Medford, MA

Monday, May 4, 2009

City of Medford Public Hearing to Address Vacant & Foreclosed Properties

The city council will be having a public hearing tomorrow nite to discuss vacant & foreclosed properties in Medford and propose legislation to address these properties and their effect on neighborhoods here in Medford. There's some strong rules proposed, below is part of the public notice:

Direct Link to Public Notice: http://www.medford.org/Pages/MedfordMA_CouncilAgenda/I0242ADA3

Hopefully these regulations are adopted to make sure our neighborhoods are preserved. Medford hasn't been as hard hit as other areas of the country, this should help to avoid it doing so in my opinion.

A Public Hearing will be held by the Medford City Council in the Howard F. Alden Memorial Chambers on Tuesday, Evening, May 5, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. on a petition of the Medford City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinances of the City of Medford, Chapter 94 as follows:

City of Medford
Amendment to Revised Ordinances
Chapter 94 Zoning

Vacant and Foreclosing Properties

227
Section 94-482 REGISTRATION OF PROPERTY;
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE

A. All owners shall register vacant and/or foreclosing residential, commercial, or industrial properties with the Building Commissioner on forms provided by the Commissioner. All registrations must state the owner's or agent's phone number and mailing address. The mailing address may not be a post office box. This registration must also certify that the property was inspected by the owner or agent and identify whether the property is vacant at the time of filing. If the property is vacant, the owner or agent shall designate and retain a local individual or local property management company responsible for securing and maintaining the property. This designation shall state the individual's or company's name, phone number and 24 hour emergency contact information, and local mailing address. The mailing address may not be a post office box. If the property is in the process of foreclosure, then the registration shall be filed within seven days of the initiation of the foreclosure process as defined in § 94-481above. If the Commissioner determines that the property is vacant and that foreclosure proceedings have not been initiated, the registration must be received within 14 days of the Commissioner's first citation for improper maintenance.

B. All property registrations are valid for one calendar year. An annual registration fee as determined by the Building Commissioner shall accompany the registration form. Subsequent annual registrations and fees are due at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the previous registration and must certify whether the foreclosing and/or foreclosed property remains vacant.

C. Once the property is no longer vacant or is sold, the owner must provide proof of sale or written notice and proof of occupancy to the Building Commissioner.
§ 22
Section 94-483 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

A. Properties subject to this article shall be maintained in accordance with the relevant sanitary codes, building codes, and local regulations concerning external and/or visible maintenance. The owner, local individual or local property management company shall inspect and maintain the property on a monthly basis for the duration of the vacancy.

B. The name and twenty-four-hour contact phone number of the local individual or property management company responsible for maintenance shall be affixed to the property. This sign shall be posted on the front of the property.

C. Adherence to this article does not relieve the owner of any applicable obligations set forth in City ordinances or regulations, covenant conditions and restrictions, and/or homeowners' association rules and regulations.

Section 94-484 INSPECTIONS
The Commissioner or designee shall have the authority and the duty to inspect properties subject to this article for compliance and to issue citations for any violations. The Commissioner or designee shall have the discretion to determine when and how such inspections are to be made, provided that such policies are reasonably calculated to ensure that this article is enforced.
§ 227-12 Violations and penalties.
Section 94-485 VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

A. Failure to register with the Commissioner shall be considered a violation of this article and is punishable by a fine of $300. Each week that such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.

B. Failure to identify the local individual or local property management company shall be considered a violation of this article and is punishable by a fine of $300. Each week that such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.

C. Failure to maintain the property shall be considered a violation of this article and is punishable by a fine of $300. Each week that such violation continues shall be considered a separate offense. Any expenses incurred by the City of Medford relative to securing or maintaining property shall be recoverable by placing a lien on the property.

Section 94-486 APPEAL
Any person aggrieved by the requirements of this article may seek an administrative appeal by making written application to the Mayor. The Mayor may designate a hearing officer to hear appeals pursuant to this article. Any person aggrieved by a final decision issued under this article by the Mayor may seek relief in any court of competent jurisdiction as provided by the laws of the commonwealth. Any appeal made shall be requested in writing within 30 days of the date of the decision

Section 94-487 REGULATORY AUTHORITY
The Building Commissioner has the authority to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement and enforce this article.

Hopefully you'll either attend the meeting or tune in on Medford Public Access.

The Medford Public Library hosts superb lectures and this week's lecture sponsored by the Medford Historical Society will be a treat.

This Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at 7:00 pm, local author Anita Silvey, will speak about her new book I'll Pass for Your Comrade: Women Soldiers in the Civil War. From the library newsletter:

"During the Civil War, hundreds of women assumed male identities, put on uniforms, and went into battle alongside their male comrades. Author Anita Silvey will talk about the fascinating secret world of the women soldiers of the women soldiers of the Civil War, who they were, why they went to war, and how they managed their masquerade."

