These days it feels that life has been put on hold, as a lot of things we used to do are restricted or stopped altogether. That being said, people still have to move, and we are hearing daily from prospective buyers, sellers and [...]
As we are moving past this mild Winter and quickly approaching Spring, many of you are in the green thumb mode and in need to re-amp or add to your indoor vegetation. Maybe you once had an indoor plant and you noticed within the week that it turned into a bone-dry, wilted mess. Or maybe you’ve never owned an indoor plant because you aren’t [...]
The peak spring and summer rental market season can be quite hectic. Fast moving inventory, top dollar market pricing, and competing with qualified applicants. All of this makes the stressful moving experience even more so. After September 1st, however, there are deals to be had if one can wait to move. The rental market tends to slow down during the fall and winter, and sometimes this leaves landlords with vacant apartments. Great deals are available for those who can move quick, or fill odd dates. This is also an opportune time to ask for some painting or touch up before move-in when typically there wouldn’t be time.
Call us and speak with a qualified rental agent to find out more.
Current Fall Specials (click for more info):
Dartmouth St, South End - 2+BR/2BA Penthouse Duplex with Private Deck - $4,995
M St, South Boston - 1+BR/1BA Renovated Penthouse - $2,625
Marlborough St, Back Bay - 2BR/1BA Penthouse with Central Air - $3,450
Warren Ave, South End - 1BR/1BA Renovated with In-Unit Laundry - $2,375
September 1st has come and gone. Boston’s prime rental season is over and the number of renters out there has decreased sharply. However, all is not lost. Here are 10 tips to help get that apartment leased:
1. Make Necessary Repairs. If something is clearly broken (e.g. cracked windows, doors that do not close, etc.), many prospective renters will see that as a red flag.
2. Deep Cleaning. Has the apartment been cleaned since the last tenant moved out? Prospective tenants this time of year generally have more options and are more likely to scrutinize unclean apartments. If the apartment windows have not been cleaned (inside and out), that is a must-do to help maximize the natural light.
3. Freshen Up the Paint and Floors. Without furniture, scuff marks become focal points. Not only will a fresh coat of paint help the apartment show better, but now is the best time to get that done since there are no tenants to work around. The same is true with the floors – refinishing hardwood floors and replacing carpet (with new carpet or hardwood flooring) can make a world of difference.
4. Improve Curb Appeal. Depending on the type of rental that you own, there may be limits to what you can do to improve the curb appeal. However, for prospective renters, their evaluation of your apartment begins even before they step into the unit. Put yourself in their shoes and walk-up to the building – how does the landscaping look, is the mail in boxes or scattered in the foyer, are the common areas clean, are the hallway lights working?
5. Take New Pictures. Nearly all renters’ searches begin online, so pictures will make the first impression. If you have been using the same pictures, take new pictures to give a fresh look.
6. Consider Going Pet-Friendly. For renters with pets, they will ONLY look at pet-friendly apartments. If you have been advertising your apartment as not accepting pets, then there is a new audience of tenants that you could reach. However, careful consideration needs to be given here – for instance, some condo associations prohibit pets.
7. Change the Lease End Date. Consider entering a lease until June 1st, rather than doing a lease until September 1st. September 1st has tended to be the biggest turnover date in Boston, but June 1st is a popular lease turnover date too. Additionally, if you miss a tenant for June 1, then you still have several months of “prime” rental season to work with.
8. Maximize Your Listing Exposure. Working with a real estate broker can help maximize your exposure. For instance, here at Cabot & Company we utilize a number of listing and advertising platforms in order to reach tenants. Not only does the tenant typically pay the brokerage fee, but we provide a credit check and manage the lease signing and collection of upfront payments.
9. Offer Incentives. Agreeing to pay all or half of the broker’s fee can help alleviate a renter’s upfront moving costs. If the renter needs to come up with the first month’s rent, last month’s rent, month security deposit and a broker fee, that can work out to a sizable amount. Foregoing the requirement for the last month’s rent and/or accepting a lower security deposit can also help.
10. Consider a Rent Reduction. This is the last tip, but probably the most important. If you have already tried some/all of the tips above, then the market is saying that you are asking too much. It is also important to consider the impact of missing an additional month’s rent as opposed to reducing your asking rent – generally, you find that the numbers work out that you are better off agreeing to a lower rent for a sooner move-in date than missing out on a few months of rent while chasing a higher rent.
When moving into your new home you need to establish service with the following Utility companies:
Boston Utilities
National Grid
Gas (800) 732-3400
Eversource
Electricity (800) 592-2000
Verizon
Phone (800) 870-9999
Comcast
Phone, Cable, Internet
(617) 279-1958
Helpful Boston Numbers
Boston City Hall
(617) 635-4000
Boston Police [...]
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 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 [...]
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, [...]
Need an apartment in Boston? Here are some spotlighted apartments that are available NOW:
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 [...]