If you're about to buy a condo or home in Boston, it pays to remember that price and timeline are not the only things to be mindful of. There are contingencies that your sale that are in place for your protection, and you'll need to pay attention to them.Most of the contingencies are to be completed prior to your signing the "Purchase and Sale" contract (also called the "P & S").First on your list is the inspection contingency. You'll set up an inspection for the first few days after having had your offer accepted and put under agreement. If there are inspection issues of concern, this gives time to resolve them before you move on to the P & S. As stated in the Greater Boston Real Estate Board's addendum form, the contingency exists to protect you from "serious mechanical, structural, or other defects." A threshold dollar figure is inserted in the form (usually $1,000 for repairs), above which the buyer can opt out of the transaction. Typically, buyer and seller come to some sort of negotiated agreement on repairs. I generally encourage my buyers to get a credit rather than have the seller do the repairs because youll want to make sure such repairs are done to your satisfaction. Again, these issues should be agreed to prior to signing your P & S.Next, have your attorney (always use an attorney!) look over the condo documents and the association financials to ensure that the association was properly set up and in sound legal standing. Make sure you know policies on pets, insurance, rentals, and any other policies. Your attorney will know what is important to know. You should also review the financials and, if you can, it's often helpful to talk with the association trustee(s) or management to learn the association's financial footing. Ask if there are reserves. Ask if there is work coming up on the building, and who will pay for it. Ask if there are other issues within the association you should know about. Your attorney and your agent will help you gather the necessary information.Your last contingency, assuming you are financing your purchase, is your ability to obtain a mortgage. You'll need to have made a full mortgage application by a certain specified date, and you should get the ball rolling on that as soon as your offer is accepted. The date should be the day after the signing of the P & S, because lenders will need the P & S to make an application.There's a second important date, and I can't overstate the importance of this. It's the mortgage commitment date; the date by which your mortgage contingency expires. If this date should pass and you've failed to get a mortgage and can't buy the property, you're in danger of losing your deposit.Here's my more detailed transaction guide.If youhavequestions about buying or selling Boston real estate, please call me at617-584-9790, or send me an email via the link below.   

This architectural masterpiece is listed by one of my Sotheby's affiliates in San Antonio, Texas! The 12-foot entry is a light-filled open floor plan with spacious living spaces and awe-inspiring views. The entertaining space features a 500 bottle temp-controlled cooler. This home has 6 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, and a master suite with a separate living area, walk-in closet, and spa-like bath with a large soaking tub. The ultra-modern pool is an engineering marvel in itself featuring a waterfall that cascades from the roof.See more photos and details of3 PrivadaYesa, San Antonio, TX.I can handle your real estate needs here in Boston as well as globally. As always, if you have questions about buying or selling homes in Boston or beyond, please call me at617-584-9790, orsend me an email via the linkbelow.   

Boston Real Estate Headlines:

• Here's What You Need to Know about Boston Area Development this Week
• Leather District Tower Draws Opposition over Scope and Height
• South Ends 100 Shawmut Avenue Breaks Ground

Featured Boston Real Estate:

• 486 E. 3rd Street, #12, South Boston $599,000
• 21 Father Francis Gilday Street, #505, South End $799,000
• 12 Gloucester Street, #4, Back Bay $2,100,000

I see some exceptional real estate in theBoston real estate market, and as part of the Sothebys International Realty network, Im also exposed to remarkable properties in other cities. This nearly new Provincetown, MA townhome built just two years ago is listed by one of my Sothebys affiliates.Situated next to Bas Relief Park, the Burch House is a former premier inn converted to 3 luxury condos. This spacious unit has 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, exposed original beams, wide plank oak floors, 3 decks, a patio, and central air. The kitchen has a large center island, quartz counters, and stainless appliances. The downtown location is convenient to the pier and Commercial Street's many shops and restaurants.See more photos and details for116 Bradford Street, #2.I can handle your real estate needs here in Boston as well as globally. As always, if you have questions about buying or selling homes in Boston or beyond, please call me at617-584-9790, orsend me an email via the linkbelow.  

