Dwell360 is pleased to present this article, expertly written by our friends Michele Adrian, AIA, LEED Green Associate, and Leonardi Aray, AIA, NCARB of Leonardi Aray Architects in Cambridge, MA.
Earlier this year Leonardi Aray Architects (LAA) met with Dwell360's team. We are very grateful for such a productive conversation. We learned more about their clients as well as Dwell360's current, real-life e
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As you walk into your home, you want to make sure it is warm and cozy, ready to keep you and your family comfortable as winter envelopes us.
There are many different ways to heat a home, all of which have different advantages and disadvantage
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As we enter Dwell360's fifth year in business, we wish you a joyfilled and fruitful new year!
From your friends at Dwell360
Radon is a serious issue plaguing homeowners. If an overwhelming presence of this element takes hold of a home, it can put the residents at risk for issues such as lung cancer. Finding radon and limiting exposure is the key to maintaining healthy levels in your environment.
It has been determined that one out of every fifteen homes in the U.S. has a problem with excessive radon exposure. As such, it is extremely important to test and see if your home falls under this ca
... [MORE]Check out Dwell360's infographic for some quick facts about radon in the home. To view larger, click here.
Radon. At first thought, one might imagine an evil villain from an after school special. This name however bears no such identity, though it can be considered the secret villain hiding in an unsuspecting homeowner’s abode.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemicall
As we approach the holiday season, our thoughts often turn to how we can help those less fortunate. This year, Dwell360 is happy to announce its Food Drive benefiting the Newton Food Pantry.
The pantry's most needed items are:
When we think of hunger, it’s natural that our minds often imagine tattered third world children with huge eyes like those portrayed in relief organization commercials. Some might not even consider that 
hunger lies right in our own neighborhoods, affecting children, adults, and
Dwell360 was proud to be a gold sponsor of the Newtonville Village Day again this year!
We brought the purple pride to Walnut
After reading our Mass Save Series Parts I and II as well the informational infographic, it is clear that taking advantage of the offerings by the Mass Save program is a good choice. Not only will your home become more energy efficient, but you’ll end up saving money on your bills because of the changes made.
Last week we introduced you to the Mass Save home energy efficiency program and the potential savings for homeowners like you. To give an idea of what a Mass Save experience could be like, we consulted with two homeowners near and dear to the Dwell360 family who have made upgrades made to their homes through this program.
Check out Dwell360's infographic below for tips on how to save energy all year long. Improving your home's energy efficiency is helpful not only to the environment, but also to your bottom line! To view larger, click here.
As our Moving Series Blog posts are completed, we are happy to offer this comprehensive Moving Guide. Inside you'll find all three parts from the Series, Hire a Mover,
You’ve chosen a moving company using our helpful tips in Part I of our series, and you’ve packed up your belongings using the organization system in Part II. After much anticipation, moving day has arrived! It is finally time to bring everything to your new home. As much as your mind may be scattered, there will be some
... [MORE]You’ve now chosen a moving company to assist with the big move to your new home using everything you learned in our Moving Series Part I: Hiring a Mover. With moving day approaching, there are still a few things to consider. Will you need storage for the move? What sort of packing system is best? On the day of the move, will there be any special considerations for parking? It all can be overwhelming, b
... [MORE]Making a successful move to your new home is reliant on the mover hired to get you there. With so many aspects to consider, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which one is best, or even how to approach choosing. By breaking everything down, further examination of an individual company doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
First, you’ll need to establish your individual needs.
Where are you moving?
The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released it's 2014 KIDS COUNT Data Book, naming Massachusetts the overall best state for children!
We’ve all seen the bumper sticker; “No Farms, No Food”. A four word saying whose importance is often understated and mildly ignored, it could not be farther from the truth. While what you see in a 
grocery store is often imported from foreign countries with strong agriculture, it
The first big event of the summer is, of course, the 4th of July! So when and where can you watch 2014 Independence Day fireworks in Massachusetts?
What should I look for when determining if I have a mold problem?
Testing for mold is not recommending, especially when evidence of growth is apparently present. There are, however, many signs of mold infestation to look for when determining if mold is a problem in your environment.
Pay attention to yourself! One of the first signs of mold could be health related symptoms before you even visibly locate the
Mold isn’t just white fuzzies growing on old bread in the cupboard; it can be a serious and damaging problem for homeowners. Being aware of what it is and what adverse effects it can have on one’s health is important. Read on to find out more!
