Ellen and Janis Real Estate: Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, Hyde Park

Jamaica Plain Non-Profts Make a Difference

Janis and Ellen — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:58:04 +0000

It’s rewarding to live in a community that is rich with socially responsible business owners and vibrant non-profit organizations. We have enjoyed watching Keshet, (http://www.keshetonline.org/) a JP based non-profit, grow from a local one person operation with a budget of $35,000 to a nine person organization with a budget over $850,000 and a national reach. Keshet’s mission is to ensure that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Jews are fully included in all parts of the Jewish community. In the Greater Boston area, Keshet offers social and cultural events for GLBT Jews ranging from Jewish text study to an annual GLBT Jewish speed-dating gala, Keshet Quick Dates. Nationally, Keshet offers support, training, and resources to create a Jewish community that welcomes and affirms GLBT Jews.

On March 17th the organization will host a fabulous gala evening of music, comedy, and an amazing auction, all to benefit Keshet’s work for the full equality and inclusion of GLBT Jews in Jewish life. We’re on the host committee and are looking forward to a fun evening that will include performances by actor, comedian, singer Zac Mordechai and Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Judy Gold. We hope to see you there!

Keshet Carbaret
March 17, 2012
8-11pm at The Westin Copley Place
10 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA

Mortgage Rates Hit Record Low – There’s Never Been a Better Time to Buy a Home.

Janis and Ellen — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:02:48 +0000

There may never be a better time to buy or refinance a home. The interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage approached new lows, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly survey of mortgage rates. While U.S mortgage rates were mostly unchanged over the past week the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has hovered below 4% for seven straight weeks. The 30-year fixed mortgage averaged 3.88%, down from 3.89% the previous week and 4.74% a year ago. Rates on 15-year fixed mortgages averaged 3.17%, up slightly from 3.16% last week and below 4.05% a year earlier.

To obtain the rates, 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages required an average payment of 0.8 percentage point. A point is 1% of the mortgage amount, charged as prepaid interest. As we noted in an earlier post, now is a great time to buy a home! Contact us today if you would like more information and/or if you need a mortgage broker referral. We would be happy to assist you!

Image by Salvatore Vuono

Looking Ahead to the Real Estate Market in 2012

Janis and Ellen — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:59:59 +0000

It’s always so easy to look back (we all love “Monday morning quarterbacking”) but looking forward can be tricky. At Ellen and Janis Real Estate, we closely monitor real estate sales in Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury and throughout Greater Boston. While the new year has just begun, we are encouraged by recent trends and predictions. Most of the news about real estate is optimistic; economists predict that the housing market will begin its slow recovery from the last few years. As Freddie Mac’s, Chief Economist, Frank E. Nothaft noted,

-Low mortgage rates will support a gradual housing pick-up in 2012
-30 year fixed-rate mortgages will stay below 5% through 2012
-Home buyer affordability will support home sales, thus sales will increase by about 2%-4% in 2012

As the chart above shows, low interest rates and lower home prices have increased homebuyer affordability. In other words, due to lower interest rates, you can now buy a higher priced home that might have been out of your range a few years ago. This is great news if you are a first time home buyer or if you are trading up to a home larger than the one you currently own.

The chart above shows home sales pace in 2011 was similar to 2010, but in 2012 sales are projected to increase at 2% to 4% above 2011 levels. In other words, (if sale prices do start to increase) the affordability mentioned above will decrease as the year goes on because the same house, even with low interest rates, will start to inch up in price.

Based on this outlook, it’s a good time to buy sooner rater than later. Interest rates are historically low, and you will be able to get more home for your money. This also means that it’s a good time to sell as buyers feel more confident about the market. Please contact us if you have any questions about this report or the real estate market in general.

Here’s to a robust 2012 real estate market!

Ellen and Janis

Happy New Year!

Janis and Ellen — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:44:06 +0000

We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to help so many wonderful clients buy or sell their homes this year. While everyone we work with is special, the sellers of 100 Kittredge Street in Roslindale really touched us. This was not just another house, it was a very large home and carriage house that had been in the same family since the 1950’s. As the family said in their holiday news letter, the home held many fond memories of festive family gatherings and holiday celebrations. While the children of the original owners have embarked on a new chapter in their lives, they will “always treasures great memories of their home”, and they know that the new owners will take good care of a property that they will always call home.

This is one of the many reasons why we work in real estate. We are grateful to our clients and happy to be working with such wonderful people. Thank you for all that we do together…

Here’s to a happy, healthy & prosperous 2012!

Ellen and Janis

Last Minute Holiday Shopping in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale

Janis and Ellen — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:36:13 +0000

With the holidays upon us, we thought it was a great time to share a few local shopping ideas. We’re grateful to be living in a neighborhood that supports local entrepreneurs. The holidays provide us with an opportunity to give something back to the merchants who make our community diverse and vibrant. So, take a look at our recommendations and feel free to share your own suggestions!

Jamaica Plain

Station 8 is a full service hair salon offering a complete menu of spa services. Get a gift certificate for that special someone.

Salmagundi provides a full rage of hats and accessories for your next holiday party! The shop was recognized by the city for leadership in window displays and cutting-edge fashion.

Boing! offers educational toys for children of all ages.

The merchandise at Kitchenwich runs the gamut from practical to silly, affordable to splurgy. Their products have been featured several times in the Boston Globe!

At On Centre you’ll find a surprisingly wide selection of books, clothing, accessories, home decor, stationary, art, and more, nestled in colorful store displays. The store carries the owner’s signature line of jewelry!

Need more ideas? Visit Jamaica Plain Main Streets local business directory!

