Real estate blog entries tagged with castles unlimited by James Lowenstern, Castles Unlimited. Newton MA Real Estate (Castles Unlimited®)

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castles unlimited: New Construction and New Listing! - 03/05/20 09:56 AM

Attention, attention! Castles Unlimited has a new listing! an amazing new construction in Newton MA! the property is 11,075 sqft and is move-in ready! don't miss the opportunity to own this incredible mansion located in one of the best neighborhoods in the country!

37 Radcliff Road Newton, MA: Waban, 02468

This new construction by award-winner architect Yefim Massarsky is an astonishing mansion encompassing modern yet luxury finishes, appliances, and materials. The residence has everything for entertainment, relaxing, and comfortable living. Featuring a Savaria elevator that eases access to the four levels that include a three-car garage, living rooms, a kitchen, and a catering station, a gym, a sauna, a playroom, a home theater, … (5 comments)

castles unlimited: Sandra Bullock Selling Georgia Island Compound for $6.5M - 03/28/19 01:25 PM

“Birdbox” star Sandra Bullock is ready to fly away from her Georgia getaway. The “Ocean’s Eight” actress is listing her oceanfront beach house on Tybee Island for $6.5 million, TMZ has reported. In addition to being an Oscar-winning actress, Bullock also has a keen eye for real estate. The A-lister purchased the vacation home in 2001 for just under $1.5 million. But Bullock has already been reaping financial rewards from her investment.
She’s been renting the home out for the last two years, at a whopping $1,400 a night, according to a report in Variety in 2017. Even so, we hope she’s not in a rush to sell. The … (0 comments)

castles unlimited: The Most Renters Ever - 07/26/17 11:40 AM

More people are renting than at any other point in the past 50 years.
In 2016, 36.6 percent of household heads rented their home, close to the 1965 number of 37 percent, according to a new report by the Pew Research Center based on data from the Census Bureau. The total number of U.S. households grew by 7.6 million over the past decade, Pew reported. However, the number of households headed by owners remained relatively flat, while households headed by renters grew by nearly 10 percent during the same time period.
Rising home prices, lingering fears from the housing crash, and larger amounts … (1 comments)

castles unlimited: 43 Market St, Cambridge, MA Condo For Sale - 07/26/17 08:58 AM

43 Market St. Unit B is in Cambridge located between Kendal and Central Square. The 825 square foot second-floor unit is listed at $629,900. The unit has been remodeled with a good layout that features hardwood floors, replacement windows, granite countertops, and marble tile bathrooms. A laundry room is in unit, as well as, a sliding door that leads to a private balcony. The property has one parking spot, a large storage room, and a fenced common yard with a flower bed. For more information contact me, Jim Lowenstern at Castles Unlimited, Newton, MA. My number is 617-733-8280.
… (1 comments)

castles unlimited: Whole Foods vs Trader Joes: Which One Increases Your Home Value More? - 08/14/15 05:01 AM

Continuing the Whole Foods/Trader Joe's Debate...
While the rivalry between the two organic grocery store chains has been a reoccurring theme this summer, with individuals comparing food quality, food prices, customer service, etc., we decided to account how these two grocery magnates affect the real estate estate industry. The results weren't what I expected.
Although Trader Joe's is generally much less expensive than Whole Foods, with the latter generally charging very high prices for their all-natural groceries (see the infamous asparagus-water outrage), it was Trader Joe's that was found to increase the value of one's home more than Whole Foods. Housing data site RealtyTrac found that … (4 comments)

castles unlimited: Top Ten International Luxury Properties - August - 08/11/15 03:10 AM

Recently featured on CastlesMag.com are our picks for international luxury properties for the month of August. Click on the pictures below to be directed to CastlesMag.com, and to see additional photos and information on these exquisite properties!

1) Caesare, Israel (Listing ID: 4423)
Price: $90,000,000

2) Barnes Bay, Anguilla, British West Indies (Listing ID: 4424)
Price: $42,000,000

3) Bayfour Mews, London, United Kingdom (Listing ID: 4425)
Price: $40,000,000

4) Grand Baie, Mauritius (Listing ID: 4426)
Price: $35,000,000

5) Gland, Switzerland (Listing ID: 4417)
Price: $75,000,000

6) Versoix, Switzerland (Listing ID: 4418)
Price: $55,000,000

7) Etampes, Ile-De-France, France (Listing ID: 4419)
Price: $53,000,000

8) Le Chateau, Gigins, Switzerland (Listing ID: 4420)
Price: $52,000,000

9) 7th Arrandisement du Paris, Paris, … (0 comments)

castles unlimited: Living Arrangements Changing in American Households - 08/09/15 01:14 AM

