In previous generations, many people bought 'starter' homes while in their 20s or 30s. The world moved at a much slower pace then. People tended to stay put in the cities where they grew up. They wanted 'roots' and the status that homeownership afforded.

But times have definitely changed. In thenext generation of real estate, we're a much more mobile society. Millennials, Generations X and Y don't necessarily want to be tied down by roots. They want the freedom to travel, or to take that new job, whether it's in Chicago, Los Angeles, or Dubai. Homeownership doesn't have the same status to them that it had to earlier generations. And, they've heard the horror stories of home ownership from those who bought during the market high only to see their home values plummet during the recession.

But there are still many who want to be homeowners. And, the approach is different now, then it may have been a generation ago. If you're in your 20s or 30s today and considering buying a home vs. renting, here are some things to consider.

Don't assume you can't afford to buy

So many young people come out of college with student debt and very little savings. Even after a few years out of college, they assume they either don't have the 20 percent down payment or don't have the income to afford a purchase.

That doesn't mean that if you're in your 20s, you can't afford to buy a home. Around the country, mortgage brokers, bankers and direct lenders are lending more than ever. Loan options such as those from the FHA (Federal Housing Authority) enable qualifying first-time buyers to purchase with as little as 5 percent down.

Is it wise to put down less than 20 percent? Not always. But if you're credit-worthy and responsible with money, you can take advantage of the record low interest rates and loan options that exist today.

Keep in mind that in some markets, renting is as expensive as buying. If you do your homework, you may understand that a home purchase is within your reach.

Don't go it alone

With today's easy access to online listings, most people old and young believe you don't need a real estate agent. People assume that the role of the agent, pre-Internet, was primarily providing access to the "keys." In reality, agents have always played such a bigger role, one that many people don't realize until they've gone through a transaction. A good local agent has years of intellectual capital inside his or her head.

Agents know the market like no one else because they've been inside hundreds of homes, have relationships with many of the agents and have done many deals. They know exactly what to do when a red flag arises. Additionally, the home purchase is both personal and emotional. Through the years, buyers have acknowledged how they've let their emotions get the best of them to kill an opportunity. But having a solid resource beside them at all times -- the agent -- has helped keep them in check.

Ask your parents for advice

Your parents likely bought real estate in a different market, when interest rates were north of 12 percent and they were without access to the Web and online listings. But they have that home buying experience. They have been through the market before and can add value to your home search. They may be out of touch with social media and the technology available to help in the home buying process, but they likely have a solid financial opinion or helpful feedback. Plus, your parents simply have more grey hair and life experiences that have informed them about home buying and finances.

Take your time

Buying a home is not like buying a new smart phone, computer or flat-screen TV. It's not only a lot more expensive, it's much more personal and emotional and not something to take lightly.

Even though the flow of information is quick today with texting, email and the Internet, a home purchase takes lots and lots of time, research and due diligence. It should never be rushed, ever. The home purchase evolves over time. Don't feel compelled to rush into it or leap to a decision on a home. Don't feel pressured by a "hot" market or competitive bidders. Slowly learn the market, do your research online and go to some open houses. Over time, you'll get more comfortable with the market, and with luck, you'll get pre-approved for a loan and hooked up with a good, local real estate agent. You may make an offer or two or three or four before you find the best home at the best price. Let the process work itself out over time. You'll avoid buyer's remorse.

Don't be overwhelmed by data

When your parents bought a home, there was probably little to no data available to them. They worked with a real estate agent who showed them homes, but they didn't have access to so much historic data or access to the technology and information we have today.

Even so, access to all this information isn't always a positive force. Sometimes, it can stall a buyer or make them question whether or not they want to be a buyer. If you have a down payment saved up, can afford the monthly payment and plan to commit to the home for at least 5-7 years, then go for it.

Chances are, if any of the above doesn't add up, you may not quite ready to buy -- which means you might be better off renting for the time being.

10. One or More Fireplaces Pct. of home buyers willing to pay more: 40% Amount willing to pay extra: $1,400

Some 40% of homebuyers without a fireplace said they would spend additional money for at least one and cough up an extra $1,400. The fireplace, while always popular, was less necessary when several TVs were going in the house all at once, Samuelson said. But he speculated that having a home with fireplaces may become more popular in the future as people spend less time watching TV and more time on tablets and e-readers. These people may find the fireplace a good place to cozy up and use their devices, he said.

