With all the coverage of the most recent S&P Case Shiller Home Price Indices for March 2013 it is timely to note that the Downtown Bostown Condominium Market is humming right along.  Transactions are up 8% YTD, Dollar Volume is up 18% YTD, The Average price is up 9% YTD and the Median price is up 3% YTD.  All good numbers especially considering that the Median and Average have never been higher, not even when the S&P Case Shiller peaked locally in 2005 or Nationally in 2006.       05/29/2013

Don't say you did not have fair warning... If you have read our blog posts over the past year you would know that inventory in the Downtown Boston market was getting tight.  If you work with one of our associates you would have access to the data from our weekly reports showing the increase in sales velocity and volume and decrease in new available properties for sale.  Here are a few of those posts: 1/27/2012 Inventory is the issue in Downtown Boston Condominium Market 6/01/2012 Boston Condo Inventory at decade long lows 8/21/2012 Low inventory of condominiums for sale keeps upward pressure on prices 1/11/2013 Slim Pickings and Silver Linings....Inventory down 46% in Downtown Boston Now we have what the Boston Globe describes as "a common pattern this spring: There are too many potenti... 05/28/2013

Another glorious day in Boston today. We were not blessed with good weather for the first two days of Memorial Day weekend however today is absolutely amazing here in Boston. If you are looking for something to do that is free, The Museum of Fine Arts has the free admission today. They have had free admission going all weekend.  One of the exhibits that is going is "To Boston with Love" exhibit. This exhibit features 1600 quilt square that were sewn by people from all of the world and sent to Boston after the Boston Marathon Bombing. These quilt squares are on display in Shapiro Gallery. Here is what the MFA has to say on their web site about the exhibit. "Visit “To Boston With Love,” an installation of more than 1600 hand-sewn flags strung across the Shapiro Family Courtyard. The flags... 05/27/2013

Just Sold! Lofts at Westinghouse, Unit 334 The lofts in Westinghouse in Hyde Park are one of the best places to put your money, I believe.  My clients bought a third floor condo with 24' celings, where they plan to add a floor.  Wow!  Originally the units only sold to artists, the former factory maintained the beautifully worn wood floors and beams.  A balance of history and innovation. Seach condos for sale at the Lofts at Westinghouse, Hyde Park These pictures are taken by the listing broker, Marjorie Vogt, not me.     05/18/2013

As part of a new series we will be doing post about our favorite Luxury buildings in Boston. Today's Featured luxury builing is 4 Battery Wharf which is located on Boston's waterfront.  05/06/2013

Whether you live in Boston or not, this new set of regualtions has the potential to impact homeowners across the country that live in older buildings.    Please take a minute to take action agains this onerous new regulation that will only hurt homeowners and tenants by clicking on this link to send a clear message to Boston City Council to stop this proposal - https://realtorparty.realtoractioncenter.com/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2671   From The Greater Boston Real Estate Board:   The Boston City Council is considering a new ordinance that will act like a new tax on condominiums, require reporting of utility and water bills to your condo association, and impose fines on condo associations which fail to conduct energy audits and report results to city hall regulators.... 05/03/2013

  Ok, I am getting really tired of banks and their foreclosure properties. But is it the bank or the Real Estate agents that deal with them? I am assuming it is the banks, because after many many many offers on foreclosed properties, I seem to be getting the same response to my clients offers, “Please send you best and final offer”… What is this???? First, the bank goes days past the offers expiration time (If the website, you now need to submit your offers too, has an expiration slot), second, they are one of the main reasons the market is the way it is….. But now they are causing the slow recovery of the market by playing these games…   Now you’re most likely asking, what games? Well, with the hundreds of bank owned properties that I have dealt with (bank owned can also mean REO, Fore... 05/03/2013

This is a unbelievable issue; the New York Times has recently report that some New York Real Estate sellers are requiring Real Estate buyers to be pre-approved by the sellers approved lender Source: “The Seller Chooses a Lender,” The New York Times (April 25, 2013). Now, this is not saying that the buyer is required to actually use that lender for their mortgages. But just be pre-approved by their there lender, to make sure that the person can obtain a mortgage, and if all else fails with the lender the buyer uses, they would have a fall back plan to make the purchase process smoothly. Now even though this report is of the New York Real Estate Market; however, I have already have seen this happen in the Massachusetts Real Estate market. Which means this problem is becoming widely accept... 05/01/2013

How to Make Sure You Get the House Under Agreement by Michael Mahoney of Remax Boston617.615.9435   A year ago buyers would be gauranteed they would find another house if they lost a house. They would probably pay less for the house that they found instead of the first one that they missed. By the time their offer was accepted, the mortgage rate they ended up locking in on would be better that the interest rate they were looking at the first time around. Today, that is not the case. There is a limited level of inventory available and therefore you need to become a buyer who is represented by a top notch real estate professional with a solid reputation.   How Long Has Your Agent Been Around? Many agents in the business right now will not be in the business in the next three years. The pr... 05/01/2013

Looking for a Buyer Sales Agent to join our Boston Remax Team My name is Mike Mahoney. I have been a successful real estate agent and sales coach for Realtors for the last 12 years. The crazy market has never impacted my ability to create ongoing financial success and keep balance in my life.I am very unconventional agent with a vast array of marketing systems that brings in an excess of opportunities that I cannot handleon my own. I need help with the overflow. I am looking to hire and coach the right agent to join my team. I am willing to coach and train a newbie with the right fit.If you have a strong work ethic and want to earn what you rightfully deserve, then we should speak. They say "success leaves clues". Why be a pioneer? Why not join a team where you get appointments and clie... 05/01/2013

