Boston Homes for Sale
How to prepare your Boston apartment for the winter
Winter is on its way, Boston.
Let’s face it, winters in Boston can be kind of rough, and meteorologists are predicting a worse winter than usual this year (don’t they always?). How do you prepare for the bitter cold that dominates the next few months? If you own a house, there are lots of steps you can take to winterize your dwelling, but what if you’re in a Boston rental property? I’m sure the landlords of Brighton apartments, Allston apartments, or even the property manager for a Bay Back condo wouldn’t appreciate it if you started ripping open the walls to put in more insulation. Luckily, there are still some things you can do.
Before doing anything to winterize an apartment, it would be a good idea to check with the landlord or property manager and make sure of what is acceptable and what is not. The first thing a tenant can usually do is seal cracks in window and door frames using caulk. Speaking of doors and windows, it’s a good idea to check the weatherstripping around them, too. If it looks worn or if pieces are missing, most Boston apartments have a maintenance superintendent who can replace it for you. If not, the landlord may allow you to replace the weatherstripping yourself–it’s relatively easy and you can get the materials at any hardware store.
Glass patio and french doors are not terribly common in a Boston rental property, but if you have them, they can be a big source of heat loss. Putting some weatherstripping along the door frame (or the space where the doors meet for French doors) can help to keep things cozy. Another good trick is putting clear plastic (available in kits like a 3M insulating kit) over windows or unused patio doors in the winter. Putting a draft sock (a tube stuffed with insulating material) along the bottom of exterior doors can help, too, and it is mobile enough that the door can still be used.
The outlets on the outer walls of an apartment sometimes allow cold air to get in. The best way to solve this is to get some insulating gaskets for outlets and light switches. They cost about a dollar for a multi-pack at the hardware store and they install in seconds with a screwdriver. If your landlord or other Boston property management team member allows you to make any of the changes discussed so far, ask them if you can deduct the cost of the materials from your rent–it never hurts to ask.
Perhaps the easiest way to deal with winter in Boston apartments is to reduce the area that has to be heated. Closing off vents in rooms that don’t require a lot of heat, like bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens (as well as any bedrooms that are not currently in use) can focus the heat more directly in the areas where it is needed. Another way to reduce heating area is to keep closet doors closed.
Finally, assuming you are in the process of moving, it would be a good idea to keep winter in mind when looking at Boston apartments for rent or even Boston homes for sale. Ask other tenants in the building or the real estate agent what the heating situation is like and what sort of modifications you might be allowed to make to improve it. Winters in Boston can get rough, and if you plan to spend the winter in a Boston rental property, you would be wise to do what you can to winterize it.
Summer 2011 Blockbuster Reviews
One activity always associated with summertime is going to the movies. Boston in the summer can be a little stifling at times and getting out of your hot, city apartment and into the cool, air-conditioned movie theater can be quite refreshing and, depending on the movie you see, a really enjoyable experience.
Summer is one of the biggest time periods for movie releases and 2011 has been no exception. While there are still a few weeks left of summer, let’s review a few of the biggest blockbusters over the past few months.
Transform
ers: Dark of the Moon ($337,892,000) – The third chapter in the Transformers series has grossed the highest amount for the summer movie season up to this point. The reviews for the third movie were much better than those of the second – its special effect and 3-D shots really brought the action scenes in this movie to life. A few of the criticisms about the film were that the run time was too long (2 hours 30 minutes) and that the script and character development were mediocre. However, if you’re an adrenaline junkie the last 30 minutes of this movie are well worth the wait.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 ($318,460,000) – Although the final chapter of the Harry Potter series was only released two weeks ago it has been the second highest grossing movie for the summer thus far. The midnight premiere alone grossed over $43.5 million, beating the previous midnight premiere record set by The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Potter fans have been raving about the finale saying, “It was the perfect ending.” Even if you’ve already read the books, this action packed movie will have you on the edge of your seat wondering how it all ends.
The Hangover Part II ($252,628,017) – There were big shoes to fill with the release of the sequel to The Hangover. The biggest criticism of the film was that the plotline of the second movie was almost identical to the first, just in a different city. While there are definitely a few classic lines in the movie and some laugh-out-loud funny scenes, overall the second movie fell a bit short. Although the sequel was a bit of a letdown compared to the first film, The Hangover II has grossed the third highest amount so far this summer.
