It’s that time of year again searching for a rental in Boston, however this year with your new addition of a puppy you are finding it more challenging to rent.  Don’t despair! There are plenty of pet friendly buildings with all the amenities your precious pet would need.  The plethora of luxury buildings that have sprouted up in the past few years welcome wet noses. 

Does your French Bull dog need to shed a few pounds or your new puppy has endless energy?  The Waterside in the Seaport offers an outdoor dog run. How do you keep up with your Yorkshire Terrier’s haircuts? No need to leave your building while residing at One Canal in the North End that offers a pet spa and dog park.  Wondering where your overly friendly Golden Retriever can make fast friends, no problem at 345 Harrison in the South End, they have a Paws Pet Park where your playful pup can find fast playmates.  Want to live downtown close to work and come home to check on your pets at lunch? The Kensington conveniently located on Washington Street offers a Pet Spa and lots of other amenities. 

Many of these buildings pay the broker fee so you can work with your favorite broker to help you navigate the rental process, but you don’t have to pay the broker fee. Win win situation. Call Cabot & Company and one of our rental experts can set up showings and provide information on Boston apartments at one of the many pet friendly apartments. 

For amenity lists, pet friendly apartments and location ideas contact Cabot & Company at (617) 262-6200 or visit our website www.cabotandcompany.com.

Renters:
When renting a condo you may expect to have some kind of window treatments. Most landlords put the basic blinds or roller shades which might not be attractive enough for you. You can customize your apartment by adding color with curtains. Simple, inexpensive and easy to install curtains can be found at many different stores like Bed Bath and Beyond, Pottery Barn, West Elm or even on Amazon.

Buyers:
Choosing the right window treatments for your newly purchased condo can be overwhelming.  First, make sure to check with the condo association’s rules to know what are the dos and don’ts. Many managed buildings have scheduled window cleanings during the year. If you are interested in getting as much light as possible, select a window shade that allows light to come through. Being on a lower floor you might want to consider having a top down bottom up shade, so you can cover the bottom of the window for privacy yet allowing light into your place by having the top portion of the window completely open. There are many options, therefore you may want to have a window expert come and explain all the different possibilities; many of them offer a complementary consultation for new home buyers.

Shopping for a new home? Check out all our listings, the spring market is going strong and many new listings are added every week.

 

Looking for an apartment in Boston for your new job?  Or looking to relocate to a new place?  Thinking of moving when your lease is up?  If you have said yes to any of these questions, we are here to help!  If you have rented before in Boston you know that the market is extremely competitive, especially if your looking for rentals beginning in June or September.  You might find the perfect rental early in the game that checks all of the boxes, ultimately beating the rush, the competition and for you to stop worrying about the stress that goes into apartment searching.  Check out a few of our rentals below.
 

Back Bay | 86 Saint Botolph St. #13 | 1 BR 1 BA | $2,100

Top floor, one bedroom apartment that gets an abundance of natural sunlight and views. Located on Saint Botolph St. in the Back Bay, bordering the South End. Close to transportation, restaurants, shops and the grocery store; close to everything! Open kitchen with gas stove-top, and all utilities included in the rent. Very convenient location!

Please contact Andrew Bemben with any inquiries or to set up a showing this weekend!

 

Back Bay | 11 Marlborough St. #42 | 1 BR-Alcove 1BA | $2,395

Junior one bedroom on the 1st block of Marlborough St. No better location to live in the City than this block! Spacious studio / one bedroom with updated kitchen and bathroom, hardwood floors. Heat and hot water are included in the rent. Close to Green Line, Red Line, Newbury shops, Back Bay restaurants and the Boston Common and Public Gardens!

Please contact Andrew Bemben with any inquiries or to set up a showing this weekend!
 

Back Bay | 141 Beacon St. #5 | Studio 1 BA | $2,195

Spacious studio located off Berkeley and Beacon St. features hardwood floors throughout, classic Back Bay detail, high ceilings, kitchen w/ dishwasher/disposal. Plus, heat, hot water, AND electricity included!!

Please contact Andrew Bemben with any inquiries or to set up a showing this weekend!
 

