January 27, 2012

December Home Sales End 2011 on a High Note

Home sales rose nationwide in December, marking the third consecutive month of increased sales activity. According to the Boston Globe, Massachusetts experienced 10,000 home sales in the fourth quarter. This is a slight jump from the 9,461 homes sold in 2010’s fourth quarter. 2011’s strong finish has investors feeling positive about the future of Boston’s real estate market. With interest rates still low, and motivated buyers and sellers, now is a great time to purchase or sell a home. As the Waterfront’s top selling office, CL Waterfront Properties is best-positioned to help with your sale. Contact CL Waterfront Properties today for more information on Boston’s real estate market.

January 17, 2012

Bright Lights for Winter Nights: Boston Waterfront Real Estate

When you want the most luxurious place to live in Boston, look no farther than the waterfront area. The charming properties lining the waterfront on all sides of downtown Boston bring you the best in luxury living, top location, and a great view of the Boston harbor lit up every night. Look in a few areas to find the right property to purchase in Boston so you can enjoy the best the city has to offer in dining, neighborhood attractions and modern living.

Back Bay luxury apartments and homes are situated in a great location, just off the Charles River and near plenty of Boston attractions. Living in Back Bay, you will be just a few minutes’ walk away from historic Copley Square, which is home to Old Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library and the John Hancock Tower, which is the tallest skyscraper in New England.

If you would like to be within a stone’s throw of the Massachusetts State House, check out Beacon Hill real estate. The area is the most desirable in Boston, with a great view and plenty of shopping and entertainment. The federal-style rowhouses will charm you with their old-world character and high-end renovations.

For the best waterfront views, North End is the place to be. This neighborhood, situated just north of downtown, features the historic Paul Revere House and the Old North Church, but has all sorts of modern amenities as well. North End condos are in easy walking distance of over 100 restaurants and have a great view of several wharfs along the Boston waterfront.

Just south of North End, you will find Rowes Wharf, a strip of luxury residences, restaurants and hotels on the water just east of downtown Boston. Living here, you will have great waterfront views and access to the best that Boston has to offer, including a floating stage with concerts during the summer.

January 3, 2012

Residential Property Tax Increase of 2% for 2012

Boston Property TaxThe City of Boston has raised property taxes by 2% for fiscal year 2012 — which is the maximum allowable increase under Proposition 2 1/2.  The 2012 tax rate rose to $13.04 per thousand valued, which is a $.25 increase from 2011.  Boston Commercial Property taxes also rose 3% to $31.92 per thousand valued.

With nearly 70% of Boston’s budget funded by property taxes, the 2012 tax increase will bring the city $75 million of additional revenue.  Property taxes can be raised annually by either an increase in the tax rate or increase in the assessed value.  Residential tax rates have increased over the past 3 years while assessed values (for the most part) have remained the same.

If you are thinking of selling your Boston Waterfront Real Estate, or buying Luxury Boston Waterfront Home, contact CL Waterfront Properties, LLC for guidance and assistance.

Posted By:  Dave Costello

September 9, 2011

Manny Ramirez Penthouse Sells for $5.550M

Most Expensive Condo Sold at Ritz in Past 3 years

Represented by Carmela Laurella & Dave Costello, the Manny Ramirez family’s ultimate 4 bed, 5.5 bath penthouse on Boston Common is closing today and represents the 3rd most expensive condo sale in Boston this year.This 37th floor residence overlooks the Public Garden, Charles River, Back Bay and beyond. Oversized living room with marble floors, gas fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows with city & park views. Formal dining room with custom built-ins & lighting and direct views down the Back Bay. Open kitchen with breakfast area leads to one of Boston’s highest private decks with over 500 sq/ft and views of Beacon Hill, Back Bay, South End & Harbor. 1,100+ sq/ft master suite with 2 bathrooms and 7 custom closets. Large guest bedroom with marble baths en-suite, custom closets and stunning views. Doorman, Valet, Concierge and world class hotel services provided by the Ritz Carlton.

July 28, 2011

High End Sales Push City & Waterfront’s Prices up 10%

Boston’s Downtown Condo Market is booming this year.  The overall median price for Boston rose by 10.2 percent to $487,000 this year, while luxury building prices rose 13.1 percent to a median of $735,000.  Both of these metrics are only about $15,000 shy of 2008 peak prices just before the financial crisis frightened buyers.

Boston WaterfrontAlthough these numbers seem good, citywide home sales in Boston have declined by 10% since last year.  The increase in both medians is likely due to the 26.8 percent increase in high-priced luxury condominium sales, most of which are in the downtown Boston area.  Another major factor allowing prices to increase while sales decrease is that there is simply less supply, giving sellers more power in the market.  Debra Taylor Blair, president of the Listing Information Network, a Boston company that tracks the city’s downtown condo market, presented the idea that “Sellers can rent their properties out and more than cover their mortgage.”  This at least partially explains home-owners’ reluctance to sell, and points to positive trends in market confidence despite the sales decrease.

John Ranco, a broker with the South End’s Hammond Residential Real Estate, also pointed out that much of last year’s sales were driven by federal home buyer tax credit.  These incentives mainly affect first-time home buyers, and therefore lower-priced sales.  Again, this helps explain 2011′s lower sales quantities but higher prices.

To read more about Boston’s booming real estate prices, visit Boston.com’s article at http://articles.boston.com/2011-07-26/business/29817026_1_condo-market-condo-prices-debra-taylor-blair.

Interested in buying or learning more about Boston Luxury Condos?  Contact CL Waterfront today!

