Best Gelato in Boston/Cambridge – Jialu Cai

Dare I say it? Whole Foods has the best gelato in Boston/Cambridge, MA.

For its main distinction from ice cream, good gelato should be dense, containing little or no air. Anything in the North End won’t disappoint you, but after 12 years in Boston, I can confidently say that the gelato bar at Whole Foods is the best I’ve tried. In fact, the gelato bar at Whole Foods is so good nationwide that private frozen dessert businesses in Laguna Beach forced it to shut down http://www.ocregister.com/news/gelato-315911-whole-foods.html.

Flavors that wowed me were strawberry, a fragrant and sweet concoction with real seeds, and Madagascar vanilla bean, a rich and exotic creamy taste of heaven, a delicious complement to the strawberry. I see vanilla as the anchor to an ice cream brand – you can tell the goodness of the entire brand by the quality of its vanilla. I’m not a fan of hazelnut but I tried it anyway and it tasted exactly like a Ferrero Rocher or Nutella.

Next time you’re in the vicinity of a Whole Foods market, why not stop in and visit the gelato bar? It’s a hidden gem that will sweeten your day. If you like it, they offer loyalty punch cards that get you a free cup or cone after your fifth. The one I went to is 115 Prospect Street in Cambridge, conveniently located between Harvard and MIT. With more than 20 locations in Massachusetts you’re not going to miss a Whole Foods.

74 Beacon, one of the most spectacular single family homes in Boston, MA hits the market for rent.  For just $40,000 per month, you can try City living before purchasing.  74 Beacon is also on the market for sale at $13.95 million.  Here is a closer look at this spectacular property which features a rooftop pool.

Photos Provided courtesy of MLS and Sprogin & Neal RE and Campion RE

Click for full report ————> Full S&P and Case Shiller Report

Real Estate in Boston is changing quickly

With rental rates on the rise, Boston is beginning to feel more like Manhattan. What we are beginning to see is a shift from renting to purchasing.   With inventory at all time lows, the rental market in Boston has become quite overheated, which in turn has driven rental prices up and inventories down.

Why is Boston so much hotter than other parts of the Country?

Look no further than the areas 40 Universities, dozens of hospitals, one of the country’s largest biotech communities, and of course, the huge influx of World renowned Financial Companies/Hedge Funds.  As these companies grow, so does the need for housing.

Furthermore, there is a growing trend for empty Nester’s who want to simplify their lives by moving into the city from surrounding Suburbs like Wellesley, Newton, Weston, Sudbury and Andover.  Combine that with a huge inflow of money from Asia and The Middle East and you have a recipe for a quickly moving market.

The problem has been the lack of inventory.  Due to the fact we have had a warm Winter, Spring buying has come early.
It is not uncommon to see multiple offers and sometimes bidding wars for well priced properties.

Our Advice

1. Know the market.
2. Know your budget.
3. Do not hesitate if you see something you like because it could be gone tomorrow.
4. Talk to your bank if you not a cash buyer and get pre approved.
5. Most importantly, use ONE experienced buyers agent that knows the market.  Remember, a good agent has seen thousand’s of units and knows a good opportunity when they see one. Furthermore, they will assist you with the buying process.

Bryant Back Bay

Just to give everyone a little perspective on the current condo market in Boston, MA, here is a true story….Thursday, a new listing at the Bryant Back Bay came on the market for $1,794,000+$140,000 for a second garage space. Well, based on the feedback, the auction sale prices are in the rear view mirror.

Saturday there were 5 showings, Sunday Open House had 16 groups come through, Monday morning saw 5 more groups come through and unit went Under Agreement Monday afternoon.

Lesson Learned: The luxury condo market is heating up FAST.  For units to be flying off the market this fast in early February is a pretty clear indication that the Spring market is going to be very strong.  Buyers need to be ready to act if the right opportunity presents itself.

*The best advice we can give you is to find a good Buyer’s agent, preferably from LRG;-), who will monitor the market on a daily basis and notify you when your ideal home comes on the market.

• $13.04 per $1,000 of valuation for Residential.
• $31.92 per $1,000 of valuation for Commercial

Now for some good news. In 2012, qualified homeowners can expect to save $1,644.28 on their tax bill.  What qualifies someone to receive this residential exemption? As defined by the City of Boston:

“The principal residence is the address from which you file  your State income tax return.  Your social security number will be required to verify eligibility.”

If you think your home is assessed to high, you can always file an abatement with the City.  The proper forms can be found by clicking here.

Restoration Hardware takes old Louis Space

After Louis of Boston vacated 234 Berkley St., for it’s new home in the trendy Seaport Area, the building quickly began to erode.  The wonderful detail slowly crumbled and everyone in the Back Bay began to wonder what would come of this flagship retail space.  There were rumors of a boutique hotel and even luxury residences.

Well, now we have our answer!!!

Restoration Hardware, a very popular California based luxury furniture company has signed a lease for the 40,000 square foot building at the corner of Boylston and Berkley. At Luxury Residential Group, we feel it is a perfect fit and will be an amazing compliment to the neighborhood.