9. Eat-In Kitchen Pct. of home buyers willing to pay more: 40% Amount willing to pay extra: $1,770

The people who are most interested in an eat-in kitchen tend to be in the 35 to 54 age range, with 30% of those prospective home buyers indicating this is "very important" in a house. Meanwhile, just 21% of those under 35 years of age and 20% over 55 feel the same way. More people, especially those who are raising families, want kitchens that look into family entertainment rooms. Some have even made it a family hangout by placing big-screen TVs and other electronics in the kitchen. "Buyers who are in families want to be in one space and do it all," DeSimone said.

8. Stainless Steel Appliances Pct. of home buyers willing to pay more: 41% Amount willing to pay extra: $1,850

Like most features, stainless steel appliances are most important to people between the ages of 35 to 54, with 23% considering them to be a "very important" investment, compared with just 16% of those under the age of 35 and a mere 11% of those over the age of 55. From a cost perspective, stainless steel appliances are not necessarily the best investment. Samuelson noted that stainless steel wears out far easier than most other common materials. Also, the children in the house can also get their fingerprints on the appliances, requiring more cleaning. However, Samuelson said people are primarily driven to buy stainless steel appliances because they look more attractive.

7. Kitchen Island Pct. of home buyers willing to pay more: 48% Amount willing to pay extra: $1,370

Kitchen islands are most important to people ages 35 to 54, with 24% of them indicating that it is a "very important" characteristic. Just 19% of people under 35 and 13% over 55 considered this feature important. DeSimone noted that kitchen islands often come in handy for those who are raising a family. It provides additional room to put out food for the family and allows the kitchen to become more organized. Although the desire for a kitchen island is high, those who do not have one but want one are only willing to shell out $1,370, less than most other features.

6. Ensuite Master Bath Pct. of home buyers willing to pay more: 49% Amount willing to pay extra: $2,030

Once again, the ensuite master bathroom tends to be more important to people ages 35 and older. "It kind of goes to the 'home is my sanctuary' mentality," Samuelson said. This, along with a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, has become more important in the past 10 years or so. Many people are eager to make their bathroom more "homey" by doing things such as installing televisions on the wall. The fact that many master bathrooms have two sinks is also an appealing option for married couples, Samuelson added.

5. Hardwood floors Pct. of home buyers willing to pay more: 54% Amount willing to pay extra: $2,080

Some 25% of buyers under the age of 35, and 28% of those between 35 and 54, considered hardwood floors "very important" when looking for a home. Only 17% of people ages 55 and up felt the same way. In previous generations, homes with carpets were considered better in order to conserve energy, DeSimone said. Even today, older people are more likely to feel more comfortable with carpeting because the insulation makes the home a little bit warmer. But for younger people looking to have many guests at the house and for people with children, hardwood floors are desirable because they are easier to clean than carpets.

4. Granite Countertops Pct. of home buyers willing to pay more: 55% Amount willing to pay extra: $1,620

Among homeowners between the ages of 35 and 54, 24% viewed granite countertops as "very important," compared to 18% of people under 35 and 18% of people over 55. Although just one in every five prospective home buyers said granite countertops were very important, 55% of those who bought a home without such a countertop said they would pay extra for it. Both DeSimone and Samuelson agreed that the granite countertop is more of a style issue than anything else. "There has been more emphasis on the beautiful kitchen these days, and granite countertops are a part of that," Samuelson said.

3. Walk-In Closet in Master Bedroom Pct. of home buyers willing to pay more: 60% Amount willing to pay extra: $1,350

A whopping 60% of homeowners were willing to pay extra for a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, with 44% of people between the ages of 35-54 viewing this feature as "very important," compared to just 35% under the age of 35 and 36% of people 55 and older. DeSimone said the walk-in closet is desired for two main reasons: space and status. The space is very desirable for people as they get older and acquire more clothes, allowing people to be more organized. Having a walk-in closet in the master bedroom is also a status symbol. When giving a house tour, DeSimone said, people want to say, "hey, check out my closet," in the same way they say, "hey, have you seen my new kitchen?"

