The 'burbs

• 3 Lynn Rd, Natick - $493 (Sold for $490)
  First perfect house we've seen. Not too large, not too small. Ranch-style. Entry opens into a small foyer room w/ coat closet, then open living/dining/kitchen with tall ceilings and multiple skylights. Living room on right---roomy with fireplace. Dining rear left---not large, but at least as large as our dining room with sliding door to synthetic porch. Kitchen is appx 13x11 with lots of counter space and cabinets. One counter extends into living/dining area, provides about as much class-friendly counter space as one Ikea counter. Could easily place an Ikea counter between kitchen/dining to achieve plenty of counter space for HK. Nice hardwood floors throughout the area. Only two exits from kitchen (dining & garage). Rear porch is synthetic; not large, but enough for grill + small table. Screen needs replacing (dog/cat damage). Good size yard, slightly rear sloping. Adjacent lot behind is empty and unlikely to ever be developed; owned by nearby condo development, no road access. Lots of trees. Three bedrooms with normal ceilings (8.5 feet?). MBR is sufficient---in-suite bath, small walk-in closet. Other bedrooms are on the small side, but good closet space. Nice Andersen windows. Finished basement w/ open spacious kitchen (no stove) & family room area. Also finished downstairs are a full bath and bedroom. Perfect space for visitors. Only drawback are the lowish ceilings (~7', 6-6.5' for main beam) and tile floors throughout basement. House did get flooding in the basement before sump pumps were installed. Roomy 2 car garage (good space around cars) w/ automatic garage openers. 3 steps up to door to kitchen or 10 steps down to basement. Under agreement before the first open house. One drawback is that it may be one of the nicer houses in the neighborhood---lots of houses valued < $400k.
• 27 Rutledge Rd, Natick - $620 (Sold for $560)
  4 bed colonial with tons of space. Very large kitchen/dining which was an addition ~20 yrs ago; kitchen needs updating---cheap counters, stove on island with minimal ventilation, older double oven. Refinished hardwood floors; a bit squeaky, but not bad. Full bath on first floor. Somewhat awkward layout. Large family room to left of foyer, living w/ fireplace to right. Two stairwells, one in front, one in back. Kitchen/dining is rear right. 1st floor laundry between dining & living rooms. Partially finished basement w/ exits to small one car garage and driveway. Felt a bit cheaply finished. 2nd floor has 3 bedrooms, office & bath connected in 'U' to 2 stairwells; bath at one end. Heat piping in closets. Finished attic 3rd floor bedroom. All hardwood floors. Windows are semi-modern (double-pane). A bit noisy, not that far from 27/Main St. and only the 2nd house from Main. A bit too close to the newly built middle school just up the street. HK students might not be able to park on Rutledge. Tons of space, but just didn't feel right.
• 14 Avery St, Needham - $580 (Sold for $545)
  Many steps to front door. Small older porch. Foyer area w/ coat closet. Large living room w/ bay window. Good size dining room w/ bay window. Kitchen felt a bit tight---3 exits and intruding fireplace, only doorway to dining room. 3/4 bathroom & mud room off kitchen. Entrance from driveway/garage into mud room. 3 bedrooms upstairs w/ full bath. Finished attic. Kitchen kills it. Rest of house wasn't particularly attractive.
• 114 Gay St, Needham - $695 (Pending Sale for $695)
  Nice multi-level in quiet neighborhood. Large enough kitchen. Full connection to dining room. Needs updating: counter, gas. Exit to enclosed porch in rear. 1 car garage faces rear. Nice living room w/ fireplace. Go down half-level to "den", half-bath and laundry, down another half-level to large linoleum floor room which might just serve as a nice storage area. Up half-level has 3 of the 4 bedrooms. Nice MBR suite w/ double closet. 2nd bedroom is good size. 3rd is a bit small. Tons of closet space. Up half-level to large 4th bedroom. Perfect teen bedroom. 3rd bedroom serves nicely as an office. Felt comfortable going up/down stairs---not a hassle. Main living areas feel comfortable to go between. Pretty nice house, but pricey.
• 62 Mountain Rd, Burlington - $564
  New colonial on largish lot, set back from road. Stream through back yard. Lots of trees. Somewhat long driveway. Not much usable yard b/c of elevation changes. Premium large eat-in kitchen w/ 5 gas burner stove, plenty of room w/ connected eating area. Adjacent pantry. Nice hardwood floors. Large living room with good windows and gas fireplace. Additional room in front could serve as formal dining room or office. Door from garage to kitchen. Four bedrooms up. Large MBR w/ in-suite bath w/ shower and jacuzzi. Large walk-in closet. Good size 2nd bed, medium 3rd and large 4th bed w/ some sloping ceilings, a bit separate (down the hall) from other beds. Large basement (full minus garage) with high ceilings and walk-out to back yard. Rear wood deck. Fancy (instant?) water heater. Overall very nice house. Some white noise from 95/3, didn't seem like much of a distraction. A bit remote. Not much of a "neighborhood" feel; road started to get busy beginning at Burlington St. Awesome house, maybe a bit large for us. Feels like Chester Springs house, except flat driveway, less grass to mow.