What is mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that grows naturally in the environment thriving on moisture and nutrients. Mold spores, similar to microscopic seeds, can be found anywhere suitable l
... [MORE]NBC News reports that all-cash deals have hit a record 43% of total home sales for the first quater of 2014.
Dwell360's clients have been e
US News & World Report recently released its 2014 rankings of Best High Schools, encompassing 31,242 public high schools across the country.
Among the many Massachusetts schools in these national rankings, 22 were awar
A backyard pool can be a tantalizing prospect. Deciding whether to opt for a pool, however, can be a difficult choice.
Whether you're looking for a new home or considering installing a pool at your existing residence, itemizing pros and cons can be illuminating.
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Massachusetts ranks #9 in this article from Wallet Hub! How does your state stack up?
Not more than 50 years ago, the amount of women who would forgo a career to care for a family were significantly higher than what they are now. Women are asserting their right to workplace equality, balancing children and a job like men have for many years.
According to the recent article, there are certain states that are better for working moms to live in as opposed to o
... [MORE]The mere mention of termites can strike fear into the hearts of homeowners. Most people know that termite infestation can cause severe damage to a home's structure. It can also cost thousands of dollars to eliminate the pests and repair any damage, requiring application of topical poisons that can be unpleasant as well as worrisome.
Termites thrive in warm, moist climates; they exist in all states of the country, except maybe Alaska! Worldwide, termites
... [MORE]As homeowners, we often find ourselves fully aware of the things going on around us, particularly in our own neighborhoods. We see the moving vans, service trucks, and even the utility repair crew as they move about among the neighboring houses. Despite this awareness, it can be very surprising to learn that most homes suffering from termite infestations have owners with no idea that a problem exists.
What Is A Termite?
In the United States
... [MORE]Prior to the widespread availability of central air conditioning, previous generations of homeowners learned to employ some simple strategies to keep as cool as possible during the long, hot, humid days of summer. Now that we have all become more energy-conscious, reviewing some of those ideas can be beneficial.
Make Changes on the Home Front
Here are a handful of simple things you can do at home to ensure more comfort this summer:
Happy Spring from Dwell360! We hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful day and cheering on those running in the Boston Marathon.
Farlow, Peter. (2010). Boston Marathon 2010 in Wellesley Photograph. Retrieved from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
... [MORE]Whether retirement has arrived or the children have moved out to leave you with an empty nest, you may be considering downsizing your home. Frequently, life events lead to the decision to relocate to a smaller home. Some people choose this option to simplify life or reduce yard work. Whatever your reason for considering the move, answering some questions first will help you come to the right conclusion for you.
Questions to Consider When Deciding to Down
... [MORE]Most homeowners enjoy the challenge of doing some of their own home maintenance and repair work. In fact, the DIY method can be a great way to save money on home repair bills while getting some exercise and developing your skill set. Projects like painting, landscaping, refinishing floors, and woodwork are well suited for the do-it-yourselfer, exuding significant savings for the sore muscles and splinters received along the way.
Some projects, however, have no tolerance for mista
... [MORE]Many adults find buying a home to be exciting and stressful. With the long checklists of tasks to accomplish, how to minimize the impact of the move on kids and pets may be way down on that list. However, following a few helpful tips will ensure a successful move with them.
Moving with Kids
1. Tell your children about the move early in the process. As soon as the decision has been finalized, conduct a family meet
... [MORE]When a buyer is out with their REALTOR® l
... [MORE]As Spring sneaks over the horizon, so does the perfect time to sell your home. The market is already hot and houses are selling faster than they have in many years due to low inventory.
If you’ve been considering putting your home on the market, taking some simple steps to spruce up the interior and exterior of your residence will help to ensure a short run before the buyers start lining up.
... [MORE]Our good friend Michele Adrian, AIA, LEED Green Associate has been designing cutting edge homes and offices for more than 20 years.
At Leonardi Aray Architects in Cambridge, Michele works on architecture, resident
... [MORE]Moving up? Take a look at Natick.
