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As Fenway Park fills up with baseball fans, so does the 26.2-mile course for fans cheering on some of the best runners in the world, here to take part in the Boston Marathon. 

Many of those elated Red Sox fans, walked from Kenmore Square toward the Back Bay to watch the last of the runners make their way to the finish line. Some had just reached the finish line when the first bomb went off, shortly before 3 p.m.  Within seconds infectious smiles and wonderful energy, transformed into faces filled with shock and eyes glazed over in fear.  Medical professionals on hand to take care of pulled muscles and sprained ankles suddenly found themselves operating a trauma center.

The Boston Marathon will never be the same after yesterday. Unfortunately, we live in a very cruel world.  I try my best to put a positive spin on bad circumstances, in every area of my life.  As of right now, I’m unable to do that. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families.  I would like to thank all of the first responders and emergency personnel, who have and are still helping the City of Boston recover from this senseless tragedy. 

Desirable East Side location! Gorgeous Bi-Level 2 Bedrooms, 2 Master Baths and one half bath. The unit features hardwood floors throughout, granite counter-tops, private washer and dryer. An inviting and spacious open kitchen and living room with fireplace, custom bookcase and built-ins. Tons of closet space. Private deck overlooks the city with amazing views!!  Perfect set up for roomates, especially not having to share a bathroom with one another!! This unit is available September 1st. Please feel free to contact me via email michelle@capresidential.com or on my cell at 617-596-1948, to schedule a showing. This unit will not last!!!

This year, "Tax Day" falls on the Bay State's Patriot's Day...so even though it is a holiday for us, taxpayers in MA will still have to file their federal taxes by Monday, April 15th, but because local government observes the money holiday, the state returns are not due until Tuesday, April 16th.

Every year, thousands of Americans try to get find ways to cheat, lie, extend, and sometimes even, not file their taxes altogether.

No one enjoys pulling all their paperwork, receipts, W-2s, and health insurance forms together. But although all of that is a pain, it is certainly better than the alternative...

Did you know, when your employer sends you the W-2, they also send one to the IRS? That way, the IRS can match the W-2 against tax returns to make sure you reported the proper income. If the IRS does not receive your returns on time, you will be getting a letter in the mail, and that is just the beginning...

If you file late and owe taxes, you'll owe interest, plus late filing, and late payment penalties (all based on a percentage of what you owe). If you don't file and don't pay, you may be up the creek, interest on unpaid taxes has no maximum!! 

Tip: the IRS is available to work with you. If you are not able to pay everything you owe up front, it is better to contact them to work out a payment method than to avoid paying at all. You still may be charged interest, but it will be a lesser percentage and no late charges or penalty fees

If your taxes still do not get filed, it starts to get ugly. Letters from the IRS start rolling in more frequently, then the IRS files taxes for you...but not in a helpful way. They will not incorporate ANY deductions and solely base it on your income. And then, when all else fails, the IRS will issue liens and levies against your assets - a house, a car, a bank account. In some cases, they will contact your employer and have them send a portion of each of your paychecks directly to them. 

And if the above info doesn't scare you enough, the next step is prison! This penalty is reserved for those who deliberately disregard the rules, commit tax fraud, or do not pay taxes for several years. But still, it could happen!

Let this be a lesson to all, as painful as it may be, get your taxes filed on time and keep the IRS on your good side!

ally@capresidential.com

This time of year there are few things more enjoyable than preparing and enjoying a meal outside with your family and friends. Let’s face it few things taste better than a thick juicy burger or steak, hot off the grill. So the only question left is “which one is right you?” Grills can use several different heat sources including charcoal… propane gas… natural gas… and electricity. Each has its own advantages, so knowing those will help you decide.

