Whenever I watch HGTV I am always amazed how much cheaper many other parts of the country are in comparisons to Massachusetts, but if your tired of renting and want to buy a place here are some options if your budget is under $300,000 and if your wondering what that equals in rough monthly payments $1400 a month. All of the options are near Mass Transit, shops and are near nightlife. If you’re not familiar with Lowell, West Roxbury or Quincy all are pretty easy to get to, and I often say to clients take a weekend and explore areas. Go to open houses, make a day of walking around checking out shops, neighborhoods events to see if could see yourself living in one of these featured areas. When your ready take the plunge into homeownership under $300,000 and start building equity with that monthly payment being approx $1400 a month.
Lowell Mass near Umass has many things going for it. Residents who live near Umass can walk or drive to shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Most of the area was known as Mill area and at one point was where business and innovation started in Massachusetts. Easy Access to Highway and Commuter Rail-less then 1 mile away it’s really an ideal place for someone who wants urban and suburban and best of all many of the properties found in Lowell are move-in ready or could use the bare minimum of work, and again are under $300,000.
200 Market Street 303- 1458 Square feet of living space located on the third-floor offering tons of natural light throughout the home. Living and dining room space offers some separation but not enough where you can’t interact with people while you’re in your living room or kitchen. Two full bathrooms. Spacious bedrooms with Walk-in Closet space. Laundry in unit, and comes with one parking spot. Pet-Friendly. Condo Fee $437..000 and includes Gas, Water, Sewer, Master Insurance, Security, Elevator, Exterior Maintenance, Road Maintenance, Landscaping, Snow Removal, Refuse Removal, Reserve Funds. The unit has Central A/C and heating is a heat pump. The building has 119 Units in the building and 78 are owner-occupied. Close to public transportation, shops, restaurants. This unit was taken off the market for a bit and just came back on market February 2nd, 2018. Priced at $224,900
52 Lawrence Dr – Unit 303- 1062 square feet of living space located on the third floor at Renaissance on the River complex close to Merrimack River, downtown, Tsongas Arena, Lowell University and Lowell Spinner’s Field. Besides offering a central location this condo offers ample space with large rooms and high beams throughout the home. Stainless Appliances, Granite counter tops, Two full bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Parking is also included, along with fitness room, club room, and bike storage. Central A/C and Gas heating. Condo Fee $430.13 Heat, Hot Water, Water, Sewer, Master Insurance, Security, Elevator, Exterior Maintenance, Road Maintenance, Landscaping, Snow Removal, Exercise Room, Clubroom, Extra Storage, Refuse Removal. The building has 153 units in the building and 116 are owner-occupied. The listing just had a price reduction on February 1st 229,900.
35 RIVERWALK WAY – Unit R-307- 1,239 Sq feet of living space located on the third floor at Renaissance on The River Complex. This building is located near Lawrence Drive which is also mentioned in this blog entry but is a separate building. Like 52 Lawrence Dr, the common areas and building are professionally managed and taken care of well. Close to Merrimack River, Downtown, Tsongas Area and makes a great place to call home if you are working near Umass or attending school at Umass. Urban Loft space with polished concrete flooring. High Ceilings, Exposed beam work. Oversized windows offering tons of natural light. Stainless Steel Appliances, washer, and dryer in unit, Unlike Lawrence Drive this unit only offers one bathroom but does offer a bit more square footage than another unit close by. Other amenities Parking is also included, along with fitness room, club room, and bike storage. The building has 153 units in the building. Condo Fee $488 and includes Heat, Hot Water, Gas, Water, Sewer, Master Insurance, Exterior Maintenance, Road Maintenance, Landscaping, Snow Removal, Refuse Removal, Air Conditioning. The unit did have a price reduction in early January and is priced at 239,900.
If your shooting to live closer to Boston you still have options, but you might not find as much square footage as you can get with other properties mentioned prior in this blog, but for some house hunters, it’s more about living in a central location then having more space to live in. Maybe West Roxbury or Quincy is worth taking a look at if you care more about location then space on your quest to own your own place.
211 Baker Street – Unit 34 West Roxbury 730 square feet of living space. Sunny and bright 2 bedroom condo in West Roxbury! Nice open floor plan with a large living room open to the kitchen. This lovely unit has a renovated kitchen with beautiful cabinetry and granite tile countertops. There is an updated full bath that was completely gutted and redone in 2014. Two good-size bedrooms with lots of closets. This condo was just freshly painted and has pretty hardwood floors throughout. The affordable condo fees also include heat and hot water!! Boiler, windows and electrical panel have all been updated. Bright and clean common laundry room located in the basement. This convenient location is a short walk to the commuter rail and MBTA bus routes. 32 units in building and 13 are owner-occupied. Condo Fee $358 and includes Heat, Hot Water, Water, Sewer, Master Insurance, Laundry Facilities, Exterior Maintenance, Landscaping, Snow Removal, Refuse Removal. Comes with one parking spot. Came on Market Last day of Jan $289,000.
62 South St – Unit 1 Quincy Mass 964 square feet of living space. Completely renovated condo in a highly sought after Aquarius condominium. Top notch renovation features brand new everything in the kitchen. New top of the line stainless steel appliances and gleaming white wood cabinetry with granite countertops and new tile floor. Huge living room with hardwood floors opens to screened in porch. Washer dryer hookup in unit. Generous closets in both bedrooms. Freshly painted throughout with brand new wall-to-wall carpeting in bedrooms. 2 brand new bathrooms. Ease of one level living. Deeded parking and ideally located for the Boston commuter with the T 1/2 miles away. Summer in style with in-ground pool with patio and lounge chairs plus private clubhouse for entertaining. Gorgeous landscaping around the common areas with 360-degree treetop views. The unit does also offer 1 parking spot. Condo Fee $408.39 and includes Hot Water, Water, Sewer, Master Insurance, Exterior Maintenance, Road Maintenance, Snow Removal. The unit also offers Central A/C and Forced hot air for heat. This home came on market Jan 18th, 2018 and hasn’t had a price reduction and is priced at $299,000
Yes, these options are not located in Central Boston, Cambridge or Somerville but they all have great things going for them and the value of this homes will only go up. If you are tired of renting and want to build equity these are all great options and most of them don’t require any work besides calling the moving company and letting your friends you have made the jump from renter to homeowner. Contact me if you want to start your search.
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