Investing in real estate can seem overwhelming and reserved for the very rich.  In the current economic conditions and marketplace, it may even feel a bit too risky.  But if you’ve ever thought real estate investing may be right for you, this is a great time to learn about your options and how it can be done by almost anyone.

Ruth Lerner is a Senior Sale Associate with Dwell360 a residential real estate firm based in Boston and Newton Massachusetts.  Ruth as a part of Dwell360 services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston.  Contact Ruth at Ruth@Dwell360.com or 617-807-0471

The title of this entry is over-the-top, I admit, but I am just here to stick up for the landlords out there who are trying to do some good.  The word “landlord” in itself has some negativity associated with it, and the use of “lord” in this context is distasteful in our American sensibility.  In media, landlords are portrayed as misers ready to make a buck on the poor and take advantage of families.

No one wants to hear this, but I’m saying it anyway.  Real estate is the best long-term financial investment.  Phew…that’s a relief.

Ruth Lerner is a Senior Sale Associate with Dwell360 a residential real estate firm based in Boston and Newton Massachusetts.  Ruth as a part of Dwell360 services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston.  Contact Ruth at Ruth@Dwell360.com or 617-807-0471

In the market of exasperated and exhausted home sellers, I hear a lot of great stories about why homes are not selling.  They usually divide into two categories: the real estate agents not doing their jobs or the sellers are uncooperative.

Like everyone else, we were stunned by the 5.9 magnitude earthquake centered in Mineral, Va., today at around 2 p.m., and felt throughout the East Coast.

Several HouseLogic bloggers live in the Washington, D.C., area, about 100 miles away from the quake’s epicenter: I’m in McLean, Va., and felt my car shaking in my driveway; Dona DeZube in Clarksville, Md., thought a gas line exploded when she felt the earth tremble; and Lara Edge, who lives in D.C., watched her neighbors run out of their homes (never leave your home!) but didn’t feel much on the street.

Rather than running into the street, the best plan is to be prepared, like by putting together an emergency kit. Also read up on whether earthquake insurance is worth it.

And follow FEMA’s advice:

During the quake

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors, and walls.

• Stay inside until the shaking stops.

• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

• If trapped under debris, don’t light a match or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe to alert rescuers.

After the quake

• Open cabinets cautiously.

• Immediately clean up spilled medicines, bleach, gasoline, or other flammable liquids. Leave if you smell gas or chemical fumes.

• Inspect your chimneys for damage.

• Check for gas leaks. If you smell or hear leaking gas, turn off the gas at the outside main valve, or call the gas company from a neighbor's home.

• Look for electrical damage — sparks, broken or frayed wires. If you suspect damage, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.

• Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect damage, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber.

•  

Dwell360 is a residential real estate firm based in Boston and Newton Massachusetts.  Dwell360 services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston.  We are focused on our customers and our experience in the residential real estate market is extensive.  Search for homes in Massachusetts and then give us a call.

If you have a toddler who thinks midnight is a great time to hit the playground without you, or a dad with Alzheimer’s who gets lost a block from home, you need to know when someone heads out the door (or a window) of your home. 

Short of moving your family into a prison, your options for keeping everyone where they belong range from simple lock products to help child-proof doors and windows that cost about a buck to sophisticated electronic surveillance equipment costing thousands.

These products will help give you peace of mind:

• A hook and eye latch (about $1) installed at the top of the door out of reach of the toddler and out of sight of your wandering dad.
• Three or four barrel bolt locks ($4 each) installed so you have to slide some to the left and some to the right to get out. Put them at the top and bottom of the door where you wouldn’t normally look for a lock.
• Keyed window locks ($7) will keep toddlers and parents from opening the window, but heads up: If there’s an emergency, a window lock may block escape routes. You’ll have to decide which is the greater risk.
• A door mural ($40) helps disguise the front door to those with Alzheimer’s.
•  
• These products alert you when a door or window is opened:
• A string of Jingle Bells (about $4) attached to the door will tell you when it’s opened, but test to make sure you can hear the bells from all over the house.

• Electronic window alarms ($7) run on batteries and let you know when a window is opened by sounding an alarm or chime.
• If you want to know when someone gets out of bed, a pressure-sensitive mat alarm (about $10) mat will play music or blast a 105-decibel alarm when a person (or a pet) steps on it. You can also put it under a rug in front of the door.

• A motion detector alarm ($20) mounted over the front door or a window tells you when someone passes by, while mounting one under the bed will tell you when someone gets up at night.

• Experienced 80
• Top Producer 90
• Referral 70

From House Logic.

The Fourth of July -- Independence Day -- is a great time to reflect on how lucky we are to live in the United States of America, and what we can do to make our nation better, stronger, and more prosperous. As President Kennedy famously said many years ago, “Ask what you can do for your country.”

We’d all like to do our part. But our individual efforts sure seem small compared with the goings-on of world politics and global economies.

How can we — average American home owners — really achieve big goals, such as influencing national energy policy and building a strong economy? After all, we’ve got our own daily stuff to deal with: work, home repairs, getting the kids to softball practice, and the dog to the vet.

One good way is to reduce energy consumption in our own homes. This simple act can have a major impact. Not just in terms of helping hold the line on the family budget, but in slowing the ever-spiraling costs of energy. Lessening demand — even incrementally — eases the price of energy, which can free up capital that creates jobs and helps get our economy kicking.

Here are examples of small contributions you can make that add up:

• Ask cable or satellite providers for an energy-efficient set-top box, (the device that receives and dispatches TV signals to your DVR). Set-top boxes, which run 24 hours a day, have become a leading energy drain in the home. Newer Energy Star-rated models are at least 30% more efficient. If all set-top boxes sold in the U.S. were Energy Star-rated, energy savings would total $2 billion each year, and greenhouse gases would be reduced by an amount equivalent to 3 million cars and trucks.

• Replacing an old, kaput dishwasher with an Energy Star-qualified model cuts the annual energy cost of the machine by 50% — to $60 from $120. If every clothes washerpurchased in the U.S. this year were an efficient Energy Star model, the national energy savings would total $350 million, not to mention conserving 32 billion gallons of water.

• Buying a high-efficiency gas or electric water heater, when yours reaches the end of its useful life, saves 3% to 4% on the average home’s hot water bill. Energy standards enacted by the U.S. Dept. of Energy in 2010 were designed to cut energy usage of new water heaters by 3% to 4%. Over a 30-year period, U.S. consumers should save $8.7 billion and reduce CO2 emissions by 170 million tons — that’s equal to the yearly emissions of 30 million cars.

• Replacing a 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a 13-watt compact fluorescent equivalent saves $30 over the life of the bulb. Alternative: LED bulbs, although costly ($30 for 7-watts), last 3 to 4 times longer than CFLs, burn cooler, and — unlike CFLs — contain no mercury. If every home in America replaced just one incandescent bulb with an Energy Star-qualified CFL, the savings would be enough to light more than 3 million homes. The savings would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by fossil-fuel energy production equivalent to 800,000 autos.

More easy ways to be patriotic (and save):

• Create a breeze with a ceiling fan instead of using the AC. For every degree you raise the air conditioning thermostat above 78 degrees, you can save 3% to 8% on cooling costs.

• Install a programmable thermostat and save as much as $180 per year.

• Plump up attic insulation from R-11 to R-49 and save up to $600 per year.

• Turn down the thermostat on your refrigerator and save $22 per year.

• Outsmart sneaky energy vampires by turning off (or putting “to sleep”) computers, printers, and other electronics when not in use: Shave another $100 from your annual energy bill.

