Brookline Real Estate
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!
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.
Beware the Bait and Switch!
It is a well understood fact that apartment searching is often stressful. Because of its usability and ease of access, Craigslist is often a starting point for renters. When it works, this is a great way to start – as long as you keep your guard up and know what you are looking at. There are some brokers and agents that intentionally place misleading advertisements just to get you to call.
So the photos look amazing, the description sounds ideal and you can afford it – anyone would call! So you call the broker and he sets up an appointment to show you the place. When you meet up, he will tell you that your dream apartment was had been snatched up by someone else, but that he luckily had a few similar apartments to show you. These apartments will be smaller, more expensive, or slightly less desirable than the original. Assuming that were to happen, you will have witnessed the bait and switch. The bait and switch is often used to move undesirable apartments; it is rare that the realtor will have something “just like it” to show you.
We at Phoenix Realty have seen this tactic used on sites like Craigslist constantly – and it drives us nuts! When you are looking for your dream Boston apartment – whether it be a Back Bay condo or a Brookline home – you should be given the respect of knowing that what you see is what you get! We have compiled some tips to help you avoid the bait and switch by helping you identify bait apartments.
1. Analyze the photos. If the provided pictures are of apartments filled with modern, stunning furnishings, you are looking at a model apartment – not the real deal. This is probably the nicest apartment in the building and chances are it was rented eons ago. If the photos are of unfinished apartments, play a quick game of “find the inconsistency.”Are the windows different in what is meant to be the same room? Is the hardwood floor a different color or pattern in different shots? Does the layout seem to change? If you find any inconsistency like those, the broker may have just compiled the best images from a few different apartments just to get you to call.
2. Call and ask. Even if you think the photos are legit, still be sure to ask the agent directly when you call if the photos are from the actual, real life apartment. If he says that they are pictures of a typical apartment in the building, beware. Maybe he did not have a chance to get to the actual apartment and take photos, or maybe he is trying to bait and switch. Either way, use your best judgment and go with your gut.
3. Watch out for vague descriptions. If there are no photos at all, odds are it is not real or the agent has not been inside it. Vague adjectives (stunning, cozy, elegant, huge) are often thrown around on ads that lack photos. These ads can describe many Boston apartments – take care to ask for specifics when you call the phone number listed. Even asking for something as simple as the cross streets and interior descriptions will help you determine the legitimacy of the apartment.
The best way to ensure that you are working with a legitimate, honest real estate agency is to choose one with a great reputation. Browse our listings of Boston apartments for rent or contact us to begin the process of finding your dream apartment.
Halloween Events Around Boston
Now that it is almost the middle of October, there are some very important decisions to be made. With all of the parades, parties, and events planned all over the city, what are you doing for Halloween? These decisions are critical, and as there is so much to choose from – we’ve narrowed it down to a few great options in your neck of the woods. It’s much easier to stay local on Halloween; the entire city comes to life and the MBTA is always packed! So whether you have an Allston apartment or a Back Bay condo, there are some fantastic options for you.
Allston apartments are usually home to many of the cities college students and suburb transplants. Nicknamed “Allston Rock City”, the neighborhood is a hub of musical endeavors and young dreamers. Here are a couple Halloween events around Allston. (If you have a more residential Brighton apartment, these are worth the quick trip!)
- Halloween Pet Costume Contest
When: Sunday, October 24, 2010 3PM
Where: Unleashed by Petco (226 Harvard Ave)
What: A chance to dress up your pets and meet other local pet enthusiasts! There will be special prizes, animal treats, and light refreshments for pet owners.
Read More
- A Night of Halloween Covers
When: Thursday, October 28, 2010 9PM
Where: Great Scott (Corner of Harvard and Comm. Ave)
What: Featuring local musicians, this is a night dedicated to covers of Halloween-inspired songs. Featuring Songs from The Misfits, Face to Face, Black Flag, Refused, and The Descendents.
Read More
- Horror Business Halloween Party
When: Sunday, October 31, 2010 9PM
Where: Great Scott (Corner of Harvard and Comm Ave)
What: A night filled with an eclectic blend of music (Punk, Metal, Ska followed by a DJ), entertainment, and a raffle featuring prizes from local Boston companies (e.g. Narragansett, PUMA, Harmonix, Orchard Skate Shop, etc.)
