Homes Under $190,000
Though they require a bit of work or updating, these three are all in move-in condition.
$169,888
17A PROCTOR STREET, NATICK
SQUARE FOOTAGE 550
LOT SIZE 4,800 square feet
BEDROOMS 2
BATHS 1 full
2007 TAXES $1,596 (estimated)
LAST SOLD FOR First time on market as separate home
PROS Most homes on the market for under $200,000 are described as handyman specials or fixer-uppers. In this tiny cottage, much of the fixing up has already been done. All rooms have a fresh coat of pale yellow paint, and the hardwood floor is refinished. Tucked at the end of a driveway, the cottage is flanked by side yards. CONS It's very small, the only kitchen appliance is a stove, several doorknobs are missing or wobbly, and the place could use an airing out. Contact Patrick Lydon, Lydon Real Estate, Fitchburg, 617-293-3886.
$184,000
3 OCEAN VIEW AVENUE, REVERE
SQUARE FOOTAGE 1,900
LOT SIZE 2,613 square feet
BEDROOMS 3
BATHS 1 full
2007 TAXES $3,028
LAST SOLD FOR $175,000 in 2006
PROS The owner, a contractor, added a second floor with two equal-size rooms - a bedroom and another room that has a small deck looking out to Revere Beach, one house away. At ground level, the water is obscured by a beach wall; residents are allowed to place removable stairs on the wall for access. The living room's wood floor was refinished, windows replaced, kitchen cabinets repainted, and new counters installed. CONS Because of settling, the first floor slopes. The original front door, now unused, is still there and opens to a house that's so close you can touch it. Contact Victoria Laws, All Star Real Estate, Revere, 781-248-4663, teamlaws-consolo.com.
$189,999
7 PACKARD STREET, STOUGHTON
SQUARE FOOTAGE 1,222
LOT SIZE 9,870 square feet
BEDROOMS 2
BATHS 1 full
2007 TAXES $2,033
LAST SOLD FOR $102,900 in 1998
PROS It's hard to believe a house in this price range would include a garage, a (tiny) home office, a finished basement with a sink and stove, some new windows, a (small) covered patio, a garden (overgrown), and apple and pear trees. There's a full attic - which would allow the creation of a cathedral ceiling in the living room - but the only access is through a small ceiling panel. CONS One bedroom has ripped linoleum, paneling, and no closet. (But the paneling in the other bedroom has been painted and looks pretty good.) The threshold is missing between the living room and office/computer area. Contact Christopher J. Morrison, Keller Williams Realty, Easton, 508-662-7355, morrisonhomes.biz.
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