Carol Korbman's archive
2008-2009 Summary of the Boston Real Estate Market
Looking at this 2009 chart breaking down condo prices in Boston neighborhoods, we are now hoping that the bottom of the Boston market is not looking so bad. Here's why:
First of all, there are a fairly healthy number of sales considering the economic climate.
Secondly, if the construction of new luxury buildings (such as "The Mandarin" on Boylston Street) are taken out of the equation, the double digit percentages would be substantially lower than is currently shown the last 2 quarters of the year in Back Bay.
Additionally, the high numbers evident in the first two quarters of The Waterfront are due to The Fairmont Battery Wharf project development.
Condo Prices in Boston Neighborhoods
Lastly, in comparison to the rest of the country, an average selling time of 3 and 1/2 months is manageable for most sellers.
So take heart Boston, and remember what comes down must go up - and the "down" is all relative!
My relocating experience from Mexico to Boston
When I moved from Mexico City to Boston twenty two years ago finding a place to rent was a very scary thing. Not knowing the city and all its neighborhoods was frightening. As many foreigners do, I walked into a real estate office and had an instant connection with the broker who happened to be the owner. He was so nice and genuine, and took me under his wing showing me a bunch of apartments in the city; I ended up renting one of them from him, where I lived very happily for two years. To this day, I feel very grateful to him. Now, being a Spanish speaking broker in the city, I enjoy being on the other side of the coin and helping out international customers who come into my office looking for a place to live. I think I connect with them immediately and they can sense that, which makes them more at ease. Whether you are coming from another country or from another state, here are a couple of tips that will make your housing experience a little bit easier:
- Find a reputable real estate company.
- Bring a map of the city with public transportation well marked.
- Any broker's fee you pay is well worth it.
- Narrow down the area in which you want to live in considering proximity to work or school.
- Carry all your documents and id's with you.
- Try to set up an US local bank account and a cell phone as soon as possible.
- If you are not fluent in English, try to find a broker that speaks your language.
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My company has been in business for over 35 years and has many listings for rent and sale in the city. My name is Carol Korbman and I welcome your call!
Hace veintidós años cuando me mude de la ciudad de México a Boston, buscar un departamento para rentar fue una experiencia muy difícil. El no conocer la ciudad, ni sus barrios fue escalofriante. Como la mayoría de los extranjeros, entre a una oficina de bienes raíces e instantáneamente me relacione con el corredor, el cual era el dueño. El, siendo honesto y amable, me tomo bajo su ala mostrándome varios departamentos en la ciudad; acabe rentando uno de ellos, donde viví muy feliz por dos años. Hasta la fecha estoy agradecida por haberlo conocido. Ahora, siendo una corredora en la ciudad de Boston, disfruto estar en el otro lado de la moneda, ayudando a los clientes internacionales que vienen a mi oficina buscando un lugar donde vivir. Me identifico inmediatamente con ellos, lo cual lo pueden percibir y los tranquiliza. Ya sea que vienes de otro país o de otro estado, aquí te ofrezco varios consejos los cuales te facilitarán el proceso:
- Encuentra una oficina de bienes raíces que tenga buena reputación.
- Trae un mapa de la ciudad en el cual está marcado el transporte público.
- Vale la pena pagar los honorarios al corredor.
- Reduce a unas cuantas secciones de la ciudad en las que quisieras vivir tomando en consideración la proximidad a tu trabajo o escuela.
- Carga todos tus documentos e identificaciones contigo.
- Trata de abrir una cuenta en un banco local y un celular local lo antes posible.
- Si no hablas o no entiendes mucho ingles, trata de encontrar un corredor que hable tu idioma.
Mi compañía fue fundada hace más de 35 años y tiene muchas propiedades para rentar y vender en la ciudad de Boston. Me llamo Carol Korbman y aprecio tu llamada!
