In Accent Insights the Accent Realty team of Avi Kaufman and Ron Scharf share their real estate and Brookline expertise as your guide to the market, approximately 10 minutes at a time. Each episode shares an inside view on an aspect of real estate - tour insights on new and unique properties, update…
Interest rates continue their recovery, with rates in the 5-6% range, and we're seeing buyers out in force. There don't seem to be many houses for sale right now though. Also, we discuss three just listed single family homes in Brookline, and predict which one we expect to sell. FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
Will overflowing demand for housing continue to protect the Brookline/Newton/Greater Boston market? It may be a New Year, but continued housing shortages may continue to prop up home prices. Despite what we've been reading in national news of a slowing market, the real estate market here seems to be following our typical seasonal trends. Buyers are still buying and sellers still selling. We examine the numbers and discuss a few new listings we visited this week and what they may portend. FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
You've seen the national headlines: interest rates are up, the housing market is slowing, and inventory is growing. What's happening here, in Brookline and Greater Boston? It's not a single story. In this episode we go through the numbers, discuss several specific examples that fall into different scenarios, and strategy for this new environment. FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
Fascinating interview with Jeff Wachter, co-founder of Brookline for Everyone (http://www.brooklineforeveryone.com/), a grassroots organization that advocates for housing policies that promote economic diversity, racial inclusion, and environmental sustainability in our town. Jeff Wachter (he/him) lives in Brookline Village with his wife and 3 children (one in 2nd grade at Pierce, one excited to start Pierce in the Fall, and a newborn). He has a Master's in history, focusing on 20th century American cities, previously worked as an urban policy researcher, and currently works in finance and operations at a commercial real estate company. His academic and independent research have continually shown the inequity inherent in our urban land use policies, leading to his interest in using zoning reform and housing policy as a tool to address some of the structural challenges Brookline and the Boston metro area face today. Formerly served Precinct 11 as a Town Meeting Member, and now resides in Precinct 7. FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
Interest rates are rising, stock market is falling. What's that mean for the real estate housing market in Brookline and Greater Boston? First, we examine some leading indicators in the stats. Then we discuss a number of new listings and "price improved" listings. 47 Kenwood St, Brookline, MA 02446 87 Coolidge St, Brookline, MA 02446 114 Sewall Ave Unit 2, Brookline, MA 02446 55 Addington Rd Unit 1, , Brookline, MA 02446 116 University Rd Unit 2, Brookline, MA 02445 62 Pleasant St Unit 3, Brookline, MA 02445 FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
Mike Yanovitch is the former Deputy Building Commissioner of Brookline. This was a fascinating interview and Mike gives it to us straight, pulling the curtain back on how permitting and zoning work. Topics discussed include: - Why is Brookline zoning so complex? Does that inhibit building? - We ask about how the building department works. What's the best way to get feedback on plans, for example to build an addition? - Where is the institutional knowledge when there is turnover in the building inspectors? - How much of the code is open to interpretation? - Is it harder to receive permits now than in the past? Why are codes being interpreted more stringently now? - How does the town meeting style of government contribute to the complexity and difficulty of zoning? - What are some of the unintended consequences of this complexity? - How could we make it easier to build? In addition to having worked in the Brookline Building Department, Mike has also served in similar roles in Boston, Newton and Walpole. Now he is now in the private sector with Mass Construction Consultants (https://massconstruction.org/), a community where professionals in the construction industry can learn, share, and become better at what they do. Mass Construction Consultants provide corporate education, code consulting, permitting services, marketing consultations, and NFPA 241 Construction Fire Safety Plans & Audits. ***************** FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
