April 24, 2008
Make Your Down Payment with a Shirt
In my last post, I pointed out the average price of a US home, $200,700, gets you nowhere in my neck of the woods. But that post had such a negative vibe, I’d like to find something more upbeat.
As every Bostonian knows, a David Ortiz jersey was recently buried, then unearthed, from the foundation of the new Yankee Stadium. Showing their surprisingly philanthropic side, the Yanks put the shirt up for auction to benefit the Jimmy Fund. A lucky car dealer nabbed it on eBay for a mere $175,100.
To most people, $175,000 makes a solid, 20% down payment on a $700,000 home. What will that get you in Beacon Hill and Back Bay? Some decidedly sweet digs.
50 Comm Ave #703
Beds: 1/Baths: 1
SQ.FT.: 795
$629,000
Like most native New Englanders, I harsh on the condo lifestyle; buildings that *barely* pass the architectural rigors of the neighborhood association, and slab upon slab of faceless studios. In a word, ick. But this place could be ok: a view worth viewing, a common roof deck that might actually lead to socializing with your neighbors, and a short walk to the Pru.
100 Charles St #A
Beds: 2/Baths: 1
SQ.FT.: 973
$799,000
A big, old colorful two bed, right smack dab in the middle of the shopingest part of Beacon Hill. It even bucks the letter-address-equals-basement-apartment rule. I’ll admit my skepticism toward the “private balcony” they didn’t picture; I’m thinking it’s a fire escape. Then there’s the eternal question of parking… But those hairy bits aside, it’s a darn fine home.
27 Bowdoin Street #2A
Beds:1 /Baths: 1
SQ.FT.: 524
$415,000
Before you go on about how dark or dreary or narrow or not well appointed this apartment seems, re-read that first line of the description: one deeded parking spot. Believe me folks: in Back Bay, those aren’t cheap; in Beacon Hill, they should come with an Ortiz jersey buried under each one. Subtract the value of that parking spot from the asking price, and you have a deal you’re not likely to see again soon.
…unless, of course, a few more condo develpments hit the auction block.
More Of Cosmo Catalano on Beacon Hill and Back Bay
Image: the $175k Ortiz Jersey. Stolen from Bostonist.com; lord knows where they got it. Probably ebay.
