Kim Walker Chin, MBA, REALTOR

Coldwell Banker Realty | Serving Cambridge, Somerville, Boston & Beyond

617.817.1593 | Kwalkerchin@gmail.com | Instagram: @kimwalkerchin | Facebook: /kimwalkerchin 

Kim has a 6th sense for finding the right home or investment for her clients. She listens and pays close attention to her clients needs. Kim has a down to earth personality matched with intelligence. She will patiently guide you through the process of buying or selling your home or investment. She did her graduate undergraduate work in the area and has been a Cambridge resident since 1990.

Featured Property: Cambridge, MA

10 Rogers Street, Penthouse 2 | This one-of-a-kind, oversized, bi-level penthouse feels like a floating home above it all — a must-see with spectacular panoramic views of the Charles River and Boston Skyline! With two patios and every amenity, this is an incomparable indoor-outdoor entertainment experience. $3,200,000. 

Kim Walker Chin originally appeared as an Elite agent in Unique Homes Spring ’21: Elite edition. See the ad here.

Courtney Hampson, Vice President of Marketing

Palmetto Bluff, SC

Palmetto Bluff is a community in coastal South Carolina that caters to a mix of primary and vacation homeowners. Courtney Hampson, Vice President of Marketing for Palmetto Bluff, says on the panel that at the beginning of the pandemic many residents were already staying in Palmetto Bluff due to Spring Break, and were mandated to stay due to the shutdown. Many stayed until May when the state began opening up again, and there were several instances where those who extended their stay ended up moving to Palmetto Bluff full time. About a particular couple from New York with young children, Hampson says “They literally walked down the street into our real estate office, went on our tour, looked at available homes, closed two days later, our fastest closing ever, and that was it. ‘This is where we are,’ they said, ‘This is the plan now.'”

During the panel Hampson also stated that the utilization of virual tours and showings became more widely utilized, so much that they had to include the option on their website right away on their website.” She also noted that in the midst of everything, they found that buyers were buying almost like they were suffering from FOMO, or a Fear of Missing Out. “[Clients] are booking their stay at the hotel first, and … they have almost a fear of missing out. They’re not waiting to get here to look at real estate — they’re doing that virtually, going under contract and seeing their property the first time they come to visit.” 

Carrie Wells, Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate

Aspen, CO

Though located on the opposite side of the United States, Carrie Wells of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate in Aspen, Colorado experienced similar situations as Hampson had in South Carolina. March is typically the latter part of the state’s skiing season, but due to the pandemic the season was cut short, and those visiting found themselves sequestering in Aspen — and staying. She remarked that you can see this reflected in the school district alone, where 175 new students were admitted and a weight list was created for the Aspen Country Day School, Aspen’s main private school. She also noted that with the help of Matterport virtual tour technology many sales were able to happen, as clients wanted to be able to visit openings safely. 

Wells remarked about her own experience with a New York family who stayed in Aspen until the summer. “He said, ‘I never realized that Aspen is so enjoyable in April and May,’ which are normally our off-season months. … People have experienced being here year-round, when they normally would not be here, and there’s so much to do other than downhill skiing that I think regardless of what happens with our winter, we’re still going to see our market continue to be strong.”

Chris Bernier, Churchill Properties

Boston’s North Shore, MA

Located just 30 minutes outside of Boston, Chris Bernier of Churchill Properties notes during the Zoom panel that despite the usual trends of buyers looking for smaller, more minimalistic style homes, space really is the new currency. He affirms that many buyers in his market are flocking toward the larger homes. These market shifts are no doubt due to the pandemic shifting priorities, and continues to show 

James Torrance, Keller Williams Luxury International

Palm Beach, FL

James Torrance from Palm Beach, Florida has much to say about the pandemic has shifted Florida into more than just a retirement or snowbird refuge, seen in these clips from the Zoom discussion. He notes further that in fact a large wave of buyers from California and more specifically Chicago brought interest to the area and helped close several sales, a rarity in his area. What was also interesting that he notices are the importance of the private schools and districts in South Florida, as he mentions that many buyers were shopping around different homes once they had found a school system they liked, then picking from available homes nearby.