2. New Kitchen Appliances Pct. of home buyers willing to pay more: 69% Amount willing to pay extra: $1,840

About 69% of homeowners said they were willing to spend more money for new kitchen appliances. Unsurprisingly, people who are looking to buy a new home find this far more important than people who are eyeing previously owned homes. People who are the first to live in a specific house tend to want everything to be new in the house because they consider the house truly "their own," DeSimone said. People also do not want to have to deal with the stress of broken appliances. "They don't want to come home after a horrible stressful day at work and find the dishwasher isn't working or the fridge is making noises."

1. Central Air Conditioning Pct. of home buyers willing to pay more: 69% Amount willing to pay extra: $2,520

Nearly seven in 10 homeowners said they would be willing to pay more on central air conditioning -- the same as new kitchen appliances and more than any other feature. Central air conditioning was considered "very important" by more than 60% of people in all age groups. Samuelson noted that although people were willing to shell out approximately $2,500 for the feature, that is far less than what it would actually cost to install central air conditioning. "There is a difference in people's preference and what they are willing to pay for," Samuelson said. "They may want the steak but are on a macaroni budget."

Avenue of Arts RedesiOne Seaport Square, a giant part of the giant Seaport Square project in the Seaport District (Seaport!), could break ground in the next 30 days, according to an executive with developer WS Development. We've been here before, though, with the groundbreaking originally expected in April 2014. The latest target date, vague as it is, comes via news of a movie theater joining the ranks of the project's retail.

As for One Seaport Square overall, plans call for two towers of 22 stories each with 832 luxury apartments and 260,000 square feet of retail on connected lower levels (the 41,375-square-foot movie theater will be on the third floor). Together the towers will encompass 1.1 million square feet, roughly 17 percent of Seaport Square's total.

You read it right - Boston was ranked as the 17th Most Dynamic City in the World! That's a prestige that we think every blue-blooded Bostonian should be proud about! The ranking was done by evaluating three different factors: commercial real estate, socio-economic momentum, and high-value incubators (in other words, the quality of the city's education infrastructure). All in all, the study looked at 111 cities all over the globe, with seven US cities making it to the Top 20.

Who else made the cut? Read the original article below to find out:

NEW YORK -- If you live in San Francisco, you can now say you're an inhabitant of the most dynamic city in the world. At least according to the real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle, which compiled a list predicting the 20 most dynamic cities with the most momentum worldwide for 2014.

Using three main categories - commercial real estate (30%), socio-economic momentum (40%) and high-value incubators (30%) with high-value incubators representing "the quality of a city's education infrastructure, its innovation capability and the strength of its technology sector," according to the study - the firm ranked 111 global cities looking for those with hallmarks of a lively and progressive area. Cities with the ability to adapt and innovate quickly, a knack for fostering new and creative businesses, new building construction and upward trending real estate, made the top 20.

And seven of the 20 cities were from the United States. California harbored two -- San Francisco and San Jose -- thanks to their high-tech Silicon Valley contributions.

Want to see what else made the list? The rundown below takes a closer look at the top 10 plus the other three American cities that made it to the top 20.

1. San Francisco

San Francisco was the "undoubted winner" of Lang LaSalle's list, with "a unique and unrivaled reputation for innovation, venture capital and startups," according to the report. Additionally, the firm believes San Francisco will have "the strongest rate of office rental growth in North America during 2014."

Last year, the Bureau of Economic Analysis found San Francisco metro area had the fastest real gross domestic product growth in the nation in 2012 at 7.4%.

• Population: 8.26 million
• Major sectors: High technology, tourism, finance
• Metro GDP (San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward): $360 billion

2. London

London is still on the upswing since the 2012 Olympics and "above any other global city in terms of cross-border real estate investment (at $64 billion over the past three years)," according to the study. A huge retail market generates 40 percent of all money spent in the city and London produces about 10% of Great Britain's total national income.

