When a buyer is choosing their new home, there is sometimes consideration of its potential value as an investment property, should the owner choose to rent it out in the future. But what does it mean to become a landlord, where do you start, and what do you need to [...]

Home staging is one of the easiest ways to put your property’s best foot forward and make that great first impression on buyers.

Studies show that staging can have a major effect on how buyers perceive a space. It helps them connect with a property and they envision themselves living there. Staging can also highlight the best layout [...]

While condominiums are the most common type of property for homebuyers in Boston, you will sometimes see cooperative home (or "co-op") listings on the market.  What are they? While there are many differences and nuances, here are a few of the main differences between co-ops [...]

The majority of Boston apartments are on one of two rental cycles: September 1 – August 31 or June 1 – May 31. Historically, September 1 has always been the main moving day in Boston. This is largely due to the fact that Boston has a lot of colleges, and most students move in on September 1; but in addition to students, those that work in academic settings also tend to follow this rental cycle.

June 1 is the second most popular moving day. In addition to avoiding the September 1 moving rush, it also tends to be a popular time for those moving to Boston for new jobs. 

While moving on and around those days can be more difficult logistically due to the number of others moving at the same time, these large turnover dates also mean that these move dates offer the largest available inventory - so you are likely to have the most apartment options if you are looking to move on either June 1 or September 1.

There are of course apartments that become available throughout the year. For example, full-service high-rise buildings offer more flexibility. These properties often offer leases that are not strictly for 12 months and they also offer leases that start and end in the middle of the month.  So if you are looking in the winter, when inventory can be sparse, consider looking in full-service buildings.

See our current rental inventory here. 

Whether you like spending Winter days inside and out of the cold, or enjoy fresh winter air outside, there are plenty of things to do around Boston this holiday season on all budgets.  Here are a few shopping, dining and entertainment ideas: 
 

Visit South End’s SoWa Winter Festival - Enjoy food, drinks, and get some of your holiday shopping done!  https://www.sowaboston.com/sowa-winter-festival/
 

Make a trip to the Seaport’s Snowport, aka Winter in Seaport - Reserve a rooftop Igloo snacks/drinks and views, buy a Christmas tree, more shopping with neighborhood stroll, attend Menorah Lighting, or try curling!  And so much more!  https://www.bostonseaport.xyz/snowport/
 

Enjoy live music?  There is something for everyone with daily live music events near you: https://hearby.com.  And you can find more shows here: https://www.bochcenter.org/events/all

Boston's Spring housing market tends to be the busiest time of the year for condos and single families, and for good reasons. With the school year ending, and with most leases ending on 5/31 or 8/31 rental cycles in Boston, it is a good time for sellers as well as buyers to make their moves.  Weather gets warmer, streets and homes look beautiful, and the home search can be a fun and enjoyable experience, especially after the Winter months.

For buyers, Spring is a great time to look because that’s when there is the most inventory on the market, and buyers have the most choices (although that can generate more competition with other buyers, higher prices, and potential bidding wars). Often sellers will wait until the Spring to list homes for sale, so this time of year can offer the most variety. Also, buyers can get a better sense of the neighborhoods with more outdoor activities starting in the Spring, and people being out and about in the neighborhood during the warmer days. And of course, homes show much better once plants come out, so you can appreciate the full potential of a property and the neighborhood.

For sellers, listing a home in the Spring is a good time for mostly the same reasons. Homes look much nicer in the spring: grass is coming out, flowers are blooming, and with more daylight available for showings, homes can look bright, cheerful and inviting! More buyers are looking this time of year, so sellers are more likely to get the best price for their property. And buyers who spent time looking over the Winter (when there is less to choose from and weather is not as cooperative) can appreciate the right property when it comes around, and are eager to snatch it up!

Whether you rent or own, now that we are entering cold winter months, there are a few things that might be helpful to keep in mind. Most people know to weatherproof and seal any drafty doors or windows, but there are a few other things that can help make winter months more comfortable and [...]

Many renters are moving back into the City. With remote/hybrid work options being offered by many companies, home offices and outdoor space are highly sought after!  Here are some of our exclusive rentals that offer one or both of these [...]

In Boston's Back Bay, Beacon Hill and South End, competition for condos can be fierce. Available inventory has remained low - essentially at the same levels as we saw pre-pandemic - so when well-priced, desirable condos hit the market, they sell [...]

While the year 2020 has presented some major challenges for many people, there have been some upsides as well. For instance, interest rates have set record lows a few times this year, creating a rare opportunity, especially for first time home buyers. So what does the buying process look like in the Boston [...]