Massachusetts Property Blog

My husband’s job may possibly be moving us to the Anchorage area. Please excuse my ignorance in all things Alaska as I’m sure my views have been skewed by television, mass media, misconceptions, etc. I do not mean to offend by any of my following questions. Am simply trying to ascertain the most accurate information for my family by surveying locals and those who know AK living first hand.

*Schools - Related to others in the nation, how are the schools in Anchorage? I’m an elementary educator, so the public/private school system (and it’s perception by the public) is important to me…not to mention the fact my daughter will be a student.

*Recreation opportunities - I’m sure camping abounds, but what about other sporting opps for kids? Our daughter is involved in swim team and ice skating. I’m involved in the performing arts community and my husband is the outdoorsman. Any info about community programs is appreciated!

*Real estate/Cost of Living - We use to live in SoCal (before kids) and know the price of inflated dairy and gas costs. However, we’ve since moved to the SE where produce, groceries are reasonable. Gas - well, that’s a problem everywhere. How’s the housing market?

*Places to Live - Are there better neighborhoods/areas/small towns for families? We’re not opposed to subdivision/development living, but some land would be nice as we’re closed in now. However, growing up on a farm, I’m not thrilled with the idea of driving an hour to get to civilization.

*Shopping/Cosmopolitan Life - What’s this like in Anchorage? Are things spread out or are there shopping/cultural meccas available?

*Weather - One big concern is the lack of daylight…is this a myth? Please someone tell me the truth! How bad are the winter months?

Thanks for being honest!

Anchorage is just like any other big city in the Lower 48: too many people, too much noise, too much traffic, fast food places, box stores, chain restaurants, etc. Yes, we have gangs and crime. Prices are high from food to housing. Gas today was $3.98/gal. The shortest daylight in Dec is from about 10:30am to 3:30pm and the longest day in June is about 2:00am to about 4:00am. Our roads and sidewalks are regularly plowed. We are civilized! We have a good opera, good concert venues, lots of indoor and outdoor activities, there are events and festivals throughout the year, there are plenty of sporting games to attend and participate in, etc. Check out the classifieds online in our newspaper, The Anchorage Daily News, for housing prices, jobs, sales, and such. As with every city we have good and bad schools, public/private, lots of churches, all sorts of clubs. Come on up. It is an adventure!

Also, what’s the weather like in Boston during wintertime? Does it snow more often than rain and does the snow cover the ground?

Maybe 15 minutes via the Mass Pike/I-90 unless something like an accident or bad snowstorm. Then it could take who knows, hour(s)… Traffic at the Weston toll may add 10-15 minutes if it’s heavy. Via Commonwealth Ave and Route 30 about 30 minutes (in good weather) of urban/semi-urban two lane secondary highway with it’s accompanying traffic lights, intersections, parked cars and side streets. Speeds are usually 30-40 Mph. It is a pretty drive though in spring, summer and fall. Beware of the Streetcars entering and exiting at Lake St. in Brookline near BC. You could take route 20 through Watertown and Waltham but it’s kind of circitous and would probably take close to an hour even at non-peak time. As for weather, we usually (remember, I said "usually") see snow from December through Mid-March, and it surer than heck does cover the ground. Some storms cover the ground up to one or two FEET deep, especially outside of Boston, getting into the Weston area. Our coldest time is usually the last two weeks of January/first two weeks of February when the temperatures may not warm enough to approach freezing let alone get above it even during the day.

In the process of buying a new home and have already gone though purchase and sales. Currently only weeks before closing and the issue came up with the title V that the septic is only designed for two bedrooms but the house was listed as a three bed in MLS. The third bedroom is also in a finished basement, but the town assessment states two bedrooms. Is there liability for the seller / sellers real estate agent for misrepresentation? Biggest concern is that this greatly affected the appraisal and future resale of the house will need to be disclosed as a two bed. What are our options?

If the third bedroom (regardless of where it is located) meets local criteria for being a bedroom (fire egress, etc) then the property is properly listed as a three bedroom property. The septic system does not have to be disclosed as a ‘two bedroom’, since the sellers and the agent were most probably not aware of the situation. Remember…..it’s underground.

Your offer to purchase should have contained contingencies covering these scenarios if you were concerned about them. Did you not include a contingency that the property would appraise for at least equal to or greater than your offered purchase price ?

http://www.WindhillRealty.com - The Beautiful coastal beach community of Ipswich Massachusetts has a population of approximately 13,000 residents.  Of the 33 square miles of forests, rolling hills, farmlands and equestrian properties, approximately 5,000 acres are sweeping landscapes of salt marsh. Many of its treasured areas are designated as “open space” to preserve its natural beauty.  Ipswich is conveniently located 30 minutes south from the New Hampshire Border and 30 minutes north of Boston.