Boston Real Estate Headlines:

• Downtown Boston condo prices, sales drop annually in 2019's first quarter
• Hotel Alexandria redevelopment caught in neighborhood boundary dispute
• East Cambridge courthouse redevelopment inching forward

Featured Boston Real Estate:

• 1098 Bennington Street, #2, East Boston Orient Heights $499,000
• 360 Newbury Street, #401, Back Bay $1,450,000
• 7 Hatch Street, #3, South Boston $679,000

Urban dwellers love getting the most out of outdoor spaces while the opportunity is there. Dinner and drinks on your condos deck, balcony or patio is one of the joys of summer months in the city. Every year around this time I like to repost the City of Boston'srules for rooftop, deck, and patio grilling. Heres what you need to know to stay safe and legal.If you are planning to cook on your outdoor space, first learnBostonsfire safety rules.There are many excellent reasons you should familiarize with the rules, the first and foremost being the safety of you and your neighbors. But knowing the rules and playing by them also helpssafeguard your legal and financial liability.Below is a simplified listof the rules. Or you can see theregulations in full.Plumbed gas grills:Theseare permittedon the exterior of any building level. The gas line must be installed by a licensed plumber who has procured the required permits.Electric grillsare permittedon 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 grillsare 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 Bostonexcept:

• are not permittedinside the building.
• are not permitted onbalconies above the first floor of any building or structure used for habitation.
• are not permittedon balconies or deckson any levelthat are covered or enclosed. This includes a first floor deck with a deck above it.

As always, Im here to help ifyou have questions about Boston real estate matters. Please feel free to call me at617-584-9790, or email me by clicking the blue button below. If youd like to find a beautiful new home in Boston that has a deck upon which to grill (legally, of course),definitelyget in touch.  

Boston Real Estate Headlines:

• Kimptons $12M Nine Zero Hotel Debuts Amid Hot Downtown Hotel Streak
• Cornerstone Realty Capital Arranges $6.5M Construction Loan for Condo Development in Boston
• Homes in 9 Boston Neighborhoods Now Averaging $1,000-plus a Square Foot

Featured Boston Real Estate:

• 21 Father Francis Gilday Street, #504, South End $799,500
• 595 E Fourth Street, #3, South Boston $650,000
• 46 Lamson, #2, East Boston $689,000

If you're in Boston right now, you know it's colder than cold out there. There's an excellent Boston Globe article from Winter 2016 that seems especially appropriate right now. It'sabout keeping pipes from freezing, something that is important for a homeowner, or prospective homeowner, to pay attention to during cold spells:

As freezing water expands, it causes the pressure inside the pipes to increase, often resulting in a pipe break. A pipe will not usually burst at the frozen part, but somewhere between the freeze and the faucet.

In the article, Globe correspondent Rob Robillard explains how to avoid frozen pipes, and what to do if your pipes do burst.Read the Boston Globe's Ask the Carpenter: How to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing.If youhavequestions about buying or selling Boston real estate, please call me at617-584-9790, orsend me an email via the linkbelow.  

Boston Real Estate Headlines:

• City of Boston Accepting 2018 Property Tax Prepayments
• Brattle Street at Harvard Square Sold for $108 Million
• Boston Through the Eyes of Saili Kline

Featured Boston Real Estate:

• 47 Chestnut Street, #1, Charlestown $1,715,000
• 85 E. India Row, #33H, Waterfront $729,000
• 32 Commonwealth Avenue, #1F, Back Bay $2,395,000

In itseffort to strategize bettercommunicationand collaboration with Boston neighborhoods,the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) worked with a Bostondesign firm called Continuumthat focuses on institutions with complex problems.There's an interesting article about this ongoing transition inFast Company, highlighting Mayor Marty Walsh's role in initiating a strategic overhaul of what was until recently known as the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA). Changing the BRA's identity and branding was a first step in moving forward to a better exchange with City of Boston residents.Jon Campbell, the senior vice president of experience and service design at Continuum, describes realizing the need to understand and work witheachneighborhood's character:

For the BDPA, Continuum also created a set of guidelines specific to each of Bostons 26 neighborhoods and labeled each with a fingerprint that mimics the unique street layouts in the different districts. In talking with residents and stakeholders, it became very apparent that it was important that new developments respect the individual character of the neighborhoods, Campbell says. To that end, the agency is making an effort to ensure their community meetings are well attended.

