Moving From a Large House to a Condo in Boston
April 23, 2011 Buying a property in Boston is certainly an educational process. You need to familiarize yourself with the local real estate market, comparable sale prices, and the different neighborhoods in the area.
If you’re moving from a large, beautiful house in the suburbs, it can be a very emotional decision to move into an urban condo in Boston and can drastically change your life style. The questions and concerns usually are:
• Do I really want to make the change?
• I/we would like to look at real estate, but can’t formulate what we/I are looking for.
• Show me what I can get for ($$$$$$).
• Educate me about different Boston neighborhoods and the homes for sale in my price range.
• Give me some comparable sales.
• What can I/we rent for $$$$?
This is when an experienced, market savvy broker with in-depth knowledge of the local market comes handy. An effective agent will listen to her buyers’ needs, educate them about the unique Boston neighborhoods and, based on their price range, waste as little of their time as possible to narrow down the search quickly and get the best result.
For example, historic Back Bay and Beacon Hill are considered Boston’s most expensive and luxurious neighborhoods, with a broad range of residences and shops right outside your doorstep. Le Jardin is located in the heart of the Back Bay and overlooks Boston’s Public Garden.
[caption id="attachment_112" align="aligncenter" width="320" caption="Le Jardin"][/caption]
The South End is another vibrant, urban neighborhood that is very edgy, full of art galleries, fabulous restaurants, loft-like condos, single family homes etc. Listings like 19 Rutland Square are unique properties in this area.
[caption id="attachment_108" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="19 Rutland Square"][/caption]
However, if you’re not ready to sacrifice a spacious yard for outdoor entertaining, Brookline would be your better option. Properties like the Cottage Farm provide sumptuous luxury without compromising as much space.
[caption id="attachment_109" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Cottage Farm"][/caption]
Each Boston neighborhood offers a different set of pros/cons, and I’m here to give you enough information to narrow your search and find the best home for your needs.