21 Sciarappa is another quality renovation by Cambridge Property Development.

Two appealing condominium residences in East Cambridge near the Green Line station at Lechmere.

Renovations now underway. Expected completion date is fall 2013.

Each residence features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and parking.

21 Sciarappa Unit 1. Click here for more information.

21 Sciarappa Unit 1 draft floor plan – CLICK HERE.

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21 Sciarappa Unit 2. Click here for more information.

21 Sciarappa Unit 2 draft floor plan – CLICK HERE.

I am the listing broker for the two units at 21 Sciarappa in Cambridge. For more information, please contact me directly. I can be reached at ccherney@hammondre.com or 617-733-8937.

98 Allston Unit 3 is a rare two-bedroom, two-bath residence located on the top two floors of a three-family in Cambridgeport. Allston Street is quiet residential side street between the Charles River and Central Square. 98 Allston Street is located between Brookline and Peters Street, and literally around the corner are two wonderful city parks – Old Morse Park and Fulmore Park, both now being renovated by the City of Cambridge. Central Square is only some ten minutes away, as are both Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology,  the Charles River and Boston University are all close by, and several pedestrian/bike crossings off Sidney Street make for easy access to the Harvard Bridge leading to Boston.

98 Allston is a three-family. The building’s well-maintained common hall was updated in 2012.  Units 1 and 2 are owner-occupied, and 98 Allston Unit 3 has just been newly repainted for the enjoyment of its new owner.

To see the floor plan for 98 Allston Unit 3, CLICK HERE.

There is a landing area outside the private front door entrance for 98 Allston unit 3 on the third floor – a perfect place for coats and boots. The front door opens onto a spacious foyer. In the foyer, as well as both bedrooms and hall, there are pine floors, natural woodwork, as well as wooden shutters – together these elements create a very warm and inviting feeling. The front bedroom of 98 Allston Unit 3 features a ceiling fan and enjoys a front bay plus extra nook with a window and closet space with custom built-ins. The second bedroom has pocket doors and is conveniently located on the other side of the full bath on this floor, allowing for privacy for both bedrooms.

The kitchen at 98 Allston Unit 3 has windows on either side, plus a spacious walk-in pantry and gas cooktop. There is also a door off the kitchen to the back stairs leading down to the basement, where there is common laundry and an ample private storage area for unit 3.

As nice as the entire third floor is at 98 Allston Unit 3 (the ceiling height is a comfortable 8′-4″ on this level), it is the top floor that takes your breath away and makes this residence truly special. Reached by a staircase off the kitchen, the top floor features an open floor plan with a bank of windows with big sky views of Boston, including the Hancock and Prudential Tower. The main living area is is accented by two arches and opens onto a spacious and light-filled solarium.

The solarium, a multi-purpose space, features a bar area, complete with sink and small refrigerator, plus direct access to a bathroom with shower.

The solarium leads directly out  to the private roof deck at 98 Allston Unit 3. Over 14 x 16 in size, this outdoor living space is unparalleled. What makes it so special is that there are no neighboring buildings with living area or outdoor areas on this level, making this space very private.

I have been struck on my visits to 98 Allston Unit 3 by how tranquil this home is. It is extremely rare to discover a residence as private and peaceful as 98 Allston Unit 3. To make 98 Allston Unit 3 your home is to make the sky your neighbor and to enjoy the luxury of living with light and cool breezes and sunshine. There is nothing quite like 98 Allston Unit 3 and the new owner will be most fortunate it call it home.

I am the listing broker for 98 Allston Unit 3. For more information on the residence, please contact me. I can be reached at ccherney@hammondre.com or 617-733-8937.

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Handsome front facade of 90 Putnam Ave.

90 Putnam Avenue is a handsome Greek Revival building in the Riverside neighborhood of Cambridge, close to Harvard Square. The location is very appealing. The Charles River, Harvard campus, Red Line subway and Whole Foods are all nearby.

Now for sale is 90 Putnam Avenue Unit 2. A quaint stone path along the side of the building leads to the residence’s private entrance. Set back from the street, the home is a true oasis in the heart of the city.

Every time I visit 90 Putnam Unit 2, I am struck by how quiet and private it is. This home is truly a place apart. The city just seems to fade away as you find your way to the front door.

To see the SITE PLAN for 90 Putnam, CLICK HERE.

To see the 90 Putnam Unit 2 floor plan, CLICK HERE.