Read More
Fenway
The Fenway/Kenmore neighborhood is home to some of the best entertainment facilities in the city. With all of the bars, music venues, and colleges around the area, those with a Fenway apartment will have a hard time deciding where to spend their Halloweekend!
- 2nd Annual Halloween Ball
When: Saturday, October 30, 2010 8PM
Where: Lansdowne Pub (9 Lansdowne St)
What: This is sure to be a night filled with outrageous costumes, contests, door prizes, and live music from DJ Cutz and Bearfight.
Read More
- Dark Arts: A Spirited Evening at The Gardner
When: Saturday, October 30, 2010 6:30PM
Where: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (280 The Fenway)
What: An after-hours celebration with a spooky theme. Wine and seasonal hors d’oeuvres will be provided while listening to ghost stories from professional storytellers.
Read More
Brookline
Brookline is much more of a community-focused neighborhood than the rest of the city. Most Brookline apartments are home to young families and long time residents. For this reason, most of the Brookline Halloween events cater to children, but are guaranteed fun for young and old.
- Pumpkinfest 2010
When: Sunday, October 17, 2010 12PM
Where: Lincoln School (19 Kennard Rd)
What: A fun family Halloween event filled with games, rides, delicious food, and a kid friendly haunted house.
Read More
- All Hallow’s Eve
When: Thursday, October 28 7PM
Where: Coolidge Corner Theater (290 Harvard St)
What: Take an opportunity to experience the roots of Halloween – All Hallow’s Eve – with psychic medium Sirry Berndsen. Learn about the origins of the holiday and experience spirit channeling with a professional guide.
Read More
Back Bay
Instead of hanging out in your Back Bay condo waiting for trick-or-treaters, take advantage of the great venues around the neighborhood. This Halloween there will be tons of spooky events going on around town, here are a couple that sounded neat.
- HalloweenFest
When: Saturday, October 24, 2010 10AM
Where: The Prudential Center (800 Boylston Street)
What: Boston’s best Halloween event for families with young kids! The event includes games, face painting, pumpkin decorating, costume showcase, ball pit and jumpy house, and performances by kids’ musicians, story tellers, and magicians. All proceeds benefit The Kid’s Fund at Boston Medical Center.
Read More
- Wonderland
When: Saturday, October 30, 2010 8PM
Where: The Liberty Hotel (215 Charles Street)
What: Alice in Wonderland-themed party at one of the chicest Boston hotels featuring a live DJ, dancing, a costume contest, and a “Transylvania-chic” fashion show by designer Samuel Vartan.
Read More
Still Looking for that perfect Boston apartment? Contact a Phoenix Realty agent to find your new home!
Is a Brookline Apartment for You?
Neighborhood Spotlight: Brookline
Despite being less than a mile from the cultural and economic center of Boston, Brookline has managed to retain a distinct identity of its own. With an eclectic blend of students, young professionals and families, Brookline is rich with culture and familiarity. Ranging from detailed brick complexes along Beacon Street to remodeled Victorian multifamily homes in quiet side streets, Brookline is said to offer a unique experience of living both in the city and the country. Many Brookline apartments are filled with the academic and scientific professionals who work in the nearby colleges (Wentworth, Simmons, Mass Art, Wheelock, NEIA, BU and BC campuses all border Brookline) and medical centers of Longwood Ave.
While mostly residential, Brookline has a few centers of burgeoning commercial interest. Most of the more coveted apartments in Brookline surround the two main business centers of the town: Coolidge Corner and Brookline Village. Each offers unique restaurants and coffee houses surrounded by well kept parks and store fronts. The apartments closest to these two areas often are a bit pricier and harder to come by, not only due to the draw of the commerce but also because those areas are most easily accessed by public transportation.
Centered mostly around the corner of Beacon St. and Harvard St., Coolidge Corner is peppered with independent boutiques, coffee shops, and award-winning eateries. From the Paris Creperie (made-to-order authentic crepes, Nutella frozen hot chocolate – delicious!) to Zaftig’s Delicatessen (a more modern spin on traditional Jewish deli fare), no Coolidge resident will ever have to want for delicious, unique food. The Coolidge Corner Theatre also draws attraction from all over the city. The Coolidge is the only operating not-for-profit Art Deco theatre in the Boston area and is one of the top ten art house film exhibition theaters in the country.