Homes for sale are scarce, giving sellers the upper hand. This is even more true for new construction homes in this market, which results in an unusual power dynamic when home buyers get under contract with home builders. Special guest real estate attorney David Haimi discusses with us how buying a new construction home is different than buying an existing home. ***************** ABOUT OUR GUEST: DAVID HAIMI, ESQ Partner at Lieberman Law Office, P.C. liebermanlawoffice.com/david-haimi-esq/ David has been in real estate for more than 15 years, first as a title examiner and owner of a title examination company, and then as real estate attorney. David obtained his B.A. with honors from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, and his J.D. with honors from Pace University School of Law in White Plains, NY. At Pace, among other activities, he was managing editor of the prestigious Pace Environmental Law Review, vice president of the law school, and recipient of the Homberger Humanitarian Award. David remains committed to his alma mater as an active member of the Pace University School of Law's Alumni Board. After graduating, David passed bar exams in both Massachusetts and New York, but has focused his practice in Massachusetts residential real estate law. As a real estate attorney, David has successfully closed on thousands of transactions, and made many relationships with buyers, sellers, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and investors. To continuously help better the real estate industry, David has spent many hours training real estate agents, and in turn, remains up-to-date on the most current changes in the real estate world. From complex transactions to working with first-time home buyers, he communicates with all parties to make each transaction as smooth as possible. ONE GATEWAY CENTER 300 Washington Street, Suite 160 Newton, MA 02458 E: DHAIMI@GBLLAW.com C: 508.579.6509 T: 617.244.3200 x 122 ***************** FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
The future of Brookline; Select Board Member John VanScoyoc joins us to discuss Brookline's proposed Comprehensive Plan, and other matters of interest to the town and its citizens. At the heart of the discussion, we hear from John on the tension between different and sometimes opposing goals, such as affordable housing, historic preservation, and battling climate change, and how those topics have evolved over time. We are publishing this conversation in two parts. This is Part 2 of 2. Links mentioned in the episode: - Sign up for John VanScoyoc's newsletter at www.goodgovernmentforbrookline.com/ - Read the previous (2005-2015) Brookline Comprehensive Plan at www.brooklinema.gov/DocumentCenter/…prehensive-Plan FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
The future of Brookline; Select Board Member John VanScoyoc joins us to discuss Brookline's proposed Comprehensive Plan, and other matters of interest to the town and its citizens. At the heart of the discussion, we hear from John on the tension between different and sometimes opposing goals, such as affordable housing, historic preservation, and battling climate change, and how those topics have evolved over time. We are publishing this conversation in two parts. This is Part 1 of 2. Links mentioned in the episode: - Sign up for John VanScoyoc's newsletter at https://www.goodgovernmentforbrookline.com/ - Read the previous (2005-2015) Brookline Comprehensive Plan at https://www.brooklinema.gov/DocumentCenter/View/244/Brookline-Comprehensive-Plan FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
Zillow exits the iBuyer business, lays off 25% of staff, and CEO says "We've determined the unpredictability in forecasting home prices far exceeds what we anticipated..." They've discovered what we've known all along - pricing is hard! We discuss where they might have gone wrong, and how we approach pricing as experienced, local Realtors. FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
There continues to be strong demand for housing. In the Boston suburbs in particular we are observing an almost insatiable appetite for well-maintained single family homes, resulting in record making bidding wars and price increases. But that does not seem to be the case closer to the city. Do the numbers bear this out? We discuss our observations, some stats, and why this might be the case. FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
August 2021: Inventory is rising, at least for condos in Brookline. What does that mean for the real estate market? Ron and Avi review the stats and discuss. We also look ahead to post-Labor day expectations.
June 2021: Is the market overheating, or is it starting to slow down? As usual, it's not a simple answer. We look at the data and compare to the prior 5 years. We share recent examples of sales which we believe are illustrative of the current trends. And we talk about pricing strategy and why it's so hard for so many sellers.
