Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

The answer to this question varies.  It really depends on whom you ask.  Most people will say that the answer is thirteen.  Those villages are: 

• Auburndale
• Chestnut Hill
• Newton Centre
• Newton Corner
• Newton Highlands
• Newton Lower Falls
• Newton Upper Falls
• Newtonville
• Nonantum (also called “The Lake”)
• Oak Hill Park
• Thompsonville
• Waban
• West Newton 

Some city maps split up Oak Hill and Oak Hill Park into two separate villages which would make the number total fourteen.  Still other people consider the “Four Corners” as its own separate village.  As I said previously, in Newton, Massachusetts there is no one sure answer although most residences will claim there are thirteen.  None of the villages have any legal definition and no firmly defined borders, but most have their own post offices. 

The sprawling City of Newton is known as the Garden City due to its colorful blossoms.  Part of the Metrowest, it is located just six miles west of Boston making for a breezy commute to the work. 

Low on crime and high in convenience Newton was voted the safest city in the country in 2003, 2004 and 2005 according to the FBI.  The city also boasts the fact that it is home to Boston College and Boston College Law School as well as Lasell College, Hebrew College, Mount Ida and Andover Newton Theological School.  Sparing no expense on education Newton has other highly ranked schools including the new high school which came at precedent setting cost of $197 Million.  The state-of-the-art high school features an indoor track, an Olympic sized swimming pool, electronic music lab, simulated outdoor area, a film lecture hall, two theatres, an art complex, an auto body shop, athletic wing, state-of-the-art student cafeteria and a climbing wall.

Aside from its nationally-recognized learning institutions, Newton has an award-winning Library as well as the Jackson Homestead Museum, one of 712 nationally-accredited museums nation-wide.  The Newton Library boasts more than a half a million printed volumes as well as artwork and numerous videos.  For musical culture the city has the Newton Symphony Orchestra and the Newton Philharmonic Orchestra of Massachusetts.

Originally settled in 1630, Newton was then part of “the newe towne” and was renamed Cambridge in 1638.  The Native American tribe of Nonantum which was led by a sachem named Waban relocated to Natick in 1651.  It was renamed Newtown in 1691 and eventually in 1766 took on the name of Newton.  Newton was incorporated into a city in 1873.

Each year on Patriots Day, the Boston Marathon runs through the city from Wellesley on Route 16 and into the famous (or infamous) Newton Hills.  Turning onto Commonwealth Avenue the racers then proceed into Boston encountering two hills prior to Centre Street and onto the one of the most challenging of all, Heartbreak Hill.  Just as in all of the towns where the Marathon makes its mark, local residents line the streets enthusiastically cheering the runners on.

Great schools, award-winning restaurants, convenient shopping, pedestrian-friendly parks and playgrounds as well as safe neighborhoods all make the City of Newton a lovely place to call home.

 Copyright 2012 "How many Villages are there in Newton Massachusetts?"

  This post was written by   

Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230  

An Exclusive Buyer Brokerage serving the Greater Metrowest area  

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Newton North High Opens - The Most Expensive School in Massachusetts' History 

Tens years after its initial planning phase Newton North High School had its opening ceremony yesterday.  

What started out originally as a $39 million renovation project to the old structure eventually morphed into the new Newton High North High School at a cost of close to $200 million. 

The excessive price tag associated with this school is symbolic of the rising cost of education, not only in Massachusetts, but also nationwide.  And, the controversy that has surrounded it has sometimes divided the city of Newton. 

The new school, which has been jokingly referred to as the "Taj Mahigh," weighs in at 413,000 square feet. The new building has been thought of as a monument to former mayor David Cohen and the long fight that cost him his popularity. 

What does $200 million buy for a high school? 

The new Newton North High School features an indoor track, an Olympic sized swimming pool, electronic music lab, simulated outdoor area, a film lecture hall, two theatres, an art complex, a dance studio, an auto body shop, athletic wing, state-of-the-art student cafeteria and a climbing wall. 

As a former resident of Newton, I have a special place in my heart for the old Newton North High building since it was there on the old tennis courts that I originally met my husband. I have heard no mention of any state-of-the-art tennis courts in the new structure.  It would certainly be a shame if, with this gigantic budget, they skimped on those.

