At $3.9 million, the 21 Holyoke Street home is a must see for anyone interested in luxury real estate in the Boston area.

For more information about this spectacular home in the South End, please contact Shelagh Brennan at (617) 896-5002 and schedule a showing today!

Rachel Slade’s off-kilter take on Hub dwellings.

By Rachel Slade

Pahk the Cah – For $350K
Life just keeps getting tougher for Back Bay die-hards, as ex-suburbanites pour into the city with their pedigreed dogs and black BMW’s. So when circling the block for three hours after a hard day’s work loses its charm, it’s time to invest in some asphalt. But with only a handful of parking spots listed on the MLS, the Back Bay’s alleys are precious property, indeed. Case in point: Though a two-vehicle tandem space between Commonwealth Avenue and Newbury Street is exposed to all the elements – snow (BYO shovel), inebriated students – it costs about $1,000 a square foot, making it some of the priciest pavement in the world. Get a Zipcar account, you say?
That’s part of the problem–the car-sharing powerhouse has already gobbled up 107 spots around the neighborhood. Where’s teleportation when you need it?
Address: 132 Commonwealth Avenue, #5/6 Listing Price: $350,000, Listing Agent: Shelagh Brennan, Cabot and Company, 617-896-5002, cabotandcompany.com, Stats: One big, expensive slab of pavement in the Back Bay.

January 2012

Congratulations, you have been hired! According to a recent article on Forbes.com, Boston tied for 13th of cities to be hiring this year. Overall, there is an 11% net hiring expectancy in the U.S.

What does this mean to you as a new hire and possible relocater to Boston? Consider that rental prices in Boston are already high and availability extremely low. This is before this job growth news!

5 Tips from Cabot and Company Real Estate

1. Find a reputable real estate agency. Our agents at Cabot and Company in Boston’s Back Bay are experienced professionals. Visit www.cabotandcompany.com or call 617-262-6200.

2. Begin your search as early as possible. As soon as you get the employment green light, preferably 60-90 days in advance, reach out and start your search.

3. Identify the key neighborhoods you will live in. Keep transportation and proximity to work in mind.

4. Make some transportation decisions. Boston has a great public transit system. The city has recently added many bicycle lanes. Boston is a walking city and there are many very accessible short term car rental options.

5. Organize paperwork and funds in advance of finding an apartment so you can act quickly when you see a good option. Once again, the seasoned agents at Cabot and Company real estate can assist you in your search.

Congratulations!

The event will be held at 337 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA in the Back Bay for the newly $100K price reduxed home, Unit 40, and kicks off this Sunday,  Jan. 8, from 12-1pm.

For more information about this property or interested in learning more about available Back Bay homes, please contact the Cabot & Company offices, today!

For the first time since the economic downturn began in 2008, the monthly national average for commercial real estate prices showed year-over-year improvement. According to the report, in October 2011, prices increased 2.2% from the same period a year ago. The average transaction size (+29.4%) and overall transaction volume (+23%) are both showing positive improvement.

Another positive sign for the commercial real estate market is that the ratio of distressed sales continues to decline. In March 2011, 35.4% of all repeat sales were distressed sales. In October, that number shrank to 25.2% nationally.

As we head into the new year, this positive trend should continue. Interest rates are at record lows, which is presenting great opportunities for businesses to buy their retail and office spaces rather than continue to rent. Commercial real estate is also a popular investment vehicle amidst the recent uncertainty in the stock market.

Call Eric Shabshelowitz at 617-896-5010 or email him at eric@cabotandcompany.com to learn more about commercial real estate opportunities in and around Boston.

Rent Rates for Boston Retail Space

Rental rates in the Boston retail market are slightly lower than last quarter (down 0.2%) and essentially flat from one year ago (down 0.07%).  In the Back Bay, quoted retail rent rates for the third quarter averaged $60.87 per square foot; in the South End, $31.22 per square foot; and the Financial District, $35.00 per square foot.

Largest Lease Signings in Greater Boston

The largest lease signings of 2011 include a 60,000 square foot lease by Stop & Shop at Atlantic Plaza (Reading, MA), a 45,000 square foot lease by Whole Food Market in Lynnfield, MA, and most recently, a 43,998 square foot lease by Restoration Hardware in Boston’s Back Bay.  Restoration Hardware will be moving into the former Louis Boston building.