• Population: 8.3 million
• Major sectors: Finance, media, technology, tourism, communications, retail
• GDP: $761 billion

3. Dubai

Dubai's real estate is predicted to boom for snagging the 2020 World Expo, expecting to net about £4 billion worth ($6.69 billion) of infrastructure investments according to the Financial Times. It's also a "service hub" for the Middle East, North Africa, South and Central Asia and a "preferred staging point for an increasingly dynamic Sub-Saharan Africa," according to Jones Lang LaSalle.

• Population: 2.2 million
• Major sectors: Tourism, real estate, transportation, finance
• GDP: $82 billion (as of 2008)

4. Shanghai

The most populous city in China made the list in fourth place because of its high socio-economic swing, but lacked in real estate and high-value incubators. Its economy certainly has momentum: its GDP increased by 7.5% throughout 2012, up to 2 trillion Yuan.

• Population: 14.3 million
• Major sectors: Retail and wholesale, finance, real estate, heavy industries
• GDP: 2 trillion Yuan

5. Wuhan

According to Jones Lang LaSalle, Wuhan is building momentum as it realizes its position as the "hub of Central China." Wuhan scored strong on socio-economic and commercial real estate momentums but toward the bottom on high-value incubators.

• Population: 10 million
• Major Sectors: Autos, heavy industries, technology
• GDP: 600 billion Yuan in 2011

6. New York

While scoring in the second to last ranking for socio-economic momentum, the Big Apple took top positions for real estate and high-value incubator momentum. New York is "North America's most international hub for commerce, talent and investment by a significant margin," according to the report.

• Population: 8.3 million
• Major sectors: Finance, media, technology, retail, tourism
• GDP: $1,358 billion

7. Austin

Austin made its way to the list because of an attractive environment for businesses, a young and skilled population, a robust culture and a thriving innovation-friendly technology sector. It's also the smallest city featured. Maybe Austin isn't so weird.

• Population: 843,000
• Major sectors: high technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology
• GDP: $98 billion (Austin-Round Rock area)

8. Hong Kong

A global trading hub, Hong Kong scored high in high-value incubators but lower in economics and real estate.

• Population: 7.15 million
• Major sectors: Finance, trade, tourism, technology
• GDP: $263 billion

9. San Jose

San Jose helped make California this list's big winner. While San Jose ranked a middling position for socio-economic momentum, its innovative high-tech industry and solid real estate prospects carried it into the top 10.

• Population: 983,000
• Major sectors: high technology
• GDP: $173 billion (San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara area)

10. Singapore

A major trade, finance and technical hub in Southeast Asia, Singapore has been rebounding since the recession.

• Population: 5.5 million
• Major sectors: electronics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, finance
• GDP: $275 billion

Other American cities that made the list:15. Los Angeles

What Los Angeles lacked in socio-economics it made up for in being technologically rich and high in real estate value.

17. Boston

The firm called Boston a "U.S. city to watch," saying "as the world's top education hub and with a proven ability to leverage talent for commercial innovation, it is a magnet for major international technology companies. The city has a strong and diverse economy and is addressing key points around affordability and inclusion."

18. Seattle

Seattle scored top marks for real estate and high-value incubators, but ranked in the middle for socio-economic movement.

Ranks for the remaining worldwide cities:

• 11. Shenzhen
• 12. Jakarta
• 13. Beijing
• 14. Chengdu
• 16. Tianjin
• 19. Tokyo
• 20. Lima

Content originally written by Craig Donofrio, sourced from Mainstreet.com.

Probablemente durante estos últimos días alguien le ha preguntado si saldrá de vacaciones por acción de gracias o que planes tiene para esta fecha. Mañana se celebra uno de los días favoritos de Estados Unidos, el Día de Acción de Gracias. Si todavía no conocen muy bien las costumbres americanas se imaginarán a una familia alrededor de una mesa comiendo pavo y celebrando este último jueves del mes de noviembre por todo lo alto. Sin embargo, pero la pregunta es: ¿De donde procede esta tradición?

