Harborside Blog

15 Year Battle Nears End – Home in Marblehead May be Knocked Down Soon

Some disputes between neighbors are easily resolved.  The dispute between two neighbors on Bubier Road in Marblehead clearly could not be resolved easily, quickly or amicably.

The dispute involves a home located at 74 Bubier Road in Marblehead.  Bubier Road is located off of Atlantic Avenue near Seaside Park and downtown Marblehead.  Homes on Bubier near Atlantic Avenue are valued in the $400,000 to $700,000 range while homes at the end of Bubier have views of Marblehead Harbor and the ocean and are valued above $1,000,000.  The owner of 74 Bubier Road is Wayne Johnson.  Johnson’s neighbors are John and Ruth Schey.

From what I understand, Mr. Johnson owned a large, early 1900s-era home with a garage on the property.  In the early 1990’s, Johnson applied to subdivide his property in order to create a second building lot.  His intent was to knock down the garage and build a new home on the second lot.  In 1996, Johnson built a three bedroom, 2 bath 3,000+ square foot Georgian-style home on the second lot – a quarter acre parcel.  The current 2010 assessed value is $934,600. Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Local News

Right up the Street from Maddie’s Sail Loft

I visited the Marblehead historic images page on facebook again today and found this picture of the building at the corner of State and Front Streets (across the street from the old liquor store in the picture below (now Acorn Gallery) as well as The Landing Restaurant).  Marblehead Financial Planning, Sach’s Antiques, another office space and two residential units make up the building.

Finance the Fixer Upper – FHA 203(K) Rehab Loan Program

For those of you who want to purchase a property that requires updating/renovating, FHA’s 203(k) loan program may be for you.  (203(k) refers to a section of the National Housing Act)  The loan program can be used to finance the acquisition and renovation/modernization of single family, multi family (up to 4 units) and individual condo units (only interior renovations of condos).  One of the key benefits of the program is that it provides fixed permanent financing upon acquisition of the property.  There is no need to apply for one loan to acquire, another loan to renovate and then refinance after the project has been completed.  You can apply for a 203(k) loan at any FHA approved lending institution.  FHA/HUD does not make direct loans, it insures the loans made by FHA approved lenders.  I have not yet had a client use this type of loan but I will suggest to some that they investigate the program further.  You can learn more by visiting HUD’s website:      HUD 203(k) Program

I know a few good mortgage brokers and direct lenders that may be able assist you with a 203(k) loan.  Call or e-mail me anytime.  Mike Cannuscio, Harborside Realty, Mobile:  781.838.0068, e-mail:  mike@harborsiderealty.com.

Historic Images of Marblehead – Budweiser or Schlitz Anyone?

I found this image on facebook last night.  I agree that it is not the most historically significant or aesthetically pleasing, however, it caught my attention.  The building is located at the corner of State and Front Streets.  My real estate brokerage, Harborside Realty, is located in the same building – currently a condo association with 2 commercial spaces on the first floor and four residential condos on the second and third floors.  Acorn Gallery, an art studio, now occupies the space that was previously the liquor store.  I guess the town’s sign bylaw was not yet in effect back in the late 40’s – mid 50’s.

A man named Dan Dixey created a facebook page called “Marblehead Historic Images.”  Take a look:

Marblehead Historic Photos

I enjoyed checking out the photos.  I think you will too.

New Price – 141 Foster Road – Stylish Swampscott Bungalow on Pond – $339,000

A new listing in Swampscott – great opportunity for the downsizing homeowner or as a condo alternative.  A beautifully maintained home – move right in.  There will be a public open house on Sunday, January 10th from Noon – 2pm.

Stylish updated 1920‘s bungalow w/ period detail overlooking Foster’s Pond. Enjoy cooking in the contemporary stainless chef’s kitchen w/ 5-burner Fisher+Paykel gas range, Miele oven, & abundant cabinetry. Begin the day in the updated bath w/ glass enclosed tiled shower and Grohe body jets. Entertain in the spacious landscaped yard on the low maintenance composite mahogany deck. Private office on 2nd floor. Plenty of storage in 2-car garage & full basement. Nearby train to Boston.

