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Lights, Camera, Action! Filming in Boston

Alisa Peterson | February 17, 2012 - 7:32 am

 

Boston has been captured on film for decades and as a Realtor and film junky, I find it fascinating to see how the city has changed over the years. In fact, one thing I like to do on a rainy day is watch a different movie filmed in Boston from a different decade. First I watch a film from the 1960’s such as Boston Strangler with Tony Curtis or The Thomas Crown Affair with Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. Then I watch a movie filmed in Boston from the last few years like Knight & Day with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz or What’s Your Number? with Anna Faris. It’s amazing to see how much the city has changed, particularly Back Bay and Downtown, or how little Beacon Hill has changed. There are many other movies filmed in Boston that will have the same effect, but I can watch these movies I mentioned and pay attention to the city not the plot.

Filming Knight & Day in South End BostonBoston has been the backdrop to Oscar-winning movies, blockbuster classics, and Emmy-winning T.V. shows. Boston has a variety of architectural styles that make it a great location for filming any time period. For example, Boston’s well preserved historic architecture make ideal locations for historic period pieces like Glory or Amistad. Boston’s continuous modern development also makes this city an ideal setting for films set in the future like Surrogates.

Along with it’s blend of historic and modern architecture Massachusetts lures filmmakers with tax incentives packages including a 25% production credit, a 25% payroll credit, and a sales tax exemption. To qualify for the payroll credit and sales tax exemption a project must spend $50,000 in Massachusetts. Spending over half of total budget or filming at least half of the principal photography days in Massachusetts makes a project eligible for the production credit. The program requirements are straightforward, have no annual or project caps, no residency requirements, and no extended schedule of credit payouts. Judging by the number of films shot in Boston over the last few years, it is safe to say Boston offers a favorable tax break.

From the architecture to the tax breaks, it’s no wonder Shonda Rhimes, the creator of Grey’s Anatomy, chose Boston as the location to film the pilot of her new project “Gilded Lily’s.” This will be a romantic period drama set in 1895 about the opening of the first luxury hotel in New York City. Filming in Boston will begin March 2012. According to the announcement made by the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Massachusetts Film Office (MFO) many people in Boston are very excited about the project, even though the show’s setting will be New York.

“This is a very exciting project for the Commonwealth. Massachusetts is the perfect place to set a story from the Gilded Age, an impressive and well-preserved period in the Commonwealth’s history,” said Lisa Strout, the Director of the Massachusetts Film Office.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase Massachusetts’ historical richness and the incredibly talented workforce that exists in the Commonwealth,” said Greg Bialecki, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development. “Our competitive tax credit program continues to bring top industry producers and filmmakers to the Bay State, creating significant job opportunities.”

To learn more about historic or modern real estate for sale in Boston, contact the Realtors of Matthew and Alisa Group Real Estate.

For more information about the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Massachusetts Film Office and it’s tax incentives, visit www.mafilm.org.

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Parking in Boston: Parking Options at Every Price

Alisa Peterson | February 16, 2012 - 7:32 am

 

Parking in Boston can be difficult, expensive, and time consumingParking in Boston can be a nightmare. Let’s get that out of the way right now.

In order to qualify for a resident permit that allows for parking on the street in one of Boston’s neighborhoods, the car has to be registered in Boston. Unless the car was previously registered in New York City, insurance premiums will most likely increase with a Boston registration.

Resident street parking can be more or less painful depending on the neighborhood. The worst neighborhoods for parking in Boston are Beacon Hill and the North End, and honorable mention goes to Back Bay. All three have more residents with cars than streets for parking.

Once you get find a parking spot you have to remember which day of the week street cleaning occurs in the neighborhood or it will be towed. In a snow emergency, the car cannot be parked on a main street or it will be towed.

If searching for parking in Boston does not sound appealing, renting a parking space is an option. There are parking spaces to rent all over Boston with prices varying all over the city. One uncovered full parking space can start at $250 a month in Back Bay. The starting rate for a garage parking space in Back Bay can be $375 a month and valet garage spaces are even higher.

