Destroy RE/MAX and Keller Williams in New England

Company Takes Aggressive Moves to Provide Real Estate Professionals Better Benefits

Boston, Mass. – January 25, 2010 – Next Level Realty is on the hunt for the best real estate professionals in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, Virgina, Florida and New Hampshire and they’re willing to beat RE/MAX and Keller Williams to have the best team.

“We are the best place for real estate agents, teams and brokers in the New England region,” said Adam Bailey with Next Level Realty . “RE/MAX and Keller Williams simply can’t touch our entire package. Agents will net much higher commissions and have better technology platforms that will save them time and money in their business structure.”

Next Level Realty is stepping up its commission paid to real estate professionals in excess of the area average. Agents at Next Level Realty now average a net of 94 percent of their commissions after all fees. They also receive a higher than industry average recruiting bonus that is paid quarterly.

However the innovative company is also taking the competition once step further by offering its agents and brokers 6% profit sharing in the company.

“Our team will be the best in the area and they deserve to share in the profits of the company,” Bailey said. “But we will only take the best Realtors, teams and brokers in the area from our competition.”

Along with simply the best compensation in the Boston area, Next Level Realty also takes its technology to the next level for its professional team.

The company creates a custom Wordpress Platform website with an IDX feed for all of its agents that they own as their own proprietary asset. Also it uses technology to help agents save time working on the go without being constantly in the office. The results are agents have more time, money and energy by being virtually connected to the office at all times.

“Our competition truly can’t compete with us on the compensation structure or use of technology,” Bailey said. “The office on every corner is a dying breed and Next Level Realty will be there with a better system to pick up the pieces of all those failed offices and bring structure to the NEW real estate world.”

A 2004 Boston Business Journal honoree as a Top 25 Firm in the Real Estate Business, Next Level Realty is changing its business model away from former partnerships with Landmark Realty and Realty Direct. Instead, the company is creating a new type of real estate company that truly uses cost savings and innovation to drive the business. It will also compete in the residential, commercial, mortgage and insurance business delivering a one stop real estate destination for its clients.

“Agents selected for the Next Level Realty team can compare our innovative processes, technology and compensation to any other company and we will be the clear leader,” Bailey said. “We are the true innovators in the industry, but if they do find someone that can beat us, we will match the offer presented to us.”

Next Level Realty is also planning to license its product across the country, including the possibility of merger and acquisition opportunities with companies with a similar mission and vision.

For more information about Next Level Realty please call 617-799-7749 or visit their website at www.nextlevelrealty.com .

Media Contact:

Adam Bailey

Next Level Realty, Inc

Phone: 617-799-7749

Foreclosures are down; sales of single-family homes are up. Mortgage rates are about as close to a record low as they have ever been, at a time when prices are on the rise.

Basically, these are the market conditions in Boston right now. Of course, as with everything else, there are exceptions to these rules.

Suburban residents are playing the “I’ll scratch your back if you’ll scratch mine” game. In other words, prospective buyers are telling prospective sellers, “If I can sell my house, I’ll buy your house.”

In order to be able to do this, sellers and buyers are doing a lot of interesting things. These include placing contingency clauses in home contracts, temporarily “floating” two mortgages—one on the house they are selling, and the other on the house they are buying—until such time as the for-sale house is purchased.

Just as with anything else, whether or not you can afford to buy a home anywhere in Boston or its suburbs is a personal decision that only you and your spouse or partner can make. High-end homes and/or homes in locations that you may have once believed were far beyond your reach have become more affordable, and, yes, interest rates are also down. But, you still must determine whether or not you can meet even reduced payments.

The same things that must always be considered when buying a home, no matter what the economic situation is, still hold. Your debt-to-income ratio, your credit score, and your employment situation, including the possibility that it could change, are all still factors in the decision.

Property taxes and municipal services, in some instances, will also play a role. Although you may not consider them a part of the mortgage, they are a part of the overall expense of owning a home.

Market conditions in Boston are continuing to fluctuate, just as they are in other parts of the country. Before making what is going to be one of the most important decisions you will ever make, you still need to consider all angles of buying a home.

If you do decide you are able to make that investment, there are Realtors available to help you find just the right house. Or, if you prefer to go the “for sale by owner” route, these are available, too, and you can find people who can help you navigate the home-buying process.