So if you haven’t gotten the opportunity to do so already this summer, get out of your Boston apartment and head over to Fenway or to the Loews Theater on the Boston Common to enjoy this summer’s biggest movie hits!
Featured Boston Luxury Condo Building: Zero Marlborough
Top Luxury with an Unbeatable Location
Zero Marlborough has many unique luxuries to offer besides just a great address. Its residents enjoy valet service and a 24 hour concierge. Each home within Zero Marlborough is complete with hardwood floors, and in-unit washer/dryer, and storage. Many units also have outdoor space and fireplaces.
These features would certainly be luxurious anywhere, but Zero Marlborough also benefits from a location that’s difficult to top. The building resides on the edge of the Boston Public Garden which makes for unbeatable views of Downtown Boston and the Boston Common, as well as easy access to the city’s historical urban park. This location is the center of Boston’s theater and hottest nightlife, as well as some of the city’s top restaurants.
If you would like more information about Zero Marlborough or other Boston condos and apartments, contact Phoenix Realty today.
Buying/Selling Your Boston Home
When purchasing or selling your Boston home there are a lot of factors to take into consideration. The process can sometimes be quite overwhelming. In both cases a good first step to take is to find a reliable real estate agent to help in the process.
Selling Your Boston Home
An experienced real estate agent from Phoenix Realty can help you determine the financial value of your home based on the constantly fluctuating environmental factors – such as the economy, interest rates, and supply/demand. In the process of selling your home one of the most important steps is the home inspection. Getting your home inspected can help you determine potential problems you might run into when dealing with prospective buyers. Contacting a Massachusetts home inspector early in this process can help you prioritize possible repairs or upgrades you might need to make when trying to sell your home.
Buying Your New Boston Home
Buying a new home can be a much more involved process. There are many decisions to make throughout the buying process before making your final purchasing decision. Consequently, there are many questions you must consider before beginning your search of Boston homes for sale. For instance, do you want to live in the city or the suburbs? If you have children, what type of school system do you want them to attend? What is your budget when purchasing your new home? Once you have made these essential decisions it will be much easier for your real estate agent to find Boston properties for sale which meet your criteria.
Finding the right agent can alleviate a lot of the stress that can build up when making such a significant life decision as buying or selling your home. Contact a Phoenix Realty agent today to get started off on the right foot in the process.
Turning Your Home Green
And What It Can Do For Your Taxes
Uncle Sam WANTS you… to go green. Sure, we’re near the end of the tax season, but for those who don’t know or are procrastinating, The United States government is offering tax incentives and credits to people who update their real estate with energy-saving technologies and/or buy hybrid vehicles. The kind of technologies that usually save you money, and with an extra tax break… well, that’s just a bonus.
Now there’s no tax break just yet for urban agriculture, so hold off on turning your Boston home rooftop into Green Acres, but there are plenty of options that can save you some cash.
Here’s the rundown and a few things to keep in mind for next year if you already filed your taxes.
If you made your residency the greenest home in your Boston neighborhood, then the energy saving renovations made from last year could save you $1,500 on your tax bill.
Unfortunately, 2010 is the last year for such a huge energy and environmental tax credit, so for those who already filed your taxes… you’re out of luck. The new residential energy-efficient tax break that just succeeded on Jan. 1 is a much more limited version.
Here’s where it gets tricky. Home energy upgrades installed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 will give you a tax credit that’s about 10 percent of costs up to a maximum of $500.
Depending on the type of renovations you make, your exact credit could be less. So here are the facts that could help you out.
- 10 percent of costs, capped at $500
- Insulating such home components as roof, doors, and windows
- $300 for air conditioners and heat pumps
- $300 for energy efficient water heaters
- Capped at $200, 10 percent of costs for Energy Star windows
- $150 for high efficiency furnaces and boilers
- $50 for main air circulating fans
Now here’s the bummer for anyone who’s already claimed a total credit of $500 or more on previous energy tax credits since Jan. 1, 2005. The overall $500 tax credit cap will apply to you too.
So if you’ve already claimed that amount or more, you can’t claim any additional real estate energy renovation costs on your 2011 tax return.
But if you’ve received less than $500 over the years on home energy renovations, then you can claim the remaining amount for any improvements you make this year.
Here are the details offered on Energy Star’s website that explains in detail the eligible renovations and credit limits for the 2010 and 2011 tax years.
Now to get more out of your “go green” tax credit, you may want to consider investing in more efficient alternative energy systems for your Massachusetts home.
The Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit equals 30 percent of what you spend on any of these systems below:
- Solar electric systems
- Solar hot water heaters
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Wind turbines
- Fuel cell property
The good news here is there’s no cap on the credit amount for these energy systems. Whatever the 30 percent of costs, is what you get back. That even includes installation and labor to your allowable credit.
Credits for these large energy saving upgrades may be more expensive, but you have plenty of time to consider taking on such a project for your real estate since the credits are available until the end of 2016.
Phoenix Realty offers exceptional Boston property management services for your home, investment, or commercial property. Please contact Phoenix Realty for further information in regards to our specific services offered.
Bed Bug Myths Debugged
10 Need-to-Know Myths to Protect Your Boston Apartment
Your parents used to say “don’t let the bed bugs bite.” Now that you’re moving into your own Boston apartment, it’s time you give this advice another thought! As reported in the NBC New York news story, “Beware of Bed Bugs: Cases Set to Surge This Summer,” bed bug complaints in New York City apartments are up 8 percent from last year with over 13,000 bed bug complaints in 2010. Jeffrey White, a research entomologist for bed bugcentral.com anticipates worse bed bug outbreaks this year than last. Boston apartment residents are lucky that our city hasn’t shown up on the Top Ten Worst Bed Bug Infested Cities, but the bed bug problem persists even here.
You need to know the myths and facts about bed bugs in order to identify and fight these bugs. We’ve compiled a list of 10 bed bug myths to help you protect yourself and your Boston apartment from the Back Bay to the West End.
Myth 1: Bed bugs only show up in dirty apartments and on dirty people.
Bed bugs aren’t attracted to dirt; they’re attracted to exhaled carbon dioxide and heat. They feed on blood and can infest any location regardless of how clean it is. Bed bugs have been known to show up anywhere from South End to North End apartments. You can bring bed bugs home with you merely by coming into contact with a person or location contaminated with bed bugs.
Myth 2: Bed bugs only live in beds and mattresses.
Bed bugs spend 90 percent of their time hiding and can live almost anywhere: on furniture, walls, clothing, carpets, or pictures. Don’t think that just by throwing away your mattress will solve your bed bug problem because they often spread to areas around your bed as well: within the cracks of furniture, along the baseboards of walls, inside electric outlets, laptops, and even cell phones!
Myth 3: Bed bugs are too small to see.
So you’re sitting in your Brookline or Charlestown apartment; can you spot a bed bug? Adult bed bugs are relatively easy to spot; they are reddish-brown and 3mm–5mm in size. Recently hatched larvae tend to be harder to see at 1mm–2mm in size. Until the larva feed on blood, they remain a pale white.
Myth 4: I have bite marks, but my partner doesn’t. I can’t have bed bugs!
Bites can differ in size from person-to-person based on individual allergic reactions to the bites. Bites may leave no marks, small bumps, or even large welts. If your partner doesn’t have bite marks but you do, your Boston apartment could still harbor bed bugs.
Myth 5: Bed bugs are killed by the cold.
Houses heated to 70 degrees Celsius for 3 hours only kill about 78% of bed bugs on average. Cold temperature treatments don’t fare much better. In fact, bed bugs can survive for a long time in below freezing temperatures. Overall, the cold treatment is unreliable even during a Boston winter. Although hot steam treatments work, you must remember that you may not be killing all of the bugs that are hiding.
Myth 6: Bed bugs transmit diseases.
Many scientific research studies have found that luckily bed bugs don’t transmit diseases; however, scratching bed bug bites can lead to secondary infections. Make sure to get medical attention if your bites appear infected.
Myth 7: You can feel a bed bug biting you.
Bed bugs inject their saliva before feeding on blood so you won’t feel their bite. However, like a mosquito bite, bed bug bites can be itchy later based on how allergic you are to their saliva. Also, beg bugs are generally more active at night and may bite you while you are sleeping.
Myth 8: You can kill bed bugs with any insecticide.
Although bug bombs may kill a number of bed bugs, their use generally causes the bed bugs to scatter and actually make your Boston apartment’s infestation worse. Directly spraying bed bugs with insecticides may kill the ones you hit; however, you can’t count on getting all of them with a direct spraying. Also, many insecticides will not work on all the stages of the bed bug life cycle.
Myth 9: Bed bugs are resistant to all pesticides.