Let’s put the independence in Independence Day.

In what ways do you save energy in your household?

By: John Riha  

Published: July 1, 2011

Father’s Day is Sunday. And you’re wondering how to thank the guy who taught you to wield a putty knife, and to shut the door and quit heating/cooling the outside — for crying out loud!

You could buy him something. But how many World’s Greatest Dad mugs and barbecue mitts does a guy need?

Instead, spend a little time. Do some chore that Dad would otherwise do. Finish a project he hasn’t had time to complete. 

You’ll save money — now that will make Dad happy — and show your father how much you care. Here are some ideas:

• Hose off and hang up the hammock that’s still sitting in the basement. Scrub stubborn stains with a vinegar spritz.

• Dig up that weed tree that’s popped up between the hydrangeas.

• Clean gutters clogged with tree blossoms and other spring debris.

• Power wash and reseal the deck.

• Shine up the gas grill. A little baking soda will help get rid of burned-on chunkies.

• Clean out the garage — at least sweep it.

• Change the toilet flapper.

• Lay sod on lawn bare spots.

• Spackle, sand, and paint dents and holes in the walls.

• Hang up that picture of the grandchildren.

What’s the best Father’s Day gift you ever gave to your Dad? Received from your child?

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Published: June 17, 2011

Dwell360 is a residential real estate firm based in Boston and Newton Massachusetts.  Dwell360 services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston.  We are focused on our customers and our experience in the residential real estate market is extensive.  Search for homes in Massachusetts and then give us a call.

Our client wrote us a wonderful testimonial about our real estate services.  It can be read on here and on our Zillow profile.  We appreciate the kind words.

John provided excellent professional service over a 9 month period while we relocated from the west coast to Newton. He kept us in the listing loop but did not push the process. When we did finally settle on "the House", after viewing 120 houses, John and his partner Ed were able to work through any issues and kept the process for closing on track! We would highly recommend John and Ed!

~ Bought a Single Family home in 2010 for approximately $1550k in Chestnut Hill, MA.

Dwell360 is a residential real estate firm based in Boston and Newton Massachusetts.  Dwell360 services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston.  We are focused on our customers and our experience in the residential real estate market is extensive.  Search for homes in Massachusetts and then give us a call.

At Dwell360 we have a wealth of real estate information at our finger tips.  Market reports are typically one of the most requested by our clients.  Click the link to view our real estate market report for Cambridge Massachusetts.  The report reviews the residential real estate markets for the past 8 years.

Real estate and the overall residential markets are the topic of conversation.  Here at Dwell360 we live and breathe real estate every day.  That is why we keep a close pulse on the market statistics for the towns in and around the Meto Boston area.  This report for the City of Cambridge is requested often.  We have a number of other reports on file.  As a result, feel free to send us a request for a particular town.

Search Cambridge Massachusetts Real Estate For Sale.

Dwell360 is a residential real estate brokerage that has a different approach to how practice real estate.  The Dwell360 residential real estate office is in Newton Massachusetts.  We represent our clients who buy and seller real estate.  Please contact us with any questions.

Real estate and the overall residential markets are the topic of conversation on a regular basis.  Here at Dwell360 we live and breathe real estate.   That is why we keep a close pulse on the market statistics for the towns in and around the Meto Boston area.  We have a number of reports on file.  So feel free to send us a result for a particular town.

Below click the report on the Worcester real estate market for the past 8 years.  The information provides the statistics for the residential real estate market in Worcester, Massachusetts.  The report includes both single family homes and condos.

Looking for property in Worcester? Start your real estate search here.

In 1860, J.W. Black took this photo from Samuel A. King's balloon while tethered over the Boston Common.  It is the earliest aerial photograph taken in the United States.  An interesting piece of history.  The photo is from the Boston Public Library's flickr page.  

Dwell360 is a residential real estate firm based in Boston and Newton Massachusetts. Dwell360 services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston.  We are focused on our customers and our experience in the residential real estate market is extensive.  Search for homes in Massachusetts and then give us a call.

Interested in knowing the most expensive homes listed in Massachusetts.  There are 24 properties currently on the market listed above $10,000,000.  These properties are spectacular and worth a bit of a look.

The most expensive is a 9+ acre compound in Cohasset listed for $55.0m.  A home in the Back Bay of Boston on Dartmouth Street is listed for $23.0m.  There are also estates in Brookline and Weston that made the list, a few Cape Cod “summer homes”, and others. 

Click here to see the full list.

Real Estate is always fun to look at.

“Moody’s Investor Services said the Town of Wayland remains on solid financial footing.”  It is comforting to read this in the article Wayland's $100m development on track, eyed as revenue boost from Boston Business Journal today.  Even though the current real estate market has required adjustments to the original plans for the Wayland Commons town center it still is moving forward.

The strong bond rating from Moody’s also helps confirm that Wayland Massachusetts is a town worth the real estate investment.  It is important to see stability in towns and communities when considering purchasing a home.  Another factor that does impact the value of real estate in a given town is the school system.  Wayland’s is strong. 

In fact, the average value of a single family residence has increased by 7.6% in Wayland.  That is an increase in value from $585,245 in 2009 to $629,815 in 2010 for the average sale price of the home sold.  (source MLSPIN).  We also noted an increase of the number of homes sold from 128 to 133. 

The facts are certainly encouraging and we remain confident in Wayland Massachusetts real estate market.  We will continue to keep our eyes on the market and track the activity. 

~ See you soon.

Dwell360 is a residential real estate firm that currently is marketing a luxury townhome in the town of Wayland Massachusetts.  The property located within the Willow Brook community is set among the trees for a tranquil and peaceful setting.  104 Willow Brook Drive, Wayland, MA 01178 mls#71132504  

“The guys of Dwell360 provide a level of service a cut above other agencies. They take a personal interest in finding you the perfect home to fit your needs. They have a n acute knowledge of the varying neighborhoods and properties in the Boston area, and a younger progressive attitude. I've sold one house and bought two houses with them, and continue to recommend them to everyone.”

We hope everyone is enjoying the snow today!  We are enjoying working from home today.  Keep safe and warm. 

Spend a little time searching for your dream home on our website.  You can view all the properties for sale in Massachusetts on the MLS.  Sometimes it is jsut fun!  Enjoy your snow day. 

~ Your friends at Dwell360 real esate

According to CNN Florida seems to be the only state that has not gotten snow today.  "After big snow and ice events in the Southeast, Plains, and Midwest this week, 49 out of the 50 states currently have snow on the ground –  yes, even Hawaii, where snow falls in Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea all winter."

It does make us just a little jealous of our friends in Florida.  But, one of the best things about living in the Northeast is the change of seasons.  It might be a lot of work but it is an amazing sight outside.  

Read the original article from CNN:  Snow present in 49 of the 50 U.S. states

Dwell360 is a residential real estate firm based in Boston and Newton Massachusetts.  Dwell360 services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston.  We are focused on our customers and our experience in the residential real estate market is extensive.  Search for homes in Massachusetts and then give us a call.

We wish everyone a happy and healthy new year.  We hope your 2011 is a wonderful year.  

When you are considering selling and buying your home there are a few things to consider.  HGTV's FrontDoor.com creates a good list to consider in their article "Buying and Selling Your House: 11 Resolutions for 2011" By Geoff Williams, published: 12/21/2010. 

The list of list of 11 items (noted below) are all items you should think about if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the next 6-12 months.

