You may find you are willing to live further from the city in exchange for a private parking spot, or decide that you’d rather pay the extra money to live in the city and have a shorter commute, etc.

An experienced Boston realtor can help you weigh the costs and benefits of the ‘location’ and ‘potential’ of the properties you are considering investing in.  The realtors at Warren Residential Group have the experience and knowledge to help you find a home that suits your needs and fits your budget.  Contact us today for assistance or uses our Sales Search Tool to browse our large inventory of Boston and Greater-Boston homes for sale.

Source Article here.

Instead, it could be as little as two years. In a bulletin to lenders April 14, mortgage giant Fannie Mae said it is relaxing its previous rules that prevented loan applicants who have participated in short sales or deeds in lieu of foreclosure from obtaining a new mortgage for extended periods of time. The new rules are scheduled to take effect July 1.

Homeowners who’ve done short sales – such as under the Obama administration’s new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program – will also be able to qualify for a mortgage in as little as two years. Though Fannie Mae officials declined to discuss the reasoning behind the changes, the bulletin to lenders said the company hopes to encourage troubled borrowers to work out solutions that avoid the heavy costs of foreclosure.

If  borrowers can demonstrate that their mortgage problems were directly attributable to “extenuating circumstances” – such as loss of employment, medical expenses or divorce – they may be able to qualify for new loans with minimum 10 percent down payments in just two years. Housing and consumer counseling advocates welcomed Fannie’s relaxation of rules that had penalized borrowers who lost their houses following layoffs, illness and other unforeseen catastrophic financial events.

“This is a positive move,” said Marietta Rodriguez, director of homeownership and lending for NeighborWorks America, a national nonprofit network created by Congress to assist with homeowner financial counseling and community development.

“We all know that there are many people who through no fault of their own have to sell” – but were blocked from repurchasing a house for four years or longer, even though they’d rebuilt their credit, had qualifying incomes, and were fully capable of handling a mortgage responsibly.

(Source:  HARNEY, KENNETH R.: The Nation’s Housing. April 25, 2010)

Median sale prices for single-family homes increased 8.4 percent in February, marking the third consecutive month of higher prices compared with the same three months last year, according to data released March 31st, 2010.
Sales volume also rose 13.5 percent compared with February 2009, the eighth straight month of improvement compared with the same stretch last year, according to Warren Group, a Boston company that tracks local real estate. Condominium sales and prices also were up last month.

And there was more upbeat real estate news in another housing report released earlier this week — Boston area home values swelled by 0.3 percent in January in seasonally adjusted data, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Prices Indices.

“It’s too early to get the balloons and pop the champagne,’’ cautions Nicolas Retsinas, director of Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. “At best, we are about to embark on a sluggish recovery.’’

On the upside, February’s decline was the smallest percentage drop since inventory began to fall 23 months ago, said Kevin Sears, broker for Sears Real Estate in Springfield and president of the real estate association. “Momentum continues to build toward more normal market levels across the state,’’ Sears said.

But like many others who know the business, he still won’t call it a recovery.
“I feel pretty confident that transactions are going to move forward,’’ said Rogers. “I’m cautiously optimistic.’’
(Read the full article here.)

“I’m truly excited about taking this position with a young entrepreurial company like the Warren Residential Group.  I plan on helping us generating a large market share of the downtown Boston luxury condo market over the next few years and really creating a major brokerage brand with Nick.” – Will Montero