The lecture is the last in the series sponsored by the Medford Historical Society to accompany the exhibit Of the People: Faces of the Civil War which runs through this Sunday at the Medford Historical Society, 10 Governors Avenue, Medford Massachusetts. The last chance to view the exhibit will be this weekend at the Historical Society:

• Saturday, April 25, 2009 Noon to 3 pm
• Sunday, April 26, 2009 Noon to 4 pm

The Medford Historical Society owns one of the largest and most important collections of Civil War photographs. The photographs were collected by Civil War veteran General Samuel Crocker Lawrence and donated by the Lawrence family to the Society in 1948. The exhibition is a rare opportunity to view these photographs first hand.

Silvey's lecture about Women Soldiers in the Civil War takes place at the Medford Public Library,111 High Street, Medford MA on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at 7:00 pm. Admission is free.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Elizabeth Bolton is a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker helping clients buy and sell real estate in Medford MA and nearby communities.

If you would like pictures or listing sheets of the properties below please e-mail me at TucciRealEstate@gmail.com or call my cell (617) 816-7603.

	x6	MLS#: 70902935	Status: ACT	DOM: 6	List Price: $850
40 Oakland U: 3, Medford, MA	Description: 4 room, 2 bed, 1 bath apartment (Rental)
Remarks: Nice and affordable 4 rooms/2 bedroom apartment near City Hall Square. All hardwood floors, tile bathroom, good size kitchen including refrigerator. Close to public transportation, shopping area, restaurants, near everything. Minutes from Boston and major highway. Directions: Main St. to Riverside/Rt 60 to City Hall Sq. to Oakland St.
		MLS#: 70900548	Status: ACT	DOM: 11	List Price: $1,000
848 Fellsway U: 3, Medford, MA	Description: 5 room, 2 bed, 1 bath apartment (Rental)
Remarks: Third floor 2 bedroom unit on busline, close to shopping. Directions: Near Wellington Circle
	x6	MLS#: 70900509	Status: ACT	DOM: 11	List Price: $1,150
848 Fellsway U: 2, Medford, MA	Description: 5 room, 2 bed, 1 bath apartment (Rental)
Remarks: Clean, bright second floor unit with replacement windows close to shopping and on busline. Directions: Close to Wellington Circle
	x8	MLS#: 70878075	Status: ACT	DOM: 70	List Price: $1,200
32 West St U: Rt, Medford, MA	Description: 5 room, 2 bed, 1 bath townhouse/duplex (Rental)
Remarks: A 2-3BR duplex townhouse style apartment in Tufts location...large eat-in kitchen, livingroom and enclosed porch on 1st level,2 bedrooms and full bath on 2nd level with 2 heated attic rooms on 3rd flr..laundry hook-ups in basement with storage space and 2 car driveway... Directions: Winthrop St to West
		MLS#: 70878858	Status: ACT	DOM: 57	List Price: $1,250
123 Forest Street U: 2, Medford, MA	Description: 6 room, 3 bed, 1 bath townhouse/duplex (Rental)
Remarks: This is a Beautiful 2 Family...upper levels in a Beautfiul Neighborhood! Located in Historic Medford, MA...Near Shopping, Transporation... Restaurants...! Directions: Near Medford Square....Lawrence Estate....Route 93!
	x10	MLS#: 70884292	Status: ACT	DOM: 45	List Price: $1,250
60 3rd St. U: 1, Medford, MA	Description: 5 room, 2 bed, 1 bath apartment (Rental)
Remarks: Commuter's dream. Meticulously maintained 2-family apartment. All rooms have been freshly painted; hardwood floors have been refinished. Near Wellington, across from Harris Playground. Eat-in-Kitchen. Large back yard. Replacement windows and gas heat. Plenty of closets & storage. Washer/dryer hook-ups in basement. Take the 108 bus to Wellington or walk on a nice day. Be on Rte. 93 in minutes. Available now. Sorry, no pets. Directions: Riverside to Bradbury to 3rd
		MLS#: 70894046	Status: ACT	DOM: 24	List Price: $1,250
56 Bradshaw U: 1, Medford, MA	Description: 6 room, 2 bed, 1 bath apartment (Rental)
Remarks: Great location in a nice neighborhood. Close to public transportation! Freshly painted 1st floor unit in 3 Family home with 2 BR and either office or potential 3rd bedroom. Hardwood, built-in china cabinet coin-operated washer and dryer in basement. Small dogs or cat with landlord approval. wireless network available. Directions: Riverside to Spring St. to Bradshaw St.
		MLS#: 70848900	Status: ACT	DOM: 151	List Price: $1,300
23 Pinkham Rd U: 2, Medford, MA	Description: 6 room, 3 bed, 1 bath apartment (Rental)
Remarks: Spacious 3 Bedroom on 2nd floor in convenient location with off street parking..close to "Tufts", shopping, public transportation and major highways (Rt 16, 2 and 93) Directions: Off Boston Ave
	x4	MLS#: 70895197	Status: ACT	DOM: 21	List Price: $1,400
53 Winchester St U: 2, Medford, MA	Description: 6 room, 3 bed, 1 bath apartment (Rental)
Remarks: Wonderful three bed on quite street in Medford. Easy access to bus lines and I-93. 5 min walk to Powder House Sq and Ball Sq. large living room, dinning room, front enclosed deck. Washer and dryer in unit. Mix of carpets and hardwood floors. Has back yard and owner will allow small pets with security deposit. Fully Alarmed. Directions: Harvard Ave to Winchester St
	x21	MLS#: 70904487	Status: ACT	DOM: 4	List Price: $1,500
53 Pembroke Street U: 1, Medford, MA	Description: 7 room, 2 bed, 1.5 bath apartment (Rental)
Remarks: Two Levels of living space. 1st floor & finished basement. Great Location near shopping and dining. Hardwood floors living rm. 1-1/2 Baths. 3 car tandem parking. Cats OK, Some smaller dogs OK. Owner Occupied 2Fam Home Directions: Riverside Ave to Pembroke st.
