One $5.25 Million Condo Remains at Mandarin

As you may know, the Boston Mandarin Oriental was completely sold out, however, there was a Buyer who was relocated outside of Boston, and their unit has become available again. The single remaining unit at the ultra luxury Mandarin is Unit 11A. Here are the details:

  • Unit 11-A is a three-bedroom, tow-bathroom, 3,200 square foot unit
  • 1 parking space included, additional parking space available for $200,000
  • Underground parking garage is fully secured, and is exclusive to condo/residence owners (no hotel guest mixing)
  • Outdoor terrace space is included
  • Sales price is $5,250,000
  • Occupancy date is slated for July 1, 2008, and is on schedule

The Mandarin Oriental Unit 11A floor plan shows a very spacious and flowing setup. For more information, please contact us.

Boston Mandarin Oriental Condos

Trulia Says Boston Real Estate is Hot

Thanks to John Keith for pointing out that the Trulia Blog is passing out some warm and fuzzy news about the Boston real estate market. According to the Trulia September 2007 Trends Report, the downtown Boston market is experiencing year-on-year gains in home prices.

Median sales price in Back Bay is up 18.2 percent over last year, showing that some areas have defied the real estate slump. South End was next on the list of most popular neighborhoods. Densely populated South Boston, or “Southie”, was third most popular. Median sales price in South End and South Boston was up 8.8 percent and 7.2 percent, respectively, over the previous year.

This confirms what we have been saying for some time now, that city center condo prices buck the suburb and pan-US housing trends.

=== Updated on October 24, 2007 ====

Based on the comments we received, here is a look into deeper statistics for the Back Bay market from 2005 – 2007.

From 2005 – 2006:

  • Average Price: $819,339
  • Average Days on Market: 101
  • Number of Units Sold: 387

From 2006 – 2007

  • Average Price: $865,507
  • Average Days on Market: 111
  • Number of Units Sold: 453

These numbers are based off of data pulled from the MLS (Back Bay 2005 – 2006 and Back Bay 2006 – 2007). Over the past two years in the Back Bay, the number of condos sold has gone up significantly, average days on market has trended up, and average price continues to trend up.

South Boston Trolley House

The Trolley House at 335 West Second Street in South Boston, a 24-unit 2005 rehab of a former Boston trolley house currently has two units available for sale. Both units are two-bedroom two-bathroom, and are accompanied by two garage parking spaces.

The available Trolley House condos are priced at $519,000 and $589,000, and are 1,260 and 1,331 square feet respectively. Kitchens feature Bosch and Jenn-Air appliances, gas cooking, granite countertops, and maple cabinets. HOA fees on the units come in at just under $300 per month. Units are surrounded by floor to ceiling windows, and residents enjoy a beautifully landscaped common courtyard.

Trolley House South Boston

Trolley House South Boston

Trolley House South Boston

The Most Expensive South End Condo

You have seen our recent post on the cheapest South End condo, so we thought we would treat you to a look at the most expensive South End condo that is currently on the market.

You might think $2 million, or perhaps $3 million will get you the most expensive unit in Boston’s South End, try $5 million. Currently, 1280 Washington Street is being offered at $4,999,000 for almost 6,000 square feet of living space. Being priced at $851 per square foot actually makes it a reasonable buy, given the quality of features, but, you’ve got to buy 5,868 square feet.

Ricardo Rodriguez, a local Coldwell Banker agent, is representing the Seller. We have a friendly bet going with Ricardo that Boston Condo Guy will find a Buyer for the unit, so don’t let us down 🙂

Learn more about working with Boston Condo Guy on your next condo purchase.

The Penthouse at 1280 Washington Street, winner of a “Luxury Home” Award, offers approximately 5,868 square feet of exciting, clean & modern living by renowned interior designer Dennis Duffy. Four bedrooms, including a private fitness room, an award winning screening room, bar, and Crestron systems make this unique home the ultimate urban experience. Emerge to the approximate 2500 square foot roof top & find yourself surrounded by sky. Enjoy views of the city, dining area, Jacuzzi, & outdoor shower in this sophisticated and beautiful city oasis.

Contact us to setup a private showing.