Massachusetts is well-known for its educational institutes but those are mostly in the area of higher learning.  However, it seems as though high school students in the city of Newton will be getting not only a first-class education but will also be doing it in complete style and comfort. 

Students of Newton North High North - make us all proud.

Copyright 2010 "Newton North High Opens - The Most Expensive School in Massachusetts' History "

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Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230

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What Does a Massachusetts Buyer Agent Do?

You should know that not all Massachusetts real estate agents are created equal.  There are agents who specialize in listing homes and there are the fewer select agents who specialize in representing home buyers.  And, in between, there are Realtors® who do a mixture of both. 

Obviously, your home buying needs are not going to be served by the agent whose sole specialty is listing and selling homes.   A Massachusetts Buyer Agent is dedicated to serving the needs of someone who is buying a home and, as such, has had the training and experience necessary to cover every aspect of the home buying transaction with emphasis on representing you, the home buyer.  A Massachusetts Buyer Agent’s duties should include the following:

•  Assist you in finding the best mortgage loan provider for your needs
•  Prepare a thorough property value study of the property you are interested in
• Represent you on all kinds of properties, including for-sale-by-owners
•  Promote and protect your interests at all times
•  Advise you, the home buyer, on the quality of the home, even pointing out reasons not to buy
• Research the property’s history, neighborhoods and abutting land
• Negotiate a price and terms that are favorable to you
• Seek out and provide inside information to enhance your bargaining capability
• Withhold private information about you and your financial situation

A Massachusetts Buyer Agent works for you.  As such, one is duty-bound to research and discover anything that may affect your home purchase.  

A Buyer Agent has a fiduciary responsibility, just as an attorney does.  Your private information must remain so and your position needs to be protected at all times.  This is part and parcel of home buyer advocacy. 

Finding the right home to suit your needs is an important part of the process but once the property has been located, there is much more ahead. Following the negotiation and acceptance of your offer, these further steps need to be attended to: 

• Recommend a through and reputable home inspector who will work for you
• Attend the home inspection
• Renegotiate for problems uncovered by the home inspection
• Recommend a good real estate attorney
• Work in conjunction with the attorney during the purchase and sale process
• Set up and conduct a final and thorough walk-through of the property
• Renegotiate if there is anything wrong with the property at the time of walk-through
• Attend and monitor the closing

This is an incomplete list of duties since unforeseen circumstances frequently arise at the last minute and it is your Massachusetts Buyer Agent's obligation to make sure that all loose ends are tied up to ensure that you have a successful and smooth closing. 

As a buyer agent, the goal is not to sell you a home, but rather to provide a valuable consultation service to help you search for, find and successfully procure the best home for your needs.

So, if you are buying a home - definitely don't go it alone! 

 Copyright 2012 "What Does a Massachusetts Buyer Agent Do?"

  This post was written by   

Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230  

An Exclusive Buyer Brokerage serving the Greater Metrowest area  

MLS Property Search With No Registration Required   

Buying a Home in Massachusetts?  Consider Resale Issues - Right up Front

The average home buyer in Massachusetts buys and sells a home every five to seven years. Whether your selling time will come that quickly or you are planning to keep your home longer, it is safe to assume that at some point you may need to sell your home.

The time to start planning for this eventuality is during the purchase phase.   We all get caught up with emotion during a home purchase.  And, why not – finding the right home is a lot like a love affair.  Certain bells and whistles are going to go off when you see the right one.

All I’m saying is that practicality needs to be inserted into the process of home buying in Massachusetts and thoughts of resale are part of this equation. 

The home you are in love with is also your investment and as such there are certain factors that could affect your ability to get the most for it when you need to. 

Potential Resale Problems

Location – Of course, this is the biggest. Say the word three times and you have a real estate cliché.  The town and the neighborhood can make or break your ability to sell your home down the road, particularly in a tough economy.

A Busy Street – Your pool of potential buyers will come largely from people with families and they usually feel safer in a neighborhood rather than on a heavily trafficked street.  Sidewalks, cul de sacs and places for children to be able to play are high on the list for these home buyers.

