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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]

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 [...]

Need an apartment in Boston?  Here are some spotlighted apartments that are available NOW:

Back Bay  |  185 Beacon St. #5R  |  1BR  |  $2,450 

AVAILABLE NOW!!!  Great views of Boston's historic cityscape, with all new appliances.  Facing South, this one bedroom unit receives an abundance of natural sunlight. This professionally managed [...]