Boston Realty Advisors is pleased to announce that Vivian Zottola has joined our team as a Residential Sales Associate, representing buyers and sellers.

Vivian has lived in Boston for over 20 years, giving her a great understanding of the city’s various neighborhoods and real estate market. She attended Suffolk University, receiving her undergraduate degree in Economics, and then received her graduate degree in Communications Management from Simmons College.  

•      Compare the rent vs. buy numbers
• Learn how to protect your interest
• Review the overall buying process
• Overview of Boston market trends
• Closing cost credit offer
• Complimentary pre-approval     

Many people are faced with the all important question of:  Should I buy now?  Or should I rent?  The Boston Globe Magazine came out with a great article earlier this month highlighting pros/cons, the risks and expenses of each, and more.  This may help answer some questions you have!

http://www.boston.com/realestate/news/articles/2010/03/14/should_you_buy_or_rent/

Please contact lguittarr@bradvisors.com

The rain has finally stopped and it is time to get back on the apartment hunt!

I currently have a large 2BR on East 7th and H for $1,975 available NOW.
Extra room can be used as an office or large walk in closet: new windows, furnace, and gas water heater keep utilities LOW.  Private deck and backyard are a plus, hardwood throughout, basement storage, free laundry in building, pets okay. This place is easy to show.

I also have a 1BR on corner of E and W Broadway, which is a quiet unit set back from the street that has a lot of color and charm as well as size.  1BR 1bath, garden level unit, with dishwasher, central ac, gas fireplace, w/d hookups, hardwood floors, new appliances, back covered patio, spacious wet bar and a HOT TUB.  Available now, easy to show!

Contact me today to see images and set up appointments at these or any of my other listings, we can get you into any available listing in Southie!

 
Lindsay Guittarr

lguittarr@bradvisors.com
 

In December, a new restaurant opened up off of A street in Southie.  Barlow's is a new addition to this up and coming area of Boston known for it's warehouses and lofts.  Brick walls, high ceilings, and local art provide a nice ambiance, with the bar located in the center of the restaurant.  It is also participating in Boston Restaurant week right now, and you can check out the menus here.

The following is an excerpt of the Boston Globe article, which further delves into the restaurant and its cuisine:

Since moving to South Boston after college in '03, many friends have also found their way over there as well.  Obviously a new location poses many questions, where is the best pizza place, where do you get your hair cut, best place for coffee, etc etc.  After realizing how often I was asked these same questions, I decided to make up my own 'southie cheat sheet' that serves as a guide for anyone new to the area, here are my picks!

NURTURE SALON - www.nurturesalonandspa.com  modern and cozy hair and nail salon at a convenient L street location, ask for Mandy  :)

OCEAN TAN SALON - Dorchester st nail salon, fast and cheap, this is my top pick for you girls needing a manicure or pedicure

CRANBERRY CAFE - An E Broadway and K street spot for great sandwiches or coffee

BROADWAYS BEST - www.broadwaysbestpizza.com  Huge takeout menu but I have to admit, we like it here because they deliver frozen yogurt!  mix and match flavors and you will have a tasty treat after dinner delivered right to your door

BAYVIEW LIQUOR - good spot on Dorchester St, not to mention they will deliver it to your door!  (617) 268-7612

BOSTON ATHLETIC CLUB (BAC) - www.bostonathleticclub.com/  Popular spot for anyone looking to break a sweat, check out their website for all the classes they have, as well as gym equipment, tennis and boot camp options, among others.  I believe the monthly membership is $79/month now, if you go tell them I sent you!

SALSA'S - www.salsasmexican.com  craving mexican food?  head to this quirky cozy spot on Dorchester St, great sangria!

PLAYWRIGHT/BEER GARDEN - www.playwright.com  www.bostonbeergarden.com/  whether you want to play some bar trivia after work or have your own southie sunday funday, these 2 bars on E Broadway are packed 7 days a week, Thursday nights are the most popular

SWEET TOOTH - www.sweettoothboston.com  amazing bakery on W Broadway if you are looking to indulge

PIZZA - L street and Land of Pizza are my picks, there are enough pizza places in southie to have you trying a new one every week for months

K & 8TH MARKET - old school mini market on the corner of, you guessed it, K and East 8th streets, known for their marinated steak tips and chicken, anyone with a back deck or roofdeck makes a point to go here atleast 1x a week

HABIT -  www.habitshop.com  North End style clothing boutique on E Broadway

TERIYAKI HOUSE - www.teriyakihouse.info  tasty chinese food and sushi at this South Boston location, quick delivery too!

