Archive for the ‘South End’ Category

Boston Apartment Living: Building Relationships with Your New Neighbors

Friday, September 21st, 2012

You are now three weeks in to your new lease and probably finally feeling settled in your new apartment. You have probably seen your neighbors in the hallways or when you are exiting or entering your apartment building and just greeted them with a quick nod. However, now that you feel more comfortable it is time to possibly build some friendly relationships with the people that share your building, mail room, and maybe even laundry basement. Here are a few pointers for meeting new neighbors!

  • Remember to smile
  • Don’t be afraid of small talk–while exiting or entering the building, in the laundry room, or in the elevator or on the stairs
  • If there is one, join your building’s committee–you’ll definitely meet people and feel as if you have a say in the community and also be able to discuss common issues (such as issues with the landlord, etc.)
  • If you’re feeling bold, plan a building party—invite everyone!

You never know—after making these connections you could make a new friend, or even find a new roommate for next year!!

Good luck,

The Charles Realty

http://www.rent.com/blog/apartment-living-meet-your-new-neighbors/

http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/?p=6211

691 Massachusetts Ave makes it in the Boston Herald!

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

Hello All,

We know many of you are already of vacation or getting very close to vacation but we have some exciting news! Over the weekend the Boston Herald ran a story about one of our favorite buildings, 691 Massachusetts Avenue! Reporter and journalist, Paul Restuccia, visited with us during an open house and spent a lot of time learning about the units we have available. He’s written a great article that really captures the essence of the building and the units. An excellent narrated slide show also offers an inside peak at the building and displays its great modern look and versatility! So here’s the link, let us know what you think!

Boston Luxury Building: Wilkes Passage

Friday, April 27th, 2012

Wilkes Passage: one of the South End’s premier 24 hour concierge, full service buildings! Custom designed 2 bed/2 bath rear unit on the 4th floor. Chef’s kitchen with six burner Decor gas range, warming drawer, wine fridge and Sub Zero refrigerator. Hardwood floors throughout, excellent closet space, en-suite master. Includes full tandem garage parking for 2 cars . Common roof deck & common courtyard.

Garage Spaces: 2
Parking Spaces: 2
Heat Zones: Oil,Forced Air
Cool Zones: Central Air

Boston Luxury Building: The Bryant on Columbus Ave

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

Located on the tree-lined Columbus Avenue, where the Back Bay meets the South End; two of Boston’s most desirable areas, the Bryant Back Bay is a stylish addition to the Boston landscape. The building consists of 50 two-, three- and four-bedroom units on ten stories, all of which are exquisitely finished. They include light-filled living areas, masterfully appointed kitchens, spacious master bathrooms and elegant guest bathrooms, private terraces, private storage units, and on-site parking. The building offers a 24-hour concierge and is professionally managed.


Amenities: Balconies, dishwasher, disposal, gas range, microwave, washer & dryer, carpeted floors, hardwood floors, air conditioning, cable/satellite TV, elevator, garage parking, On-site General Manager, On-site Concierge, Lobby Attendant for personal errands, Announcement of all visitors, Package, newspaper and magazine delivery, Coordinate laundry and dry cleaning services, Arrange taxi or limousine services, Coordinate house cleaning services, Personal errand services and grocery delivery, Secretarial & personal assistant referrals, Catering and party event coordination, Access to discounted computer services, Provide access to contractors and guests, Coordinate child care services, While you?re away, in-home services, Arrange dog walking and grooming services, Help with movement of furniture within a unit, Help to coordinate art installation, Help move items to and from storage unit, Access to stamps, shipping, messenger service.

Boston Luxury Building: Le Jardin

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

Amazing and luxurious Victorian detailing

A condo in Le Jardin is like living in a fantasy land.  With views that overlook the Boston Public Gardens right on Boylston Street and impeccable Victorian details in each room there is no question that this home in meant for luxury living. The 9 units in this boutique condo conversion are breathtakingly large, all are 3000+ square feet, and finished with the finest European fixtures possible. Located right on the Boston Public Garden, this building is just steps from Newbury. It has 24-hour concierge services, garage parking and a wonderful roof deck.

Amenities include: outdoor space, garage parking, city and skyline views, roof deck, garage parking, 24 hour concierge.

Le Jardin borders the Boston Public Gardens, offering a refreshing and elegant view

Burrage Mansion

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

Boston is a city full of amazing architecture and gorgeous homes. In fact it’s sometimes difficult to be in awe of a home in Boston, simply because there are so many wonderful places. However one home that has managed to stand out for over 100 years now is the Burrage Mansion.

We thought it would be fun to highlight this jaw dropping home today.