One of the important points the in-transition BPDA is striving to make is that urban renewal need not lead to displacement, as it didin Boston's past.Read Fast Company's After a Dark Past, Boston's Urban Renewal Agency is Building a Citizen-Led City for the Future.

Are you looking to buya condo or home inBoston?Heres myoverview of Boston real estate byneighborhood.If youhavequestions about buying or selling Boston condos or homes, please call me at617-584-9790, orsend me an email via the linkbelow.  

Boston Real Estate Headlines:

• Back Bay Station Towers Face Concerns Over Potential Shadows
• In Downtown Boston, High-Rise Developers Facing a Changing Office Market
• Climate Change Worries Take Backseat in Hot Real Estate Market

Featured Boston Real Estate:

• 717 Atlantic Avenue, #4A, Leather District $899,000
• 881 E. 1st Street, #403, South Boston $725,000
• 68 Commonwealth Avenue, #1, Back Bay $4,450,000

 

Now thatwe're suddenly having glorious weather, let's look at some of the great outdoorsy environs the City of Boston has to offer! The Boston lifestyle offers many excellentspaces to enjoy.Curbed Boston has put together one of its lovely signature maps of 11 dreamy downtown Boston locales, designed for days like this. Featured among them are some big open spaces, water features, trees, and views.Read Curbed Boston's Boston's Great Weather: Where to Enjoy it Right Now Downtown.Enjoy this spring weather!Thinking about relocating to Boston?If youhavequestions about buying or selling Boston condos or homes, please call me at617-584-9790, orsend me an email via the linkbelow.  

Boston Real Estate Headlines:

• FiDi Continues Multi-Family Shift in Latest Sale
• Winthrop Square Garage Tower Could Move Forward Under Shadow Proposal
• Boston Residents, Not Foreign Buyers, Snapping Up Ultra-Luxury Units in One Dalton

Featured Boston Real Estate:

• 44 Prince Street, #314, North End $775,000
• 188 Beacon Street, #3, Back Bay $2,995,000
• 1672 Washington Street, #101, South End $799,000
• 95 AlpineStreet, #1, Cambridge $1,150,000

With Opening Day for Fenway Park on the other side of this weekend(Monday, April 3), I'd like toshare an itemon Fenway Park construction by the Boston Business Journal.According to BBJ, at least $3.6 million in improvements to the park took place over the winter, ranging from structural shoring to building new game suites. BBJ has also put together a slideshow to illustrate what the park's ground crew preparations have been like in recent weeks. Those projects include removing ice and snow, removing grass, re-sodding, dismantling an ice rink, and plantinga coyote decoy to ward off geese.Read Boston Business Journal's Fenway Park Off-season Enhancements Will be Unveiled Soon.

Happy Spring!If youhavequestions about buying or selling Boston real estate, please call me at617-584-9790, orsend me an email via the linkbelow.  

Boston Real Estate Headlines:

• The Top Real Estate Dynasties in Boston, Part I
• Bostons Most Iconic Modern Buildings, Mapped
• Its a Boston Experiment: A Condo Building with No Parking
• Bostons Movie Theater Boom Mapped
• Greenway Could be Extended 1,000 Feet To Waters Edge

Featured Boston Real Estate:

• 158-160 Commercial Street, #4A, Waterfront $1,099,000
• 1672 Washington Street, #101, South End $799,000
• 19 Walden Street, #2, Cambridge $598,000
• 21 Father Francis Gilday Street, #201, South End $829,000

Boston Real Estate Headlines:

• The Top Real Estate Dynasties in Boston, Part I
• Bostons Most Iconic Modern Buildings, Mapped
• Its a Boston Experiment: A Condo Building with No Parking
• Bostons Movie Theater Boom Mapped
• Greenway Could be Extended 1,000 Feet To Waters Edge