Highway Noise – There are some lovely subdivisions in the Metrowest Massachusetts area but, unfortunately some of the homes in them back up to major highways. You may be relocating to the suburbs from New York City and find this level of noise acceptable.  However, you need to keep in mind that this factor can be a huge detractor for resale value.

Lot size and Usability - Once again, with family buyers, most enjoy having a flat, usable lot where swing sets or even a pool can be installed.  A steep drop off in back is not conducive to safety.

Unusual Easements or Restrictions – An easement should be disclosed to you in the listing and will also be recorded on the deed.  Most easements do not affect your quality of life but you should be aware of them. They can include driveway easements, having to allow neighbors to cross your property, pipeline, utility or drainage easements.

Wetlands – For some people buying a home in Massachusetts the existence of wetlands behind or around the home may be considered a plus since it means that nothing can ever be built there.  However, having wetlands on your property also means that you cannot build anything on it or disturb any of the vegetation.

Safety or Security Issues – Have there been break-ins or robberies in the neighborhood?  Crime statistics can be checked through a number of services on the Internet.

Declining Values – There is a key problem in a community that has experienced a lot of foreclosures.  Foreclosures in an area will bring down the values of the rest of the homes in the neighborhood.

The School System – This is a huge factor in the maintenance of property values. Even if you do not have children, the quality of the schools in the town you are moving into will greatly impact resale value.  School ratings can be checked for any town in Massachusetts through Great Schools. 

High Tension Wires – Electromagnetic fields have been a controversial issue over the years.  Some studies have been done that have indicated danger - while other more recent studies have disputed the issue.  Whether or not you believe in these studies the fact remains that high tension wires in close proximity to home can serve to stigmatize the property.

Strong, Highly-personal Decorating Choices – Particularly ones that are difficult or expensive to change are not helpful to the potential resale of a home.  The best rule to follow, unless it’s the last house you will own, is to keep decorating neutral. Go wild and paint the bathroom purple if you want – paint can be changed.  Items like wall tiles, wall-to-wall carpeting (I have seen bright pink carpets) and anything that is physically part of the home is best kept to a color that most people can live with.

Being in a Flood Zone – If your home is in a flood zone you will have to carry additional (flood) insurance.  The cost for this is not a minor issue and will not go unnoticed to any potential home buyers down the road.

Enjoy your Massachusetts home hunting.  Just remember about an “ounce of prevention” and plan ahead for your resale.

 Copyright 2012 "Buying a Home in Massachusetts - Resale Issues"

 This post was written by   

Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230  

An Exclusive Buyer Brokerage serving the Greater Metrowest area  

MLS Property Search With No Registration Required   

My Favorite Places in the Town of Framingham

The Town of Framingham was first settled along a trail known as Old Connecticut Path.  Now, that is Route 126 which runs north to south from Ashland up through North Framingham and into Sudbury.  Framingham is rich in history and is also a place of commerce. Some of the best spots in town are: 

The Golden Triangle  

This area consists mainly of a three square miles on the westerly side of Framingham, bordered by Route 9 (Worcester Road), Route 30 (Cochituate Road) and Speen Street. Since 1993 this original are was expanded to include areas north of Route 30 including parts of Old Connecticut Path. 

The Golden Triangle in the Town of Framingham is home to mega shopping in the MetroWest, including Shopper's World, Lowes, Home Depot and some excellent restaurants.  My favorite movie theatre, AMC General Cinema is also part of the offerings in the Triangle. 

Nobscot Village  

In the heart of northwest Framingham is the community of Nobscot Village. The name "Nobscot" was taken from the Algonquin word Penobscot meaning "the place where the rocks open out."  The earlier settlers shortened it to Nobscot.  This is a sleepy little village, not quite as developed as the rest of Framingham. 

Nobscot is graced with some very pretty neighborhoods, parks, historic landmarks and some actual farm land still exists there.  

Callahan State Park  

Still one of the best kept secrets in the Metrowest, Callahan State Park consists of nearly 100 acres of open fields. You can find corn and other crops planted here during the summer months. 

Directly across from the Mill Farm Public Golf Course, this is a great place for hiking and dog walking.  There are some well-marked trails throughout the park and plenty of spots for picnicking. 