The U.S. Census Bureau recently visited population data of the living arrangements of adults over the last half of the century. While one can infer that more adults today are living alone today than they were in the 1970s, the statistics found bring to surface the changing aspects of adult living arrangements. In 1970, the percentage of adults living with a spouse was a high 69.4%. Today, this number is at a low 51.7%. If this pattern continues, one can expect this number to keep dropping, and in a few years, dip below the 50% line. But why is this so? Experts … (2 comments)

castles unlimited: CastlesMag.com Top 5 International Homes (August) - 08/07/15 04:39 AM

Recently posted to CastlesMag.com is a selection of international properties for sale that can only make one dream of spending summertime in such a residence. Listed below are our top 5 picks for such exquisite properties, with links to CastlesMag.com for more information.

1) Virgin Gorda Property, British Virgin Islands (Listing ID: 4413)
Price: $40,000,000
2) Mahoe Bay, Virgin Gorda Property, British Virgin Islands (Listing ID: 4415)
Price: Available Upon Request
3) Marrakech, Morocco Property (Listing ID: 4414)
Price: Available Upon Request
4) Dunmore Town, Harbour Island, Bahamas Property (Listing ID: 4401)
Price: $45,000,000

5) Paradise Island, Bahamas Property (Listing ID: 4416)
Price: $21,500,000

… (0 comments)

castles unlimited: Study Shows Millennials Prefer Walkable Communities - 08/04/15 03:05 AM

Recently reported in the 2015 National Community Preference and Transportation Survey states that millennials prefer walking as a mode of transportation by 12% points to any other form of commute. Aged 18-34, these individuals also were found to prefer attached houses, often located in neighborhoods walking distance to shops and restaurants. Work commute was also a factor highlighted in the survey, as millennials favor developed communities where individuals don't need to drive long distances to get to work. They also lean towards places with access to public transportation, such as trains and subways, as well as communities with the presence of sidewalks and bike … (0 comments)

castles unlimited: Boston Ranked "Healthiest Housing Market" - 08/04/15 02:15 AM

In a study conducted by WalletHub, Boston has been ranked the healthiest home market in the U.S. Based on Census data and the American Housing Survey, these figures compared the 25 largest metropolitan areas in the United States, with the Massachusetts capital taking the top spot. The survey was established upon the following 7 figures:
-equity levels
-percentage of mortgages underwater
-downpayment percentages
-amount of time remaining until financial freedom from mortgages
-mortgage costs
-number of "easy" mortgages
-first time home buyer assistance and access to financing
Boston had the lowest interest rates at 4.23% (compared to 4.71% nationwide), as well as lowest share of easy mortgages at 9.25% (compared to … (0 comments)

castles unlimited: Housing Markets Strong in July - 08/04/15 01:24 AM

In accordance to realtor.com's "Advanced Read of July Trends," the U.S. housing market remains strong for that of July. Based off of data for the first three weeks of the month, the Read shows that the national median price of a home has increased to $243,000, up 7% in the last year-over-year, and a 1% increase from June. Median days on the market increased to 69 days, however, up 5% for the month-over-month (although this is down 7% in the past year).
John Smoke from realtor.com states that it's typical to see a decline in the U.S. market towards the end … (0 comments)

castles unlimited: The Impact of China's Stock Market Crash on the U.S. Housing Market - 08/04/15 12:47 AM

In the past three weeks, the Chinese stock market has taken a hit. With its stock market plunging 30% in less than a month's time, this economic turmoil could have significant impact in not just China, but also of that in the U.S. and its housing market. American cities have seen a splurge of investment in real estate from the Chinese, particularly on the west coast in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose in the past 10 years. However, this has been largely due to the booming Chinese economy. Now that the Chinese market has crashed, it is likely … (2 comments)

castles unlimited: Smart Homes: Why They're a Trend That Will Last - 07/10/15 02:48 AM

It's only been about ten years since the term "smart-home" has been first used, but now more than ever it has become common, and even somewhat mainstream for new homes on the market to be labeled as such. But what is it about smart-homes that are so popular with buyers? Will this trend last? My answer is yes. With everything from energy-saving thermostats, cloud-connected home control systems, and proximity based locks, smart technology is not only convenient, but also practical and saves money. With sales in smart homes reaching $7.19 billion in 2013, this number is expected to hit $22.4 billion … (2 comments)

castles unlimited: "Downsizing:" Why Buyers are Opting for Luxury Rentals - 07/10/15 01:38 AM