Dubbed Commonwealth Solar II and Commonweath Solar Stimulus, the programs aim to fill the gap in financial incentives left when the first, $68 million Commonwealth Solar program ran out of money in October — more than two years ahead of schedule.

At the time, solar installers told the Boston Business Journal they were concerned the lack of incentives would stop projects from moving forward.

Commonwealth Solar II will provide rebate incentives for small residential and commercial systems, with total allocations up to $4 million per year. This program will be funded through the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, which managed the last Commonwealth Solar program and is funded by a surcharge on electricity bills.

For larger projects, state officials plan to tap $8 million in state energy plan funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to provide rebates to projects.

Both programs are expected to begin in late January.

“Commonwealth Solar has already played an important role in speeding the Bay State’s transition to a clean energy economy,” Gov. Deval Patrick said in a statement. “I commend the more than 1,200 homeowners, businesses and municipalities who have taken advantage of this innovative program in the past two years, and encourage many more to partner with the commonwealth as we continue along the path toward a cleaner future.”

The state continues to work on a long-term incentive program based on renewable energy credits, which must be purchased by utilities and can be used to finance projects, rather than post-construction rebates. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources is developing regulations for such a scheme, and officials say they expect a program to launch in January.

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Click here to read more about the history of the Yacht Haven auction.
Boston’s Yacht Haven marina is under agreement and is slated to sell for an eye-popping $9.9 million in January, federal bankruptcy court documents show.

The sale price is nearly $2 million more than the $8 million credit bid that North End marina’s current owner, Northern Bank & Trust, paid at bankruptcy auction in August. No private bidder came close to matching that price at auction, with most bidders quitting the action at $5 million.
The $9.9 million figure is also close to the $10.1 million face value of Northern Bank’s 2005 mortgage on the 4.75-acre property.
According to a purchase and sale agreement on file with the bankruptcy court, Northern Bank has set a Jan. 8 closing date for the property. The buyer is Boston Boat Basin, LLC.
Paperwork on file with the secretary of state’s office shows Boston Boat Basin is controlled by prominent Newburyport developer Charles Lagasse. The LLC shares an address with Newburyport Development, a unit of Steve Karp’s New England Development. Neither Lagasse nor New England Development could be immediately reached for comment.
At the August auction, many attendees argued the marina’s former owner, Yovette Mumford, had grossly overpaid for the waterfront property. Mumford, the former sister-in-law of Congressman Ed Markey, took the waterfront gem from Modern Continental for $11.7 million in 2005. Auction attendees told Banker & Tradesman that Yacht Haven’s marina business wasn’t worth nearly that much, and that Mumford could have only justified the purchase price by redeveloping the site and operating it in violation of a series of deed restrictions.
The marina’s Commercial Wharf neighbors appear to believe that is still the plan. A bankruptcy court motion filed today by the Commercial Wharf East Condominium Association argues Northern Bank is attempting to sell the property free of any litigation currently attached to the site. The condo association’s land court suit restricted the marina’s parking and barred Mumford from operating the business as a restaurant, bar or function hall. The bank has also asked the bankruptcy court to bar the state’s land court from maintaining jurisdiction over deed restriction disputes. That, the condo association’s brief argues, would amount to an end-run around the site’s deed restrictions, making it much more valuable.
Northern Bank has rebutted this argument, telling the bankruptcy court that Boston Boat Basin has “repeatedly announced its intention to abide by” the restrictions.

“I generally use my patio for entertaining, but for a spa treatment, that’s special,” says garden designer Jill Slater. With simple embellishments from around the house and purchased from the garden center, Jill shows how you can turn your patio into a day spa where special guests can enjoy facials, foot baths and even spa rock treatments.

Creating a spa-like atmosphere
In order to create a tranquil spa retreat, find ways to appeal to the five senses – sight, smell, taste, sound and touch – to help you get in the mood. Incorporate plants and accessories that offer appealing colors, textures, fragrances and even tastes.