Brookline Village
The Village, as it is known to residents, has somehow managed to maintain the feel of a traditional village, divergent to most Boston neighborhoods. Known for quiet cafés and antique shops, Brookline Village is inviting and familiar. Apartments in Brookline Village would be ideal if you enjoy knowing your barista by name and having the café owner know yours. Brookline Village apartments typically fan out from the corner of Harvard St. and Washington St. The restaurants are typically cozy and filled with fresh, hearty fares. La Morra, a rustic Italian eatery in the Village, features a seasonal menu that revolves around a wood grill for preparing meats, local fish and locally farmed vegetables. Down the street, Matt Murphy’s Pub is usually packed with regulars lined up to eat the traditional Irish fare (including fish and chips wrapped in newspaper with homemade ketchup).
It’s cozy charm and well groomed streets make Brookline one of the prettiest suburbs of Boston. While the rent may be higher than nearby Allston apartments and Brighton homes, a Brookline apartment offers a great balance between the luxury of Back Bay apartments and the charm of a suburban neighborhood.
Sound like the right neighborhood for you? View our online listings of Brookline, MA apartments or contact a Phoenix Realty agent to inquire about other Brookline real estate properties.
Allston Apartments
When searching for Boston rental properties, it’s easy to get so caught up in the property itself that one major factor gets overlooked- location! You should have the same amount of criteria for your living space as you do the neighborhood you wish to live in. Each Boston neighborhood is unique and has something different to offer. Even the nicest of properties won’t make you happy if its location is inconsistent with your wants and needs. Finding the right neighborhood for you is crucial in ensuring a pleasant living experience. (The image below is a complex Phoenix Realty has listed with great Allston Apartments available!)
This week’s featured neighborhood is Allston, MA. Located in the western part of the city, Allston has a reputation for being fun and lively, much in thanks to its large population of college students and recent grads. Of course where there are students, there are colleges. Allston is home to parts of the Harvard, Boston University, and Berkley campuses. Boston College is also nearby, just west of Allston. In addition to only being only a short T ride away from downtown Boston, it is conveniently located next to Brighton, Brookline, and the Fenway/Kenmore neighborhoods. Oh, and it’s also bordered by the Charles River!
The main areas are Allston Village and Harvard Ave, which feature numerous shops and eateries. Allston has some of the best ethnic restaurants in the Boston area, with heavy emphasis on Brazilian and Vietnamese food. Popular ethnic restaurants include Pho Viet’s, Taqueria el Carrizal, and Café Brazil, among many others.
As expected with such a large student population, Allston is has an impressive amount of bars. Some of the more notable ones are The White Horse Tavern, which is known for its casual and comfortable environment; and the Sunset Bar and Grill, which has the second largest selection of beer in the country (over 300 varieties!). It is also home to Harper’s Ferry and The Paradise, both of which are music venues that host local and national performers.
Even though Allston has a strong student presence, Lower Allston is one of its smaller areas that is home to mainly young business professionals, homeowners, and older residents. Unlike the rest of Allston, Lower Allston is very quiet, most likely due to its lack of college kids nearby. And for those tamer individuals living in Lower Allston, the city has more to offer than just its lively bar scene.
Many inhabitants and visitors are content with just walking around and taking in the sights that Allston has to offer. There are plenty of quaint boutiques, friendly coffee shops, and interesting people to watch.
Its vibrant and distinctive, yet laid-back atmosphere make it a great place for students to call home. Allston residences are typically brick apartments, especially those on and around Commonwealth Ave.
Sound like the right neighborhood for you? View our online listings of Allston, MA apartments or contact a Phoenix Realty agent to inquire about other Allston real estate properties.
Featured Listing: Brookline
Today’s Featured Listing is an apartment in Brookline, MA. Brookline is an exclusive neighborhood of Boston that mixes urban and suburban living. It is located just a short and easy commute away from downtown Boston, and only a walk away from Fenway.