Watertown | 31 Irma Ave. #3 | 2 BR 1 B | $2,175

Huge, sunny and spacious 2 bedroom with hardwood floors throughout. Renovated kitchen, private deck, central air, and laundry in building. One parking spot included in the rent. Ideal location with easy access to public transportation, restaurants, coffee shops, yoga studios and much more. Must See!

Please contact Andrew Bemben with any inquiries or to set up a showing this weekend!
 

South End | 220 West Springfield St. #1 | 1 BR 1 BA | $3,000

Parlor level, one bedroom with renovated open kitchen, Bosch and Fridgidaire stainless steel appliances and granite breakfast bar, high ceilings with lots of detail, in unit washer and dryer, and split-system wall AC. Heat and hot water included. Close to public transportation and the South End's famous restaurant scene.

Please contact Andrew Bemben with any inquiries or to set up a showing this weekend!

 

Back Bay | 271 Dartmouth St. #4M | 1 BR 1 BA *Furnished* | $2,700

Furnished one bed in Prime Back Bay location between Boylston and Newbury on Dartmouth St., steps to Copley Plaza. Elevator building with laundry on every floor and common roof deck. The unit boasts hardwood floors, dishwasher, and high ceilings. Heat, hot water, and WiFi/basic cable included in the rent. $50 per month towards electricity.

Please contact Andrew Bemben with any inquiries or to set up a showing this weekend!

 

Back Bay | 209 Newbury St. #2R | Studio 1BA | $3,150

NEW on Newbury Street!  Just renovated studio with enormous private deck between Exeter and Fairfield Street.  This apartment has all the bells and whistles; satin-finish white oak floors, central AC/hydro air, washer/dryer in unit, walk-in closet, video/voice intercom, and recessed LED lighting.  Brand new kitchen with stainless steel appliances and gas cooking.  Modern bathroom with tub.  Be the first to live in this gem!

Please contact Andrew Bemben with any inquiries or to set up a showing this weekend!

 

 

 

The offer on your new home was accepted, your inspection went smoothly, the purchase and sale agreement has been signed, and now you are just waiting for your mortgage commitment letter. You are almost done, but don’t go shopping for that new furniture set just yet!

Most lenders recommend taking a financial pause. Here are some suggestions to avoid common mistakes that can prevent you from getting your mortgage:

 

1. Do not open any new lines of credit, including opening new credit cards, or taking out new loans.

2. Do not close existing credit accounts.

3. Do not make any large purchases, such as buying/leasing a new car, expensive furniture sets, etc.

4. Do not make significant job changes, such as quitting or changing your job.

5. Do not make large deposits or withdrawals from your bank account.

6. Do not pay your bills late.

If you have any questions, ALWAYS check with your loan officer.

Happy closing!

 

 

Ever wonder what it is like to own your own parking space in Boston? Just finding parking alone is time consuming, stressful and can often take a good amount of change out of your pocket if you are renting one daily.  Beat the weather, save time/money and please check out some of the open parking spaces within Back Bay, South End and Beacon Hill that can save you all the hassle, knowing you have a space waiting or you.
 

25 Savoy St., Tandem Parking Space - South End - $200,000
Tandem parking space in the Rollins Square Garage available in the South End between Washington St. and Harrison Ave. Easy access to I-93, beat the rush!  Click here for details

 

700 Harrison Ave., Single Parking Space - South End - $80,000
Single, garage parking space available in the 700 Harrison Ave. Condominiums, between E. Brookline St. and E. Canton St. Beat the weather with this parking space!  Click here for details

 

195 Beacon St., Single Parking Space - Back Bay - $345,000
Single parking space available in Back Bay on Beacon St., right near the Mass. Pike. Be right next to your work, and near the shops, restaurants and all that Back Bay has to offer. Easy walk to Fenway Park!  Click here for details

 

144 Charles St., Single Parking Space - South End - $350,000
Single, garage parking spaces available on Charles St. Own a parking space in one of the most challenging parking neighborhoods in Boston. Click here for details

 

35 Fay St., Single Parking Space - South End - $125,000
Single, garage parking space available on Fay St., right near E. Berkeley St. No need to clean off your car from snow with this parking space! Easy access to I-93, beat the rush!  Click here for details

 

Contact Andrew Bemben with any questions or to set up an appointment to discuss parking spaces for sale in Boston.

