The state of Massachusetts now has a law regulating and taxing short term rentals. To help clarify what the law covers and applies to, we’ve outlined the pertinent information you’ll need below and

Lovingly referred to as ‘JP’, Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood is abundant with local restaurants, green spaces, and a diverse community that makes it a wonderful place to live or visit year round.

Interesting Facts

Just north of Boston is one of Eastern Massachusetts’ most historic and innovative cities: Cambridge.

Interesting Facts

We know we've kept you waiting, but we PROMISE it was all worth it! Dwell360 is proud to present the 2017 Year End Market Report, featuring single family, condominium, and multi family data for Newton, Needham, Brookline, Wellesley, Cambridge, Beacon Hill, West Roxbury, Charl

We are proud to present the final episode of Meet Dwell360 with our very own John Lynch! Find out about our co-founder in this can't-miss interview!

Miss any of the other episodes? C

Wellesley, Massachusetts is a picturesque town just 15 miles outside of Boston boasting beautiful homes, great schools, and charming character that make it a great place to live.

Interesting Facts

We are thrilled to introduce the newest member to the Dwell360 team, Martika Jenkins! Watch to learn about her unique experiences and what she likes to do for fun!

Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for more episodes profiling each of our fantastic team! 

Nestled between Newton and downtown Boston, Brookline, Massachusetts is one of the country’s most notable suburbs with a bounty of history, top notch food and school systems, and culture on every corner.

Dwell360's Sandra Siciliano has an interesting history and a beautiful family - don't miss learning all about her in the latest episode of Meet Dwell360!

Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for more episodes profiling each of our fantastic team! 

You might recognize Jennifer's bubbly personality from a recent listing video but do you know about her favorite restaurant? Find out in our latest episode!

Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for more episodes profiling each of our fantastic team! 

You won't want to miss HEARING from our admin, Loretta Kelly! Check our Episode 3 of our Meet Dwell360 Video Series below!

Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for more episodes profiling each of our fantastic team! 

You know one of our founders, Edward Johnston, is a great REALTOR, but do you know about his favorite sports team? Find out in our latest episode of Meet Dwell360!

Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for more episodes profiling each of our fantastic team! 

Tune in for the first of our Meet Dwell360 Video Series, where we help you get  to know the agents and staff that make up our real estate brokerage.

Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for more episodes profiling each of our fantastic team! 

Dwell360 is a residential real estate firm based in Newt

Welcome to Needham, a popular suburb of Boston alive with continuous growth. Great schools and a strong sense of community keep this local town among the area’s most desirable places to live. As more buyers flock to purchase homes, we’d like to invite you on a virtual tour of this charming town.

We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this year's local Relay for Life. With help from our friends, family, clients, and community, we were able to raise over $9,500 for the American Cancer Society. Watch the video above to see more fun from the event!&nbsp

This blog was written by Jennifer Mattson, a Dwell360 REALTOR® and Relocation Specialist. 

It’s no secret; I enjoy moving. Since the age of 18, I have relocated my primary residence no less than 15 times. Perhaps it’s the change of scenery or the

Just a short distance from Boston, the city of Newton, Massachusetts is regarded as a bustling area complete with high quality schools, friendly faces, stunning homes, and a vibrant community. Wi

Starting a partnership with your real estate agent can often elicit similar emotions evoked by a romantic relationship. It starts out exciting; the beginning moments full of anticipation of the life changing events still to come. As some romantic interactions can go, however, n

You're Invited!

Monday, March 20 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm

I hope you will join me at this wonderful class for first time home buyers. You will le

Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a revamp of your own home’s design, or just like drooling over the swoon-worthy rooms, these Instagram accounts are sure to please with their flawless style and impeccable taste. Follow one or follow them all!

Dwell360 is pleased to present this article, written by Leonardi Aray Architects. 

In 2014, Dr. Gomez and Dr. Infante opened GLAD their "dream dental practice" to provide pediatric,

The beautiful city of Newton continues to grow with a recent proposal from Northland Investment Corp. to transform Newton’s Upper Falls.

The Newton-based developer unveiled plans that propose a complete overhaul of 30 acres off Needham Street, cha

Dwell360’s John Lynch recently had an opportunity to attend two conferences in California: The &THEN DMA Annual Event and the Inman Luxu

You might be diligent about locking your doors, but dangers can lurk inside the home as well. House fires impact hundreds of homeowners each year so it is important to have a safety plan for your family in case of an emergency. In addition, there are many steps that can be taken

Despite cloudy skies and the threat of rain, Dwell360's Big Annual Open House Party went off without a hitch this past weekend! 

