james lowenstern: What You Need to Know About Buying Your First Home - 10/03/12 08:31 AM

By: Jim Lowenstern

With the changing season comes a change of scenary. With this change of scenary, there are several things you should consider. This is the case when you choose to buy a new home! Here is a chronological list of things to consider before you buy a new home:
1. Can you afford to leave the rent behind and pay a monthly mortgage?
Although mortgage rates are at their all-time low, you should always do some calculations first!  
2. What kind of down payment should you set aside?
Typically, buyers put down 20%. However, with a smaller down … (0 comments)

james lowenstern: What is Cheaper: Buying or Renting a Home? - 09/18/12 04:43 AM

We find ourselves conflicted with the inevitable conflict of buying or renting a home. Trulia, through extensive research, came up with the following conclusion:It is 45% cheaper to buy a house than renting. Here is a basic overview of why:
 
While rent prices rose to 4.7%, home prices began to rebound to 2.3%. Also, mortgage rates have fallen to 3.5% in the summer of 2012 (4.5% summer 2011). Therefore, buying a home is 45% cheaper than renting in the 100 largest metro areas. However, certain conditions are suggested to get the full potential of buying over renting. 
 
Suggested Qualifications for … (0 comments)

james lowenstern: Supersized New Listings - 05/29/12 04:18 AM
 1.) North Wales Farm 
7500 Ironwood LaneWarrenton, VA 20186
       
  To view the complete listing, click here.
Price: $22,950,000  Rooms: 29Bedrooms: 22Bathrooms: 13 (3 half baths) Sq.Ft: 38,500
 
2.) 2700 Pointe LaneHighland Park, IL 60035
     
 To view the complete listing, click here.
Price: $29,000,000  Rooms: 18Bedrooms: 9Bathrooms: 15 (4 half baths) Sq.Ft: 32,683
 
3.) 845 East Scenic DrivePass Christian, MS 39671
     
 To view the complete listing, click here.
Price: $15,000,000  Rooms: 19Bedrooms: 14Bathrooms: 14 (4 half baths) Sq.Ft: 33,000
 
4.) 3305 Fairfield LaneWeston, FL 33331
     
 To view the complete listing, click here.
Price: $7,800,000  Rooms: 14Bedrooms: 9Bathrooms: 10 (4 half baths) Sq.Ft: 34,039
 
5.) Dover Hall
1500 Manakin RoadManakin Sabot, VA 23103
     
To view the complete listing, click here.
Price: $5,950,000   Rooms: 14Bedrooms: 10Bathrooms: 15 (16 … (0 comments)

james lowenstern: My NewTV Interview-May 2012 - 05/08/12 08:32 AM
http://www.newtv.org/video/civicaction/jim-lowenstern/

I wish to thank Jack Morrisey for making my hour long interview into a 75 minute interview with the last 15 minutes to never be seen.  He blamed it on me of course.  I always get the blame!
The best part was when he baited me to speak against my competition.  Priceless!  Jackie...you are the best!!  Thanks again.
Jim
(0 comments)

james lowenstern: Featuring Boston's Luxury Condominiums - 04/27/12 07:25 AM
1.) 505 Tremont Street- Unit 402 & 403Boston, MA: South End 02116-6306
 

 

To view the complete listing and more photos, click here
Price: $3,990,000Rooms: 7Bedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 3.5 Sq.Ft: 3162 
 
 
2.) 45 Province Street, Unit 2502Boston, MA: Midtown 02108




 To view the complete listing and more photos, click here
Price: $3,964,000Rooms: 7Bedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 3.5 Sq.Ft: 2872 
         
3.) 175 Marlborough Street- Unit PH
Boston, MA: Back Bay 02116
 



To view the complete listing and more photos, click here
Price: $3,950,000Rooms: 11Bedrooms: 4Bathrooms: 3.5  Sq.ft: 4171 
 
 
4.) 500 Atlantic Ave, Unit 16kBoston, MA: Waterfront 02210




 
 To view … (0 comments)

james lowenstern: New Listing: 22 Abby Road, Unit 1, Boston, MA -$419,000 - 04/27/12 06:31 AM





 
As you can see, this condo-townhouse was completely renovated in 2006! Great natural lighting throughout the interior  6 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2 full bath rooms, 2 fireplace, 2 parking spaces. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac location, which you may fully take advantage of on the balcony/deck. The kitchen is equipped with a breakfast bar and granite counters. One-Year Home Warranty Available!
 