 

 

A Look into Boston's Condominium Sales Market

 

It's safe to say that Boston's real estate has been on a hot streak. With 2018 at a close, Boston condominium sales have set even higher records than ever before. The Seaport took the lead in 2018 as the most expensive neighborhood, with the highest average sale price. Back Bay and South End continue to be highly sought after neighborhoods. South Boston also saw an increase from previous years when comparing average price and price per square foot; However, the most impressive statistic was that South Boston was the most popular in terms of condominium sales volume, totaling to 753 units sold. Now the question is, what does the market have in store for 2019?

 

 

 

Click to view available condos in South Boston

Click to view available condos in South End

Click to view available condos in Back Bay

Click to view available condos in Beacon Hill

Click to view available condos in North End

 

 

 

 

 

Click to see condos for are at the Mandarin Oriental Residences in Boston

!!! GO PATRIOTS !!!

 

 

 

 

Jamaica Plain | 96 Seaverns St. #PH | 2 BR 1.5 B | $2,995 *Reduced Price*

Sumner Hill neighborhood, in Jamaica plain. Two bedroom plus study, one and a half bath penthouse. Steps to Green Street T, and all the shops, cafés, and restaurants on Centre Street, this sun splashed home doesn’t disappoint. Central air conditioning and heat, in-unit laundry, and an oversize private deck. Please contact Andrew Bemben with any questions or to set up an appointment for this Saturday, 2/2 from 10:00A.M.-3:30P.M. 

 

Watertown | 31 Irma Ave. #3 | 2 BR 1 B | $2,175 *Reduced Price*

Huge sunny and spacious 2 bedroom with hardwood floors throughout. Renovated kitchen, private deck, central air, and laundry in building. One parking spot included. Ideal location with easy access to public transportation, restaurants, coffee shops, yoga studios and much more. Must See! Please contact Andrew Bemben with any questions or to set up an appointment for this Saturday, 2/2 from 10:00A.M.-3:30P.M. 

 

 

Gov. Baker of Massachusetts signed into law a bill regulating and taxing any kind of "short-term rental" (that is, any rental for 31 days or less).  There is an exemption for properties that are leased out for 14 days or less per calendar year, but this law is expected to have a substantial impact on owners that rent vacation homes and utilize services such as Airbnb and VRBO.

This new law takes effect on July 1, 2019.  Hosts are obligated to register with the State and their local municipality, carry $1 million in liability insurance per unit, and possibly be subjected to inspections that will vary from city to town.  Additionally, short-term rentals will be subject to new taxes and fees, including, but not limited to, a state tax of 5.7%, local taxes up to 6% (Boston can levy up to 6.5%; Cape Cod and Islands can levy up to 8.75%) and "community impact fees" of up to 3% may be levied locally on professionally managed properties (owners of 2 or more units in one town).

It will be interesting to see what impact this will have on tourism and business travelers, particularly if cities and towns decide to max out the allowable fees and taxes. 

See additional details at marealtor.com/ShortTermRentals.  

Disclaimer: This article should not be construed as legal or tax advice.  If you own, operate or are considering owning or operating a short-term rental property, we recommend that you seek guidance from a lawyer and/or tax professional.  

 

 

Open houses provide terrific opportunities to visit a neighborhood, investigate particular styles of housing, get a feel for space or picture yourself living somewhere.  Your real estate agent can set you up to receive weekly open house lists in your desired area and price range.  Visit an assortment and educate yourselves before getting serious about buying.  Upon arrival, introduce yourself, sign in with your Buyer agent's information, take a listing sheet and respectfully look around.  Feel free to ask questions but save any personal or money discussion for your own agent.
 

 

Etiquette tips: 

• Don’t use bathrooms or sit on furniture. 
• Ask before opening any closed doors. 
• Do not bring pets.
• Remove shoes if asked.

Other tips:

• Take notes on likes and dislikes.
• Observe other Buyers and listen.
• Concentrate on permanent items as opposed to changeable decor.
• Look up and down and for any signs of neglect or recent repairs.
• Walk the outside of the house/building and any immediate areas.
   

Stay Tuned for Part 2: READY TO BUY!

Looking for a buyer’s agent who can keep you informed and up to date on your real estate search?  You need someone experienced to guide you through this process and help negotiate for a wonderful new home!  Contact us and let one of our experts help!