Heritage Food Truck served up delicious eats from pulled pork sliders to deep fried macaroni and cheese balls to gazpacho and portabella mushroom

With a so many buyers searching for their perfect home, it is supremely important that any home for sale is marketed properly to ensure success for the seller. At Dwell360 Real Estate, we reach above and beyond normal measures to ensure our listings reach every possible buyer. 

Our most recent listing was a set of Newton, Massachusetts condos. Two Philadelphia style units, each newly renovated real estate, were a gorgeous setting for two videos that helped showcase the prope

When you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the agent who will represent your interests. As in any other profession, there are many misconceptions about real estate agents. We wanted to set the record straight and clear up

Videos are the future of marketing, especially in real estate, and we are constantly striving to stay at the forefront of innovation to best serve our clientele. By leveraging video and social media, Dwell360 is reaching a wider audience than ever before.

For a recently listed property in Charlestown, John Lynch broadcasted live from the Bunker Hill Monument and inside the property to give viewers an exclusive look at the property before it went to market. 

Have you ever wanted an oasis next to the beach or a cabin in the mountains? You’re not alone; many people have or desire to own a second home. For whatever the use, a second home can be a sound investment.

Just have one day to devote to your vacation? We’ve got some ideas that are sure to fit any family’s needs.

*Mystic Seaport,

Grab your suitcase and hit the road; New England has plenty of fun summer destinations to offer.

Acadia N

Looking for a place to satisfy your ice cream craving? Here are some of Dwell360's favorites (in no particular order):

• Lizzy’s Homemade Ice Cream, Waltham: Wha

Check out Dwell360's infographic about solar energy including both national and local statistics. To view larger, click here. 

Check out some of Sandra's other blog

Newtonville is set to receive some substantial upgrades. Two major development projects are due to be introduced to the area, starting with sizeable plans for Austin Street.

28 Austin Street

The same street where Dwell360 is located, many know Austin Street as the turn you make to get to the Star Market over the Mass Pike. By Summer of 2018, however, the landscape of Austin Street will have changed significantly. Ap

With thoughts of chill and snow vanishing in the distance, our minds turn to warm weather and what the outdoors have to offer in springtime. As such, the season makes for the perfect time to spruce up the yard. Below find our list of great local places for you to pick up anything your yard might need. New to gardening? Check out our list of 10 Easy Plants to Increase Your Curb Appeal.

Spring is here, and with it comes many events throughout Boston and surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for an evening of music or to sample local cuisine, the list of April events below presents a bounty of opportunity to engage citizens of any age.

Big Apple Circus - Grand Tour: March 24 - April 24, 2016: The latest tour from the Big Apple Circus takes its audience back to the 1920s! Ships, trains, autom

The moving truck pulls away and you look at the vast sea of boxes before you; you’ve done it. You’re here in your new abode, city, and life. Unpacking all those boxes aside, how does o

Nearly every Boston neighborhood saw increases in 2015 as the Massachusetts real estate market continues to flourish. Click here to read our full Boston Market Report including single fam

In 2015, the average price of a single family home in Natick rose to over $606k!

Last year Natick, Massachusetts experienced another year of gains in the residential real estate market. The number of single family homes sold only slightly increa

Dwell360 is pleased to present this article, expertly written by our friend Bryan Kurzman, Senior Mortgage Banker and Mortgage Strategist of Leader Bank in Needham, MA. 

During the summer, warm weather makes it easy to make plans or find things to do. Colder temperatures certainly make our avoidance of boredom more difficult. Rest assured, Dwell360 is here to help! Browse our

Check out Dwell360's infographic highlighting all the styles dicussed in our recent blog series. To view larger, click here. 

Don't miss the other parts of our Home S

Let’s continue with our series by touching on a few more house styles!

Tudor

The term ‘Tudor’ is mildly historically inaccurate; one might assume that it refers to the typical buildings found during the Tudor Dynasty in 1500s England. In reality, Tudor house style is in reference to the tudor revival or medieval revival structures popular in the United States. The term is certainly more broad than other h

It’s no news that homes exist in many shapes and sizes. The varying features can help categorize properties into existing styles that help differentiate one from another. Each style has their own notable highlights as well as things that may attract or deter prospective buyers.

Colonial

Said to be one of the most popular home styles in the United States, the Colonial home first came to existence around the 1700s. Colonists emigrating fr

With winter snowfalls just around the corner, we can’t help but remember the power packed storms that rolled through Massachusetts last year. To avoid damage to your home this year, be prepared for one of winter’s major hazards: ice dams. The icicles hanging off the sides of your home may be pretty, but they could spell out disaster.

