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.

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!

7
January
2011

Mandarin Oriental Luxury Home Under Agreement

Filed under: Back Bay Amenities, Back Bay Boston, Back Bay Boston Real Estate Market, Back Bay Events, Back Bay Luxury Condos, Boston Luxury Condos, Boston Luxury Real Estate Market, Boston Real Estate Market, Carmela Laurella, CL Waterfront Properties NEWS, Featured Sold Properties, Luxury Real Estate, Mandarin Oriental Residences. • Tags: , . By

CL Waterfront Properties is scheduled to close Mandarin Oriental unit W 10C in January, marking the only sale in the Mandarin in the past 9 months and the 1st sale of 2011.   In 2010, 4 condos sold at the Mandarin with an average sale price of $5.287M ($1,516 per sq/ft).

Mandarin Oriental, unit W 10C

Mandarin Oriental, unit W 10C living room

Listed for $3.8M ($1,486 per sq/ft), this custom-built, corner home has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and over 2,500 sq/ft of living space.  This luxurious residence features floor-to-ceiling windows, ash floors, custom audio, lighting and window treatments.  The designer kitchen has Poggenpohl cabinetry, chef’s stove, imported granite and matching island.  The private master suite has marble bath with window and southern exposure, dressing area and custom closets.  The condo has 2 deeded parking spaces and storage.

Owners at the Mandarin have full access to 5 star hotel services, concierge, doorman and valet parking.

Browse available Boston luxury condos for sale or rent here.   You can also browse our Waterfront luxury properties, or our other Back Bay luxury properties on our website.

If you need assistance buying or selling premier Boston property, please contact CL Waterfront Properties to speak to one of our knowledgeable agents.

30
December
2010

Largest Waterfront Listing Brokerage in Our First Year

Filed under: 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, Luxury Real Estate, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

Since opening it’s doors in January of this year, CL Waterfront Properties LLC has become the largest listing brokerage on the Boston Waterfront with more than 65 listings in 2010.

CL Waterfront Properties LLC sold or placed under agreement $55M during this time, which represents more than half of the $100M Waterfront market, excluding on-site sales.  CL Waterfront Properties LLC closed 11 properties over $900 per sq/ft.

Boston Waterfront aerial view

With nearly $15M under agreement and scheduled to close after the 1st of the year, 2011 should be a record year for CL Waterfront Properties LLC.

If you are interested in selling or buying Boston luxury property, you can browse all currently available luxury homes, search by Waterfront Building, or contact the experts at CL Waterfront Properties LLC for assistance.

We can also assist you in finding Waterfront office space, or in renting a luxury condo in Boston.

23
December
2010

Happy Holidays from CL Waterfront Properties, LLC!

Filed under: Boston Luxury Condos, Boston Luxury Real Estate Market, Boston Waterfront Luxury Buildings, Boston Waterfront Real Estate Market, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

As CL Waterfront Properties, LLC approaches our one year anniversary, we wanted to take a moment to wish our many friends and clients a Happy Holiday! From our offices at Lewis Wharf, we wish you continued health and all the best for the New Year.

CL Waterfront Properties LLC Offices

Known for our extraordinary sales in luxury buildings and waterfront properties in Boston’s prestigious neighborhoods, we feel very lucky to still be one of the best brokerage firms in Boston. If you’re looking to buy or sell your Boston luxury property, please contact an agent today, as we would love 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.

28
September
2010

Luxury $1 Million-Plus Homes Under Agreement Over The Past 60 Days

Filed under: Boston Luxury Real Estate Market, Boston Real Estate Market. • Tags: , . By

Posted By: Chris Thoman

With mortgage rates at an all time low and stories of 30 year jumbo mortgages with interest rates of under 5%, the luxury real estate market in Boston has been at a steady pace.  Over the past 60 days, the city of Boston has seen 133 condominium units make it to the Under Agreement stage.  Out of the 133, a quarter of them have been between $1 and $5 million.  Historically, August is typically the biggest vacation months and one of the slowest months for real estate in the city, especially for high end luxury real estate.  The numbers are proving history wrong.

Back Bay Boston BrownstonesWithin the $1 million dollar-plus luxury real estate of Boston, 3 major neighborhoods have been neck and neck.  The Waterfront community, with 15 units, has been the hottest neighborhood.  The Back Bay is right on its heels with 11 units and not far behind that is the South End with 7.  The average number of days on the market for luxury properties on the Waterfront is currently just over 120 days at 129, which is very standard for any normal market.  The average price per-square foot is over $900 at $987 and caps out at $1,714. This is great news for the industry.  Battery Wharf has taken the lead over all luxury properties up and down the Waterfront with 7 total units under agreement and the highest price per square foot.  Battery Wharf is one of the hottest selling; it has hit the 75% mark and is closing in on 80% very fast.

Working within the high end luxury real estate sector of Boston, agents are typically working with a clientele that is tied strongly to the financial world and the real estate market of the United States.   Even with the sluggish state of other areas in the economy and the job market struggling to recover, we have seen this clientele not deter from making moves in investing in residential Luxury Property.

Do not be the one to miss the Boat!!  Contact CL Waterfront Properties, LLC today!

10
September
2010

Sailing on the Boston Waterfront

Filed under: Boston Waterfront Amenities, Boston Waterfront Events, Lewis Wharf, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

Posted By: Kayla Shannon

Just because summer is officially over, does not mean you have to give up the wonderful sights and sounds of Boston’s Waterfront.  Sailing is so beautiful at this time of year!

Fall Soling Racing begins down at the Boston Sailing Center located at Lewis Wharf.  The Boston Sailing Center (BSC) offers many wonderful programs including “Learn to Sail” for beginners, Night or Advanced Sailing, and International Charters as well.  A BSC membership allows you to enjoy unlimited sailing, without the expenses of owning your own boat.  They also offer numerous social activities for members including Races, BBQs, Brunches, and even a Halloween Party! Visit www.bostonsailingcenter.com for more information.

Boston Sailing

If you’re thinking about investing in a new home near Boston’s Waterfront, contact CL Waterfront Properties, LLC to speak with us about all the available options for waterfront living in the city!