8 Alarm Fire on Summer St. in Boston & Important Fire Safety Info

Eight-alarm Fire Sweeps Through South Boston Building on Summer Street

Earlier this morning there was an Eight-Alarm fire that ran through a South Boston commercial building undergoing renovation, just next door to Premier Property Solution's offices on Summer Street. According to Boston.com, "The fire caused an estimated $2 million in damage, and more than 150 firefighters battled the blaze."

Important Fire Safety Information for Boston Residents

To help prevent future disasters like this, Premier Property Solutions wants to use this opportunity to remind everyone of some important fire safety tips.

• For properties who allow Christmas trees/wreaths/etc., always keep them hydrated and away from heating elements.  Use timers or manual switches to turn off decorative lighting when you are not at home.
• Keep hallways, stairwells and common areas clear of debris. This includes doormats in hallways and potted plants on fire escapes as they are a tripping hazard in the event of evacuation.
• If they are allowed in your property, take extra care with cigarettes, candles, space heaters, heated blankets, traveling appliances (hot plates, etc.). Limit your use of power strips and surge protectors.
• Smoking is prohibited in elevators, common areas, and on roofs. Roof membranes are particularly flammable.
• Fire places, chimneys and flues must be inspected and swept prior to use. Contact your Property Manager to ensure the fireplace is in safe working condition.
• Fire Escape and Fire Balcony certification is required every 5 years by a MA Registered Profession Engineer.

The State and City of Boston's Fire Code:

• Prohibits the use of charcoal grills on or within a building.
• Prohibits the use or storage of liquefied petroleum gas containers used for barbecue cooking inside or on balconies above the first floor of any building or structure used for habitation.
• Cooking and grilling are prohibited on the roof, fire escapes, alleys, and common areas.

Final Recommendations for Fire Alarms & Evacuation Procedures

FIRE ALARMS

1. Learn where fire alarm stations and pull boxes are located.
2. Should you detect a fire, sound the building's fire alarm, evacuate the building, and then call 911 from a phone at another location.
3. Whenever a fire alarm sounds, evacuate the building immediately using the nearest available exit.

EVACUATION PROCEDURES

1. Learn your two nearest exits including fire escapes.
2. When an alarm sounds, dress quickly (for the weather).
3. Before opening your room door, feel it for warmth. If it is hot to the touch do not open it. If not, open the door very slowly.
4. When you leave your room, CLOSE THE DOOR BEHIND YOU.
5. If smoke is present, crawl out low to the floor.
6. Without hindering your own evacuation and on your way out of the building, warn as many of your fellow residents as possible by knocking on doors and shouting.
7. Once outside, stand clear of the building well away from all entrances.
8. Do not reenter the building until specifically instructed to do so by a Fire Department official.
9. If conditions prevent you from leaving your room:
   
• Find the nearest fire escape and see if that route is accessible.
• If not, prevent fumes and smoke from entering your room by blocking all openings (with wet towels, if possible).
• Call 911 and alert telephone operator of your location.
• If smoke is in your room, stay close to the window holding a towel (wet, if possible) to your face.
• Do not break or open windows unless necessary - this source of oxygen may fuel a fire or create a draft that will allow more smoke or fumes to enter your room.
• To alert rescue personnel hang a white towel or other brightly- colored cloth out of your window.

Read this blog for more fire safety tips and don't forget to subscribe, follow us on Twitter @MAcondoMGMT and “like” us on our Facebook page Facebook.com/MAcondoMGMT for more information about property management & maintenance in Massachusetts. 

Thermostats, Radiators & Surviving Your First Winter in Boston

If this is your first winter in the Boston area, you may be thinking "this isn't so bad", but long-time residents will tell you, "WINTER IS COMING" and with it, single-digit temperatures that can make heating your home or apartment a challenge!

Cold Rush: A Guide to Using Radiators & Surviving Your First Winter in Boston

In this guide we will educate you on operating, optimizing performance, and making common repairs to the thermostats and radiators usually found in Boston area apartments, as well as how to conserve energy and save money on your heating bill by better regulating your thermostat.