Sellers act with imperfect information, and evaluate risk differently. This results in sometimes irrational behavior - and hairy deals! This week we dissect several recent transactions. Strap in - it's a roller coaster of emotion! FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
Most condo associations have rules around what pets you may or may not own. There is actually quite a bit of variety in how these rules are crafted, and what their implications are. We discuss some of the ins and outs of pet rules in home owner associations. FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
Brookline has eight Local Historic Districts (LHDs), and some neighborhoods are advocating to add more. What is an LHD, what problem are they intended to address, and what are the drawbacks? Are these extreme solutions to something that's not actually a problem, with negative side effects? FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
Renovations! Why trust trumps all and there is no perfect contract. Are you thinking of renovating your home? In this episode we discuss three typical types of contracts your builder might present you with: fixed cost, cost plus, and time and material. Each has its pitfalls. Listen to find out why! FEEDBACK OR QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
BERKSHIRE COUNTY is only 2 hours away on the Pike, and oh the changes it brings. It is, of course, still in Massachusetts and subject to all the same real estate laws and regulations. And yet, Berkshire County differs in custom and practice from the rest of the state. We discuss the pragmatic differences. [**Segment starts at the 6:20 mark**]. Although we're primarily active in the metro-Boston area, we are also engaged in Berkshire and have cross-over clients. It's not just the Boston Symphony Orchestra that summers there. Many Boston area folk head west, in the Summer for cultural institutions such as Tanglewood and Jacob's Pillow, and in the winter for skiing. Before that, we discuss a new home for sale at a prime location in Brookline, at 88 Coolidge St. It's a large, renovated condo with some stunning features including a cathedral ceiling in the main bedroom. But the developer made some interesting layout choices: ie. no ensuite baths and a closed kitchen. Can this command $731 per square foot? 4 beds, 2 full baths, 2 outdoor parking, 2290 square feet. Listed at $1.675,000 We'd love to hear from you. Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** - AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com - RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
1. What's going on in the market? Wow... there are 153% more condos for sale now than this time in prior years. We talk about how the unusually high inventory represents a rare opportunity for buyers. 2. "Kill Your Gas Stove: It’s bad for you, and the environment. If you can afford to avoid it, you probably should." Almost all high end listings have gas stoves. It's time for a major consumer preference shift to induction stovetops. We discuss this article that appeared in The Atlantic on October 15, 2020, Link: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/gas-stoves-are-bad-you-and-environment/616700/ 3. Listings that caught our attention this week, why, and what we can learn from them. 287 Tappan Street, Brookline $3,095,000. 3,507 square feet, 5 beds, 5 full 1 half baths. 291 Tappan Street, Brookline $3,295,000. 3483 square feet, 5 beds, 5 full 1 half baths. 26 Weybridge Road, Brookline $4,195,000. 5,141 square feet, 6 beds, 4 full 2 half baths. 22 Still St Unit 28, Brookline. $1,150,000. 1,885 square feet, 3 beds, 2 full 1 half baths. 1762 Beacon St Unit 2, Brookline. $1,749,000. 1,802 square feet, 3 beds, 2 full 1 half baths. 4. We'd love to hear from you. Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** - AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com - RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
October 1, 2020--- Today we talk about streets *just* inside Brookline adjacent to the Allston & Brighton neighborhoods of Boston. These streets used to have a very student feel with somewhat rundown multi-family rental houses. Many of those have been gut renovated over the past few years into owner occupied condos and the streets have undergone a renaissance. We discuss a few examples for sale now, and what it means. - 23 Winslow Road Unit 1 Brookline MA 02446. Condo with 4 beds, 3 baths, 2641 square feet, listed for $1.9M. - Verndale Street in general - 131 Westbourne Ter, Brookline, MA 02446. Single-family with 4 beds, 3 baths, 2156 square feet, listed for $1.75M.