To view the complete listing, click here

For more information, please call:
(0 comments)

james lowenstern: New Listing: 22 Amaranth Place, Unit 22, Medford, MA - $399,900 - 04/27/12 06:21 AM




  
Amaranth Place is sought after for their sun-filled large townhouses.With a convenient location to their area amenities, living here offers easy access to highway and downtown Boston.6 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2f 1h bath, 1 fireplace, 2 off-street parking spaces.Enjoy your space with heigh celings, your time on the balcony/gazebo or by the fireplace.High owener occupancy rate and low association fee. 

 
For more information, please call:
(0 comments)

james lowenstern: New Listing: 121 Tremont Street, Unit 418, Boston, MA - $279,000 - 04/27/12 05:27 AM
121 Tremont Street- Unit 418Boston, MA: Brighton 02134-2440 
 






Along with 24/7 on-site maintenance, this is one of the best and largest unit in the building. With freshly pained ceilings and trims, an eat-in kitchen, lively wallpaper coverings, dining chandelier, and gleaming hardwood floors, this penthouse is very well maintained. Located right on the Newton line, even with an express T bus to Boston for your convenience. 
 
To view the complete listing, click here
To view the virtual tour, click here

For more information, please call:
(0 comments)

james lowenstern: New Listing: 15 Saunders Gut, St. John, USV -$2,350,000 - 04/25/12 06:41 AM
 
 
 

This beautiful villa is majestically located at the end of a paved road, settled in its private location.Step outside! Relax by the beautiful view of Coral Bay Harbor. Dive in! Swim and snorkle with the deeded beach access to Saunders Bay. With 12 rooms, 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, this house also has a pool, hot tub, and numerous (with irrigation) fruit trees. Encompassing all aspects of a 'perfect getaway', this villa shines its breezy feel.  

Click here for listing details
(0 comments)

james lowenstern: New England Mansions - 04/25/12 06:16 AM
1.) 0 George HillLancaster, MA 05123
    
 
Price: $16 MillionRooms: 60Bedrooms:20Bathrooms: 20f/5h
This beautiful estate was designed by Guy Lowell- the architect of Boston Museum of Fine Arts amidst 217 acres of meadows and forest. This house is historically detailed throughout the three finished full levels. Click here for listing details
 
2.) 60 Harbor RoadHarwich, MA 02646    
Price: $14.5 Million  Rooms: 11Bedrooms: 6Bathrooms: 5This white serene colonial home has an astounding waterfront view across the harbor of Nantucket Sound. Along with the beautiful view, the house has been manicured with rolling lawns, bluestone terraces, mature plantings, and a deep water dock with … (0 comments)

james lowenstern: The Mansions of New England - 04/20/12 05:44 AM
1.) 63 Windsor WayWeston, MA 02493 
    
Price: $19.5 MillionBedrooms: 6Bathrooms: 8f,2hLiving Area: 21,926 sq.ft.
This beautiful Colonial estate has a Georgian revival surrounded by a rich lawn. The features inside this house includes custom millwork, parquet floors, walls of class, and extensive detail molding. Click here for more details
 
2.) 306 Dartmouth StreetBoston, MA: Back Bay 02116-2216 
  
Price: $18 MillionBedrooms: 10Living Area: 26,000 sq.ft.
One in a lifetime opportunity. This 50 room mansion was built by Peabody & Stearns- the same architectural firm that designed the Custom House Tower. Extravagently detailed throughout the house. Click here for more details
 
3.) 211 Commonwealth AveBoston, MA: Back Bay … (0 comments)

james lowenstern: What to Look Forward to in Newton, MA - 04/11/12 06:56 AM
1. Mayor's Night Out: 4/11/12 @ 5:30-7:00 PM

Come join Mayor Setti Warren for another "Mayor's Night Out" office hours. This event will be in Newton Upper Falls at Dunn Gaherin. All residents are welcome to get involved by stopping by to chat and share concerns and questions with the mayor and his staff. 
If you are interested: Contact Aaron Goldman (617.796.1110 or agoldman@newtonma.gov) to schedule an appointments. Each appointment should run for around 10 minutes. 
 
2. Monochrome and Minimalism: 4/12/12 - 5/15 @ 9:00 AM-5:00pm
 
Kathleen Smith is the exhibitions director of the New Art Center. She has chosen … (0 comments)

james lowenstern: Fine Dining in Newton, MA - 04/11/12 06:13 AM
 

1. Lumiere ( Contemporary French )
1293 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02465617.244.9199 
Wine and dine at this romantic restaurant and be blown away by their excellent service. Their cocktail/drinks list contains a lot of gin, bourbon and whiskey, for a more old-fashioned feel. With their great portions and savory experience, Lumiere is highly recommendended for fine dining. Special occasion coming up? Lumiere seems just right. 
Recommendations: Sea scallop appetizer. Hanger Steak. Chilled Corn Soup. Apple Almond Crisp topped with Sour Cream Sorbet. Duck Charcuterie.