1. I will begin thinking about fixing up my house--now.
2. I will clean out my house now.
3. I will plan now to price my house as though we're living in 2011 and not 2007.
4. Before I look to buy, I will seek pre-approval for my mortgage.
5. Before I look to buy, I will clean up my credit score.
6. I will number crunch and buy a house I can afford.
7. I will think long term.
8. I will interview more than one real estate agent.
9. I will make this a business transaction and not an emotional decision.
10. I will get a pre-inspection for my own house, before I sell it.
11. I will think about moving and other logistics now.

Happy Thanksgiving to our friends, family, past and present clients, colleagues & your families. We wish you a perfect day full of happiness. We are certainly thankful to have you as part of our family.

Property valuation websites have a lot of information to offer.  They provide details on properties, sale history, tax information, and estimate the value of the home.  As a result, they become a topic of conversation with our clients on a regular basis.  The only issue is we often find ourselves explaining to clients why the site is not always accurate.

Today, at a Boston real estate conference, Agent Reboot, Zillow representatives talked about their service and how they are among the only who post about their valuations accuracy.  Zillow’s “Zestimate” that provides value estimates of single family homes, condominiums, and multi-families are often wrong.  In fact Zillow has actually published their Zestimates accuracy for the Boston metro real estate market.  Their median error is 8.9%.  

This means if a Zestimate labeled your home with a $500,000 price tag it could really sell for $44,500 more or less than that price.  In fact only 30% of the Zestimates are within 5% of the sale price.  They actually review that 80% of the Zestimate are within 20% of the sale price.  This is a big range.  This is similar to say your home is worth $500,000 and will sell between $400,000 to $600,000.  An article published by TechSavvyAgent also clearly outlines Zillow’s accurancy.

We do like Zillow.  It is a way to collect information and we like information.  But, if you are looking to it for your only price resource in Boston, Newton, Cambridge, Brookline, and other Massachusetts towns it is not the complete picture.

Life at the Dwell360 real estate brokerage remains exciting!   

We are working hard to build a premier real estate brokerage based in Newton Massachusetts that will service the Greater Boston cities and towns. The founders, Ed and John have a track record of success that has been the foundation of Dwell360.

Our name, Dwell360 (Dwell Three Sixty) is one that was developed to be fresh, simple, and modern.  We did not want our firm’s name to look like a law firm’s collage of last names.  Our personality is more then someone’s name.  Dwell360 is a statement of progress and a brand that will grow by implementing tools, methods, and technologies that will provide results for our clients.

We hope we can help you buy or sell your home.

All we have been hearing lately from our past and present clients, our friends, and everyone else is how great of an interest rate they can get.  Our mortgage contacts and real estate attorneys have been super busy with the recent refinance boom.   We have heard people getting rates from 4 – 4.50%. 

The rates are really low.  It was not too long ago people received interest rates well above 6% and higher.  I know of one client who purchased a home with a 6.25% interest rate and now a couple of years later has refined to 4.25%.  On a $400,000 loan that is a monthly savings of $495.11 that is $5,941.32 per year.

With interest rates as low as they are currently we are surprised there are not more people searching for homes.  The markets in sections of Boston, Newton, Brookline, Cambridge, and other areas have some really positive statistics.  That being said we would think even more buyers would be out shopping for home.

The buyers we she shopping now have an amazing advantage!  The real estate market in the Boston Massachusetts area offers a lot of opportunity.  You have less competition among buyers, more flexibility in price, and low interest rates.

Be sure to contact a reputable mortgage banker for information on current rates and to learn more about what mortgage programs are available.

People in Massachusetts really love their home towns.  They have energy and excitement when they speak about their community and there are some great places to live in the Commonwealth.  Four cities in Massachusetts made it to this year’s list of “America’s 100 Best Small Cities to Live” found in August 2010 issue of Money magazine.  The City of Newton took the third place on the list, Waltham 28th, Brookline was at 39, and Weymouth was listed at 52. 

Money magazine “this year focused on the nation’s small cities (those with populations of 50,000 to 300,000).  Reporters crunched reams of data to find the optimal combo of job opportunities, fiscal strength, top-notch schools, low crime, good health care, lots to do, and many other factors that help a town great for raising a family.”  They also took a look at the overall strength of the economy and housing market in various American metro areas. 

It becomes clear the real estate and economic climate in Massachusetts is a bit more promising then some other areas in the country.  Money’s research pointed out that the metro area of Peabody and Boston have a “strong” economy and housing market with metro Cambridge getting the  best rating of being the “strongest.”  We think this is pretty consistent with what we have seen in the past year within the housing market itself.

The City of Newton Massachusetts with a population 82,000, 13 villages, and a rich New England heritage ranked third on the list of top 100 cities in Money magazine.  The magazine highlighted the cities great schools, low crime, and strong economy as reasons for the favorable standing.  It also noted pricey homes and traffic as negatives just west of Boston.  We are also happy to see that it got noticed for having an “A” grade for “Arts/leisure” and for the “health” category.  Schools are important in Newton, well ranked, and just this week the new, 413,000 square foot, $197 million dollar, Newton North High School opened its doors and features a college like amenities that is simply state-of-the-art. 

With a population of 60,000 the City of Waltham Massachusetts was ranked 28th on the Money list.  It scored an “A” grade for the Arts/leisure along with health.  Housing affordability, though lower then Newton, is still high compared to other cities on the top 100 list.  This city has seen recent renovations to their schools.  Moody street is filled with restaurants and nightlife, home to Brandeis and Bentley University, and economically strong do to the large of corporations that call Waltham home. 

Brookline Massachusetts with a 58,000 population is listed 39th on the list top America’s 100 Best Small Cities list.  It might not get the best markets for housing affordability but this town gets the grade for everything else.  Exclusive condos typically exceed a price tag of $500,000 and single family homes often considered estates reach well past the multiple million dollar value.  Brookline’s exciting location next to Boston, active neighborhoods, public transportation, high-owner occupancy, and great schools make this town both stable and exclusive. 

The fourth Massachusetts city on Money’s list is Weymouth Massachusetts and ranked at 52. Located on the south shore this area has more affordable homes and features 12 miles of ocean front.  It is has reasonable commute to Boston.  The location also provides its residences to beach, access to Cape Cod, and other exciting cultural and leisure actives in the area. 

There are many fine cities and towns in Massachusetts.  These are four that have been listed by Money magazine this year.  We think they are great communities that deserve to be highlighted.

Dwell360 is a residential real estate brokerage in Massachusetts founded by Edward Johnston and John Lynch.  Our experienced agents have a proven track record of success in the metropolitan Boston real estate market.  Our offices in Newton and Boston help us service our clients in and around Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton, Needham, Wellesley, Weston, and other premier towns. Feel free to contact us.

We have just listed a wonderful Brighton condo in the heart of Cleveland Circle.  Year to date, 1/1/2010 - 7/1/2010 we have seen 157 condos sell in Brighton with an average sale price of $295,724.  It has been an active time and is becoming a great time to get into the market.

Brighton continues to be an area on the cutting edge of city life.  Surrounded by various colleges and universities, its accessibility in and around Boston, and is hip residents keep this area very exciting.  It would not take much time to find something great to do in Brighton or in the area of Cleveland Circle never mind the access you get to the surrounding community by way of the B, C, and D trains of the Green line.

93 Strathmore is in the heart of this wonderful area.  Tucked into a Brighton neighborhood is this wonderful building.  A sun lit, top floor, corner unit, that easily can be called home.  This one bedroom is spacious home, has hardwood floors, high ceilings, large bedroom, and plenty of closets.  An inviting foyer leads to an oversized living room.  Relax in your eat-in kitchen with treetop views.  Come visit this property today for its fantastic location.