Charcoal grills are probably the best known. They tend to be very economical and have the fewest parts. The burning coals cook foods at very high heat, which seals in the juices and adds a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. Propane and Natural gas grills have a big advantage in that they are ready to use within minutes and allow more precise temperature control for even, consistent cooking. These grills will have BTU, or British thermal unit, ratings…. The higher the BTU rating, the higher the heat output. Electric grills start more slowly but are easy to start and may be the best option if you live in an apartment building or high rise where other types of grills aren’t allowed on balconies and porches…. In fact, you can even use an electric grill indoors. 

Whatever option you choose you’ll want to keep it clean. This will ensure that the grill lasts a long time and that every meal is tasty. The process is simple; let the grill heat up for a few minutes and use a stiff wire brush to scrub off the grates… Then after you finish cooking… crank up the heat for five or ten minutes to burn off any food residue. Wow, I’m hungry now…. When’s lunch? 

A few weeks ago I had a blog-venting session about the dirty streets...but vent no more! The street sweepers are out in full effect...although it is kind of a pain to remember to move your car, or to be stuck behind a sweeper going 5 miles an hour (and always when you're already running late)...man is it worth it! 

We have many beautiful spring and summer days with litter free streets ahead of us. Enjoy strolling up Broadway hitting up shops, restaurants, and bars...or take in some fresh air walking, jogging, or people watching at Castle Island. Either way, dust off your flip flops, it's finally time...nice weather, happy people, and clean streets!

ally@capresidential.com

With the South Boston neighborhood booming with development its residents seem to be drawing the line. Residents have started a petition to block the demolition of St. Augustine’s Church. Although the church is not considered a historic landmark the city requires a review for structures older than fifty years. The developers have indicated that they are seeking plans to rehab the building as well.

It’s that time of year again; the rental market in South Boston is back with a vengeance!! I myself do not see prices dropping anytime soon.  Times have certainly changed in Southie as far as rent prices. Right now a 3 bedroom can rent anywhere from $1000 up to $1500 per bedroom! After you add in all of the fees, you might as well put a down payment on a condo!

 Buying can be scary for some, but that’s what we are here for.  Consider paying your own mortgage versus your landlords!! Please feel free to contact me to discuss buying your very first home in South Boston. It’s not as daunting as you’d think it up to be!!

If this past Sunday was any indictation of what the rest of the Spring will be like, the South Boston real estate market will stay incredibly hot!

Yesterday was great Sunday for buyers to get out and start their condo search with warmer weather and sunshine, and it definitely showed with all the traffic at the open houses.

One of our agents estimated over 75 people at his open house and ended up with several very strong offers. I was out with a group of buyers and witnessed the incredible amount of people hopping from condo to condo. 

South Boston has become one of the most desirable places to live in the Boston area and buyers are showing they are willing to pay a premium to get into Southie. If you are a potential buyer, there has never been a better time to have a local agent working with you that knows the market inside and out and has good working relationships with other agents.

Contact me and I would be happy to help you navigate the South Boston condo market! 

The revitalization of the Seaport District moves on. The area referred to as Seaport Square encompasses 20+ acres from the convention center down D St and up to Fort Point. With hotels, shopping, offices and residences all under construction with an expected completion date of 2015-2016 this helps to explain the influx to South Boston and the Fort Point neighborhood over the past few years.

Boston is always looking to lead the way in technology and green building this project is no different looking to gain a Silver LEED certification. Leaving a good portion as open space and parklands and adding a generous amount of the much needed shopping it seems as though there is going to be something for everyone.

To see the plans and updates go to www.seaportsquare.com

Today might be the first day of spring...but it certainly doesn't feel like it!

With highs in the upper 30s, wind chills in the 20s, plenty of snow, black ice, and slush on the ground...this is the winter that just won't quit!

I have to say, shoveling my car out yesterday while listening to birds chirping was a bit bizarre but reminded me for the umpteenth time this season, that this is New England and I need to accept that this is the place I call home. 

The nice weather will be here soon enough, and just think of how much we will appreciate it this year! 

But until then, keep the winter coats, gloves, hats, and sweaters at arm's reach, you'll need them again tomorrow...when it snows.

ally@capresidential.com