Esta fiesta se comenzó a celebrar con los primeros sucesos de la colonización inglesa durante el año 1620. Un grupo de conquistadores cristianos, conocido como los peregrinos,  viajó a America y desembarcaron en el mes de noviembre, casualmente aquí, en la costa de Massachussetts. Los colonos se propusieron como objetivo formar una colonia llamada la Colonia de Plymouth. Sin embargo, el terrible inviernos les pilló por sorpresa y estuvieron expuestos a unas temperaturas extremadamente bajas, ocasionando la muerte a más de la mitad de los peregrinos. Aquellos que lograron sobrevivir fue gracias a la ayuda y alimentos que los nativos de la zona, los indios Wampanoag, les proporcionaron.

Asimismo, en el año 1621, después de que los peregrinos que lograron sobrevivir recogieran la cosecha que recolectaron durante el invierno, organizaron una gran cena e invitaron a los Wampanoag a que la disfrutaran con ellos. Desde entonces el gobernador de la colonia proclamó "un día de dar gracias al Señor para que podamos de una manera regocijarnos después de haber recogido el fruto de nuestro trabajo".

La tradición como tal, sería establecida en el año 1789 con el presidente George Washington, festejando está celebración el último jueves del mes de noviembre. Fue él quien estableció el día oficial de la fiesta de Acción de Gracias. Años más tarde Abraham Lincoln sería el que declarase este día como fiesta nacional en Estados Unidos.

Respecto con el menú, no se sabe muy bien de donde procede la costumbre del pavo. De hecho se cree que los indígenas llamaban "pavo" a todo tipo de animales. Es por ello, que con el paso del tiempo al final  el pavo se ha convertido en la comida clave del día de acción de gracias.

Dicen que las noches inolvidables son aquellas donde los buenos amigos están presentes. Es por ello que una noche que empieza bien son las que comienzan con una cenita donde podréis charlar con vuestros colegas antes de ir a bailar.

En Newbury Street existen una amplia variedad de restaurantes que ofrecen una cocina completamente diferente dependiendo de los gustos de cada individuo. Podréis encontrar desde las típicas hamburguesas americanas, hasta con meticulosas delicatesen como son los productos que ofrece Snappy Shusi, un restaurante japonés

situado en el número 108 de la calle Newbury. Si preferís la comida de otro continente os podrías declinar por un italiano, Papa Razzi, situado en el numero 159 de Newbury Street, es una buena opción para conocer la cocina europea ydegustar sus sabores más placenteros.

Una vez que hayáis terminado de cenar podéis ir a tomar una copa a diferentes lugares que os dejarán muy buen sabor de boca. Algunos de estos sitios son: Strega Waterfron, además de ofrecer otros servicios como el de sala de baile, cuenta con unos cocktails estupendos dirigidos a aquellas personas que les guste experimentar sabores explosivos. Por otro lado, Haru es un lugar que se especializa tan sólo en el servicio de cocktelería e incluye una amplia lista con bebidas de este tipo; está situado justo debajo de Prudential Center. Cuchi Cuchi también se encuentra entre los lugares más demandados, este lujoso y glamuroso establecimiento trabaja duro para ofrecer sus mejores servicios y, por supuesto, bebidas.

También están aquellas personas que prefieren algo más tranquilo y "precopear" en sus propios domicilios. En este caso la ciudad de Boston ofrece un exclusivo servicio llamado Party Bus. El "Autobús Fiesta" es utilizado para transportar a sus clientes desde sus domicilios u otros lugares de interés a la puerta de cualquier discoteca, pues como ya sabéis... ¡Si bebéis alcohol, no podéis conducir!  Además, el Party Bus es una diversión asegurada ya que es una discoteca dentro del propio autobús donde se puede bailar, beber y pasárselo bien mientras este os traslada allá donde vayáis.

Y como no, una de las mejores opciones para acabar bien la noche es ir a una discoteca para pasarlo en grande y bailar hasta que los pies no den más de si. Boston cuenta con numerosos clubs para elegir, todos y cada uno de ellos están diseñados de una manera diferente y proporcionan una fiesta asegurada gracias a su buena música, su buen ambiente y el buen rato que os harán pasar. Aquí están algunas de las discotecas más reconocidas por los jóvenes: Royale 279 situado en Tremont Street, Cure Lounge en 246 Tremont St., Bijou Nightclub & Lounge que está en el 51 de Stuart St., Venu 100 en Warrenton St., y The Estate 1 en boylston place.