	x3	MLS#: 70874785	Status: ACT	DOM: 68	List Price: $1,600
3920 Mystic Valley Parkway U: 1009 East, Medford, MA	Description: 5 room, 2 bed, 2 bath condominium (Rental)
Remarks: Spacious Condo consisting of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, dining room and kitchen areas, jacuzzi, indoor parking, newly renovated indoor heated pool, exercise room with new machines, racquetball court, 24/7 security/concierge, close proximity to routes 93 & 28, shopping and public transportation. Directions: Route 16 near Meadow Glen Mall
	x14	MLS#: 70824197	Status: ACT	DOM: 206	List Price: $1,700
121 Summer Street U: 2, Medford, MA	Description: 9 room, 3 bed, 2 bath apartment (Rental)
Remarks: Spacious second floor apartment with potental 3rd bedroom near Tufts University. Includes family/piano room, den, 2 full baths, large kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, dryer & washer hook-up, and off street parking for 2 cars. This is a great commuter location near 93, Medford Squ/Davis Squ, bus combinations including Sullivan station. Home is located one block from the Mystic River and is near College Ave. Directions: @ corner of Maple Ave.
	x6	MLS#: 70868906	Status: ACT	DOM: 83	List Price: $1,800
4 Albion St U: 2, Medford, MA	Description: 7 room, 4 bed, 1 bath apartment (Rental)
Remarks: Nice newly renovated 4 bedroom apartment with two levels of living space. Conveniently located near tufts and somerville line. Apartment is also close to all amenities, public transportation, public park and swimming pool. Newer back porch and newly paved driveway.Other recent updates include, nice new walls and gleaming hardwood floors. Directions: Medford St to Albion St
	x7	MLS#: 70883642	Status: ACT	DOM: 46	List Price: $1,800
34A Morton Ave. U: 2, Medford, MA	Description: 6 room, 4 bed, 1 bath apartment (Rental)
Remarks: Completely renovated 2 level apartment. Huge living/dining room. Large kitchen, washer/dryer hook-up in basement. 4 large bedrooms. 2 zoned gas heat. Enclosed porch in front & covered porch in back. 2 possibly 3 car driveway. Nice size yard. Directions: Medford St. to Morton Ave.
	x4	MLS#: 70905224	Status: NEW	DOM: 2	List Price: $2,000
100 Station Landing U: 1203PH, Medford, MA	Description: 5 room, 1 bed, 1 bath condominium (Rental)
Remarks: Great opportunity to live in a Penthouse @ Skyline Condominiums 1 bed/1bath plus den at Station Landing. This luxury home features granite counter tops, ss appliances, full size washer/dryer, hardwood floors & balcony with fabulous water views. Completely covered garage parking in building & storage area. Amendities include conierge services, clubroom & fitnes area. Centrally located in a vibrant community w/T at Wellington Circle. Directions: Located on the corner of RT16 &RT28- adjacent to Wellington Parking Garage
	x7	MLS#: 70905215	Status: NEW	DOM: 2	List Price: $2,100
14 Winter Hill Road U: 14, Medford, MA	Description: 8 room, 3 bed, 2 bath apartment (Rental)
Remarks: Location! Location! A short walk to Ball or Magoun Squares, this spacious unit is on two living levels. It features hardwood floors and wall to wall carpet, two full baths, one on each level, and an in-unit washer/dryer. There are two side by side off-street parking spaces. Pets are subject to landlord approval. Available July 1, 2009. Directions: Medford Street to Winter Hill Road
	x11	MLS#: 70899811	Status: ACT	DOM: 14	List Price: $2,400
14 Brooks Street U: 14, Medford, MA	Description: 11 room, 5 bed, 2 bath townhouse/duplex (Rental)
Remarks: Huge West Medford renovated Duplex house 5BDRM 1 full-2Half Baths. Lg living/dining, plenty of window light, Insulated Doors & Windows. Extra storage/Office space. All NEW Kit Apps:Sink-Faucet-Dishwshr-Garb/Displ-Microwv-Gas stove-Mple cabs & tiled counters. Apartment is Lead Cert,Frsh Paint, HDWD flrs, Gran/ctr Bthrm & tiled Flr. Frt & Rr porches, yard. 2 paved prking & on St. prking. Unit in desirable area-easy to all Rts 93,2,95,16,&60,Bus Lines(Grn,Red&Ornge)& steps to Commuter Rail(Prple). Directions: High Street (Route 60) to Brooks Street
		MLS#: 70870246	Status: ACT	DOM: 79	List Price: $2,900
100 Station Landing U: 412, Medford, MA	Description: 5 room, 2 bed, 2 bath condominium (Rental)
Remarks: Great opportunity to lease one of the most sought after units at Skyline. Fabulous views from this 2 bedroom/2 full bath condominium. Enjoy all the luxuries life has to offer here at Skyline Condominiums. Features include Stainiless Steel appliances, grainite counter tops, marble bathrooms, walk in closet, stoarge and covered parking, fitness area, clubroom and concierge services - all under one roof! You may add Crate & Barell furniture for an extra fee. Directions: Rte 16 to Rte28 to Presidents Landing to Skyline to parking garage on left. Proceed to Sales Office
	x11	MLS#: 70889634	Status: ACT	DOM: 33	List Price: $3,200
127 Fulton Spring Rd U: 127, Medford, MA	Description: 12 room, 7 bed, 4 bath single family (Rental)
Remarks: Renovated multi-level single family house in a residential neighborhood in Medford. Conveniently located with easy access to R28 and I93, and minutes to Boston. This fabulous home has 7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a modern kitchen that features stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, plenty of closet and storage space, and a deck overlooking a back yard with a stunning view of Boston.3 car driveway, Central heat and A/C with 2 zones. Directions: Fellsway to Fulton St. to Fulton Spring Rd.