The layout of the main living level at 90 Putnam Unit 2 is very inviting. Just inside the front door is a tiled entry hall, with immediate access to a coat closet and half bath. One is truly drawn in here, as you take one step down into the open plan main living area, defined by full-size doors at one end and an anchor wall with multiple windows.

Light streams into the living room at 90 Putnam Unit 2. The double doors open directly onto the private patio garden nestled on the rear side. The outdoor space here is a real treasure. Even in the winter months, the patio garden exudes its charm. Stone retaining walls and plantings create a sense of shelter. Steps up to the driveway and parking space for the residence make this a most convenient way to come and go as well.

Back inside 90 Putnam Unit 2, a full-size mirror in the dining area reflects the light and openness that define the space. The mirror is included in the sale.

Adjacent to to dining area at 90 Putnam Unit 2 is a cozy kitchen with plenty of cabinets and counterspace. The position of the kitchen to one side is nice – convenient without being right of top of the main sitting area.

Upstairs at 90 Putnam Unit 2 are two bedrooms and a full bath with shower-tub and stack washer-dryer. Both bedrooms feature Elfa closet built-ins and high ceilings. The rear bedroom features two exposures.

Off-street parking is real treat in this part of Cambridge. The parking area at 90 Putnam Unit 2 is located at the end of the driveway on the left-hand side. The space is generous and unobstructed by any other vehicles, allowing for easy coming and going.

It’s rare to find a condo with a single family sensibility like 90 Putnam Unit 2. Set back from the street with a private entrance and patio garden and two levels of living, this is a residence that truly feels like a home.

I am the listing broker for 90 Putnam Unit 2. For more information on the residence, please contact me. I can be reached at ccherney@hammondre.com or 617-733-8937.

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The pace of sales slows in the summer months of June and July and August. That said, there is still activity in the market in these months. Indeed, a pool of new buyers who will be at MIT or Harvard often enter the market at this time, with the idea of being settled before the new school year in September.

The fall market runs from just after Labor Day until mid November. With summer vacations finished and folks back in the saddle for the new school year, the fall market is a time of increased activity for those buyers still looking to close before the end of the calendar year.

The winter market is the slowest time – November and December and January. The holidays and darkness early in the evening generally mean fewer properties for sale and fewer buyers looking to buy. Now and then, a buyer can get a bargain in the winter market.

The new year brings the early advent of the spring market. Late January into February is a transitional moment in the market. Depending on the weather, the winter market can drag on or the spring market can get an early start. This is an interesting time for a buyer to be lookiing, as there is generally a bit less pressure.

Cambridge and Somerville Real Estate Blog.

New construction (2010) residence in Cambridgeport with appealing outdoor space.

171 Hamilton Street is a new construction residence (2010). It features 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. It is reported that there are 1,385 square feet on the first and second floors and an additional 682 square feet of finished space (including third full bath) on the lower level. There is a one-car garage parking plus one additional parking space adjacent to the garage.

There is good ceiling height on the main living level, with bays in the living and dining rooms. A door off the dining room leads down into a private outdoor area, which includes a patio and grassy area. This nicely nestled outdoor space is one of the most appealing aspects of the property. Upstairs, the master bedroom with bath en suite is located on the rear side of the house.  For many, the third bedroom on this level would work well as a study.

If you are interested in buying or selling in Cambridge,  I am here to help. I can be reached at ccherney@hammondre.com or 617-733-8937.  I am a Harvard graduate, a Cambridge resident and a top broker in the city since 1999. I would be delighted to serve you as a buyer’s agent.

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Brattle Circle townhomes in Cambridge, MA

Five of the seven residences remain for sale, ranging in price from $949,000 to $1,350,000. All five still for sale look out on the green pictured above, which is located at the end of Brattle Circle, a cul-de-sac off of Brattle Street in West Cambridge.

Main living levels here all feature open floor plans and many windows. I was struck on my visit by the favorable quality of light – even on a dark and stormy day.

These townhouses feature three or four levels of living. Square footages range from 1,600 to 2,400 square feet. All those for sale enjoy two parking spaces, with three residences enjoying garage parking. There is direct access into each home from its parking area, a real plus.

Brattle Circle is off Brattle Street on the far end of Brattle, between Fresh Pond Parkway and where Brattle Street meets Mt. Auburn Street, near the entrance to the Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Indeed, the Cemetery is visible from some windows in some of the residences.

For sure, a three or four level townhouse is not for every buyer. That being said, it is nice to see the master bedrooms on the second floors in these residences.