2. Daikanyama ( Japanese)
Bloomingdale's- 199 Boylston Street, Newton, MA 02467617.332.1998 
 
Any good Sushi place … (2 comments)

james lowenstern: Walter Gropius-Designed Home on the Market in Newton - 04/06/12 07:19 AM
By: Jim Lowenstern
This article was featured on Newton Patch. Click HERE to go to the website. 
 
 

It's the chance of a lifetime. A landmark historic property in Newton is up for sale, ripe to be plucked by a discerning buyer. A rare gem in a highly desirable location on The Ledges Road in Newton Center, this impressive home was designed in the 1940s by renowned German architect Walter Gropius.
Gropius, the founder of the Bauhaus School in Germany and later a teacher at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, was among the pioneers of modern architecture. His … (0 comments)

james lowenstern: Featured: Single-Family Homes in Brookline, MA (Under $1,000,000) - 04/06/12 07:13 AM
1.) 27 Intervale RoadBrookline, MA 02467: Norfolk County
Click HERE for direct listing and photos
Click here for the visual tour
 
 
 
Status: NewList Price: $899,999Total Rooms: 8Beds/Baths: 4/3Master Baths: YesLiving Area: 3229 sqftAcres: 0.37Style: Contemporary, Ranch, Multi-LevelBasement: YesLender Owned: NoShort Sale With Lender Approval Required: NoGarage: 2 Attached, UnderHammond Residential R.E.Agent: Mona Wiener
 
2.) 79 University RoadBrookline, MA 02445: Norfolk County
Click HERE for direct listing and photos
 
 
 
Status: ActiveList Price: $899,999Total Rooms: 10Beds/Baths: 4/2Master Baths: YesLiving Area: 2705 sqftAcres: 0.18Style: VictorianBasement: YesLender Owned: NoShort Sale With Lender Approval Required: NoGarage: 2 Detached, Garage Door Opener, StorageWilliam Raveis R.E. & Home ServicesAgent: Cheryl Cotney
 
 
3.) 11 Benjamin Place- Unit 11Brookline, MA 02467: Chestnut Hill, … (0 comments)

james lowenstern: Featured Single-Family Homes in Newton, MA (Under $1,000,000) - 04/06/12 06:27 AM
1.) 38 Grayson LaneNewton, MA 02462: Middlesex County
Click HERE for direct listing and pictures 
 
 
 
Status: ActiveList Price: $999,000Total Rooms: 8Beds/Baths: 4/3.5Master Bath: YesLiving Area: 3026 sqft.Acres: 0.38Style: ColonialBasement: YesLender Owned: NoShort Sale With Lender Approval Required: NoGarage: 2 Attached, Garage Door Opener, Side Entry 
Hammond Residential R.E.Agent: Beth Petrone
 
2.) 615 Saw Bill Brook ParkwayNewton, MA 02459: Middlesex County 
Click HERE for direct listing and photos
Click HERE for virtual tour
 
 
 
 
Status: ActiveList Price: $975,000Total Rooms: 10Beds/Baths: 5/3.5Master Bath: YesLiving Area: 2812 sqft.Acres: 0.17Style: ColonialBasement: YesLender Owned: NoShort Sale With Lender Approval Required: UnknownGarage: 2 Attached, Garage Door Opener 
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage- Newton, Centre StreetAgent: Tina Sachs
 
3.) 680 Beacon StreetNewton, … (0 comments)

james lowenstern: This Week's Top Single-Family Houses in Weston, MA - 04/04/12 06:24 AM
In addition to the homes listed HERE
 
1. 103 Rolling Lane, Weston, MA ($8,100,000)Click HERE for direct listing and more pictures 
  
 
Status: ActiveList Price: $8,100,000Total Rooms: 17Beds/Baths: 6/8.5Master Bath: YesLiving Area: 12377 sqftAcres: 2.52Style: OtherBasement: YesLender Owned: NoShort Sale With Lender Approval Required: NoGarage: 3 Attached, Heated, Storage
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage- WestonAgent: Carole Milott
 
2. 15 Claridge Drive, Weston, MA ($7,900,000)Click HERE for direct listing and more pictures 
 
 
 
 
 
Status: ActiveList Price: $7,900,000Total Rooms: 20Beds/Baths: 7/8.5Master Bath: YesLiving Area: 13552 sqftAcres: 3.74Style: OtherBasement: YesLender Owned: NoShort Sale With Lender Approval Required: NoGarage: 4 Attached, Garage Door Opener, Heated, Storage, Work Area
Gibson Sotheby's International RealtyAgent: George Ballantyne
 
