Luxury Blog

LRG Boston Real Estate Blog

Boston luxury real estate as it happens

Cambridge Whole Foods Has Best Gelato!!!!

May 1st, 2013

Luxury Residential Group is pleased to present our newest agent, Jialu Cai. She will be a regular contributor on our Boston Real Estate Blog,

Best Gelato in Boston/Cambridge – Jialu Cai

Dare I say it? Whole Foods has the best gelato in Boston/Cambridge, MA.

For its main distinction from ice cream, good gelato should be dense, containing little or no air. Anything in the North End won’t disappoint you, but after 12 years in Boston, I can confidently say that the gelato bar at Whole Foods is the best I’ve tried. In fact, the gelato bar at Whole Foods is so good nationwide that private frozen dessert businesses in Laguna Beach forced it to shut down http://www.ocregister.com/news/gelato-315911-whole-foods.html.

Flavors that wowed me were strawberry, a fragrant and sweet concoction with real seeds, and Madagascar vanilla bean, a rich and exotic creamy taste of heaven, a delicious complement to the strawberry. I see vanilla as the anchor to an ice cream brand – you can tell the goodness of the entire brand by the quality of its vanilla. I’m not a fan of hazelnut but I tried it anyway and it tasted exactly like a Ferrero Rocher or Nutella.

Next time you’re in the vicinity of a Whole Foods market, why not stop in and visit the gelato bar? It’s a hidden gem that will sweeten your day. If you like it, they offer loyalty punch cards that get you a free cup or cone after your fifth. The one I went to is 115 Prospect Street in Cambridge, conveniently located between Harvard and MIT. With more than 20 locations in Massachusetts you’re not going to miss a Whole Foods.

Posted in Food, Food Reviews | No Comments »

Millennium Place Condos Setting Records – 51% UAG

March 6th, 2013

Located in Boston’s quickly growing Midtown Area, Millennium Place Condos, after 4 short months of marketing have hit over 50% UAG/Sold. That is 130 units of the 256 available. For the developer of One Charles and The Ritz Carlton in Boston, MA, Millennium Partners, this is just the first step in their efforts to redevelop the Midtown Area. The wild success of Millennium Place has allowed the developer to move forward with their plans to build one of the most exciting residential towers ever to be built in Boston, Millennium Tower(Old Filenes Basement site). The scheduled ground breaking will be as soon as this Summer, 2013. Over the next 3 years Millennium Partners will be putting over $1 billion into the neighborhood.

Posted in Boston Condo Rumors, Theater and Boston Real Estate | No Comments »

Love Joy Wharf Gets Approval – Converse, Restaurant, Condos/Apartments

January 9th, 2013

The development of Love Joy Wharf , located at 160 North Washington in Boston, MA has long been in the works but as of last week, the city of Boston will grant funds to aid in the improvement project. Love Joy Wharf is situated at the north point of the Bullfinch Triangle next to the TD Garden. The new development will house the new World Headquarters to Converse shoes which will encompass 187,000 square feet of space, 45,000 for retail space and, 300 person restaurant, floating docks and 100 residential condos.

Posted in Boston Condo Rumors, News | No Comments »

The Clarendon Boston Penthouse Gets Staged

December 12th, 2012

How about a peak into one of the most coveted penthouses in the city? Located at The Clarendon Condo Development in Boston’s Back Bay the stunning condominium encompassed the entire floor, has direct elevator access, and stunning views on four sides from floor to ceiling windows. Asking price is $7,100,000 w/2 valet parking spaces, 3,545 square feet, 3+ bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.(Rumor has it that one of the penthouses are about to go under agreement) There are also two other PH units starting at $6.7 million but do not have private outdoor space. (Photos Courtesy of Richard Mandelkorn Photography)

Clarendon Boston Penthouse Guest Bedroom

Tags: Clarendon Boston
Posted in Boston Condos and Homes | No Comments »

74 Beacon, Boston, MA – Why buy when you could rent for $40,000/mth?

September 17th, 2012

74 Beacon, one of the most spectacular single family homes in Boston, MA hits the market for rent. For just $40,000 per month, you can try City living before purchasing. 74 Beacon is also on the market for sale at $13.95 million. Here is a closer look at this spectacular property which features a rooftop pool.