If you are a little flexible, there are a couple ways to save some money on renting a parking spot. Renting a tandem spot can cost $200 a month. A tandem parking space is wide enough for one car but long enough for two. To prevent either driver from blocking the other, each will each exchange keys with the other. Also many garages offer a reverse commute option which is ideal for those who live in the city and work outside the city. These reverse commuting options have different hours depending on the garage but the standard allows for access between 5pm-8am during the week and anytime on weekends and holidays. The garage will usually allow for one or two sick days a month. These reverse commute spots can start as low as $115 a month.

Buying a parking space in Boston can also be an option but those price tags can come as a bigger surprise. One space in Boston can start at $30,000 but it can also go as high as $300,000. In 2009, an outdoor, uncovered parking space, one block from the Public Garden, was sold for $300,000. This sale beat the previous record of $250,000 for a spot at 31-33 Commonwealth Ave.

If you are relocating to Boston and are not ready to live car free, contact the Realtors of Matthew and Alisa Group Real Estate. We will be happy to help find properties that either include parking or we can help navigate parking solutions in Boston.

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Relocating to Boston: How My Brain Had No Part in the Decision

Alisa Peterson | February 12, 2012 - 8:51 am

 

Deciding to leave your hometown for a new one is a big decision and takes a lot of planning, none of which I did when I relocated to Boston. I relocated without much thought of what I was getting myself into. For those of you about to relocate to Boston, I would like to share with you a few things I wish I knew when I uprooted my life and made the move across the country.

I’m originally from Los Angeles, CA and I was often asked, “why did you relocate to Boston?” I would say it was for a new adventure, I wanted real seasons, or I was tired of driving everywhere and wanted to live car-free. But the real reason was a boy. Yes, I am a hopeless romantic and, yes, it was the best move I ever made. My boyfriend had to move back to Boston and I came with him, his dog, and cat. I was lucky that he already knew the city and I relied on him entirely for what Boston neighborhood to live in, how much we could spend, how to find apartments…everything.

Relocate to Boston with Dog

Now that I’ve lived here for 4 years, the first year in Beacon Hill and the last 3 years in the South End, I wish there were a few things I knew before I relocated to Boston. One thing in particular was that the majority of Boston rentals are on a September cycle. We were looking in July for an apartment in August that would accept both a dog and cat. So not only was there limited inventory, we added the extra hurdle of needing a pet friendly apartment. Fortunately, we did do our research, set up appointments with both owners and brokers, and were able to find an apartment in Beacon Hill.

Another surprise was the upfront cost of renting an apartment in Boston. Legally owners cannot ask for more than first month, last month, one month security deposit, and cost for a new key and lock. With Boston being one of the top three most expensive cities to rent, most owners will ask for all of it. If you use a Realtor, expect to pay another month’s rent for their fee. Sometimes the fee can be split with the owner, but Boston is an owners’ market and most owners do not need to split the fee because they know another renter will be willing to pay the fee in order to get the apartment. Not much would have changed if I had known beforehand about the upfront costs but I would have liked to not been blindsided.

I was lucky when I relocated to Boston because I had someone with me that had an idea of what we needed to do. If I had done it alone, I know it would have been too overwhelming. Fortunately, since I became a Realtor, I am now in a position to help with relocating to Boston with the full understanding of how hard it really is.

Contact a Realtor with any questions and make your transition a smooth one.

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Where The Dog Parks Are: Dogs Love A Wild Rumpus

Alisa Peterson | February 10, 2012 - 12:22 pm

 

Dog in Pet Friendly Apartment wants to Play

I mentioned in my first pets in the city blog that I have a dog and two cats. Since finding a pet friendly apartment, I’ve learned that my cats are perfect pets for apartment living. They want to be fed, have a clean litter box, and toys. Trips outdoors are not required. On the other hand, my dog needs me to feed her, walk her, and give her back as much love and attention as she gives me. I’ve already discussed how you can spoil your pets in the city at pet boutiques, now I will focus on where the dog friendly parks are in Boston.

To give your dog some grass time in Boston, take them on long walks along the Esplanade, the Commonwealth Mall, Blackstone Square, or any park in Boston. Taking your dog on a walk to different parks in and around your neighborhood is a great way to explore the city and enjoy Boston’s historic architecture. Another option is the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. This 265-acre historic landscape is open year round from dawn until dusk and was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, he also designed a little park in Manhattan called Central Park. But please respect the plants and keep your dog leashed, with the hills and size of this arboretum, your dog will be exhausted just walking by your side.

