8 Responses to “A Stroll Down Boylston Street – Back Bay Real Estate” »»

1. Prabhjit Singh
   Comment by Prabhjit Singh | 11/29/08 at 7:39 pm

   I have found the exact same issue in the Washington D.C. metro area. Vacancy rates are very high in this area and I do blame it on the residential market issues. I believe strongly that due to the financial crisis caused by the residential lending issues individuals are not spending as much. We can see that this is true due to the spending numbers from thanksgiving and even black Friday. As well unemployment numbers are so low at 6.5%. As a result companies are not existing and we have huge commercial vacancies.

   I am looking forward the economic incentive plan for main street outlined by Obama. You can check out the details at my blog http://www.rempower.com/blog

2. Retail Guru
   Comment by Retail Guru | 11/29/08 at 8:17 pm

   John,

   Get your facts straight…

   Atlantic Fish is temporarily closed because of the fire in Crate & Barrel above the restaurant.

   Winston Flowers sold their building and expanded and renovated their location at 131 Newbury Street.

   The owner of the building that had Restoration Hardware is putting his own store (The Tannery) in that location. Restoration Hardware never had a chance to renew.

   The owners of the building with Dovetail didn’t want to renew them.

   Mattress Discounters and Tweeter went bankrupt…had nothing to do with the location. Tweeter wasn’t going to be able to renew anyway because of the 350 Boylston development

   The developers of 334 Boylston Street are building office and retail, not residential condos.

   Writing inaccurate information does no one any good in the real estate industry.

   This is the problem with residential brokers thinking they know something about commercial real estate. Stick with what you know.

3. Tom Clarksville TN Real Estate
   Comment by Tom Clarksville TN Real Estate | 11/30/08 at 1:19 am

   @Retail Guru – I think that there are plenty of real estate agents that are very capable if selling residential property as well as commercial property. I think it depends on 2 things, the agent and the area. In Clarksville I am able to sell both without a problem, but if I were in say LA then it might be a bit harder to do well at both. So I partially agree with your point, but I think it’s too general.

4. JohnF
   Comment by JohnF | 11/30/08 at 8:04 am

   Retail Guro, relax I have no intentions of getting involved with commercial real estate. I always refer clients to three commercial brokers that I know. Your 20th Century business model is safe with me.

   For the record, I have no problem with real estate companies being involved in both residential and commercial real estate transactions. I feel the more competition the better it serves the client. Provided as you say they are educated on their product. I do NOT make such claims on commercial real estate.

   On a positive note, thank you for “insights” on the Boylston Street retail space issues.

5. MC
   Comment by MC | 11/30/08 at 11:38 am

   John,

   Please check your information here.Most of it is inaccurate.

6. Retail Guru
   Comment by Retail Guru | 11/30/08 at 3:34 pm

   John,

   Like a typical broker you address the comments about your business first, which is the minority about what the post is about. You fail to address the massive inaccuracies in your information.

   While I agree with Tom that there are some markets where brokers can be successful serving the residential and commercial markets, Boston is clearly not one of them.

   As for the 20th Century business model comment, it has nothing to do with a business model, it has to do with providing accurate information. If you care about your clients you should provide them the information that is most accurate and leave the speculation to others who are actually in the market and have the information.

7. John Keith
   Comment by John Keith | 11/30/08 at 9:19 pm

   Dude, you seriously need to calm down and/or find better use of your time.

   This site includes data/news/information and opinion. Almost always, it’s very clear which is which.

   The random walk down Boylston was based on first-hand observation; it was nothing more than a light-hearted look at what’s happening in our neighborhood.

   There was nothing in the post to warrant such hostility.

   Can you add anything constructive to the conversation?

8. John Keith
   Comment by John Keith | 11/30/08 at 9:23 pm

   Might I add, that block of Boylston is notorious for being a “dead-spot”, which is why no one will lose sleep over plans to turn the SC&L building into retail and office space. (Well, except for the very few who think the building deserves to be landmarked.) The Women’s Union shop is moving to 460 Harrison Ave, is what I’ve heard. Other than that, the block is a vast wasteland.

   Regarding Restoration Hardware, I’m skeptical it will become the Tannery, no matter what the owners say. Actions speak louder than words.

   I think the post was more reflecting on the uncertainty faced by the retail / commercial markets right now, more than anything else.

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