CL Properties Press
28
August
2011

Mortgage Rates Hit All Time Lows

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

Freddie Mac announced late last week that mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest levels on record. With mortgage rates at all time lows it is the perfect time to look into purchasing or refinancing your Waterfront home.

Conventional Conforming Mortgage (Loan amounts up to $417,000)

———————-

5/1 ARM: 2.625%

10/1 ARM: 3.5%

30 Year Fixed: 4.375%

15 Year Fixed: 3.375%

Non-Conforming /JUMBO Mortgage (Loan amounts $417,000 – $5 million)

——————–

5/1 ARM: 3.125%

10/1 ARM: 3.875%

30 Year Fixed: 4.75%

15 Year Fixed: 4.00%

 

*Rates provided by lender in Boston area and subject to borrower’s qualifications and assumption that property is a primary or secondary (not investment) condo or single family.

28
July
2011

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

Filed under: Advice for Home Buyers, Advice for Home Sellers, Back Bay Boston, Back Bay Luxury Condos, Beacon Hill Luxury Condos, Boston Luxury Condos, Boston Luxury Real Estate Market, Boston Real Estate Market, Boston Waterfront Luxury Buildings, Cambridge MA Luxury Real Estate, Luxury Real Estate, Mandarin Oriental Residences, North End Amenities, North End Luxury Condos, North End Waterfront Condos. • Tags: , . By

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!

8
July
2011

Asian buyers seeking luxury property investments

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

Written by: Howard Chang

Asians are now buying more luxury homes in Boston than ever before.

Asian buyers are helping the USA market to recover by purchasing high- end luxury property in the United States.  Bloomberg News reports that Boston, New York, California, and Hawaii have seen an increase in home sales due to the Asian buyer.

They understand that luxury homes in the US should provide an excellent return investment.

The purchase restrictions in China also drove them overseas to the United States as well as to Canada and England. They look for investments to counter the inflation.

“Some of them will buy homes considering better education opportunities for their children, especially in the Boston location with the great universities and college options available……………..”.

Andrew Waite, publisher of Personal Real Estate Investor Magazine told Bloomberg: “The majority of these buyers are not buying trophy properties, but cash flow as they understand fundamentals.

“They are buying investment turn-key rental properties that should provide positive cash flow.  They understand that rental real estate offers one of the few inflation indexed assets available with inflation-indexed income.”

To target the Asian Buyer, a broker should be aware of utilizing price ranges that have “positive” or “special” meaning to the Asian buyer. Prices with “3”, ”6” or “8” should attract the Asian buyer.

Good luck selling!!

 

13
June
2011

Appraisals: The Make or Break Factor

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

Written by Scott Accorsini

Boston Waterfront property appraisalsDue to the recent mortgage crisis, lending institutions have completely re-evaluated the conditions on which they will lend. Now more than ever lenders are placing a greater importance on the value at which a property appraises for, as well as putting more pressure on appraiser’s to justify the value they arrive at.

Here on the Waterfront and other urban locations lenders want all of the comparable properties included in the report to be located within a one mile radius of the subject property, as well as two of the three comparable sales having closed within three months. Coming out of a long winter in the Northeast, when sales activity tends to decline, real estate appraisers have found it more difficult to find good quality sales to include in their reports. Even though an appraiser may have a perfectly good comparable sale to include in the report, if that property transferred over ninety days ago he will be pressured to exclude that sale and include a more recent transaction.

The effect of the tighter regulations that lender’s have installed on the appraiser’s have caused many transactions to fall through. Due to many lending institutions being overwhelmed with foreclosures, they are often times unwilling to lend on properties that do not appraise for the needed value. Now more than ever it is critical for buyers and sellers to have properties whose sales price can be properly justified with an appraisal. Often times an appraisal can be the one thing that either makes or breaks a deal. When listing properties for sale at CL Waterfront Properties LLC, we go to great efforts to determine what properties will appraise for so our clients will not have to deal with the disappointment of properties appraising too low and deals not going through.

If you like to learn more about appraisals or interested in finding a new home on the Boston Waterfront, feel free to contact one of our knowledgeable agents today!

14
April
2011

Another Happy CL Waterfront Properties Client!

