Buying a home requires a thorough evaluation of the house itself, and the surrounding environment. The surrounding environment, or neighborhood is a major part of the investment made when buying a home. Buying a home in an up-and-coming neighborhood is one of the best investments one can make. Investing in an area that is on the rise rather than an area that is already thriving will give a bigger return on investment.

When searching for a home there are many variables to take into account when looking into the neighborhood from the school systems to the crime rate. Here are some things to look for when research a neighborhood:

• Taxes and location based expenses: People often forget about expenses separate from the price of buying the home. Be sure to check the property taxes, any association fees, and any other expenses that may arise.
• Area rules and laws: Every association and town has different rules and laws that should be brushed up on.
• Crime rate: There are numerous websites allowing people to view crime rate statistics in a zip code. Look up the crime rate of the areas you currently live in compared to the places you are looking to move and see how they stack up.
• Schools: School systems are a crucial element in the home buying process. See if the area has preschool to high school public and/or private schools. Schools aren't only important for families, having a good school system will help with the resale of the house.
• Amenities: Amenities including, shopping centers, grocery stores, and so on might be areas you need to travel to often, so how far do you want to travel to get to these places?
• Commute: How long will it take to travel to work? How long will it take to travel to see relatives? Use an online mapping website to see how long the commute will be to the places you need to travel to regularly.
• Sights, sounds, and smells: When at the house see how loud the environment is. Is there traffic? Does it get louder at night? Also study what sights you'll have from each area of the house. Lastly check the smell of the area, does a local store have scents that travel to the house?

Remember even if some of these variables don't impact you, always think about the future. Someday you'll sell your house and things such as, the amenities and school system may be more important to someone looking to buy the house from you. Overall remember a house is an investment, so do research and plan for the future.

For any questions or comments, please comment on our Facebook.

Sources: Top 10 Things to Look for to Find Your Dream Neighborhood 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Neighborhood How to Choose a Neighborhood

Now it's Your Turn to Make History with This Enchanting Gem

This grand and beloved lady comes to the market for the first time in over 60 years. Circa 1862, 101 Beacon was built for the notable Arthor Lithgow Devens of Boston. Over the year this gracious Victorian has been home to such notables as: William Mountford, Percival Lowell Everett, and Augustus Thorndike. In 1959 the home was converted into nine residential units by prominent architect Saul Moffie allowing the top floors of the home to take full advantage of sweeping views of The Charles River.

Location! Location! 101 Beacon is the last building on Beacon Street before the Boston Public Garden. Such prominence in location is not surpassed in Boston. Its rare setting allows river views from the front and southern exposure in the rear.

The third floor of the home features direct elevator access to the former mansion grand library. Boasting the original detail of this opulent residence, the floor through one bedroom is highlighted by mahogany wainscoting, decadent fireplace, antique sconces, and dramatic bay windows.

Floors four through seven have direct elevator access into the spacious, floor-through, two bedroom, two bath residences.

With 10,575 square footage, 101 Beacon is listed at $5,995,000. For more photos and information please visit 101Beacon.com.

Open Houses:

4/24 3:00-6:00

4/25 11:00-1:00

4/27 12:00-2:00

Boston's Center for Business and Government

Not only is Downtown Boston the center for most business and government, but it is also home to some of Boston's most notable parks. At the edge of Downtown, Boston Common and the Public Garden stand out as Boston's most visited parks. Downtown is also one of Boston's top shopping neighborhoods, offering large department stores and boutique shops. One of the country's most visited landmarks, Faneuil Hall, is the center of shopping and dining in Downtown as one of the country's most visited landmarks.

Downtown Boston is a growing neighborhood with two innovative plans that will further improve this area. The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway will bring twenty-seven acres of green space and Crossroads will bring a new set of street standards though the neighborhood, reuniting the surrounding neighborhoods to Boston Harbor.

Some restaurants include: Bistro du Midi (French): 272 Boylston Street Ruth's Chris Steak House (Steak): 45 School Street Union Oyster House (Seafood): 41 Union Street O Ya (Japanese): 9 East Street

Some shopping stores include: Newbury Comics: Faneuil Hall Boston Harley Davidson: Faneuil Hall Macy's: 450 Washington Street

Some bars & pubs include: Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale: 48 Temple Place Grill 23 & Bar: 161 Berkeley Street

Be sure to let us know your favorite spots in Downtown Boston by commenting on our Facebook! For more information on Downtown Boston, feel free to message our Rental Agents directly at our new rentals Facebook page, Charles Rentals.

For Downtown Boston listings please visit our website http://www.thecharlesrealty.com/.