Una mudanza o un cambio de destino conlleva muchas más cosas que coger un avión, un tren o un coche y plantarse en la ciudad de la noche a la mañana para comenzar con su nueva vida.  Cuando por fin se declina por la casa o el apartamento de sus sueños a veces resulta un poco depresivo entrar a vivir y que  lo único que haya en su interior sea polvo acumulado y un olor a cerrado espantoso. En BIRE creemos que para construir una vida de ensueño primero tiene empezar por amoldar su espacio personal; de este modo, usted y su familia se sentirán más cómodos, satisfechos y felices.

Una de las trabas más pesadas a la hora de desplazarse a un lugar nuevo puede ser la búsqueda de inmuebles, de hecho, dormir tirado en el suelo con un colchón inflable no es una sorpresa mientras que se desarrolla este proceso. Sin embargo, peripecias como las del colchón a la larga puede que les traiga problemas. Si algo bueno tiene la ciudad de Boston es que cuenta con cantidad de tiendas y lugares para conseguir sus inmuebles de una forma rápida, segura y, por supuesto, encontrando todo lo que busca, ya que es una metrópoli con una tasa de desplazamientos bastante alta.

Aquí les dejamos una pequeña lista para que echen un vistazo de los principales lugares de venta de muebles.

IKEA: 1 IKEA Way, Stoughton, MA 02072

Está tienda cuenta con todo lo necesario para construir su casa a un coste bastante rentable, suele ser utilizada por estudiantes que vienen a estudiar a la capital de Massachusetts. El único desafío que presenta está compañía es que los muebles han de ser montados por usted mismo.

BOSTONWOOD: 1117 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

Está tienda se ubica en el vecindario de Allston/Brighton, se equipa con productos de madera de excelente calidad. Además, si le gusta pintar podrá hacerlo, pues muchos de los productos vienen con el propio color de la madera. Así que coja un pincel, deje su imaginación volar y personalice los muebles a su gusto y semejanza.

LEKKER HOME: 1313 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

Situada en South End, este lugar cuenta con muebles y precios de todo tipo. Es un espacio ideal para aquellos que quieran dar un toque "chic" a su domicilio. También podrá encontrar más utensilios como ropa de cama, ropa de baño y cantidad de artículos de decoración.

CREATE & BARREL: 777 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

Ubicado en el centro de Boston este lugar también ofrece multitud de muebles para empezar a decorar su casa. Además, será atendido por grandes expertos que le ayudarán a elegir que es exactamente lo que desea.

THE BOSTON BED COMPANY: 1113 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

Los muebles son algo fundamental pero una buena cama también lo es. A la larga esto le evitará problemas de espada, malestar y le permitirá estar descansado y al 100% para enfrentarse a la vida activa con la que cuenta una ciudad. Esta tienda está especializa en colchones que gozan de una calidad exquisita para satisfacerle con un buen descanso.

MOHR & MCPHERSON: 460 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118.

Si le gusta una decoración de interiores impregnada de paz y buenas vibraciones entonces el diseño asiático es su estilo. En esta tienda encontrará todo lo que necesita para que los rincones de su casa luzcan como usted desee.

Y por supuesto hemos de mencionar Craiglist.com. Se trata de una famosa página web de segunda mano donde podrá encontrar todo lo que está buscando a un precio muy económico. Incluso en muchas ocasiones se pueden encontrar productos totalmente gratis, ya que su dueño se tiene que desplazar y no sabe que hacer con ellos. Esta página es muy utilizada por aquellos estudiantes que vienen un corto período de tiempo y necesitan enseres que en un futuro no volverán a utilizar.

Hablando de páginas web Amazon.com también ofrece productos interesantes y muy atractivos para darle forma a su hogar. Además, este sitio web ofrece la opción de comprar artículos nuevos y de segunda mano, eso ya depende de usted y de sus intereses.