With the holiday season nearly upon us, we turn our thoughts to those less fortunate and what we can do to make a difference. Dwell360 is happy to announce that again this year we will be collecting food, toiletries, and monetary donations to benefit the Newton Food Pantry.&nbs

Dwell360 would like to cordially invite any REALTORS in need of credits to attend our Annual REALTOR Continuing Education Class! See the flyer below for more information. 

Sandra Siciliano with Dwell360 is a REALTOR® who se

With the crisp air of winter settling in, the temperature of the home becomes of more concern to homeowners. Thermostats will be turned up, heavy blankets taken out of storage, and firewood lit. In order to ensure safety when snuggled up indoors this winter, special attention should be paid to the chimney and fireplace to prepare for the cold season.

Enjoy access to our free Household Pests Guide. 

With our Household Pests blog posts completed, we are happy to offer this comprehensive guide. Inside you'll find all parts of the series: Termites,

Check out Dwell360's infographic about household pests and the dangers they can present to homeowners. To view larger, click here. 

Don't miss the other parts of our Pests Series! 

Bugs aren’t the only pests that might visit or inhabit your home; there are various other creatures that can cause problems.

Mice and Rats

Various types of mice and rats can be found in homes, often entering in sea

There are many little pests that can be a nuisance to homeowners. To protect your home from damage, it is important to learn about their habits so that elimination can occur stress free.

Carpenter Bees

Unlike the more wid

Another unwelcome guest that you might find in your home is bats. While an important animal to our ecosystem, they can have no place in our homes.

About Bats

O

Being a homeowner is a worthy investment of money, time, and energy. Crafting a house into becoming a home can be such a rewarding task. This isn’t to say, however, that there are no bumps along the way. Among many challenges, pests like termites can be an issue. Knowing about what they are and the potential for harm they cause can be the first step in eliminating problems hopefully before they even begin.

What Is A Termite?

Dwell360 is pleased to present this article, expertly written by our friend Bryan Kurzman, Senior Mortgage Banker and Mortgage Strategist of Leader Bank in Needham, MA. 

You may have heard the term ‘septic tank’ before, but do you know what owning a septic system entails? Find the answers to many frequently asked questions below.

What is a septic tank?

A septic tank is a sewage waste system that is designed for containment of waste from a home. While designs can vary, the mos

Anyone who is trying to purchase a property in the Greater Boston Area knows how hard this market has been and still is on buyers. In a different way, it is also hard on their Realtor.   Even in this competitive market , over the past few months, I was able to secure some excellent properties for many of my buyer clients.  

This was accomplished with hard work and by keeping a positive attitude despite many challenges.  These challenges included the speed of the ma

For Sale by Owner (FSBO) transactions certainly seem appealing; it can appear that it is easier to sell without help and that you can maximize your profit by not having to pay an agent’s commission. The truth is, in fact, the opposite.

1. You Net More Money When Using an Agent: A recent study of the 2014 Real Estate Market by the National Association of REALTORS® show that a typical house sold by a homeowner s

Enjoy access to our free Solar Energy Guide. 

With our Solar Energy blog posts completed, we are happy to offer this comprehensive guide. Inside you'll find all parts of the series: About Photovoltaic Systems,

Check out Dwell360's infographic about solar energy including both national and local statistics. To view larger, click here. 

Check out some of our other blog posts here! 

It may be overwhelming to think of installing a solar energy system in your home, but rest assured that Massachusetts as well as federal credits, incentives, and financing options are available to help homeown

As time goes on, more and more people are becoming concerned with earth conservation and renewable energy. Sometimes it may seem overwhelming; what difference can one person or home make? Truth be told, the impact may be larger than you think.

It’s no secret that summer means beach season for many residents and tourists to Massachusetts each year. Here’s where you can find some of the best beaches to explore:

• Good Harbor Beach, Glouce

Access to our free Lead Paint Guide!

With our Lead Paint blog posts completed, we are happy to offer this comprehensive guide. Inside you'll find all parts of the series: Exploring Lead Paint and Poisoning,

Once lead is found on your property, it is imperative to remove it as required by Massachusetts Lead Law if children under six will be living in the home. Landlords are required to comply with the law if children or pregnant women will be tenants in their property. For more information on tenants' rights and the Lead Law concerning renting, please consult the Lead Paint Transfer Notifica

In order to determine lead levels, the home in question should be professionally tested by a licensed inspector. As there are many ways to be exposed to lead, there are varying methods with which to test.