April 11, 2011

Penthouse in Beacon Hill Under Agreement

Posted by: Dave Costello

Under Agreement in Beacon Hill: 1+ Bed Penthouse in Boutique Elevator Building

CL Waterfront Properties has another spectacular penthouse in a luxurious Beacon Hill building under agreement.

This large 1+ bedroom luxury home with a study boasts 11 foot ceilings, over-sized windows offering great city views, and hardwoods throughout.

Living Room with 11 Foot Ceilings and Over-Sized Windows

Living Room with 11 Foot Ceilings and Over-Sized Windows

The kitchen has limestone counters, stainless GE appliances, gas cooking, and a breakfast bar.

Beacon Hill condo kitchen

Beacon Hill Kitchen with Limestone Counters!

The large, sunny bedroom has plenty of closet space!  The study makes the perfect for home office, den or guest room.  This Beacon Hill condo has a pristine bathroom with limestone tiles, two additional storage spaces, and a wash/dryer included.

Beacon Hill condo bedroom with large window and high ceilings

Bedroom with High Ceiling and Over-Sized Windows

One Garden Place, the luxury building this residence is located in, is pet-friendly, with elevators to bring you to your home, or the huge common roof deck above!

If you want help finding the perfect luxury home in Beacon Hill, or need help selling or renting your Beacon Hill home, contact CL Waterfront Properties today!

February 16, 2011

Former Red Sox Player Rents Boston Penthouse!

President, Carmella Laurella, and Senior Vice President, Dave Costello, of CL Waterfront Properties, LLC have just represented former Boston Red Sox player, Manny Ramirez, and his wife, Julianna, in renting Penthouse #2A at the beautiful Ritz Carlton in Boston.

For $24,000 a month, this fabulous penthouse features four bedrooms, five and half bathrooms, stunning views of Boston, as well as an 800 sq/ft deck that overlooks Boston Common, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the Charles River. All residents of the Ritz Carlton enjoy full hotel services in addition to access to the Sports Club LA and hotel restaurants.

Deck View from Boston Ritz Carlton Penthouse

If you would like to find a beautiful Boston waterfront building or Boston luxury building, then contact CL Waterfront Properties LLC today. One of our knowledgeable agents would be happy to help you find your new dream home!

February 12, 2011

Why Buying a Home is Like Dating…

Posted by: Vito Ascolillo

Happy couple in love in their new home

Finding Love is Like Find the Perfect Home

You may not realize it, but finding the perfect Boston luxury home is actually a lot like find the perfect mate!

Finding true love and finding a home you will truly love, both start with you looking for something that will be in your future.  Like dating, when you search for a new home, you go searching for something attractive, comfortable, and even sexy.  There are certain criteria or conditions to be met like size/heart, how many rooms/weight, date built/age, updated appliances/nip-tuck, missing shingles/hair loss, etc.

Each home has its upside and downside just like each date.  Is it a warm place/does he have heart?  Are there too many stairs/is she understanding?  Can I hear the neighbors through the walls/is he listening to me?

So you keep searching and dating, then finally, you find it!  The perfect Boston home and the perfect person.

If you need help find a Back Bay condo or Beacon Hill condo, or want to tour luxury homes for sale on Boston’s Waterfront or North End, contact CL Waterfront Properties LLC.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 10, 2011

Most Romantic Boston Restaurants

Most couples make it a priority to get out of the house and have a ‘Date Night’ on Valentine’s Day, something the can get lost over time.

Barlola in a great date spot for Valentine's Day in Boston

Tapas are a Good Date Idea

The city of Boston is saturated with restaurants of all kinds!  You and your Valentine can enjoy some American cuisine such as Union Bar & Grill in the South End, or Towne in Back Bay.  Tapas/ small plates style restaurants are really popular, such as Cuchi Cuchi or Dali in Cambridge, Barlola in Back Bay, and the Ristorante Damiano in the North End.  If French foods are more what you had in mind, Sel de la Terre has locations in Back Bay and a new Waterfront location as well, or take a trip to Beacon Hill Bistro in Beacon Hill.  Moroccan cuisine makes a unique evening at hot spots like Tangierino in Charlestown.  Of course Italian cuisine is extremely popular, such as Tresca and Prezza in the North End.

Let’s face it; Italian cuisine is the obvious choice for 99% of people going out on Feb. 14th!  The North End/ Waterfront area provides you with the ultimate setting for a Valentine’s Date Night!  The smell of garlic, pastries and espresso in the air, little Italian men selling roses on the street, the violin player making his way to every table in any restaurant that will have him, and the vibe on one of Boston’s most historic streets Hanover just adds to the perfect back drop for the night.

Marco, Best Date Restaurant

Marco, Best Date Restaurant

One of the best North End/Waterfront locations to make the night special is in a tiny restaurant of 10 tables, a stone fireplace, and the feeling of actually being in Italy –Marco.  Marco is hidden on the second floor located at 253 Hanover St, above Café Paradiso.  When you call to make your reservation, make sure you ask for the table near the front window and fireplace, your date will be VERY IMPRESSED.

Once you have finished dinner, make your way onto Hanover Street to one of Boston’s most historic landmarks – Mike’s Pastries – for a cannoli.  If an after-dinner glass of wine is your choice, Bricco on Hanover Street or the wine bar located on Richmond St – Vinoteca di Monica, are the perfect stop!  After a big meal and a few glasses of wine, a great way to wake up for the trip home is to sit and finish the night with an espresso at Boston’s first Italian Café – Caffe Victoria on Hanover St in the North End.

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day and make is special for that someone in your life!