To start, embellish existing patio furniture with big, comfortable pillows that invite spa-goers to sit and rest. Don’t be afraid to use different colors, sizes and textures. You can find a variety of pillows designed for indoor and outdoor use, and if you want something that stays on the patio, many of the new weatherproof fabrics are durable and attractive. Toss the pillows anywhere a bit of added comfort is desired.

However, if you’re looking for an inexpensive alternative to dressing up drab pillows and cushions, use a beach towel as a covering. This way you can adjust it to fit an existing pillow accordingly, and when you’re finished, take it back inside to wash in the laundry. “The best spas are meticulously clean so a beach towel that gets flung into the washing machine after a messy spa treatment makes a lot of sense,” Slater says.

A home spa just wouldn’t be a spa without the sound of tranquil water. “You can buy miniature tabletop fountains practically anywhere,” Slater says. To add your own personal touch to your tabletop water feature, float flowers from your garden in the water or add brightly colored rocks or marbles to the water basin.

The soothing power of plants is an important ingredient to your backyard spa oasis. Use plants with palate-pleasing scents and textures. Herbs such as rosemary, lavender and scented geraniums not only smell and look great but can also be used in your homemade herbal spa treatments. Incorporate plants in shades of pastel pinks, purples, whites and silvers to create a soothing color palette. Get creative with moveable container plantings.

Finish setting up your outdoor spa by accessorizing with scented candles, an outdoor rug, hand towels, bottled water and other objects. Play some soft mood music in the background. Set up a standalone umbrella to protect spa-goers from the sun or stand an oscillating fan in one corner to provide a gentle breeze on a hot day.

Homemade spa treatments
Once the atmosphere has been created, invite some friends over for a day at your home spa and prepare all-natural homemade spa treatments that you can give to your friends. Start with a foot and hand soak. Add equal parts of warm water and buttermilk to a large bowl and stir gently. Then add a few dashes of essential oil to the mixture. Lavender can be used for its calming and balancing properties, while eucalyptus is a good choice for an uplifting, refreshing feel. Place hands in the bowl and allow to rest for a few minutes. Add smooth rocks to the bowl for a nice foot massage.

Perhaps a little exfoliation is on the menu? Prepare two cups of sea salt, one cup of grapeseed oil and a few liberal dashes of jasmine essential oil for a moisturizing exfoliating treatment.

And who doesn’t love a rose mask facial? Prepare three tablespoons of natural yogurt (not the low-fat kind), 2-1/2 tablespoons of rose water and a dollop of honey as a natural antiseptic.

You could even grow the sponge used to apply these mixtures. The loofah sponge is a natural exfoliant and can be grown in your own garden. Purchase loofah gourd seed online or at a specialty garden center and plant them after the last frost date. Let the fruit ripen on the vine. Harvest them when you can hear the seeds rattling inside. Peel away the skin, remove the seeds and allow them to soak in water prior to use.

Patios are supposed to be relaxing sanctuaries that make you feel better, and here’s one that helps you look better too. But the best part about the patio spa? No appointment necessary!

A major kitchen overhaul can be very costly, yet equally effective when placing your home on the market. While not everyone can afford the cost of a possible $75,000 full-scale remodel, there are simple, wallet-friendly steps you can take to spruce up the heart of your home with a surface renovation. Here are the top 10 do-it-yourself tips for updating your kitchen and making it sparkle:

1. Stick to the Plan – The key to keeping your kitchen update within budget is by not changing the existing layout. Use what you have to make the job easier and much more affordable. This will also keep any plumbing or electrical costs to a minimum.

Replacing the handles and knobs on your cabinetry and drawers can enhance the design of your kitchen.

2. Accessorize – You’d be surprised with how replacing the old knobs and handles on your cabinetry and drawers can make a difference in your design. Today’s hardware comes in any shape or design you can imagine, and can pull a room together with a polished, clean look.

3. The Magic of Paint – New paint makes everything look clean and bright again. And don’t forget the ceiling. Applying a fresh coat to your kitchen is an easy, inexpensive, effective way to revive the room. Have fun with it, and paint the trim a contrasting color, or create an accent wall by using a different shade of the same color. Try to stick to neutral colors, as an overbearing scheme can turn off some potential buyers.

4. Everything but the Kitchen Sink – Replace the faucet and update it with a more sleek, stylish model available at any home improvement store. The work is not difficult and just requires a few basic tools. But the outcome does wonders for the look and design of your kitchen.