For more pictures and details, visit my office’s website:  www.HarborsideRealty.com.  Please contact Mike Cannuscio at Harborside Realty if you have questions or would like to schedule a private showing.  Mike’s mobile number and e-mail are 781.838.0068/mike@harborsiderealty.com.

Salem’s Historic McIntire District – Office Space Available

Over 900 square feet of first floor office space is now available on Federal Street in Salem’s McIntire historic district.

Details:

Rare opportunity to lease a storefront in an historic Salem neighborhood.  Great visibility from this first floor space located in the heart of the McIntire District-5 min. walk to public trans. & courthouse.  900+sf of space- a large open front room for office or retail display and a private room for additional office space or storage.  Large windows, hardwood floors, bright lighting, private bath, significant storage space in the basement and one off-street parking space.  $900 per month plus utilities —  Click Here for More Details on www.HarborsideRealty.com

Contact Mike Cannuscio at Harborside Realty to schedule a showing.  Mobile:  781.838.0068/mike@harborsiderealty.com

A Mooring in Marblehead Harbor – One of the Most Prized Possessions in Town

If you are moving to Marblehead and have a boat or aspire to own one, a few of your first questions may be:  How do I apply for a mooring in Marblehead Harbor and how long will I need to wait to get one?

The wait may take 12-15 years.  So get on the wait list ASAP.  Click here for details on how to apply. The good news is that there is no wait for a mooring in Salem Harbor.  Details on Salem Harbor moorings to follow.

Local Business – Masonry Contractor

Mason For Hire

If you are looking for a contractor to install a brick walkway, front steps, Belgian block edging, stone wall or anything to do with stone or brick work, I highly recommend Steve Lannon, a masonry contractor from Swampscott.

Steve did a project at our house last year.  He installed Belgian block along both sides of our driveway and replaced two landing areas at the base of our side and rear steps.  Steve did a beautiful job, he showed up on schedule and worked very hard.

His contact numbers are (work – 781.595.0572) and (cell – 617.823.1790).

New 2009-2010 Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit

Great news for many home buyers.  On November 6th, President Obama approved an extended and expanded homebuyer tax credit.  First-time homebuyers (defined as those who have not owned a principal residence for 3 years prior to purchase and subject to income and other restrictions) can continue to take advantage of an $8,000 credit.  In addition, homebuyers that have used a home being sold as a primary residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years may take advantage of a $6,500 credit (subject to income and other restrictions).   While the extension of the $8,000 tax credit was expected, the new $6,500 credit provides a nice benefit to those homeowners that have owned for many years but may wish to Read the rest of this entry »

All You Need to Know About a Property in 4 Easy Steps

If you see a property online or in the newspaper that you would like to learn more about, I suggest you do the following:

1.  Go to the Registry of Deeds website.

In Essex County, the domain is www.SalemDeeds.com.  Do an address search and learn how much the current owner paid for the property, when the owner purchased, how much is owed on the property, any foreclosure proceedings, judgments, etc..

2.  Visit the town assessor’s website.

In Marblehead, visit www.marblehead.com/assessors.  You can confirm the current assessed value, any building permits that have been applied for, square footage of both the home and the lot, deed references, last sales price, number of rooms, etc…

3.  Visit the building department and ask to see the file on the property.

You will learn a lot about a property here.  You may see copies of the plot plan, building permit applications, letters from concerned neighbors, notes from inspectors, etc…

4.  Call National Grid (if the house has gas service for heat or hot water).

Even if you are not the owner of the property, National Grid will give you information about average gas usage over the prior 12 month period.  While every owner/occupant may use different amounts of gas, it will give a rough idea on gas utility costs.