Boston real estate borrowers have an advantage

Boston ranks in the 10 cities that Forbes ranks as the best for real estate borrowers:
1. Kansas City, Mo.
2. Houston
3. Dallas
4. Virginia Beach, Va.
5. San Antonio, Texas
6. Boston
7. Pittsburgh
8. Denver
9. Seattle
10. Portland, Ore.

To read more about Boston’s real estate ranking in this list, go to Forbes.com.

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

The Tax Credit deadline is almost here!

The Tax Credit deadline for contracts is April 30, 2010 - that is just a month away! The market has been incredibly busy, with year-over-year SOLDS up 10%-11% in the state of Massachusetts in the first quarter. April is already showing a huge number of scheduled closings. Don’t miss your opportunity to take advantage of Boston’s great homes for sale, low interest rates and the tax credit!

To get more details on the Tax Credit Extension and Expansion, go to the Tax Credit Guide.

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

The Boston luxury real estate market is coming back

MLSpin shows the Boston luxury real estate market in a great light in 2010. From January 1-March 28, 2009, only 183 homes sold for $1 million or more. For the same dates in 2010, there have been 271. That is a 48% increase! By comparison, the state’s general real estate sales are up 10-11% year-over-year.



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

New smoke alarm regulations begin April 5

The Massachusetts Dept. of Fire services has released information on the changes in the state's smoke alarm regulations for homes with five or less units. There is a guide to assist all those who may be affected.


To get more details, go to the Smoke and Carbon Monozide Requirements Guide.


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

Boston’s new construction is selling well!

Boston’s latest new construction development, The Signal Building, is seeing a lot of early success. With each open house seeing 40 or more groups and ten units already under agreement, Mary Kelleher and Renee Asofsky are very confident.

The Signal consists of studios, one and two bedrooms in two styles: the renovated brick-and-beam building offers modern loft-like condos or more traditionally styled condominiums are in a newly built structure. The building’s residents will enjoy low monthly condo fees, a roof deck with spectacular city views and kitchen and bathroom. Other amenities include two elevators, private courtyard, gym, bike storage and recycling center.

Why is this property so successful? Well, at this price point (starting at $289,000) most of the inventory in the city is older construction with fewer amenities and in less desirable locations. Also, The Signal offers different layouts, styles and sizes to appeal to a large number of first time home buyers and upgrading home buyers.

To see more details, go to the TheSignalBuilding.com.

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

Luxurious Boston waterfront penthouse

This spectacular Boston duplex penthouse features 3-sided, stunning views of Boston Harbor from every room in the nose unit at Commercial Wharf. Watch sailboats drift by in this 2 bedroom with den, 2700sf condo, featuring open and airy, sun-filled living space with 20 ft. ceilings and exposed beams. Walk out through a sliding glass doors to 152 sq. ft. private balcony overlooking boat slips in Boston’s inner harbor and offering sweeping views of the city skyline. Enjoy the short walk to Financial District and finest North End restaurants and shops.


To see more of this spectacular Boston waterfront home, go to Boston waterfront.

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

Boston and Northeast real estate market surges ahead

The Boston and Northeast real estate markets are improving ahead of the country’s other sectors. The NYTimes had an article that quoted the Boston-based Warren Group and the National Association of Realtors – both organizations touted serious gains and/or improved stability in the Northeast real estate markets.

To see more details, go to the NYTimes.com.

For more information on Boston and New England real estate sales, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Boston waterfront home offers an urban oasis

Experience this URBAN OASIS. Whether you enjoy gardening, grilling, entertaining or just "people watching," this enormous private deck, overlooking Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway is calling to you. Experience unparalleled views from this unique penthouse loft. A true gem, this home offers a fabulous floor plan, 11+ ft. ceilings, hardwood floors throughout, exposed brick and beam detail. The open chef's kitchen has granite counters, custom birch cabinets, and gas cooking. A private sleeping area with custom built-ins, separate home office and full tile bath with soaking tub complete this home. The building offers deeded covered parking, elevator, common roof deck and off-site professional management. This loft style building has been the destination of choice for many upwardly mobile local professionals and athletes. 26 Stillman Street offers the very best in city living.

To see how a Boston Bruin recently decorated his place in the same building, go to Boston.com.

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

Introducing a Spectacular Weston Estate

Beth Dickerson and Julie Harrison of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty’s Back Bay office have listed a one-of-a-kind $24.5 million residence in Weston, Massachusetts. This meticulously designed Arts & Crafts inspired home, designed by renowned architect Jeremiah Eck, is a modern twist on the classic mountain lodge style home. This sun flooded estate is an architectural masterpiece, with slate roof, unique chimneys, and stone and mahogany façade. Located on Weston’s best sited parcel of land, this remarkable 33,000+/- square foot residence offers six bedroom suites, six powder rooms, and privacy on 13.5+/- acres of well landscaped and pristinely manicured grounds, including a cascading stone waterfall. Offering remarkable private amenities, including a pool with a cabana, a caterer’s kitchen, an in-home movie theater, a spa/barber shop, pet grooming room, a pub and a four-car garage, this estate is also situated adjacent to the Weston Country Club.


Private tours are now available for qualified buyers.


For more information, please contact Beth Dickerson, 857.362.1700, Beth.Dickerson@SothebysRealty.com or Julie Harrison 617.413.8332, Julie.Harrison@sothebysrealty.com.

Boston Real Estate Firm Sees Upward Mobility

Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty is finding conventional successes in unconventional ways

BOSTON: Only a few weeks into the spring market, one Boston real estate firm is seeing tremendous success. Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty recorded 80 Under Agreements and over 100 sales transactions in January and February (source: MLS). The firm is ranked #5 in the state and has the #1 office in Boston’s Back Bay for 2010 sales-to-date. But their recent success is not just measured in sales figures. The firm has made some strategic moves over the last few years, making them the top-ranked Boston-based firm in the state. They expanded with office acquisitions in the Waterfront, Charlestown and Westwood areas. They also invested in the firm’s infrastructure, including additional marketing and relocation services for their clientele. “We saw the importance of offering the finest services to each client,” says Michael Hansen, President and Co-Owner. “We knew our clients would appreciate the special efforts we now provide.”

All the improvements have attracted highly successful sales associates. Once again, Gibson Sotheby’s recognized Beth Dickerson as their top agent in 2009, having sold the highest volume of sales. Dickerson’s average sale price was more than $3 million last year and she recorded the most expensive sale in Boston, a condominium on Beacon Street in the Back Bay that sold for $9.25 million. Co-Owner, Paul McGann, meets regularly with agents who are considering the firm. “Most often, agents who join us are already successful – but they are looking to go to the next level; to grow their business.” It is that growth potential that brought agents like Tammy DeWolfe to the company. After years in the business, she joined Gibson Sotheby’s Westwood office last month, citing the company’s support as a major motivating factor.

CEO and Co-Owner, Larry Rideout, continues to look for new ways to offer service to an expanding clientele. This month, the company launched a text-to-MLS service offered by Kwkly. This allows home buyers to text the address of any property for sale to get MLS information in seconds. They also have added an iPhone application and a GPS-based search function. “The percentage of Gen X and Gen Y home buyers is growing and they want immediate access to information,” says Rideout. “Our goal is to continue to find new ways to provide exceptional service.”