Don't wait until it's too late, now is the time to gear up with the right clothing and knowledge to prepare yourself for the Cold Rush that inevitability ensues after the first of the year.

Parts of a Thermostatic Trap Radiator Heating System

Radiators will often work loudly, making banging and hissing noises, so if this is your first apartment with a radiator, it is important you know how a thermostat and radiator works. Below is a diagram of a "heat trap" along with a general breakdown of the components of a heating system's operation, FAQs on radiators, and Do's and Don't about heating your home.

Learn why your radiator is making that noise and relieve your worries about it exploding!

THERMOSTATIC TRAP

This component is the control unit that has sensors for the heating apparatus of your radiator. The mechanism is connected to the radiator, usually toward the bottom.  The right side of the diagram above shows how steam or air/water from condensed steam mixture passes through the thermostatic trap.

AIR VENT

This regulates the amount of air that can escape from the radiator.  The more air that can escape, the hotter the radiator becomes because more steam is allowed in the trap. Some air vents have adjustable knobs that allow you to adjust the heat level on the thermostat.

ADJUSTABLE KNOB

The air vent is adjustable by turning the numbered knob. When making the adjustment, it may take some time before the new heat cycle begins in the building and the heat adjustment takes place.

STEAM VALVE

To open the steam valve, turn the knob counter-clockwise until it can no longer rotate. DO NOT FORCE THE KNOB because it could break and cause a leak. It is extremely important that you keep this steam valve fully opened or fully shut. Partially opened valves cause water to collect in the radiator, which could lead to the nuisance of banging noises and leaking. Remember to use the air vent to regulate the heat, not the steam valve.

View a video tutorial on to regulate your radiator & thermostat

FAQs About Radiators

There are common questions for heating during this time of year. Here is a list of FAQs concerning heating your home’s radiator:

Q: IF I HEAR A BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE RADIATOR, WHAT IS THAT?

A: It is the steam rising into the radiator through cooled water resting inside of it (Refer to the Thermostatic Trap diagram above). The steam is boiling the standing water on contact, causing a sudden pop or banging noise. First, you should make sure that the Steam Valve is fully open. If it is, your radiator may not be pitched properly. In order for the water not to drain through the steam valve, the radiator must be pitched toward the valve. If this is not the case, contact your property manager immediately.

Q: IF I AM EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH MY HEAT, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

A: First, confirm the following:

• All the steam valves are open (turn counter-clockwise all the way) during the entire heating season.
• All the air vents are not painted over or clogged with dirt.
• The radiators are pitched properly.
• All the air conditioners are removed from the windows.
• Be sure all the windows are closed, have been sealed or insulated, and are not drafty.

Q:  THERE IS NO ADJUSTABLE AIR VENT ON MY RADIATOR, HOW CAN I GET ONE?

A: Contact your plumber or email your property management crew for a referral.

Q:  A WATER STAIN IS APPEARING ON MY CEILING, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

A: Check to see if the stain is appearing over your radiator. If it is, the stain is most likely caused by a leaking radiator in the unit above you. Contact management in order to get in touch with the unit owner above.

Home Heating DO's and DON'Ts

Finally, here are some extra DO's and DON’Ts concerning heating your home and  during the cold weather season:

DO’s

• Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Use electric space heaters with extreme care; avoid placing them near curtains or other flammable materials and turn them off before going to bed.
• Make sure all portable heat-producing appliances are unplugged when not in use (irons, hair devices, etc.).
• Keep dryer vents clear of snow and ice.

DON’Ts

• NEVER use your oven for heat.
• NEVER bring charcoal or gas grills indoors (they are a carbon monoxide hazard).
• Liquid or gas-fired portable space heaters are illegal in Massachusetts.
• NEVER leave candles unattended.

Many multi-unit apartment buildings located within Boston are heated with steam radiators. If you are a resident in these areas, it is possible that you will have  a property management company to handle the thermostat and radiator maintenance on your behalf. If you are ever unsure, always contact your property manager!


