24
January
2011

Best Resale Value in Boston

Filed under: Advice for Home Buyers, Advice for Home Sellers, Battery Wharf, Boston Luxury Condos, Boston Luxury Real Estate Market, Boston Waterfront Condos, Boston Waterfront Real Estate Market, Commercial Wharf East, Lewis Wharf, Luxury Real Estate, North End Waterfront Condos, Rowes Wharf, Union Wharf, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

Posted by:  Michael Sullivan

In the Boston real estate market, there is nothing more sought after and desired than a Waterfront property located in one of the historic Wharf buildings, which are made of brick, stone, and beams.

Some of these buildings you might know as “Lewis Wharf, Commercial Wharf, Union Wharf, Rowes Wharf or Battery Wharf.  When you hear the term “Law of Scarcity” or “They don’t build’em like that anymore” or “location, location, location”, think of these wonderful Wharf buildings on Boston’s Waterfront!

Commercial Wharf Boston condo interior

Bedroom of a Commercial Wharf Condo with Exposed Brick & Beam Interior Finishes

Boston’s Waterfront is truly unique, not only does a Waterfront home in one of these luxury Wharf buildings offer amazing views, but the buildings that occupy the existing frontage are built with granite, hand hewed beams, and Boston brick by talented artisans of a by- gone era using the best possible craftsmanship.

The Waterfront Wharf buildings majestically extend like fingers out into Boston’s saltwater harbor, and are even more unique than the Waterfront on which they located.  These Wharf buildings have Boston’s rugged, distinctive and yet refined old-world appeal.  Many of these buildings are nearly two hundred years old and have been recently renovated bringing them into the 21st century with every modern amenity.

When considering the purchase of a home in Boston, one must also consider that in this marketplace the uniqueness of the Boston’s Waterfront Wharf buildings make for an excellent choice because they hold and provide the best value for resale.  These magnificent buildings become only more desirable and valuable as they age.  Contact CL Waterfront Properties LLC today for help buying your next luxury waterfront home.

18
January
2011

Boston Waterfront, a Great Place to Live!

Filed under: Advice for Home Buyers, Battery Wharf, Boston Luxury Condos, Boston Waterfront Amenities, Boston Waterfront Condos, Boston Waterfront Events, Boston Waterfront Luxury Buildings, Boston Waterfront Real Estate Market, Burroughs Wharf, Commercial Wharf East, E. India Row, Lewis Wharf, Luxury Real Estate, North End Waterfront Condos, Union Wharf, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

Posted by: Joe Taglieri

Get the most from your trip to Boston!  Visit Boston, and you’ll discover the charm of one of America’s oldest and most Historical Waterfronts.  Boston’s many tourism and historical attractions provide visitors with plenty of places to explore and interesting things to do.

Naturally, Boston has changed a lot since Samuel Adams and fellow Sons of Liberty plotted their tea party in the local taverns near the Boston Waterfront – but you’ll still find the old Wharfs plus plenty of other authentic historical sites, right next to skyscrapers, gleaming hotels, and some of the best Waterfront Locations the city has to offer to call home.

Lewis Wharf in Boston, condos for sale by CL Waterfront Properties LLC

Lewis Wharf, Boston MA

Visit Boston, and you’ll also find a modern, vibrant waterfront city with thriving theaters, concerts, gorgeous parks, lots of outdoor recreation, a lively nightlife, and of course, great places to live on the Boston’s Waterfront Historic Wharves; including Commercial Wharf, Lewis Wharf, Union Wharf, Battery Wharf, Burroughs Wharf, and E. India Row.  This is a short walk and just as enjoyable to see by any of Boston Waterfront’s short cruises that take you all around the historical Harbor.

If you visit Boston, expect to fall in love with the City’s Old World charm and character.  You might even consider it one of the best places to live on earth with a great ‘neighborhood feel’.  Boston is a place you visit once and instantaneously want to move too!  Which makes owning a home in Boston a great investment for property owners and city dwellers alike.

Contact me if you need help locating the perfect Boston Waterfront home.  I’d be happy to assist you!