Power couple? Consider Needham. (Luxury Needham Real Estate)
... [MORE]Buying and selling real estate may not be as simple as some may believe. Most people should hire a real estate attorney to handle to a realty transaction from offer to closing. Contracts need to be written
... [MORE]It's difficult today to speak of real estate trends without touching on the effect Baby Boomers have on the buy and sell cycle. In many ways, it's a new world, and changing rapidly. The current cro
... [MORE]When looking at selling your home, you'll want to increase its value. One way to do this is by creating more livable space, if possible, such as by finishing the basement. But do finished basements inc
... [MORE]When getting ready to sell a home, many homeowners look to upgrade the property to add value. But what home renovations are the most enjoyable to complete and add the most value? Here are a few to consider
... [MORE]Let’s start with the basics. A mortgage refers to any loan that uses a highly valuable piece of property as collateral for a debt. The term mortgage is most commonly used to refer to a loan f
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Dwell360, a boutique real estate brokerage, is seeki
Any sort of home renovation is a huge undertaking--especially if you are hoping to remain in your home during the updating process. Kitchen renovations are no exception to this, but when selling yo
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Buying property usually means approval for a mortgage and maintaining those payments. It may be difficult for you to create a budget that not only looks good on paper, but also works well when appl
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Happy Holidays! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and our warmest wishes.
- From your friends at Dwell360
The home-buying process can be an extremely trying one, so when you get to the point where you're actually on the verge of buying a home, you probably feel like you’re nearly home free. After submitting an offer on a home and successfully achieving a signed agreement with the seller, your next big move will be to have a home inspection done on the property.
Having a home inspection done prior to signing the Purchase and Sale Agreement is key if you w
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As the weather gets cold, home owners often find it difficult to keep their homes looking as beautiful as they do in the spring and summer. Particularly if you are trying to sell your home during the winter, it is important to make your home stand out. Here are five simple ideas to keep your home looking warm and inviting throughout the cold winter months.
1. Maintain Your Yard
Eve
... [MORE]Insulating your home is something you know you should do, but is often overlooked in favor of more visible upgrades to your home. In fact, most homeowners do not remember the insulation until there is a problem or issue. Your home should have all insulation points checked, replaced, and maintained each season to save energy and lower costs. In order to reduce your heating costs, consider updating and maintaining the following key areas.
There's something about the Fall season that makes many people want to warm up their homes. Decorating your home for the colder months not only helps you create a welcoming vibe in your home, but it also allows you to add elements to your space that will help keep you and your family warm throughout the cold season.
Showcase Fall-themed Art and Displays
Art and sculptures can help bring the season into your home.
... [MORE]Now is still the time to sell your home. Inventoriy in markets throughout Massachusetts remain very low. The result: prices are on the rise and homes are spending less and less time on the market. Buyers are still actively looking, but with so few homes to consider they quickly find themselves in multiple offer situations.
There are simply not enough homes coming up for sale to meet the demand. The Boston Globe recently reported that one
... [MORE]CNBC published a report today ranking the most expensive and most affordable real estate markets in the country, and three of our local towns topped the list.
Weston, Massachusetts ranks #9 with homes listing for an average of $1,229,000. Wellesley comes in at #16 with an average list price of $1,079,600. And at an average price of $912,745, Newton rounds out the top 25.
... [MORE]The air is crisp and the nights are creeping in early, so it’s time to enjoy the chills and thrills of All Hallows' Eve. Enjoy this spooky album from the comfort of your cozy home:
31 Haunting Images of Abandoned Places That Will Give You Goose Bumps
We hope you have a happy and safe Halloween!
- The friendly ghouls & ghosts of
... [MORE]Many families choose the town they call home by starting with one key factor: the school district. But everyone has different priorities when it comes to choosing the best school for their children, and tracking down all of the data on different districts can be exhausting.
That’s where the Dreamschool Finder comes in. First, choose your Boston metro region and the grade level of your children. Then allocate 10
... [MORE]By Jay Fitzgerald / Globe Correspondent / September 21, 2013
Stephen Hussey, a Boston-area home inspector and real estate agent, sees it too often: home buyers blowing deals because they simply weren’t ready to compete in today’s fiercely competitive housing market.
Up against five or more bidders for the same home, these slow-off-the-mark shoppers did not prepare well, and then blamed themselves or others for not nabbing the dream home
... [MORE]Newtonville Village Day was a great success this year!
