:: Colfax Relocations Boston ::


Why should I use Colfax Relocations?	1) Our service is built entirely around the needs of people relocating to Boston. 2) All of our associates are trained experts in the relocation process and have worked with a wide variety of clientele, US and international alike. 3) We walk you through the whole process-end to end. 4) We are a client-centric firm, and we customize our service around your situation.
Do you charge a fee for your services?	We have developed relationships with dozens of rental communities which pay the broker fee, which means our services are many times absolutely free to you. If you decide to rent a home where the landlord does not pay the broker fee, we typically charge a fee equal to one month's rent. You don't pay a fee unless we find exactly what you're looking for and you sign a lease.
Am I not better off looking on my own?	The Boston rental market is very fast-paced and availability is scarce, specially between May and September. Our services are free much of the time but even if you incur a broker fee, keep in mind we educate you on the rental market and save you a great deal of time, energy and frustration. We receive daily availability reports and know which rental properties meet your exact needs. We do the research, make the appointments and drive you to all the properties.
Do you offer any discounts when there is a broker fee?	Absolutely. Please ask your Housing Advisor about our preferred employer/school rebates and specials.
When is the right time to start looking at places?	You should plan on starting your search at least 30-45 days before your move. Give yourself plenty of time so you can familiarize yourself with the Boston market and the variety of options available. We suggest you start looking 60-90 days in advance. We prefer to start early so we can help you understand the neighborhoods, price ranges and the market in general. Our goal is to enable you to make an educated decision.
What is the process to secure a place?	You must fill out an application, pay an application fee, provide your background info and sign the lease.
What documents do we need to bring along to close the deal once a suitable apartment has been found?	All renters request more or less the same docs. You should have a picture ID (a passport is fine) and a bank statement or loan letter to show where the funds for the rent will be coming from. Most renters will ask for references from your previous landlord and verification of your employment. Once you fill out the application, you will need two checks – one for the application fee (this varies, but usually runs between $35-$150) and the other for 2 months' rent (the first month's rent plus the security deposit).
How long will we need to look at all the places?	We filter out the properties you don't like before you come and hit the ground running when you get here. All we need is one afternoon or morning to see 6-10 properties.
Are there any furnished apartments?	Yes, there are some rental communities which offer furnished homes but it is not very common. We can get you in touch with several reputable firms which rent furniture and even silverware, soap dispensers and decorations. If you don't want to buy furniture, you can furnish and decorate ANY home for a reasonable monthly fee.
Do I need to come to Boston to look at places?	We help a lot of people find homes remotely using our “virtual” resources—phone, fax and e-mail. Check out http://www.colfaxrelocations.com/boston/approach.php
I have a dog or cat. Is this a problem?	Most properties accept up to two cats per home. Very few rental communities accept dogs but we know those that do and can always try to find an independent rental with a flexible landlord. Keep in mind those communities which accept dogs typically have weight limits and will charge an additional deposit and/or monthly fee to accept your dog.
When we start narrowing down the list to specific units, will you be sending me pictures and/or layouts of the actual places that fit my criteria?	Yes. There is a lot of info on the website as well. If you are not coming to Boston, we can do a tour of the properties as if you were there by sending you pictures of the units.
Is there any information that you could send me on the different neighborhoods in the Boston area? I would like to get a feel for the city before I move.	Sure. Check out http://www.colfaxrelocations.com/boston/boston.php or go to the Boston page on the website.
What is the difference between an independent rental and a rental community?	An independent rental is a unit that is individually owned and rented by its owner. Renters are much less transient. The places are designed to be longer term homes, so they usually have nicer finishes and features. The units vary by owner and building. Processes, procedures and policies vary greatly by landlord. In a rental community, all the units are rentals, and the building is managed by a property manager. The residents are much more transient, and the units are cookie-cutter. They usually have a price list and pretty defined processes, procedures and policies.
What can I expect my utilities to be?	Utility bills vary greatly depending on the age of the building, type of construction, size of the home, etc. Most of the rentals we offer include at least the heat and hot water in your rent. Some also include air conditioning and even electricity.
What is a feature?	Items that are part of the apartment itself: microwave, dishwasher, fireplace, etc.
What is an amenity?	Items that are part of the apartment complex: a party room, pool, gym, coffee shop, etc.


Why should I consider buying?	• Build equity Rather than pay rent and help your landlord build his equity, make your monthly payments go towards paying off your mortgage and building your own equity. You also build equity as your property's value appreciates. • Tax deductions Rent is not deductible, whereas mortgage interest and property taxes are. • Today’s rates Interest rates are hovering near 40-year lows. As rates (and rents) go up in the future, your monthly payments will be locked in at today’s rates. • No capital gains taxes If you live in your property for at least two years, you will not have to pay any capital gains taxes when you sell. • Colfax Realty can help with the next phase If you decide to rent your property if you move or upgrade, Colfax Realty can market, lease and manage it for you. Or if you decide to sell your property, we can help every step of the way.
What is the Boston market like?	It depends on the neighborhood in which you buy. You should contact a Housing Advisor to learn about the various deals available.
How do I know what the mortgage rates are?	Mortgage rates are linked to different factors. For example, some rates are determined by the yield for the 10-year treasury bill. Home sales/purchase activity is directly tied to mortgage interest rates… The lower they are, the more people buy and the faster properties appreciate. The higher rates get, the more people rent, causing properties to appreciate slower (and the rent market strengthens, causing rents to go up).
Why should I use a Housing Advisor to find my place?	Since the commission for the sale of a property is almost always paid for by the seller regardless of who the buyer is, buyers are able to get invaluable assistance and information from our Housing Advisors at reduced costs. It is for this reason that the vast majority of home buyers employ the services of an agent or housing specialist for their purchases. In addition, since most places are listed by real estate agencies, buyers are able to view and consider many more properties. We specialize in helping graduate students with their housing needs, so we can answer questions that are specific to your situation.

Relocations Boston is a division of Colfax Realty Group Inc.