Affordable country areas between Templeton and Fitchburg, Mass (Lowell, Gardner: for sale, real estate)

[missionhill]

Having driven through Winchendon a couple of times it seems depressed, at least its center. Poster FCMA knows more--see if he weighs in.

[JB2015]

Dear Shrewsburried: While I'm sure you're trying to be helpful your last message is coming across condescending. First off, I currently own a home. I do not rent. If I'm going to move again it's going to be worth my while. I fully understand what it is to compromise and compared to most out there I have very very very realistic expectations. I'm a realist not an optimist. I'm not looking for a McMansion. I don't need granite counters or stainless appliances. I have put a LOT of sweat equity into my current home so I'm not afraid of projects either. It's just my husband and I. I have been looking for a quite awhile. I have a really good idea of my wants / needs. I do NOT HAVE to sell but I would like too. I'm putting my home on the market next month. I currently own a 1465 SF Cape. I'm looking for something around the same size up to 1800 SF. I don't need larger than that. I know of the Cape you speak of in Sterling. It's a little small for me.

While I understand your philosophy everyone puts a different value on search criteria. For those who are responding here, the commute is of big value. While this is of importance to me, I have some other equally important criteria. I work from home 2 days per week and work half days on Fridays so I'd be commuting only half the time. The country setting is a top priority for me and if I have to drive a little further to get it then so be it. I could buy a smaller home if I could get the square footage where I want it. (LvgRm & Dining Rm) Unfortunately when you look at smaller SF homes all the rooms are small.

Thanks for your input.

[JB2015]

One last note ... I unfortunately have to rule out quite a few homes in my search because they are TOO big. I do not want to pay the heating costs on a 2000+ SF home. If I can find something in Townsend, Lunenburg or Sterling that would be wonderful. But, if not, I'm fine with going further west.

Thank you all

[gf2020]

A housing budget of only $240K in MA?

I hate to sound negative but that seems very low.

Even if you and your husband had a combined income of only $80,000 you should be able to afford a $300,000 house.

Have you met with a mortgage banker to see how much house you can actually afford?

[JB2015]

Wow I can't believe some of the responses I'm getting on here. I asked for opinions on Winchendon's safety and for alternatives on other country areas. Instead I'm getting responses and opinions that I didn't even ask for. Maybe I don't want to be house poor like most of America. Maybe I don't want a $2,000 per month mortgage payment or higher. I've run the numbers and I know what is comfortable for us at this time. I probably could go higher but choose not too. Most people stretch themselves to the max and then wonder why they can't make their payments. I don't have to justify my wants or needs or budget to anyone so please don't offer advice or opinions that weren't requested.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by gf2020

Even if you and your husband had a combined income of only $80,000 you should be able to afford a $300,000 house.

That's really pushing it!

[JB2015]

Thanks Missionhill

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by JB2015

Dear Shrewsburried: While I'm sure you're trying to be helpful your last message is coming across condescending. First off, I currently own a home. I do not rent. If I'm going to move again it's going to be worth my while. I fully understand what it is to compromise and compared to most out there I have very very very realistic expectations. I'm a realist not an optimist. I'm not looking for a McMansion. I don't need granite counters or stainless appliances. I have put a LOT of sweat equity into my current home so I'm not afraid of projects either. It's just my husband and I. I have been looking for a quite awhile. I have a really good idea of my wants / needs. I do NOT HAVE to sell but I would like too. I'm putting my home on the market next month. I currently own a 1465 SF Cape. I'm looking for something around the same size up to 1800 SF. I don't need larger than that. I know of the Cape you speak of in Sterling. It's a little small for me.

While I understand your philosophy everyone puts a different value on search criteria. For those who are responding here, the commute is of big value. While this is of importance to me, I have some other equally important criteria. I work from home 2 days per week and work half days on Fridays so I'd be commuting only half the time. The country setting is a top priority for me and if I have to drive a little further to get it then so be it. I could buy a smaller home if I could get the square footage where I want it. (LvgRm & Dining Rm) Unfortunately when you look at smaller SF homes all the rooms are small.

Thanks for your input.

To a degree, I was being condescending. Buying in Wichendon, Philliipston, etc. is not "a little further" from your current commute ... it is 25-35 minutes depending on the town. That is 5-6 hours of more travel per week than your current commute.

I am confident you do not have to look that far west to find something which satisfies your wants. You just need patience as inventory is limited (and perhaps some willingness to plan for future renovations).

[JB2015]

Thx Shrews. I do understand the additional commute time. I also realize inventory is limited right now. Hopefully now that we're into April more will come on the market. Of course, I'd prefer not to extend my commute if possible. I do have patience and will not allow the pressure of my home being under agreement sway me to rush into finding what I want. Another buyer will come along if I don't find one in time. Trust me I have gone back and forth on the commute myself. My husband and I agreed we wouldn't go further than 30 additional minutes from where we are.

[gf2020]

Originally Posted by JB2015

I don't have to justify my wants or needs or budget to anyone so please don't offer advice or opinions that weren't requested.

I thought that is what Internet forums like this were for.