We gave away all of our "Free" houses, and two lucky winners will be receiving kid size cardboard houses. We were impressed by the artistic ability of the children who joine
... [MORE]A recent article in the Boston Globe spoke about the rising prices and tight supply of the current real estate market. In effect this has caused a competitive hunt for buyers, and much frustration. These scenarios are especially apparent in high demand areas, with little inventories.
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In the "The Best Places To Live" by CNN Money, Wellesley, Massachusetts was rated number 11 of 25 small towns in the US. It was selected as one of the "Top Earning Towns" for 2012.
CNN Money placed three towns in Massachusetts on their "Best Places to Live - America's best small towns" list this month. According to CNN Money they ranked 50 towns that are "not only thriving economically, they've also got all you could want in a place to raise a family: plenty of green space, good schools, and a strong sense of community". In previous years other Massachusetts communities like Newton, Milton, Brookline, and others have been ranked
... [MORE]Foreclosure rates are at an all-time high—and as a result, more sellers are looking to short sales as a way to avoid the impacts of foreclosures. Short sales can have both pros and cons for buyers and sellers. Here’s how it works and how to make the most of it.
What Is a Short Sale?
Short sales are now quite common in parts of the country where significant drops in home values have made it difficult to sell a home. In a short sale situation
... [MORE]White walls, basic carpet, run of the mill appliances—this is the story of most rental properties. When it comes to living in one, you’ll have to make the most of the situation you are presented with. There is no rule that says you need to put your household personality on hold until you purchase a home of your own. By finding ways to express yourself in temporary formats you can have a lot of
... [MORE]The lease is just about up and it is time to make that yearly decision once again. Is it time to purchase a home, or are you content signing a lease for one more year. This is a pretty big question to face, and it is one that requires quite a bit of serious deliberation by all parties involved before a final verdict is reached.
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Making money from a rental property seems like a quick and easy investment—but it’s about far more than putting down an investment and waiting for the money to roll in. If you own a home, you already know that home ownership involves maintenance, time, and personal energy.
Consider these factors before you add another home (or homes) to your list of responsibilities:
Property Management: You, your tenant, or a third-party p
Popular home renovations will almost always bring you a higher selling price on your home. Therefore, it's very important that you do your due diligence when it comes to researching the upgrades that are best for your home. Learn which ones will bring you the biggest return on your investment and which ones will not.
1. Kitchen. A kitchen remodel will get a higher return on your investment than any other remodel item. Your kitchen upgrades could consist of a
... [MORE]Vacation homes are a growing source of real estate activity. Vacation home sales rose by 10 percent in 2012, while the number of homes sold to investors fell. That's according to the National Association of Realtors' 2013 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Review published in April of 2013. The publication tracks trends for both new and existing homes that enter the vacation and investors' markets.
A strong stock market recovery combined with attractive prices on vac
... [MORE]If you would like to learn how to create a more environmentally friendly home, here are five ideas for "going green" while making home improvements.
1. Install a tankless water heater
A tankless water heater contains coils that heat your water on demand instead of keeping a 50 gallon water heater hot twenty four hours a day, every day. Additionally, a tankless water heater will not run out of hot water.
... [MORE]Why worry about radon? In our two-part blog series on radon exposure in the home, we’re covering this sneaky gas—what it is, and why it matters. Last time we covered the basics on radon’s chemical makeup and health risks. This time, we’ll turn our attention to the details of radon testing.
... [MORE]Radon is a significant health risk. It’s enough of a risk that we’re actually going to take two blog posts to cover the issues relating to radon toxicity in the home. Today, we’ll have a look at the basics—what it is, how it can get into a home environment, and why it can be dangerous. Next time, we’ll cover potentially lifesaving information on radon testing.
What Is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, od
... [MORE]One of the biggest deterrents for buyers who are viewing your home is the presence of clutter inside your house. There are a few negative effects of clutter that can keep consumers from making an offer. First, clutter makes the rooms in your home appear smaller. Boxes piled up along the walls in your house create a smaller total floor area. The eye evaluates the size of the room from the ground up. If there isn't enough room to get around, your house will feel much smaller than it actua
... [MORE]Before a buyer makes a decision on your home, he or she will likely want to attend an open house event. Here are a few steps you can take to make your open house a perfect marketing strategy.
