New York Magazine’s recent article titled The Smallest Apartment On The Market featured a  175-square-foot studio located at 535 West 110th Street with an asking price of  $195,000 (Maintenance: $170 per month).  This got us thinking – What’s the smallest unit currently on the market in Boston – so away to the database we went and (drumroll please)…Introducing Boston’s Smallest Condo (currently on the market).  Think you can make it work?  Contact us at 508.930.6232.

65 Burbank – U:7 (Fenway Area)   /  298 sqft  / Asking Price: $199,000

For more information on the auction at The Bryant Back Bay or to schedule a showing please contact Jeanine Heller at 508.930.6232.

We at The Boston Condo Blog would like to take a minute an recognize a fantastic local company fighting for an ever important cause. Started by two Brookline residents Lauren Penn and Margie Lipshutz, Jillies provides comfortable and stylish 100% cotton garments to patients undergoing treatment. Additionally, their website is a safe environment where people can find current information, resources and have their personal “non-medical” questions answered like “”What sort of wig should I buy, How do I apply false eyelashes, Where can I buy natural cosmetics, How do I tell my colleagues at work?” The company was recently featured in Boston’s Wicked Local News.

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IT’S OFFICIAL!!!! We heard rumors of this a few days ago and today it was officially announced; the new construction luxury condos at the Bryant Back Bay are up for Auction on October 17th.

The Bryant Back Bay is situated on the Back Bay/South End line so you get the best of both neighborhoods. Walk a couple of blocks to shop on Newbury or at Copley or go South and walk to restaurant row on Tremont in the South End. The Bryants Boston condos feature large layouts with 2 or 3 bedrooms. Many of the condos also feature private outdoor balconies with views of the South End.

Features and Amenities of the Bryant:

* Stunning lobby designed by Klaus Fuchs (coming in December)

* South End views

* 24-hour on-site resident manager and concierge services provided by Barkan and Tillingers

* Secured on-site parking garage

* Fitness Center (coming in December)

* Private storage units

* Spacious floorplans

* Low common charges

* Two- and three-bedroom residences

* Private elevator with direct access to your residence

* Elegant guest bathrooms

* Private terraces

* Equipped with cable and internet

This auction is going to be run the same way as the auction at the 1850 and the current auction at Nouvelle in Natick.

How the Auction Works and How to Get Your $2000 Cash Back!:

Register: You let me know when you are available and then visit the property with me. We can take our time and browse through the available units and incredible amenities of the building. You can ask me questions throughout the process and we can discuss strategies if you are interested. IMPORTANT – IF YOU REGISTER WITHOUT ME YOU WON”T BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE CASH BACK!

They are very strict on their broker policy and you are out of luck if I’m not physically there with you the first time you enter, Call or Email jheller@warrenre.com or508.930.6232!

Re-visit: After you are registered with me, you can revisit the property as many times as you’d like with or without me. Go back and revisit some of your favorite floor plans, show it to mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, etc.

Practice Auction: There will be a practice auction the day before which will give you a chance to see what it’s like and ask questions.

Auction Day: On auction day you will check in at 12pm at the Colonnade Hotel and the auction begins promptly at 1pm. It lasts roughly an hours in which you bid live on properties. It’s an exciting event with a lot of things happening at once but most importantly, it’s a great chance to pick up a property for pennies on the dollar. Closing: After you close we will give you your $2000 gift card which you can use for whatever you want!

BONUS!!! – If you purchase the Penthouse I will give you $3000 back! So, for those of you looking for a large home in the city with low condo fees and an amazing location, please contact me directly at jheller@warrenre.com or 508.930.6232 for more information.

* Remember, if you don’t register through me you won’t be eligible for the cash back!

It certainly seems as though 2009 has been the year of the Boston condominium auction.  Thus far  Longwood Towers, The 1850, the Nouvelle and the Bryant (although no officially announced, yet) have been put up for auction.  With the Natick Nouvelle Auction set to kick off and registration in full swing many are guessing — “Which luxury condo building will be next?”  While no official word has been released slow sales would suggest The Residences at the W Boston and 45 Province as the auction block’s next victims.

The W remains only 15% under agreement and with those residents set to move in December something drastic must be done to avoid an auction. Despite sales troubles the pricing has remained firm at over +$1000/sqft.   While such pricing is typical for new construction in Back Bay and Beacon Hill,  many buyers have a hard time paying the same amount per square foot to live in the  Theater District.  Sure the hotel will feature Jean George’s restaurant Market, but that is not enough to help out sales.

The formula for sales is simple – Create a good project and price it right.  That means taking location and market times into serious consideration.  It all comes down to pricing.

The same can be said of the downtown project 45 Province. Additionally, those who have already purchased with expectations of an easy rental investment that would command a high price are shocked that their expected $7500 2 bed/ 2 bath unit remains vacant even at a much lower $5000 asking price.

Only time will tell.