Not all pesticides kill bed bugs, but many pesticides do. Consult a professional exterminator to determine which methods will work best for your situation.
Myth 10: Leaving bed bugs alone in an empty house will kill them.
Adult bed bugs can live for a year or more without feeding so ignoring the problem will only make it worse.
Understanding these myths will hopefully make you more aware so that you can effectively deal with any buggy Boston real estate situation. Your best bet is to consult with a professional exterminator to prepare an integrated pest management solution, which involves a regiment of spraying, vacuuming, steaming, laundering and sealing in order to kill and prevent the infestation of bed bugs. We hope you sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite! Now, let’s hear your bed bug stories!
Boston Common Set for Upgrade
Residents of Beacon Hill Real Estate Rejoice
Boston Common, located in Beacon Hill Real Estate, is set to debut its new ‘face lift’ this summer, with free wireless Internet access, chessboard and checkerboard rentals, and an outdoor piano, among other various improvements. 
Crews will break ground next month on the long-awaited face lift for the shabby plaza surrounding the Brewer Fountain near Tremont Street.
The $1.5 million initiative will replaced cracked concrete with granite, plant trees, and install a sprinkler system in Liberty Mall, the grassy area leading to the State House. That’s not all however; sketches approved by the city show a newly invigorated piazza with 30 patio tables, umbrellas, and 70 movable chairs for residents to enjoy.
The plans also include a few unusual touches, such as a “reading room” that will be stocked with newspapers, magazines, and carts with 400 books, a high end food truck that sells hot meals, and the professional-grade electric keyboard (made to look like a piano on wheels), which will offer lunchtime entertainment for Boston apartments residents as early as July.
“These new upgrades will bring much-needed vitality back to this area and provide all of the amenities our residents and visitors deserve in this historic location.’’
–Mayor Thomas M. Menino
This is the latest phase of a renovation project that started with a rehabilitation of the fountain at the center of the plaza. The bronze sculpture had been imported from Switzerland by a wealthy merchant, Gardner Brewer, and was assembled on the Common in 1868. The fountain spurted water again last spring after a $640,000 repair project, and in addition to the piano and activities, the common is set to go beyond just granite and grass.
So just who is paying for all this? The current project will be funded by private donations, according to the Friends of the Public Garden, which has already raised almost $1 million. Those who donate $100,000 or more will be honored by having their names inscribed in a granite band surrounding the plaza, while lesser contributions will be recognized with benches and trees.
Whether you live in a Beacon Hill apartment, Brighton MA home, or Back Bay condo, this change is going to benefit everyone. To find your own Beacon Hill Real Estate or Boston Home for sale, please contact Phoenix Realty today to schedule a viewing.
Brookline Selectmen Approve Three New Restaurants & Grant Liquor Licenses
Residents of Brookline real estate offered new dining options
On Tuesday, February 15th, the Brookline Board of Selectmen gave the go ahead for three new restaurants, Brother’s Roast Beef & Pizza, Olea Café, and Lucky Wah to join the neighborhood of Brookline, MA.
The family-owned chain of Brother’s Roast Beef and Pizza will take over a 1,200 square foot location at 293 Cypress Street and offer a menu of salads, subs, pasta, and calzones along with the aforementioned pizza and roast beef sandwiches. Those residing in Brookline MA apartments will have a new neighborhood pizza joint to check out! Applicant Melsi Xhengo is adding this Brookline pizzera to his list of other locations in Abington, Quincy, Weymouth, and Malden.
Olea Café will serve breakfast and sandwiches at 195 Washington Street, replacing the 1,000 square foot property, which was formerly Sandwich Works. Applicant Daoud Tayeh will offer a “low-key café serving breakfast, sandwiches, and coffee.” Residents of Brookline MA apartments will be able to try a quick cup of coffee on their way to work at the new café.
Lucky Wah, located at 1391 Beacon Street, will find a new owner in Guang Xiang Zhu. Brookline home owners will be able to sample the Asian cuisine with convenient take out or delivery.
In addition to these three new restaurants, the Brookline Board of Selectmen granted liquor licenses to two other 
already established Brookline restaurants, The Upper Crust and Osaka Japanese Sushi and Steak House.
In addition to its Coolidge Corner location that already serves beer and wine, The Upper Crust’s 888 Commonwealth Avenue location will now be able to serve beer and wine as well, giving (of age!) Boston University students a new spot to stop in for a casual evening enjoying the classic combination of pizza and beer.