CASTLE ISLAND - Great stretch of boardwalk that is a loop, popular with all ages and especially those with dogs.  Make sure you stop by Sullivan's for a snack in the summer months

BYOD - http://www.byodwash.com/  This somewhat new SB location is a hit among us dog owners (and in Southie there are a lot of us).  Great spot for special treats or toys, lots of leashes and collars to choose from too.  They also do grooming but they are known for the self service tubs you use to wash your own dog!  Pick your shampoo flavor and get started, they provide everything you need from the brush, shampoo, blow dryer, etc.  Your dog will leave there looking amazing

PAWSTONIAN - www.thepawstonian.com/  Another spot my pup spends a lot of time at, going there since he was 11 weeks old, this place is heaven for any dog at any age that loves to play.  $18 for a half day, $29 for a full day, drop off as early as 7am and pick up by 7pm.  (more on these to come for those dog lovers out there), best way to wear the dog out while you're at work!

FARRAGUT HOUSE - www.farraguthouse.com  on P and East 6th streets, this cozy old fashioned bar and restaurant is great for some comfort food, and if you like karoke, be sure to stop by on Friday nights

SIDEWALK CAFE - This E 4th and M street take out place is sure to have a line outside every saturday and sunday morning.  Breakfast lunch and dinner is available, yet their breakfast sandwiches and many different flavored iced coffees will be a reason to roll out of bed after a night out

Hope these help to all you newcomers, please comment if I missed any! 

Lindsay

lguittarr@bradvisors.com

It's just about that time of year, St. Patrick's Day!  Southie is famous for it's annual parade, it is pretty much Boston's version of mardi gras.  From babies to those who have spent their whole life in South Boston, it is something for everyone to enjoy.  This year it will be on Sunday March 14th.  (Always held on a Sunday).  Come see for yourself!

Another fun aspect is the close vicinity to the harpoonbrewery with it's Oktoberfest and St. Patrick's day festival among a few others.  Please see link for more info, a very popular thing to do!  http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/index.cfm?pid=28571

please contact me at lguittarr@bradvisors.com with any questions!   

Do you want a parking spot with your cool new apartment?  Most likely.  Do you want to pay the high price to rent a spot or pay extra for a unit that comes with a spot?  Doubtful.  Don't worry, you don't!  The #1 question I get from the 'newbies' to Southie is 'how bad is the parking'?  Many people get scared off by the thought and process of getting a resident parking sticker, especially in Southie.  A few years ago, there was no such thing as 'resident parking'.  I had lived in SB for a few years and was so happy I didn't have to ever change my car's registration over to Boston from my parents' address on the south shore.  But then the time came........and it was either suck it up and change my registration or get rid of my car.  Do you need to have a car to get around in Southie?  Absolutely not, some of my friends have never had one and have no complaints.  You can walk pretty much anywhere and if you need to get downtown, the bus and T system is a cinch, and cheap, a cab downtown is $10 or less too.  But, if you do have a car and want to keep it, don't be scared off by Southie and the supposed tough parking!  I have never had to park more than 1 block away from my apartment in 6 years of living here, it's not as scary as you might think.

If you do move to Southie and have some questions regarding permits and what you need to get one, see the link below for some helpful information and don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments @ lguittarr@bradvisors.com

http://www.cityofboston.gov/transportation/parkprogr.asp 

For anyone relocating to Boston or just moving within, Southie is one hot spot right now.  Young professionals enjoy a quick commute downtown, the many restaurants and bars to choose from, and the neighborhood feel you get while still living in the city.  For what is considered 'slow season' in rentals, this winter has been anything but in South Boston.  The typical big move in month is September but now more than ever people are looking for units in the off season.  It's a great spot to live and the perfect alternative if you are looking for something more affordable than the Back Bay and South End!