Roslindale
Joanne Rossman describes herself as a purveyor of the unnecessary and irresistible! Her hand-woven throws and blankets make the perfect gift.

Solera is a shrine to wine offering carefully selected vintages from around the world.

Sophia’s Grotto Can’t give your special someone a trip to Italy this year? Then a gift certificate to Sophia’s Grotto may be the next best thing.

For more ideas visit Roslindale Village Main Streets’ business directory!

Happy holidays!

Ellen & Janis

The Right Property At the Right Price Will Still Get Multiple Offers in Jamaica Plain

Janis and Ellen — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:46:28 +0000

As Realtors we frequently hear the question “hows the market”. And our reply is generally “pretty strong”. Most people seem surprised by this response.

Just this past weekend a single family home came on the market at 55 Boylston Street it had 2 open houses that were both extremely well attended. Following the open houses, the listing agents received a total of 11 offers. That’s right, 11 offers for 1 home. Needless to say, the home will go on to close at well above the asking price. Yes, it needs work, but once the work is completed it will make someone a very nice single family home in Jamaica Plain on a corner lot with garage parking.

So whenever we are asked the question, we do go on to say that we are blessed that we live and work in a community that has escaped some of the struggles of the national economy. Thankfully most people in Jamaica Plain are doing ok. And let’s hope in 2012 it stays that way!

Happy Holidays!

-Ellen And Janis

Making Children’s Wishes Come True in Jamaica Plain

Janis and Ellen — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:37:30 +0000

We’re excited to once again be collecting toys as part of The Home for Little Wanderers’ Big Wishes for Little Wanderers holiday gift drive. Each year, holiday wishes come true for thousands of children and families in The Home’s care through generous donations to the annual gift drive. The items donated to The Home’s gift drive are given to children and families who are currently being served by one of The Home’s more than 20 programs.

You’re invited to drop off new, unwrapped toys at our office, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 713 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, by Monday December 12th. The home serves children of all ages, for gift ideas, click here.

The Home for Little Wanderers is the nation’s oldest and one of New England’s largest nonprofit child and family service agencies. Its mission is to ensure the healthy behavioral, emotional, social and educational development and physical well-being of children and families living in at-risk circumstances. For more information, visit www.thehome.org.

Happy Holidays! -Ellen And Janis

Remember We Fall Back on Sunday Morning!

Janis and Ellen — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:10:36 +0000

Remember we “fall back” this weekend, Sunday, November 6, 2011, ending Daylight Saving Time, and returning to Standard Time.

It is the perfect day for an “extra” hour of sleep, the Patriots game will feel like its later and you will have more time to enjoy the beautiful fall weather.

A good idea every time you change your clocks forward or back, is to change the batteries in your smoke/CO detectors. Though many newer homes are hardwired, and do not require the batteries to operate, some homes are not, and need to be adjusted. Don’t wait until your smoke detectors start chirping — keep your family safe & change the batteries now! (Usually they take 9V batteries, which can be bought most anywhere!)

So we hope you are able to enjoy your extra hour of sleep. Of course if you are are out shopping for a new home, please make sure you check the Open House times carefully. We have 2 open houses scheduled so we hope to see you there!

-Ellen And Janis

Halloween in Jamaica Plain

Janis and Ellen — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:35:57 +0000

Halloween is a holiday that’s fun no mater how old you are. Whatever your age, there are many things to do and see this Halloween in Jamaica Plain. We enjoy seeing local businesses and home owners get into the holiday spirit in so many ways.

For something new, trick-or-treat among the animals this year. Don’t miss the haunted happenings at the Franklin Park Zoo Howl, including creature encounters, creepy crafts, ghoulish games, a trick-or-treat trail and the Haunted Maze. Franklin Park Zoo Howl: October 29-30, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. franklinparkzoo.org

On Saturday, October 29th, the Jamaica Plain Business and Professional Association and Jamaica Plain Centre/South Main Streets present a Dog Parade and Fashion Show. The parade starts at noon at the First Baptist Church and finishes at the South Street Mall at 2pm. All proceeds benefit the Animal Rescue League, MSPCA and City Shelter.

And don’t forget to stop by Coldwell Banker on Monday October 31 from 3-6pm for Halloween treats when our office participates in the Trick or Treat Halloween Stroll on Centre and South Streets. Along with our neighbors, we’ll be opening our doors to greet local ghouls and goblins. Look in the windows of participating merchants for a poster welcoming trick-or-treaters.

Whether you’re celebrating your first Halloween in the neighborhood, or you’re a seasoned veteran, there’s something for everyone this Halloween in JP!

A New Home for Dad – Open Houses This Sunday June 18th

Janis and Ellen — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 12:53:58 +0000

On Saturday Dad gets to enjoy the Bruins parade and on Sunday perhaps he gets to buy a new home. Enjoy this year’s Fathers Day celebration on the streets of Jamaica Plain and Roslindale.

Come stop by any of our open houses this Sunday June 18th.

134 Tyndale Street Unit 2 Roslindale 2BR’s, pkg, deck $269,000 Open 12pm – 1:00pm

353 Cornell Street Unit 2 Roslindale 2+BR’s, pkg, yard, deck $299,900 Open 12pm – 1pm

90 Montebello Rd Unit 3 Jamaica Plain 2BR’s, garage pkg, deck, yard $299,900 Open 1:30pm – 2:30pm

98 Forbes Street Jamaica Plain 4 BR’s, 3 Baths, A/C, garage $659,000 Open 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Would love to see you there! For more information check out Ellen And Janis Real Estate