Stay Away During the Open House
One important thing to remember when your real estate agent is hosting an open house is to stay away during the event. Nothing deters interested buyers from asking important questions or taking the time to explore the home thoroughl
... [MORE]Putting your house on the market can be frustrating and exhausting. Homes can stay on the market for months before an interested buyer takes notice. You can expedite the process, however, by employing a few basic marketing strategies.
Why Market Your Home?
Marketing your home is the most effective way to get the word out that you are a seller in search of a buyer. In some locations, the market may be flooded with homeowners attempting to sell their hom
... [MORE]Dwell360’s Home Buying & Selling Classes on May 11 were a great success!
Participants were excited to cover the basics of home buying and selling, but also surprised to learn about the changes in the current market and some insider secrets as well. They said they were impressed by how much they learned and now fel
... [MORE]Buying a home for the very first time can be an exciting adventure that results in a quaint and charming dream home in which you will start a family, create a life, and build a successful future. Finding this charming house, though, often requires a not-so-charming process. If you are a first-time home buyer, consider this short list of do's and don'ts that will help you do the right things while avoiding common first-timer mistakes.
Do Your Research
... [MORE]Saturday, May 11, 2013
9:00am Home Buying - How Times Have Changed
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Our thoughts go out to our friends, clients, and everyone affected by this Boston tragedy. The Boston Marathon is an important event to the residents of Massachusetts and will always continue to be a special event. We are proud of our first responders, our city, our world class medical facilities, and the people that are the heart and soul of this wonderful place we call Boston.
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When your house is on the market, you'll likely try to have as many public viewings or open houses as possible. An open house is a pressure-free way for interested buyers to view your property and imagine themselves living in the space. An open house, however, is usually a very short event. Every single moment counts during an open house, and you need to be sure that your house impresses every step of the way. When you've perfected your home's curb appeal, the next step is to cr
... [MORE]Today’s kitchen is a quick-change artist that adores families and loves simplicity.
If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, we’ve got good news and bad news.
First, the good stuff. According to trend experts Lita Dirks and Dominick Tringali, you don’t have to shell out major cash to add space. Instead, look to expand what you already have. Vault your ceiling, add windows, squeeze in clever storage ideas. Make the space work harder,
Before you sell your home in the Boston area, it's important to make a few cosmetic fixes. These five inexpensive home repairs will get your home in tip-top condition before you put it on the market.
1. Wall Imperfections
One of the first things you should do when preparing your house for the market is to repair wall imperfections. Cracks, chips, and nail holes are easy fixes. A touch of spackling and some sandpaper can restore a wall to its
... [MORE]Dwell360 a boutique real estate brokerage is seeking an Administrative Assistant for their Newton headquarters. The ideal candidate will have a basic understanding for the importance that marketing, sales, and customer service play in the day-to-day operations of a fast paced firm. The candidate should be a well organized, self starter, personable, enthusiastic, and with clear sense of urgency. The administrative assistant will work closely with the company founders and will be responsible
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At Dwell360, we keep our finger on the pulse of the real estate market in Metro Boston. To that end, we have produced 2012 year end market reports for more than 20 towns in the area. They contain residential market data and statistics for the sales of single family homes, condominiums, and multifamily homes over the past ten years.
... [MORE]Last year Newton, Massachusetts experienced a rise in home sales, an increase in value, and a reduction of the number of days homes spent on the market. Enticed by the continued low interest rates, buyers came out in force after waiting several years until they felt confident we had reached the bottom. This resulted in numerous multiple offers, quick sales, and increases in prices, as our sale inventory remained low. All signs are pointing to recovery in the real estate industry, especially
... [MORE]Which tax benefits do home owners miss? Will you get audited if you take the home office deduction? Find out the answers to these questions and more before Tax Day.
There are a lot of home ownership tax benefits — if you don’t forget to take them. To make sure you get your due, HouseLogic asked tax expert Abe Schneier, a senior technical manager with the American Institute of CPAs, for tax-filing tips.
HouseLogic: What’s the mos
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Stop by Tuesdays through Fridays 9am - 5pm
and on Monday December 17 from 10am - 5pm
at 46 Austin Street in Newton.
One raffle en
... [MORE]This holiday season, help us help kids in need by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy at our office by December 17! We are open 9am - 5pm Tuesdays through Fridays at 46 Austin Street in Newton, MA.