This condo is a great opportunity. $225,000

Brookline Massachusetts is an exciting town and great Boston neighbor.  The average sales price year-to-date (1/1/2010 – 7/1/2010) for a condo in Brookline is $526,176 with 291 condos sold.  Our newest listing 7 Verndale is a great opportunity to become a past of a great community rich in history with a strong real estate market.

The Town of Brookline is an amazing place made up of fantastic restaurants, shopping, cultural centers, parks, playgrounds, and serene neighborhoods.  This town it is easier to find higher owner occupancy rates and condos within buildings that truly show price of ownership.  Coolidge Corner is one of the hubs of great activity in Brookline and 7 Verndale is a location that affords the opportunity for you to take advantage of what life in Brookline offers.

This home is a spacious and updated three bedroom condo in a turn-of-the-century brownstone with access to Harvard Street, the T, Coolidge Corner, and more.  Set on a residential tree-lined street you also have access to parks and playgrounds.  It is a home all about the conveniences of the city with the serenity of a residential setting. 

The inviting foyer is what greats you upon entering this home.  Features like the fireplace, open living and dining rooms, updated kitchen with pantry, built-ins, extra storage, parking, new windows, washer and dryer, and more are just some of the highlights of this home.

This access that the resident will have to Brookline life is excellent.  A place that will afford a buyer the excitement of the city with the tranquility of a tree-lined street.  Parks are just around the corner, restaurants on Commonwealth Avenue and Harvard Street are excellent.  Plan a visit today.  Listed at $519,000

We are excited to present 61Quint.com for sale.  It was about five years ago when we represented our client in the purchase of this great property.  It has been a great home and as great things happen it is time to move on.  We could not have been happier to get the call again to help sell the condo.

This Allston condo is in the heart of the activity that surrounds Allston, Brighton, and Brookline.  This area is often perceived to be a center point of accessing some of the best Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts, along with businesses in Cambridge, Watertown, Boston, Newton, and other nearby locations.

This condos location puts its occupants in a hip community with access to nightlife, restaurants, pubs, clubs, shopping, and a vibrant neighborhood.  Allston, a neighborhood of Boston, has excellent access to the trolleys, buses, and trains of the MBTA T.  This community is an exciting place.

61 Quint Avenue is a condo perched on the top floor of a well respected Allston building.  The living room, 21 x 21, is window lined, sun-filled, circular, and has a tree-topped view.  This unique living room is part of a building with architectural interest that has truly been maintained by the owners with pride. 

The condo also features an updated kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.  The interior of the condo had been freshly painted, has gleaming hardwood floors and new windows.  Each of the two bedrooms is spacious and has very good closets.

Don’t forget the new common roof deck & assigned parking.  You can slip up to a space that overlooks the tree-tops and surrounding community.  It is an unique site for an Allston condo.  Laundry & storage are located in the basement.  Move right in.

We are so excited to help our clients again.  Listed at $319,000.

Just a few days ago Ed and I left William Raveis Real Estate to begin opening our new firm Dwell360 (Dwell Three Sixty.)  It has been an exciting few days.  At this has been taking place I picked up and flew to California to attend the Inman Connect an innovative real estate conference.  Ed has been powering all the progress back at headquarters.

It has been a successful few days.  Some clients have called looking to list their homes and buyers are heating up their searches.  I have been hearing from real estate leaders and influencers about their companies, their products, and real estate industries growth.

Craig Newmark of Craigslist has some great things to say about the social phenomenon around Craig’s List and real estate.  Social media has been one of the top topics at the conference and Reddit.com founder Alexis Ohanian nicely outlined how social media really can propel a topic into the minds of the public.  These and the many other speakers have been extremely interesting.

Property search is going to change over the next few years.  The search functionality will be more intuitive and free flowing.  Also, the need for mobile solutions is something at the top of everyone’s list here at Inman.  I have identified a few great ways the Dwell360 will be able to leverage technologies to be at the front of the real estate marketing online and with mobile. 

Technology in real estate is always changing and I am excited to see that we will be a part of the evolution.  For your clients this will ultimately mean we will provide better results!

See you soon!

We are very excited to announce that we will be launching our own independent real estate brokerage here in Massachusetts.  Ed Johnston and John Lynch will be building DWELL360 a boutique brokerage that is focused on providing clients with the best possible service from well qualified real estate agents.  The towns of service will include Boston, Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, Cambridge, and other communities that we have worked in throughout the Metro Boston area.

We look forward to this new and exciting chapter!

Ed & John

Today, I came across an article from CNNMoney.com titled “6 biggest mistakes home buyers make.”  After taking a look at the list I thought the six items are noteworthy.  I am not sure if they are the biggest mistakes that a buyer can make.  But, the list is one worth review.  Here is why I think the six items they mention are important to a buyer.

1.      Know Your Credit Score – Your credit score one of the major factors in what a bank will review and consider when approving you for a mortgage.  Not only do you need to know your score you need to know what that score represents.

2.      Don’t buy a car before a house – Or any other major purchase.  When you make large purchases your credit can be affected and your cash reserves will also be affected.  If you took a loan for that new car now you might feel more pressure to qualify for a mortgage.  If you paid cash for that same car, keeping that cash on hand in the bank, could have better results for you qualifying for a better rate on your mortgage.

3.      Skimping on a home inspection – We spend a lot of time with our clients making sure they do not skimp on their home inspection.  This is a critical time to learn about your home and perform any needed due diligence.  You need to take the time to be a part of this important process.

4.      No Attorney – We encourage everyone to have an attorney when they are buying a property.  Often there are many unforeseen issue that arise with the title, the sale, and the parties involved.  A good agent will help control that but certain issues an attorney needs to handle.  Often with a great team in place you will not even notice the issues.

5.      No Contingencies – You should have a home inspection contingency or mortgage contingency when you are purchasing a home.  If you know you need a mortgage then you should never waive that element of the offer.  Contingencies are part of your offer to protect your interest.

6.      Budgeting for Insurance – It is important to budget for the other items associated with home purchase.  Home owners insurance is one, don’t forget about property taxes, utility bills, and landscaping.  If you are upsizing or first time home buyer these items might be more expensive then you are used too.

A great buyer’s agent will help you thought the process and make sure you do not make any big mistakes.  These six from CNNMoney’s are notable along with others.  So, take your time making that purchase and all will go smoothly.  

It has been wet, very wet, here is Massachusetts.  To the point that FEMA announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  This is a significant resource for the state to help correct the damage of these major rain storms.

“The president's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bristol, Essex,

Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. Assistance can include grants for

temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other

programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.”

More information from FEMA

Along with the federal aid programs available

This also could impact a buyer’s mortgage on a home in the above counties mentioned.  It may require re-inspection by the appraiser or some other addition paperwork.  So if your currently involved in a real estate transaction be sure to address this issue with your lender or real estate agents.  

Today, Ed and John are launching their team website, www.JohnstonLynch.com.  The new website is a new platform that will help us get information to our clients faster and be more effective in our marketing efforts. 

The new website has an integrated blog and property search capabilities.  The site also integrated our listing websites so they are continuously featured to visitors of the site.  We have streamlined our marketing that has always been successful, and created an even easier way to communicate, consult, and market real estate. 

Be sure to stop by on a regular bases to see more information about real estate in the Metro Boston neighborhoods.

