Be on the Parade Route

 The Patriots unbelievable win over the Ravens and return to the Superbowl has the entire city of Boston overjoyed. It was a remarkable win and now it’s time to look ahead. Assuming a Superbowl win, we have found the perfect place to celebrate. 410 Boylston Street #2 is currently on the market for $1,995,000. This beautiful new construction 3 bed features two private decks one right out front and one in the back. The front deck will provide unparalleled views of the parade route whether it’s the Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox or Bruins you will have a front row seat to the action. For those that want a little more separation from the fans, check out the penthouse with a private roof deck. Cash buyers, make an offer by Tuesday and you could be calling it home by parade time. For more information call 617-449-3642.

Sunday Open Houses 9/25

Sunday turned out to be a better day than most of the TV weather reporters were predicting. The morning started bright, sunny and afternoon wasn’t too bad either. So why are we talking about the weather on a real estate blog? This beautiful Sunday would set the scene for a large open house day, 58 open houses in Back Bay alone. So on this beautiful day why were all the open houses empty? Every open house I visited I was told by the agent I was the first person to stop by. So where were all the buyers?

Interest rates are currently hovering at or below 4%, (depending on the circumstance) and yet with financing so affordable one would think that buyers would be looking to take advantage. So again I ask why were the open houses so empty? Tomorrow we’ll go over our thoughts on the open houses we visited and give you a wrap up.

313 Commonwealth Ave

313 Commonwealth Ave is the latest in a growing trend of taking single family brownstone homes in Back Bay and converting them in to luxury condos. The former single family home, has been converted into 3 luxury condos that are expected to be completed for move in this December. What makes this project more unique than some of the others in recent memory, is that each home is coming complete with all of the most requested features. Among a litany of other features, each residence will come with deeded parking and outdoor space. Few other projects in Back Bay offer both of these much requested features to every unit. The kitchens will feature Marble counters and state of the art stainless steel appliances, and each unit has at least 1 gas fire place with granite surround as well as direct elevator access.

The penthouse duplex looks to set itself apart from other units in the neighborhood by offering 3 private decks, including a nearly 500 sq. ft. roof deck. This, combined with the deeded parking is sure to make it an attractive home to potential buyers.

For more information on the building check it out here on on our Luxury Building page. If you would like a private tour of the homes please give us a call at 617-449-3642.

Luxury Condo sales up in an average market

Luxury condo sales in Back Bay Boston are on track to be ahead of last year. While the overall market is slightly down from last year, sales of condos costing 1 million or more are actually up slightly from last year. Sales between the first of the year and September 1st in the overall market are off 3% from last year during the same time period.  As we being the fall sales market it will be interesting to see if both numbers continue along their current paths or if we’ll see changes big changes in volume estimates.

The Clarendon: Penthouse 1

Previously available to only our most exclusive clients, today we are releasing a very special video to all of you. This is our exclusive tour of Penthouse 1 at The Clarendon. This 3,500+ square foot  3 bed and study, boasts some of the best views of downtown Boston you’ll find anywhere. Featuring over 1,000 sq.ft. of outdoor space and views from every room, this condo owns the Boston skyline. Take a look at this incredible unit!

For more information call us at 617-449-3642

Best Buy Concert

I was recently treated to a unexpected and wonderful surprise on a trip to Best Buy. An in store concert that by a local Boston artist at the Best Buy on Newbury, which if you don’t know actually has a stage on the 3rd floor where you can show off your talents.  Check out a quick clip below of a concert.

Bye Bye 4% Mortgage Rates

The end of an era is coming, the death of the 4% interest rate is not far off. If you’ve been watching mortgage rates for the past few months you’re well aware rates are on the rise, but it looks like they are about leave the 4% arena for good. In the past few weeks here in Massachusetts we’ve seen mortgage rates dance above 5% for a little bit but come back down. It is unlikely though we will see them go back down to the 50 year lows they were at earlier in the year. As mortgage rates begin to rise you can expect to see a small surge in the market with people looking to make a purchase before rates get too high.

Equinox Holiday Gift

For those looking for a holiday gift for the person who has everything, the Equinox Spa in Back Bay offers something very special. Ever had a 24k Gold Facial? We didn’t think so!

According to the spa director Nicole Vitale, “While our new gold mask is simply beautiful, its real benefits are a matter of complex chemistry and biology. Gold powder, when combined with the proper level of silk extract, blocks free radicals to help the skin regenerate quicker and fuller. After a single treatment, your face will look and feel firmer, fresher and vibrant.”

The treatment costs $165, but is well worth the cost for the person who has everything else.

Single Family Homes Getting Snapped Up!

While some people may be concerned with the possibilities of a double dip recession, those in the know aren’t worried. For proof, look no further than the recent under-agreement listings for single family homes. Three top single family homes in Back Bay and Beacon Hill have gone UAG in just the past few weeks. These places weren’t going for small dollars either, with a combined asking price over 30 million these homes are some of the best in the city.

19 Marlborough Street

This stunning single family home on the first block of Marlborough Street, boasts an impressive 7,600 sq ft of living space, including 2 garage parking spaces and an indoor pool. The home, originally built in 1872 has impressive  architectural details throughout each room in the home. The 4 bedrooms and 5 baths have been scrupulously cared for and much of the home has undergone top notch renovations.

One of the crowning details, has to be the marquetry like hardwood floor design on the second floor. This stunning home was listed at $7.35 Million and has an anticipated sale date of  January 7th 2011.

128 Commonwealth Ave

This is one beast of a home, boasting a whopping 9,000 sq. ft. of living space it is the largest of our featured homes. The home includes 5 bedrooms 5 full baths and 3 half baths along with 7 fireplaces as well as 2 heated garage parking spaces. Oh did I forget to mention the 3 outdoor heated spaces as well!

The home has been spectacularly maintained to preserve some of its finest details. This incredible room is a rare find in most homes on the market today and it’s preservation speaks volumes about the rest of this gorgeous home.

Master Bath

The master bath in the home is a classic example of the stunning level of renovation you find in top notch homes. Designed to provide the ultimate in luxury for even those of the most discerning tastes, this bathroom relaxes the mind cleanses the soul as soon as you walk in.

The home is was listed at $9.5 million and has an anticipated sale date of 1/20/2011

74 Beacon Street

We’ve saved the crown jewel for last! This incredible home features the only roof top infinity pool in a single family home in the city. The majestic views of the Boston Garden and Back Bay skyline are simply to die for. If you think the pool is amazing, the rest of the home will not disappoint. The Benjamin Mansion as it’s known is comprised of 6 bedrooms 6 full baths and 3 half baths as well as a garage parking space all wrapped up inside 8,450 sq. ft. of incredible style.

The spectacular dining room has been renovated to bring back some of its original character and charm. The inlay flooring can be found in many rooms in the house and it helps define the rich history of this home.

Perfect for entertaining, this home has plenty of space to do it. A myriad of rooms to choose from means you never have to worry about where to put guests. The addition of a wine cellar in the home, besides the over-sized fridge means your guests will always be well taken care of.

The home was listed at $14.95 Million and has an anticipated sale date of 5/31/2011

If you like anything you saw here or would like more information on single family homes in Boston, please give us a call at 617-449-3642.

Meads Condo Rental

Check out this great new listing in The Meads condo building.