One of the joys of summer in the city neighborhoods is enjoying dinner and drinks on our condo decks, balconies, or patios. This time of year I like to share the City of Bostons fire safety rules for these outdoor spaces. These rules exist for the sake of everyones safety. In addition, knowing and following them helps safeguard your legal and financial liability. So lets all stay safe and stay legal!

Boston has fire safety rules to be aware of if youre planning to cook in your outdoor space.

What follow below is a simplified list of the rules.

Plumbed gas grills:  These are permitted on the exterior of any building level. The gas line must be installed by a licensed plumber who has procured the required permits.

Electric grills are permitted on the exterior of any building level. As with the gas grills, the line you are using has to be installed by a licensed electrician, and has to have a permit and be up to code.

Charcoal grills are NOT permitted at all on or within a building structure, or on roof or rear decks. Regulations do not specify whether they are permissible on an outside patio, but the regulations highly discourage them, and you may be legally and financially liable for any damage or injury you cause from flying sparks, fumes, etc.. *Read the regulations in full for charcoal grill safety recommendations.

Liquid propane (LP) grills: Permitted by the City of Boston except:

       are not permitted inside the building.

       are not permitted on balconies above the first floor of any building or structure used for habitation.

       are not permitted on balconies or decks on any level that are covered or enclosed. This includes a first floor deck with a deck above it.

I highly recommend that homeowners read the regulations in full.

Remember Im here to help if you have any questions about Boston real estate matters. You can call me at  617-584-9790, or email me by clicking the blue button below. If youd like to find a beautiful new home in Boston with a deck upon which to grill (legally, of course), you should definitely get in touch!

Under agreement in five days for over asking price! My Back Bay 2 bed condo listing on the first block of Commonwealth Avenue steps from the Public Garden had multiple offers.

Situated in an immaculately maintained brownstone, this superbly renovated home features classic Back Bay elements while also offering modern amenities. There are new hardwood floors throughout, a beautifully renovated quartz/stainless kitchen with Electrolux and Bosh appliances, fabulous Back Bay-Comm Ave Mall views, recessed lighting, original marble mantel, and custom built-ins.

See more photos and details for 34 Commonwealth Avenue, #3.

If youre planning to sell your Boston area home or condo, take advantage of the widest possible exposure for your property to the most highly qualified clientele in the world. As Associate Director of Sales, a longtime South End resident, and a 28+ year sales associate, I combine my local expertise with the powerful global marketing resources of Sothebys International Realty.You can view my recent sales and listings here.If you have questions about buying or selling Boston real estate, please call me at  617-584-9790, or send me an email via the link below. 

34 Commonwealth Avenue, #3

OPEN HOUSES: Saturday, June 12, 12:00-2:00 pm / Sunday, June 13, 12:00-2:00 pm

Prime Back Bay! First block of Commonwealth Avenue steps from the Public Garden and the fine dining and shopping of lower Newbury Street! Situated in an immaculately maintained brownstone, this superbly renovated home features classic Back Bay elements while also offering modern amenities.

New hardwood floors throughout! The beautifully renovated quartz/stainless kitchen with Electrolux and Bosh appliances opens to a huge living-dining room with fabulous Back Bay-Comm Ave Mall views, recessed lighting, original marble mantel, and custom built-ins. The master bedroom also has the original marble fireplace mantel and a recently renovated en-suite full bath with rain shower and contemporary vanity and surround. The second bedroom is a perfect guest room, nursery, office, or den. The beautifully renovated second bath has a full tub-shower combo, also with contemporary surround. Central A/C, laundry in-unit, and private storage in the basement. Professionally managed, pet-friendly building.

See more photos and details for 34 Commonwealth Avenue, #3. If you have questions about this lovely Back Bay home, please call me at  617-584-9790, or send me an email at joe.wolvek@gibsonsir.com.

This Venice, CA contemporary farm house style with reclaimed wood exterior is listed by Alicia Greene-Holenstein of my affiliate Sothebys brokerage, Vista Sothebys International.

Once you descend on this privately secured front yard, you will be captivated by the homes serenity. There is a welcoming foyer and open living floor plan, high ceilings and loft. Retractable doors open to a large court yard for indoor/outdoor living and entertaining large gatherings.