See you soon, Ed & John 

Johnston | Lynch Group at William Raveis Real Estate

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Investing in real estate can seem overwhelming and reserved for the very rich.  In the current economic conditions and marketplace, it may even feel a bit too risky.  But if you’ve ever thought real estate investing may be right for you, this is a great time to learn about your options and how it can be done by almost anyone.

Ruth Lerner is a Senior Sale Associate with Dwell360 a residential real estate firm based in Boston and Newton Massachusetts.  Ruth as a part of Dwell360 services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston.  Contact Ruth at Ruth@Dwell360.com or 617-807-0471

The title of this entry is over-the-top, I admit, but I am just here to stick up for the landlords out there who are trying to do some good.  The word “landlord” in itself has some negativity associated with it, and the use of “lord” in this context is distasteful in our American sensibility.  In media, landlords are portrayed as misers ready to make a buck on the poor and take advantage of families.

No one wants to hear this, but I’m saying it anyway.  Real estate is the best long-term financial investment.  Phew…that’s a relief.

Ruth Lerner is a Senior Sale Associate with Dwell360 a residential real estate firm based in Boston and Newton Massachusetts.  Ruth as a part of Dwell360 services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston.  Contact Ruth at Ruth@Dwell360.com or 617-807-0471

In the market of exasperated and exhausted home sellers, I hear a lot of great stories about why homes are not selling.  They usually divide into two categories: the real estate agents not doing their jobs or the sellers are uncooperative.

Like everyone else, we were stunned by the 5.9 magnitude earthquake centered in Mineral, Va., today at around 2 p.m., and felt throughout the East Coast.

Several HouseLogic bloggers live in the Washington, D.C., area, about 100 miles away from the quake’s epicenter: I’m in McLean, Va., and felt my car shaking in my driveway; Dona DeZube in Clarksville, Md., thought a gas line exploded when she felt the earth tremble; and Lara Edge, who lives in D.C., watched her neighbors run out of their homes (never leave your home!) but didn’t feel much on the street.

Rather than running into the street, the best plan is to be prepared, like by putting together an emergency kit. Also read up on whether earthquake insurance is worth it.

And follow FEMA’s advice:

During the quake

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors, and walls.

• Stay inside until the shaking stops.

• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

• If trapped under debris, don’t light a match or kick up dust. Tap on a pipe to alert rescuers.

After the quake

• Open cabinets cautiously.

• Immediately clean up spilled medicines, bleach, gasoline, or other flammable liquids. Leave if you smell gas or chemical fumes.

• Inspect your chimneys for damage.

• Check for gas leaks. If you smell or hear leaking gas, turn off the gas at the outside main valve, or call the gas company from a neighbor's home.

• Look for electrical damage — sparks, broken or frayed wires. If you suspect damage, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker.

• Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect damage, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber.

•  

Dwell360 is a residential real estate firm based in Boston and Newton Massachusetts.  Dwell360 services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston.  We are focused on our customers and our experience in the residential real estate market is extensive.  Search for homes in Massachusetts and then give us a call.

If you have a toddler who thinks midnight is a great time to hit the playground without you, or a dad with Alzheimer’s who gets lost a block from home, you need to know when someone heads out the door (or a window) of your home. 

Short of moving your family into a prison, your options for keeping everyone where they belong range from simple lock products to help child-proof doors and windows that cost about a buck to sophisticated electronic surveillance equipment costing thousands.

These products will help give you peace of mind:

• A hook and eye latch (about $1) installed at the top of the door out of reach of the toddler and out of sight of your wandering dad.
• Three or four barrel bolt locks ($4 each) installed so you have to slide some to the left and some to the right to get out. Put them at the top and bottom of the door where you wouldn’t normally look for a lock.
• Keyed window locks ($7) will keep toddlers and parents from opening the window, but heads up: If there’s an emergency, a window lock may block escape routes. You’ll have to decide which is the greater risk.
• A door mural ($40) helps disguise the front door to those with Alzheimer’s.
•  
• These products alert you when a door or window is opened:
• A string of Jingle Bells (about $4) attached to the door will tell you when it’s opened, but test to make sure you can hear the bells from all over the house.

• Electronic window alarms ($7) run on batteries and let you know when a window is opened by sounding an alarm or chime.
• If you want to know when someone gets out of bed, a pressure-sensitive mat alarm (about $10) mat will play music or blast a 105-decibel alarm when a person (or a pet) steps on it. You can also put it under a rug in front of the door.

• A motion detector alarm ($20) mounted over the front door or a window tells you when someone passes by, while mounting one under the bed will tell you when someone gets up at night.

• Experienced 80
• Top Producer 90
• Referral 70

From House Logic.

The Fourth of July -- Independence Day -- is a great time to reflect on how lucky we are to live in the United States of America, and what we can do to make our nation better, stronger, and more prosperous. As President Kennedy famously said many years ago, “Ask what you can do for your country.”

We’d all like to do our part. But our individual efforts sure seem small compared with the goings-on of world politics and global economies.

How can we — average American home owners — really achieve big goals, such as influencing national energy policy and building a strong economy? After all, we’ve got our own daily stuff to deal with: work, home repairs, getting the kids to softball practice, and the dog to the vet.

One good way is to reduce energy consumption in our own homes. This simple act can have a major impact. Not just in terms of helping hold the line on the family budget, but in slowing the ever-spiraling costs of energy. Lessening demand — even incrementally — eases the price of energy, which can free up capital that creates jobs and helps get our economy kicking.

Here are examples of small contributions you can make that add up:

• Ask cable or satellite providers for an energy-efficient set-top box, (the device that receives and dispatches TV signals to your DVR). Set-top boxes, which run 24 hours a day, have become a leading energy drain in the home. Newer Energy Star-rated models are at least 30% more efficient. If all set-top boxes sold in the U.S. were Energy Star-rated, energy savings would total $2 billion each year, and greenhouse gases would be reduced by an amount equivalent to 3 million cars and trucks.

• Replacing an old, kaput dishwasher with an Energy Star-qualified model cuts the annual energy cost of the machine by 50% — to $60 from $120. If every clothes washerpurchased in the U.S. this year were an efficient Energy Star model, the national energy savings would total $350 million, not to mention conserving 32 billion gallons of water.

• Buying a high-efficiency gas or electric water heater, when yours reaches the end of its useful life, saves 3% to 4% on the average home’s hot water bill. Energy standards enacted by the U.S. Dept. of Energy in 2010 were designed to cut energy usage of new water heaters by 3% to 4%. Over a 30-year period, U.S. consumers should save $8.7 billion and reduce CO2 emissions by 170 million tons — that’s equal to the yearly emissions of 30 million cars.

• Replacing a 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a 13-watt compact fluorescent equivalent saves $30 over the life of the bulb. Alternative: LED bulbs, although costly ($30 for 7-watts), last 3 to 4 times longer than CFLs, burn cooler, and — unlike CFLs — contain no mercury. If every home in America replaced just one incandescent bulb with an Energy Star-qualified CFL, the savings would be enough to light more than 3 million homes. The savings would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by fossil-fuel energy production equivalent to 800,000 autos.

More easy ways to be patriotic (and save):

• Create a breeze with a ceiling fan instead of using the AC. For every degree you raise the air conditioning thermostat above 78 degrees, you can save 3% to 8% on cooling costs.

• Install a programmable thermostat and save as much as $180 per year.

• Plump up attic insulation from R-11 to R-49 and save up to $600 per year.

• Turn down the thermostat on your refrigerator and save $22 per year.

• Outsmart sneaky energy vampires by turning off (or putting “to sleep”) computers, printers, and other electronics when not in use: Shave another $100 from your annual energy bill.

