Spotlight on Boston real estate: The top places to live in Massachusetts

Boston.com did a survey of real estate agents, asking them to rank the top places to live in Massachusetts based on a few criteria: for first-time homebuyers, luxury homes, affordable homes, school systems, lifestyle and more.
To read more of the story, go to boston.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Spotlight on Boston real estate: New Wall Street Journal micro-site features Boston firm

The Wall Street Journal is flourishing in this economy, as readers flock to its print and electronic versions for up-to-date information on the stock market, government relief plans and more. Sotheby’s International Realty recently launched an exclusive arrangement with the Wall Street Journal, resulting in a micro-site called “The Business of Extraordinary Living”.

Colleen Barry, the Marketing Director of Boston’s Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty is enthusiastic about the potential for the site. “Our clients’ homes already receive a tremendous amount of exposure from our current datafeed to more than 40 websites. This new Wall Street Journal agreement promises to drive even more traffic to SothebysRealty.com and to our listings. We are thrilled to be working with such a sophisticated and successful publication.”

View the complete site on wsj.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Spotlight on Boston: Boston farmers markets offer fresh ingredients

With the weather getting warmer and spring activities picking up, Boston workers and residents take advantage of the many farmers markets in the Boston area. From Copley Square to Central Square, there are lots of places you can get fresh produce, baked goods and plants for your family and home.

To find a farmers market near you, go to massfarmersmarkets.org.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Spotlight on Boston real estate: Staging homes for sale

NECN, a New England television station, investigated the benefits of staging homes that are for sale to improve saleability. Interviewing two local stagers, the reporter touched on the return on investment – in some cases 300% of every dollar spent! In one case, the home sellers opted to stay once the home was completed.

Read the complete story on necn.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Spotlight on Boston real estate: How “walkable” is your neighborhood

Boston.com explored an increasingly popular buzzword in real estate: “walkability”. Whether you are on foot or in a wheelchair, nearby amenities and public transportation are attractive features in this day and age. Many people who are being more “green” conscious are looking to avoid car travel and prefer to keep their social activities to their local neighborhoods.

Boston is well-known for its network of social neighborhoods. From the North End to the South End; from Cambridge to South Boston; Boston is a great area for those seeking “walkability”.

Read the complete story on boston.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Spotlight on Boston real estate: Hancock Tower is sold

The New England Real Estate Journal has reported that the Hancock Tower was bought at auction by a partnership between Normandy Real Estate Partners and Five Mile Capital Partners, which have been buying some of the debt on the building since June. There was only one bid at the auction for the iconic building, originally designed by I. M. Pei.

Read the complete story on NEREJ.org.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Spotlight on Boston real estate: Stable pricing in Boston challenges bargain-hunters

The national news has given many home buyers the impression that there are deeply discounted homes on the market everywhere. But, they are not finding them in Boston. One reason is low inventory. Also contributing is the fact that New Englanders tend to be more conservative with their dollars – meaning fewer homeowners here are dealing with troubled mortgages.

Read the complete story on NPR.org.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.