The cooks kitchen has a 6 burner cook top, built-in Miele coffee maker, warming oven/convection/microwave plus a large Thermador oven and 48 built in refrigerator. There is one main floor bedroom with on suite bath and two bedrooms with on suite baths plus office upstairs. Built and designed 6 years ago with exquisite finishes which are apparent in every detail. Designer wall papers, light fixtures, stone, tile, wood, & plumbing fixtures pull the dramatic touches all together. The home is located on one of Venices coveted streets close to Abbot Kinney, situated on a street to alley lot and has an ADU with kitchenette and separate entry in the back. Gated 3 car oversized garage, storage area outdoor shower.

See more details and photos for 752 Palms Boulevard, Venice, CA.

I can handle your real estate needs here in Boston as well as globally. If you have questions about buying or selling homes in Boston or beyond, please get in touch. You can call me at 617-584-9790, or email joe.wolvek@gibsonsir.com.

This palatial 2-story San Francisco condo with Golden Gate Bridge views is listed by Darwin Tejada of my affiliate Sothebys brokerage, Sothebys International Realty San Francisco Brokerage.

This expansive features two private walkout decks from the top floor of this two-unit Mediterranean building, plus 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 half baths, sunroom, a spacious family room and two car tandem parking. Originally built in 1926, this home has maintained much original grandeur including palladium windows, high ceilings, intricate period detail and timeless accents throughout. The current owner has redesigned this home to include the finest materials showcasing a glorious kitchen and beautifully remodeled baths. The main level features large scale living and dining rooms, palladium windows, partial views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the living room, magnificent arched doorways, custom lighting and beautiful hardwood floors.

There are countless more wonderful details, which you can see here with accompanying photos, for 1567 Francisco St, San Francisco, CA.

I can handle your real estate needs here in Boston as well as globally. If you have questions about buying or selling homes in Boston or beyond, please get in touch. You can call me at 617-584-9790, or email joe.wolvek@gibsonsir.com.

www.700harrison513.com. Sunny South End 753 square foot 1 bedroom with full DEEDED GARAGE PARKING space in a recently constructed, professionally-managed, pet-friendly luxury elevator building. Bright open living-dining room has 9+- ft. ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows with downtown skyline views. Central air, laundry in-unit. Open-plan kitchen has peninsula/breakfast bar with dark granite counters, gas cooking, stainless appliances, and lots of counter and cabinet space. Spacious bedroom with large closet, floor-to-ceiling windows. Large full bath with tub, subway tile surround. Lovely landscaped common patio with seating for dining or lounging. Close to Whole Foods, best South End dining, SOWA artist studios, food-trucks, farmer's markets, BUMC/BU Med/BU Dental. Near I-93, Pike, Silver line. LOW CONDO FEE, strong association and reserves. Theres never been an assessment here! Easy to show. For open houses, please call me at number posted when you arrive at the building, and I will escort you in.

This charming 6 bed hilltop home in Atlanta, GA is listed by Betsy Akers of my affiliate Sothebys brokerage, Atlanta Fine Homes Sothebys International Realty.

What a view! Located at the top of a hill on a +/-2 acre lot overlooking the fields below, this home has a gorgeous fireside office with an amazing view. Other great features are the walk-out pool and pool house off of the family room and primary bedroom, plus high ceilings and hardwoods, lots of natural light and beautiful architectural details.

The upstairs has four gracious bedrooms and large baths with an additional living room/study room. The main level has a kitchen open to a fireside family room opening to the pool. A 3-car garage opens at the kitchen level into a mudroom area with walk in pantry, family office, full pool bath, walk in pantry, laundry room and additional storage. The kitchen has full refrigerator and freezer, additional refrigerator drawers, double dishwashers, warming drawer, and eight burner gas range with additional oven. Main level also has a beautiful formal living room and formal dining room as well as the fabulous office overlooking fields below and primary suite overlooking the pool! Terrace level has a wine cellar, gym and additional guest bedroom suite (a media room can easily be created in that space). Upper level garden and play yard. A whole house generator means you are never without power.

See more details and photos for 609 Fairfield Road NW, Atlanta, GA.

I can handle your real estate needs here in Boston as well as globally. If you have questions about buying or selling homes in Boston or beyond, please get in touch. You can call me at 617-584-9790, or email joe.wolvek@gibsonsir.com.

