Thoughts on this house in Newton for sale (Boston: broker, houses)

[bugelrex]

Just curious, what people's thought on this Newton house. Ask $875k

Location? Price?

https://www.redfin.com/MA/Newton/19-.../home/11417006


Alot of people recommend Newton for its schools, community and proximity to Boston.
This house looks like on the smaller size (given its price), but at the same time looks like it could provide 'comfortable' living with just minor upgrades if your priority is your kids education+commute times?

Overpriced? 3-4 years ago, this house would have been a 750k priced house? Not in an A-class prime location, but pleasant place to live?

[chicagoliz]

I just went through this -- we bought a house in Newton last year. Almost exactly a year ago we were house-hunting. That looks like a great house. I certainly would have put it on my list and looked at it. Looks like a good location.

It's always difficult to say because there are a lot of houses that look great in the listing but when you see them they're not right for you. I'd look at it quickly. Anything under $1 million sells pretty quickly in Newton.

EDIT: I see you've been asking this same sort of question here for years, and you show a Newton zip code as your home. Why are you asking? Given that you've been pondering this for years and apparently live in Newton, you probably would already know more than most of the people on this forum. What is it that you're trying to find out?

[gf2020]

I know that area pretty well, my best friend from college lives nearby on Mosman.

Fessenden is a bit of a cut through street. That would bother me somewhat but I bet somebody will still buy this house quick.

[bugelrex]

Originally Posted by chicagoliz

I just went through this -- we bought a house in Newton last year. Almost exactly a year ago we were house-hunting. That looks like a great house. I certainly would have put it on my list and looked at it. Looks like a good location.

It's always difficult to say because there are a lot of houses that look great in the listing but when you see them they're not right for you. I'd look at it quickly. Anything under $1 million sells pretty quickly in Newton.

EDIT: I see you've been asking this same sort of question here for years, and you show a Newton zip code as your home. Why are you asking? Given that you've been pondering this for years and apparently live in Newton, you probably would already know more than most of the people on this forum. What is it that you're trying to find out?

Its mostly for sharing local information amongst people who visit this forum. Its good to have more 'local' information so newcomers don't have to rely on 'realtor-talk'

[chicagoliz]

Originally Posted by bugelrex

Its mostly for sharing local information amongst people who visit this forum. Its good to have more 'local' information so newcomers don't have to rely on 'realtor-talk'

But if someone was looking to move to Newton and was in this forum, wouldn't they just ask?

[bugelrex]

Originally Posted by chicagoliz

But if someone was looking to move to Newton and was in this forum, wouldn't they just ask?

They can use the search function to find old info (like any useful information posted in this thread)

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by bugelrex

Its mostly for sharing local information amongst people who visit this forum. Its good to have more 'local' information so newcomers don't have to rely on 'realtor-talk'

So you are not personally interested in this house, is that correct?

[Parsec]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

So you are not personally interested in this house, is that correct?

Sounds fishy to me, like she is the listing agent or something.

[timberline742]

Originally Posted by Parsec

Sounds fishy to me, like she is the listing agent or something.

My first thought.

[bugelrex]

Originally Posted by Parsec

Sounds fishy to me, like she is the listing agent or something.

not the listing agent or have any information on the house at all (I haven't even bothered to drive past).
trying to find negative and positive issues on the house so future home buyers can make informed decisions.

When I was looking for houses, these kinds of small critiques on houses can help a buyer understand things to look for in houses + locations. Its hard to trust a broker for this information, far too rosy (they just want the commission)

For example
negatives:
- how is this area in general. Negatives. Someone already mentioned its cut-through street
- Crafts/North is a busy intersection. this house is 2 houses away from the intersection. Noise or pollution issues
- the backyard has a large slope. Issues of water in the backyard?
- is a 1940 house 'generally' worse than a 1920's house as its about 1-2 years into the war. (materials quality, builders being drafted so less skilled labor)
- is not top-prime Newton location (eg waban, newton center), so is it overpriced?
- the construction of the orr block could cause traffic issues for the next 2 years


positives:
- can walk to elementary, middle and bike to Newton North
- if the Orr Block is built as suggested. It could be a 'nice and modern' and bustling downtown area less than 1 mile walk.
- Express bus only 1 block away, but only runs in rush hours. Has a high chance of being cancelled in the future due to low ridership and cutbacks
- if express doesn't work, your only option is to walk 15-20 mins to the Newtonville commuter rail or express stops in the village.