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

Local Historic Districts: an extreme solution to an imaginary problem with negative consequences

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

Ferrets and Dogs and Cats, oh my! Considerations when buying a condo

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

A roller coaster of emotion: we dissect four recent deals

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

Pricing is hard! Lessons from the Zillow iBuyer debacle and how we approach pricing

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

PART 1: The future of Brookline, with Select Board Member John VanScoyoc

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

PART 2: The future of Brookline, with Select Board Member John VanScoyoc

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

Pitfalls and perils of purchase process different for new construction - with attorney David Haimi

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

Behind the curtain - an interview with Mike Yanovitch, former Deputy Building Commissioner

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

Interest rates rising, Stock market falling. What's going on with housing? May 2022

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

Interview with Brookline for Everyone co-founder Jeff Wachter

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

Winter is coming, interest rates are up... What's happening in Brookline real estate now?

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

New Year, but continued housing shortages continue to prop up home prices

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

Buyers are out in force again, but few homes for sale. Normal seasonality?

The Accent Realty team shares insights on two unique Brookline properties for sale.

Tour insights for week of January 14-20, 2019

The market came alive this week with many new listings. We discuss two hot properties: 27 Stanton Road and 305 Clark Rd, Brookline.

Tour Insights for week of February 25 to March 3, 2019

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

Tour Insights April 8-14, 2019

This week we discuss one property just listed for sale, 39 Columbia St #2, and then segue into a discussion of sound insulation.

What are the questions you should ask a builder about sound transmission when buying a gut rehab or new construction condo, especially in a 2 or 3 family house?

Questions? Contact 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

[Deep dive] Sound insulation between units:  questions to to ask the builder

We discuss two hot Brookline properties this week. First, 37 Gorham Ave Unit 2, by the high school, and how pricing strategy works in this case. Then we discuss one of our listings at 101 Stedman Unit 1.

Questions? Contact 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

Tour insights June 17, 2019:  a hot 5-bed by the high school + a recent build townhouse

1. Here and gone! We discuss a single-family listing at 173 Mason Terrace, a new listing that was bought out even before the weekend, and the implications of that. Listed at $1,699,000. 2138 square feet. 

Is this the beginning of the end for the tradition of broker tours?

Also, we follow-up on 108 Crowninshield Rd as a comparison, a small single-family we discussed months ago, which also sold quickly and over ask

2. Then we discuss 76 Clark Rd, a reasonably priced new construction town house. Listed at $1,990,000. 2,730 square feet. 

3. 50 Park St, Unit 33, a beautifully updated one-bedroom condo in prime location. We discuss why assessments aren't always a bad thing. Listed at $629,000. 928 square feet. 


Questions? Contact 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

[Tour insights] Another open house bought out! And two other properties

From under a million to $6.75M, this week we discuss two condos and a stunning estate for sale.

1. 189 Rawson Rd Apt 3, Brookline
Listed at $849,000. 1422 square feet, 3 beds, 1 bathroom.

2. 18 Kilsyth Rd Unit 2, Brookline
Listed at $1,699,000. 2700 square feet, 3 beds, 2 full & 1 half bathrooms. 

3. 80 Seaver St, Brookline
An amazing estate on 1.49 acres with stunning grounds. 
Listed at $6,750,000. 9030 square feet, 7 beds, 8 full & 1 half bathrooms.  

Questions? Contact 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

[Tour Insights] From under a million to $6.75M: three special properties for sale

"Make me an offer!" We're in the dog days of summer, so instead of the few new listings, this week we're talking about a couple properties that have been on the market for a long time. 

- 73 Winthrop Road, Brookline
- 131 Sewall Ave, Unit 1, Brookline

Questions? Contact 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

[Tour insights] "Make me an offer!" Dog days of summer & some properties are sitting

A quiet week for new listings. We discuss a 4-bedroom on Beacon St in Coolidge Corner. Pricing, Timing, & Preparation: does it miss on all three?

Questions? Contact 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

[Tour Insights] Pricing, Timing, & Preparation: Does it miss on all three?

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!

Post Labor Day Listing Bonanza; how does it compare to prior years?

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

Two hot listings! 41 Park St & 41 Addington Rd, Brookline

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

Accent Insights

Cross currents: Is it still a red hot sellers market or is it cooling slightly?

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

These four listings are like a survey course of Brookline real estate.

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 **

Making Brookline bike friendly! An interview with Len Wholey, Town Meeting Member

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 **

An illuminating Interview with David Haimi, a top real estate attorney: Part 1 of 2

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

How is this *still* for sale? A rare large 4-bedroom on Winthrop Rd for under $1.3M.

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

Contrasting 3 home styles this week: Warm New England, New Construction Modern, and Old World charm

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

How coronavirus is starting to affect the real estate market

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! 

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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

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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 **

How COVID-19 could derail a real estate sale. Special Guest: Attorney David Haimi

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

On the Market: an affordable single-family, and high end resales

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.

No longer just rentals...a renaissance in the Brookline streets bordering Allston

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

Sky high inventory, deadly Gas Stoves, and new Luxury Listings.

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 10-20 minutes at a time. Each episode shares an inside view on an aspect of real estate - tour insights on new and unique properties, updates on the Brookline market, and deep dives on a variety of topics. #AccentRealty #BrooklineMA #RealEstate #Brookline

Insights by Accent Realty - Brookline, MA

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