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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Charlestown real estate: Waterfront penthouse with views

This spacious Charlestown penthouse offers 2+ bedroom, 3 bath, in a duplex layout with unobstructed waterfront views of Boston harbor, the islands and the city skyline from private balcony. This home offers over 2000 sq feet of flexible living space. Richly detailed kitchen and marble baths, den with fireplace, open living and dining with ocean views! First level bedroom and bath; spiral staircase to master bedroom suite, spa bath, walk-in closet and adjacent sitting area-perfect for at-home-office. 2 garage parking: 1 deeded, 1 valet , 24 concierge & close to airport/downtown.

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

For more information on Charlestown and Boston 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.

Boston real estate sales team meets with regional network

Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty’s Boston real estate sales team joined colleagues from the northeast region at a conference held in Winchester, Massachusetts. Agents from Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, as well as dozens of Massachusetts real estate sales agents, were in attendance. The participants discussed best practices and forged new partnerships. (Pictured here are Broker/Owners from some of the regional offices).

Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty CEO, Larry Rideout, was pleased with the outcome. “We are proud to be part of the Sotheby’s International Realty network and of how unique the service is within our industry. This event is yet one more example of the power of working together. We know that from what we have learned here, we will be able to expand our reach and offer even more to our agents and clients.”

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

Documentary on Green Building in Boston

A recent documentary captures the building of the Macallen building in South Boston. Read the whole story on GreeningOfSouthie.com. The same entertaining and informative filmmakers who brought us "King Corn", have documented the building of a this groundbreaking structure. This 2008 film is now making its way around the festival circuit.

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

Featured Boston Homes for Sale: Cold Spring Green

The contemporary townhomes at Cold Spring Park were designed by an award-winning architect. Crafted for luxury living with extraordinary detail and artistry, each unit boasts a private elevator and totally 'Green' construction including geothermal heat/AC, solar ready, and T & G Cedar exterior. The open floor plan features soaring ceilings and skylights, glass and stainless detail throughout as well as Bayerwald 'Tilt and Turn' windows. The kitchen boasts custom-made cabinetry, Cambria Quartz counters, Sub-Zero refrigerator and Bosch appliances. The ultimate in New York City sophistication in Newton Massachusetts.

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

Massachusetts well-positioned for recovery

Analysts, citing key indicators for economic performance, are predicting that our state will recover from this recent economic downturn quicker than the rest of the country. Labor and housing market statistics show that Massachusetts is outpacing the US statistics by a significant margin – with home sales (adjusted for seasonal variations) soaring nearly 50 percent in the state since hitting bottom in January, compared with less than 20 percent nationally.

This is not, however, to say that the markets will fully recover in the next several months. Economists are cautiously predicting a slow recovery for the nation – with 12 to 24 months of incremental growth.

For more information, 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.

Boston home prices showing positive growth

Zillow.com’s charting of home sale prices is showing positive growth. The data taken over the last several years, shows downward pressure on pricing, with a positive turn during this year.

For more information, go to zillow.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: Boston named in list of “Best Cities to Buy a Home”

An article on forbes.com took a look at cities around the U.S. real estate landscape. By looking at a number of factors - including number of transactions, price per square foot and distribution of activity in the neighborhoods - Forbes developed a ranking system. Boston ranked #3 overall and had the largest increase in price per square foot at 6%.

To read the complete article, go to forbes.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: Pending home sales up over last year

There was some good news this week. The National Association of Realtors has indicated that March’s pending home sales were up 3.2% over February. But, even better, that number was also up 1.6% over March 2008. Year-over-year improvements are welcome news to sellers and it seems to be continuing. Open house attendance has risen in Boston.

To read more of the story, go to cnn.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: 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: 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.

Boston Real Estate Update: Prime Waterfront location to be developed?

A recent article on Boston.com finds the James Hook & Co. lot may potentially be developed. With commercial and residential developers drawing up potential plans, the Hook family business does plan to stay.

Read the full article on Boston.com.

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

Real Estate Update: Chinese investors scouting U.S. properties

Canada’s national news source, TheGlobeAndMail.com shed light on the continuing trend in U.S. real estate: Chinese investors are eager to take advantage of a buyer’s real estate market in parts of the United States. Some U.S. based firms organize real estate tours for visiting investors.

Read the full article on TheGlobeAndMail.com.

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

Boston Real Estate Update: Back Bay offers the quintessential Boston experience

A recent article on Boston.com talked about the pros and cons of Back Bay real estate. As Bostonians know, this is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city. With boutique shops, historic landmarks and fabulous restaurants, you can’t go wrong! (unless you are looking for street parking on a sunny day!)

Read the full article on boston.com.

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

Massachusetts Real Estate Update: What’s available for $500k?

A recent article on Boston.com went through a cornucopia of available listings throughout Massachusetts – each priced at $500k.

Read the full article on boston.com.

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