There were a rush of new listings post Labor Day. How does that compare to last year? We discuss that, and then we review several recent listings and what they tell us about the market: 39 Thorndike St, Brookline Single family, $1.8M, 7 beds, 3.1 baths, 3,220 square feet 28 Stanton Road, Brookline Condo, $819K, 3 beds, 1 bath, 1,148 square feet New construction luxury builds at 287-291 Tappan St, Brookline and 69-75 Westbourne Terrace, Brookline September 14, 2020 QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
This episode we re-visit four luxury priced properties we previously discussed and update you on how they're doing. Which ones are still for sale, and which have accepted offers: - 79 Kenwood St, Brookline - 33 Winthrop Road Unit 2, Brookline - 67 Toxteth Street, Brookline - 56-58 Perry St Unit 2, Brookline August 14, 2020 QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
There has been a remarkable increase in the number of homes for sale and rent in Brookline and Greater Boston over the past month. In Brookline, for example, the number of condos for sale is 103% greater than this time last year. In this episode we discuss what's contributing to these dramatic increases, and what it means for the market. July 30, 2020 QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
Many new homes for sale this week, but we discuss two unusual ones that offer unique opportunities if you know how to take advantage of it. 3 Greenway Court, Brookline is an attractive apartment complex of seven units being newly converted to condos. Prime Coolidge Corner location. 25 Stanton Road, Brookline is a single-family house in a two-family zone, on a double-lot... and the house is on the National Historic Register. Questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** - AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com, Broker / Co-founder - RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122, Broker / Co-founder
Summer ...and the Spring market... have arrived! 1) We break down the number for you. Inventory is still down year-to-date approximately 25%, but remarkably June MTD is up 37%. What's this mean? 2) 168 Tremont St, Newton. This is Avi's new listing we talked about last week. It got 60 showings in 3 days, and received 14 offers. We talk strategy and how it happened . 3) How are showings happening now in a Covid-19 world? It's on a spectrum from dangerously cavalier to DEFCON 1 . We talk best practices. 4) We discuss two new listings in Brookline that caught our eye: 24 Jordan Road, Brookline, a single-family on Corey Hill with 2,543 square feet, 3 beds, 2 full 1 half bath, 1 garage, salt water swimming pool, and solar panels. List Price: $1,885,000 67 Toxteth St, Brookline, an attached single-family in Brookline Village with 4,523 square feet, 6 beds, 4 full 1 half bath. List Price: $2,999,900 Questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** - AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com, Broker / Co-founder - RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122, Broker / Co-founder
This week we discuss a new Accent Realty listing at 168 Tremont Street, Newton, an affordable 5-bedroom single family home, with driveway and attractive fenced back yard, in Newton, listed for $689,000. Avi talks about his strategy for a property that needs work. http://168tremont.avirealestate.com/ We also talk about several high-end recently constructed homes that are for sale after relatively short ownership tenures - and at significantly increased prices. One is 33 Winthrop Road, Brookline, a gorgeous town house built by Ron. What does it mean, and what does it portend for the market? Questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** - AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com, Broker / Co-founder - RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122, Broker / Co-founder
In this episode we review the results from our survey, and then discuss them in the context of recent real estate market performance in Brookline. We are very grateful to everyone who responded to our economic sentiment survey. The full analysis is available here: http://www.accentbrookline.com/survey/ To recap, Accent Realty conducted this short, anonymous survey to get a sense of the current economic confidence of Brookline and Newton residents. We sought this information in an effort to better advise our clients with respect to their buying and selling decisions in the face of the economic uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was launched on May 6, 2020 and closed on May 14, 2020. The Brookline survey received 99 responses, and the Newton survey received 49 responses, for a total of 148 responses. Questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** - AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com, Broker / Co-founder - RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122, Broker / Co-founder