Putting Green

• 92 College Ave, Arlington - $570 (Sold for $537)
  Only house we've heard of with a backyard putting green. Also includes a swimming pool and (broken) hot tub. The lot is severely sloped. There is yard, but it is largely taken up by the pool, tub and green. The kitchen is Helen's dream: 22x28 w/ a large granite counter, gas stove, double oven and space for two fridges. The living room is not quite as large, but still roomy with hardwood floors and a fireplace. The master bedroom is reasonably large (10x16), has its own bath, but limited closet space. The other two bedrooms are decent size (appx. 10x12) with good closet space. The basement is finished, but a bit funny. One section is raised (step up) and there is a distinct office which could alternatively be used as a large closet. The systems are accessed via a tiny door off the raised section. There is space to stand up, but it is cramped. There is a 2-car garage. The "front" entrance is on the side and feels haphazard; in particular, water was dripping from the roof, making the steps extra slippery. A killer is the road and driveway. The road is very steep; entering the driveway requires a 120-degree turn. The driveway is somewhat steep and there is minimal room to turn around. Backing-out would be no fun for Helen.

Christmas Open Houses

• 77 Page Rd, Newton - $630 (Sold for $548)
  Large Victorian (2082 sf) on quiet, one-way street close to Watertown St/Rt. 16. Flat lot w/ driveway. This section of Rt. 16 looked largely residential and fairly quiet. Certainly would be some noise with windows opened, but *much* quieter than what we currently have. Renovated, spacious kitchen (11x12+), large dining & living rooms, half bath and foyer on first floor. Separate alcove for fridge. Could easily fit ikea furniture; no issues for HK. Old windows throughout, need replacing. Nice wood deck in rear accessible from kitchen. Kitchen is updated with new counters, cabinets, appliances, floor. House feels old, but in generally good condition. Central A/C w/ system in basement for 1st & 2nd floors, separate A/C for 3rd floor; 2 heating zones. 2nd floor has four real bedrooms all with closets; 4th bedroom would serve as a nice study. 3rd floor is converted attic w/ large bedroom, den and full bath; would work well either for older kids or guests. Basement is cluttered with systems, some pipes below head-height. Stairway to basement is a bit tight.
• 2 Kings Ct, Arlington - $499 (Sold for $492)
  Well-maintained Garrison on quiet, sloping street. Street is somewhat steep, driveway slopes somewhat, will be an issue in winter if road is not plowed properly. 1st floor has kitchen, dining & living rooms. Kitchen is a bit dated, but in excellent condition; stove is electric. Kitchen has sliding door to back porch, is EIK w/ sufficient room for HK. Exterior is wood shingles, will require maintenance. 10+ stone steps to front entrance, would be slippery in snow/rain, though entrance via garage/basement is relatively easy. Largish dining and living rooms; fireplace in living. Hardwood floors throughout. 2nd floor has master suite with tons of closets, own bathroom plus powder/changing room. Two other bedrooms: one large (11x13?), one small (8x10?). Lots of closet space, including linen closet. Drop-down stairs to attic (did not see). Space in basement to create a guest sleeping area, but nothing else---not much room after stairs, W/D, oil tank, heater. Hot water is from oil-fired heater. Basement is very clean. Oil tank is against rear wall (left). Heater is tucked in right corner behind garage. W/D are on left wall. Stairs are off kitchen and are steps from door to garage. Looks to be in excellent condition. Living room is large enough to include office. Would be tight with 2 kids and guests unless basement is finished. Though, kids could be in same bedroom for many years.