Testing Paint for Lead

J

Check out Dwell360's infographic about lead contamination and poisoning that can occur in the home. To view larger, click here. 

Don't miss

As a buyer, seller, current or prospective homeowner, renter, or landlord, it is imperative to learn about lead paint and the effect it has on our homes and health.

What is lead paint?

Spring is here so you may already be thinking about what plants will best highlight your home and enhance its curb appeal. In New England, we’re very lucky to have a bounty of flowers and shrubbery that flourish in northern soil. We’ve picked out ten easy to maintain plants that would make any garden shine.

Mayor Setti Warren announced that the city of Newton has recently signed a letter of intent to purchase the former Aquinas College property on Jackson Street, subject to approval and a vote to fund the purchase from the Board of Aldermen. With the Angier School Project set to be completed in December and Zervas and Cabot not far behind with renovations, this purchase is the key to relieving overcrowding and other issues at several local elementary schools.

The Aquinas p

Access our free Home Inspection Guide!

With our Home Inspection Series blog posts completed, we are happy to offer this comprehensive guide. Inside you'll find all four parts of the series: How to Prepare,

You’re in the final stages of the home inspection process! With most inspections, this is the time where negotiations begin. No home is perfect, so there are bound to be issues that turned up during a hom

Check out Dwell360's infographic about common home inspection mistakes that are best avoided. To view larger, click here. 

Do

By now you have chosen your inspector and scheduled a time for them to come examine your home or the one you're considering purchasing. When the inspection begins, what should you do?

While not required, we always recommend that the buyer be present during a home inspection. This allows you to observe the inspector, ask direct questions, and fully understand the condition of the property being purchased. Furthermore, it is important to have knowledge of the home&rsq

Congratulations! If you’re preparing for a home inspection, you’re on your way owning a new home.This is a crucial part of the home buying and selling process, so it is important to be well informed and know what to expect.

What is a home

Dwell360's family and friends love eating locally; here is a list of our thirteen favorite establishments!

• Cabot’s Ice Cream & Restaurant: Th

Prices are UP across the city! Nearly every Boston neighborhood saw increases in 2014 as the local real estate market continues to flourish. 

The positive changes in the market will continue to be true in 2015, but will require sophisticated navigation to ensure success.

In 2014, the average price of a single family home in Natick rose to over $574k!

Last year Natick, Massachusetts experienced another year of gains in the residential real estate market. The number of homes sold dropped as inventory reached a low, but this furthe

Dwell360 is pleased to present this article, expertly written by our friends Michele Adrian, AIA, LEED Green Associate, and Leonardi Aray, AIA, NCARB of Leonardi Aray Architects in Cambridge, MA. 

Earlier this year Leonardi Aray Architects (LAA) met with Dwell360's team. We are very grateful for such a productive conversation. We learned more about their clients as well as Dwell360's current, real-life e

As you walk into your home, you want to make sure it is warm and cozy, ready to keep you and your family comfortable as winter envelopes us.

There are many different ways to heat a home, all of which have different advantages and disadvantages for a home owner. Below we&r

Wishing you a joyfilled and fruitful new year!

From Sandra Siciliano and your friends at Dwell360

Access our free Radon Guide!

With the completion of our Radon Series, we are happy to offer this comprehensive guide. Inside you'll find information on What Is It,

Radon is a serious issue plaguing homeowners. If an overwhelming presence of this element takes hold of a home, it can put the residents at risk for issues such as lung cancer. Finding radon and limiting exposur

Check out Dwell360's infographic for some quick facts about radon in the home. To view larger, click here.

Radon. At first thought, one might imagine an evil villain from an after school special. This name however bears no such identity, though it can be considered the secret villain hiding in an unsuspecting homeowner’s abode.

Radon is a colorless, odorles

When we think of hunger, it’s natural that our minds often imagine tattered third world children with huge eyes like those portrayed in relief organization commercials. Some might not even consider that hunger lies right in our own neighborhoods, affecting children, adults, and

Dwell360 was proud to be a gold sponsor of the Newtonville Village Day again this year!

We brought the purple pride to Walnut

After reading our Mass Save Series Parts I and II as well the informational infographic, it is clear that taking advantage of the offerings by the Mass Save program is a good choice. Not only will your home become more energy efficient, but you’ll end up saving money on your bills because of the changes made.

Last week we introduced you to the Mass Save home energy efficiency program and the potential savings for homeowners like you. To give an idea of what a Mass Save experience could be like, we consulted with two homeowners near and dear to the Dwell360 family who have made upgrades made to their homes through this program.