Osaka Japanese Sushi & Steak House has been approved for an all-kinds liquor license at their 14 Green Street location. Offering seating for 140 customers and a staff of 30 workers, residents with Brookline real estate will have a great new option for a fun night of sushi and drinks.
Contact Phoenix Realty if you would like assistance from one of our knowledgeable agents in finding the perfect Brookline Real Estate or Brookline apartment. Our agents are also very well-informed on Boston apartments for rent and Boston homes for sale, so please don’t hesitate to ask us for help in those areas either!
Boston Restaurants love Valentine’s Monday!
As Valentine’s day falls on a Monday this year, restaurateurs in Boston are expecting a little extra love –and income– as eateries that usually don’t operate on Mondays open their doors for happy couples. Even though the holiday falls on 
a Monday this year, couples will still celebrate the preceding weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
While state statistics and local restaurateurs say that unemployment and a down economy have kept families out of restaurants in recent years, an extra holiday opening can really help a restaurant’s bottom line.
Frank DePasquale, owner of Mare Restaurant in the North End says “Valentine’s Day is probably one of the biggest days in the restaurant business.” Mare will open its doors on Monday after spending weeks getting geared up for the romantic holiday. Unlike some other Boston restaurants, Mare will not be offering a fixed-price menu on the big day, instead offering patrons more choices in the still-difficult economic times.
Owner of Gargoyles on the Square in Somerville, James Conforti, states Mondays are normally the slowest day in the restaurant trade; people are often out of cash after a weekend of spending. He will be opening his Davis Square restaurant to serve what he hopes, and expects, to be a huge crowd due to Valentine’s, adding that it also “pumps up our whole weekend and I expect Sunday night will be crazy.”
Charles Draghi, owner of Bay Village Italian restaurant, Erbalence, says this long Valentine’s weekend will help restaurant owners through a tough New England Winter. After the usual holiday rush between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, business tends to be slower. Corporate sponsored holiday parties help restaurants stay afloat; however those big holiday parties require more purchasing than usual, causing bills due in January and February. Draghi says Valentine’s day, which is celebrated for four days this year, will provide a boost in revenue to pay those bills.
Contact Phoenix Realty to view Boston apartments, Boston homes for sale, or luxury buildings in the Boston area if you would like to be a part of Boston’s fine dining experiences year-round.
How to Sell your Home
Whether you’re a family in a Newton, MA Apartment or a group of college students in Brookline, MA rental, it is important to make sure that when you put your house on the market it is picture perfect.
The Internet is a huge resource for home buyers, with more than 90% choosing that medium as their first resource to see what is available. With a huge inventory to choose from, it’s important to take a lot of photos to get to the top of the listings. Staging your house will make yours stand out from the rest!
Clear your home of clutter, whether it is in front of a sliding glass door leading to a beautiful deck, or personal collections or items on display in bedrooms, to keep the distractions to a minimum. The National Association of Realtors recommends putting excess furniture in storage, packing away knick-knacks, and removing items of clothing that could be cramping your closet.
If you have pets, drop them off at a neighbor or friend’s house during showings, as not everyone is an animal person. Eliminate pet odors by lighting mood-setting candles or installing scented plug-ins in the rooms where your pet usually resides.
Create curb appeal by trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, and turning on the sprinklers for half an hour before a showing to make the lawn sparkle. Bring in a couple of potted flowers to brighten up your porch. New doorknobs can also make a door look more modern.
If you have young children, contain their toys in a couple of plastic bins that can easily be stored in the garage or basement during showings.
Stage your home so that beautiful aspects of your home, such as a fireplace or large windows, are the focal point of a room, rather than an entertainment center.
Wallpaper is out of style- if you have rooms that are wallpapered; consider tearing it down and painting your room a neutral color. As long as it is tastefully done and fits into the style of the house, some color could work as well.
Do not disregard minor repairs. Things that may seem trivial, such as sticky doors, dripping faucets, or torn screens can give buyers the impression that the house is not well maintained.
A clean house makes a strong impression; it sends the message that the home is well cared for. Polish windows, mop and vacuum floors, clean the stove and refrigerator, and wipe fingerprints from light switch plates and televisions.
If you’re looking for a home in Newton, Brookline, or any other Greater Boston area neighborhood.
Contact an agent at Phoenix Realty to schedule a viewing.
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