The Home Page: Home & Away

Comparing Coastal Options to Boston Bargains

GOOD NEWS FOR OUR SCHOOLS

Back in August, we put out a call for support for the Back-to-School Supplies Drive sponsored by The Teacher’s Fund, a nonprofit organization created by the good folks at Village Properties. The totals of the Supplies Drive have now been tallied, and the results are grand. Support is at an all-time high, with more than $62,000 raised to help local classrooms. Join me in a big round of applause to the committee who made this happen, shown above: Sheela Hunt, Leanne Wood, Ivonne Arroyo, Renee Grubb, Brianna Johnson, Dianne Johnson, Candace Cavaletto, Alyssa Jones, and Angel Speier. Not pictured: Amy Abbott. Read all about it in this week’s issue.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?

In this week’s column, our Style Specialist dishes on the color choices that will give you the most bang for your buck when preparing your house to sell. As is usually the case, I found helpful hints even though I plan to stay in my home sweet home. The running theme: Blue is your best bet. There are subtle differences, however, in where and how to use it. For instance, in the bedroom, while blue brings top dollar, Christine shares that although “a dark-blue accent wall can be stunning, it can make some rooms feel smaller. When selling homes, I recommend painting the bedroom walls white and decorating with blue bedding and artwork for appeal.” I’ll take that pro tip and sleep on it.

HOME ON THE RANGE

Changing seasons can mean a little more time in the kitchen. Check out the kitchen and dining setup in this lovely Montecito estate. The whole house has charm, history, and stunning views, and the stunning central kitchen is destined to be the heart of this home. I can almost smell the scent of simmering soup wafting through the halls. Offered for lease by MK Real Estate Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. Butternut bisque, anyone?

This edition of The Home Page was originally emailed to subscribers on March 31, 2024. To receive Sarah Sinclair’s real estate newsletter in your inbox each Sunday, sign up at independent.com/newsletter

BOSTON BARGAINS?

Here’s what a million dollars will buy you in Boston. In this case, Somerville, to be precise. This charming duplex — or two-family home, as it’s called on this coast — was built in 1900 and is listed for $925,000. A three-bedroom, two-bath unit and a one-bedroom, one-bath share a tiled entryway and a huge outdoor deck. There’s a koi pond in the backyard, plus a basement, naturally. Check out this listing and more to compare coastal options. Of course, don’t forget to add on your heating bill when considering costs.

HALLOWEEN SPIRIT

The jack-o-lanterns are out in full force here in New England — at least, the pumpkins that are yet to be carved. Ghosts, spiderwebs, and skeletons grace front porches and doorsteps, and somehow the cloudy sky and crisp fall air provides a spookier backdrop. Here’s a horse and carriage spotted galloping through the Somerville neighborhood, ready for Halloween!

HERE’S HOWARD

Don’t tell Scout, but one of the many highlights of my East Coast visit has been cuddling Howard Albert Sinclair, my son John and daughter-in-law Natalie’s nine-week-old kitten. In case you haven’t been around a tiny kitten recently, let me remind you of the basics: needle-sharp teeth, talon-like claws, constantly underfoot, and into everything. Most importantly: ALL of that is well worth the sweet tiny meows, curious wobbles, backwards topples, and constant cuddles of Kittenland. I’ll be happy to get home to Scout, but it won’t be easy to say good-bye to Howard. As it is with all travels, I suppose.

Whether you’re home or away this week, take a peek at this week’s Independent for all your local news and info. Have a great Sunday!

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