Stay warm! For more tips about heating during the cold season, and more information about how to handle household concerns, such as power outages, pipes, and maintenance of driveways and sidewalks, please follow us on Twitter @MAcondoMGMT and “like” us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/MAcondoMGMT

Protect Your Property on "Cabbage Night"

Cabbage Night is Not Celebrated with Corned Beef!

Cabbage Night, Mischief Night, and Hell Night are all names that teenagers (typically) use to describe the Annual tradition of carrying out pranks the night before Halloween. Mischievous teens all around the country get dressed up in black and stealthily go out with back-packs full of toilet paper, rotten eggs and shaving cream to raise havoc in their neighborhoods.

Whether you spend this October 30th getting your costume ready to celebrate Halloween or watching the Red Sox make history, here are a couple of easy steps you can take to protect your property from vandals and mischief makers this Halloween season.

Prepare Your Property In Advance

Before it gets dark this October 30th, make sure to take a walk around your property and be on the lookout for the following issues.

• Keep The Lights On - Make sure all of your exterior lights are in working order, and ensure that all entrances are well-lit throughout the night.
• Talk to Neighbors - Speak with your neighbors and encourage your them to keep their lights on overnight as well. Sometimes a well-lit block is all you need to deter would-be vandals.
• Lock Doors & Windows - Inspect all of your doors and window to ensure the locks are in working order. Make sure to close all windows and doors securely for the night.
• Don't Forget Your Car - Make sure you have rolled your windows all the way up and locked the doors on your car. Inspect your car and remove any items that may look tempting from the interior of the car. If you have an assigned parking spot, make sure to display your parking tags. If you have on-street parking and live in a particularly rowdy neighborhood in Boston, you may want to consider parking your car in a garage overnight.
• Emergency Contact Info - Have phone numbers for emergency services, your property management company, and tow company readily available.
  
• Check Your Alarm & Set It! - If you have an alarm for your property, make sure that everything is in working order prior to setting it for the night. Blinking red lights and beeping noises are typically a sign that something needs attention.

In the event of mischief or vandalism, call your property management company to arrange for clean up services.

As always is you have any questions regarding property management in Boston or Western Mass, make sure to visit our website and utilize our client resources.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more tips and advice in the future! If you have any questions or comments, contact us on our social media pages or comment below. Always feel free to share our content!

Flood Risks Set to Spike Up Insurance Rates

According to the Boston Harbor Association, climate change is increasing the likelihood of coastal and river flooding due to sea level rise and extreme weather events. This impact on the climate is expected to cause frequent flooding in the near future. A recent article by the Boston Courant also states that the Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA, is expanding the high-risk flood zone. This will require mortgage owners to buy flood insurance and cause premium spike to those who already possess flood insurance.

Here are some more important facts and information from the Boston Courant about how flooding can affect mortgage owners in the future:

• According to the Environmental Department, new flood zone maps should be available at the end of October and those who live in those zone are most likely acquired to possess flood insurance
• According to the Boston Harbor Association, by 2050, sea level in Boston will rise 2.5 feet at which if a storm similar to Hurricane Sandy would hit Boston, the entirety of Back Bay and South End would be flooded
• An insurance-to-value appraiser expects premiums to jump three to four times their current rate (a typical single family home pays $1,800 in annual premium costs)
• The Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012  increased federally subsidize flood insurance rates by up to 25% a year (visit the website for more information)
• The upcoming hurricane season will allow most homeowners to gauge how bad flooding can get in their area and reveal any infrastructure problems

With the climate changing in our world, it seems as if flooding is only going to expand and get more severe in the future. It would be smart to look more into flood insurance and invest in one if you do not possess insurance. Consult your insurance company for opinions, tips, and advice.

As always is you have any questions regarding property management, make sure to visit our website and utilize our client resources.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more tips and advice in the future! If you have any questions or comments, contact us on our social media pages or comment below. Always feel free to share our content!

Property Managers: Winter is Coming!