Sources: Cityofboston.gov

Quintessential Victorian Parlor Home

A private entry welcomes you to this charming 872 square foot two bedroom Victorian home. The home's double parlor floor plan features high ceilings and light from front and back. Pocket doors lead to the formal dining room with space for eight to dine with antique China built-ins, and pine floors. Next to the formal dining room, the living room features: pine floors, walnut fireplace, and high ceilings.

The recently renovated kitchen features: custom cabinetry, stainless appliances, granite counter-tops with room forstool seating, gas cooking, and direct access to private deck.

Centrally located on High Street with an easy walk to The Monument or Main Street. This home includes: in-unit washer/dryer, basement storage, pet friendly association, re-sealed basement walls, spectacular views of the city, gas heating system, and a hot water tank.

Offered at $479,000 with a condo fee of $135/month, the building is making plans for a repair of the roof and roof deck sometime in the next 3-5 years.

For more on this property please visit our website. To get in contact with the agent, ask for Betsy Herald at 617-236-0353 or betsyhearld@realtor.com.

Historic Neighborhood at the Northside of Boston

This famous neighborhood can be found between the banks of Boston Harbor and the Mystic River. Situated on a peninsula, Charlestown has numerous restaurants and establishments throughout. Both Main Street and in City Square are two of the best spots for going out to eat and shop.

Boston's oldest neighborhood still has a historic feel to it with monuments including: the Bunker Hill Monument, the Navy Yard, and U.S.S. Constitution. This neighborhood features a handful of public grade schools and is home to Bunker Hill Community College. Various films have used Charlestown for film locations such as, Mystic River, The Departed, Celtic Pride, and Good Will Hunting.

Some restaurants include: Tangierino (Moroccan): 83 Main Street Chow Thai Café (Thai): 187 Main Street Warren Tavern (American): 2 Pleasant Street

Be sure to let us know your favorite spots in Charlestown by commenting on our Facebook! For more information on the Charlestown, feel free to message our Rental Agents directly at our new rentals Facebook page, Charles Rentals.

For Charlestown listings please visit our website http://www.thecharlesrealty.com/.

Sources: Cityofboston.gov Tripadvisor.com

What to Know Before Closing

The final walk-through is one of the most crucial parts of the home buying/selling process because it's the final inspection to see if everything is agreeable before closing. This is generally done a few days prior to closing and it is important to note that this isn't a home inspection. All agreed upon repairs should be completed by the final walk-through, so this is the buyers chance to see if everything in the contract is complete. Buyers should always attend a final walk-through to make sure what they're buying is what they were sold on. Here's some things to consider on the final walk-though:

Bring the contract: Bring the contract to make sure there is a list of terms agreed upon by both parties this way there is a reference for any disputes.

Check everything, and I mean everything: Make sure to check every little thing no matter how small. Make sure the appliances, heat, and toilets are working. Check the walls, ceilings, and floors for any damage. Lastly, make a checklist so you remember to check each item.

Make sure all agreed upon repairs are made: Another reason why bringing the contract and checking everything is important. All repairs that were agreed upon should be made prior to closing.

Nothing should be removed that isn't supposed to: Look to make sure the seller hasn't taken anything they shouldn't have such as: plants, lighting fixtures, or anything else.

Hopefully the final walk-through will be accomplished without any problems, but what if there is something wrong? If there's something wrong, tell your Realtor® and they will get it cleared up before the closing.

For questions or comments please comment on our Facebook, and to get in contact with one of our Realtors® please visit our website.

Sources: Zillow Realtor.com Fox Business

A Quaint Neighborhood Boasting a Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere

One of Boston's smallest neighborhoods, Bay Village is an inviting and friendly spot with a Neighborhood Association that maintains the area. Also known as Church Street District, South Cove, and Kerry Village, this neighborhood resembles Beacon Hill. Many of Bay Village's homes are smaller versions of Beacon Hill's townhouses.

In addition to the townhouses, the mostly brick sidewalks and gas streetlights give a historic Boston ambiance. Bay Village has minimal car traffic making this a peaceful and ideal location to live in Boston.

Some restaurants include: Grill 23 & Bar (Steak): 161 Berkeley Street Smith & Wollensky (Steak): 101 Arlington Street Erbaluce (Italian): 69 Church Street Da Vinci (Italian): 162 Columbus Avenue

Be sure to let us know your favorite spots in the Bay Village by commenting on our Facebook! For more information on the Bay Village, feel free to message our Rental Agents directly at our new rentals Facebook page, Charles Rentals.

For Bay Village listings please visit our website http://www.thecharlesrealty.com/.

Sources: Cityofboston.gov Bayvillage.net