Last sold for $235,000 in 2010

PROS This is a great starter home in a great town for young families. Situated in a private area down a long, shared driveway, the house has a crisp paint job outside and has been largely renovated inside. All the light fixtures are new, rooms are freshly painted in neutral colors, and the upstairs bath has a tile floor, double vanity, subway tiles with accents, and oil-rubbed-bronze plumbing fixtures. The kitchen has some stainless appliances and granite countertops (but older oak cabinets). CONS The basement smells damp. Interior doors are plain. CONTACT Kerry Curley, Team Realty, Harvard, 978-772-5555, http://www.teamrealtymass.com

$545,000

436 Harvard Road, Bolton

Square footage 1,746

Lot size 87,120 square feet

Bedrooms 2

Baths 1 full, 1 three-quarter, 1 half

2011 taxes $7,331

Last sold for $565,000 in 2004

PROS Upon entering this house, a big window offers spectacular views of Mount Wachusett. The master bedroom, added in 2000, has much the same view, thanks to sliders and a balcony. It’s one of just two bedrooms, making this, as the broker says, perfect for someone looking to “right-size.” The garden is beautiful. Some rooms have a cottage feel, but the dining and living rooms, with lovely built-ins, feel comfortably formal. There’s super insulation and newer windows. CONS The stained louvered doors would look better painted white. CONTACT Carole Perini, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Acton, 978-807-9171, http://www.nemoves.com/carole.perini.home

$599,000

86 Kettle Hole Road, Bolton

Square footage 3,134

Lot size 90,604 square feet

Bedrooms 3

Baths 3 full, 1 half

2011 taxes $12,411

Last sold for First time on market

PROS This home maximizes its views. The rear wall of the living room is all sliders and windows facing Mount Wachusett, the eat-in portion of the kitchen is nestled into an alcove of bay windows, and the master bedroom has six-foot-tall windows. There are also a massive deck and a big screened porch. The amount of white – on walls, cabinets, vanities, even support beams – gives the home an airy feel, while three reproduction mantels lend gravitas. Closet space is quite generous. CONS Sprucing up and updating are in order. The lower level smells musty. CONTACT Dianne Newton, RE/Max Traditions, Bolton, 508-735-4276, http://www.disoldmyhouse.com