House Hunters

First Time Buyers and Newlyweds Rachel and Casey Are Ready to Buy Their First Home Together in Boston, Massachussets (39x12)

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Newlyweds Rachel and Casey want to stop renting and buy their first home in Boston, Mass. Casey does not want to be anywhere near the suburbs. They both want to be in close enough to Boston central and would prefer to stay in their Charlestown neighborhood. With a budget of $400,000 to $450,000, they are looking for a place that's much bigger than their 800 square foot apartment. The want a 2 bed, 2 bath place with lots of storage space, a separate laundry area and a deck so Casey can barbecue. Their realtor Jaime Drunsic loves working with first time buyers, but she's not sure if she can find a place that fits all of their criteria and stays within their budget. The first place she shows them is a 2 bed. 2 1/2 bath attached house, located just a few blocks away from their apartment in Charlestown. Listed at $460,000, it has 3 levels and is 1,326 square feet. Rachel and Casey like the upgraded kitchen, the size of the bedrooms, the basement storage area and that it has a laundry area. They like that it has the potential for a deck off of one of the bedrooms, but are concerned that, in addition to the price being over their budget, they would have to spend extra money to finish the job off. Jaime then takes them to South Boston, where there is a much more affordable condo listed at $411,000. This place has 2 bed, 2 bath and is 1,000 square feet. They like the layout and the large rooftop deck, but Casey doesn't like the style of the kitchen and double headed shower in the master bath. Jaime takes them to a 3 bed, 2 bath, 1,200 square foot penthouse condo in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, listed at $439,000. Rachel and Casey love the backyard, 2 private decks and large great room, but aren't sure if they want to live so far from their jobs. With three great choices, which one will they choose?