We've Moved!

We've moved! You can find our new blog at GibsonSothebysRealty.com/blog. Please remember to update your bookmarks.

You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook as well.

Luxury at Boston's Ritz

This gorgeous home at The Ritz in Boston offers luxury amenities and amazing views. Watch this video to get a better sense of this stunning condominium home, listed by Kyle Kaagen Hancock.

Luxury living at The Ritz

Boston condo for sale: Tremont Street penthouse available

This luxurious, recently renovated penthouse offers an enormous private roof terrace and deeded parking with some of the finest finishes seen within Boston’s South End. There are two large bedrooms both with California Closets. Large marble bath features a river stone shower. Top of the line granite/stainless steel kitchen with gas stove top. Brazilian cherry hardwood floors throughout. Washer/dryer. Pet friendly. Close to the best restaurants and shopping that the South End has to offer. Contact Less Arnold to see this lovely home.

For more information on this lovely South End condo, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Boston real estate market: Sales in luxury market grow

Massachusetts’s luxury home market, which saw a slow down during the recent economic challenges, has been coming back in dramatic fashion. From January 1 to June 1, 625 homes valued at $1,000,000 or more were sold, with May coming out on top with 173 sales. The first week in June has seen a tremendous amount of activity!

The most expensive sale was of 51 Commonwealth Avenue, which broke the $10 million mark and was listed by Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty. The firm also recently reduced 40 Beacon Street, a historic home on Beacon Hill, to $19.9 million. That 21,000sf home offers stunning views of the Common and luxurious finishes, as well as a spacious patio and 9 parking spaces.

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

Boston real estate company seeing sales growth

Boston luxury real estate company, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, has seen growth in market share in the first five months of 2010. Now ranked as number five in the state – and the only Boston-based firm in the top five – the firm has closed more than 200 sides for almost $150 million since January 1, with well over 150 scheduled to close in May and June (source: MLS). And it’s not just the activity from the federal tax credit. In fact, Gibson Sotheby’s closed 15 sides for homes over $1 million and has 25 more scheduled to close.

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

Featured Boston property: South End classic home for sale

Elegant parlor level 2 bedroom condo on lovely Chester Park in the South End features soaring 12' ceilings, new oversized Pella windows, and an expansive open living room. Brand new deluxe kitchen with Bosch appliances and honed granite just installed! Located close to public transit and great restaurants, this unit has everything; hardwood floors and detailed molding, two gas fireplaces, abundant closet space, W/D in unit, central air, and a private deck. OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 4/25 11:30 - 12:30!


To read more about this fabulous South End condo, go to Boston real estate for sale in the South End.

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

Featured Boston property: South End condo for sale

This South End 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath duplex offers a Chef's kitchen with stainless steel appliances and countertops, a Gaggenau cook-top, a Miele oven and a Bosch dishwasher. Open living/dining/kitchen area gets wonderful sun and leads directly to adorable patio with direct access to a full, deeded parking space. The expansive master suite has 2 closets and beautiful bath-subway tile and back-lit vanity mirror. There is a large second bedroom with ample closet space. Entry foyer with seating space/closets. A/C, prof mgmt, pet friendly and minutes to the best South End restaurants, shops, the T, and parks.

To read more about this fabulous South End condo, go to Boston real estate for sale.

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

Boston real estate agents gearing up for National Open House Weekend

Boston’s real estate agents are preparing for a very busy weekend. With only 3 weeks until the Tax Credit expires, the National Association of Realtors, in conjunction with dozens of local Realtor organizations, has declared April 10 and 11 as National Open House Weekend. The Boston Globe is also planning a special real estate section for Sunday’s paper.

So, what can prospective buyers expect? According to MLSpin, there are approximately 900 open houses planned in Boston alone! Some agents, like Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty’s Kerry Dowlin and Lee Robinson, are planning open houses on both Saturday and Sunday to provide maximum exposure for their clients and more opportunity for prospective buyers.

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

Luxury real estate companies in Boston see first quarter success

Boston’s luxury real estate sales have improved dramatically, year-over-year in the first quarter of 2010. The number of million dollar plus home sales in Boston have more than doubled – from 43 in 2009 to 90 in 2010 (source: MPSpin).

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.

Boston real estate ranks fourth for international investors

The Boston real estate market was ranked as the fourth best, behind Washington DC, New York and San Francisco in the 18th annual survey by the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate. And the market seems to be expecting a boost, as 2/3rds of the respondents said they expected to invest more in the U.S. in 2010 than they did in 2009.