If you are interested in buying or selling residential real estate in Cambridge or Somerville, I am here to help. I can be reached at ccherney@hammondre.com or 617-733-8937.  I am a Harvard graduate, an Inman Square and a top broker in the area since 1999. I would be delighted to serve you.

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345 Harvard Unit 4CD is a spacious top floor three-bedroom residence in a brick elevator building in Mid Cambridge. Renovated in 2010, the residence is in excellent condition.

345 Harvard entrance in Mid Cambridge.

Built in the 1960s, 345 Harvard has been renovated in the last ten years. There are 24 units, of which 17 are owner-occupied. Unit 4CD is one of just four larger double units in the building, and it is the only double unit on the top floor.

Modern style - 345 Harvard Street in Mid Cambridge.

345 Harvard Unit 4CD is unusually spacious: Visitors have commented in particular on the appeal of the wide open main living area, which is ideal for entertaining, with the living room and family room and dining room and kitchen all connected together.

Spacious open living area of 345 Harvard 4CD.

The modern kitchen of 345 Harvard Unit 4CD features a bar countertop, stainless steel appliances and ample cabinet space.

Bar countertop is an appealing feature of the kitchen.

The three bedrooms, two full baths and private laundry of 345 Harvard Unit 4CD are all located in a separate wing. The master bedroom suite is especially attractive, with a walk-in closet with custom built-ins and a large master bathroom with double vanity and walk-in tile-shower.

Master bedroom features walk-in closet and bath en suite.

345 Harvard Unit 4CD enjoys two balconies, as well as two covered parking spaces. There is also private storage. It is rare in Cambridge to find a three-bedroom, two-bath residence all on one level in an elevator building close to Harvard Square. 345 Harvard  is ideally situated for someone working at Harvard or MIT. 345 Harvard is also located midway between the restaurants, shopping an entertainment centers of Harvard Square and Central Square. WalkScore of 97- Walker’s Paradise!

345 Harvard with Boston in distance.

If you are interested in buying or selling residential real estate in Cambridge or Somerville, I am here to help. I can be reached at ccherney@hammondre.com or 617-733-8937.  I am a Harvard graduate, an Inman Square and a top broker in the area since 1999. I would be delighted to serve you.

To gain instant access to photos and descriptions of all MLS properties now for sale in Cambridge, MA log in as a new visitor at Cambridge and Somerville Real Estate.

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1. Determine how much to spend.
Discover a clear sense of your financial self or selves
- Where is your cash and what is required to tap it for a downypayment for a home purchase?
- Most buyers will need to secure a loan (a mortgage) to purchase. Get a loan preapproval letter from a bank or mortgage lender or mortgage broker.
- Determine your price range. Essential first step. Look to buy
A) what you can afford
B) and are willing to spend

What are the costs of ownership?
Loan – monthly payment x 12. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE ALSO COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH OBTAINING A LOAN. REVIEW WITH YOUR LENDER. If you are making a downpayment of less than 20%, be sure to review with your lender the additional cost of private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Title insurance (optional but usually purchased. Title insurance is a one-time premium paid at closing and is calculated based on the purchase price of your home. Richard Vetstein reports, “The cost today is for s standard coverage policy $3.65 per $1,000 in home value. Enhanced coverage policies run about $4.00/thousand, and provide better coverages (i.e., for boundary disputes) and inflationary protection. Thus, a $500,000 home would cost a one time premium (standard) of $1,825.”

Property taxes – In Cambridge in 2013 annual tax rate is $8.66 per $1,000 of assessed value and the full residential exemption reduces a homeowner’s taxes by $1,755.37 and the CPA by $52.66. The total reduction in 2013 is $1,808.03.

Insurance – Homeowner’s insurance. Typically, an annual premium.

Condo fee – monthly payment x 12. If note a condo, no condo fee!

Maintenance – utilities, upkeep, etc.

2. Decide when to move.
Lease agreement in place? Give proper notice to your landlord.

If you buy something today (that is, put a property under accepted offer), typical closing date – the date you take ownership – is usually six weeks out. Four weeks is fast. Eight weeks is slow.

Allow yourself time to search.

Remember, too, that the market is seasonal:
1. Spring market is January to June, with March and April and May being the peak months.
2. Fall market is after Labor Day (early September) through mid-November.
3. Summer market is June through August.
4. Winter market is mid-November through early January.

3. Decide where to live.
Get the focus on one or more areas and prioritize the list.
Establish a relationship with a real estate agent in your primary search area to be your buyer’s agent.
Your real estate agent in your primary search area will refer you to a good agent or agents in secondary location(s).
Real estate is a referral-based business. Have your primary real estate agent connect you with other agents.