Toys for Tots is a program of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Each October, November, and December, they collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those them as Christmas gifts to needy children, age 0 to 14, in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The Toys
... [MORE]As long as you’re remodeling, why not cut your utility bill and make your home a bit healthier?
Saving energy wasn’t on the list of reasons we’re finally ripping out the kitchen in our mid-century home (green-veined, imitation marble laminate countertops figured much more prominently). But, a session at the recent 2012 Remodeling Show in Baltimore clued me in as to why adding a few simple tasks to our remodeling plan could lower our home
... [MORE]Dwell360 is proud to announce the opening of our new, state-of-the-art, real estate office in Newton. We have created the next generation real estate office which has been designed with the tools and environment for productivity and innovation. Commitment to paperless systems, flexible work spaces, and team collaboration are all at the core of this innovative work environment. Our headquarters will better service our customers and support the continued growth as an indepen
... [MORE]You can unleash the DIY powers of the iPhone 5 when it’s released soon with these handy home improvement apps.
Summer is traditionally the time when home improvement projects get done, but did you know that summer renovations can be cheaper, too?
MSNBC.com has a list of five home renovation projects that are cheaper or more efficient to do in the summer, and while some of them are obvious — landscaping and installing an in-ground pool, for example — others are somewhat surprising.
Asphalt is easier to
... [MORE]Does “natural” mean organic? Should you buy anything labeled “non-toxic”? Here are the truth and eco-facts about many of the green terms you find on product labels.
What’s really green? Soon you’ll have a little more confidence about green product marketing claims, such as “biodegradable” and “recyclable”: The Federal Trade Commission, which sets standards for the use of environmental claims in its Green Guides, is
... [MORE]Understand which mortgage loan is best for you so your budget is not stretched too thin.
The most important features of your mortgage loan are its term and interest rate. Mortgages typically come in 15-, 20-, 30- or 40-year lengths. The longer the term, the lower your monthly payment. However, the tradeoff for a lower payment is that the longer the life of your loan, the more interest you’ll pay.
Mortgage intere
By lowering the acceptable levels of lead in blood, The Centers for Disease Control has renewed the assault on environmental lead, often found in paint in older homes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released new, stricter guidelinesfor assessing lead poisoning in children.
The guidelines lower the amount of lead in the blood that’s considered “acceptable,” from 10 micrograms of per deciliter to less than 5 micro
... [MORE]Have you ever lost a tree that was like a dear friend? Then prepare for heartbreak. We’re going to lose many dear friends to the emerald ash borer.
If you’ve ever lost a favorite tree, you know that the emotional blow can rank right up there with any tough loss. Maybe not every tree in the yard tugs at our hearts. Some have that just-so shape and character -- the way they shelter the swing set or add a bit of majesty to the front of the house -- that makes t
... [MORE]Home sales rise, foreclosures fall, and the latest national flood insurance deadline looms.
In our Friday Five roundup of top housing news, we look at a return to traditional home sales: With rents on the rise across the country, many are taking advantage of low prices and short sale opportunities to trade in their lease for a mortgage. Also this week, we begin the countdown for national flood insurance reauthorization, which is set to expire at the end of May 2012.
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A few hours of exterior home and yard work can add thousands to your home’s value.
April 28 and 29 marks Nationwide Open House weekend — the unofficial opening day of the spring real estate season. Since curb appeal strongly influences home values, it’s a great weekend to spruce up your own yard, especially if the neighbors are trying to sell their home.
How much value can neighborhood curb appeal add? Having nice landscaping adds
... [MORE]Investing in real estate can seem overwhelming and reserved for the very rich. In the current economic conditions and marketplace, it may even feel a bit too risky. But if you’ve ever thought real estate investing may be right for you, this is a great time to learn about your options and how it can be done by almost anyone.
Before we learn about our options, though, let me say that I bel
The title of this entry is over-the-top, I admit, but I am just here to stick up for the landlords out there who are trying to do some good. The word “landlord” in itself has some negativity associated with it, and the use of “lord” in this context is distasteful in our American sensibility. In media, landlords are portrayed as misers ready to make a buck on the poor and take advantage of families.
Please!
Let me tell you
With the real estate market in the dumps for several years now, it is not easy to get back into the pro-property mind-set. But, it is exactly at these times that you should be considering expanding your real estate portfolio.