Filed under: Advice for Home Sellers, Boston Luxury Condos, 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, Featured Sold Properties, Luxury Real Estate, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

Carmela Laurella, President of CL Waterfront Properties recently assisted a Boston Waterfront property owner with the sale of her home after she and her husband were dissatisfied with the original agency they signed with.  CL Waterfront was pleased to have received the following testimonial about our service:

“Carmela recently helped us sell our beautiful waterfront property in Boston.  We first signed up with another agency, but no serious offers, so after three months, we signed with Carmela.  What a difference!

She immediately found a lovely couple who wanted to buy the unit but needed to sell their home in CA.  Since it was the worst part of the recession and winter was beginning in Boston, we agreed thinking a sale was not likely for the condo.

When they were not able to buy it, Carmela put it back on the market and it sold within 2 weeks at 98% of the asking price.  She was able to generate numerous showings.  I think she is the ultimate professional.  I could not offer a higher recommendation for Carmela at CL Waterfront Properties.  She is the best.”

Ruth S.
Boston, MA
4/11/2011

Sold Boston Waterfront Condo

Sold Boston Waterfront Condo

29
March
2011

Housing & Population Increasing in the North End

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

North End/Waterfront Population Grows 11.3% & Housing Increases to Nearly 9,000 Units

North End Boston, Boston Waterfront Census

Census Results are IN!

Posted by:  Dave Costello

The population of the North End / Waterfront area grew by 11.3% in the decade to over 13,000 residents.

The increase of 1,366 residents in the neighborhood was reported this week by the 2010 U.S. Census.

Housing also increased by 9.6% to 8,755 units with double digit increases seen on the Waterfront!

The neighborhood’s population growth was much higher than the 4.8% reported for the City of Boston and the 3.1% for the State of Massachusetts.

What’s this mean for you?

If you already own a home in the North End/ Waterfront, you should be happy to know that the intrinsic value of your home is only going to grow stronger with time!  This is one of the most desirable areas of the city to live in!

If you’re thinking about buying a new home in the North End/ Waterfront, you should do so now!  A location like Boston’s North End will always be very desirable and easy to sell when you want to move in the future!  If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in the North End/ Waterfront area, contact CL Waterfront Properties today!

1
March
2011

Stunning Loft for Sale at Commercial Wharf

Filed under: Advice for Home Sellers, Boston Luxury Condos, Boston Luxury Real Estate Market, Boston Waterfront Condos, Boston Waterfront Luxury Buildings, Boston Waterfront Real Estate Market, Commercial Wharf East, Featured For Sale, Luxury Real Estate, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

Posted By:  Travis Sachs

Gorgeous Views, High End Kitchen, Open Layout, and More!

47-6 Commercial Wharf Loft-Style Condo for Sale

47-6 Commercial Wharf Loft-Style Condo for Sale

VIEWS & WINDOWS:

Live at 46-7 Commercial Wharf and enjoy spectacular views of Boston’s Waterfront and Skyline from end to end in this Loft style floor-thru two bedroom and two full bathrooms home.  The views through coastal grade sound deaden windows and balcony doors engulf the Harbor and the Boston Skyline. This Floor through home is designed to see these views from any location within this Loft. Captain doors throughout; emphasize the breeze from the Harbor.

ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS:

Original details of brick and beam and upgrades beyond are featured in this meticulously crafted residence.  The office has masterfully crafted built-ins and wiring.

KITCHEN:

Step into an open, fully-finished Viking and Miele appliance kitchen featuring sleek black granite, stainless steel backsplash, and four-seating  black granite breakfast block.  Matching bar includes crafted glass shelving, sleek black granite, wet bar sink, and Miele glass door liquid refrigerator.

OPEN LIVING SPACE:

Opening unto the open aired dining and living room, featuring hardwood floors, brick and beam throughout, fully wired for audio and centered upon a bell shaped working wood-burning fireplace.

MASTER BEDROOM & BATHROOM:

Walking to the master bedroom can be done by two routes: through the second bedroom with a full bath and custom built-ins, or through the bathroom featuring, a state of the art of setup: A seven head steam shower, porcelain stone, frosted glass doors, and custom cabinetry.  The master bedroom has an abundance of storage, custom built-ins, and northern harbor views off of the large balcony.