This particular listing is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath located on Cypress Street in the Brookline Village area of Brookline and rents for $3500. This gorgeous modern abode is 1400 sq feet and boasts many desirable amenities including hardwood floors, a programmable thermostat, built in speakers, and two indoor parking spots. It’s located on the penthouse floor of a high rise and has a private balcony with a great view.
To read more on this listing and to see additional pictures, click here.
Contact us today to schedule a viewing of this listing, or use our online search to see more Brookline apartments.
Newton Ranks #3 Best Place to Live
Money Magazine’s recent search for nation’s ‘Best Places to Live’ found Newton, MA worthy for the #3 spot. This year’s search, which focused on small cities within the US, attributed Newton’s ranking to its esteemed school system, low crime rate, and resistance to the unstable economy.
This small city just west of Boston has a lot to offer. Its quiet and safe neighborhoods, New England charm, and fast commute to downtown Boston make it a great living environment for those who are raising a family or working in the city. It also has plenty of downtown shopping centers, parks, and local bars and pubs. It even ranked #2 on Money Magazine’s ‘Top 25 Place for the Rich and Single’.
Another Boston neighborhood, Brookline, also made the list, ranking in at #39.
To inquire more about Newton, MA homes for sale, feel free to contact Phoenix Realty.
Today’s Featured Listing: Brookline
Brookline, MA apartments are in a great neighborhood for college students and young families. Brookline apartments are an inexpensive solution to pricey city living, which makes this listing a perfect example of Brookline real estate.
This beautiful 1+ bed floor-through has a 2008 stylish kitchen with breakfast bar and dining room. This opens to the living room with elegant bow window. This rowhouse also has an updated bathroom, master bedroom with double-wide closet, gleaming hardwood floors, high ceilings, laundry and private storage in basement. The condo listing is near Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, Longwood medical and is proximate to the MBTA’s C and D Green lines. For more details on this listing, click here. 
Contact Phoenix Realty about this listing today, or for any of our other prime Boston apartments for sale!
Beautiful Boston Apartment for Rent in Fenway
We are featuring a gorgeous apartment located on Park Drive in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. The apartment is in a beautiful professional building that features property management services. Rent this newly renovated, sunny studio apartment and be in a prime Boston location. This Boston rental includes a modern kitchen with dishwasher–a luxury for many Boston apartments.
The Fenway area is within walking distance to downtown Boston and is located near many options of public transportation. Learn more about Boston’s desirable Fenway neighborhood.
Inquire about this property today and work with a professional agent at Phoenix Realty.
Phoenix Realty specializes in Boston real estate and rental properties in the most popular Boston neighborhoods including Allston, Brighton, Beacon Hill, Fenway, Mission Hill, South End and more!
Sales Search
Rental Search
Search
Categories
- Allston Amenities
- Allston Apartments
- Allston MA
- Allston MA Apartments
- Allston Real Estate
- Apartment Rentals
- Back Bay
- Back Bay Apartments
- Back Bay Condos
- Back Bay Real Estate
- Beacon Hill
- Beacon Hill Apartments
- Beacon Hill Homes
- Beacon Hill Real Estate
- Boston
- Boston Apartments
- Boston Apartments for Rent
- Boston Condos
- Boston Events
- Boston First-Time Home Buyers
- Boston Homes
- Boston Homes for Sale
- Boston Luxury Real Estate
- Boston Property Management
- Boston Real Estate
- Boston Rental Property
- Boston Seaport District
- Boston Studios
- Boston Waterfront Condos
- Brighton Apartments
- Brighton MA
- Brighton MA Apartments
- Brighton MA Homes
- Brighton MA Real Estate
- Brighton Real Estate
- Brookline Apartments
- Brookline Homes
- Brookline MA
- Brookline Real Estate
- Buying or Selling Homes
- Cambridge
- Cambridge Apartments
- Chestnut Hill
- Chestnut Hill Apartments
- Featured Listings
- Fenway
- Fenway Apartments
- Luxury Real Estate
- Mission Hill
- Newton Apartments
- Newton MA
- Newton MA Homes for Sale
- Newton MA Real Estate
- Real Estate News
- Reasons to Live in Boston
- Renter's Guide
- South End
- South End Apartments
- South End Homes
- South End Real Estate
- Student Housing
- Studio Apartments
- Tax Credit
- Uncategorized
Archives
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009