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.
Condos at The Castle – 10 Dana Street, Cambridge
10 Dana Street in Mid-Cambridge
The Castle at 10 Dana Street is one of Cambridge’s most distinctive condo buildings. Built in 1909 and designed by well known Boston architects, Newhall and Blevins, the building today houses 59 condominiums. Located on Dana Hill in Mid-Cambridge, the convenient location is within walking distance of Harvard Square and Central Square.
History of 10 Dana Street, Cambridge MA
Newhall and Blevins was a very successful Boston architectural firm. Albert Blevins was a member of Harvard’s Class of 1898, Louis Newhall was an MIT man. From 1903 to 1925 their firm designed over 40 buildings in Cambridge including private homes, apartment buildings, commercial structures, and university buildings. The Cambridge YMCA, the Cambridge Savings Bank building in Harvard Square, and the fire station in Inman Square are examples of their work.
“The Castle” was originally built as a residential hotel, Burton Halls, complete with a central kitchen from which meals were delivered by dumbwaiter to residents. It later became an apartment building and eventually was converted to condominiums.
10 Dana Street Architecture
The Tudor style apartment building is configured as a large “U” with a central entrance courtyard. This style of apartment building became popular in cities where the myriad of details and irregular shape of the building made it loom less large on the street. The building has multiple protuding bays, chimneys, copper trimmed curved gables, turrets, onion shaped domes, and leaded windows.
The Castle - Condos on Dana Street
Burton Halls was typical of the best courtyard buildings as described in a 1922 article in The Architectural Recordthat included several buildings designed by Newhall and Blevins. Courtyard buildings were particularly well suited for irregular shaped lots and were designed to maximize views, light, and ventilation.
Condos at The Castle
There are studios, many one bedrooms, and a dozen or so two-bedrooms in the building. Some of the two-bedrooms are duplex units. Most two bedrooms are about 900 to 1000 sq.ft. Two-room studios are usually about 350 sq.ft. in size, and the one bedrooms range in size from about 450 sq.ft. to 800 sq.ft. or so.
The building is four stories and there are some lower level units.
Features include:
- Maple floors
- Wood burning fireplace
- Basement storage
- Resident super
- Cat friendly
- Heat and hot water included in the condo fee
In the last year sales at 10 Dana Street have included:
- 383 sq.ft. studio condo sold for $235,000
- 691 sq.ft. one-bedroom sold for $338,000
- 951 sq.ft. five room two-bedroom condo sold for $419,000
- 1132 sq.ft. two-level two-bedroom sold for $458,500
CHECK TO SEE WHAT’S AVAILABLE AT THE CASTLE
Here are some other condo buildings in Cambridge:
If you’re interested in condos at The Castle or would like to look at other condos in Cambridge please give me a call. I can be reached at 617-504-1737 or by email. I’ve been a real estate agent in Cambridge since 2000 and would be delighted to help you with your search. Elizabeth Bolton, CRS, ABR.
Real Estate Sales in Watertown MA – September 2009
Welcome to the Watertown Real Estate Review
Another month has flown by. Here’s a look back at real estate sales in Watertown MA during September 2009.
Market Snapshot
127 residential Watertown properties were listed for sale in the MLS on September 30, 2009 for prices from $189,000 to $1,395,000. Average days on market was 111.
Real Estate Sales in Watertown – September 2009
Total Watertown residential real estate sales volume closed in September was $$11,654,455
See Also:
AUGUST 2009 WATERTOWN REAL ESTATE MARKET
Medford MA Home Sales in September 2009
Welcome to the Medford Home Sales Report
Another page ripped from the calendar… here’s a look back at Medford MA home sales in September 2009.
Medford MA Homes On the Market
On September 30, 2009 139 residential properties were on the market in Medford Massachusetts priced between $174,900 to $929,000. Properties had been on the market an average of 109 days. The median price of homes for sale in Medford was $369,900.
Medford Mass Home Sales in September 2009
38 properties sold in Medford in September with an average sales price of $341,781. The median sales price was $330,000. Average days on market was 80 days. Homes sold for an average of 98% of the list price.
16 single family homes sold in September for sale prices from $200,000 to $532,500. The median sales price for a single family home was $322,944. Homes were on the market an average of 72 days and sold for an average of 97% of asking price.
