One of our agents, Ian Phipps, contributed to the blog this week. Find out what he has to say on why hiring a realtor for you next move could be the best thing for you during your Boston Apartment Search.

Before answering this, we should first distinguish between a Realtor and a Real Estate Agent.  Every Realtor is a real estate agent; not all real estate agents are Realtors.  Almost every real estate licensing test has the question:  A Realtor is…   And the answer is always “A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors.”  But what does this really mean, and what does it entail?

A Realtor subscribes to a code of ethics and standards of practice.  Here’s the beginning of our code of ethics preamble:

Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS^® should recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment. 

Not bad, right?  The rest can be found here:  http://www.realtor.org/mempolweb.nsf/pages/code.  The organization began in 1917 in response to a market dominated by “caveat emptor” or “buyer beware.”  Since then, sellers’ property disclosures, home inspections, and recording of deeds have become industry practice.  Realtors’ work for justice and how it pertains to real estate ownership.

Why, then, should you work with a Realtor?

• The biggest and best answer is:  A realtor will help you find the best deal.  As independent contractors, we continuously hone our craft.  From knowledge of the inventory, market trends, to a network of industry related individuals; we will make sure your housing wants and needs are met.
•  Our practice is regulated, both by public review/opinion and the law.  We strive to be at the top our game, in order to earn more business and to stay in business.  We’ve done this successfully for over eight years and look forward to the future working with you.

We here at Charlesgate, are an agency of Realtors.  Some of our agents are highly involved in our local, state and national board of Realtors.  All of us are members and subscribe to the Realtor code of ethics and standards of practice.  When looking to rent, buy or sell, choose a Charlesgate realtor.

Find your next apartment on our Boston apartment search engine. Specifically created for you and what you’re looking for in a Boston Apartment.

Read more great posts like this at Boston Apartments by Charlesgate Realty.

It’s that time of the year again. That time of the year where you’re trying to make-up your mind on whether or not you should stay on campus or try your hand living off of campus. It’s always a tough decision, and when you finally do make that decision there comes the process and time of convincing your parents and finding roommates (friends) that you think would make excellent house mates, and just being prepared in general for this process.

We, at Charlesgate Realty Group, want to help you make a smooth transition when you finally make that hard decision. To make it as easy as we possibly can for you, we’ve created a section on our website called Off Campus, which is a great resource on what you need to do next. We suggest you check it out, share it with your friends, parents and any one else who might find it helpful.

We’ve also created a FAQs page that deals with some harder questions. Like the purpose of a cosigner, what is a certified check, and what is a guarantor? We recently just updated this section with a few more questions.

• What are move in funds?
  Most apartments require the move in funds equal to three months’ rent (first month rent, last month rent, and security deposit).  In addition there is a realtor fee of one month rent.  There may be ancillary fees associated with the screening including credit checks which are generally around $15 per credit report, and some other banking fees may apply depending on how the funds are paid.  The realtor fee is generally paid by the tenant due to the high demand and low supply of apartments in the downtown area.  Be prepared to pay a minimum of two months’ rent at the time of submitting an application and the remaining two months within a short time.  Different landlord have varying expectations and requirements for paying the balance of the move in funds.
• Will I need  cosigners or guarantors?
  The majority of landlords will require a qualified cosigner for each applicant who does not income qualify for the apartment, usually this is the situation with full-time students.  The cosigners are guaranteeing the rent payments.  They will go through a similar application, credit, and income screening to make sure the monthly rent obligation will be met.
• Jointly and Severally:
  Apartments are rented as a group, so all three tenants are responsible for the rent.  When a lease is signed they are collectively responsible for the rent regardless of how the individual tenants decide to make arrangements for their portion of the payment.  It is important that the cosigners understand this as they are responsible for this as well.  It is important for the cosigners and tenants to understand this.  Lastly, it is common that landlords will require the rent to be paid in one check, so arrangements will need to be made for the monthly payments.