Alerica Aylward, a resident of West Roxbury and the Director of Operations of Dwell360, recently made renovations to her home using Mass Save:

Check out Dwell360's infographic below for tips on how to save energy all year long. Improving your home's energy efficiency is helpful not only to the environment, but also to your bottom line! To view larger, click here.

How your home uses and distributes energy can have a substantial effect on what your bills look like. What if you knew you were not only paying too much, but that there was a low cost way to ensure a future of savings?

Mass Save, an initiative sp

Access our Free Moving Guide!

You’ve chosen a moving company using our helpful tips in Part I of our series, and you’ve packed up your belongings using the organization system in Part II. After much anticipation, moving day has arrived! It is finally time to bring everything to your new home. As much as your mind may be scattered, there will be some

You’ve now chosen a moving company to assist with the big move to your new home using everything you learned in our Moving Series Part I: Hiring a Mover. With moving day approaching, there are still a few things to consider. Will you need storage for the move? What sort of packing system is best? On the day of the move, will there be any special considerations for parking? It all can be overwhelming, b

Making a successful move to your new home is reliant on the mover hired to get you there. With so many aspects to consider, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which one is best, or even how to approach choosing. By breaking everything down, further examination of an individual company doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

First, you’ll need to establish your individual needs.

Where are you moving?

The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released it's 2014 KIDS COUNT Data Book, naming Massachusetts the overall best state for children!

We’ve all seen the bumper sticker; “No Farms, No Food”. A four word saying whose importance is often understated and mildly ignored, it could not be farther from the truth. While what you see in a grocery store is often imported from foreign countries with strong agriculture, it

The first big event of the summer is, of course, the 4th of July! So when and where can you watch 2014 Independence Day fireworks in Massachusetts?

What should I look for when determining if I have a mold problem?

Testing for mold is not recommending, especially when evidence of growth is apparently present. There are, however, many signs of mold infestation to look for when determining if mold is a problem in your environment.

• Pay attention to yourself! One of the first signs of mold could be health related symptoms before you even visibly locate the

Mold isn’t just white fuzzies growing on old bread in the cupboard; it can be a serious and damaging problem for homeowners. Being aware of what it is and what adverse effects it can have on one’s health is important. Read on to find out more!

What is mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows naturally in the environment thriving on moisture and nutrients. Mold spores, similar to microscopic seeds, can be found anywhere suitable l

US News & World Report recently released its 2014 rankings of Best High Schools, encompassing 31,242 public high schools across the country.

Among the many Massachusetts schools in these national rankings, 22 were awar

A backyard pool can be a tantalizing prospect. Deciding whether to opt for a pool, however, can be a difficult choice.

Whether you're looking for a new home or considering installing a pool at your existing residence, itemizing pros and cons can be illuminating.

The mere mention of termites can strike fear into the hearts of homeowners.  Most people know that termite infestation can cause severe damage to a home's structure. It can also cost thousands of dollars to eliminate the pests and repair any damage, requiring application of topical poisons that can be unpleasant as well as worrisome.

Termites thrive in warm, moist climates; they exist in all states of the country, except maybe Alaska!  Worldwide, termites

As homeowners, we often find ourselves fully aware of the things going on around us, particularly in our own neighborhoods. We see the moving vans, service trucks, and even the utility repair crew as they move about among the neighboring houses. Despite this awareness, it can be very surprising to learn that most homes suffering from termite infestations have owners with no idea that a problem exists. 

What Is A Termite? 

In the United States

Prior to the widespread availability of central air conditioning, previous generations of homeowners learned to employ some simple strategies to keep as cool as possible during the long, hot, humid days of summer.  Now that we have all become more energy-conscious, reviewing some of those ideas can be beneficial.

Make Changes on the Home Front

Here are a handful of simple things you can do at home to ensure more comfort this summer:

Happy Spring from Dwell360! We hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful day and cheering on those running in the Boston Marathon. 

Farlow, Peter. (2010). Boston Marathon 2010 in Wellesley Photograph. Retrieved from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/

Whether retirement has arrived or the children have moved out to leave you with an empty nest, you may be considering downsizing your home.   Frequently, life events lead to the decision to relocate to a smaller home.  Some people choose this option to simplify life or reduce yard work. Whatever your reason for considering the move, answering some questions first will help you come to the right conclusion for you.

Questions to Consider When Deciding to Down

Most homeowners enjoy the challenge of doing some of their own home maintenance and repair work. In fact, the DIY method can be a great way to save money on home repair bills while getting some exercise and developing your skill set. Projects like painting, landscaping, refinishing floors, and woodwork are well suited for the do-it-yourselfer, exuding significant savings for the sore muscles and splinters received along the way.

