$579,000
5 WARD ROAD / SUDBURY
SQUARE FOOTAGE > 1,813
LOT SIZE > 0.99 acres
BEDROOMS > 4 BATHS > 2 full, 1 half
LAST SOLD FOR > $560,000 in 2004
Laura Semple Walsh, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 978-831-3766, newenglandmoves.com/laura.semple
PROS The L-shaped screened porch, with ceiling fan and mahogany floors, could easily be everyone’s favorite room. Inside, the house feels fresh, with great paint colors, an updated first-floor half bath, and, in the kitchen, granite and white cabinets and appliances. The family room has a good-looking mantel and exposed ceiling beams. The living room has two floor-to-ceiling built-in bookcases. And for those days when even the porch offers no relief, there’s AC. CONS The clay-colored tile floor doesn’t match the rest of the kitchen.
$729,000
139 SUMMIT AVENUE / QUINCY
SQUARE FOOTAGE > 2,926
LOT SIZE > 0.41 acres
BEDROOMS > 4 BATHS > 2 full, 1 half
LAST SOLD FOR > $277,000 in 1988
Marie Stamos, Stamos & Stamos Realtors, 617-328-9400, stamosandstamosrealtors.com
PROS Set high on a hill, this home’s screened porch offers views of the Dorchester gas tank and the skyline beyond. With removable screens and fir floors, it also looks over the in-ground pool. The kitchen feels airy, thanks to a skylight and white cabinets. The dining and living rooms have unusual original details, like wood paneling with recessed stucco areas and lovely fireplace tiles. The second floor is a spacious master suite, with a bath, laundry, and views. Swimmers can use the toilet and dressing room accessible through a slider in the unfinished basement. CONS It’s time to update baths, flooring, and wallpaper.
$1,299,900
4 EVERGREEN LANE / ANDOVER
SQUARE FOOTAGE > 3,050
LOT SIZE > 1.88 acres
BEDROOMS > 3 BATHS > 3 full, 1 half
LAST SOLD FOR > $1.8 million in 2008
Peggy Patenaude, Prudential Howe & Doherty Realtors, 978-804-0811, justcallpeggy.com
PROS The 56-by-19-foot screened porch, which has a built-in gas grill and overlooks serene Haggett’s Pond, beckons you to relax. The living room and first-floor master suite both have access to the porch — and views. The $250,000 kitchen has extras like two refrigerated drawers in the island. Two bedrooms, each with a bath, are up a half staircase. Continue up another half staircase to an unfinished area, now used as a man cave. CONS Anyone wanting more space must finish the upper level.