• West Roxbury Links

  • Market Conditions
  • Home Buying
  • Home Selling
  • Lifestyle
  • Unique Homes
  • Area Amenities
  • Curb Appeal
  • Financing
  • Education
  • Main Streets
  • Developments
  • Zoning
  • Real Estate Maps

• Blog Archives

  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • April 2009
  • February 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • August 2007
  • July 2007
  • June 2007
  • May 2007

• Popular Posts

  • A Nightmare on kELMan’s Street?

The 2009 Parkway Reunion!

Reminisce, Reconnect, Reunite and ENJOY!

Parkway Reunion 2009: Reminisce, Reconnect, Reunite!

(Boston, MA) Reminisce – Reconnect – Reunite! The Parkway – comprised of West Roxbury and Roslindale – will come together and celebrate all that is great about the Parkway under a large tent at the West Roxbury High School Football field. Honorary Chairman, Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Chairman City Councillor John Tobin, Executive Director Carol O’Connor and a dedicated group of volunteers have been busy planning this event since January 2008.

WHEN: Saturday, June 20th, 2009 7PM-11PM
WHO: All ticket holders must be 21 years old. EVENT is Rain or Shine.
WHERE: West Roxbury High School Football Field – 1205 V.F.W. Parkway,
West Roxbury, MA 02132

Your $50 ticket will include all the fun of reminiscing, reconnecting and reuniting with old friends as well as meeting new friends. Passed hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, DJ Dave Solimine, The Richie Travers Orchestra, dancing, raffles, an impromptu LIVE auction, photographers to capture you and your friends’ camaraderie at this one time only event. All proceeds above cost will be donated to the Boston Parks Department for the further upkeep of the parks, playgrounds and open spaces of the Parkway.

Each person that buys a ticket for The Parkway Reunion 2009 will be automatically entered to win a week’s stay for four in Roscommon, Ireland, halfway between Dublin and Galway. European style residence features a modern kitchen, three-bedroom on-suite, overlooking 15 acres of beautiful, green Ireland land! For Golf enthusiasts - Athlone Golf Course - located nearby.

See parkwayreunion2009.com to purchase tickets online or email info@parkwayreunion.com

“This will be a night that people will talk about for years! It’s for anyone who has lived in the Parkway for 80 years or 8 months. It’s for people who still live here or don’t.” said Councillor Tobin. “The Parkway Reunion of 2009 will be a chance to celebrate all that is great about our community. From our people to our places, we have a lot to be proud of.”

Home Improvement in Boston: The Full Dormer

Hi Folks! This week Isellboston.TV begins the first in a series of home improvement videos which will focus on a variety of home improvement topics over time. This week, and for the next 2 weeks, our attention will focus on the process a homeowner in Boston must go through to place a full dormer on his or her home. Robert Holley of Sturges Rd. in West Roxbury has been kind enough to let us chronicle the project at his house and videotape the event from start to finish. Here is episode 1. Enjoy.

West Roxbury Community Profile

Boston — West Roxbury

• Boston is often referred to as “A city of Neighborhoods,” with each one offering its own distinct character and vibe. Boston’s West Roxbury neighborhood is unlike any other part of the city and has been dubbed by some as “Boston’s leafy suburb.” Due to its majestic tree-lined streets, single-family homes and the fact that it contains more than 3 –times the amount of open space on average than any other of Boston’s neighborhoods, West Roxbury gives residents a uniquely suburban feel in and urban setting. (Consider using a google maps flyover here).
• Speaking of open space, or “green” space, another of West Roxbury’s unique characteristics geographically speaking is that it is virtually surrounded by hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation land as well as a substantial portion of privately managed open spaces. Some of the larger public open spaces include Boston’s newest and largest park name Millenium Park, Stoney Brook Reservation and Allandale Woods. On the Privately owned side, Roxbury Latin and the West Roxbury quarries also contain 100 of acres of open spaces.
• The residents of West Roxbury take the education of their children seriously. This is evidenced not only in the quantity but also in the quality of schools that call West Roxbury their home. By the numbers there are three (3) elementary and three (3) high-schools with the community. Represented is a nice balance between public and private schools for all ages. The crown jewel within the WR school system is prestigious The Roxbury Latin school. Also, Catholic Memorial has an outstanding reputation that cultivates strong moral character. On the public side, there’s West Roxbury Educational complex as well as access to the exam schools of Boston Latin and Boston Latin Academy.
• Because West Roxbury is within Boston’s city limits, it benefits from having access to a world class transportation system. Whether it’s by bus, subway, commuter of any one of Boston’s special purpose transportation methods, there is no place you can’t get throughout Boston. Additionally, access to major highway routes (interstates 95 and 93) are within a couple of miles and are easily accessible.
•West Roxbury is also home to many fine restaurants, delis, shopping centers and a plentitude of independent boutique shops.