Let’s put the independence in Independence Day.

In what ways do you save energy in your household?

By: John Riha  

Published: July 1, 2011

Father’s Day is Sunday. And you’re wondering how to thank the guy who taught you to wield a putty knife, and to shut the door and quit heating/cooling the outside — for crying out loud!

You could buy him something. But how many World’s Greatest Dad mugs and barbecue mitts does a guy need?

Instead, spend a little time. Do some chore that Dad would otherwise do. Finish a project he hasn’t had time to complete. 

You’ll save money — now that will make Dad happy — and show your father how much you care. Here are some ideas:

• Hose off and hang up the hammock that’s still sitting in the basement. Scrub stubborn stains with a vinegar spritz.

• Dig up that weed tree that’s popped up between the hydrangeas.

• Clean gutters clogged with tree blossoms and other spring debris.

• Power wash and reseal the deck.

• Shine up the gas grill. A little baking soda will help get rid of burned-on chunkies.

• Clean out the garage — at least sweep it.

• Change the toilet flapper.

• Lay sod on lawn bare spots.

• Spackle, sand, and paint dents and holes in the walls.

• Hang up that picture of the grandchildren.

What’s the best Father’s Day gift you ever gave to your Dad? Received from your child?

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Published: June 17, 2011

Dwell360 is a residential real estate firm based in Boston and Newton Massachusetts.  Dwell360 services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston.  We are focused on our customers and our experience in the residential real estate market is extensive.  Search for homes in Massachusetts and then give us a call.

Our client wrote us a wonderful testimonial about our real estate services.  It can be read on here and on our Zillow profile.  We appreciate the kind words.

John provided excellent professional service over a 9 month period while we relocated from the west coast to Newton. He kept us in the listing loop but did not push the process. When we did finally settle on "the House", after viewing 120 houses, John and his partner Ed were able to work through any issues and kept the process for closing on track! We would highly recommend John and Ed!

~ Bought a Single Family home in 2010 for approximately $1550k in Chestnut Hill, MA.

Dwell360 is a residential real estate firm based in Boston and Newton Massachusetts.  Dwell360 services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston.  We are focused on our customers and our experience in the residential real estate market is extensive.  Search for homes in Massachusetts and then give us a call.

At Dwell360 we have a wealth of real estate information at our finger tips.  Market reports are typically one of the most requested by our clients.  Click the link to view our real estate market report for Cambridge Massachusetts.  The report reviews the residential real estate markets for the past 8 years.

Real estate and the overall residential markets are the topic of conversation.  Here at Dwell360 we live and breathe real estate every day.  That is why we keep a close pulse on the market statistics for the towns in and around the Meto Boston area.  This report for the City of Cambridge is requested often.  We have a number of other reports on file.  As a result, feel free to send us a request for a particular town.

Search Cambridge Massachusetts Real Estate For Sale.

Dwell360 is a residential real estate brokerage that has a different approach to how practice real estate.  The Dwell360 residential real estate office is in Newton Massachusetts.  We represent our clients who buy and seller real estate.  Please contact us with any questions.

Real estate and the overall residential markets are the topic of conversation on a regular basis.  Here at Dwell360 we live and breathe real estate.   That is why we keep a close pulse on the market statistics for the towns in and around the Meto Boston area.  We have a number of reports on file.  So feel free to send us a result for a particular town.

Below click the report on the Worcester real estate market for the past 8 years.  The information provides the statistics for the residential real estate market in Worcester, Massachusetts.  The report includes both single family homes and condos.

Looking for property in Worcester? Start your real estate search here.

In 1860, J.W. Black took this photo from Samuel A. King's balloon while tethered over the Boston Common.  It is the earliest aerial photograph taken in the United States.  An interesting piece of history.  The photo is from the Boston Public Library's flickr page.  

Dwell360 is a residential real estate firm based in Boston and Newton Massachusetts. Dwell360 services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston.  We are focused on our customers and our experience in the residential real estate market is extensive.  Search for homes in Massachusetts and then give us a call.

Interested in knowing the most expensive homes listed in Massachusetts.  There are 24 properties currently on the market listed above $10,000,000.  These properties are spectacular and worth a bit of a look.

The most expensive is a 9+ acre compound in Cohasset listed for $55.0m.  A home in the Back Bay of Boston on Dartmouth Street is listed for $23.0m.  There are also estates in Brookline and Weston that made the list, a few Cape Cod “summer homes”, and others. 

Click here to see the full list.

Real Estate is always fun to look at.

“Moody’s Investor Services said the Town of Wayland remains on solid financial footing.”  It is comforting to read this in the article Wayland's $100m development on track, eyed as revenue boost from Boston Business Journal today.  Even though the current real estate market has required adjustments to the original plans for the Wayland Commons town center it still is moving forward.

The strong bond rating from Moody’s also helps confirm that Wayland Massachusetts is a town worth the real estate investment.  It is important to see stability in towns and communities when considering purchasing a home.  Another factor that does impact the value of real estate in a given town is the school system.  Wayland’s is strong. 

In fact, the average value of a single family residence has increased by 7.6% in Wayland.  That is an increase in value from $585,245 in 2009 to $629,815 in 2010 for the average sale price of the home sold.  (source MLSPIN).  We also noted an increase of the number of homes sold from 128 to 133. 

The facts are certainly encouraging and we remain confident in Wayland Massachusetts real estate market.  We will continue to keep our eyes on the market and track the activity. 

~ See you soon.

Dwell360 is a residential real estate firm that currently is marketing a luxury townhome in the town of Wayland Massachusetts.  The property located within the Willow Brook community is set among the trees for a tranquil and peaceful setting.  104 Willow Brook Drive, Wayland, MA 01178 mls#71132504  

“The guys of Dwell360 provide a level of service a cut above other agencies. They take a personal interest in finding you the perfect home to fit your needs. They have a n acute knowledge of the varying neighborhoods and properties in the Boston area, and a younger progressive attitude. I've sold one house and bought two houses with them, and continue to recommend them to everyone.”

We hope everyone is enjoying the snow today!  We are enjoying working from home today.  Keep safe and warm. 

Spend a little time searching for your dream home on our website.  You can view all the properties for sale in Massachusetts on the MLS.  Sometimes it is jsut fun!  Enjoy your snow day. 

~ Your friends at Dwell360 real esate

According to CNN Florida seems to be the only state that has not gotten snow today.  "After big snow and ice events in the Southeast, Plains, and Midwest this week, 49 out of the 50 states currently have snow on the ground –  yes, even Hawaii, where snow falls in Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea all winter."

It does make us just a little jealous of our friends in Florida.  But, one of the best things about living in the Northeast is the change of seasons.  It might be a lot of work but it is an amazing sight outside.  

Read the original article from CNN:  Snow present in 49 of the 50 U.S. states

Dwell360 is a residential real estate firm based in Boston and Newton Massachusetts.  Dwell360 services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston.  We are focused on our customers and our experience in the residential real estate market is extensive.  Search for homes in Massachusetts and then give us a call.

We wish everyone a happy and healthy new year.  We hope your 2011 is a wonderful year.  

When you are considering selling and buying your home there are a few things to consider.  HGTV's FrontDoor.com creates a good list to consider in their article "Buying and Selling Your House: 11 Resolutions for 2011" By Geoff Williams, published: 12/21/2010. 

The list of list of 11 items (noted below) are all items you should think about if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the next 6-12 months.