Framingham Town Centre Common  

This is a wonderful spot for history buffs.  Along with being the site of summer concerts on the green, the Town Centre Common is home to three important historic buildings. 

The Edgell Memorial Library was originally built to commemorate the valor of Civil War soldiers. 

The Old Academy is a Greek Rival temple that was built in 1837. Its primary use was that of school and is now part of the history of Framingham. 

• The Framingham Village Hall, built in 1834, still stands as an important building in the National Historic Register. It now serves as a hall for private functions.

And, overlooking all of it is the elegant statue of the Civil War Soldier. 

And lastly, but not the least, is a street after my own heart - and name.  Located in a nice residential area in North Framingham, Claudette Circle certainly has a nice ring to it.

Copyright 2010 "My Favorite Places in the Town of Framingham "

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Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230

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Hopkinton State Park

Hopkinton State Park is actually located in both Hopkinton and Ashland and includes the picturesque Hopkinton Reservoir.  

With its entrance on Cedar Street just off of Route 85, Hopkinton State Park has a variety of recreational possibilities that can be enjoyed year round. The pond is stocked for fishing and there are two life guarded beaches available. 

Picnicking is also a mainstay at the park with 300 picnic tables and 165 charcoal cooking grills.  There is a 12 tree shaded area that can be had on a first come first served basis.  

Hopkinton State Park also offers 10 miles of marked trails for hiking, open fields for baseball or soccer games and a launching ramp for small non-motorized boats.  The park itself also offers seasonal boat rentals. 

The Split Rock Group picnic site is available through reservations.  This beautiful spot has a pavilion, 25 picnic tables and a large charcoal grill. Groups and organizations can reserve this area from May through September. 

Hopkinton State Park is one of the many pretty areas in Hopkinton and is within walking distance of the Southborough MBTA Station.

The Town Forest is another stretch of nature that adds to the ambience.  This 84 acre parcel is located on both side of Pond Street between Winter Street and Elm. An old cart road still exists running through the forest and is used for horse back riding, hiking and snowmobiling in the winter.

And, it's always comforting to see that, standing right near the edge of the forest, Smokey the Bear keeps a watchful eye on all.  

 Copyright 2010 "Hopkinton State Park"

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Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230

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People Still Insist on Calling it The Natick Mall

The Natick Mall has been around the entire time I have lived in the Metrowest Massachusetts area.  It has been an important staple of life and of shopping for many years. 

However, the Natick Mall is no longer really the Natick Mall.  With the huge renovation and expansion of it in 2006 it was renamed and is now called "Natick Collection." 

The Natick Mall was originally built in 1965 as two separate stand-alone stores.  The old Sears and Filene's were then separated by a parking lot.  As a one-story building, the mall then had 25 stores and was only the second enclosed shopping mall in the Boston area.  

The Natick Mall grew over the years and eventually had a base of 50 stores and restaurants. 

In 1991, plans were made to add the upscale Lord & Taylor as a third anchor store at the front of the mall and a second floor was to be built. The plans as well as the construction all came to a halt when the mall was sold to Homart Development Company. Homart had a completely different idea, and that was to develop two shopping centers 

Shopper's World looked quite different back then.  Do you remember Jordan Marsh? 

JM eventually moved over into the new Natick Mall, joining the over 200 stores there including Sears and Lord & Taylor. That was the old mall, low-keyed and with easy access. I used to breeze in and out of there on my lunch hour - and, actually always had a place to park. 

Since the expansion, going to the Natick Collection is quite a different experience. With the addition of 100 more stores, including the anchors, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus along with an eight-story parking garage, Natick Collection is now the twelfth largest mall in the country and the largest in New England. 

It is impressive by any measure but is never the fast experience of yesteryear when a parking place was an easy thing to find. If you go to the back of the mall parking garage, you can now pay $5.00 for preferential parking to make things a bit more convenient. 

Some call it progress and some may call it congestion.  But many of us still like to call it The Natick Mall.

Copyright 2010 "People Still Insist on Calling it The Natick Mall"

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Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, The Buyers' Counsel - (508) 881-6230

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