1
December
2010

Paying to Save: How to Cut Your Mortgage Bill

Filed under: Advice for Home Buyers, Back Bay Luxury Condos, Boston Luxury Condos, Boston Luxury Real Estate Market, Boston Real Estate Market, Boston Waterfront Luxury Buildings, Boston Waterfront Real Estate Market, Luxury Real Estate, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

mortgageMaking just one extra mortgage payment can save you thousands!  Paying extra to save may sound counter-intuitive, but the fact is that just one payment can make a huge difference in the total cost of your home’s mortgage (and also shave years off the payment period!)

To illustrate this, take a look at the following example:

Jill has a $200,000 30 year mortgage with a 6.5% interest rate.  Her monthly payment is $1,264 per month.   This means the total interest paid on her loan will be $255,088.98, leaving Jill with an overall bill of $455,088.98.

However, if Jill has the same mortgage and terms but pays an additional payment of $1264 per year, the total interest paid drops down to $199,098.92 with an overall bill of $399,098.92!   Not only will Jill cut into the amount of accrued interest, but she also reduced the pay off date. 

By just adding an extra monthly payment per year, Jill saved herself nearly $56,000 and paid off her loan 6 years early!

Graph

Where Can You Get An Extra Payment?

Paying an extra month per year is a great way to save money in the long run, but for many it can be hard to realigned budgets to make it work.  Paying an extra $1264 per year can be difficult to stomach — especially if you aren’t required to!  However, there are ways to do so without really even noticing you are!

  1. Keep a consistent budget: Most people are paid every two weeks, leaving them with 26 paychecks per year.  For your mortgage, you only need to make 12 payments per year.  If half of your paychecks go towards paying off your mortgage, you are left with two full paychecks that aren’t touched by your mortgage.  These may have once been your “splurge fund,” but if you consistently divide all of your paychecks, you are likely to have an additional month’s mortgage payment on hand without noticing it.
  1. Change your payment schedule: Two times per year, you will be given three paychecks per month instead of two.  These “extra” paychecks can easily be applied to your mortgage.  In fact, many mortgage companies will allow you to set up and use a bi-monthly payment schedule that will withdraw half of your monthly payment every two weeks.  You will be paying 13 payments without ever noticing a drop in your paychecks!  Make sure, however, that your lender allows you to apply this additional amount paid
  2. Whether your real estate dream is a luxury Boston condo or a Boston Waterfront property — now is the time to take the leap! Contact CL Waterfront Properties, LLC today!

15
November
2010

When is the Right Time to Invest?

Filed under: Advice for Home Buyers, Battery Wharf, Boston Luxury Condos, Boston Luxury Real Estate Market, Boston Real Estate Market, Boston Waterfront Condos, Boston Waterfront Luxury Buildings, Boston Waterfront Real Estate Market, Burroughs Wharf, Carmela Laurella, Commercial Wharf East, Harbor Towers, Lewis Wharf, Lincoln Wharf, Luxury Real Estate, Mariner, North End Waterfront Condos, Prince, Rowes Wharf, The Intercontinental, Union Wharf, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

Posted By:  Carmela Laurella

Real estate tends to run inverse to both interest rates and availability of credit.

With today’s mortgage rates at historic lows and following a correction of historical magnitude, at this point in time, I would suggest that real estate represents a fair value.

Time & Money Balance

I would further suggest that with both mortgage rates and prices down, that investing in a new home is as affordable as it’s ever been in the U.S.

One final thought would be that the primary footpath of Boston’s Waterfront is basically built.  They won’t be making any more and there is scarcity value in that alone…

CL Waterfront Properties has the market expertise to help you find the perfect new luxury home in Boston; whether you want to live in one of the full service Boston Waterfront buildings, or a luxury home in Back Bay or Bay Village, we can help find a home to fit your lifestyle.

26
October
2010

The Enjoyment and Convenience of Waterfront Living

Filed under: Advice for Home Buyers, Boston Waterfront Amenities, Boston Waterfront Condos, Boston Waterfront Real Estate Market, North End Amenities, North End Luxury Condos, North End Real Estate Market, North End Waterfront Condos, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

Posted By: Mike Sullivan

North End BostonPerhaps you’re an empty-nester or just looking to make life a little easier by downsizing.  If so, then this is a great time to seize the moment and make the move to the North End/Waterfront, since interest rates are still at an all time low and the prices for condos are still lower. When choosing a location within the city, you will undoubtedly consider what makes a neighborhood most attractive.

