Centers And Squares
Welcome to Centers and Squares
As a Cambridge real estate agent, the city squares of Cambridge, Somerville and Medford and the town centers of Arlington, Watertown and Belmont, Massachusetts are my home turf. And as a lifelong New Englander who’s lived within twenty miles of Boston most of my life, I can introduce you to other nearby towns as we search for your new home. If you’re planning to sell your home in Cambridge, MA or nearby you’ll find plenty of info about the home selling process here too. Questions? Send me an email or call me at 617-504-1737.
No Saving Spaces In Cambridge
Reserved Parking Space In Cambridge
No saving spaces in Cambridge – parking spaces that is.
With the repeated snow storms this winter, many Cambridge residents who’ve shoveled out spaces on the city streets have taken to saving their parking spaces by putting out barrels, cones, chairs, even appliances.
Some people take offense at saved spaces. I tend to sympathize. Nothing’s worse than doing a top notch job of clearing away mountains of snow only to have a less than industrious neighbor grab your space – leaving you to circle the block over and over again when you return.
The City of Cambridge has been removing the items used to reserve parking spaces. They’re not done yet – I snapped the table at right on tour today – but the trucks have been going out and every item on the street gets thrown in the truck and taken away when they get to your street. My brother’s building lost its trash barrel that someone was using to save their spot.
Maybe it’s time to take the T and let your car save its space.
Cambridge Condo Styles
If you’ve decided to buy a condo in Cambridge MA you’ll want to think about what style of condo you prefer.
Cambridge condo styles include lofts, townhouses, luxury condos, condos in buildings, and units in converted two and three-family houses.
It’s often a good idea to look at several condo styles when you first go out with your agent to visit properties. You’ll fairly quickly determine which style of condo best suits your needs and preferences.
Cambridge Loft Condos
Cambridge Loft Condos
Cambridge has a number of condo complexes in converted industrial buildings. Many offer very finished spaces with kitchens outfitted with granite counters and high end appliances, new hardwood floors and finished walls and ceilings. In other lofts the space is more raw. Condo buyers who are looking for wide open layouts and soaring ceilings will want to look at Cambridge loft condos. In 2010 Cambridge lofts sold for $318,000 to $671,000.
Cambridge loft buildings include:
155 Brookline Street Cambridge MA
147 Sherman Street Cambridge MA
Cambridge Townhouses
There are many townhouse complexes scattered around Cambridge, most built in the last 35 years or so. Some associations are comprised of just two or three townhouses while other complexes have many more units. Rooms are laid out on two to four floors and many have garage parking on the first level. Often there will be some outdoor space – a private patio or small enclosed yard, a deck or two, perhaps a private roof deck. Townhouses offer some of the largest condos in Cambridge often with three bedrooms and two or more baths. In 2010 Cambridge townhouses sold for $329,000 to $1,435,000.
Cambridge townhouses include:
Valentine Place in Cambridgeport
Luxury Condos In Cambridge
Luxury Condos
Luxury is a bit hard to define – not everyone describes it in just the same way. There are a number of luxury buildings in Cambridge that offer high end amenities including concierge service, indoor pools, valet parking, etc. Several are located in East Cambridge near Lechmere and close to Boston, others are near or in Harvard Square. In 2010 the most expensive luxury condo in Cambridge sold for $4,250,000.
Luxury condos in Cambridge include:
130 Mount Auburn Street Cambridge MA
Condos In Buildings
When you’re thinking of buying a condo in Cambridge one of the first decisions to make is whether you prefer to live in a condo in a building or a condo in a house. Cambridge condo buildings range from wood buildings from the late 1800s with six to twelve units, to classic brick converted apartment buildings of the early 1900s, to modern buildings built from the 1970s to the present. Each has its particular charms. Some prefer the classic architectural details of the older buildings while other condo buyers seek the modern conveniences available in the newer buildings. In 2010 the median price for a Cambridge condo in a building with ten or more units was $395,000.
Here’s a small sample of Cambridge condo buildings of various vintages:
19 Chauncy Street Cambridge MA
88 Hancock Street Cambridge MA
Cambridge Condos In Converted Two and Three-Family Houses
Condos In Houses
A large share of the Cambridge condo inventory consists of condos in two-family and three-family houses. Some of these multi-family units remain in close to original condition while others have been thoroughly renovated, sometimes transformed into modern spaces that previous tenants would barely recognize.
Typically, the condos in three families, or triple deckers as we call them, are of equal size. Some two-families have units of equivalent size while others have a smaller unit on the first floor and a larger two-level unit on the second and third floor. Another layout is what’s referred to as “Philadelphia style” in which the first floor unit has a staircase leading to a room or two on the second floor. The median price for a Cambridge condo in a two or three unit association in 2010 was $470,000.
Cambridge Condo Styles was written by Elizabeth Bolton, a Cambridge real estate agent with ReMax Destiny. Would you like some help with your search for a condo in Cambridge? Give Liz a call at 617-504-1737 or send her an email.
Clean Sidewalk Contest in Cambridge
Do You Live On The Best Shoveled Block In Cambridge?
The mild temps we’ve had the last few days were a perfect opportunity to do some clean up work on the sidewalks outside your house. Just what you need – to ensure nobody slips and falls on your walkway – and to get ready for the Best Shoveled Block in Cambridge contest.
The Cambridge Post Office and the Green Streets Iniative are sponsoring the clean sidewalk contest.
Nominations are due by Feb. 25, 2011.
Local letter carriers will be the judges – since they’ve got to navigate city sidewalks all winter they’re well qualified to select the winner.
It’s a wonderful idea to add some fun to the drudgery of shoveling. Neighbors can get together and make sure everyone on their block has kept their stretch of the sidewalk free and clear of ice and snow. Nothing like some competition to get the neighbors out with shovels and snow blowers at the ready.