This, alongside his points about the importance of homes with multi-functional spaces such as guesthouses and just the overall outlook on how the market has shifted, highlight just how much action Florida has seen in the past several months due to Covid-19’s effect on real estate.

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Full of historic homes and luxury beaches, northern Boston is the up-and-coming region of New England.

Geographic rivalries are not uncommon. In Boston, it’s two stretches along the coast radiating from the city — North Shore vs. South Shore. At first glance they seem similar, a chain of cities and towns hugging the coastline, but the differences (and maybe the rivalries) go back centuries. The Pilgrims landed in Plymouth on the south, and the Puritans landed on the north in Salem, founding two different colonies with diverse underpinnings.

On the North Shore, it’s hard to escape reminders of the region’s storied past. Here it’s possible to find quintessential New England in villages such as Essex, which has the most antique shops per square mile in the country. In the city of Newburyport, just south of the New Hampshire border, vestiges of the Colonial era mix with the 21st century. Once an important port and center for shipbuilding, Newburyport has the largest collection of Federalist architecture in the country. Here and in nearby towns such as Newbury, one finds prime examples of early Colonial homes, some of which remain private residences.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / DENISTANGNEYJR

Throughout the North Shore, there are dozens of historic homes and sites. The Peabody Essex Museum on East India Square in Salem highlights the history of the region, particularly the maritime connections, but it is also ranked one of the country’s top art museums.

The region includes more than 25 cities and towns extending along oceanfront, inlets and marshes north of Boston and into former farming villages farther inland. A number are considered enclaves for the affluent, but the diversity of housing and communities ranges from waterfront and marsh-view settings to urban condos, to residences on multi-acre sites a few miles inland in Boxford or Middletown.

Some of the best beaches in the state also dot this stretch of the coast and include Plum Island off of Newburyport, Crane’s Beach in Ipswich and Wingaersheek in Gloucester on Cape Ann.

Locals often refer to Cape Ann, a rocky spit of land reaching into the Atlantic, as “the other cape.” Admittedly, it is one of the prettiest stretches of coastline in the state (it’s been a setting for a number of movies), and one that still offers an authentic lifestyle that appeals to an eclectic group from fishermen to artists and writers. The seaside village of Rockport is an arts hub. On Cape Ann, one discovers Shingle-style homes often mixed among Contemporary-style residences built to capture ocean, marsh or pond views.

Not only does this area include gorgeous beaches, but also some of the region’s true estate settings in Manchester by the Sea and Annisquam. It is also home to America’s oldest fishing port, Gloucester, which is still a working fishing community.

Along with beaches, history, stunning homesites and towns that foster community, the region is noted for a cuisine inspired by the Italian and Portuguese heritage and the bounty of fresh seafood. In fact, instead of farm to table, Gloucester touts its “bait to plate” freshness. All this, only 30 miles from Logan Airport and Boston.

With leasing and construction progressing swiftly at Greater Boston’s newest waterfront development, the property’s North Building is over 65 percent leased.

Meriel Marina Bay is move-in ready and features a wide assortment of apartment homes ranging from around $2,100 to $4,600 per month.

Photos courtesy of Meriel Marina Bay

A fantastic escape from a long day at work, Bell Olmsted Park is located across the street from Olmsted Park, a gorgeous public park with a beautiful serene pond — definitely a favorite for locals.

Bell Olmsted Park is a LEED Silver luxury community, with 196 beautifully designed apartment homes in an ideal Boston location. The community is comprised of a 5-story building, two elevated courtyards, and both surface and garage parking facilities.
Featuring a mix of luxury apartment living, verdant green spaces and vibrant city streets, Bell Olmsted Park offers residents bright and spacious studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom homes. Amenities include a coffee lounge, pool and sun deck, state-of-the-art fitness center, resident lounge, private dining room, bike storage, full-service concierge and more. There is more than 23,000 square feet of space devoted to resident amenities.