Most Expensive South End Condo

Most Expensive South End Condo

Most Expensive South End Condo

Most Expensive South End Condo

700 Harrison Condos Open House

The 84-unit 700 Harrison condo development in Boston’s South End is now complete, and open to residents. 700 Harrison is our Featured Open House this week as well. There are currently 6 units available at 700 Harrison, ranging in price from $469,000 to $659,000 and in size from 752 to 1,199 square feet.

Some units include private roof deck vestibules with great views of the Back Bay and downtown skyline. Units feature floor to ceiling walls of windows, open and contemporary kitchens with Bosch appliances and gas cooking.

The Open House, located at 700 Harrison Avenue will take place Sunday, September 30, 2007 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Please let the Listing Agent know that Boston Condo Guy sent you. If you would like Buyer representation on the purchase of one of the units, please contact us.

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The Cheapest South End Condo

Curious as to what the cheapest South End condo on the market is? Your answer: 200 Northampton Street Unit 1 offered at $209,000 after a recent price reduction.

With 445 square feet, this garden level unit features an outdoor patio and a $90 HOA fee. The unit is close to Northeastern University, and is a viable option to renting during college.

For more information, please contact us.

Cheapest South End Condo

Cheapest South End Condo

Mass Exodus from Wilkes Passage

Over the past week, there have been 4 new resale listings that have sprouted up in Wilkes Passage 1313 Washington Avenue, an unassuming looking condo development in the South End that has gorgeous interiors and underground garage parking. Combining the recent listings with the existing ones takes the total to 8 available units in the building. Granted, Wilkes Passage is one of the largest developments in the South End with 150+ units, but, it’s still rather unique to see this number of listings come in short succession out of the same development. Perhaps Sellers are trying to take advantage of the last Fall push of Buyers before we all go into hibernation for the Winter.

Regardless of the reasoning behind it, the pickings are good. Prices range from $539,000 to $1,150,000 and in size from 919 to 1,918 square feet. Garage parking appears to be included in all but two of the available units.

For more details on any of the units for sale at Wilkes Passage, or surrounding South End condo developments, please contact us.

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wilkes-passage-condos-2

wilkes-passage-condos-1

Boston Mandarin Oriental Gets Undressed

The top floors, as well as the northwest corner of the Boston Mandarin Oriental has been unveiled, to the somewhat disappointment of Bostonians. The Mandarin is an ultra-luxury hotel condo development that will offer 50 condo units on the top floors of the building.

Bostonians are somewhat disappointed in the exterior architecture, or lack thereof, given that the minimum price tag on the almost completely sold out building is $3 million.

We have exclusive photos below showing the progress at the Boston Mandarin Oriental.

Boston Mandarin Oriental

Boston Mandarin Oriental

Boston Mandarin Oriental

Boston Mandarin Oriental

Taxes on Second Homes Increase

If you are a real estate investor, or perhaps a vacation home owner, today’s Wall Street Journal article covering changes in tax law for second homes will be of interest to you. A recent bill passed through Congress that will change slightly how tax breaks are calculated on a second home.

Some Republicans complained that the move would hurt the second-home market. Rep. Kevin Brady (R., Texas) said the change would punish those who had saved to purchase a second home. Rep. Sam Johnson (R., Texas) called it a “luxury tax on retirement homes.”

Under current law, a person can exclude from taxes up to $250,000 in capital gains on the sale of a principal residence. Up to $500,000 of gains can be excluded for married couples. A second home can become a principal residence as long as the taxpayer has lived there for two of the previous five years.The bill approved yesterday would change those rules. Under it, the size of the tax break for a second home would be tied to the portion of time, out of all the years a house is owned, that it serves as a principal residence. Living in a property longer would result in a larger tax break on any gains when it is sold.

These changes can, in part, be credited to the government’s attempt to provide tax relief to homeowners facing foreclosure. Not entirely fair you say, perhaps true.

Available Condos at the Penmark South End

We have received a significant amount of requests around what is still available at the high-end Penmark Condos in Boston’s South End at 21 Father Francis Gilday Street. Out of the 60 units in the Penmark, there are currently 6 units for sale, ranging in price from $584,000 to $1,125,000, and in size from 991 square feet to 1,726 square feet.

Unique to the Penmark are rather large and distinguished windows in several of the units. Garage parking below the development is included with most units. Nearby new developments include ArtBlock Harrison, and 700 Harrison.

Currently available Penmark condos: Penmark Condo Listing Details

For more information on the Penmark Boston, or to setup a showing at one of the available 6 units, please contact us.

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