In the market of exasperated and exhausted home sellers, I hear a lot of great stories about why homes are not selling. They usually divide into two categories: the real estate agents not doing their jobs or the sellers are uncooperative.
Either type of story leads to the same place: how are you marketing and showing the home?
There are very few reasons why your home doesn’t sell. There is no mystery here. There are bad agents and unc
Like everyone else, we were stunned by the 5.9 magnitude
... [MORE]If you have a toddler who thinks midnight is a great time to hit the playground without you, or a dad with Alzheimer’s who gets lost a block from home, you need to know when someone heads out the door (or a window) of your home.
Short of moving your family into a prison, your options for keeping everyone where they belong range from simple lock products to help child-proof doors and windows that cost about a buck to sophisticated electronic surveillance equipment cost
... [MORE]Father’s Day is Sunday. And you’re wondering how to thank the guy who taught you to wield a putty knife, and to shut the door and quit heating/cooling the outside — for crying out loud!
You could buy him something. But how many World’s Greatest Dad mugs and barbecue mitts does a guy need?
Instead, spend a little time. Do some chore that Dad would otherwise do. Finish a project he hasn’t had time to complete.
Yo
Our client wrote us a wonderful testimonial about our real estate services. It can be read on here and on our Zillow profile. We appreciate the kind words.
John provided excellent professional service over a 9 month period while we relocated from the west coast to Newton. He kept us in the listing loop but did not push the process. When we did finally settle on "the House"
... [MORE]At Dwell360 we have a wealth of real estate information at our finger tips. Market reports are typically one of the most requested by our clients. Click the link to view our real estate market report for Cambridge Massachusetts. The report reviews the residential real estate markets for the past 8 years.
Real estate and the overall residential markets are the topic of conversation on a regular basis. Here at Dwell360 we live and breathe real estate. That is why we keep a close pulse on the market statistics for the towns in and around the Meto Boston area. We have a number of reports on file. So feel free to send us a result for a particular town.
Below click the report on the Worcester real estate market for the past 8 years. The information p
... [MORE]In 1860, J.W. Black took this photo from Samuel A. King's balloon while tethered over the Boston Common. It is the earliest aerial photograph taken in the United States. An interesting piece of history. The photo is from the Boston Public Library's flickr page.
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Interested in knowing the most expensive homes listed in Massachusetts? There are many properties currently on the market listed above $10,000,000. These properties are sp
... [MORE]“Moody’s Investor Services said the Town of Wayland remains on solid financial footing.” It is comforting to read this in the article Wayland's $100m development on track, eyed as revenue boost from Boston Business Journal today. Even though the current real estate market has required adjustments to the original plans
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According to CNN Florida seems to be the only state that has not gotten snow today. "After big snow and ice events in the Southeast, Plains, and Midwest this week, 49 out of the 50 states currently have snow on the ground – yes, even Hawaii, where snow falls in Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea all winter."
We wish our friends, family, clients, and colleagues the warmest and happiest holidays and prosperous New Year. We are blessed to have such loyal and supportive friends – Thank you.
Warm wishes from everyone at Dwell360.
When you are considering selling and buying your home there are a few things to consider. HGTV's FrontDoor.com creates a good list to consider in their article "Buying and Selling Your House: 11 Resolutions for 2011" By Geoff Williams, published: 12/21/2010.
The list of list of 11 items (noted below) are all items you should think about if you are lo
What would you say if I said the average price of a single family home in Newton Massachusetts is up? It is true. The average sale price is up 3.63% in the Garden City. A client needed some real estate sales data and some of the figures we compare was 2009 and 2010 sales data in MLS for closings for each year for the time range of January 1 – November 15.
For the time frame noted above, the average sale price in 2009 was $845,434 and in 2010 is $876,1
As our real estate firm Dwell360 moves forward we have some great things in store for the world of real estate. As we sit in our Newton office we have been planning the future of our firm and forecasting how the real estate market will develop in the coming year. We also are paying close attention to how the industry itself will change.
VIDEO: Select Sold Single Family Homes
Our fi
Property valuation websites have a lot of information to offer. They provide details on properties, sale history, tax information, and estimate the value of the home. As a result, they become a topic of conversation with our clients on a regular basis. The only issue is we often find ourselves explaining to clients why the site is not always accurate.
Today, at a Boston real estate conference, Agent Reboot, Zillow representatives talked about their se
What are we doing different?