As part of our "Agent Journey" series, we are checking in with Ryan Cook, a real estate agent who joined Accent Realty last year. We last podcast with Ryan in episode 37, in December 2019. In this episode Ryan reflects back on one of his first transactions as a new agent. Ryan is a Newton resident, ski enthusiast, and real estate agent. We will continue to check in with Ryan and his real estate sales journey in future episodes. ********************************************* Want to contact Ryan? RYAN COOK, Salesperson at Accent Realty EMAIL: ryan@youragentryan.com PHONE: 617-744-9033 WEBSITE: www.RyanCookRealty.com ********************************************* Questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** - AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com, Broker / Co-founder - RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122, Broker / Co-founder
John VanScoyoc read Avi's blog post on affordable housing (http://blog.avirealestate.com/reports/2020/02/23/affordable-housing-observations-00-intro.html) and reached out to learn more. Although our views differed, it was a great discussion, and we thought our listeners would like to hear from John as well. About our guest: John VanScoyoc is running for Brookline Select Board. He spent his career as a journalist, first in print and then in television. He is a longtime resident of Brookline and has been involved with many committees, and as a Town Meeting Member from Precinct 13. His name may also be familiar if you subscribe to the Brookline Townwide Facebook group, as he is a frequent contributor there. Email: jvanscoyoc0@gmail.com Website: https://www.johnvanscoyoc.com/ Questions or Observations on Real Estate? Contact us! Accent Realty, Email: info@accentbrookline.com, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com **Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com ** **Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122 **
Questions or Observations? Let us know: Accent Realty, Email: info@accentbrookline.com, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com **Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com ** **Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122 **
One month into the Covid19 lockdown - How is the Brookline real estate market functioning? What are we seeing and what does it mean? That's our topic for today! We discuss a variety of considerations, new strategies, and actual properties on the market. What are you seeing? CONTACT ACCENT REALTY: Accent Realty, Email: info@accentbrookline.com, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com **Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com ** **Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122 **
We discuss the impacts of COVID-19 with our special guest, real estate attorney David Haimi. - What happens if the Registry of Deeds is closed? - What if the Fire Department won't conduct the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Inspection? - What if a buyer or seller is stuck in quarantine and can't close? - And other questions... Let us know your questions for future episodes! ***************** ABOUT OUR GUEST: DAVID HAIMI, ESQ Partner at Lieberman Law Office, P.C. liebermanlawoffice.com/david-haimi-esq/ David has been in real estate for more than 15 years, first as a title examiner and owner of a title examination company, and then as real estate attorney. David obtained his B.A. with honors from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, and his J.D. with honors from Pace University School of Law in White Plains, NY. At Pace, among other activities, he was managing editor of the prestigious Pace Environmental Law Review, vice president of the law school, and recipient of the Homberger Humanitarian Award. David remains committed to his alma mater as an active member of the Pace University School of Law’s Alumni Board. After graduating, David passed bar exams in both Massachusetts and New York, but has focused his practice in Massachusetts residential real estate law. As a real estate attorney, David has successfully closed on thousands of transactions, and made many relationships with buyers, sellers, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and investors. To continuously help better the real estate industry, David has spent many hours training real estate agents, and in turn, remains up-to-date on the most current changes in the real estate world. From complex transactions to working with first-time home buyers, he communicates with all parties to make each transaction as smooth as possible. ONE GATEWAY CENTER 300 Washington Street, Suite 160 Newton, MA 02458 E: DHAIMI@GBLLAW.com C: 508.579.6509 T: 617.244.3200 x 122 ***************** ***************** CONTACT ACCENT REALTY: Accent Realty, Email: info@accentbrookline.com, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com **Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com ** **Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122 **
Schools are closing, events are being cancelled, and people are stockpiling groceries. We discuss what we are seeing now in terms of how the Covid-19 Pandemic is already affecting the real estate market, what might happen in the coming weeks, and how we can use technology to fill the gap. QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
What happened to the four properties we discussed last week? Two accepted offers pretty quickly and two are still for sale. We give the breakdown. Also, we talk about three new listings we visited this week, with three different styles: Warm New England, New Construction Modern, and Old World charm 118 York Terrace, Brookline $2,199,000 Single family, 3,044 square feet, 5 beds, 4 full 1 half baths Warm New England 56-58 Perry St Unit 2, Brookline $1,680,000 Condo, 2,220 square feet, 3 beds, 3 full 1 half baths New Construction Modern 1514 Beacon St Units 47/48, Brookline $2,175,000 Condo, 2,724 square feet, 3 beds, 3 full baths Old World Charm QUESTIONS? We'd love to hear from you. info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