Over the years, numerous clients have told me that they enjoy working me because of my approach when working with them. Simply put, they like that fact that I don't push them, and spend time educating them about the buying the process and market conditions. Clients have said things like, "I enjoy working with you because you're not pushy" or "my last agent was always pushing me to make offers". I truly believe in educating clients so that they are empowered to make smart real estate decisions that benefit them and their families for years to come. As real estate professionals it is not our job to make decisions on behalf of our clients, but rather, teach them how to come to the right conclusions on their own. One of the lessons I learned early on in my career is that, people don't belie... 04/30/2013

No real estate career is complete without the ups and downs.  No one fails unless they give up; the act of giving up is the definition of failure in my estimation.  Living in New England there are times in late winter, say February, when the dark, slate gray sky and frozen stiff ground with no color and no visible life whatsoever can make you feel as though life is gone forever. It is not.  Life of all sorts has seasons as do our careers.  I have now moved through two major international Brand Agencies to my third and final resting place.  I have never been one to feel as though the grass is greener on some other plot of land. I have always been someone who believes that if I fertilize and cultivate my own plot of land it can grow as well, or better than the next persons.  I am loyal to... 04/29/2013

Cleveland Circle Condos Sold Last Week - Brighton MA I had two Cleveland Circle condos closings last week, both excellent buys.  I represented the buyer on one, and both buyer and seller on the other.  If you are seeking a free market analysis for your Brighton MA home, click on link. 141 Englewood Ave #35 is a one bedroom condo which was owned by Fannie Mae.  We had to be very patient to make this sale happen as offers were rejected over and over again.  But my savvy buyer stuck to her guns and secured this property well under market.   This condo is in an excellent association, one of the biggest in the area.  A classic brownstone with an elevator and roof access, the condo has hardwood floors and updated bathroom.  The unit overlooks the perfectly manicured courtyard.     Just around... 04/29/2013

The Boston Real Estate Market is really heating up and and the tide has shifted from a from a buyers market to a sellers market. If you want to purchase a home this spring you have to move swiftly and commit to making strong offers. Otherwise you may end up missing out this spring! 04/21/2013

Where Families Live Near Boston: Medfield MA The quintessential small New England town, Medfield MA has a lot to offer families who live near Boston.   Why People Live Here? Yards, space, and a direct connection with nature are priorities for young families who look at Medfield MA as an option to call home.  But many are surprised to learn is this town offers a superb school system as well.   Only 17 miles Southwest of Boston, Medfield is an easy drive into town, or to a rail station in Dedham or Needham.  Search Medfield MA houses for sale. Medfield's schools system ranks among the top ten systems in Massachusetts by MCAS.  US News & World Report ranks Medfield high 16th in Massachusetts.  Home prices have been under pressure in Medfield, as young families flock to this pretty town.  Y... 04/21/2013

    Thank you to everyone who reached out. Yes, I'm from Boston and am safe and sound, along with my family. I did not run in yesterday's marathon. It is sad to see such atrocities close to home but I choose to NOT participate in terrorism by becoming terrorized. YOU have made me THANKFUL to live in a society where I can choose my religion, my government, and affiliations. I am THANKFUL because I am free and unlike you the terrorist, I will never look over my shoulder to wonder if tomorrow I will be locked in a cage. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for helping me remember that my state, my country, is full of selfless people who dedicate themselves to saving others as police offers, doctors, nurses, firefighters, and many others demonstrated yesterday. Many people were seriously injured... 04/19/2013

Just ran the numbers for South End condos for sales in 1st quarter of 2007, 2012 and 2013 (data from MLSPIN) Ave sale prices have grown from $615K in 2007 to $756K in 2013 - a 22% increase. Just from 2012 to 2013 the increase has been $17%. It goes without saying that these are averages and each property is different - make sure you have a buyer agent that understands the market. Interested in what properties are currently on the market? Just click here - http://www.buyeragentsofboston.com/southendhomes   04/19/2013

Where have prices in the Back Bay gone over th past 6 years? According to the data I just pulled from the MLS - up, up and up. Take a peek at the data from Q1 2007, Q2 2012 and Q1 2013. Interested in the most up-to-date listings in the Back Bay - just click here - http://www.buyeragentsofboston.com/backbay or give me a call at 617-997-5570 or e-mail me at garydwyer@yahoo.com to schedule a time to chat about your specific needs for a new home. Posted at 04/18/2013 01:31 PM by Gary Dwyer 04/18/2013

3 Bedroom Condo in Boston - Perfect Investment Property   Coming on market this weekend is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath condominium on Washington Street in Boston.  Built in 2005, this young construction building offers two level living, granite kitchen, deck and parking.  Hardwood floors, fireplace and high ceilings make this 3 bedroom condo in Boston both stylish and comfortable.  Address: 2855 Washington Street Asking price: $265,000 Rental income: $2,000 / month Perfect for investor or home buyer!  High owner occupancy association. Showings will be held on Sunday by appointment only.  Click here to schedule a showing. 04/17/2013

Breaking News: CNN is reporting that a  Suspect  has been arrested in Boston Marathon bombing There is a Silver Lining to the Boston Marathon Tragedy. CNN is reporting that a suspect has been arrested in the Boston Marathon bombing (read story http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/17/us/boston-blasts/index.html).   On a side note we have a friend she ran the Boston Marathon a few times but this year her and her husband went to New York City for the weekend and she did not run. Ironically the last time we saw them. We went out to dinner with them to the Forum Restaurant on 755 Boylston St the location of the second Bomb. (http://www.forumboston.com/ )  She also mentioned that there are still conflicting reports but there will be a Press Conference at 4:00pm Eastern Time Zone.  Sadly according to ma... 04/17/2013