We highly suggest more questions throughout your process. In the meantime check out our updated pages for housing available near Boston University, Northeastern University, and Suffolk University. (We even had our agents pick out a few that they thought were pretty awesome deals).

Read more great posts like this at Boston Apartments by Charlesgate Realty.

[This is a post by one of our agents Ian Phipps. Ian can be reached at iphipps@charlesgaterealty.com.]

So your apartment is being shown??

There are a few things you should know.  While all real estate agents are licensed, some are better than others; none are perfect.  An agent ought to watch their customer/clients during the showings.  That’s not to say you shouldn’t be proactive about showings going on in your home.

A Quick lesson on fixtures vs chattel:  these are real estate specific terms.
You need to know that fixtures remain in the building, and chattel refers to your personal belongings.  Many prospective renters or buyers looking at your home will likely look in cabinetry, closets and medicine cabinets, but will not open bureau drawers, as a bureau leaves with you.  Consider this before your home is shown.

If your apartment, condominium, home, is being shown, then take the following steps before showings.

• Clean Up: clean organized homes show better than disorganized, disorienting or otherwise dirty places.  Whether you are a renter or a homeowner, here’s why you should clean up.  If clean, it will rent/sell faster and you’ll have fewer showings to accommodate.  Peace of mind, showing a dirty home is embarrassing.  Do you want prospective occupants wondering “who are the dirty inhabitants here now?”

• Hide valuables: jewelry, electronics, money, collectibles, medicine*, and smaller things that are easily concealed should be stowed away and/or hidden before showings.  Refer back to the difference between fixtures and personal property.  Many renters and buyers will look into closets, cabinetry and medicine cabinets.  Rightfully so, as these units of storage will remain long after you move out.  *We, agents, have seen most everything and are offended by very little, however our clients might reserve opinions about the current residents’ pastimes.  Plan accordingly.
• Stow family memorabilia and depersonalize the space: Family photos, while a great way to make a home yours, are unnecessary when showing.  Prospective dwellers want to feel as if it can be their dwelling.  Someone else’s photos render that imagination difficult.  Also, there’s no need for a prospective to know who’s home they’re looking at.  Imagine seeing an apartment with current roommates’ photos than noticing one of the roommates on the street.  Would you think, “I’ve seen where that person sleeps and eats?”  I hope not; it’s a bit creepy.  Either way, don’t give others the opportunity to identify you elsewhere.

Agents pre-screen prospective renters and buyers upon first contact:  “Who are you?  What do you do for a living?  Who else will be joining you?…”  It is not a perfect science.  Sometimes clients and customers have more malicious intentions than that which the agent has knowledge.  We, agents, try our best to safeguard against this, but again we are not perfect.  Know that we will work to the best of our abilities.  Feel welcome to ask.

 Showings are an essential facet to our trade.  Thank you for the past, and in advance for your cooperation.  Be cautious; be smart.  Contact us about it.

If you have specifics like “no shoes in the house” or “don’t let Frodo out,” then let us know.  All of us at Charlesgate Realty are eager to please and easy to work with.

Read more great posts like this at Boston Apartments by Charlesgate Realty.

Have you heard? That there will now be a new parking card for Boston parking meters? Of course it’s starting out as a trial…
HOWEVER, no more scrounging around for long lost coins under the car seats.

“Mayor Thomas M. Menino will introduce a parking debit card today to give drivers another option at 7,200 Boston meters that until now were coin-only.”

Designed to be swiped at the time of parking and again when leaving, so you will only have to pay for the amount of time spent parked in the spot. (YAY! No money goes to waste! The downfall, Boston still only allows two hour parking, so is it making that much of a difference?)

“The prepaid cards can be purchased at City Hall and the city’s tow lot or online in increments from $5 to $100. Unlike the MBTA’s CharlieCard, the Boston Meter Card will not be re-loadable from home, though officials said they hope to add that feature.”
Read the rest of the article here.