Come see for yourself!

To schedule a viewing of this Waterfront Loft, or to ask for help finding other Boston Waterfront Properties, contact me and I will be happy to assist you and guide you through the buying process.

14
February
2011

Boston’s Waterfront Hotels and Wharfs

Filed under: Advice for Home Buyers, Advice for Home Sellers, Battery Wharf, Boston Harbor Hotel, Boston Luxury Condos, Boston Luxury Real Estate Market, Boston Waterfront Amenities, Boston Waterfront Condos, Boston Waterfront Luxury Buildings, Boston Waterfront Real Estate Market, Luxury Real Estate, North End Amenities, North End Boston, North End Luxury Condos, North End Real Estate Market, North End Waterfront Condos, The Intercontinental, Things to Do in Boston, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

Posted by: Joe Taglieri | Residential Sales

If you want a place to visit and or a place to live, then the fabulous Boston Waterfront has many waterfront condo options to choose from.

There are Hotels and Wharfs ideally situated overlooking the historic Boston Harbor that offer guests everything from world class luxury accommodations, to fabulous on-site dining and wonderful in-room and hotel amenities.

Whether you’re in town for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a business meeting, there’s no better place to stay for true luxury and comfort.  There is only a hand full of Boston Waterfront Hotels to choose from on the Harbor.  All offer a luxurious experience.

Boston Waterfront Marriott Hotel

Boston Waterfront Marriott Hotel

– Boston’s Waterfront Hotels & Wharfs –

InterContinental

The Boston Harbor Hotel

Fairmont Battery Wharf

Marriott Long Wharf  &

Marriott’s Custom House

All the Waterfront Wharfs, Hotels, and Condominiums Overlook Boston Harbor or the sparkling skyline from one of the guest rooms, suites, or residences.  Whatever your choice, the Beautiful City Of Boston’s Waterfront awaits you.

Whether for longterm living or just staying a day or two at Boston Waterfront Hotels and Wharfs, you never have to travel far for a great meal!  Most offer great on-site fine dining options that provide delicious cuisine in wonderful settings.  If that doesn’t work then you can hop, skip or jump no further than the North End of Boston for the best Italian food in New England (and possibly the country), the best pizza, bakeries, cafes and sandwiches, all within a short distance from each other.  Stroll off the beaten path of Hanover Street and onto the side streets to find even more great Italian restaurants, cafes and bakeries.

You won’t find dining, beautiful old churches, or historical sites like this so close at any other hotels in Boston so, ‘When In Boston, Do like Bostonians do’; Eat, Pray & Love.

The Boston Waterfront is the ideal place to live, located within walking distance to Boston’s  financial and business district, with many Luxury Residences that offer panoramic Waterfront Harbor views.

The Boston Waterfront Hotels are fabulous places to stay for a weekend getaway,  long term retirement, family vacation or your next big home investment.  Boston’s Waterfront hotels also offer everything you need for a fabulous stay in Boston.  Guests will enjoy luxury accommodations, wonderful amenities and  impeccable service.  There is no other waterfront locations that can compare to this part of the city.

If you need expert help finding a long-term or short-term place in Boston, feel free to give me a call.  I’m sure I can point you in the right direction!

28
January
2011

Dave Costello is named Senior Vice President of CL Waterfront Properties LLC

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

Posted by:  Carmela Laurella

Dave Costello is named Senior Vice President of CL Waterfront Properties LLC.

With more than 9 years of real estate experience, Dave has worked to meet the needs of buyers, investors, and property sellers throughout the Boston area. Dave’s market knowledge and commitment to providing clients with top level service has helped him to build a strong referral network in the Boston Waterfront, Back Bay, Beacon Hill & Metro West.

In the past 3 years, Dave has sold more than $50 million in property sales and has been involved in 75+ transactions.  In only the first few weeks of January, Dave has sold or put under agreement nearly $6 million.  Dave has over $10 million in active listings.

If you want to sell or buy a Boston luxury condo in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, or the Waterfront, contact Dave for his excellent service and attention to details.

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.

CL Properties | 112 Union Wharf | Boston MA 02109 | Tel: 617.624.9700 | Fax: 617.624.9701 | Email: info@clproperties.com
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