Y como no íbamos a mencionar los famosos rastrillos de la calle. Seguro que han visto cientos de veces en películas a aquellas familias que están a punto de mudarse de la ciudad, sacan todas sus pertenecías a la calle y, allí mismo, en la propia acera de su casa, las venden. No sea tímido y eche un vistazo si se topa con uno de estos rastrillos, pues puede encontrarse con una sorpresa y darle algo de vida a su apartamento.

Lo que debe tener en cuenta es que lista de los sitios que le ofrecemos abarca tan solo una pequeña parte de la multitud de opciones y tiendas que Boston ofrece a sus residentes. Y como hemos mencionado antes, esta ciudad está continuamente recibiendo y despidiendo a sus ciudadanos. Por eso tiene más opciones además de elegir la primera tienda que tenga un sofá en su escaparate. Mire tiendas de segunda mano, páginas de internet que considere que pueden ofrecerle unos buenos chollos y hable con lugares especializadas para descubrir que es lo que realmente busca.

*Si busca el apartamento de sus sueños llame al (617) 505-1781 o escribanos a: info@bostonire.com y concrete una cita con nosotros. ¡Le facilitaremos el comienzo de una nueva aventura!

En el año 1630 con la llegada de los colonos puritanos emergería Boston, una de las ciudades más antiguas e históricas del continente norte americano. Aunque Boston es una ciudad pequeña se encuentra entre los lugares mas poblados de Nueva Inglaterra. Es por ello, que este municipio se considera el centro cultural y económico de la región.

Este pequeño rincón situado al noreste de América alberga un fascinante contraste arquitectónico. Un claro ejemplo de modernidad y antigüedad se encuentra en la  plaza de Copley.

En dicha plaza, podemos encontrar al edificio Hancock, construido en  1976, haciendo sombra a la iglesia barroca de la trinidad, construida en 1872. Si le gusta caminar, las calles de la capital de Massachusetts ofrece multitud de hitos históricos y sitios sorprendentes para conocer. La primera escuela pública, la primera biblioteca o la primera escuela latina son algunos de los monumentos que se escoden bajo el techo Bostoniano.Si busca una experiencia única e inolvidable...¡No lo piense más! Boston es lo que estaba buscando, una ciudad de innovación, cultura y sensaciones.

Si busca el apartamento de sus sueños llame al (617) 505-1781 o escribanos a info@bostonire.com y concrete una cita con nosotros. ¡Le facilitamos el comienzo de una nueva aventura!

You might think Boston is a conservative city - which it really is, but recent real estate happenings sure makes it look like Beantown is headed to modern times as the city is planning to erect a 600-foot tower at the Government Center Garage, along with six other hulking buildings that are set to transform the city's skyline and make it comparable to other metropolitan sceneries.

The proposed project, headed by HYM Investment Group, would be demolishing much of the garage that currently sits adjacent to the Government Center plot, paving the way for six new buildings that is projected to host 771 residences, 1.3 million square feet of office space, 1,100 parking slots, and 82,500 square feet of retail space (food and shopping combined). The 600-foot tower is set to be the city's crown construction being its tallest building in sight. In addition to this, the plan also calls for a pair of large residential buildings - one standing 470 feet high, and another at 275 feet. Combined, the three towers will be located on the western side of Congress Street closest to Government Center. Not too far from this site, the developer is also proposing to build a 275-foot mixed use condominium hotel, that will also host additional offices and retail stores. Once completely laid out, the new buildings are set to form a new public square along the sprawling Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Once approved by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the said-to-be $2 billion project is slated to start at the end of this year, and will occupy 4.8 acres of government-owned and regulated land. The project will be welcome addition to the mostly-posh and heavily office-centric location that, up until this project, only has traditional mid-rise developments. Originally, the site was planned to be redeveloped back in 2007 via a joint venture between the National Electrical Benefit Fund and British-based Lewis Trust Group, however the real estate collapse that followed soon after indefinitely halted construction plans.

With the project pushing through, experts are estimating the development would produce about $11 million in annual tax revenues, and would generate an estimated 2,600 construction jobs for the city. HYM is also responsible for the highly-acclaimed North Point development in East Cambridge, and is also a majority stakeholder in the 20-story luxury apartment complex in the Innovation District, dubbed as Waterside Place.