Some projects, however, have no tolerance for mista

Many adults find buying a home to be exciting and stressful.  With the long checklists of tasks to accomplish, how to minimize the impact of the move on kids and pets may be way down on that list.  However, following a few helpful tips will ensure a successful move with them.

Moving with Kids

1. Tell your children about the move early in the process.  As soon as the decision has been finalized, conduct a family meet

In 2013, the average price of a single family home in Newton broke the $1 million mark!

Moving up?  Take a look at Natick.  

Power couple?  Consider Needham.  

Just starting out?  Medford, Watertow

The home-buying process can be an extremely trying one, so when you get to the point where you're actually on the verge of buying a home, you probably feel like you’re nearly home free. After submi

It's difficult today to speak of real estate trends without touching on the effect Baby Boomers have on the buy and sell cycle. In many ways, it's a new world, and changing rapidly. The current cro

Buying property usually means approval for a mortgage and maintaining those payments. It may be difficult for you to create a budget that not only looks good on paper, but also works well when applied to the reality of your finances. If you are trying to find ways to budget for your monthly mortgage payment, here are a few tips to help you get started.

Budget Weekly

One way to make sure you have

Why lease with a REALTOR®?

• REALTORS® have industry tools, local resources, market insight, and a professional network to help you find the right tenant for your property.
• REALTORS® can list your rental property in MLS, expanding your marketing and your pool of potential renters.
• REALTORS® can assist you with appropriately pricing your property in the highly competitive rental market of metro Boston.
• REALTORS&

Why Rent with a REALTOR®?

• REALTORS® have industry tools, local resources, market insight, and a professional network to broaden your search results.
• Landlords prefer to rent to tenants with an agent, because they have already pre-qualified you, thus giving you a better chance of getting the home you desire.
• Your REALTOR® will handle all of the tedious tasks, such as searching for properties and scheduling appointments

Any sort of home renovation is a huge undertaking--especially if you are hoping to remain in your home during the updating process. Kitchen renovations are no exception to this, but when selling your home, a kitchen renovation might be worth the trouble.

When getting ready to sell a home, many homeowners look to upgrade the property to add value. But what home renovations are the most enjoyable to complete and add the most value? 

Here are a few to consider.

• Added storage space, such as walk-in closets and built-ins: It always feels good to make the most of your home's space, such as adding large closets and built-in fixtures like bookca

When looking at selling your home, you'll want to increase its value. One way to do this is by creating more livable space, if possible, such as by finishing the basement. But do finished basements increase a property's value enough to make a difference and return the investment put into them? Yes and no, because the value of your home is

Buying and selling real estate may not be as simple as some may believe. Most people should hire a real estate attorney to handle to a realty transaction from offer to closing. Contracts need to be written, earnest money collected, and final paperwork signed and recorded. A competent attorney will also thoroughly research the property, prepare necessary documentation, and will handle all legal matters as they arise.

In addition to normal real estate transactio

As the weather gets cold, home owners often find it difficult to keep their homes looking as beautiful as they do in the spring and summer. Particularly if you are trying to sell your home during the winter, it is important to make your home stand out.  Here are five simple ideas to keep your home looking warm and inviting throughout the cold winter months.

1. Maintain Your Yard

Even though it's winter that does n

Insulating your home is something you know you should do, but is often overlooked in favor of more visible upgrades to your home. In fact, most homeowners do not remember the insulation until there is a problem or issue. Your home should have all insulation points checked, replaced, and maintained each season to save energy and lower costs. In order to reduce your heating costs, consider updating and maintaining the following key areas.

Windows and Doo

There's something about the Fall season that makes many people want to warm up their homes. Decorating your home for the colder months not only helps you create a welcoming vibe in your home, but it also allows you to add elements to your space that will help keep you and your family warm throughout the cold season.

CNBC published a report today ranking the most expensive and most affordable real estate markets in the country, and three of our local towns topped the list.  

Weston, Massachusetts ranks #9 with homes listing for an average of $1,229,000. Wellesley comes in at #16 with an average list price of $1,079,600. And at an average price of $912,745, Newton rounds out the top 25.

It should come as no surprise that California claims 13 of the top 25 slots, including all o

Many families choose the town they call home by starting with one key factor: the school district. But everyone has different priorities when it comes to choosing the best school for their children, and tracking down all of the data on different districts can be exhausting.

That’s where the Dreamschool Finder comes in.  First, choose your Boston metro region and the grade level of your children. Then a

Sandra Siciliano with Dwell360 is a REALTOR® who services the cities and suburbs of metro Boston. She is focused on her customers and her experience in the residentia

Newtonville Village Day was a great success this year!

