Condo prices all across Boston are skyrocketing as the spring market kicks off. Urban areas, from upscale to affordable, are leading the charge.

Somerville, Jamaica Plain and increasingly upscale Charlestown saw some of the biggest increases as did Brighton, Medford and West Roxbury.

And it’s not just rent prices that are on the rise. Sales are up by double digits in the same areas as well. The median condo price in Massachusetts went up 10% in March, clocking in at $320,000 which is more than the median price of a single-family home ($315,000).

Restoring a historic house is no small task. However, it’s definitely a worthwhile endeavor. Untouched fixer-uppers usually include period detail unscathed by previous renovations. However, special care must be taken when dealing with old structures and keep in mind that old houses are full of surprises and costs can start adding up. So here are a few tips and tricks on what to expect and what to look for when restoring a historic house.

While trends come and go, hopefully the zero-energy mindset is here to stay. A zero-energy home is a space that relies on exceptional energy conservation and on-site renewable energy to meet heating, cooling and energy needs. As the movement continues to gain traction around the country, here is a closer look at what it really means to own a “zero-energy home”.

When was the last time you received an unexpected service or treat? Perhaps your favorite restaurant gave you an appetizer on the house or the local baker you frequent gave you a free pastry “just because.”Did it put a smile on your face and make you want to tell everyone you know about the great service you received?

That’s how your clients feel when you go the extra mile for them, not just while you’re working with them on a transaction, but before and after as well. It’s the little things you do to show your clients you care that matter in the long run. Show them you want to establish trust. 

This property includes absolutely breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and is listed for $59,000,000.

Paying high rent and making student loan payments can make saving for a home seem nearly impossible.  For some, it may well be. However, for most it’s a matter of buckling down and setting aside money rather than spend it. The biggest obstacle for most young homebuyers to overcome is the down payment. Here, we give you the run down on what it is, how to prepare for it, and where to find the extra cash.

Good morning and happy Wednesday!

Here’s a summary of recent transactions and personnel news within Greater Boston’s real estate community.

1.    Chevron Partners has acquired the historic Sears Crescent building in Boston’s Government Center neighborhood from Copley Investments for $23.8 million. The 50,300-square-foot brick-and-beam building is fully leased to 14 tenants and is the third acquisition for Chevron Partners in Boston since [...]

This modern home is lcoated in Herzliya, Pitcuach Israel and features a shoe-shaped bathtub. Not to be missed! 

Have you ever wondered what towns in the U.S. are currently booming? A new list from realtor.com® unveils the top 10 hot spots. These towns are demonstrating some of strongest growth in jobs, household formation, and housing starts across the country. Every market on the list has experienced between one and five times the average job growth of the top 100 counties in the country.

From Boston’s Financial District to the suburbs, housing prices in Massachusetts have been rising everywhere. Jamaica Plain was known to be an affordable area but the housing market in the neighborhood has experienced a significant increase in prices over the past few decades.

The stunning properties in Beacon Hill have always been the centre of attraction for the housing the housing market in Boston. Recently, a 136 year old townhouse located at 9 Lime St. in Beacon Hill has become available for sale at an asking price of $5,499,000.

Homes with certain traits command higher prices and take less time to sell. We?re not talking about replacing vinyl siding with redwood siding; we?re talking about maintenance and beautifying tasks you?d like to live with anyway.

Among other things, the way your house looks from the street ? attractively landscaped and well maintained ? can add thousands to its value and cut the time it takes to sell. It is not about putting the house on the market, but rather marketing your house. What can you do to increase your selling appeal? Some spit and polish goes a long way, and so does a dose of color. Here are some points to help your home put its best face forward.

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Millennials will soon become the largest group looking to buy and sell their homes, and are set to become the real estate industry?s most influential demographic. To keep your real estate business thriving over the next two decades, you will need to attract both Millennial customers and agents. Here are a few characteristics to keep in mind.

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Westbrook Partners has arrangements to construct a 17 story, 250 suite hotel in Chinatown, and will be filing its proposal to the city officials.

The hotel project would be 181 ft. high at 79 Essex St., a 8,095 sq. ft. corner space at the cross-section of Essex and Oxford boulevards that right now is home to a warehouse and office building.