West Roxbury and Parkway Area Holiday House Tour

West Roxbury Holiday House Tour

What a magnanimous and festive event was this years Parkway Holiday Tour! Sponsored by West Roxbury Main Streets, the Holy Name Bernadines, and local Parkway area businesses, and supported by hundreds of local residents, the annual Parkway Holiday Tour was an event to expereince and behold.

Held last Sunday, December 7th, at St. Theresa’s Monsignor Donahue Hall, residents gathered to buy gifts from local retailers and enjoyed many yummy treats and refreshements. A little later on in the day, local residents boarded (and filled) two Old Town Trolleys which ushered them around town with stops at Blanchards and Kalembar Dune for some wine tasting. But the highlight of the tours was visting several wonderful West Roxbury homes that were all decked out in holiday decor.

It was a really great time for all involved who offered an extra helping of good cheer for the holidays.

Season Greetings From Carol White Associates

see video above

West Roxbury 2008 Senior and Caregiver Expo

Ethos-AgeWell West Roxbury Seniors & Caregivers Expo

Last Tuesday night, Ethos and AgeWell West Roxbury teamed up with members of the West Roxbury Business and Professional Association to support Parkway area seniors by hosting the 2nd annual Senior and Caregiver Expo at St. John Chrysostom church on Washington Street in West Roxbury.  The Expo provided a forum for local seniors and caregivers to gather information on services, discounts and special programs being offered by local businesses and presented opportunities for both groups to share in the magnanimous goal of making West Roxbury a better place to live for all of us.  The Expos title was “Protecting the Future: Security for You and Your Family,” and focused on helping caregivers, seniors and support groups of all ages.

Seniors and caregivers in attendance also benefited from listening to the expertise of several guest speakers who offered featured presentations on topics such as: estate planning, selling & downsizing your home, long term care options, investment strategies and more.  Presenters included Senior Residential Real Estate Specialist (SRES) Maureen O’Keefe of Century 21 Carole White Associates, Marilyn Larosa of Larosa Real Estate, Ann Marie Walker of Walker Insurance, Jan Crosby of RE/MAX First Realty  among others.  Specific topics included how to avoid probate, managing the emotions of selling your home and how to prepare your home for sale.

Cathy Slade, coordinator for Ethos–AgeWell West Roxbury organized and chaired the event which was planned in honor of National Caregivers Month. 

Creating a “Bedroom Oasis” Experience for Buyers

What are some of the things buyers look for in a new home?  Often times, they look for things they do not presently have–such as a showcase bedroom.  What is a “showcase” bedroom.  It’s not what you may think only in that ANYONE can have a beautifully staged bedroom–and it doesn’t even have to be limited to the master bedroom–it just takes a little bedroom inspiration!

When a buyer comes looking, a bedroom should look like something right out of a brochure from a major department store–such as Ikea or Bed, Bath and Beyond.  The bureau tops need to be clean enough to pass the “white glove” test, the mirror and windows should be spot free, the closets de-cluttered, (take out everything + keep what you need for one month).  Put away any 3 seasons clothing, leaving only a few pairs of pants, tops, belts, shoes, etc.(there should be 1/4 empty space in the closet).  The bed linens should be fresh and plump and luxurious to the eye.  A new duvet cover in a plain stripe a couple of matching pillow shams propped up, a contrasting smaller pillow in the center. The linens folded back (1/2 way down the bed) and plumped up to add to the sense of “sinking into an oasis” of cool and calm. The color choices should pick up a color from the trim paint in the room, or a picture on the wall, or even a small rug on the floor.  Tie these colors together to form a cohesive, soothing palette.  Take away any exercise equipment and things that do not belong in a bedroom.  If the curtains are on the windows, in the summer they should be light weight sheers in a light color.  

Where do you put all the items you took from the closet…try using the plastic storage containers that will slide under the bed!  They will be at your finger tips and no one will look under your bed as they usually look inside closets for space.  If there is left over space in your closets they will think that all their clothes and other items will fit!

Bottom line: your home will sell quicker if you spend a little time and energy sprucing up the bedrooms.

Carole’s Chronicles: Introducing the Robin(s) of Ruskin Street–Awakenings!

People often ask me what I like most about selling real estate.  It’s a perfectly reasonable question to ask, certainly one that I have pondered often enough myself during my 30 years in the business, but I’ve found there are many good answers to this question.  I guess if I had to pick one answer, though, as to what is the most gratifying part of being a Realtor, I would have to say it is when a young family finds and moves into their first home.  It’s a pleasure to participate in a young family’s joy as they begin their life journey.