The Burrage Mansion sits at 314 Commonwealth Avenue, right here in Boston and is certainly not your typical modest home. With almost 50 gargoyles, dragons, and cherubs carved into the exterior of the building, this mansion now is home to six condominium units.

The mansion built in 1899, was definitely a statement from its owner Albert C. Burrage, a successful lawyer and business man.  Burrage traveled a considerable amount but always considered Boston his home, and wanted to display his success in the form of a building.

Modeled after the Vanderbilt home in New York and designed by renowned architect Charles Bringham, the mansion dominated the street, and still does today. A sunroom that wraps around the mansion with gorgeous victorian glass ceilings is just one more signature element of the building.  Mahogany’s, stained glass, and marble ensure that anyone walking by the mansion or through the mansion knows this isn’t your typical home.    

Preparing Your Home For Winter

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

We’ve already has some cold days this year! Even though it has warmed back up a bit (I promise you that this is only temporary), I can assure you that winter is coming. However, it is not too late to take some steps to prep your home for the cold months ahead.

1. Give your boiler a check up

Whether you like it or not, your heat is going to get turned on soon (if it hasn’t been already). It’s a good idea to get your boiler tuned up. It could add years to its lifespan! If nothing else, the filter should be changed between cooling and heating, which is not a difficult task!

2. Inspect chimneys!

Now is the time! Do not wait to have them inspected or cleaned if you use your fire place regularly throughout the winter.

3. Weatherstripping

If you’re like me and live in an old building in Boston, you can actually feel the cold air blowing into your home from underneath doors and around windows. Get some floor snakes to go under your doors, and purchase some products to seal up your windows. Not only will you save money on heating, but you’ll be so much more comfortable when it starts getting really cold!

4. Prevent ice damns on your roof!

“Seal air leaks. Shutting down air leakage is probably going to have the biggest effect, and it’s the kind of thing you can do incrementally. The second would be adding insulation. If you have R18 insulation value, turn it into R36. This is where your energy audit will be helpful. And the third is making sure your roof is vented properly, if your house is designed to have a vented roof. Make sure your soffit vents aren’t blocked, your gable vents are open.” (Source)

5. Order a home energy audit

If you’ve been putting this off, now is the time to do it. They use an infrared gun to monitor heat leakage, and the process is so much more successful when it’s cold outside. The results could help you save money and stay warmer this winter!

6. Prepare an emergency kit

Collect a flashlight, batteries, matches, food and water in case of an emergency. Also, collect the phone numbers of your local utility companies and tape them somewhere safe!

Let us know if you have any other suggestions to keep everything and everyone safe this winter!

Source

Source

691 Massachusetts Avenue

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

This is just to inform you of a gorgeous new development in the South End at 691 Mass Ave! The finishes are stylish and very high end and the prices are very affordable! There are 1, 1+ and 2 bedroom homes available. Indoor and outdoor parking is also available for purchase. More details can be found at 691MassAve.com. You can also read up on Boston Home’s article about it here.

Hurricane Irene Hits Home

Monday, August 29th, 2011

This photo, submitted to Boston.com by John Harrington, in evidence that Irene was very present in the Back Bay. I hope that everyone who has been affected by the hurricane is recovering well. The first death in Massachusetts caused by the storm was reported this morning. Our thoughts go out to his family. It will be a team effort to recover from the storm, but after a disaster like this we can rebuild. Please share your hurricane stories with us, we’d love to hear them.

Navagating Boston’s Rental Market

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

The vacancy rate in rental units is down lower than it has been in the Boston area since the end of 2002.

“Boston-area rents are hitting new heights – with the median price recently reaching $1,665 a month” (source). Perspective-tenants are scrambling to find affordable places for September 1st. We hear stories of some landlords taking advantage of the desperation and hiking up rents, and of others requiring extreme items from possible renters in order to consider them.

Here are some tips to navigating this tough rental market:

1. Work with a rental agent.

While it means sometimes paying a fee (typically one month’s rent), working with one agent who can scour MLS and exclusive rental listings that are not on Craigslist will very  be helpful to you. Plus good rental agents have relationships with landlords, and if you have them to back you up as a good fit for the unit, then you stand a much better chance of getting it! A good rental agent can also help you understand your lease, etc. and walk you through the complicated process of renting an apartment in Boston.

2. If you do want to do it on your own…

Search the listings by owner on Craigslist. If you can get a floor in a single family, you could save a lot of money, and a lot of headaches if your landlord shares a wall with you. If Craigslist comes up short, go to the area you’re wanting to live in and look for “for rent” signs in the windows. Just because it’s not online, doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t exist.

It’s hard out there, but perseverance and sacrifices are necessary if you want to find the perfect rental unit for September! Good Luck!