Improvement in the Market

While rent rates are down, the Boston retail market showed improvement in the third quarter.  The vacancy rate is down to 4.6% for the Boston market.  In the Back Bay, which includes premier shopping destination Newbury Street, vacancy is down to 3.6%.

With the improvement of the market, now is a wise time to invest in retail properties.  Single-tenant, triple-net leases, for instance, are becoming increasingly popular as investment opportunities; particularly with the recent ups-and-downs of the stock market.

Call Eric Shabshelowitz at 617-896-5010 or email him at eric@cabotandcompany.com to learn more about retail leasing and sales opportunities throughout the Greater Boston area.

330 Darmtouth, #1A, Boston, MA

330 Dartmouth, #1A, Boston, MA

Listed at $439,000, this Back Bay one bedroom is as nice as Boston Condos get!   Located within close proximity to Copley Square and the Prudential Center.

View the full listing and more photos, or schedule a showing

330 Darmtouth, #1B, Boston, MA

330 Dartmouth, #1B, Boston, MA

Listed at $435,000, this one bedroom condo is a charmer!  Located on in the Back Bay and downtown neighborhoods, this desirably located Boston condo can be your new home!

View the full listing and more photos, or schedule a showing here.

Downtown Boston's thriving commercial space

Boston Commercial Real Estate Rent Changes

Across the city, rents were down 2.1% in the third quarter of 2011.  The average rent rate for office space in the Boston area is down to $20.39 per square foot.  Class A rates saw the greatest decrease – coming down to $26.36 per square foot from $27.94 per square foot in the prior quarter.  In Boston’s central business district (which includes premier areas such as the Back Bay and the Financial District), rent rates are down nearly 8% from Q2 to $34.36 per square foot.

Vacancy and Availability

It appears that prospective tenants are taking advantage of these lower rents, as the amount of available space is down as well.  Availability in the Boston area dropped by 4% in the third quarter of 2011, which leaves Boston with an 11% vacancy rate overall.  In Boston’s central business district, vacancy is slightly higher (around 11.2%) but is still down from Q2.

Conclusion

Rent rates are still down, but available spaces are getting filled up rapidly.  Now is an excellent time to look for a new space for your business! Call Eric Shabshelowitz at 617-896-5010 or email him at eric@cabotandcompany.com to learn more about Boston investment property or commercial opportunities available throughout the Greater Boston area.

Open Concept Living & Entertaining

337 Commonwealth Avenue is an elegant and spacious two bedroom, two bathroom penthouse in Back Bay.

This home features open concept living and entertaining area, and a dazzling private roofdeck!

The home had high ceilings, skylights, and beautifully maintained original detail, central air conditioning, and in-unit laundry.

There is a custom-built work station and study area, and an oversize master bedroom en suite.  The kitchen has a soapstone island, wine fridge, and stainless steel appliances. Parking is available, too!

This Boston luxury penthouse has it all!  If you are interested in viewing this back Bay penthouse for sale, please Contact Rene Rodriguez at 617-896-5006 today!

REMINDER:  If you’re coming to the Open House on Sunday, don’t forget to set your clock back an hour for Daylight Savings Time this Sunday!

Master Bedroom en Suite

Views and Deck

Kitchen with Island

Second Bedroom

Come see it for yourself during our next Open House on Sunday, October 30th from 12pm-1pm.

106 Marlboro Street is a charming historic building originally built in 1890, and completely renovated in 1984, located in the prestigious Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.  106 Marlboro Street Unit #6 is a meticulously maintained two-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo currently for sale in this unique building.

The living room features hardwood floors, high ceilings, and large windows with wide windowsills and views of the neighborhood. The primary features of the room, however, are the large black marble fireplace surrounded by gorgeous built-in shelving and cabinetry.  The detailed crown moldings, wainscoting, and case moldings in this Back Bay condo add warmth and character to the room as well.  The setting is perfect for hosting social gatherings, or enjoying a quiet night of sitting by the fireplace.

The kitchen has been completely updated with new cabinets, stainless steel stove, modern appliances, recessed lighting and more.

Please contact Shelagh Brennan at 617-896-5002 to schedule a viewing or learn more about this exquisite 2-Bedroom Back Bay Condo for Sale!

Click here to view the full property listing and more photos.