“Bell Olmsted Park is a leading residential community based in Jamaica Plain that offers best-in-class service and amenities to its residents, along with direct access to Boston’s Longwood Medical Area via the nearby MBTA Green line,” said Evan Pires, the regional manager for Bell Partners, Inc.
Adjacent to Metro Boston Transit Authority trains and buses, Bell Olmsted Park’s location provides distinct advantages to its residents. “The building is situated in a vibrant neighborhood, with nearby dining, retail and entertainment options only steps away, and Brookline Village shops just minutes away,” Pires said. “Residents can also take advantage of one of the most beautiful parks in New England, Olmsted Park.”

Prices range from $2,440 to $6,050.

Photos courtesy of Bell Olmsted Park

New York Designer, Glen Coben has completed the re-design of the Boston-based Ames Boston Hotel, spearheading the design of the hotel’s lobby, The Library and Cultivar restaurant.

The revitalized 15-story, 114-suite Ames Boston Hotel merges the past, present and future, offering a blend of modern style and old-world sophistication. Glen blended his designs with the many preserved, original features of the hotel, including the lobby’s tiled mosaic arched ceiling and a marble staircase that runs from the first floor to the roof.
The renovated lobby features sleek new check-in stations and a casual seating area accented by warmly-toned wood shelving and trim pieces. Adjacent to the revamped entryway is The Library, which boasts the same eye-catching, mid-century design scheme that begins in the lobby and serves as communal workspace.

The 114 guestrooms incorporate modern and timeless elements with a refreshed chic color palette that evokes a sense of calm and peace.
Glen’s design for Cultivar, an upscale restaurant, was inspired by Chef Mary Dumont’s vision of cuisine. Located on the ground floor of the hotel, Glen designed the 88-seat dining room to combine natural-rustic materials with an upscale, refined aesthetic, to reflect Dumont’s modern garden culinary approach.

Beginning with the hydroponic Freight Farms garden on the 55-seat outdoor patio, horticulture pervades the décor throughout with tree branch-inspired chandeliers and wooden butcher block tabletops.
The 12-seat bar features a long slab of live-edge wood and custom black steel sculpture by Ray Ciemny, entitled “Swarm of Bees.” Upstairs, Cultivar’s 90-seat private dining space can be divided into two distinct rooms, accommodating up to 140 standing guests.

Photos courtesy of Galdones Photography and VRX studios inc.

Photo courtesy Maxwell Mackenzie.

In 2017, Unique Homes is traveling the U.S. to find the dominant stories in each region of the country — This issue covers the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

By Camilla McLaughlin

To say 2017 is a year of change is an understatement, and real estate is no exception. Prices are up … and down. Condition matters, and design and architecture have almost become a national obsession. In our yearlong series, we are taking a look at all the regions of the country in an attempt to answer the question of the year,

WHAT NOW?

For real estate in major East Coast cities, 2017 culminates a decade of change. In many locations, it is a turning point of sorts with new value equations being forged and entirely new standards for luxury properties emerging. Lifestyle matters more than ever. Whether it’s a desire for arts and culture or an escape from ever-increasing gridlock, a penchant for urban living has become a prime driver for real estate in many markets. What changes also stays the same, as neighborhoods that were hot hundreds of years ago are back in vogue.

New York

“We used to say cash is king. I think right now value is king. Everyone from luxury down to the $1 million range wants to feel some value,” says Diane Ramirez, chairman and CEO of Halstead Property, about real estate in the Big Apple. 