Real estate video tours and photography by http://www.NashuaVideoTours.com

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http://www.SquannacookHillGroton.com - Welcome to Squannacook Hill, a new development of eighteen brand new quality built townhomes in the picturesque village of West Groton, Massachusetts. With prices starting at just $ 229,900 you can enjoy luxury living without the luxury price!  These new homes feature open concept floor plans with premium finishes that include Armstrong maple cabinetry with granite countertops, Frigidaire Stainless Steel appliances, hardwood stairs and ceramic tiled kitchen and bath floors. Built to meet Energy Star standards and backed by an industry best 10 year warranty; you’ll enjoy years of low cost homeownership in these brand new homes. We have partnered with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage to offer many affordable finance options including FHA loans and USDA loans which offer up to 100% financing with low interest rates. Long considered one of the most desirable Massachusetts suburbs, Groton is located just 45 miles from Boston and is home to the nationally known Groton School and Lawrence Academy. Groton is the quintessential New England town with a charming town center and picturesque hillsides and colonial architecture. You’ll enjoy the character and peacefulness of this community yet you’ll be within a short commute of Boston, the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont.  You’ll enjoy a terrific lifestyle and an unbeatable value when you make Squanacook Hill your new home. Call or visit us today to learn more!

Real estate video tours and photography by http://www.NashuaVideoTours.com

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12 Sunset Drive, Douglas, MA 01516
Bill Gassett
http://www.sellmyhomeinmetrowestma.com
Outstanding Douglas Massachusetts Colonial with farmers porch in terrific neighborhood right off the center of town! Features a nice floor plan with large Cathedral "Great room" with floor to ceiling brick fireplace and bay window! The kitchen has attractive white cabinetry with a walk-out bay eating area. There is a formal living room with pellet stove for economical heating and a dining room with hardwood flooring and a pass through from the kitchen.The bedrooms are all good size including a Nice Master with a full bath and his and her walk-in closets. Other great features include **Central air**, **Sprinklers**, French doors, and a finished lower level for additional "flex space", Excellent lot in prime Douglas location!!
MLS: 71035804
Price: 329900
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Sq Feet: 2564
Lot Size: 31333
Year Built: 1996
# of Floors: 3
Garage Size: 2

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Have You Seen My Newest Listing? It’s So Fabulous You’ll Instantly Fall In Love: Property Details For: 3 April Lane Pepperell, MA 01463Type: Single Family HomePrice: $459,500 Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 2.0 Sq Feet: 3,620 Here is some additional information about 3 April Lane Pepperell MA: See full detail for Listing: 71250463 at http://Services.YourMLSsearch.com/Listing-Details/3-April-Lane/Pepperell/MA/01463/Listing-71250463/432096/search/?vcPostUUID=FDE50DE7-C269-CB2B-76412B24E41B36BF&Supplemental=true Here is what Trulia.com has to say about the area: 7 sold properties in Pepperell, MA in the past 60 days Spectacular 4 Or 5 Bedroom Home! 4 Roomy Bedrooms, With A Room On The 3rd Floor Which Could Be A 5th Bedroom. Private Wooded Setting, With Almost 4 Acres. Separate Living Room, Family Room (Fireplace), Dining Room. Generously Sized White Oak, Eat-In Kitchen, With Central Island And Plenty Of Cabinet Space. Nicely Finished 3rd Floor, With Lots Of Space For Your Needs; Bedroom, Media Room, And/Or Game Room. Home Office On The Main Floor, Simply Fantastic! Spacious Front And Back Yard. Enjoy.

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http://www.CahillProperties.com - Welcome to Milton.  Located just 8 miles South of Boston, Milton Massachusetts is a town of approximately 27,000 residents and home to the Blue Hills Reservation which offers 7,000 acres of protected land with hiking, biking and skiing.  

In 2007 and 2009, Money Magazine listed Milton as the 7th and 5th, respectively, on it’s annual list of Best Places to Live in the United States.  All six school buildings are new and the facilities are state of the art. A popular French Immersion program starts in the first grade and continues through the 12th grade. We love having the city of Boston in our backyard with its shopping, dining, theatre and cultural enrichment just a short 15 minute ride by public transportation or car.  

This house located across the street from Pagoda Circle Park and is also walking distance to public transportation, a short bike ride to the Blue Hill Reservation, and offers easy access to the highway.  This location in Milton is where you would expect to find great housing opportunities for first time buyers.

It’s a real estate “TRIFECTA” all wrapped in one.  50 Pagoda Circle is a full length ahead of it’s competition and the renovations to get there have made all the difference.

The front to back fireplaced living room offers a den off the back perfect for watching the next episode of Modern Family.

The brand new kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops opens to a sunny dining room.  

Upstairs you will find 3 bedrooms, one of which is an oversized master with 2 walk in closets.  

Don’t miss your opportunity to see this property which wins for condition, space and location.  

Real estate video tours and photography by http://www.NashuaVideoTours.com

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