Your real estate agent in your primary search area is the most important person in your real estate search.
Your real estate agent is like the coach and you are like the quarterback.

You benefit by having a real estate agent:
- Free (Buyer’s agent paid through transaction by listing agent or seller)
- Experienced (Buyer’s agent will have seen thousands of properties)
- Knowledgeable (Buyer’s agent learns something new in every transaction)

The average buyer goes through four to five experiences of buying and selling in their lives. A top agent goes through four to five experiences of buying and selling every month or two.

4. Search for home sweet home.
So, now you know how much you want to spend.
If you will be needing a loan, you have a preapproval letter for a loan.
You have determined the area you wish to live and established a relationship with a real estate agent as your buyer’s agent.
Meet with your agent to focus your search and discuss specific requirements and wish list.

Sign up on your agent’s website for daily updates on properties in your price range.
Communicate on a regular basis with your agent regarding properties of interest.

Seek to see properties
1)     online
2)     on Sunday open house circuit
3)     on a tour
4)     by appointment

Learn from what you see – refine your search with your real estate agent.
Consider resale value.
Pay attention to you real estate agent and what he has to say.
If a property comes into focus as a contender, your real estate agent can complete a market analysis of value. Is the price low? On the mark? High?

5. Make an offer and proceed to closing.
When you are ready to make an offer, your agent will guide you through this process.

If your offer is accepted, you will
a) have a home inspection. Your real estate agent can recommend inspectors. Typical cost is around $500.
b) retain a real estate attorney. Your real estate agent can recommend attorneys. Typical cost is around $600 to $1,000. Your real estate attorney will review title insurance with you.

If the deal is still on after the home inspection, the buyer’s attorney gets busy in concert with seller’s attorney in working out the purchase and sale agreement  – the p & s - which takes the place of the signed, accepted offer.

Typically, at the time the P&S is executed the buyer has decided which lender to work with and completes all the forms for the loan.

Typically, a month after the purchase and sale is signed, the mortgage commitment from the lender is due.

Finally, the closing! You own it!

For more information on the home-buying process, please contact me at ccherney@hammondre.com or 617-733-8937. I am a Harvard graduate, Cambridge resident and a top broker in the city since 1999. I would be delighted to be of assistance to you.

To gain instant access to photos and descriptions of all MLS properties now for sale in Cambridge, MA log in as as new visitor at Cambridge Real Estate.

Learn more about Cambridge, Massachusetts and Cambridge real estate on my blog at www.CambridgeTumblr.com.

Cambridge and Somerville Real Estate Blog.

Sparks Street residence in West Cambridge.

More specifically, West Cambridge is generally understood to be the neighborhood broadly described by the boundaries of Garden Street to the north, Mt. Auburn Street to the south, Fresh Pond to the West and Harvard Square itself to the east. Join me  for a video tour of West Cambridge.

West Cambridge includes Huron Village, which gets its name from Huron Avenue. Join me for a video tour of Huron Village.

Check out my online guides for
West Cambridge
Huron Village
Brattle Street

West Cambridge residential real estate offerings include everything from condos under $400,000  to single family homes for as much as $4,000,000+. The most famous street in West Cambridge is Brattle Street. Take a video tour of Brattle Street.

Longfellow House on Brattle Street.

Two of the many other appealing streets in West Cambridge are Fayerweather Street and Lakeview Avenue. Join me for a video tour of Fayerweather Street and a video tour of Lakeview Avenue.

If you are interested in buying or selling residential real estate in Cambridge or Somerville, I am here to help. I can be reached at ccherney@hammondre.com or 617-733-8937.  I am a Harvard graduate, an Inman Square resident and a top broker in the city since 1999.

To gain instant access to photos and descriptions of all MLS properties now for sale in Cambridge, MA log in as a new visitor at Cambridge and Somerville Real Estate.

Take the pulse of Cambridge and Somerville right now on Twitter.

Cambridge and Somerville Real Estate Blog.

If you are interested in buying or selling residential real estate in Cambridge or Somerville, I am here to help. I can be reached at ccherney@hammondre.com or 617-733-8937.  I am a Harvard graduate, an Inman Square resident and a top broker in the city since 1999.

To gain instant access to photos and descriptions of all MLS properties now for sale in Cambridge, MA log in as a new visitor at Cambridge and Somerville Real Estate.

Take the pulse of Cambridge and Somerville right now on Twitter.

Cambridge and Somerville Real Estate Blog.