Few real estate markets received as much scrutiny in 2016 as New York. Reports from the first quarter of 2017 point toward a revival, with prices and transactions for resale apartments increasing by 5 percent year-over-year. Closing prices for new development averaged $4.3 million, 15-percent higher than the first quarter 2016. “Post election, we’re seeing a great deal of interest. In Manhattan, the luxury market is bubbling, very interesting and active. We’re seeing activity, but the higher you go up the more challenging it is. Yet, we recently closed on a $41-million-plus sale,” says Ramirez.

Years of white-hot demand tempered in 2016, and sellers have had to fine tune expectations and adjust to the new market reality. Ramirez explains: “Buyers, whether it’s $30 million or $16 million or $1.5 million, want to see or feel they got some value.” It doesn’t necessarily have to be price. It could be some type of a concession or initiative.

What’s hot here continues to be new. “People love new construction. They just love the newness. It’s no longer just about space,” Ramirez says, listing the benefits new construction delivers — views even from the kitchen, open plans with excellent flow, collaborative spaces and technology. And big windows that make these urban dwellings almost seem like a suburban home.

Fewer permit applications suggest development is slowing. New buildings currently in the pipeline are not on ultra prime streets. While still very upscale, they will come to market at lower price points. “I am happy to see some of the newest development coming in prices that are still in the $6 million range or higher but not starting at $8 million,” says Ramirez.

Highest-priced listing: $110 million penthouse in the Woolworth Tower Residences

Top: ©getty images; Bottom: 2 Avery Street, courtesy Robert Paul Properties.

Washington, D.C.

“The thing with D.C., it’s always been a solid market with so many people moving in and out,” says Katherine Herndon Martin with McEnearney Associates. Long before the recession, Washington’s real estate star was on the rise, and in recent years it has charted among top markets nationally. In March, homes were selling within two weeks, with the number of units sold up 15 percent vs. a year ago.

The recent focus on ultra properties on Kalorama Road has pushed upscale Washington into the limelight. Until recently, prices above $12 million were rare, but billionaire interest, beginning with Jeff Bezos’ purchase of a $23 million property on S Street, puts new upscale dynamics in play. Similar to Beverly Hills, new estates, rather than new towers, create rising benchmarks for luxury here.

The most expensive property on the market in the District of Columbia is a $22 million estate on Chain Bridge Road on the second-highest point in the

city. (The National Cathedral is the highest.) At first glance, the regency-styled home seems to be one of the city’s historic estates, but it is newly built and constructed with a level of materials and attention to detail comparable to that found in the most expensive areas of the country. 

The other facet of the D.C. real estate story is continued redevelopment and gentrification of neighborhoods and parts of the city, a process that began decades ago. Some of the newest hot areas include Brookland near Catholic University as well as neighborhoods around Logan Circle. In many of the suburbs, bigger continues to have great appeal with buyers often adding on to what is already substantial square footage in properties in Potomac, Maryland and McLean, Virginia.

Highest Price in the Region: $24 million for new construction in McLean, Virginia.

Highest Price in the District: $22 million for a newly constructed estate in the Foxhall Neighborhood.

Philadelphia

Eds and meds is how Mark Wade with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox and Roach Realtors sums up part of the draw to Center City Philadelphia. But, based on the large number of downsizers exchanging suburb for city, arts and culture are easily in the mix. The big news here is new super premium buildings that fetch unheard of prices, especially for condominium residences. “Basically, what we have is that Philadelphia is a town of Toyotas and Mercedes. That’s our high-rise market. What’s coming down the pike are Bentleys. There is a huge disparity between the two. The gap is unbelievable,” Wade says referring to the recent sale of an 8,900-square-foot, two-story penthouse at 500 Walnut for $17.85 million, a record in a city where the previous high priced sale was a $12.5 million penthouse, set in 2010.   

Newcomers, particularly those drawn by the universities and medical systems, also opt for a home in the city. “Twenty-five years ago, the trend was the exact opposite. Somebody would move here, say from Atlanta, and they would bypass the city and magically end up in the suburbs. Today, when we get a transferee like that, it’s the exact opposite,” observes Wade. Additionally, the city attracts a large contingent of commuters to Manhattan, who happily trade an hour in the car for a productive hour on the train.

