Buying Off-Season

$269,000
12 1/2 MECHANIC STREET, NO. 1, PROVINCETOWN

SQUARE FOOTAGE 225
LOT SIZE .05 acre
CONDO FEE $40 per month
BEDROOMS Loft
BATHS 1 full
2007 TAXES $1,004
LAST SOLD FOR $247,500 in 2006

PROS Cute, cozy, and conveniently located in town, this little cabin even has a sunny deck. The attractive interior is utilitarian, packing a kitchen, cafe table, and sofa into an L-shaped layout. The bathroom is small but adequate. The cottage, which has a new roof and Title V septic system, is being sold furnished. CONS The sleeping loft, tightly tucked under the eaves, is reached via a library ladder. The one closet, outfitted with shelves, has no place to hang clothes. Contact Joe DeMartino, Coldwell Banker Pat Shultz Real Estate, Provincetown, 508-487-9550 ext. 105, patshultz.com.

$495,000
1 ALDENS END, NORTH TRURO

SQUARE FOOTAGE 1,260
LOT SIZE .58 acre
BEDROOMS 3
BATHS 2 full
2007 TAXES $2,145
LAST SOLD FOR Built by owner in 2005

PROS On a woodsy cul-de-sac, this classic Cape feels very private. The house has no frills but everything you need, and it's all new and handsomely packaged. There is a gas fireplace in the one large open room that combines living, dining, and kitchen spaces under a cathedral ceiling. At the back of the house, there's a deck and outdoor shower. National Seashore beaches are just a mile or two away. CONS The lot could use some landscaping. Contact Chuck Leigh, Truro Real Estate, Truro, 508487-4225, trurorealestate.com.

$735,000
109 SEAVIEW STREET, UNIT B, CHATHAM

SQUARE FOOTAGE 1,160
CONDO FEE $100 per month
BEDROOMS 2
BATHS 2 full, 1 half
2007 TAXES $1,892
LAST SOLD FOR $575,000 in 2006

PROS Located close to Chatham Village, this complex contains three units: this condominium in the front of the 1865 Greek Revival house, a second unit in the rear of the house, and a third unit in a free-standing cottage. Fully renovated in 1995, the condo was recently painted, has air conditioning, and features a fireplace in the charming living room. There's also a small fenced outdoor patio. CONS With just two bedrooms and limited outdoor space, a family might feel cramped. Contact Ward Brown, Stage Harbor Real Estate, Chatham, 508-945-0058, stageharborrealestate.com.

– Gail Ravgiala

HOMES Write to ontheblock@globe.com or The Boston Globe Magazine/On the Block, PO Box 55819, Boston, MA 02205-5819.