According to an article by the Associated Press, back in 2010, the Supreme Judicial Court's ruling eliminated a state law distinction between "natural" and "unnatural" accumulations of snow ice. This ruling is important because now property owners can be held liable for any snow-related accidents whether the snow was caused naturally or unnaturally. The article states that before the ruling, snow-related injuries that occurred due to non-removal of naturally-accumulated snow cannot hold the property owner liable. The main reasoning behind this ruling is that property owners have some sort of responsibility of keeping the property safe despite the cause. This is what Justice Ralph Grant had to say about the ruling:

"We now will apply to hazards arising from snow and ice the same obligation that a property owner owes to lawful visitors as to all other hazards: a duty to act as a reasonable person under all of the circumstances including the likelihood of injury to others, the probable seriousness of such injuries, and the burden of reducing or avoiding the risk."

Here are some do's and don't from the City of Boston:

Do:

• Remove snow, slush, and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting your property within 3 hours of snowfall ending (or 3 hours from sunrise if snow falls overnight) as required by law. Violators will be fined.
• Remove snow, slush, and ice from the full paved width of the sidewalk and curb ramp or a minimum path of 42 inches wide. Narrow paths encumber carriages and wheelchairs, and properly cleared pathways ensure flow and safety of pedestrian traffic.

Don't:

• Shovel or plow snow into the street: Violators caught shoveling snow from private property into the street will be fined.
• Leave snow or ice on stairways or fire escapes. All common means of egress must be clear.

For more detailed information, click here.

What this ruling ultimately results in is probable increase in lawsuits relating to snow-related injuries for property owners. It would be wise for property owners to get familiar with Massachusetts' snow removal laws and do their best to create a safer environment during the winter season. What do you think about property owners' duty to create a reasonably safer environment around their area? Should they be held liable?

As always is you have any questions regarding property management, make sure to visit our website and utilize our client resources.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more tips and advice in the future! If you have any questions or comments, contact us on our social media pages or comment below. Always feel free to share our content!

Property Mangers: Is Your Building Up to Code on Mulch Fire-Safety Regulations?

Mulch is a layer of material that is applied to the surface of a soil and is mainly used for:

• Moisture conservations
• Improve fertility and health of soil
• Reduce weed growth
• Curb appeal

There are quite a few advantages to using mulch on your property but before you start putting mulch in your front lawn or your building, there are regulations for using mulch, mainly for fire-safety. A summary from an article by Boston.com:

According to the Department of Fire Services, you must keep mulch 18 inches away from the building. By taking preventive measures such as placing mulch away from combustible exteriors of building, it hopes to prevent recurring fires caused by landscape materials. This regulation was a response to a fire in 2008 in Peabody that was caused by a cigarette igniting mulch which caused $6.7 million in damages and displacing almost 800 residents. Some recommendations by the Department of Fire Services is to use crushed rocks or stones for the first 18 inches as a barrier. Make sure to respond quickly if your building is not up to code as you can be faced with liability claims from residents.

For related info, visit: http://bostonrealestatelawnews.com/2012/08/heres-the-dirt-on-mas-new-mulch-fire-safety-regulation.html

As always is you have any questions regarding property management, make sure to visit our website and utilize our client resources.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more tips and advice in the future! If you have any questions or comments, contact us on our social media pages or comment below. Always feel free to share our content!

Nicole's Law: Carbon Monoxide Safety

Nicole's Law was signed into legislation late November 2005 in response to a tragedy involving the death of a 7-year old girl, Nicole, who was found unconscious due to carbon monoxide exposure. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 150 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with consumer products. Carbon monoxide, also known as the "silent killer," is dangerous because you cannot see, taste, or smell. Nicole's Law requires "all housing in the state that has enclosed parking or equipment such as boilers, furnaces, and hot water heaters powered by gas, coal, oil, or wood" to have a working carbon monoxide detector. Especially for homeowners who are looking to sell their property in the future, complying with the legislation is very important, because fire officials will check for carbon monoxide detectors upon home inspections prior to sale or transfer. If the property is not up to code, the property will not be allowed to be sold. But more importantly, safety is top priority and creating a safe environment at the very place you live should be the utmost importance. 