1. I will begin thinking about fixing up my house--now.
2. I will clean out my house now.
3. I will plan now to price my house as though we're living in 2011 and not 2007.
4. Before I look to buy, I will seek pre-approval for my mortgage.
5. Before I look to buy, I will clean up my credit score.
6. I will number crunch and buy a house I can afford.
7. I will think long term.
8. I will interview more than one real estate agent.
9. I will make this a business transaction and not an emotional decision.
10. I will get a pre-inspection for my own house, before I sell it.
11. I will think about moving and other logistics now.

Happy Thanksgiving to our friends, family, past and present clients, colleagues & your families. We wish you a perfect day full of happiness. We are certainly thankful to have you as part of our family.

Property valuation websites have a lot of information to offer.  They provide details on properties, sale history, tax information, and estimate the value of the home.  As a result, they become a topic of conversation with our clients on a regular basis.  The only issue is we often find ourselves explaining to clients why the site is not always accurate.

Today, at a Boston real estate conference, Agent Reboot, Zillow representatives talked about their service and how they are among the only who post about their valuations accuracy.  Zillow’s “Zestimate” that provides value estimates of single family homes, condominiums, and multi-families are often wrong.  In fact Zillow has actually published their Zestimates accuracy for the Boston metro real estate market.  Their median error is 8.9%.  

This means if a Zestimate labeled your home with a $500,000 price tag it could really sell for $44,500 more or less than that price.  In fact only 30% of the Zestimates are within 5% of the sale price.  They actually review that 80% of the Zestimate are within 20% of the sale price.  This is a big range.  This is similar to say your home is worth $500,000 and will sell between $400,000 to $600,000.  An article published by TechSavvyAgent also clearly outlines Zillow’s accurancy.

We do like Zillow.  It is a way to collect information and we like information.  But, if you are looking to it for your only price resource in Boston, Newton, Cambridge, Brookline, and other Massachusetts towns it is not the complete picture.

Life at the Dwell360 real estate brokerage remains exciting!   

We are working hard to build a premier real estate brokerage based in Newton Massachusetts that will service the Greater Boston cities and towns. The founders, Ed and John have a track record of success that has been the foundation of Dwell360.

Our name, Dwell360 (Dwell Three Sixty) is one that was developed to be fresh, simple, and modern.  We did not want our firm’s name to look like a law firm’s collage of last names.  Our personality is more then someone’s name.  Dwell360 is a statement of progress and a brand that will grow by implementing tools, methods, and technologies that will provide results for our clients.

We hope we can help you buy or sell your home.

All we have been hearing lately from our past and present clients, our friends, and everyone else is how great of an interest rate they can get.  Our mortgage contacts and real estate attorneys have been super busy with the recent refinance boom.   We have heard people getting rates from 4 – 4.50%. 

The rates are really low.  It was not too long ago people received interest rates well above 6% and higher.  I know of one client who purchased a home with a 6.25% interest rate and now a couple of years later has refined to 4.25%.  On a $400,000 loan that is a monthly savings of $495.11 that is $5,941.32 per year.

With interest rates as low as they are currently we are surprised there are not more people searching for homes.  The markets in sections of Boston, Newton, Brookline, Cambridge, and other areas have some really positive statistics.  That being said we would think even more buyers would be out shopping for home.

The buyers we she shopping now have an amazing advantage!  The real estate market in the Boston Massachusetts area offers a lot of opportunity.  You have less competition among buyers, more flexibility in price, and low interest rates.

Be sure to contact a reputable mortgage banker for information on current rates and to learn more about what mortgage programs are available.

People in Massachusetts really love their home towns.  They have energy and excitement when they speak about their community and there are some great places to live in the Commonwealth.  Four cities in Massachusetts made it to this year’s list of “America’s 100 Best Small Cities to Live” found in August 2010 issue of Money magazine.  The City of Newton took the third place on the list, Waltham 28th, Brookline was at 39, and Weymouth was listed at 52. 

Money magazine “this year focused on the nation’s small cities (those with populations of 50,000 to 300,000).  Reporters crunched reams of data to find the optimal combo of job opportunities, fiscal strength, top-notch schools, low crime, good health care, lots to do, and many other factors that help a town great for raising a family.”  They also took a look at the overall strength of the economy and housing market in various American metro areas. 

It becomes clear the real estate and economic climate in Massachusetts is a bit more promising then some other areas in the country.  Money’s research pointed out that the metro area of Peabody and Boston have a “strong” economy and housing market with metro Cambridge getting the  best rating of being the “strongest.”  We think this is pretty consistent with what we have seen in the past year within the housing market itself.

The City of Newton Massachusetts with a population 82,000, 13 villages, and a rich New England heritage ranked third on the list of top 100 cities in Money magazine.  The magazine highlighted the cities great schools, low crime, and strong economy as reasons for the favorable standing.  It also noted pricey homes and traffic as negatives just west of Boston.  We are also happy to see that it got noticed for having an “A” grade for “Arts/leisure” and for the “health” category.  Schools are important in Newton, well ranked, and just this week the new, 413,000 square foot, $197 million dollar, Newton North High School opened its doors and features a college like amenities that is simply state-of-the-art. 

With a population of 60,000 the City of Waltham Massachusetts was ranked 28th on the Money list.  It scored an “A” grade for the Arts/leisure along with health.  Housing affordability, though lower then Newton, is still high compared to other cities on the top 100 list.  This city has seen recent renovations to their schools.  Moody street is filled with restaurants and nightlife, home to Brandeis and Bentley University, and economically strong do to the large of corporations that call Waltham home. 

Brookline Massachusetts with a 58,000 population is listed 39th on the list top America’s 100 Best Small Cities list.  It might not get the best markets for housing affordability but this town gets the grade for everything else.  Exclusive condos typically exceed a price tag of $500,000 and single family homes often considered estates reach well past the multiple million dollar value.  Brookline’s exciting location next to Boston, active neighborhoods, public transportation, high-owner occupancy, and great schools make this town both stable and exclusive. 

The fourth Massachusetts city on Money’s list is Weymouth Massachusetts and ranked at 52. Located on the south shore this area has more affordable homes and features 12 miles of ocean front.  It is has reasonable commute to Boston.  The location also provides its residences to beach, access to Cape Cod, and other exciting cultural and leisure actives in the area. 

There are many fine cities and towns in Massachusetts.  These are four that have been listed by Money magazine this year.  We think they are great communities that deserve to be highlighted.

Dwell360 is a residential real estate brokerage in Massachusetts founded by Edward Johnston and John Lynch.  Our experienced agents have a proven track record of success in the metropolitan Boston real estate market.  Our offices in Newton and Boston help us service our clients in and around Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton, Needham, Wellesley, Weston, and other premier towns. Feel free to contact us.

We have just listed a wonderful Brighton condo in the heart of Cleveland Circle.  Year to date, 1/1/2010 - 7/1/2010 we have seen 157 condos sell in Brighton with an average sale price of $295,724.  It has been an active time and is becoming a great time to get into the market.

Brighton continues to be an area on the cutting edge of city life.  Surrounded by various colleges and universities, its accessibility in and around Boston, and is hip residents keep this area very exciting.  It would not take much time to find something great to do in Brighton or in the area of Cleveland Circle never mind the access you get to the surrounding community by way of the B, C, and D trains of the Green line.

93 Strathmore is in the heart of this wonderful area.  Tucked into a Brighton neighborhood is this wonderful building.  A sun lit, top floor, corner unit, that easily can be called home.  This one bedroom is spacious home, has hardwood floors, high ceilings, large bedroom, and plenty of closets.  An inviting foyer leads to an oversized living room.  Relax in your eat-in kitchen with treetop views.  Come visit this property today for its fantastic location.

