Home Tips of the Month

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Home Tips of the Month
from Bonny Lamb

As summer winds down and locally grown foods are in abundance, do keep in mind that strawberries, blueberries, peaches and apples have a good chance of being contaminated by pesticides, according to “Nutrition Action.”

The good news is that “Nutrition Action” lists watermelon, which we all/almost all love, as a “heavyweight in the nutrient department.” Watermelon, basil leaves and feta cheese make a quick and fun-eating salad.

Because we agents continuously see houses
without carbon monoxide detectors, here’s a reminder regarding placement: within 10 feet of any bedroom; at least 1 detector for each 1,200 square feet of space on “living” floors without bedrooms; the Cambridge Fire Dept. considers an unfinished basement habitable space, so a detector in the basement is needed, too. (If your properly placed and properly installed smoke detectors are combination smoke/co, the detectors are required to emit an audio alarm.) CO detectors can be plug-in; need to have battery backup; and don’t need to be affixed to the ceiling like smoke detectors.
 
The City of Cambridge no longer permits the removal of trees on private property without City approval. Effective March, 2019, an amended City Ordinance restricts removal of “significant trees” on private property. “Significant trees” have a diameter of 8 inches or more (measured 4 feet above ground). Removal of any significant private property tree requires a permit from the City.
 
Another reminder about English ivy, an invasive species, which strangles and kills trees. It’s our local kudzu, all too evident in Cambridge, Belmont and Somerville, taking over gardens and climbing trees. At the beginning of the climb, the roots can be pulled from the trees; once securely attached to the tree or wedged within the interstices of the trunk, the roots of the plant need to be sawed to destroy it.

 

Off-Market Listings

224 & 226 Lexington Avenue
Cambridge 02138
 
These dazzling duplexes, gut renovated, exude quality throughout. Meticulously and thoughtfully designed, the L-shaped living areas are delightfully expansive, the BRs are generously sized; the interior is light-flooded with good window privacy and pleasant views. Sliders lead to the private patios and yard space. These beauties are not cookie-cutter. 

226 Lexington Avenue, First floor and lower
level: 7 rooms, 4 BRs; media/family/flex room; 3 full baths; 1 pkg; private outdoor space; 2,150 sf. $1,475,000. 

224 Lexington Avenue, Second and third floors: 6 rooms, 3 BRs, flex room; 3 full baths; 1 pkg; private outdoor space; 1,812 sf. $1,425,000. 

UNDER AGREEMENT

Coming Soon Listing
September 11

22-24 Traymore Street
Cambridge 02140
 
Dynamite location in sought-after Agassiz neighborhood, a delightful, cozy enclave with its own newspaper. This 2-unit house, newly painted and with a surprisingly large fenced yard, is near Harvard, the shops and restaurants on Mass. Ave., and provides a choice of the Harvard or Porter Square T’s. Each apartment has an open floor plan, high ceilings, abundant windows and wonderful natural light. The first floor apartment has open living room/dining room/white kitchen; 1 bedroom; a full bath; was recently painted; has a lead compliant certificate; w/d in basement. The second floor of the upper apartment has open living room/dining room/kitchen; full bath with washer/dryer; 1 bedroom; and a front porch. Third floor has 3 bedrooms, one with exposed brick, a full bath with newly replaced fixtures and flooring; and a fire escape. This special home has a variety of uses: a rental property; live in one apartment and rent the other; or turn the house into a fine single-family home. 1 parking space. $1,750,000
 
 
 
Enjoy the remaining summer!
 
Very best,
Bonny

 
Vice President

1073 Mass Ave, Cambridge 02138

m: 617.803.8080
bonny.lamb@compass.com

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.