Here are some precautionary measures provided by the U.S. Fire Administration:

• Open the damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace
• Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home
• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris
• Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning
• Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked

While the legislation received overwhelming support from fire officials and politicians, some property owners and housing authorities called the legislation a "burden." They reasoned that additional costs, the fact that it distracts from greater dangers from fire, and carbon monoxide detectors sometimes registered false-positive leading to increase number of calls to the fire department are reasons why they opposed the law. What do you think?

For more information and safety tips:

http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/dfs/dfs2/osfm/pubed/fs-topics/fs-topics-a/carbon-monoxide-safety.html

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/co/fswy17.shtm

As always is you have any questions regarding property management, make sure to visit our website and utilize our client resources.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more tips and advice in the future! If you have any questions or comments, contact us on our social media pages or comment below. Always feel free to share our content!

Attention: Rooftop Grilling is Illegal!

Summer is just about to end and fall is approaching! The weather is great and football season just started. What better way to have some fun and bring everyone together other than...grilling! In a couple of months, winter will be coming and grilling is definitely not an option. So while the weather is warm, grilling is great way to spend some quality time over food. A popular option is grilling at home, either on the porches or the rooftop. Cooking at home is comfortable as you have more access to cookware and do not have to worry about forgetting anything. But did you know rooftop and porch grilling is illegal in Massachusetts? Here's a summary from a blog post explaining the dangers of rooftop and porch grilling and why it is illegal:

• It may seem safe but Steve MacDonald, spokesman for the Boston Fire Department, says not a summer has gone by where there has not been an out-of-control blaze caused by illegal grilling
• Nearly half the fires caused by grilling illegally happens between 5pm to 8pm usually during the summer months
• Massachusetts state laws say no propane or charcoal grills are allowed above ground level at all (especially on rooftops and porches)
• There are exceptions to the rule, but involves professional care and city inspection

Grilling is fun and delicious but safety is always first! Not only for you but also for those around you. So the next time you grill, do it away from the house. 

As always is you have any questions regarding property management, make sure to visit our website and utilize our client resources.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more tips and advice in the future! If you have any questions or comments, contact us on our social media pages or comment below. Always feel free to share our content!

Labor Day Weekend Reminder for Boston Residents - It's also Moving Day!

It’s Labor Day weekend!

Everyone is looking forward to enjoying their long weekend and planning to have some fun. But to those of you in Boston, you know what the 1st of September brings…chaos. Streets will be littered with moving trucks, furniture everywhere on the sidewalk, and thousands of students and people alike, trying to move in. Traffic and accidents are almost guaranteed. So Premier thought we’d at least attempt to alleviate some pain by providing you with these four articles that might help on that dreaded day:

Traffic and Parking Advisory:

• http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/allston_brighton/2013/08/traffic_restricted_parking_banned_in_parts_of_boston_during.html
• http://www.cityofboston.gov/news/Default.aspx?id=6304

Tips on how to move successfully:

• http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/at-boston-moving-101-51732
• http://olympiamoving.com/2013/08/22/get-ready-for-allston-christmas/

Have a great weekend!

About Premier Property Solutions

Premier Property Solutions, LLC specializes in personalized property management solutions for condominiums, apartment buildings, and investment units.

Serving all of Massachusetts, Premier maintains offices in Boston's Sea Port, Back Bay, and West Springfield, MA .

From financial services to maintenance, snow removal, budget analysis, capital project planning and cost control measures - it's our job to personally ensure your home and investment is enhanced through our property management services, every day. It is our philosophy that a property management company is only as good as its property managers and support staff.