The question is….is this even worth the trouble, being that you have to move your car every two hours?
What are your thoughts Boston?

Read more great posts like this at Boston Apartments by Charlesgate Realty.

Can you hardly believe that it’s that time of year again?!

Last year, being given such a short notice, we still had 40 toys donated. Help us beat the amount this year! Drop off your toy donation at Charlesgate Realty Group and we will donate a toy for every rental or sale, or you can just come on by and drop off your toys. We’re looking to beat last year’s donation!!  Every little bit helps!!

We are located at 867 Boylston Street 3rd Floor. Feel free to drop off those toys between 8am and 6pm Monday through Friday and 10am-5pm on Saturday! We hope to see you!

Read more great posts like this at Boston Apartments by Charlesgate Realty.

Can’t wait till next Thursday? Get your Thanksgiving sandwich on early. (We’d like to thank boston.com for inspiring us to make our own. I made rounds in the office and got these top turkey sandwich’s).

Boloco
Finally has something worth while. (Sorry, just my opinion). the Thanksgiving dinner sandwich with house roasted turkey, homemade stuffing, green beans, and tangy cranberry chutney. YES PLEASE! ($6.25).

Where: 247 Newbury St or 1080 Boylston Street (Near Berklee)

Davio’s To Go
“Tomorrow’s Turkey Sandwich” loaded with oven-roasted turkey, cranberry apple chutney and gravy. Get out of my way, and give me a napkin! ($12)

Where: 75 Arlington St

Parish Cafe
The Zuni Roll – which let me say…is AMAZING!
Smoked turkey breast, crisp bacon, chopped scallions, dill Havarti cheese and cranberry-chipotle sauce wrapped in a flour tortilla and served warm with a side of homemade potato salad or cole slaw.  ($12)

Location: 361 Boylston Street and 493 Mass Ave

Lamberts Marketplace
The Mass Ave – Enough said.

Location: 140 Tremont St

Looking for an apartment in the Back Bay? Click here. If not, check out our Boston Apartment Search page.

Read more great posts like this at Boston Apartments by Charlesgate Realty.

With winter right around the corner we figured we would give you a few tips along the way. The City of Boston sent us a handy-dandy brochure on the Do’s and Don’ts on Winter Survival in Boston. (Meaning, you might want to adhere to it, so you don’t get frustrated. Because we all know getting dumped on with tons of snow is frustrating enough).

The first tip is transportation and parking in Boston during the winter months.

Do -

• Check the city’s website of call for a full list of snow emergency arteries and discount garages in your neighborhood.
• Park in discount garages in your neighborhood with a valid resident parking sticker. Arrive up to two hours prior to the start of the snow emergency, and leave two hours after its lifted or you’re subject to standard rates.
• Make your resident parking sticker visible within 24 hours after the end of the storm
• Follow all other parking regulations during snow emergencies; they are strictly enforced. Parking meters remain in effect!

Don’t -

• Park on a posted snow emergency artery during declared emergency. You will be ticketed and towed.
• Use space savers 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted
(48 HOURS! Boston is notorious for using these ALL the time, regardless if there is a storm or not. Read our blog on creative parking space holders. It will not disappoint).
• Park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than one foot from the curb.
• Park in crossways, or in front of fire hydrants or ramps.
• Park in front of driveways, or extend your car from the driveway over the sidewalk or street.
Please stay tuned for more helpful tips. If you want more information check out previous posts we did. Such as:

How to Survive Extreme Cold Weather in Boston

And for when it really snows, here are our top holiday movie picks here at Charlesgate Realty Group. It’s interesting to say the least. We gave you warning….

In the meantime, don’t forget to search our awesome Boston Apartments Search page for your next home!

Read more great posts like this at Boston Apartments by Charlesgate Realty.