Residing within walking distance of some of the city’s finest restaurants, theaters, sailing centers, universities and hospitals makes the Waterfront so very attractive.  Try taking cooking classes at a North End restaurant or a sailing class at the Boston Sailing Center.  The North Bennet Street School located in North End has been teaching craftsmanship for 125 years.  The school offers classes in Woodworking, Jewelry, Calligraphy, and Bookbinding just to mention a few.

Perhaps take a stroll over to Charlestown to visit the U.S.S. Constitution or Bunker Hill Monument.  Perhaps take a harbor walk along the Waterfront on a glorious day by stepping out your front door.

Glide to a Celtics or Bruins game and amble home in a matter of minutes.  There’s more enjoyment and gratification in entertaining your family and friends when all these sites can be visited without the use of an automobile. Boston’s Waterfront offers all this and much, much more.

5
October
2010

Prioritize Real Estate “Must Haves” To Ease Your Home Search

Filed under: Advice for Home Buyers, Boston Luxury Real Estate Market, Boston Real Estate Market, Boston Waterfront Condos. • Tags: , . By

Posted By: David P. Veo

Intercontinental DoormanWith over 150 condominium units available in the North End and Waterfront, searching for the perfect home can be very time consuming.  One way to narrow your search is to do your homework up front.

Focusing in on where you want to live, what neighborhood in the city, should be your first priority.  Once you have established where, determine your price range, then consider making a list, and prioritize the criteria for your ideal unit.

When inquiring about a property or working with a real estate consultant, be sure to share this list with them to save you the time of trekking to units that just will not work for you.  Think about what you are looking for in a building, in addition to the unit, because although you can renovate your unit, you cannot alter the building.  Here are some ideas to get you started.

1.  Do you want a full service building with a concierge, or will a building with a simple security buzzer system work for you?

2.  Do you want a pet friendly building, or are you deathly allergic to dogs and want to be sure you won’t run into one in the lobby?

3.  Is private outdoor space a priority; a common roofdeck; or no outside space at all.

4.  Do you need an elevator?  If not, how many flights of stairs are you willing to climb?

5.  Unit placement in the building is also an important consideration.

6.  Are you willing to renovate or make upgrades to a unit, or would you prefer that be done for you.

7.  Consider the list of unit amenities that you cannot live without:  air conditioning, hardwood floors, large closets, additional storage space.

Keep in mind, the “Ideal” unit in the “Perfect” building may not exist in your price point.  However, by knowing what is important to you, the list of available properties can more easily be narrowed to fit your needs.

You can use our Keyword Search Tool in the ‘Advanced Search Options’ under the MLS Property Search on our website to help you narrow down your selection.  Search for ‘pet friendly’ or ‘roof deck’ or ‘concierge’, whatever amenity you’re interested in.  You can even save your favorite listings or search criteria if you sign up for a free user account!

12
August
2010

Client Reviews For CL Waterfront Properties, LLC

Filed under: Advice for Home Buyers, Advice for Home Sellers, Boston Luxury Real Estate Market, Boston Real Estate Market, Boston Waterfront Condos, Boston Waterfront Luxury Buildings, Boston Waterfront Real Estate Market, Carmela Laurella, CL Waterfront Properties NEWS, Luxury Real Estate, North End Boston, North End Luxury Condos, North End Real Estate Market, North End Waterfront Condos, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

Review By: Laurence H. Tribe

Excellent Reviews for CL Waterfront Properties

Carmela Laurella clearly deserves her stellar reputation as the premier real estate agent on the Boston waterfront and the surrounding area. I bought a gorgeous waterfront condo with her help and, when I decided to move to Washington DC to join the Obama administration, she rented it for me quickly and profitably. When I decided to move to another area, Carmela then sold my condo for me at an excellent price in as difficult a market as we have seen in years. She is a delight to work with either from a seller’s perspective or from a buyer’s perspective.  I can say that with confidence because I’ve been on both ends of that game. Carmela is simply the best.