If you want to give your dog playtime with other dogs, there are official off-lease dog parks at the Boston Common near Beacon Hill, Peter’s Park in the South End, and many more throughout the city. Be sure to check the designated off-leash hours at each dog park. These parks not only offer exercise for your dog, but they are great places to get to know your neighbors, learn about local events, and neighborhood gatherings.

Brookline also offers 14 off-leash dog parks, but I am reluctant to write about these parks because I do not have first hand experience with any of them. I do know the off-lease parks are available to both residents and non-residents when you pay a fee to register your dog. Some of the Brookline dog parks have off-leash hours from dawn until 9am, others until 1pm, and a few parks have hours from dawn until dusk from December to February.

If you can’t give your dog all the exercise they need throughout the day, there are plenty of dog walkers all over the city that can help. Many dog walkers are easy to find online or you can ask the people that work at the pet boutiques but the best way to find one is at the dog parks. At the dog parks, you can see first hand how the dog walkers treat the dogs in their care and which one will be the best fit for your dog.

At the end of the day, your dog is so happy for the attention you give them. Whether it’s for a short walk around the block, a play-date at the park, or an adventure around the city, they just love being with you.

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Cars for the Car-Free in Boston

Alisa Peterson | February 7, 2012 - 8:00 am

 

I love being car free in Boston. I feel healthier from walking all over the city. I also feel like I know my city better than I would have driving through it. I find different routes to take, hidden parks, and secret artwork from local artists. However there are certain times when I miss having a car. When I am showing condos for sale and apartments for rent all over the city to one of my clients, I miss having a car. Fortunately, there are others in similar situations and Boston offers many options where I can have mobile freedom while being car free.

Boston has the MBTA public transportation options of buses and trains (known as the T by locals), as well as taxis. These are great when I need to get from point A to point B, but when I have big errands that require multiple stops all over the city or I want to take a road trip to Maine for lobsters on the pier, I am grateful to be a member of Zipcar.

Zipcar offers hybrid options for borrowing a carZipcar is a car sharing program where members can borrow a car when they need it. Sign up for membership online and order a car from a computer or mobile device app. They have hundreds of cars located all over the city in multiple makes, models, and colors. In the mood for sporty european luxury? Reserve an Audi or BMW. Need to do some heavy lifting? Grab an SUV or pickup truck. Zipcar also helps you stay green with hybrid options.

Zipcar offers daily rates for trips out of the city and hourly rates for quick errands across town and back. All of the rates include gas and insurance. It’s convenient, easy to use, and they have accessible customer service always available to help.

Another option is to hire a private driver, this may seem decadent but there are times when the focus needs to be on work and not the road. I don’t have it in my budget to hire a full time private driver but there is a way to hire a temporary driver through Uber. Request a town car from any mobile phone either through app or text and they will send the nearest driver. The service texts once with the estimated arrival time and again when the car arrives. The fare is calculated based on distance or time depending on speed and is charged to the credit card on file.

You don’t need to deal with the hassles of owning a car in the city, but you don’t need to forfeit the conveniences of a car either with services like Zipcar and Uber.

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C’est Chic Pet Boutiques

Alisa Peterson | February 3, 2012 - 8:15 am

 

Cat has a Home but No ToysOnce you and your furry friend(s) have found a new pet friendly home, it’s time to find where to get everything they need. Sure you can go the Petco or PetSmart super store route, but since your little ones are now pets in the city, spoil them at the chic pet boutiques!

In the South End, you have the pet boutiques Polka Dog Bakery, The Urban Hound, and Bark Place.

The Polka Dog Bakery found on Shawmut Avenue has a wide selection of toys and accessories for both dogs and cats. Additionally this bakery makes the best and most unique dog treats in Boston. Since it’s located around the corner from the Peter’s Park and the Joe Wex Dog Recreation Space I’ll give you fair warning, you can’t walk your dog by and not go in. With their great sense of smell they know irresistible treats are inside even if they have never set a paw in the front door. Trust me: you will not be able to say no.

Bark Place on Washington Avenue has toys, treats, and accessories for your pooch but they also offer grooming. They have a drop off option where you have their groomers make your dog all shiny and new. They also have a do-it-yourself option where they provide the tub, brushes, towels, and blow dryer which is perfect if your dog is like mine and little too high strung to have someone else clean her.