14 condos sold in Medford in September priced between $140,000 and $463,250. The median condo price was $296,250. Condominiums sold for an average of 97% of the asking price and had been on the market an average of 109 days.
8 multi-family properties sold during September in Medford MA priced between $300,000 and $632,500. The multi-family market was brisk – multi-families sold for an average of 102% of list price and on average were on the market just 47 days.
Total Medford residential real estate sales volume closed in September was $12,987,688.
Also see:
Medford MA Real Estate Sales in August 2009
SEARCH FOR PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN MEDFORD MASS
Information about homes sold in Medford MA in September 2009 was based on data from MLSpin
National Historic Landmarks in Cambridge
In honor of Ken Burns’ magnificent series on our National Parks this week I thought I’d take a look at the National Parks Service’s 18 National Historic Landmarks in Cambridge MA. Who knew there so many? Not me.
Theodore W. Richard House - National Historic Landmark - Richards was the first American scientist to win the Nobel Prize for chemistry
What is a National Historic Landmark?
According to the NPS’ website an NHL is:
“National Historic Landmarks are buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that have been determined by the Secretary of the Interior to be nationally significant in American history and culture.”
In Cambridge 12 of the landmarks are houses, four are buildings at Harvard, one is a church, and another an office building. The NPS considers Mount Auburn Cemetery to be in Watertown but we can claim it as our 19th Cambridge landmark.
National Historic Landmarks in Cambridge
Many of the sites are private homes to this day. Others are now used for public purposes or are university owned. In many cases there’s no plaque announcing the property’s status so a number of these were really a surprise for me.
- Maria Baldwin House, 196 Prospect Street
- George D. Birkhoff House, 22 Craigie Street
- Percy W. Bridgman House, 10 Buckingham Place
- Reginald A. Daly House, 23 Hawthorn Street
- William M. Davis House, 17 Francis Street
- Elmwood, 33 Elmwood Avenue
- Margaret Fuller House, 71 Cherry Street
- Asa Gray House, 88 Garden Street – this one’s for sale
- Oliver Hastings House, 101 Brattle Street
- Longfellow House, 105 Brattle Street
- Theodore W. Richards House, 15 Follen Street
- Mary Fisk Stoughton House, 90 Brattle Street
- Christ Church, 0 Garden Street
- Arthur D. Little Inc Building, 30 Memorial Drive
- Massachusetts Hall, Memorial Hall, Sever Hall, and University Hall at Harvard University
The next time you take a walk around town take a second look at some of these local treasures.
How To Make An Offer On A House Or Condo
Making an offer to buy a home
How To Make An Offer On A House Or Condo You’ve found the property you really like, the one that seems just about perfect, the one that feels like home when you open the door. What happens next?
How do I make an offer to buy real estate in Massachusetts?
We’ll want to meet in person, if at all possible, when you’re ready to make an offer. It is possible to put in an offer when you’re out of state or out of the country – using email or fax and phone we’ll be able to fill out the forms. However, if you’re local it’s definitely best to meet in person for about an hour or so – longer if we get to talking at length- or stressing! – about the many details.
You’ll need to bring two things to our meeting – a copy of your lender’s pre-approval and a check. The seller expects to see evidence that you qualify for a mortgage sufficient to purchase the property so a current pre-approval letter needs to be submitted. The offer is accompanied by an initial deposit, also called an earnest money check. In the Cambridge area a $1000 deposit is customary. In a multiple bid situation you may decide to increase that initial deposit. Your check cannot be cashed unless and until your offer is accepted. That $1000 will go towards your down payment on the property.
In Massachusetts, the home buying process has two steps – the initial offer and the Purchase and Sale contract or P & S, typically signed about 10 to 14 days after the initial offer. The P & S is drafted by your attorney and the seller’s attorney. When you sign the P & S you’ll be putting down an additional deposit, typically enough to equal a total deposit of 5% that goes towards your down payment. Sometimes that deposit amount will vary and we can talk about your situation and strategy when we meet.