While it appears to be just a short time ago that the American 1% were opting for 10,000 square foot homes, one-upping their friends, and seeking as much acreage as possible, the tides are visibly changing. In a recent report by Bloomberg Business, it accounts the rapidly declining demand for large properties in Greenwich, with buyers substituting their interests for luxury rental complexes and developments. With the term "downsizing," becoming mainstream, homeowners state that this doesn't necessarily mean that one has to downsize the square footage of the home, but rather the square footage of the entire property. With continual maintenance … (1 comments)

castles unlimited: 5 Ideas to Build the Patio of Your Dreams - 07/08/15 06:41 AM

If you follow my blog, you'll notice that I frequently write about ways to improve landscaping or outdoor yard space. But, many individuals don't realize that a home doesn't just cover what's in the interior, but it also attributes to what is shown outside in the exterior. A property's outdoor space and patio can make or break a home, and, while it's summer, now is the perfect time to do that outdoor renovation that you've always wanted to do. With the help from RIS Media, I've compiled together 5 patio upgrades that will not only allow you to enjoy your home … (2 comments)

castles unlimited: Yes, You Should Care about Your HVAC System (Here's Why): - 07/08/15 06:04 AM

HVAC systems: every home has one, yet no one thinks about it until there lies a problem. With HVAC bills appearing to be more and more expensive these days, it's important to ask necessary questions ahead of time until your HVAC system has a serious problem and a serious bill. Yes, HVAC systems typically exist in a hidden part of the back yard, yes they're ugly, and yes they're complicated, but this doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't ask yourself three legitimate questions regarding it.

First, how old is the system? An HVAC system is usually good for 10-15 years. After 10 years, … (3 comments)

castles unlimited: Everyone's Dream: Buying an Island in Paradise - 07/08/15 04:28 AM

If you're like me, you're sitting at your office dreaming of getting away to a tropical island, dipping your toes into the sand, and breathing in the salt water aroma of the ocean. While many of us do enjoy the beach in the summer, who says you can't permanently live in a tropical island of your choosing? For those with tens of millions to spare, or for those who just take pleasure in fantasy living, here are 4 tips on what to consider when buying your own private island.

Inventory and Cost: RIS Media reports that less than 1,000 islands are listed … (5 comments)

castles unlimited: Report States Largest Shortage of Labor and Subcontractors in 15 Years - 07/08/15 02:09 AM

A new survey released by the NAHB reports the escalating shortages of labor and subcontractors, as according to single-family home builders. While 69% of builders reported a shortage of contractors willing or able to do rough carpentry, 50% of builders reported a shortage of framing crews and finished carpenters, and 40% reported a shortage of masons and electricians. Additionally, the shortages of subcontractors are augmenting, as 74% of builders reported a shortage of subcontractors of some type. Specifically, 58% reported a shortage of rough carpenters (53%, finished carpenters), 52% reported a shortage of framing crews, 41% reported a shortage of masons, … (0 comments)

castles unlimited: Home Landscaping and What You Can Get for Your Money - 07/07/15 03:31 AM

As many know, landscaping can be a sound investment into one’s property. While it not only provides personal pride and satisfaction attributed to a home, it can also increase the value of one’s property. With landscaping becoming more and more of a prominent aspect to one’s estate, it can also cost more than one would think to maintain. For those on a budget (which are most of us), here is what $50, $500, and $5,000 can get you, according to RIS Media:
For $50, this will give you the supplies for more, do-it-yourself types of projects. However, this money will … (2 comments)

castles unlimited: Brookline, MA Ranked #1 Suburb in America - 07/01/15 04:18 AM

Niche.com, a website that collects data and complies information on neighborhoods, schools, and colleges, recently released their list of top suburbs in America to live in. With Brookline, MA topping the list, it comes without saying that Brookline is a flourishing suburban community. Based off of variables such as jobs, housing, transportation, safety, activities, and weather, Brookline was selected for the top spot. While it received poor marks for weather, Brookline had high enough rankings in the other categories to pass Piedmont, California; Bronxville, New York; Albany, California; and Scarsdale New York in the #2 and #5 positions. Other Boston suburbs … (0 comments)

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