We gave away all of our "Free" houses, and two lucky winners will be receiving kid size cardboard houses. We were impressed by the artistic ability of the children who joine

CNN Money placed three towns in Massachusetts on their "Best Places to Live - America's best small towns" list this month.  According to CNN Money they ranked 50 towns that are "not only thriving economically, they've also got all you could want in a place to raise a family: plenty of green space, good schools, and a strong sense of community".  In previous years other Massachusetts communities like Newton, Milton, Brookline, and others have been ranked

An Interesting Article From "The Wall Street Journal"

Two years ago, when he was 26, Matt Winter paid a little over $1 million for a four-bedroom, Mediterranean-style house in Culver City, an artsy, formerly industrial section of Los Angeles. This month, the now 28-year-old Mr. Winter, who runs his own interior design firm, paid about $1.7 million for his second home, a three-bedroom, Spanish-revival in Westwood, a neighborhood near UCLA.

&qu

Foreclosure rates are at an all-time high—and as a result, more sellers are looking to short sales as a way to avoid the impacts of foreclosures. Short sales can have both pros and cons for buyers and sellers. Here’s how it works and how to make the most of it.

What Is a Short Sale?

Short sales are now quite common in parts of the country where significant drops in home values have made it difficult to sell a home. In a short sale situation

The lease is just about up and it is time to make that yearly decision once again. Is it time to purchase a home, or are you content signing a lease for one more year. This is a pretty big question to face, and it is one that requires quite a bit of serious deliberation by all parties involved before a final verdict is reached.

White walls, basic carpet, run of the mill appliances—this is the story of most rental properties. When it comes to living in one, you’ll have to make the most of the situation you are presented with. There is no rule that says you need to put your household personality on hold until you purchase a home of your own. By finding ways to express yourself in temporary formats you can have a lot of

Popular home renovations will almost always bring you a higher selling price on your home. Therefore, it's very important that you do your due diligence when it comes to researching the upgrades that are best for your home. Learn which ones will bring you the biggest return on your investment and which ones will not.

If you would like to learn how to create a more environmentally friendly home, here are five ideas for "going green" while making home improvements.

1. Install a tankless water heater

Making money from a rental property seems like a quick and easy investment—but it’s about far more than putting down an investment and waiting for the money to roll in. If you own a home, you already know that home ownership involves maintenance, time, and personal energy.

Consider these factors before you add another home (or homes) to your list of responsibilities:

• Property Management: You, y

Why worry about radon? In our two-part blog series on radon exposure in the home, we’re covering this sneaky gas—what it is, and why it matters. Last time in Radon 101 for the Homeowner | Part 1 we covered the basics on radon’s chemical makeup and health risks. This time, we’ll turn our attention to the details of radon testing.

Tes

Radon is a significant health risk. It’s enough of a risk that we’re actually going to take two blog posts to cover the issues relating to radon toxicity in the home. Today, we’ll have a look at the basics—what it is, how it can get into a home environment, and why it can be dangerous. Next time, we’ll cover potentially lifesaving information on radon testing.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, od

One of the biggest deterrents for buyers who are viewing your home is the presence of clutter inside your house. There are a few negative effects of clutter that can keep consumers from making an offer. First, clutter makes the rooms in your home appear smaller. Boxes piled up along the walls in your house create a smaller total floor area. The eye evaluates the size of the room from the ground up. If there isn't enough room to get around, your house will feel much smaller than it actua

Vacation homes are a growing source of real estate activity. Vacation home sales rose by 10 percent in 2012, while the number of homes sold to investors fell. That's according to the National Association of Realtors' 2013 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Review published in April of 2013. The publication tracks trends for both new and existing homes that enter the vacation and investors' markets.

A strong stock market recovery

Buying a home for the very first time can be an exciting adventure that results in a quaint and charming dream home in which you will start a family, create a life, and build a successful future. Finding this charming house, though, often requires a not-so-charming process. If you are a first-time home buyer, consider this short list of do's and don'ts that will help you do the right things while avoiding common first-timer mistakes.

Do Your Research

The front of your home is the first element that interested buyers see when they come for a visit and tour. This is often referred to as "curb appeal." If your home doesn't have good curb appeal, consumers may make a negative decision about their intentions before they even cross the threshold.

Mow and Edge the Lawn

Caring for your front lawn is the simplest and most effective way to increase the curb appeal of your entire home. Remove li

Putting your house on the market can be frustrating and exhausting. Homes often stay on the market for months before an interested buyer takes notice. You can expedite the process, however, by employing a few basic marketing strategies.