700 Harrison Avenue, #513

OPEN HOUSES: Friday, April 23, 5:30-6:30 pm / Saturday, April 24, 11:00am-3:00pm / Sunday, April 25, 11:00am-3:00pm

Sunny South End 753 square foot 1 bedroom with full DEEDED GARAGE PARKING space in a recently constructed, professionally-managed, pet-friendly luxury elevator building. Bright open living-dining room has 9+- ft. ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows with downtown skyline views. Central air, laundry in-unit. Open-plan kitchen has peninsula/breakfast bar with dark granite counters, gas cooking, stainless appliances, and lots of counter and cabinet space. Spacious bedroom with walk-in closet, floor-to-ceiling windows. Large full bath with tub, subway tile surround. Central air. Lovely landscaped common patio with seating for dining or lounging. Close to Whole Foods, best South End dining, SOWA artist studios, food-trucks, farmer's markets, BUMC/BU Med/BU Dental. Near I-93, Pike, Silver line. LOW CONDO FEE, strong association and reserves. There's never been an assessment here! Easy to show.

See more photos, details, and open house instructions for 700 Harrison Avenue, #513. If you have questions about this lovely South End home, please call me at  617-584-9790, or send me an email at joe.wolvek@gibsonsir.com. OPEN HOUSE INFO: Call 617.584.9790 when you arrive to the front of the building. I will come down and get you. Do NOT enter the lobby without me.

This exquisite recently built 5,000 square foot 5 bed Katama home in Edgartown, MA is listed by my affiliate Sothebys brokerage, Wallace & Co. International Realty. No detail or expense has been spared in the construction of this exquisite home. The cathedral-ceilinged Great Rooms wainscoting and molding are elegant counterpoints to the fieldstone fireplace, rustic beams, and leathered granite countertops. Everything from the custom cabinetry and designer lighting to the appliances is top-of-the-line.This is a wonderful home for entertaining, with large living spaces and graceful transitions between indoors and outdoors. Large custom windows in the Great Room provide a panoramic view of the spacious and very private backyard with an 18x38 pebble-tec swimming pool and generous patio.

This divine yard has a Bullfrog therapeutic hot tub and a pool equipped with a Riverflow swim jet for aquatic workouts. The 26x14 Brazilian hardwood screened porch has blue mist granite floors and a fieldstone fireplace.

This home features three king master suites, all with custom tile baths. The lower level is an entirely separate environment bathed in natural light. It includes a bedroom with a king bed, half bath, large recreational area with a pool table, kitchenette and second laundry. Carefully chosen plantings and brick courtyard show the keen eye and thoughtfulness of the architect. The level of finish has to be experienced firsthand to be truly appreciated, and serious buyers are invited to come experience this luxury home for themselves.

See details and photos for 11B Duarte Circle, Edgartown, Marthas Vineyard, MA.

I can handle your real estate needs here in Boston as well as globally. If you have questions about buying or selling homes in Boston or beyond, please get in touch. You can call me at 617-584-9790, or email joe.wolvek@gibsonsir.com.

My DND AFFORDABLE 1 bed South End condo in a 2007 professionally managed elevator building has sold at more than 98% of the asking price! It has floor to ceiling windows and recessed lighting thru-out. The open living/dining/kitchen area and the bedroom overlook the garden/patio. This pet-friendly building is ideally located near South End restaurants and the Whole Foods Market, as well as Boston/BU Medical, the Mass Pike, I-93, and the airport.

This unit was subject to DND buyer eligibility approval, meaning to first time buyers only, and with income restrictions and occupancy requirements that are very strictly enforced.

See more photos and details for 700 Harrison Avenue, #216.

Results like this are not a given in any market. It takes experienced sales representation, quality professional showings, the highest quality marketing, and expert transaction management.

If youre planning to sell your Boston area home or condo, take advantage of the widest possible exposure for your property to the most highly qualified clientele in the world. As Associate Director of Sales, a longtime South End resident, and a 29+ year sales associate, I combine my local expertise with the powerful global marketing resources of Sothebys International Realty.

You can view my recent sales and listings here.

If you have questions about buying or selling Boston real estate, please call me at  617-584-9790 or email joe.wolvek@gibsonsir.com.