Found on Malden Street between Albany Street and Harrison Avenue, the Urban Hound also offers little treats and grooming as well as a doggie day care if you don’t want to leave your pooch at home while working.

In Back Bay, you’ll find Fish & Bone and Pawsh Dog Boutique and Spa. Both pet boutiques are highly reviewed for their services, have wonderful accessories and treats, and are conveniently located on/near Newbury Street.

Four Preppy Paws caters to the Beacon Hill pet-owning crowd. A wonderful pet boutique on Charles Street that has all the food, treats, and accessories you need to spoil your pet.

Kitten Playing with Designer Toy

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Boston’s Historic Mansion Nobody Wants…

Alisa Peterson | February 1, 2012 - 8:00 am

 

Various Highlights of Ames-Webster Mansion in Back BayBoston is filled with historic real estate. Originally built to house the elite, many properties in Boston have been converted into luxury condos, commercial spaces, or museums. There are a few, however, that retain their original glory as single family mansions. One in particular is the Ames-Webster Mansion in Boston’s Back Bay.

The Ames-Webster Mansion is located at 306 Dartmouth Street, situated on the corner of Dartmouth Street and Commonwealth Avenue at the heart of Back Bay. A 26,000 square foot brick mansion such as the Ames-Webster is not common in Boston real estate and to be honest nothing about this multi-million dollar mansion is common.The Ames-Webster Mansion holds 50 rooms, 28 fireplaces, and 6 parking spaces.

The original building at 306 Dartmouth Street was designed and built by renowned architectural firm Peabody and Stearns in 1872. John Sturgis, who also designed the original Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, is credited with the redesign and enlargement of the property in 1882 to a single family home for Frederick Ames, who was, in his time, called “the hub’s richest man” by the Boston Globe. The home has had few owners since which means few renovations and the survival of the original ornate detail intact throughout the home, such as the stained glass skylight designed by John La Farge and the murals Benjamin Constant painted around the skylight.

This historic mansion is a true example of a trophy property. It has everything: location, size, prestigious pedigree, and it’s zoned for commercial use as well as residential. Yet it has been for sale for over 700 days and was originally priced for $23 million with the price dropping to $18 million last November.

With the economy the way it is, not too many people have $18 million on hand, but there are properties of this magnitude (and greater) that have sold over the last year. How has this one stayed on the market? Many theories could answer this question, but I like to believe it is haunted, a detail the owners would have to disclose* to potential buyers. I’m not saying it is haunted, but if it were, that could be scaring away potential buyers.

Boston Historic Ames Webster Mansion at 306 Dartmouth Street in Boston's Back Bay

*Fun Fact: The only instance of the term “paranormal activity” in Massachusetts Law is in relation to stigmatized property.

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Car Free in Boston: My First Steps

Alisa Peterson | January 29, 2012 - 10:55 am

 

Boston Sidewalk made from BricksWhen I relocated to Boston from Los Angeles, CA the thought of being car free seemed impossible. The reason was that I was car dependent, so dependent I would drive to the corner mail box. So it took a little time to get my feet used to the walking. Fortunately Boston has such a small footprint, it didn’t take long to adjust. But there were some lessons I learned along the way to being car free in Boston.

Lesson 1 on being car free in Boston: Make sure your comfortable shoes are broken in before you walk around the city for long periods.

It seems obvious, but wearing the wrong footwear for 2 hours will kill you for the next 2 days. My first day in Boston, my boyfriend and I walked all over the city searching for apartments. I thought I was wearing good walking shoes (Jack Parcels have never steered me wrong). Since I hadn’t worn them in months, and even then not that often, the blisters I got were huge.

Lesson 2 on being car free in Boston: Boston is an old city! Many sidewalks in Boston are made from bricks. Heels get caught and ruined in the gaps.

After we finally moved, it was time for the job search. I went out and got great interview outfits complete with cute shoes (high heels? of course!). I was still learning my way around and thought my apartment in Beacon Hill was close to the office where my interview was scheduled. I left later than I wanted to, so I just wore the heels and brought comfy tennis shoes for the walk back. As the saying goes, “You only get one shot at making a first impression.” Nothing makes quite a memorable first impression like walking into job interview with completely destroyed heels.

Lesson 3 on being car free in Boston: You are in the city now, walk fast. If you can’t walk fast, keep to the side so others can pass you. 