Why Market Your Home?

Marketing your home is the most effective way to get the word out that you are a seller in search of a buyer. In some locations, the market may be flooded with homeowners attempting to sell their h

Dwell360’s Home Buying & Selling Classes on May 11 were a great success!

Participants were excited to cover the basics of home buying and selling, but also surprised to learn about the changes in the current market and some insider secrets as well.  They said they were impressed by how much they learned and now fel

Before you sell your home, it's important to make a few cosmetic fixes. These five inexpensive home repairs will get your home in tip-top condition before you put it on the market.

1.  Wall Imperfections

One of the first things you should do when preparing your house for the market is to repair wall imperfections. Cracks, chips, and nail holes are easy fixes. A touch of spackling and some sandpaper can restore a wall to its former smoothness.

Attend our complimentary Real Estate Classes

Saturday, May 11, 2013

9:00am    Home Buying - How Times Have Changed

10:00am

Before a buyer makes a decision on your home, he or she will likely want to attend an open house event. Here are a few steps you can take to make your open house a perfect marketing strategy.

Stay Away During the Open House

One important thing to remember when your real estate agent is hosting an open house is to stay away during the event. Nothing deters interested buyers from asking important questions or taking the time to explore the home thoroughl

When you buy a fixer-upper house, you can save a ton of money, or get yourself in a financial fix.

1. Decide what you can do yourself

TV remodeling shows make home improvement work look like a snap. In the real world, attempting a difficult remodeling job that you don’t know how to do will take longer than you think and can lead to less-than-professional results that won’t increase the value of your fixer-upper house. 

• Do

If you plan on living in your home while it is on the market, there isn't much you can do with the bedrooms that house the members of your household. Bedrooms are personal spaces that are often filled with personal tastes and touches. Eliminating your personality entirely from these spaces is next to impossible. It's also unnecessary. Interested home buyers know that your bedroom is your private domain. They will make allowances for a lived-in appearance, especially if the walk-thro

At Dwell360, we keep our finger on the pulse of the real estate market in Metro Boston. To that end, I found it important to share 2012 year end market reports for Newton, Needham, Brookline, and Wellesley Massachusetts. They contain residential market data and statistics for the sales of single family homes, condominiums, and multifamily homes over the past ten years. Read our r

Forget resolving to make lifestyle changes that you’ll abandon by February. We’ve got New Year’s resolutions for your home that you can achieve in one step.

Resolution #1: Use less energy.

One-step solution: Install a programmable thermostat.

The bulk of your energy costs in 2013 will be spent heating and cooling your home. Put a dent in that bill with a thermostat that’ll keep your house comforta

Drop off a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots at our office by December 17th and you can enter to win an Apple iPod Shuffle from Dwell360!

Stop by Tuesdays through Fridays 9am - 5pm 

and on Monday December 17 from 10am - 5pm

at 46 Austin Street in Newton.

One raffle en

Understanding how appraisals work will help you achieve a quick and profitable refinance or sale.

1. An appraisal isn’t an exact science

When appraisers evaluate a home’s value, they’re giving their best opinion based on how the home’s features stack up against those of similar homes recently sold nearby. One appraiser may factor in a recent sale, but another may consider that sale too long ago, or the home too different, or too far away to be

Key maintenance tasks to perform

Want your kids to pitch in and help save energy? Green parenting bloggers weigh in on getting kids to flip the switch and stop wasting energy.

Saving water in your garden translates to saving money on your water bill. Here’s how to practice garden water conservation and still have a gorgeous yard.

1. Choose native plants

Native plants have had eons to adjust to the area’s normal rainfall, soil, and climate. Once established, they require little or no watering. Start your research on native plants at your local cooperative extension or botanical garden.

Websites such as 

From toilets that double as sound systems to water-conserving spa experiences, here’s what’s trendy for bathroom improvements for 2012.

Trend #1:  Conservation rules

All around the country, water reserves are stressed. In response, regional governments are implementing conservation measures. As a result, there are likely to be new regulations that’ll affect your construction or remodeling plans. Here’s what to watch for:

Your n

The Best Streets to Live in the Greater Boston Area as Seen in the Boston Globe the Week of May 6, 2012

http://www.boston.com/realestate/gallery/topplacestolive12/

Dwell360 presents a market report for the residential real estate sales for the City of Newton Massachusetts. It is always fun to take a look at real estate market data. Take some time and look at this market report for the City of Newton. The report reviews the residential real estate market for 8 years up to the end of 2010.