Photos Provided courtesy of MLS and Sprogin & Neal RE and Campion RE

Posted in Boston Condos and Homes, Ultra Luxury Homes For Rent | No Comments »

Case Shiller Index in Boston up 2.5% Between May/June 2012

August 28th, 2012

According to today’s Case Shiller Report, Boston housing prices are up 2.4% between April2012/May 2012 and another 2.5 percent between May 2012/June 2012. Year over year, Boston is even. This is in contrast to cities like Atlanta who are down over 12% year over year and New York which is down 2.1% year over year. Just more evidence that Boston, MA is one of the most stable real estate markets in the country.

Click for full report ————> Full S&P and Case Shiller Report

Posted in Boston Condos and Homes, Boston Home Prices, News | No Comments »

A Quickly Moving Boston Condo Market

March 22nd, 2012

By Joshua A. Golden and Craig Anne Lake

Real Estate in Boston is changing quickly

With rental rates on the rise, Boston is beginning to feel more like Manhattan. What we are beginning to see is a shift from renting to purchasing. With inventory at all time lows, the rental market in Boston has become quite overheated, which in turn has driven rental prices up and inventories down.

Why is Boston so much hotter than other parts of the Country?

Look no further than the areas 40 Universities, dozens of hospitals, one of the country’s largest biotech communities, and of course, the huge influx of World renowned Financial Companies/Hedge Funds. As these companies grow, so does the need for housing.

Furthermore, there is a growing trend for empty Nester’s who want to simplify their lives by moving into the city from surrounding Suburbs like Wellesley, Newton, Weston, Sudbury and Andover. Combine that with a huge inflow of money from Asia and The Middle East and you have a recipe for a quickly moving market.

The problem has been the lack of inventory. Due to the fact we have had a warm Winter, Spring buying has come early.
It is not uncommon to see multiple offers and sometimes bidding wars for well priced properties.

Our Advice

Know the market.
Know your budget.
Do not hesitate if you see something you like because it could be gone tomorrow.
Talk to your bank if you not a cash buyer and get pre approved.
Most importantly, use ONE experienced buyers agent that knows the market. Remember, a good agent has seen thousand’s of units and knows a good opportunity when they see one. Furthermore, they will assist you with the buying process.

Posted in Boston Condos and Homes, Boston Luxury Apartment Rentals | No Comments »

Bryant Back Bay 1st Resale Goes UAG in 3 Days

February 8th, 2012

Bryant Back Bay

Just to give everyone a little perspective on the current condo market in Boston, MA, here is a true story….Thursday, a new listing at the Bryant Back Bay came on the market for $1,794,000+$140,000 for a second garage space. Well, based on the feedback, the auction sale prices are in the rear view mirror.

Saturday there were 5 showings, Sunday Open House had 16 groups come through, Monday morning saw 5 more groups come through and unit went Under Agreement Monday afternoon.

Lesson Learned: The luxury condo market is heating up FAST. For units to be flying off the market this fast in early February is a pretty clear indication that the Spring market is going to be very strong. Buyers need to be ready to act if the right opportunity presents itself.

*The best advice we can give you is to find a good Buyer’s agent, preferably from LRG;-), who will monitor the market on a daily basis and notify you when your ideal home comes on the market.

Posted in Lessons Learned 101, News | No Comments »

Boston, MA Real Estate Taxes On The Rise in 2012

January 16th, 2012

As if we do not pay enough taxes, the city of Boston has raised the tax rate in 2012 to:

$13.04 per $1,000 of valuation for Residential.
$31.92 per $1,000 of valuation for Commercial

Now for some good news. In 2012, qualified homeowners can expect to save $1,644.28 on their tax bill. What qualifies someone to receive this residential exemption? As defined by the City of Boston:

“The principal residence is the address from which you file your State income tax return. Your social security number will be required to verify eligibility.”

If you think your home is assessed to high, you can always file an abatement with the City. The proper forms can be found by clicking here.

Posted in Lessons Learned 101, Role of Real Estate Attorney | No Comments »

Restoration Hardware Signs Lease at Old Louis Space In Boston

October 20th, 2011

Restoration Hardware takes old Louis Space

After Louis of Boston vacated 234 Berkley St., for it’s new home in the trendy Seaport Area, the building quickly began to erode. The wonderful detail slowly crumbled and everyone in the Back Bay began to wonder what would come of this flagship retail space. There were rumors of a boutique hotel and even luxury residences.

Well, now we have our answer!!!

Restoration Hardware, a very popular California based luxury furniture company has signed a lease for the 40,000 square foot building at the corner of Boylston and Berkley. At Luxury Residential Group, we feel it is a perfect fit and will be an amazing compliment to the neighborhood.

Posted in Boston Commercial Real Estate, News | No Comments »

Boylston Street E 10A, Boston, MA

Back Bay Boston, $7,900,000