As I am sure many of you have read, Boston is undergoing several transformations throughout several of its neighborhoods. Some are undergoing new additions, while others are getting renovated.

Here is an inside look with David Manfredi, principal of Elkus Manfredi Architects, whose firm happens to be one of which that is highly involved with several current/upcoming projects.

"Given all the development in places like Dudley Square, the Fenway, and the South Boston Waterfront, how do you expect the design and atmosphere of the city to change in coming years?

We’re very fortunate, planners and architects especially, to be in Boston. There is activity here, and there are large parts of the country where there’s not nearly as much activity. What’s exciting is that we have this incredible waterfront that sits right next to our downtown, and there is a lot of development there now. It’s not like we’re building at the edges; we’re building so close to the heart of everything." ...Read more HERE (photo credit boston.com) 

On October 6th, 25 brand new lofts will be auctioned off. Minimum bids will start at $115,000! The average minimum bid is more than 50% off the last asking price - making these an unbelievable value.



These lofts boastopen floor plans, 10' - 16' ceilings, gorgeous kitchens w/ stainless steel appliances & granite countertops, private terraces & balconies available, exposed beams, spa-like baths, oversized factory-sized windows, with a mixture of hardwood and polished concrete floors.



DNA Lofts is located at the desirable northern tip of Dorchester, steps to the Redline T, where an influx of new restaurants and retail has created a "buzz" within the residential community. 


 At 9 West Broadway in the Boston Seaport, bordering South Boston and the Financial District, is a handsome luxury penthouse loft waiting to be plucked off the market. Unit 605 is nothing short than impressive. Attached with a price tag of a cool $1.899 million, it’s definitely a Boston luxury condo worth checking out. 

 

Why do they call these the dog days of summer I wonder? Could it have anything to do with consuming hot dogs perhaps? 

I read somewhere or maybe heard it on a radio talk show Howie Carr or NPR or somewhere that in 2009, consumers spent more than $1.6 billion that's BILLION with a B on hot dogs and sausages in U.S. supermarkets. Gosh if you think about it that's alot of dogs! Or could it be they call it dog days of summer simply because someone once noticed a correlation between a hot day and their lazy dog just laying around in the shade doing nothing.  Just resting.  Could it be that simple I wonder? Interesting. 

Well it seems we sure are experiencing some pretty serious dog days so far this month!  100-105 degrees oh my! And I'll tell you it affects me. Not just the way the heat makes me feel slow but it affects work. While I can lay in the shade and rest any time I want in the type of work I do...that would be real estate sales.... unfortunately I can't do it for long.  As a REALTOR I'm pretty much self employed and often host open houses on Sunday's to meet prospective buyers (a small part of the marketing I do to reach out to prospective clients).  In the Real Estate world Sundays it seems is the traditional day to host open houses.  It sounds logical because most work from Monday to Friday however is it really practical? Does it make sense to host open houses on a weekend in the summer time? The dog days of summer time.

Hosting open houses hasn't been so much fun these past few weeks.  I assume if you're a sales agent or know one (and most of us know someone who is one) you know what I mean.  I really don't mind giving up a hot day at the beach or laying by my brother's pool to stand instead in a beautiful air conditioned home for a few hours.  Especially these days it's more important to me that I build my business and a future retirement.  God knows I've done enough bathing, lounging and BBQing to last a life time. As I said it's not so bad hosting an open house during these hot dog days. So I do it for myself and for others I work with at my company.  I stand there in the comfort of an air conditioned unit with iced coffee in one hand and listing sheet in the other.  Then someone enters!!!  And I've got to say how exciting it is when that sweaty, drained and tired home seeker happens to finally come through my door! Can you imagine how excited I am?.!?# I smile at them and offer a hand shake.  Some catch their breath while kindly shewing me away with a grin not interested in talking with me and others engage in a little kabitzing then off they go.  These days it seems there are fewer and fewer visitors.  Maybe I should consider offering lemonade or something thirst quenching...hmmm...

Seems many a Sunday has passed with only a few to none pay me a visit at my air conditioned listing.  Other than offering an iced beverage we're doing all the right things. Advertising. Marketing. Could they all be enjoying themselves at the beach on these dog days of summer? Or perhaps basking in the shade under a tree drinking their ice tea?  Yeah I'll bet they are hanging out being handed a beer and a grilled dog somewhere fun. 

Well we all work hard and deserve to enjoy dog days off especially on the weekend when all of our freinds are doing the same thing.  Enjoying themselves that is..  And who really wants to walk around 105 degree Boston touring open houses sweating bullets all over the place when they could be sprawled out with their face planted in a blanket on Carson Beach in Southie or sailing the Boston Harbor with friends or throwing a fishing line out to hook one of the many thousands of yummy striped bass swimming our waters right now!!

But isn't touring open houses important to some of you who recognize property values and interest rates are at the lowest they have ever been in a LONG time?  Touring open houses gives buyers AND sellers a better perspective of what a certain square footage can buy them in a particular neighborhood of interest.  It's an opportunity to investigate, talk to the agent and learn details they wouldn't if they just read about the unit.

So how about attending an open house on a weekday?  Perhaps after work when the sun is going down and it's more convenient for you?  Attending an open house on a week night for example promises not to interrupt your dog day summer afternoons especially the weekends!  And if you happen to spot a home that isn't open on a week night BUT wish to see it you can always call a qualified experienced AND helpful person like myself to set up a showing for you!  Happy Dog Days of Summer!

Vivian Zottola # 617-721-8025  617-721-8025 vzottola@bradvisors.com 

Boston Realty Advisors www.bradvisors.com

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!