• Headquarters

  311 Summer Street STE 200Boston, MA 02210 United States

• Website

  http://www.premierpropertyma.com

Property Management: Landlords v. Tenants

Have you ever wanted to tell your landlord something but didn’t get a chance to? Or maybe you just can’t stand your landlord that you don’t even want to talk to them. I recently stumbled upon an article written by Paula Pant that lays out 7 things that every tenant wants their landlord to know and to make the article even more interesting she replies to these statements, being that she is a landlord. So in this article you get the perspective of both sides, something that’s hard to find when usual tenant-landlord relationships aren’t the greatest. Here are some takeaways from the article and my input:  

	Tenants	Landlords
Rent	The number one complaint always seems to be concerning the matter of RENT. Tenants feel like just because they are a day late on the rent, landlords overreact and some become ruthless in their attempt to get the rent. Tenants just want them to calm down.	Landlords feel like they are entitled to their rent because they have a signed lease agreement stating the rent will be paid on the designated day. Landlords have bills to pay too and if tenants don’t pay their bills on time, tenants put them in a difficult position.
Pets	Tenants feel like landlords are too strict when it comes to policy of having a pet. Most tenants feel that their pets will not destroy their homes and can keep control of their pets, otherwise they wouldn’t complain about not being able to keep a pet if they thought their pets were going to do some damage.	Landlords argue that pets no matter what causes damage to their property. Not because they want to but just because of their nature. Pets cause wear and tear on carpets and they leave dander on carpets, which have to be professionally cleaned incase the next tenant is allergic. If the building doesn’t allow pets, do not ask for exceptions, because then the landlord would be faced to make exceptions for everyone.
Maintenance	Tenants complain about how maintenance request are either never followed through or delayed for a really long time.	Landlords say that it’s not due to the lack of trying  but the service of the contractors that are being used.

It’s interesting to see perspectives from both sides, and many compelling and interesting comments are made. Click here for the full blog post, and tell us which sides makes the more valid argument by commenting below!

For more news and tips, make sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

If there are any maintenance issues or emergencies please visit our maintenance website.

If you're looking for a new apartment in Boston, head on over to our website for listings.

5 Tips to Reduce Energy Costs During the Summer

According to the energy department, half of the household’s total energy usage goes towards cooling and heating costs. The BLS reports that for the past five years, the price of electricity in Boston has exceeded that of the nation during the summer. It’s going to be one hot and expensive summer folks.

Excessive heat warning have been issued for the Greater Boston Area through out the summer, with heat index values ranging from 105 to 109. Simply, the heat index value measures how hot it feels. People are cautioned to not do any strenuous activities outside as a combination of hot temperature and high humidity can create very dangerous situations.

105 to 109 degrees isn’t exactly beach weather and going out for cold treats can only last so long. So for those days when the weather isn't friendly, the best option might be to stay home. So aside from your basic energy-conserving tips (shutting anything off when not in use), here are some additional tips:

Use your AC efficiently: Air conditioners work more efficient went kept cool and make sure to keep the filter clean. Also by keeping the temperature at a moderate temperature, you’ll save more money. Air conditioners remove humidity so you’ll feel cooler even at a moderate temperature. If you don’t have one and plan on buying an AC, make sure to buy one with an Energy Star label to ensure efficiency. Visit Energy Star for tips and buying guidance on air conditioners.

Ceiling Fan: Ceiling fans are very cost-efficient and a great way to keep yourself cool on a moderately hot day. However, is it important to note that ceiling fans only keep you cool where it is running and does not cool the home’s air. If you have a ceiling fan and an AC, you can use it as a combo. The wind chill effect created by the ceiling fan will actually circulate the cool air from the AC. This allows you to increase the temperature on the AC without losing much cool air, reducing energy costs.

Keeping the heat out: Allowing sunlight into your home brings unwanted summer heat and makes it harder to keep it cooler in doors. An important tip is to close windows and cover your windows (shades, blinds, drapes, etc.) early to block out the sun. Don’t wait until it gets hot. These simple steps will make your homes a lot cooler even without an air conditioner, while saving money.

Daylighting: Summer days mean longer days. Daylighting is a great way to save energy during the day, by reducing the use of artificial light and maximizing use of natural light. Daylighting depends on the climate and the design of the home. North-facing windows are the most effective for source of light while preventing summer heat. South-facing windows when properly shaded can provide the same benefits. East and west-facing windows are good source of light but admit a lot of heat.

Use your water efficiently: During summer days, lowering the temperature on your water heater will reduce your energy costs as it accounts for 13%. If you’re using a dishwasher, make sure it is fully loaded to maximize and reduce the amount of water. Lastly, make sure to take cold showers!