This lesson I learned came from my boyfriend who had lived in Boston before. In a city where everyone walks, it is important to realize, you need to speed up, especially when people are getting to and from work. You may not have been car free for long so I’ll put this in driving terms. When you are on a freeway, there are 4 lanes. The right lane is usually for slower speeds and the furthest is the passing lane for the fastest speeds. Keep that in mind when walking; except in the city the sidewalks are not big enough for 4 lanes, so the sidewalk is always the fast lane whether people know it or not.

For those that already walk fast and can’t wait for others to catch up, there is always the option below…

The toughest part about being car free is learning and getting used to getting around on foot. After a little time, it becomes second nature and you start to realize that there are many reasons to love being car free in Boston.

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Renting Your Home that has Not Sold

Alisa Peterson | January 22, 2012 - 6:28 pm

 

If your property has been sitting on the sales market for a while and you have already moved, you may want to consider renting your home. A tenant’s rent payment can pay for the mortgage, which can take off the pressure that might cause you to make rash financial decisions. You may decide in the end to keep the home as an investment property or you could wait until the market improves to sell your property.

The housing market has been on a roller coaster to say the least and Boston has not been immune. Rental property in Boston continues to be in high demand. But before you decide on renting your home there are a few things to think about.

When to start the lease is an important factor to consider when deciding on renting your home. September 1st has the most turnover of any date for rentals in Boston and any time between the spring and September 1 is considered to be “in season.” Winter is the worst time for renting your home because less people are looking for housing then.

South End Brownstone that can be Rented Out while on Sales MarketBecause Boston’s rental market has such dramatic seasons, you need to factor this into your decision of how long of a lease you want. If you want to keep your home on the sales market, a short-term lease gives you the most flexibility but there is the risk of gaps in occupancy. Also know that most short-term tenants want their rental to be furnished. Fortunately there are many companies throughout Boston that will furnish a home for a monthly rate, but furnishing a condo or a house is not cheap.

To secure a long-term tenant, it would be best to take your property off the sales market since tenants are unlikely to commit to the possibility of showing the property for sale and then having to move if a sale does occur. With a long-term lease you would be less likely to have gaps in occupancy and you can structure the lease length to work to your advantage. For instance, if you want to put your home back up for sale in a year, have the lease run until the end of January or February of the following year, so you can have it ready for the spring sales market.

You will also need to figure out a fair price to ask for renting your home. Like pricing your home for sale, the right price for renting your home can have it rented quickly. For the best insight into the current market, get the opinion of knowledgeable Realtors.

Renting your home can be a great option if isn’t selling, but it is important that you know what options are available and what will work best for you. For more information, contact the Realtors of Matthew and Alisa Group Real Estate.

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Pet Friendly Apartments and Condos

Alisa Peterson | January 22, 2012 - 1:52 pm

 

Pet friendly real estate is not always easy to come by in Boston. Whether you are buying a condo or renting an apartment, having pets in the city may cause some hurdles in your home search. It’s nothing personal, I have a dog and two cats, and I’m sure your four legged friend is the best in the history of all animals. I know mine are and the search for my pet friendly apartment was still difficult.

When you see condo or apartment listings that say “no pets,” “pets allowed: no,” or “pet policy: none” it usually means no pets are allowed. I want to make that clear so you don’t waste your time, especially since inventory for pet friendly apartments and condos is limited and moves fast. When you see a pet friendly apartment or condo listing that says pets negotiable, that means we as Realtors have some wiggle room. Some pet policies come from individual owners, some come from condo association rules, and some buildings flat out do not allow any pets. How pet friendly the pet friendly apartment is, depends on where the pet policy comes from.

Dog Friendly Apartments in the CityTo save time in your search for a pet friendly apartment or condo for your dog, there is some information that you should have ready. First, know the breed of your dog. Second, know how much your dog weighs. Some pet friendly apartment buildings and condo buildings have breed restrictions and some have weight restrictions. If you don’t know the exact weight or breed, that is fine, just give your best guess. Be as accurate as possible on your guess because some owners or condo associations will want to meet your pet before they let you move in. Cats are fairly easy compared to dogs, either they are allowed or they are not allowed.

Also, have a reference letter for your pet ready from your landlord, management company, or even neighbor. For some owners or condo boards that are on the fence about your pet, it could help.

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