After a long drought over the winter, there are finally new homes for sale in Brookline again! There were 18 broker tours in north Brookline on Wednesday. We review four of them: 58 Welland Rd, Brookline $1,900,000 Single-family, 2024 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 full 1 half bathrooms 125 Park St APT 6, Brookline $1,230,00 Condo, 1624 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 36 Davis Ave APT 2 $1,399,000 Condo, 1,920 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 3 parking 50 Browne St APT 2, Brookline $700,000 Condo, 910 square feet, 1+ bedrooms, 1 bathroom Interested in these or any other property for sale? Let us know, we'd be happy to help! QUESTIONS ? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
This week we tackle some listener questions! 1. When is the right time to have a walkthrough and what should you be finding? 2. Why are inspections after offer acceptance? What are the implications? 3. How do you know if a condo association is okay? How about a neighborhood? What should we be looking for? MORE QUESTIONS? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
Ron and Avi discuss one property today in depth: 47 Winthrop Road Unit 1, Brookline. This is a Philadelphia style half house with 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms, 2,062 square feet living area, plus a bonus suite in the basement. Private laundry, shared back yard, two parking spaces. Originally listed at $1.369 in the fall, now dropped to $1.259M All together a rare offering for Brookline at this price - how is this available? Some of what we discuss: - Is this the right price? - Are some features of this unit undervalued by the market? - Why was it left on over the winter? - How would recent town legislation activity affect this unit with regard to AirBnb? Could the bonus suite in the basement enable additional income? - What are some of the quirks of this property? QUESTIONS ? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** AVI KAUFMAN, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com RON SCHARF, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
We try a new format this week - a live show! We recorded from the car as we toured new properties in Brookline on January 29, 2020. Let us know what you think! 15 Francis Street APT 43. Brookline, MA $549,000, 684 SqFt, 1 bed, 1 bathroom A one bedroom in a fabulous location. 108 Griggs Rd, Brookline, MA $2,625,000, 2,830 SqFt, 4 beds, 4 1/2 baths A trendy and well-designed new construction by Urbaness. Questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
Stories of what can go wrong with a real estate transaction and how to be prepared! This is the second half of our interview with one of our favorite real estate attorneys, David Haimi. You do not have to listen to the first half first because we discuss all new topics on this episode. We discuss: - When the mortgage contingency date passes... what to do? - What are the risks of a Use & Occupancy Agreement? And why we don't call it a "Lease back" - What happens if the seller doesn't leave the property after the sale? ***************** ABOUT OUR GUEST: DAVID HAIMI, ESQ Partner at Lieberman Law Office, P.C. liebermanlawoffice.com/david-haimi-esq/ David has been in real estate for more than 15 years, first as a title examiner and owner of a title examination company, and then as real estate attorney. David obtained his B.A. with honors from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, and his J.D. with honors from Pace University School of Law in White Plains, NY. At Pace, among other activities, he was managing editor of the prestigious Pace Environmental Law Review, vice president of the law school, and recipient of the Homberger Humanitarian Award. David remains committed to his alma mater as an active member of the Pace University School of Law’s Alumni Board. After graduating, David passed bar exams in both Massachusetts and New York, but has focused his practice in Massachusetts residential real estate law. As a real estate attorney, David has successfully closed on thousands of transactions, and made many relationships with buyers, sellers, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and investors. To continuously help better the real estate industry, David has spent many hours training real estate agents, and in turn, remains up-to-date on the most current changes in the real estate world. From complex transactions to working with first-time home buyers, he communicates with all parties to make each transaction as smooth as possible. ONE GATEWAY CENTER 300 Washington Street, Suite 160 Newton, MA 02458 E: DHAIMI@GBLLAW.com C: 508.579.6509 T: 617.244.3200 x 122 ***************** ***************** CONTACT ACCENT REALTY: Accent Realty, Email: info@accentbrookline.com 617-396-3206 www.accentbrookline.com **Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com ** **Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122 **
