Brenda van der Merwe, Realtor

06/05/2026

Interest rates are still one of the first things buyers bring up, and it makes sense. But what I've seen over 20 years in this market is that waiting for the "perfect" rate often costs more than the rate itself.

Prices in Newton and Brookline don't pause while the market sorts itself out. Inventory moves. Competition shifts. And buyers who come in prepared, with a clear strategy and a realistic picture of their purchasing power, consistently come out ahead.

If you're trying to figure out what today's rates actually mean for your specific situation, I'm happy to walk through it with you. No pressure, just clarity.

📱 (617) 388-7897
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.brendasellsboston.com

06/04/2026

In Newton, school districts are not just a factor in the home buying decision. For many buyers, they are the decision.

Newton has consistently ranked among the top public school systems in Massachusetts, and that reputation is baked into property values across the city. Homes within the boundaries of highly rated elementary schools routinely command a premium, and buyers relocating to the area from other cities or countries often start their search by mapping schools before they ever look at a single listing.

What this means practically is that two homes that look nearly identical on paper can sell at very different prices based on which side of a district boundary they fall on. It also means that for sellers, understanding how your school district is perceived in the current market is part of pricing your home correctly.

If you have questions about how this plays out in a specific neighborhood, I am happy to walk you through it.

📱 (617) 388-7897
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.brendasellsboston.com

06/03/2026

** SOLD ** | $1,399,000 | Light, space, and original character in the heart of Brookline.

4 Fairbanks Street APT 2 is a floor-through corner unit with 2,120 sqft of gracious living, high ceilings, beautiful original woodwork, wainscoting, detailed molding throughout, and newer Andersen windows that bring incredible natural light into every room. A dramatic formal dining room, a large private primary suite, in-unit laundry, and central air. Located between Washington Square and Coolidge Corner, steps from the Fairbanks T stop and Griggs Park.

Properties like this one remind me why I love what I do. Congratulations to my seller clients on commanding a wonderful price for their home.

📱 (617) 388-7897
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.brendasellsboston.com

06/02/2026

One of the questions I get most often from homeowners thinking about their next move is this: do I buy first, or sell first?

The honest answer is that it depends. In a market like Newton and Brookline where inventory moves quickly, selling first gives you clarity on your budget and removes the pressure of carrying two properties. But it can also mean finding yourself between homes in a competitive market with limited options.

Buying first gives you time to find the right property without rushing. The tradeoff is managing the financial overlap and the uncertainty of not knowing exactly what your current home will sell for.

There is no universal right answer. What matters is understanding your financial position, your timeline, and your risk tolerance. That is exactly the kind of conversation I have with my clients before anything else.

📱 (617) 388-7897
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.brendasellsboston.com

06/01/2026

If you want the energy of Boston without living in it, Arlington deserves a serious look.

Just 6 miles northwest of the city, Arlington is a close-knit community of over 45,000 residents with well-preserved historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and a walkable town center full of local restaurants and boutiques. Homes here move fast, the median days on market is just 8, with a median sales price of $1,035,000.

Arlington has its own beach! The newly renovated Reservoir Beach in Arlington Heights has a brand new bath house, snack bar, picnic pavilion, playground, swimming and water play area, sport court, and walking paths. Plus parking!

It's the kind of neighborhood where people put down roots and stay. If you're curious about what's available in Arlington right now, I'm happy to share what I'm seeing.

📱 (617) 388-7897
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.brendasellsboston.com

05/29/2026

** UNDER AGREEMENT ** | Opportunities like this simply don't come around often in Newton Centre.

Lots 2 & 3 on Chapin Road offer 32,713 square feet of breathtakingly beautiful, undeveloped land at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Old-growth trees, lush landscape, and a secluded setting that feels private while remaining close to everything Newton Centre has to offer.

Build the home you've always envisioned on 0.75 acres in one of Newton's most sought-after neighborhoods. The seller is in the process of obtaining permission to build one single family house. Reach out directly for details.

Listed at $2,000,000.

📱 (617) 388-7897
📧 [email protected]
💻 www.brendasellsboston.com

05/17/2026

05/15/2026

📍 Brookline Fun Fact!

Brookline is home to the birthplace of President John F. Kennedy, located at 83 Beals Street! 🇺🇸 This quiet residential neighborhood is more than just beautiful; it’s rich with American history. The house has been preserved as a National Historic Site and offers a glimpse into early 20th-century family life right in the heart of town.

photo credits: .gov