Highest-priced listing: $16.795 million for a
Society Hill condo.

On the radar: New ultra-luxury buildings, such as the Residences at the Ritz Carlton, are setting records over $10 million.

Market Insight: “When our market rises, it does so at a sustainable pace,” says Wade. “When our market falls, it does so gradually — we don’t have the crazy ups and downs of say a Miami, or New York, or D.C. We seem to chug along either up or down. Nothing wrong with that!”

The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia. Photo courtesy Ritz-Carlton.

Baltimore

Photo courtesy ©getty images.

Charm City is more than just a catchy moniker. “Baltimore is a hotbed,” and when you are here you discover that it literally is Charm City, observes Charlie Hatter, owner of Prime Building Advantage and Monument Sotheby’s International Realty in Baltimore. “Luxury real estate is doing very, very well,” he says, citing a recent $6 million sale. “Anything above $2 million is considered ultra luxury for this market.” High-end suburbs including Roland Park and Towson and properties in the horse country see strong demand.   

The ambiance of the city and prices bring a number of new residents who have children in New York or Washington, D.C., which are both an easy train ride away. Revitalized areas in the city and inner harbor area are in demand. Like many places, sales were slow or even stagnant in summer and fall. On the other hand, Charlie Hatter describes the spring market as “huge” with lots of activity around the inner harbor, as well as areas that have been revitalized. “People love the charm and the uniqueness of the older properties,” he says.

Highest-priced listing: $12.5 million for a Four Seasons penthouse with skyline and water views.

This story originally appeared in Unique Homes Ultimate ’17. Click here to see the digital version.

Photo courtesy Nickerson. 

Leasing has launched for Meriel Marina Bay, the newest and most dynamic luxury residential building in Quincy, according to Hines, a global real estate investment firm. Located on a scenic seaside peninsula just a few miles south of Boston, Meriel Marina Bay delivers luxury waterfront living and diverse amenities, paired with the convenience of easy access to I-93 via car, a complimentary shuttle to the Red Line North Quincy MBTA station and a water ferry to downtown Boston.
Meriel Marina Bay is a mixed-use development comprised of two, five-story buildings featuring 352 luxury apartments with ample garage parking and approximately 20,000 square feet of premier ground-level retail space ideal for dining establishments and specialty boutiques. Featuring a wide variety of thoughtfully designed layouts including studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, the apartments at Meriel Marina Bay offer breathtaking views of the Boston skyline, Boston Harbor and the vibrant Marina Bay boardwalk. The Meriel Marina Bay development will nearly double the size of the existing public boardwalk and further enhance Quincy’s vibrant Marina Bay neighborhood that features condominiums, retail and restaurants, as well as a 686-slip marina.
“Meriel Marina Bay is extremely unique in that it offers residents the best of both worlds – a pristine oceanfront home with easy access to Boston in under 30 minutes,” said David Perry, senior managing director at Hines. “As the last major development planned for Marina Bay, we aimed to exceed market expectations in both the design of this property and the range of amenities. It is an extraordinary waterfront location deserving of a best-in-class residential community.”
Each apartment home includes spacious open layouts with oversized windows and wide plank flooring throughout the main living areas. Bright kitchens feature stainless steel appliances, center islands with breakfast bar, quartz countertops and European-style soft close cabinets. Apartments also include large walk-in closets, soaking tubs, walk-in showers and a full-size washer and dryer. Many apartments feature dual-sink vanities and a majority of the apartment homes have either oversized balconies or private patios.
Built with serenity and lifestyle in mind, Meriel Marina Bay offers a multitude of high-end amenities. Residents are able to exercise in one of two state-of-the-art fitness centers with separate cardio and yoga studios, bask in the sun on the stylish sundeck or relax in the heated swimming pool.