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.

19
October
2010

Pasta Beach Coming to Rowes Wharf, The “Grand Dame”

Filed under: Boston Real Estate Market, Boston Waterfront Amenities, Boston Waterfront Condos, Boston Waterfront Events, Boston Waterfront Real Estate Market. • Tags: , . By

Posted By: Joe Taglieri

Pasta Beach opening a location in BostonIt appears that a restaurant in Newport, RI, is bringing a second location to Boston’s Waterfront. According to the NorthEndWaterfront.com and EveryBlock Boston a dining spot named Pasta Beach recently received a business license to open at Rowes Wharf, a mixed-used retail, office, and residential development just south of Long Wharf and the New England Aquarium.

Pasta Beach in Newport features a variety of pastas as well as salads, pizza, and sandwiches. Prices for entrees are generally between $10 and $20.

CL Waterfront Properties, LLC has 2 listings at Rowes Wharf.  Rowes Wharf #404 is a  perfect Pied-A-Terre that has an open kitchen with hardwood floors, spacious living room/dining room with direct Harbor views from every window. Rowes Wharf #608 is a south facing home that has been masterly renovated with the highest quality finishes.

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!

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!

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.

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
9
April
2010

Closed 2 Transactions in 90 Days of Operations

Filed under: Battery Wharf, Boston Luxury Condos, Boston Luxury Real Estate Market, Boston Real Estate Market, Boston Waterfront Amenities, Boston Waterfront Condos, Boston Waterfront Luxury Buildings, Boston Waterfront Real Estate Market, CL Waterfront Properties NEWS, Luxury Real Estate, Union Wharf, Waterfront Boston. • Tags: , . By

CL Waterfront Properties Sold 2 Deals in First 90 DaysWe closed our first two transactions in our first 90 days of operations.

We closed a 2,800+ sq.ft. single-floor residence at Union Wharf.  This brick and beam beauty had direct harbor views, 2 balconies, 2 deeded parking spaces and fabulous living and entertaining space.  This property sold for $2.7 Million.

We also closed on a residence at Battery Wharf, the Waterfront’s newest development.  This beautiful home had a split floor with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.  It faced south with Harbor & Skyline views and has a large, private balcony off the living and dining room.  Our buyers were thrilled to move into this luxury property and enjoy its full service amenities.  This property closed at $1,495 Million.

Contact CL Waterfront Properties LLC today for help finding your ideal luxury home!