For additional tips, check out NSTAR’s energy saving tips during the summer.

For more news and tips, make sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

If there are any maintenance issues or emergencies please visit our maintenance website.

Visit Premier Property Solutions for any consultations or information about your property!

Air Your Dirty Laundry

Keep a Close Eye On Your Laundry Contracts

By: Jess Kaminski

Laundry contracts should be reviewed closely before signing on the dotted line.  Contracts may contain a Right of First Refusal clause, similar to some condominium documents.  In the event an Association is unhappy with their current vendor's service and obtains bids from potential replacement vendors, this gives the contracted vendor the right to meet the best bid and lock in for another term.  This can be quite the stain for some Associations, as laundry contracts can have terms of more than five years.

SoBo a NoNo

Welcome to the Neighborhood.

By: Jess Kaminski

According to Boston's biggest frienemy, New York City, our corporate office is now located in "SoBo".  The New York Times reported this week that South Boston is now full of trendy newcomers and going by a hipper (and clear knockoff) moniker.  While the other neighborhoods try to find the memo they must have missed, Boston.com has provided this helpful map:





































We're not really sure where to stick the "YOU ARE HERE" dot.

Official Press Release

2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PREMIER ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT

Current Leader To Develop New Division

Boston based property management firm Premier Property Solutions, LLC announces a reorganization of leadership.  Effective April 15^th, Vice President Patrick Colbert will be assuming the role of President.  Current President Christopher Buono to move to Premier’s brokerage and develop services for the marketing and sale of condominiums.

Having lead his own management firm, Absolute Property Solutions, Inc., and previously merged with Premier in 2012, Patrick is primed for the new responsibility.  “My vision for Premier is to continue to provide the same level of professional service, to ensure that our clients are provided with the best property managers in the industry, maintain the value of their homes and to foster a high energy environment for our team members and employees,” says Colbert.

The management team is excited about the new development as well as Vice President Laura Cardoos’ recent returned from maternity leave.  All three leaders are confident Premier will remain at the forefront of the industry.

 

Premier strives to be a vertically integrated service provider that can effectively meet the various real estate needs of their clients. Buono’s new role will provide a level of familiarity, support, and a streamlined sale or rental experience for clients.

Premier Property Solutions, LLC specializes in personalized management solutions for condominiums, apartment buildings, and investment units.  Their modernized management approach offers physical plant and financial guidance to a large portfolio throughout Massachusetts.

###

For more information, please contact Christopher Buono or Patrick Colbert at 617.345.0045 or email them cb@premierpropertyma.com and pc@premierpropertyma.com. 

Is Boston The Ultimate College Town?

Back Bay Dormitory Development Causing Concern

By: Jess Kaminski

In a city where population follows a September 1st move-in cycle, it looks like we can expect even more moving trucks at the end of each summer.

Fisher College, a fully accredited school looming in the shadows of behemoths BU, BC, and NU, plans to convert prestigious Back Bay real estate on One Beacon Street - smack between Arlington and Berkeley -  into student housing for approximately 300 students.  Fisher is known to have limited campus housing due to the lacking real estate; a problem well known in Boston.  Currently their four residence houses are home to 50-70 students each.  A recent study shows Fisher holds about 1,131 full time undergrads, of which 25% are living on campus.  Fisher's new plans include adding enough residential living space for 300 additional students.

Back Bay residents are concerned about the pending influx of student neighbors.  There is a general consensus in Boston that undergrads have a disruptive impact on neighborhood lifestyle; increased noise and a general disrespect toward property appearance and upkeep are top concerns.

Dorms in Boston are locally concentrated within a small number of areas in the city.  Of the roughly 24,000 dormitory rooms, only 1,700 are located in the Back Bay area.  75% of Boston's  campus housing are located in the Kenmore and Fenway neighborhoods.

The scheduled Planning and Zoning meeting between the Boston Redevelopment Authority & the Fisher College Task Force on March 28th has been postponed.  Interested residents can check in for updates at www.bostonredevelopmentauthority.org.