Featured Boston Real Estate:

• 158-160 Commercial Street, #4A, Waterfront $1,099,000
• 1672 Washington Street, #101, South End $799,000
• 19 Walden Street, #2, Cambridge $598,000
• 21 Father Francis Gilday Street, #201, South End $829,000

Im fortunateto see some truly exceptional real estate in the Boston real estate market. And as part of theSothebys International Realty network, Im also exposed to remarkable properties beyond Boston. In this post I showcase some spectacularurban oasis homes, here in Boston and around the United States. Whether youre looking for your own oasis in the heart of Boston or dreaming about owning a second home in another metropolitan area, these homes courtesy of my Sothebys affiliates are sure to please.

580 WashingtonStreet#1103, Boston | Boston Luxury Real Estate

Boston, Massachusetts This rarely available 3 bed 3 bath corner unit at Millennium Place hascity viewsand a custom kitchen with granite counters, gas cooking and center island with wine storage. Carpeting, hardwood and marble floors are throughout. It has alarge master bedroom, 2 closets, an en-suite master bath with double sinks, tub and shower. Two more bedrooms each have their own bathroom; one en-suite. Residents enjoy 24 hour concierge, doorman, and valet parking in this full service building. There is access to residents'private club withfull on-site fitness center, plus Pilates, yoga, massage studios, a private work area, and a 25-person theater screening room. There is also a residents' lounge/bar and children's play room all wrapped around an oversized large cozy fireplace withwi-ifi throughout. One deeded full service valet parking space in the heated garage is included. For more information on this beautiful Boston condo, click here. $2,189,000 

55 E. Erie Street #SH-2, Chicago| Luxury Real Estate

Chicago, Illinois Here's the best of both worlds: A four story townhome located on the 12th floorof a fullamenity luxury building. It's been completely gutted and elegantly upgraded to perfection with elevator, central four system, and custom kitchen with SubZero, Wolf and Miele. The master suite features fireplace, his and hers baths, and huge walk-in closet. There's a wood paneled den with coffered ceiling and built-in bar and wine refrigerator. Enjoy a 1,000+ square foot roof terrace with Ipe decking, outdoor kitchen with Viking grill and smoker, and much more!For more information on this luxurious Chicago home, click here. $2,700,000 

180 E. 79th Street #18A, New York, NY| Luxury Real Estate

New York, New York This lofty one bedroom apartment has been meticulously renovated. It offers agrand dining gallery and huge sunken living room with a majestic fireplace open onto a charming terrace. Awindowed state of the art kitchen also overlooks the terrace. The bedroomhas southern city views, a dressing room, several closets, and a splendid bathroom. With three exposures and open views, this residence is bright and sunny. A sound system, 11.5-ft. beamed ceilings, original floors and a sleek powder room add elegance to this spectacular triple mint apartment.180 East 79th Street was built in 1929 and converted to a cooperative in 1967. It is a full service building with full time doormen and elevator operators. Every apartment has an individual storage bin. There is a large gym, and it is pet friendly. For more information on this co-ophome, click here. $2,350,000 

1920 4th Avenue #2704, Seattle, WA| Luxury Real Estate

Seattle, WashingtonElegant, refined and functional, this beautiful 2014 remodeled residence has exceptional craftsmanship and materials.Featuring a coveted F-floor plan, a private foyer flows into a grand living room, a large den, peaceful bedrooms, and a graceful terrace. There are 2bedrooms and 2.5 baths, and 2,442 square feet of living space with city views. From the finest slab Bottochino marble, custom millwork, dramatic flooring and lighting to the latest in home automation, a truly exemplary experience awaits!The host of amenities at Escala includes concierge service, spa, fitness center, private dining, wine storage, and more For more information on this beautiful urban Seattle home, click here. $2,995,000 I can handle your real estate needs here in Boston as well as globally. As always, if you have questions about buying or selling homes in Boston or beyond, please call me at617-584-9790, orsend me an email via the linkbelow.