Join us for a fascinating interview with one of our favorite real estate attorneys, David Haimi. Part 1 of 2. We discuss questions including: - What is a real estate attorney and what do they do? - Why is the practice in Massachusetts to always have an attorney on both the buyer and seller side of a real estate transaction? - How are real estate attorneys compensated? What's the fee? - What is a lender attorney list? What's an open list vs a closed list? - What are some of the most common and some of the craziest issues you've seen come up on real estate transactions? - What kind of title issues come up? How do you clear them up? - What is the value of owner's title insurance and do you recommend it? - Do you invalidate your title insurance if you put your property into a trust? How do you avoid that? ***************** ABOUT OUR GUEST: DAVID HAIMI, ESQ Partner at Lieberman Law Office, P.C. https://liebermanlawoffice.com/david-haimi-esq/ David has been in real estate for more than 15 years, first as a title examiner and owner of a title examination company, and then as real estate attorney. David obtained his B.A. with honors from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, and his J.D. with honors from Pace University School of Law in White Plains, NY. At Pace, among other activities, he was managing editor of the prestigious Pace Environmental Law Review, vice president of the law school, and recipient of the Homberger Humanitarian Award. David remains committed to his alma mater as an active member of the Pace University School of Law’s Alumni Board. After graduating, David passed bar exams in both Massachusetts and New York, but has focused his practice in Massachusetts residential real estate law. As a real estate attorney, David has successfully closed on thousands of transactions, and made many relationships with buyers, sellers, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and investors. To continuously help better the real estate industry, David has spent many hours training real estate agents, and in turn, remains up-to-date on the most current changes in the real estate world. From complex transactions to working with first-time home buyers, he communicates with all parties to make each transaction as smooth as possible. ONE GATEWAY CENTER 300 Washington Street, Suite 160 Newton, MA 02458 E: DHAIMI@GBLLAW.com C: 508.579.6509 T: 617.244.3200 x 122 ***************** ***************** CONTACT ACCENT REALTY: Accent Realty, Email: info@accentbrookline.com, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com **Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com ** **Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122 **
It's a new year and we're back at it! Today we discuss two new properties for sale in Brookline: 1895 Beacon St Unit 5, Brookline. 3 beds, 2 baths, 1656 square feet, $1,175,000. 281 Tappan St Unit T1, Brookline. 2 beds, 1 bath, 1220 square feet, $585,000. And we revisit a property we discussed three months ago that's still available, now at a reduced price, and waiting for the right buyer: 255 Walnut St Unit C, Brookline. 4 beds, 2 baths, 2533 square feet, $1,195,000. Questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
In this episode we interview Ryan Cook, a Newton resident, ski enthusiast, and real estate agent who recently joined our firm. We will check in with Ryan and his real estate sales journey in future episodes as well. - How did Ryan come to Real Estate? - Why do we believe he is such a good fit for Accent Realty? - What is his previous background and how is it similar or different? - Why did he choose Accent Realty? ********************************************* Want to contact Ryan? RYAN COOK, Salesperson at Accent Realty EMAIL: ryan@youragentryan.com PHONE: 617-744-9033 WEBSITE: http://www.RyanCookRealty.com ********************************************* Questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
Several unique properties were listed this week in Brookline. Due to their uniqueness they offer potential deals. 108 Crowninshield Road. 57 Westbourne Terrace. 188 Rawson Rd #B. Questions? Contact us! info@accentbrookline.com
A fascinating interview with Len Wholey, a Brookline Town Meeting Member (precinct 11), who is also on the Bike Advisory Committee and involved with making Brookline safer for bicycling. Hear about his efforts on the bridle path, a protected bike lane that will run on Beacon Street from Saint Mary's Street to Cleveland Circle, as well as his involvement with the organization Cycling Without Age. When people ask, what makes Brookline special, the answer is efforts like this from people like Len! Real estate questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** **Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com ** **Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122 **
This week we compare and contrast a beautiful new construction project on Goreham Ave with a single-family do-it-yourself opportunity nearby on Welland Road. 38 & 40 Goreham Ave, Brookline Two gorgeous new construction townhouses by the high school $2,750,000 and $2,825,000 54 Welland Rd, Brookline A single-family that needs some updating. A potential deal for the right buyer. $1,650,000 And we talk about how the crop of listings on the market without parking. 405 Washington St Apt 1, Brookline 2-bed condo, 1 bath. Parking not included. Is this priced correctly? $765,000 ********************************************* Questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