In Massachusetts the Offer to Purchase real estate is typically a one-page form. Not that you’re going to get off that easy – there are a number of other required forms but the main details can be spelled out on one page. On that main page we’ll specify the amount you’re offering to pay for the home, the amounts of your deposits, the contingencies of the sale, and the dates for the transaction. When we meet we’ll talk about what’s customary, what if anything we know about the seller’s desires, and what works for your schedule and write the offer accordingly.
We’ll decide on a deadline for your offer. In Cambridge it’s customary to ask for a response within 24 hours, or sometimes even more quickly. Again, it’s a strategy and something we’ll talk about when we meet. It’s not uncommon to learn after we submit the offer that the seller needs more time to respond and you can opt to extend the deadline. Customarily the sellers will respond in a timely fashion – so you won’t be on the edge of your seat for too long!
******
Have more questions? Feel free to email me or call me at 617-504-1737. And if I can help with your real estate search I’d be delighted. My coverage areas include Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Medford, Watertown and nearby communities. If you’re moving out of the area I can refer you to a great agent who can help you find your next home.
Bay State Flats – Condos At 24 Bay State Road, Cambridge
Bay State Flats Near Fresh Pond In Cambridge
The Bay State Flats at 24 Bay State Road in Cambridge MA near Fresh Pond were built in 2006. There are 23 condos in this distinctive four-story elevator building. The condominiums have stylish finishes, open loft-like layouts, and large windows.
There are:
- Fourteen one-bedrooms, 650 – 790 s.f.
- Seven two-bedrooms, 948 – 1043 s.f.
- Two three-bedrooms, 1152 – 1273 s.f.
Bay State Lofts Features:
- Central air conditioning
- Heated garage parking
- Maple floors
- Cherry cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances
- In-unit washer / dryer
Sale prices at 24 Bay State Road, Cambridge MA have ranged from $300,000 for a 783 s.f. one-bedroom condo to $539,000 for a 1273 s.f. three-bedroom.
CHECK FOR AVAILABLE BAY STATE FLATS CONDOS
The Bay State Flats are located at 24 Bay State Road, Cambridge MA 02138
Danehy Park Family Day
Danehy Park in North Cambridge
Saturday, September 26, 2009 is the the 14th Annual Danehy Park Family Day. It promises to be a nice, if a bit nippy, day. Better bring a sweater!
Fun for the whole family including:
- Roving performers
- Arts and crafts
- Music
- Kite flying
- Amusement rides
- Food
- Children’s stage
- Free gifts
Danehy Park Family Day takes place on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
From Harvard Square take the #74 bus. From Central Square take the #83 bus. Shuttle buses will run from the Alewife T station.
Danehy Park is located on Sherman Street in North Cambridge.
Condos at One Russell Street, Cambridge
One Russell Street Condominiums in Porter Square Cambridge
Condos at One Russell Street, Cambridge In 2006 the former nursing home at the corner of Russell Street and Mass Ave near Porter Square was transformed into 24 luxury condos. The reworking of the roof line and addition of large expanses of glass have given many of the newly designed units great views and dramatic interiors.
The condos at 1 Russell have a variety of layouts. Condominiums on the first floor are large duplex units with the bedrooms on the lower level. Some units have a balcony or deck. Most are two bedrooms ranging in size from just over 1000 s.f. to more than 1500 s.f.
Features at One Russell Street
- Pet friendly
- Elevator
- Bamboo floors
- Central air conditioning
- In-unit laundry hookups
- Granite counters, stainless appliances and oak or maple kitchen cabinets
- Garage or outdoor parking
Condo sales at One Russell ranged from $418,500 for a one bedroom, one bath to $933,000 for a two-bedroom, 2.5 bath penthouse unit. Some units sold for over $600 per sq.ft. The median price per square foot was $482.
If you’re looking for a luxury elevator building close to the Red Line, in a walk-to Davis Square or Porter Square location, the condos at One Russell Street may just fit the bill.
CHECK FOR AVAILABLE 1 RUSSELL CONDOS
SEARCH FOR CAMBRIDGE CONDOS FOR SALE
If you’d like more information or help with your real estate search, give Liz Bolton a call at 617-504-1737.
Copyright © 2008 - 2009 Centers And Squares Agent Login Design by Real Estate Tomato Powered by Tomato Real Estate Blogs