Aside from this big BIG breaking news, Boston has also seen multiple plans to erect skyscraper buildings throughout the city since the beginning of the recession's end last year. In particular, projects such as the Christian Science Plaza's redevelopment and addition of a 700-foot condominium and hotel, as well as Copley Place's vertical expansion are currently on the pipeline and are slated to begin within the summer season. Fenway Center, although still under consideration, is also poised to give rise to a new skyline west of the city. In fact, development is already on the way for the parcel fronting The Landmark Center in Fenway-Brookline area.

Indeed, Boston is headed towards realizing its real estate potential, which was once thought to be non-existent due to it's citizen's upheaval against skyscraper that in traditionalist's view, is detrimental to the overall historical feel of the city. However the city, together with developers and residents alike, have more recently seen eye-to-eye redeveloping areas that need modernization and a fresh look. More importantly, Bostonians are realizing that these developments greatly contribute to the city (and the state's) overall economic recovery, creating jobs and jump-starting as well as maintaining the recent real estate rebound.

Checkout our blog for more recent development news!

Green District To See More Growth This Year Fenway Center Finally On The Way and many more... 

With more people renting than buying, and occupancy rates continue to escalate, being an apartment hunter in the Boston rental market is no easy task - especially if you're battling with students who come in droves almost every quarter. In fact, the rental occupancy rate in the city was a whopping 85% last year, the highest it's been in four years. And when the rental market starts squeezing renters with limited availability, renters tend to take units that they might not otherwise consider.

Instead, renters need to focus on what amenities they want, and start thinking about those amenities with price tags. For example, expect to pay an extra $60-$80 a month for an apartment who's less than half a mile away from a bus or subway stop. Everyone has a different set of priorities and preferences, some people are willing to pay a hefty premium for a patio, and some are the exact opposite. What we'd advice is for you to know what you want and make sure you're not overpaying for features.

More importantly, renters also need to remember the little things, like asking about cell phone reception (be sure to test it out) and whether the windows actually open and close. Unlike home buyer walk-throughs before closing, there are no inspections for renters, so treat any showing as if you're inspecting the unit. Don't forget these ten questions, which in our experience, renters often forget to ask:

How's your cell phone signal? You don't want to be forced to have all phone conversations while hanging out your window or the one tiny corner where you manage to pick up a signal.

How big are the rooms, really? Bring a measuring tape. You and the leasing agent or landlord may have different opinions on what room size comfortably fits a queen size bed.

How's the water pressure? Don't forget to ask the follow up, including is the shower pressure weak? How long does it take for the water to get hot in the morning?

Is the rental noisy? Be quiet for a minute and listen for ambient noise, such as weird fans, generators, barking dogs, loud trucks, trains or noisy neighbors.

How is the view? Are there enough windows to provide you with the natural light you want? If the curtains are closed, pull them open to check out the view. You might not want your living room overlooking your neighbor's bathroom.

Is the air fresh? If you're looking at a high rise or a garden unit, sometimes the windows can't open or open just a bit. Make sure you have enough fresh air.

How fast is that elevator? If there's an elevator, check the capacity. Is it single shaft or super slow? Are there separate elevators for garbage or taking your pet out?

What are the amenities? Get the details on amenity offered as part of the rent. For example, some buildings come with public areas or fitness facilities. Check the hours before you make the gym a deciding factor in your lease?

Who handles deliveries to the property? If there's no doorman or superintendent, what will happen to all those UPS or FedEx deliveries that come while you're at work?

What is the heating situation? Because people often rent during the summer, they neglect to ask about the heat, Lin said. Find out if the heating is individual or shared, such as an uncontrolled radiator, and find out the costs.

And here's a bonus question to ask: If you're renting a single family house instead of an apartment, you should ask who is responsible for maintaining the exterior of the property. Some landlords expect the tenants to mow the lawn and shovel the snow, while others do it themselves so they know the property is being maintained correctly. These responsibilities should be spelled out in the lease so there's never a question about who is supposed to do what.

Have a short memory? Download our 10 Often Forgotten Questions Renters Should Ask here, and bring it the next time you go apartment hunting. Contact us now to see what apartments we have in store for you! Call (617) 505-1781 now!