Two Belmont Homes

• 26 Jeanette Ave, Belmont - $600 (Sold for $520)
  Extensively updated small colonial. Completely renovated kitchen w/ cabinets to ceiling, granite counter, gas stove, new appliances, bay window over sink, French doors to mahogany deck. Replacement windows throughout (good condition). Living/dining form one large 24x11 room. Master bedroom has wall-length closet. 3rd bedroom is small, made smaller by built-in floor-to-ceiling cabinets. Three-season front porches are older (sloping). Hard-wood floors through 1st & 2nd floors in good condition (except stairs are a bit squeaky). Both bathrooms are nicely updated, in great condition. Third floor is converted attic, carpeted, nicely done, probably hot in summer. Small, flat yard w/ fence on 2 sides, about 6 steps from porch to yard. Small stone patio connecting stairs/driveway/yard. Foundation, basement in good condition. Less than one block to residential playground. Quiet street. Neighborhood includes many two-families.
• 70 School St, Belmont - $585 (Sold for $516)
  Two-family on small lot (minimal land). Two 2-bedroom units with part of attic converted into two additional bedrooms for upstairs unit. Only saw upstairs unit. Ancient kitchen with next to zero counter space. Pantry off kitchen adds additional storage, but brings kitchen entrances up to four limiting wall space. Floors are squeaky, need refinishing. Old bathrooms---need updating. Upstairs unit has replacement windows, downstairs & basement windows are older. Wood porches (front & side, up & down) in passable condition. Exterior is wood shingles, some parts need painting. Stone foundation. Bedroom layout is a bit awkward (separated by stairwells).

Natick + a Wellesley Cape

• 27 Ranger Road, Natick - $500 (Sold for $480)
  Split-entrance, modern (1974) house in excellent condition. Modern kitchen w/ new appliances, gas stove, window over sink, exhaust to outside. Open dining/living area w/ vaulted ceiling, skylights, fireplace, large bay window in living. Carpet floors. Four reasonably-sized bedrooms w/ good closet space, MBR suite. 2+ car garage w/ 2-step access to lower level. Lower level is open family room w/ wet bar, half bath and laundry room. Older 2-level mahogany deck in good condition. One step from lower level to yard. Newer windows, utilities. Appx. 1/2 mile walk to West Natick station. No tree shade. Water issues in lower portion of back yard. Possible drainage issues (water was being collected in trash cans).
• 28 Fox Hill Drive, Natick - $550 (Sold for $480)
  Similar layout to 27 Ranger, but not updated since the 70s. Wood paneling, older windows. Pool in back yard, poorly maintained lot, needs landscaping. Rear addition possibly poorly done (squeaky floors, window from bathroom to addition room). W/D on main floor. Needs tons of cosmetic work: probably $20k+ to make livable. Carpet everywhere. A/C, baseboard heat.
• 13 Whittier Rd Ext, Natick - $580 (Listed at $509)
  Very nice house on a weird lot. Large, open kitchen/dining/living area w/ nice hardwood floors throughout first floor. Electric stove w/ exhaust. W/D on 1st floor. Built 2002. 2+ car garage w/ driveway space for 4 more. Finished basement w/ one bedroom. A/C was making a clicking noise like a running dryer. Side exit to concrete patio w/ tiny, shaded yard defined by cinder-block wall w/ drainage pipes. Looks like water drains from other yards to here. Minimal front yard. Front entrance probably not used except for guests. MBR tub was dingy. No stairs from garage to basement.
• 19 Wethersfield Rd, Natick - $595 (Sold for $544)
  "Party" house. Open, spacious dining/kitchen/family rooms w/ double-door opening to covered patio and manicured yard w/ pool and hot tub. Living room/entry way also connected. Excellent for teaching classes. Not so nice for 2 kids + guests. Completely rehab'd 1951 house. Very nice MBR suite, lots of closets. Two other small-ish bedrooms. Large laundry/mud/hobby room. Entrance to living room. Could use another bedroom. Flat lot. Minimal shade.
• 1 Countryside Rd, Natick - $660 (Sold for $515)
  Agent-owner. Cosmetically renovated. Nice hardwood floors throughout. Four large bedrooms. Not the best 1st floor layout. Front entrance leads to family room. Step up to kitchen/dining/living rooms. Large portion of kitchen counter not usable for class b/c of step. Huge lot. No gas. Outside vent for stove.
• 6 Countryside Rd, Natick - $600 (Sold for $550)
  Driveway needs repair. Needs serious updating. Older windows. Floors need refinishing. Older-style layout. Walk-though bathroom to main 1st floor bedroom. Decent size kitchen (12x12), but needs serious updating. Huge, oddly-shaped lot. Lots of space, but need to spend big $$$ to modernize.
• 10 Harvard St, Natick - $480 (Sold for $462.5)
  6 room, 1900s Colonial in decent shape. Older windows. Sloping floors. Grilles for forced air still in place, but heat is hot water baseboard/gas. Electric stove but gas in house. Nice deck (though needs stripping/refinishing) and back yard. Yard is on the small side. Granite counter. Floors in good, but not great shape.
• 400 School St, Wellesley - $745 (Sold for $738)
  Quaint expanded cape off Rt. 9. Rt. 9 very easy to hear from yard. 1-2 beds down, 2 beds up. Nicely renovated kitchen, but constrained, might be difficult for classes. Nice, flat back yard w/ shade. Floor plan somewhat closed. Finished basement, but low ceilings. Step down from kitchen to extension living room. Tight stairwell. Not very practical (even ignoring the price!).