This is a question that many have asked with reference to our new brokerage. There is not just one answer to this question. But, my favorite answer is –
We have an understanding of the customer of the future. We know what they need today, what they will need tomorrow, and what they will require in the future.
We have built a real estate brokerage, technology, and marketing that will be a pioneer i
Life at the Dwell360 real estate brokerage remains exciting!
We are working hard to build a premier real estate brokerage based in Newton Massachusetts that will service the Greater Boston cities and towns. 
All we have been hearing lately from our past and present clients,
our friends, and everyone else is how great of an interest rate they can
get. Our mortgage contacts and real
estate attorneys have been super busy with the recent refinance boom. We have heard people getting rates from 4 –
4.50%.
The rates
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People in Massachusetts really love their home towns. They have energy and excitement when they speak about their community and there are some great places to live in the Commonwealth. Four cities in Massachusetts made it to this year’s list of “America’s 100 Best Small Cities to Live” found in August 2010 issue of Money magazine. The City of Newton took the third place on the list,
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We have just listed a wonderful Brighton condo in the heart of Cleveland Circle. Year to date, 1/1/2010 - 7/1/2010 we have seen 157 condos sell in Brighton with an average sale price of $295,724. It has been an active time and is becoming a great time to get into the market.
Brookline Massachusetts is an exciting town and great Boston neighbor. The average sales price year-to-date (1/1/2010 – 7/1/2010) for a condo in Brookline is $526,176 with 291 condos sold. Our newest listing 7 Verndale is a great opportunity to become a past of a great community rich in history with a strong real estate market.
The Town of Brookline is an amazing pla
... [MORE]We are excited to present 61 Quint for sale. It was about five years ago when we represented our client in the purchase of this great property. It has been a great home and as great things happen it is time to move on. We could not have been happier to get the call again to help sell the condo.
This Allston condo is in the heart of the activity that surrounds Allston, Brighton, and Brookline. This area is often perc
... [MORE]Just a few days ago Ed and I left William Raveis Real Estate to begin opening our new firm Dwell360 (Dwell Three Sixty.) It has been an exciting few days. At this has been taking place I picked up and flew to California to attend the Inman Connect an innovative real estate conference. Ed has been powering all the progress back at headquarters.
... [MORE]We are very excited to announce that we will be launching our own independent real estate brokerage here in Massachusetts. Ed Johnston and John Lynch will be building DWELL360 a boutique brokerage that is focused on providing clients with the best possible service from well qualified real estate agents. The towns of service will include Boston, Brookline, Newton, Wellesley, Cambridge,
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I recently heard this on the radio and just found the site. Scotts the grass seed and fertilizer company is providing the Fenway Park Grass Seed and Lawn Fertilizer. If you can get your grass to look like Fenway Park that would be great. Great to look at and great for your property value.
Today, I came across an article from CNNMoney.com titled “6 biggest mistakes home buyers make.” After taking a look at the list I thought the six items are noteworthy. I am not sure if they are the biggest mistakes that a buyer can make. But, the list is one worth
... [MORE]It has been a busy few months. Ed and I have put under a very solid number of properties under agreement in the last month. It has been exciting and the activity stills continues. We have put listings under agreement and buyers have secured properties. But, there is more work to be done.
As Ed posted the other day he took one client out to see 26 properties in three days. A few days ago I took clients from the west coast out to see 32 prop
It has been wet, very wet, here is Massachusetts. To the point that FEMA announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This is a significant resource for the state to help correct the damage of these major rain storms.
Today, Ed and John are launching their team website, www.JohnstonLynch.com. The new website is a new platform that will help us get information to our clients faster and be more effective in our marketing efforts.
The new website has an integrated blog and property search capabilities. The site also integrated our listing websites so they are continuously featured to visitors of the site. We have stream
As your REALTOR®, the Dwell360 team can manage every aspect of your quest to find the perfect home from the beginning of your search to the closing. A buyer will be faced with a maze of forms, financing decisions, inspections, marketing, pricing, and negotiating. It only makes sense to work with a professional who knows well the Massachusetts communities and the process of acquiring a home.
$389,900
2.0 beds / 1.0 baths
$235,000
2.0 beds / 1.5 baths
$1,126,500
3.0 beds / 1.5 baths
$305,000
2.0 beds / 2.5 baths
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