5. Make a Splash – Updating the backsplash can add a new dimension of style and creativity to your design. This project can be done with a bit of tile, a new coat of paint, wallpaper, or even beadboard.

Installing a rack above your island creates a stunning focal point.

6. Shade for Your Island – Does your kitchen have an island? If so, install a pot rack over the island to save space while adding an interesting focal point.

7. Save Face – Do your appliances clash with the new design of your kitchen? You can update your appliances without buying new ones by replacing the panels to your dishwasher, stove, or refrigerator to match your new color scheme or even your cabinet door color.

8. On the Surface – If your existing countertop is old, worn or outdated, try replacing it with some new tile. This can be done pretty inexpensively, especially if you don’t have a lot of counterspace. Again, try to keep it neutral.

9. Let there be Light – Creating the best lighting design for your kitchen is like cooking a great meal; you have to have the right recipe and the proper ingredients. Ceiling lighting sources can be replaced with updated fixtures or designs, many of which utilize brighter, energy efficient bulbs. Adding under-cabinet lighting eliminates shadows created by ceiling lights placed close to cabinets. Plus, they create abundant light to help you see your meal preparing projects better.

10. Look Down – Once all the other work is completed, look to the floors to complete your updated package. Choose flooring that is easy to maintain, since spills, drops and accidents of all sorts happen in the kitchen. Think function before beauty when it comes to the kitchen floor. Rest assured, with all the styles and designs available today, there are plenty of beautiful choices.

Making the Most of Dining Rooms

When considering various dining room ideas, it’s important to think about the size of the room compared to the size of the dining room furniture. Dining room tables and dining room chairs must be the right scale for the size of the floor plan, or else no one will be able to sit comfortably and enjoy a meal. The general guideline for dining room chairs is to allow about two to three feet clearance for guests to get into and occupy seats. The minimum allowance for traffic around the dining room table and chairs should be approximately two feet. This will ensure for an easy traffic flow for your guests.

In addition to the size of the space, you should also consider how many people will be using the dining room. For a family of four, their daily needs are for a minimum of four dining room chairs. If guests frequently join the family for lunch or dinner, then an expandable table along with several extra dining room chairs will be invaluable. For a home with one dining area, this adjustable dining room furniture design will be even more important as the room transforms to accommodate small or large gatherings.

Dining Room Furniture Options

Dining room ideas are really limitless since the materials available for tables and chairs can range from wood, metal, glass, plastic, stone, leather, and fabric. The basics of dining room decorating involve first selecting the right table and chairs. Dining room tables come in many shapes such as round, square, and rectangle. Round tables allow for better eye contact than oblong or rectangle versions. A round or oval table will also make it easier to add an extra chair when the need arises. Square dining room tables are becoming more popular especially in contemporary dining room design. Banquette or booth designs are ideal for breakfast nooks or casual dining spaces.

Dining room chairs are often available in a matched set with a table. However, an eclectic mixture of different chairs is well-suited to a cottage, country ranch, or contemporary dining room design. One painless way to try this idea is to buy the same style of chair in different colors or finishes if that is available; otherwise, you have them upholstered or painted in several coordinating colors.

If space allows, dining room furniture should also include pieces for use as serving areas and storage. The most commonly seen dining room furniture used to serve up food include buffets, sideboards, console tables, and harvest tables. A contemporary dining room design often features a large floating shelf as a buffet area. Dining room furniture storage options for dishware and glassware include china cabinets, breakfronts, cupboards, baker’s racks, wine racks, or open shelving.

listing broker Carmela Laurella Otis & AHearn

In addition to modern features found in competing projects located
in Downtown Miami and Brickell, The Jenny Tower has
incorporated the most important feature, security. Access from the
street is controlled via card-key system and monitored by security
on a 24-hour basis. The parking garage is gated and also
monitored by state of the art systems. Project amenities include a
pool, exercise facility and public meeting room.

The Jenny Tower is conveniently located near the University of Miami Hospital and the University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. Miami Beach is less than five miles from the property and the and Miami International Airport is seven miles away. Both Miami Seaquarium and Miami Metro Zoo are 10 minutes from the property.