Auburndale and Nonantum

• 36 Grove St, Newton - $580 (Sold for $579)
  Ranch on somewhat busy street near the Pike. Large, central living room. Small eat-in-kitchen. 3 bedrooms, 2 adjacent bathrooms (why?). Older windows. Nice, wood deck. Older roof. Nice unfinished basement. Owned by a bachelor. Need some TLC, expanded kitchen. 1 car garage w/ short driveway. Nice back yard w/ morning/evening shade.
• 529 Crafts St, Newton - $640 (Sold for $614)
  4 car parking, side entrance on Harding St. Basement entrance or steps to deck outside kitchen & living rooms. Basement finished w/ full bath, lowish ceilings. Could be in-law suite. Renovated kitchen w/ gas, granite. Spacious dining and living rooms w/ sun room off living. Coat closet in foyer. Most windows are new/replacement. Hardwood floors throughout. Upstairs has 3 bedrooms + study. Master bedroom is huge. Central A/C. Nice front yard w/ shrubs to protect from Crafts street. Rear concrete patio. Step down to small yard.

Arlington + Chinese Belmont

• 118 Hemlock St, Arlington - $455 (Sold for $445)
  Cape with full rear dormer, no front dormers; renovated, but smallish kitchen---expansion possibility into dining room; bad 1st floor layout; 2 family/living rooms; might convert from living room to dining w/ kitchen expansion; 2nd living room has step down, was expanded (largish); master bedroom okay size, no front window, sloping ceiling; 2nd bedroom fine; 3rd bedroom small w/sloping ceiling; finished basement w/ full in-law suite; nice smallish front yard with a large tree; small back yard with levels, raised shed, large rock in the ground.
• 20 Joyce Rd, Arlington - $599 (Sold for ?)
  Nice entrance (2 steps), gas stove, similar layout to Jason St (stair on right side, next to garage: living/dining/kitchen form a loop to the left); 2nd living room addition to right of kitchen; kitchen a bit cramped; addition work a bit sketchy; huge master bedroom suite w/ large, nicely done bathroom; noticed a broken, rusty window in MBR; 2nd & 3rd bedrooms reasonable size; tiny 4th/office; synthetic porch; somewhat sloping back yard, but not bad.
• 297 Cross St, Belmont - $649 (Listed at $628)
  Colonial with large living room, office/playroom to left, half bath (w/ emergency? shower) where coat closet should be, dining + kitchen to left; spacious kitchen w/ good appliances, directly connected to dining room (no doorway); basement ceiling a bit low; heater is ancient; 4 bedrooms up; renovated bathroom w/ whirlpool tub, but tub felt out-of-place; some odd things: window frames cutting into walls, banister cutting into the wall, driveway crosses back yard to garage on rear of house; driveway kills back yard; good shade in back yard; busy street
• 63 Coolidge St, Arlington - $549 (Listed at $549)
  "Spiritual" house; about 20 steps to the front door; on a hill; nice views from upstairs bedroom; weird attic/"office" w/ entrance through upstairs bathroom; no south trees; no 1st floor bath
• 477 Appleton St, Arlington - $449 (Sold for $430)
  Cute little colonial; many steps to front door, but has basement entrance w/o steps; 78 bus route on Appleton to Harvard; good size living room; okay kitchen/dining; would need to remove part of a wall to make it workable for classes; nice finished basement room for visitors; only full bath upstairs; smallish rear yard, but just enough w/ nice patio area; just big enough for a family of 4, but barely an extra space for storage/expansion/etc.
• 201 Appleton St, Arlingto - $499 (Sold for $477)
  "Estate sale". Cape w/ two front dormers, full rear 2nd floor expansion. Cosmetically awful, some water damage on right side. New windows. Kitchen needs a full rehab and wall removed between kitchen/dining. One bedroom on first floor w/ full bath. Two large bedrooms upstairs. Large garage, largish lot (.18 acre). Basement only partially finished, was used for "whoopie parties".