All information was found using the Multiple Listing Service. If you would like more information about these rentals or if you or someone you know is looking for real estate in this area, please contact Dan Tucci, a lifelong Medford resident and your Medford, Massachusetts REALTOR®. Daniel Tucci (617) 816-7603 or e-mail at TucciRealEstate@gmail.com

Spring is in the air, but we’re not seeing a “typical” spring market, at least not yet in Medford. Spring is historically when the most number of buyers come out to look at homes. Normally by April there is a frenzy of sellers putting their homes on the market to coincide with the rush of spring buyers. That’s not happening so far. . .

What does that means? Well, if you’re looking to sell, it’s a lot easier to get your house to stand out when there is less competition. If you’re looking to buy, it means you need to have patience in this market in order to find the right house.

If you’re a number cruncher like me, here are the latest statistics for real estate in Medford:

If you’d like to compare, here are Medford’s real estate statistics for January 2009 and the real estate market update for October 2008.

Though you have to look closely at the 3rd picture, just above the sink, is notification that this home has been winterized. This is the tale of one sellers need to sell, a listing I initially had as an overpriced market sale (and previously blogged as PU, a problem with cat urine) that later expired, relisted as short sale.. expired, and two years later foreclosed on. The sad thing is it really did not have to go down this way. In the end the home sold for almost $200K off the top. Had the seller only listened to two competent agents suggestions to get the price down, even if it meant taking a loss (going for a short sale), the seller, bank and investors could have made out so much better. In the end, the house that was once a home was disgraced by flyers posted at every turn that "This property has been winterized". Since this listing I have worked a number of short sales, sales where we had to get very aggressive with pricing to prevent a bad deal from getting worst.

I feel sorry for this seller. Her son when off to fight, I sat at her dining table and was fed until I was no longer hungry, but in the end, I was unable to help her realize that her home was just not worth what she needed to clear the note, and that we needed to peruse other options. God bless you D