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Answers (12)
Best Answer
- Deb Agliano, "DebOnTheWeb"
- Contributions:1559
That is funny that it's in the same neighborhood. Originally the Fulton Heights area was a summer spot for people who wanted to escape from the heat of the city and vacation at Wright's Pond, and there are still some of the original cottages left in the area.
You can get a copy of the deed online from the Cambridge Registry of Deeds. On the deed you'll be able to see the legal description which will show you the exact frontage, but it sounds like you have another issue as well. Your first stop should be to the Medford Building Department. I'm assuming that since the property you're looking at is so close to the one I just sold that it has the same zoning requirements. The land I sold needed to be at least 5,000 square feet in order to be a buildable lot for a single family home.
Please go to the Building Department to confirm this, but it sounds like you're going to need a variance to build on that lot.
You can get a copy of the deed online from the Cambridge Registry of Deeds. On the deed you'll be able to see the legal description which will show you the exact frontage, but it sounds like you have another issue as well. Your first stop should be to the Medford Building Department. I'm assuming that since the property you're looking at is so close to the one I just sold that it has the same zoning requirements. The land I sold needed to be at least 5,000 square feet in order to be a buildable lot for a single family home.
Please go to the Building Department to confirm this, but it sounds like you're going to need a variance to build on that lot.
- Deb Agliano, "DebOnTheWeb"
- Contributions:1559
Normally the outstanding liens are paid from the proceeds of the sale so that even a seller who doesn't have the cash to pay the liens off beforehand can do it as part of the sale itself.
Besides the sale I had on Winslow for $130,000, there are two other house lots that have sold in the last 6 months in Fulton Heights. They were both on Landry Road (near the back of the old Malden Hospital) and both lots needed to be cleared and are on the side of the hill and will probably need some blasting work as well. Both were buildable lots (no variance needed) and they sold for $60,000 and $75,000.
The new construction house on Winslow is asking $439,900.
You can do a lot with modular. Have you seen the modular house they've just put on a lot on Fulton Street itself?
I'm actually on vacation (but as you can see, my computer is attached to my hip) but if you'd like to continue the conversation privately, feel free to email me at Deb@DebOnTheWeb.com or I'd be happy to chat in person when I get back.
Besides the sale I had on Winslow for $130,000, there are two other house lots that have sold in the last 6 months in Fulton Heights. They were both on Landry Road (near the back of the old Malden Hospital) and both lots needed to be cleared and are on the side of the hill and will probably need some blasting work as well. Both were buildable lots (no variance needed) and they sold for $60,000 and $75,000.
The new construction house on Winslow is asking $439,900.
You can do a lot with modular. Have you seen the modular house they've just put on a lot on Fulton Street itself?
I'm actually on vacation (but as you can see, my computer is attached to my hip) but if you'd like to continue the conversation privately, feel free to email me at Deb@DebOnTheWeb.com or I'd be happy to chat in person when I get back.
- mymgmidget
- Contributions:6
I am currently negotiating with the seller. The seller appears to be in a financial situation and cannot pay the taxes and water. I am taking the amount owed into consideration with the offer. What do you think is a fair amount to offer in these market conditions? BTW, I saw the new construction on the lot on Winslow. Nice house with a garage. Do you know much that house is selling for? I am interested in putting a modular 2 story traditional on the lot and renting it until I am ready to move into it (approx year and a half). Maybe I'll stop by your office and chat
- Deb Agliano, "DebOnTheWeb"
- Contributions:1559
Thanks for the update! The good news is that the building department thinks it could work, but you're right - there's a good amount of work ahead of you. For the plot plan, you can call Medford Engineering and Survey at 781-396-4466.
I've just checked with a contractor I work with and she recommended a structural engineer named Carmine Guarracino 617.834.2653.
Typically the seller is responsible for paying any outstanding liens in a real estate transaction, so unless you have a different agreement with this seller, you won't have to pay the outstanding water bill and taxes.
Good luck and keep us posted!
I've just checked with a contractor I work with and she recommended a structural engineer named Carmine Guarracino 617.834.2653.
Typically the seller is responsible for paying any outstanding liens in a real estate transaction, so unless you have a different agreement with this seller, you won't have to pay the outstanding water bill and taxes.
Good luck and keep us posted!
- mymgmidget
- Contributions:6
I did indeed spend some time last Wednesday at the building dept. Seems that I have to have a structural engineer declare the structure as condemmed before I can build. He thinks there would be no problem with a variance for the property due to the width of the lot. I have to submit a plot plan, etc and submit the application for a hearing. I did stop at the Assessors office and found that there is a water lien for non payment coming shortly and 2 yrs of taxes owed. Looks like it's going to be a long road on this one. Any suggestions or advise to where to go from here? Thanks
- Deb Agliano, "DebOnTheWeb"
- Contributions:1559
I know last week was the holiday, so whenever you have a chance to talk to the building department, please give an update :)
- mymgmidget
- Contributions:6
LOL... Thanks for all the info. I did find out that there is indeed only 40 feet of frontage and 3660 sq ft. Off to the Building Dept to do more investigating. Thanks for all your help so far....
- mymgmidget
- Contributions:6
Thats funny, Its right around the corner from winslow. Seems like there are a lot of older, non repairable houses in the area. The lot is 3600 sq ft and doesn't look like it has 50' of frontage. Do I have to go to the registry of deeds to find out the exact size of the lot ?
- Deb Agliano, "DebOnTheWeb"
- Contributions:1559
A lot depends on where in Medford the land is located. In June, I sold a house that sounds like it was the same situation you're looking at. It was on Winslow Ave (in Fulton Heights in North Medford). The lot was 5,067 square feet with 51' of frontage. This is important because the lot was located in a section of the city that needed a minimum of 50' of frontage to be a buildable lot without needing a variance.
Because the house was beyond repair, as in your situation, we priced the land at $125,000. We ended up with 8 offers on the property and sold for $130,000.
Because the house was beyond repair, as in your situation, we priced the land at $125,000. We ended up with 8 offers on the property and sold for $130,000.
- Kathleen Buckley, "kathleenbuckley"
- Contributions:10
I understand. Chances are an agent would still help you come up with a value for the land.
- mymgmidget
- Contributions:6
Its a private sale
- Kathleen Buckley, "kathleenbuckley"
- Contributions:10
Why don't you contact an agent in Medford?
Property with a condemmed house on it.
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