So you have relocated to the wonderful city of Boston?! Did you know Boston got high marks from visitors in a poll taken by Travel and Leisure Magazine? Here’s where Boston finished as best and worst. (Ahem…local barbecue, friendliness, and weather were not the winners, just so you know).

Sports-crazed.
Yeah…if you haven’t noticed yet, Boston is a little crazy about their sports teams, and rightly so. I think it’s also a big reason why we have pride in our city, just saying…

Intelligence.
Being number three on the list, Boston has some brains. Look at all the colleges, universities and stellar public & private schools located in Boston. Our medical facilities are some of the most sought after and highly praised in the world leading the way in many research fields.

Classical Music.
If you haven’t heard of the BSO – Boston Symphony Orchestra of the world-renowned Symphony Hall, than you must be living under a rock! Boston was beat out by NYC. Go figure. But we still have an amazing orchestra and you won’t have to deal with NY traffic to see them!

Best Time To Visit or Just Have a Good Time.
The Fourth of July. We even beat out Washington D.C. With the POPs playing and fireworks that are AMAZING, why not celebrate the birthday of America in one of the first cities?!

Historical Sites and Museums/Galleries.
If you’re a history buff, we’ve got it. If you like galleries and museums we have that too, but I have to complain, they can be a bit costly. Some museums have great mid-week and student deals that you can find on their respective websites.

Public Transportation.
Yep, we like to complain about it, but got high marks for public transportation and pedestrian access. And the T hit a record high for ridership recently, so they must be doing something right!

Tech-savvy.
We came in fifth. If we could only figure out how to make an app for the Green line, I think we would have come in first!

Microbrew beer.
We placed 8th. Rhode Island and Maine beat us on that one. (shaking fist in their general direction right now). Oddly, we have a lot of vodka producers here in MA, our personal fave is V-1 Vodka.

So those are the highlights. If you want to read the downers, just click here. Don’t get heated about it. Find out more about Boston’s neighborhoods right here. And if you’re still trying to find a place to call home, we have a great Boston Apartments Search Engine.

Read more great posts like this at Boston Apartments by Charlesgate Realty.

We all know that getting around Boston can be a love hate relationship. Even driving can cause a large amount of stress -and in my case, so can walking. We decided, on your behalf of keeping your sanity, to make a nice little list of cabs, trains, buses, bikes and more, to get you from point A to point B in Boston.

Taxis:
Let’s just start off, I use TaxiFareFinder.com ALL the time. It has a great list of phone numbers of the cab services in Boston. The best thing about Taxi Fare Finder is you can get a rough estimate on whether you need to sell an arm or a leg to get where you need to go. Meaning: it gives you a rough estimate of what it’s going to cost you. And…they also have an app!  Also, when you call, ask if they accept credit cards. Most of them all should, but a lot of the cabbies like to tell you theirs is broken…. I have many good stories about that.

Bus’s and Trains:
Yay for the MBTA!  Just go to their site, look at the schedules and BAM! You’re on your way. Beware of traveling on the weekends however. The Green Line is usually packed full of college kids smelling of Axe body spray. Always delightful. And…wait for it…they have apps as well! A pre-warning however, there is no app yet for the Green line…could be because it’s so unpredictable.

Hubway:
Bike in Boston! Hubway just started this past summer in Boston, and seems to be a hit! However, I’m curious if the bike stations will be removed during the winter, or buried under piles of snow from the emergency snow removals. Hmmmm…..

Anyhew, in a nutshell,
“Hubway works something like Zipcar, the urban car-share system, but will looks more like the Smarte Carte luggage kiosks at airports. Riders must first sign up for memberships — including a liability waiver and a pledge to wear a helmet — on kiosk touch screens, with memberships likely to range from about $5 a day to $85 a year.”

