Boston real estate tips: Plant container gardens for patios, decks and small spaces

If you have lived in the Boston area for a while or a just moving to Boston, you might know that every square inch of outdoor space that comes with a city residence is coveted. For years, urban dwellers have planted container gardens – some in gorgeous hand-made containers; others in found or reused objects. This solution allows the plants to suit the space and to inhabit spaces that may never have been intended for plants. Some container gardens have flowers and herbs for cutting. Others yield fruits and vegetables for summer grilling.

For more information on container gardening, go to HGTV.com.

For more information on Boston 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.

New Magazine Features Boston Homes and Architecture

For those of you who haven’t already seen an issue of Esplanade, this beautiful new local magazine offers editorial on architecture, renovation, interior design, architectural history, food and everything else that gives Boston it’s rich cultural flavor. Produced by John O’Connor (of Interview Magazine and Harvard Business Review) and Hilary Lewis (winner of the American Institute of Architects’ Monograph of the Year Award).

This upcoming issue continues Esplanade’s look at 10 Buildings You Need to Know in Boston – with this issue’s spotlight on the ICA.

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

Success in Staging

The benefits of staging a home for sale are well known to local real estate agents, many of whom can recall their own success stories. I remember one development where the agents just seemed to be moving furniture from one unit to another – as each unit sold quickly after staging. But, some homeowners may not understand the importance of professional interior design when presenting a home for sale.

Interior Designer, Andrew Terrat has provided staging and interior design services for many years. The owner of Terrat Elms has staged model condominiums for newly constructed developments, such as FP3. He has also designed home interiors for homeowners in Boston, including clients at the Ritz. Each example offers a different style personality – from brick and beam urban lofts to casual beach retreats. Terrat uses a combination of the homeowner’s personality and the style of construction.

Terrat believes staging can help a buyer to make a personal connection to the home. “Home buyers have an immediate connection – or not – to a home when they see it. My experience is that you have one opportunity to make that connection. Staging a property effectively can seal the deal. Is the common hallway pleasant? Is the first look into the home instriguing?” Terrat also notes there is a real value proposition in staging. “My experience is that buyers are inclined to choose and are willing to pay more for a property that has been renovated well and that shows well. I always have resale in mind when working with clients.”

For more information, go to TerratElms.com.

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