As I reported on in my last post, my newest clients, the Robins of Ruskin Street, had found their dream home and began settling in.  Well, much to my delight I received some wonderful news last Friday morning: The Robins had given birth to triplets!  Can you believe it!  I was so excited I wanted to share the experience with all my friends and colleagues, so here’s sneak peek at the beaks (so-to-speak):

Real Estate Video by - Real Estate Blogger

In case you missed it as I do not have a loud stage voice, I have decided to run a naming contest for the newborns.  The winner(s) get the personal satisfaction of knowing they have given a name to these beautiful creatures–one that will be with them for the duration.  Also up for grabs is the honorary position of being the hatch-lings Godparents.  How exciting is this!  Let the games begin!
West Roxbury, Roslindale, Jamaica Plain

Carole’s Chronicles: Introducing the Robins of Ruskin Street in West Roxbury

I am very used to helping clients find their dream home and enjoy it very much.  Recently, I discovered a mother Robin nesting in one of my hanging plants at 12 Ruskin Street in West Roxbury–one of Boston’s finest neighborhoods.  She has created a tiny, but perfectly rounded nest in which she has so delicately delivered and arranged her three (3)  beautifully bright blue baby Robin’s eggs! 

Real Estate Video by - Real Estate Blogger

She is the most patient mother, and a wonderful client, roosting continually in her new dwelling.  I am fascinated with her. She is my newest client, albeit a little different, and I am delighted to say she has found her dream home!  Another satisfied customer for Carole White of Century 21 Carole White Associates

Real Estate Video by - Real Estate Blogger

How to Make Your Home “Green”

Clearly, the environmental movement has gone beyond tree huggers, Al Gore and your Dad telling you to turn off the lights because he didn’t own the electric company.

We generally seem to be more aware of the environmental impact when it comes to our cars, and a lot of manufacturers are already building eco-friendly vehicles, but some states also build green homes.  In fact, more than 25% of re-modelers say consumers sought environmentally sensitive upgrades last year, compared to just 6% the year before, according to a study by NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) almost 80% of Americans consider themselves “green minded”.

The U.S. Green Building Council defines a “green home” as one that incorporates features that result in it:

• using less energy
• using less water
• using fewer natural resources in construction
• creating less waste
• having better indoor air quality

Here are a few ways to make your home greener:

ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOWS

By replacing windows with Energy Star windows, you save on energy bills by helping to keep heat inside during the winter and outside during the summer.  These windows may have two or more panes of glass, warm-edge spacers between the windowpanes, improved framing materials, and Low-E coatings (microscopically thin metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on windows to reduce heat flow).

ECO-FRIENDLY FLOORING

Bamboo, cork and eucalyptus flooring products are all excellent choices for the home as they are sustainable alternatives to the slower growing hardwoods.  These products mature in roughly half the time that it takes hardwoods to grow.  They are also stylish and affordable.

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS (CFL)

This type of light bulb is a simple way of making a big change at a low cost in the energy efficiency of your home. Most home improvement stores carry these bulbs, which use 70% less energy than regular bulbs and can save $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb’s lifetime.

ENERGY STAR PRODUCTS

If you are in the market to upgrade any of your major appliances, consider purchasing an Energy Star-rated product.  Qualified refrigerators, dishwashers and vent fans incorporate advanced technologies that use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models, more than making up for their slightly higher costs.

TANK-LESS WATER HEATERS

Tank-less water heaters provide hot water on demand at a preset temperature rather than storing it.  Alternatively, replacing an electric water heater with a solar model can reduce costs by up to 80% a year, and over the 20-year lifespan of the appliance will prevent more than 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

MORE EFFICIENT TOILETS

New toilets have redesigned bowls and tanks that use less water but function more efficiently than first-generation low-flow models.  In the average home, flushing toilets accounts for some 30% of water usage.  New efficient models can reduce that use up to 25%.

HOME INSULATION

Increasing the amount and R-Value (the measure of thermal resistance) of insulation is a cost-effective way to save energy and help reduce heating and cooling bills, which account for at least half of the energy use in the home.

To learn more about energy innovation, you may download the illustration above at: http://www.nahb.org/fileUpload_details.aspx?contentID=62120

As Spring is all around us and everything looks green and beautiful, it is easier to think about the environment and what we all may be able to do to preserve it!

• Frequent Contributors

  • Tim White
    Email Address
    Website
  • Veronique Mendelson
    Email Address
    Website
  • Helen Coen
    Email Address
    Website
  • Deirdre White
    Email Address
    Website
  • Lisa Sullivan
    Email Address
    Website
  • Maureen O'Keefe
    Email Address
    Website
  • Maureen Hayes Rossi
    Email Address
    Website
  • Robert Holley
    Email Address
    Website
  • Rona Cronin
    Email Address
    Website
  • Don Rankin
    Email Address
    Website
  • Carole White
    Email Address
    Website
  • Shari Cloran
    Email Address
    Website
  • Justin White
    Email Address
    Website

• Links

  • Alex
  • Donncha
  • Dougal
  • Matt
  • Michel
  • Mike
  • Ryan