To see more details about this survey and its findings, go to AFIRE.org.

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

Back Bay real estate: Boston penthouse with private deck

This gorgeous penthouse two bedroom duplex in Boston’s Back Bay features a private deck with stunning city skyline views. Sun-filled open living room with cathedral ceilings, renovated gourmet cook’s kitchen with breakfast bar, separate dining area, and glass doors leading to a private deck. Spacious master bedroom with two closets, second bedroom perfect for office/guest room combined. One and a half marble baths, pristine hardwood floors, fantastic storage and closet space throughout, central air conditioning, elevator, and parking included.

To see more details about this home, go toBoston Back Bay penthouse at Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, your real estate experts.

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

Boston home sales rise in November

Boston home sales shot up in November of 2009 – especially in comparison to last year’s dismal numbers amidst the financial crisis. But, not solely based on 2008. November of 2009 was the best November since 2005. Some of the boost was due to the tax credit deadline, which had been in November – it has since been extended to April, 2010. But, it is most likely a combination of factors. Many experts have been suggesting that the Boston real estate market and several others have already turned a corner, making this a great time to buy.

To see the complete story, go to Boston.com. Search Boston homes for sale at Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Report on Cost vs Value: Improving Boston homes for sale

Improving your Boston home for sale? Well, Remodeling Magazine puts out an annual Cost vs Value report. This will help you assess which improvements improve resale and what percentage you are likely to recoup. For instance, the report finds that the cost of a major kitchen remodel is likely to be recouped by 72% in the resale of a Boston home.

To see the complete report, go to Boston home improvements. Search Boston homes for sale at Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Boston real estate sales top market gains list

Boston real estate sales are at the top of the market gains measured by Zillow. As housing stabilizes around the country, forty-eight of the 154 markets tracked showed gains in home values during 2009, with the Boston metropolitan statistical area (MSA) showing the largest gain of $23.3 billion. The Providence, R.I. MSA was second on the list, with a gain of $12.4 billion.

Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner recently spoke before the Congressional Oversight Panel, saying, "Housing markets are showing some signs of stabilizing and wealth is recovering, which should stimulate consumer spending - vital to American economic growth.” However Geithner said unemployment continues to slow full national economic recovery.

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

The Tax Credit Extension

For those seeking Boston homes or condos for sale, we have a simplified explanation of the Tax Credit Extension. Click on the photo to enlarge.

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

Boston luxury home featured on the Wall Street Journal website

One of our fabulous Boston luxury homes, currently offered for sale, is being featured as the House of the Day on the WSJ.com site.

Click here to see more details on this fabulous Boston property.

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

Boston home sales on the rise for the 4th straight month

With the tax credit, low interest rates and improved consumer confidence helping to move buyers into the market, Massachusetts has seen an increase in the number of homes sold for the fourth month in a row. October saw its highest number of sales since 2005 – showing a 17.2% increase over the same month last year.

Click here to see more details on boston.com.

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

How to buy a home in Boston

When looking at homes for sale in Boston, first time homebuyers might not always know what the next step is. This is a quick list for homebuyers that can help.

- Obtain pre-approval letter from lender
- Make offer to purchase (with initial deposit)
- Submit mortgage application
- Conduct home inspection
- Review condominium / property documents
- Sign P&S agreement (with additional deposit)
- Choose loan program and closing attorney
- Obtain mortgage commitment
- Get homeowner’s / condominium insurance
- Consider homestead
- Review closing costs
- Conduct “walkthrough” inspection
- Obtain check or wire funds
- Attend closing (bring photo ID and check book)
- Apply for residential exemption


If you wish to receive a free homebuyer’s guide for Boston, please email our Boston Real Estate Expert.

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

Featured Boston condo: Laconia Lofts Penthouse

Introducing this unique residence at Laconia Lofts. Contemporary design offers an open & bright floor plan with 18 foot ceilings and a skylight. 2 Bedrooms/2 baths with a private deck off of the living room. Built-in shelving throughout, as well as plenty of wall space for art display. Cozy fireplace located in one of the bedrooms. Master bath features a jetted tub and separate shower. Private garage parking. Located in the heart of the South End, steps to the Silver Line, Peters Park, fine dining.

Click here to see more details on this Boston condo.

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