3. 85 Chestnut Street, Weston, MA ($5,995,000)Click HERE … (0 comments)

james lowenstern: This Week's Top Single-Family Houses in Needham, MA - 04/04/12 05:26 AM

1. Lot X Charles River St., Needham, MA ($18,000,000)Click HERE for direct listing and more pictures 
  
Status: ActiveList Price: $18,000,000Total Rooms: 17Beds/Baths: 7/6Master Bath: YesLiving Area: 10,000 sqftAcres: 29.3Style: ColonialBasement: YesLender Owned: NoShort Sale With Lender Approval Required: NoGarage: 3 Attached 
Century 21 CommonwealthAgent: Laura Schindler
 
2. 436 South Street, Needham, MA ($3,750,000)Click HERE for direct listing and more pictures 
 
 
 
Status: Price ChangeList Price: $3,750,000Total Rooms: 18Beds/Baths: 7/7Master Bath: YesLiving Area: 9524 sqftAcres: 3.28Style: ColonialBasement: YesLender Owned: NoShort Sale With Lender Approval Required: NoGarage: 3 Attached , Garage Door Opener
Rutledge PropertiesAgent: Betsy Kessler
 
3. 80 Burr Drive, Needham, MA ($3,250,000)Click HERE for direct listing and more pictures. 
 
 
 
Status: ActiveList Price: $3,250,000Total Rooms: 12Beds/Baths: 6/9.5Master Bath: YesLiving Area: 11000 sqftAcres: 1.62Style: ColonialBasement: YesLender Owned: UndisclosedShort Sale With Lender … (0 comments)

james lowenstern: This Week's Top Single-Family Houses in Newton, MA - 04/04/12 05:03 AM
In addition to the homes HERE.
1. 26 Dartmouth Street, Newton, MA ($4,699,999)Click HERE for direct listing and more pictures 
 
 
 
Status: ActiveList Price: $4,699,999Total Rooms: 15Beds/Baths: 6/5.5Master Bath: YesLiving Area: 6252 sqftAcres: 0.96Style: TudorBasement: YesLender Owned: NoShort Sale With Lender Approval Required: NoGarage: 2 Attached 
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage- Wellesley- Central StreetAgent: Donna Scott
 
2. 9 Crofton Road, Newton, MA - Waban ($3,395,000)Click HERE for direct listing and more pictures 
 
 
 
Status: ActiveList Price: $3,395,000Total Rooms: 15Beds/Baths: 5/5.5Master Bath: YesLiving Area: 5607 sqftAcres: 0.87Style: ColonialBasement: YesLender Owned: NoShort Sale With Lender Approval Required: NoGarage: 2 Detached, Garage Door Opener, Storage, Side Entry
Historic Homes, Inc.Agent: Chamberlain Drucker Team
 
3. 12 Beechcroft Road, Newton, MA ($3,100,000)Click HERE for direct … (0 comments)

james lowenstern: This Week's Top Single-Family Houses in Brookline, MA - 04/04/12 04:05 AM
Beautiful. Luxurious. Available. There are more pictures after the jump (on the direct listing page) !!

1. 333 Lee street, Brookline- Chestnut Hill ($13,500,000)Click HERE for direct listing and more pictures!
 
   
Status: ActiveList Price: $13,500,000Total Rooms: 20Beds/Baths: 9/9Master Bath: YesLiving Area: 16703 sqftAcres: 3.21 Style: ColonialBasement: YesLender Owned: NoShort Sale With Lender Approval Required: NoGarage: 4 Attached 
Campion & Company Fine Homes Real EstateAgent: Tracy Campion 
 
2. 130 Warren Street, Brookline ($9,950,000)Click HERE for direct listing and more pictures!
 
 
  
 
Status: ActiveList Price: $9,950,000Total Rooms: 14Beds/Baths: 5/6Master Bath: YesLiving Area: 7911 sqftAcres: 3.7 Basement: YesLender Owned: NoShort Sale With Lender Approval Required: NoGarage: 4 Detached, Work Area, Side Entry
LandvestAgent: Terrence Maitland
 
 
3. 1014 … (0 comments)

 
James Lowenstern, Castles Unlimited. Newton MA Real Estate (Castles Unlimited®)

James Lowenstern

Castles Unlimited. Newton MA Real Estate

Newton, MA

More about me…

Castles Unlimited®

Address: 837 Beacon Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459

Office: 617-964-3300

Fax: 617-244-5847

"CASTLES UNLIMITED®"


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