Information about the Best Shoveled Block Contest in Cambridge is available on the City website.
Feels Like Summer
Snowbound bike in Harvard Square
It feels like summer … well, maybe spring in Cambridge this weekend. It’s been a welcome reprieve from snow and cold temperatures for a couple of days. Funny how high 30s and low 40s can seem so warm.
Many Cambridge residents took advantage of the milder temperatures and finally started digging out cars encased in several feet of icy snow.
This bicyclist however has yet to get back on the road. Wise move probably – many streets still don’t have full lanes cleared yet making city bike riding even more treacherous than usual.
Best Doorknobs
Best Doorknobs
Best Doorknobs Cambridge real estate agents see so many renovated properties that we become mighty particular about the details.
After viewing renovation after renovation, it’s almost inevitable that you develop as sense for what works and what doesn’t – what looks right and what just doesn’t – what buyers tend to appreciate and what they don’t.
Relatively minor details – like hardware selection – can really separate the humdrum from the Wow! properties.
Getting the style right, the finish, the choice of metals – it’s not easy to pull it all together. Here’s an example from a house where the homeowner got every detail in the renovation just right.
These are the best doorknobs I’ve come across. The little flipper over the keyhole – not sure of its proper name – is reminiscent of antique doorplates but the overall style is crisp, classic – even contemporary. They’re the perfect choice for the older homes that make up most of our housing stock in Cambridge.
Not sure where these are from but I’ll add the info if I find out.
Cambridgeport Condos For Sale
Cambridgeport Condos
Interested in Cambridgeport condos for sale? Cambridge real estate buyers looking for a neighborhood with streets lined with trees and Victorians and easy access to Central Square, Boston, the Charles River, MIT and more will want to consider Cambridgeport. It’s a walkable neighborhood dotted with parks and playgrounds.
Cambridgeport Condos
Cambridgeport condo buyers can choose from a variety of condominium styles. There are units in converted Victorian houses and triple-deckers, newly constructed townhouse complexes, and lofts created from former industrial buildings. There are converted older brick apartment buildings and a 100-unit modern complex at the tip of the neighborhood near the BU Bridge.
The boundaries of Cambridgeport are roughly Mass Ave to the Charles River and River Street to Vassar Street. The zipcode is 02139.
Cambridgeport Condos For Sale
In 2010 75 Cambridgeport condos were listed for sale. The median price of the 51 sales that closed last year was $449,900. Sales prices ranged from $225,000 to $873,000. Properties sold on average for 98% of asking price. These stats are for condos identified by the listing agent as located in Cambridgeport. Not every listing is identified by neighborhood so there may have been other sales not included in the data. Regardless, it does give a good sense of Cambridgeport condo values.
Cambridgeport condos for sale will appear below. Click on the small photo for additional info and more photographs. And if you see something you like – give me a call at 617-504-1737 or send me an email – I’d love to help!
Farm Share Fair in Cambridge
Sign up for a CSA share at the Farm Share Fair
This Thursday there’s a Farm Share Fair in Cambridge where you’ll be able to sign up for a CSA share from farmers who deliver in the Cambridge area.
CSA stands for community supported agriculture. Farmers sell shares in their season’s produce. Each week you’ll receive a box of seasonal vegetables (and in some cases other farm products such as meat or fish). Shares are delivered to local drop off sites.
It’s sort of a fresh vegetables subscription.
Shareholders purchase their shares in advance of the growing season. Shares typically run from June through October. Prices vary and shares can be bought in different sizes. A typical share might cost on the order of $30 per week for approximately 12 to 15 pounds of fresh produce.
Come by this Thursday to meet the farmers. More than a dozen farms are participating. Be sure to bring your checkbook!
Don’t worry if you haven’t been home for dinner.There’ll be pizza and spring rolls available for purchase as a fundraiser.
The Farm Share Fair is sponsored by theMOVE, NOFA/Mass and Somerville Climate Action.
The Cambridge Farm Share Fair is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm in Harvard Square at the Democracy Center, 45 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.
Should I Buy A House Or A Condo In Cambridge?
Houses vs Condos In Cambridge
When you’re thinking about buying real estate in Cambridge MA or nearby one of the first things to consider is whether you want to buy a house or a condo.
Condominiums are a well established part of the real estate market in Cambridge. There are far more condos available than single family homes. How to decide to what’s right for you?
Prices of Condos vs Houses In Cambridge
In Cambridge price is often the most important factor that determines whether you’ll focus on condos or single families. The median single family home price in Cambridge last year was $860,750. By comparison, the median price for Cambridge condos was $425,000.
The condition and level of renovation you’re hoping to find in your new home will also influence whether you buy a house or a condo. At any price point you’re likely to get a more renovated condo than house.
Price aside, what else should you think about when deciding if a house or a condo is right for you? Much has to do with your disposition and what makes you happy when you come home.
Single family houses may be right if:
You’re the independent sort – you’d rather make your own decisions and make your own choices about how to spend your money
You want a yard – you’re more likely to find your own private yard with a house
You want more space – a house with a cellar, perhaps even an attic, will typically give you more room to spread out
You want more privacy – you’re happiest without neighbors above, below or beside you.
Condos may be the choice for you if:
You’d rather share the responsibilities of home ownership – Owning a condo isn’t the same as renting – there’s no landlord to call – but even in the smallest associations you have fellow owners to share upkeep and maintenance projects.
You don’t want to think about yard work, exterior maintenance, etc – In larger associations there will be a board of trustees, a management company, perhaps even full time staff. You won’t have to be involved in the day to day responsibilities at all.
You’re away from home a lot – If you travel or work long hours there’s a certain comfort in knowing that there are people back home who might notice if something is amiss.
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