Review By: Bill Coady

Basically, anyone who uses any real estate firm other than Carmela Laurella’s  Waterfront Properties is not serving their own interests very well! I have had Carmella market and sell two high end Waterfront  properties and each time she delivered beyond my wildest expectations, delivering record setting per square foot prices each time, with an air of professionalism unsurpassed. Other’s  may talk  [ and they do talk ] Carmela just delivers.

Review By: Adrina

Having Carmela for your “Real Estate Professional” makes life easier and less stressful. She understandings your needs, is a “Master” of the Boston Waterfront as well as other areas in Boston, and can help you in any way. Her recommendations of restaurants, activities and events in the area, decorators, and any issues of “moving”, Carmela is always there for you. If I was considering buying a villa in Italy and needed advice, I would make one phone call…to Carmela!

Review  By: John K.

Finding a new home long distance is a nightmare unless one has the a realtor extra-ordinaire.  Carmela Laurella is one such rare gem.  My wife and I came into town from Singapore and within days Carmela had us so well organized we were able to purchase a new home without disrupting our travels. We felt so positive about Carmela we even had her hold the keys to our property until we were able to take possession many months later.  We recommend Carmela to any serious buyer – if all foreign buyers work with Carmela we may well solve the Boston real estate slump!

Review By: Noah W.

No one knows the Boston waterfront better than Carmela. She helped me find my first home which I love.  She helps me rent my place when I’m  away, and helped me with renovations. When you go to the North End for dinner, you eat Italian food and when you’re looking to buy, sell, or  rent on Boston’s Waterfront, you go to Carmela.

To post review on Yelp visit: http://www.yelp.com/biz/cl-waterfront-properties-llc-boston

Or review your experiences with CL Waterfront Properties on Google.

19
July
2010

Boston Waterfront Sales Data: June 2009 vs June 2010

Filed under: Advice for Home Buyers, Advice for Home Sellers, Boston Luxury Real Estate Market, Boston Real Estate Market, Boston Waterfront Condos, Boston Waterfront Real Estate Market, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

Posted By: Dave Costello

Boston Waterfront condo sales improve from last year.Home sales along Boston’s Waterfront were stagnant in June 2009, with only 7 homes closing and total market volume of just $6.564M.  The average sale price for the month was $937,714 and only 2 homes closed over $1M.

Home sales for June 2010 are much improved from last year. 11 homes closed last month and total market volume nearly doubled at $11.986M. The average sale price for June was $1.089M and 2 homes closed over $2.5M.

If you’re thinking of buying a Boston Waterfront home, contact CL Waterfront Properties for advice from an experienced Realtor you can rely on.

6
July
2010

Luxurious Living at The Intercontinental

Filed under: Advice for Home Buyers, Boston Luxury Condos, Boston Luxury Real Estate Market, Boston Real Estate Market, Boston Waterfront Amenities, Boston Waterfront Condos, Boston Waterfront Events, Boston Waterfront Luxury Buildings, Boston Waterfront Real Estate Market, Luxury Real Estate, The Intercontinental, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

Posted By: Stacey Zukowski

Sushi Teq Intercontinental BostonTequila Tuesdays at The Intercontinental. The outside bar and lounge area at The Intercontinental had their annual summer launch party. It is “THE” place to hang with friends and enjoy outdoor dining, drinking and music.  Tuesday nights are great with Tequila Tuesdays.  Sushi Teq has their bar outside and has samba dancers dancing around the patio and watch out… or they might grab you to get up and give it a whirl.  The backyard at The Intercontinental is not only great for adults but for kids as well. All of the younger residents in the building ride their bikes, play soccer and hockey and set up regular weekly dodgeball and kickball games.  It is a fantastic place to live for families of any age.

Rumbar Intercontinental  BostonBeing a resident, I know first hand how great the building is. There is a huge sense of community and the staff will bend over backwards to accommodate your every need.  We also cannot forget the spa. It is so luxurious and you can relax in the sauna/steam before or after your treatments.  There is also a great health club and indoor pool.  Rumbar in the lobby is also the place to be to watch your favorite local sports team…not to mention, most of them frequent the place and you might be so lucky as to have a drink or two with them.  I recommend the “Rumbullion”.

Did I mention the 15% discount on all food and services you receive as a resident?

Contact me if you’d like to schedule a viewing of one of the Residences at the Intercontinental.

15
June
2010