These four houses for sale together are like a survey course in the state of the Brookline real estate market at the moment: - 79 University Rd U: 1, Brookline: 3 beds 3 baths for $1.3M - 68 Columbia St, Brookline: 4 beds 2 baths for $1.5M - 115 Sewall Ave Unit 1, Brookline: 3 beds 2.5 baths for $1.8M. UPDATE: under agreement. - 41-43 Stearns Rd, Brookline: a 2-family for $1.95M. UPDATE: under agreement. More questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
41 Addington Road went quickly - before the first open house! What happened? Is it still a red hot sellers market or is it cooling slightly? Here are four places that are surprisingly still available after multiple weekends: 88 Pleasant St Apt 3, Brookline 66 Columbia St Apt 1, Brookline 28 Alton Place, Apt F, Brookline 255 Walnut St, Apt C, Brookline And we talk about the number of new listings, an early stat that indicates the supply side is up. Sept 1 North to 27th Brookline Newton Boston 2019 77 175 1056 2018 76 157 967 2017 79 156 876 2016 78 169 752 2015 79 151 772 2014 71 143 761 (Source: http://blog.avirealestate.com/reports/2019/09/27/september-bump-in-inventory.html) More questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
There are a ton of listings and open houses this weekend, over 25 posted already. Today we discuss our two favorites: - 41 Park Street APT 205, Brookline, MA 02446 (http://41park.avirealestate.com/) - 41 Addington Road, APT 2, Brookline, MA 02445 **41 Park St** BEAUTIFUL MOVE-IN READY CONDO IN AN ELEVATOR BUILDING WITH IDEAL BROOKLINE LOCATION. Featuring 2 generous bedrooms & 2 full baths, including an ensuite master. But that is just the beginning! Enjoy a large open floor plan with space for living & dining rooms. Natural light abounds in this second floor unit. Want some fresh air? Step out to your private balcony, or head up to the roof deck for great views. The association is professionally managed, has healthy reserves, and has recently completed major improvements including a new roof. No stairs are needed to enter this elevator building. Transferable rental parking is just outside, and will be pre-paid all the way through May 2020! But with a WalkScore of 91, you might not need your car at all. It’s the perfect location, just steps to Coolidge Corner, Brookline Village, wonderful schools and parks, the Longwood Medical Area, public transportation and great restaurants and shopping. Don't miss it! **41 Addington Road** GORGEOUS 2-BEDROOM CONDO WITH RENOVATED KITCHEN, CENTRAL A/C AND 2 PARKING SPACES ON A FABULOUS BLOCK. Just steps to Schick Park and a short walk from Washington Square, this beautiful home is flooded with light, and features an updated bathroom, generously proportioned bedrooms with an ample walk-in closet in the master bedroom, in-unit laundry, and 2 fireplaces. It also boasts high ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors, and private basement storage. And if that was not enough, just wait until you see the stunning view from the huge, recently renovated deck off the kitchen. This unit has been lovingly maintained, and the association is well-managed and has very healthy reserves. A gem like this does not come around often, so don't miss it! It will not last! ********************************************* Questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
Week 2 of the Brookline fall real estate market. How is the market doing? We check in on what happened with the three listings we discussed last week; all three under agreement. And we talk about three "new" listings this week: - 24 Saint Paul St Unit 1, Brookline. 713 SqFt, 2 beds, $618K - 28 Alton Place Unit F, Brookline. 1554 SqFt, 3 beds, $1.25M. - 156 Ivy St, Brookline. 6,747 SqFt, 5 beds, $5.995M Questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122
The inventory of homes for sale always dries up over the summer, and then surges back after Labor Day. We take an early look at this year's post-Labor Day surge. Is it bigger than previous years and what does that mean for the market? Also, Tour Insights. We discuss two similar 2-bedrooms for sale in Coolidge Corner, with different prices: 50 Green St APT 202, Brookline, MA 02446 50 Park St APT 21, Brookline, MA 02446 And a well-priced single-family on Corey Hill: 98 Lancaster Ter, Brookline, 02446. Questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you Email us at info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122 And if you're enjoying the podcast, please leave us a review!
In this week's episode we answer questions from our listeners: 1. What are pocket listings? Are they real or just a marketing come-on? 2. Is it expensive to work with a Buyer's Agent? 3. Can I get a better deal going direct to the listing agent? 4. What’s the best search app? 5. Do I need a pre-approval if i’m making a cash offer, or what do I need instead? 6. Why can’t I visit Tom Brady’s house if it's on the market? More questions? Email us! info@accentbrookline.com ** Accent Realty, 617-396-3206, www.accentbrookline.com ** Avi Kaufman, avi@avirealestate.com, 617-751-1040, www.avirealestate.com Ron Scharf, ronscharf.re@gmail.com, 617-221-3122