Uber:
The new and stylish way to get around Boston, that will cost you around the same as a cab, but allow you to travel and track you car. Download the App, make the call, and watch on your phone as your car approaches.
“Uber is a way to summon a town car using an app on your mobile phone. For livery drivers, it’s a way to fill in extra work at times when they might otherwise be sitting around. And for consumers, it’s a way to get a ride in a car that’s more spacious and better-maintained than your typical cab. And the Uber app also provides better information about when exactly you’ll be picked up.” (Read the recent article on Boston.com about it here).

To get more information check out their site, it’s pretty cool.

Walking:
Yes, Boston is a great walking city. But in-between the months of November to April, not that great. Unless you own a giant plastic bubble to walk in and fisherman’s pants. But in the summer…walk away! Beware of tourist’s!!

We hope you found this blog article helpful and interesting. If you have any comments or would like to share more ways of traveling in Boston, like by JetPack, please share below.

In the mean time, if you’re looking for an apartment, check out our Boston Apartments Search page! Or give us a call at 617.587.0100

Read more great posts like this at Boston Apartments by Charlesgate Realty.

We’ve all been there. We’ve all turned on the computer and headed to Craigslist at some point in our lives to find an apartment. Not that there is anything wrong with that, there are some pretty entertaining ads on there (see below, because that’s what this post is all about).

But you could seriously run into some issues. Such as the myth of the no fee apartment. Don’t know about it? Read about it right here. The bait and switch, misrepresentation, shams…the list goes on.

So is searching Craigslist a waste of time? (We also wrote an article on that right here). Well if you’re looking for a good laugh, than NO! Check out a few of these interesting ads posted for people searching for new homes. My only concern is, are these people for REAL?!

Spacious Studio Igloo

Looking for a renter for a 70 square foot igloo (4′ x 5′ entrance tunnel, 4′ radius living area.) An excellent choice for EMU art students as it is located right next to the Ford Building on Eastern’s campus. Quiet neighborhood consisting mostly of squirrels. Heat, plumbing and electric not provided.

Water included (must be melted by occupant.)
Includes hole in roof for bonfires to prevent asphyxiation.
Neighborhood security provided free by campus police.

$200 a month OBO.

*Landlord not responsible for property melting.

$199000 Spacious Cardboard Studio (lower height)

Spacious Cardboard Studio – Now $199,000
- Adorable San Francisco Location
- Walking distance to bars, liquor stores & bus lines
- Vaulted ceiling
- Private Entry
- Great starter home
- Only $633 HOA per month
- Largest Box on the Block

Call now to schedule a private showing. Wont last at this price!!!

Rustic 1 Bedroom

As summer is approaching that means the weather outside is getting nicer, which means I have an extra room for rent. Do you like the outdoors, wood paneling, porta-poties? Then I have the perfect room for you. I just cleaned and swept out the tree house in my backyard. It is level to the second story of my house on a very sturdy tree. It has a plastic door, solid roof, and a durable rope ladder. It also has a pully system so you can pull up items that you don’t feel comfortable carrying on the rope ladder. The tree house has a bedroom (comes furnished with a mattress) which is separate from the common area (comes furnished with a beanbag). As for the kitchen, you may want to eat out. You can use the separate entrance to my backyard where it is located. This DOES NOT mean you have free access to my backyard though. What you are renting is the room at this is it. It is okay to use the backyard but keep it mind that first and foremost, it is mine.
Please, applicants under 160lbs only please. It is a sturdy building but lets not take any chances.
•    cats are OK – purrr
•    dogs are OK – wooof
•    Location: Parkdale

My favorite one had nothing to do with renting a room but an offer to time travel. Which you can read for yourself here if you want a good laugh.

With all of this said and done, remember, we are trained real estate professionals, here to help you. So you don’t have to deal with these silly ads, calling management companies, agents, landlords and checking dozens of websites. We’ll deal with these people for you. Check out our available listings, give us a call, and we’ll set up a viewing for you.

Read more great posts like this at Boston Apartments by Charlesgate Realty.