This condo is a great opportunity. $225,000

Brookline Massachusetts is an exciting town and great Boston neighbor.  The average sales price year-to-date (1/1/2010 – 7/1/2010) for a condo in Brookline is $526,176 with 291 condos sold.  Our newest listing 7 Verndale is a great opportunity to become a past of a great community rich in history with a strong real estate market.

The Town of Brookline is an amazing place made up of fantastic restaurants, shopping, cultural centers, parks, playgrounds, and serene neighborhoods.  This town it is easier to find higher owner occupancy rates and condos within buildings that truly show price of ownership.  Coolidge Corner is one of the hubs of great activity in Brookline and 7 Verndale is a location that affords the opportunity for you to take advantage of what life in Brookline offers.

This home is a spacious and updated three bedroom condo in a turn-of-the-century brownstone with access to Harvard Street, the T, Coolidge Corner, and more.  Set on a residential tree-lined street you also have access to parks and playgrounds.  It is a home all about the conveniences of the city with the serenity of a residential setting. 

The inviting foyer is what greats you upon entering this home.  Features like the fireplace, open living and dining rooms, updated kitchen with pantry, built-ins, extra storage, parking, new windows, washer and dryer, and more are just some of the highlights of this home.

This access that the resident will have to Brookline life is excellent.  A place that will afford a buyer the excitement of the city with the tranquility of a tree-lined street.  Parks are just around the corner, restaurants on Commonwealth Avenue and Harvard Street are excellent.  Plan a visit today.  Listed at $519,000

We are excited to present 61Quint.com for sale.  It was about five years ago when we represented our client in the purchase of this great property.  It has been a great home and as great things happen it is time to move on.  We could not have been happier to get the call again to help sell the condo.

This Allston condo is in the heart of the activity that surrounds Allston, Brighton, and Brookline.  This area is often perceived to be a center point of accessing some of the best Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts, along with businesses in Cambridge, Watertown, Boston, Newton, and other nearby locations.

This condos location puts its occupants in a hip community with access to nightlife, restaurants, pubs, clubs, shopping, and a vibrant neighborhood.  Allston, a neighborhood of Boston, has excellent access to the trolleys, buses, and trains of the MBTA T.  This community is an exciting place.

61 Quint Avenue is a condo perched on the top floor of a well respected Allston building.  The living room, 21 x 21, is window lined, sun-filled, circular, and has a tree-topped view.  This unique living room is part of a building with architectural interest that has truly been maintained by the owners with pride. 

The condo also features an updated kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.  The interior of the condo had been freshly painted, has gleaming hardwood floors and new windows.  Each of the two bedrooms is spacious and has very good closets.

Don’t forget the new common roof deck & assigned parking.  You can slip up to a space that overlooks the tree-tops and surrounding community.  It is an unique site for an Allston condo.  Laundry & storage are located in the basement.  Move right in.

We are so excited to help our clients again.  Listed at $319,000.

Just a few days ago Ed and I left William Raveis Real Estate to begin opening our new firm Dwell360 (Dwell Three Sixty.)  It has been an exciting few days.  At this has been taking place I picked up and flew to California to attend the Inman Connect an innovative real estate conference.  Ed has been powering all the progress back at headquarters.

It has been a successful few days.  Some clients have called looking to list their homes and buyers are heating up their searches.  I have been hearing from real estate leaders and influencers about their companies, their products, and real estate industries growth.

Craig Newmark of Craigslist has some great things to say about the social phenomenon around Craig’s List and real estate.  Social media has been one of the top topics at the conference and Reddit.com founder Alexis Ohanian nicely outlined how social media really can propel a topic into the minds of the public.  These and the many other speakers have been extremely interesting.

Property search is going to change over the next few years.  The search functionality will be more intuitive and free flowing.  Also, the need for mobile solutions is something at the top of everyone’s list here at Inman.  I have identified a few great ways the Dwell360 will be able to leverage technologies to be at the front of the real estate marketing online and with mobile. 

Technology in real estate is always changing and I am excited to see that we will be a part of the evolution.  For your clients this will ultimately mean we will provide better results!

See you soon!

We are very excited to announce that we will be launching our own independent real estate brokerage here in Massachusetts.  Ed Johnston and John Lynch will be building DWELL360 a boutique brokerage that is focused on providing clients with the best possible service from well qualified real estate agents.  The towns of service will include Boston, Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, Cambridge, and other communities that we have worked in throughout the Metro Boston area.

We look forward to this new and exciting chapter!

Ed & John

Today, I came across an article from CNNMoney.com titled “6 biggest mistakes home buyers make.”  After taking a look at the list I thought the six items are noteworthy.  I am not sure if they are the biggest mistakes that a buyer can make.  But, the list is one worth review.  Here is why I think the six items they mention are important to a buyer.

1.      Know Your Credit Score – Your credit score one of the major factors in what a bank will review and consider when approving you for a mortgage.  Not only do you need to know your score you need to know what that score represents.

2.      Don’t buy a car before a house – Or any other major purchase.  When you make large purchases your credit can be affected and your cash reserves will also be affected.  If you took a loan for that new car now you might feel more pressure to qualify for a mortgage.  If you paid cash for that same car, keeping that cash on hand in the bank, could have better results for you qualifying for a better rate on your mortgage.

3.      Skimping on a home inspection – We spend a lot of time with our clients making sure they do not skimp on their home inspection.  This is a critical time to learn about your home and perform any needed due diligence.  You need to take the time to be a part of this important process.

4.      No Attorney – We encourage everyone to have an attorney when they are buying a property.  Often there are many unforeseen issue that arise with the title, the sale, and the parties involved.  A good agent will help control that but certain issues an attorney needs to handle.  Often with a great team in place you will not even notice the issues.

5.      No Contingencies – You should have a home inspection contingency or mortgage contingency when you are purchasing a home.  If you know you need a mortgage then you should never waive that element of the offer.  Contingencies are part of your offer to protect your interest.

6.      Budgeting for Insurance – It is important to budget for the other items associated with home purchase.  Home owners insurance is one, don’t forget about property taxes, utility bills, and landscaping.  If you are upsizing or first time home buyer these items might be more expensive then you are used too.

A great buyer’s agent will help you thought the process and make sure you do not make any big mistakes.  These six from CNNMoney’s are notable along with others.  So, take your time making that purchase and all will go smoothly.  

It has been wet, very wet, here is Massachusetts.  To the point that FEMA announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  This is a significant resource for the state to help correct the damage of these major rain storms.

“The president's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Bristol, Essex,

Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. Assistance can include grants for

temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other

programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.”

More information from FEMA

Along with the federal aid programs available

This also could impact a buyer’s mortgage on a home in the above counties mentioned.  It may require re-inspection by the appraiser or some other addition paperwork.  So if your currently involved in a real estate transaction be sure to address this issue with your lender or real estate agents.  

Today, Ed and John are launching their team website, www.JohnstonLynch.com.  The new website is a new platform that will help us get information to our clients faster and be more effective in our marketing efforts. 

The new website has an integrated blog and property search capabilities.  The site also integrated our listing websites so they are continuously featured to visitors of the site.  We have streamlined our marketing that has always been successful, and created an even easier way to communicate, consult, and market real estate. 

Be sure to stop by on a regular bases to see more information about real estate in the Metro Boston neighborhoods.

See you soon, Ed & John 

Johnston | Lynch Group at William Raveis Real Estate

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