From the hunted in Castle Rock to house-hunting in the Bronx
Haunted Homequest
Welcome back, Stephen King aficionados and More For LES readers! It’s a new year and time for new adventures .
If you joined us for the New Year’s Day edition, you know we’re helping the Ridgewicks escape Castle Rock . After a life in the eerie quiet of Maine , the couple is looking to New York City for a fresh start .
They don’t know New York , but they’re hoping to find a home for $950,000 to $1,000,000 in one of the boroughs. (That’s a wide net , but these fictional characters have been so mired in their own story that they’ve missed the plot! )
Jump back to our preview edition here to see further criteria on the method and mortgage terms, or read on to see what their search yielded in the Bronx .
Details: Seven-bedroom, three-bathroom residence featuring hardwood floors and a layout designed for potential multigenerational living or rental income . The property includes a private backyard and is located near schools and transportation . (The Ridgewicks, of course, are in their 50s and do not have children , nor do they need so many bedrooms — but perhaps more Castle Rock residents can escape with them .)
List Price: $999,000
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 7 BR/3 BA
Approx. Size: 2,320 SF
Monthly Carrying Charges: N/A
Monthly Taxes: $0
Monthly Mortgage Payment: $4,884
Total Monthly Overhead: $4,884+
Notes: The buyer will have two units, the second of which can be rented . This means setting carrying charges for a tenant, or assuming the overhead for both. Taxes are not listed, but that doesn’t mean no taxes! The monthly overhead, therefore, will be some amount over $4,884.
Details: Two-unit townhouse consisting of a first-floor 2-bedroom apartment and an upper duplex with three bedrooms and two additional rooms. Units are separately metered with individual mechanical systems . The property itself features off-street parking , a spacious backyard , covered rear porch , and a newly installed roof .
List Price: $950,000
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 5 BR/2.5 BA
Approx. Size: 2,340 SF
Monthly Carrying Charges: $0
Monthly Taxes: $526
Monthly Mortgage Payment: $4,644
Total Monthly Overhead: $5,171+
Notes: Similar to our first property, the property has two units, either of which can be rented . This means setting carrying charges for a tenant (or tenants), or assuming the overhead for both. Taxes are listed at $526/month . The monthly overhead, therefore, will be some amount over $5,171.
Details: Single-family home with four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and a finished basement with a shower. The main floor features two bedrooms connected by a Jack-and-Jill bathroom . The exterior features a large multi-level deck and two outside storage rooms .
List Price: $999,999
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 4 BR/3 BA
Approx. Size: Unknown
Monthly Carrying Charges: N/A
Monthly Taxes: $750
Monthly Mortgage Payment: $4,889
Total Monthly Overhead: $5,639+
Notes: Single-family home with taxes listed at $750/month . The monthly overhead will be $5,639 plus utilities .
Details: Two-family home with a 3-bedroom/2.5-bath duplex and a separate 1-bedroom apartment. Interiors feature quartz countertops , ceramic tiling , and hardwood flooring . The property offers a private backyard , driveway , and garage .
List Price: $975,000
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 4 BR/4 BA
Approx. Size: 2,292 SF
Monthly Carrying Charges: N/A
Monthly Taxes: $0
Monthly Mortgage Payment: $4,767
Total Monthly Overhead: $4,767+
Notes: Two-family home, with the owner assuming the cost of utilities . Taxes are not listed, but that doesn’t mean no taxes! The monthly overhead will be some amount over $4,767 plus utilities.
Details: Two-unit residence that includes seven bedrooms and three full bathrooms with light wood floors and recessed lighting . The property sits on a 1,425 sq. ft. lot.
List Price: $950,000
Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 7 BR/3 BA
Approx. Size: 1,406 SF
Monthly Carrying Charges: N/A
Monthly Taxes: $0
Monthly Mortgage Payment: $4,644
Total Monthly Overhead: $4,644+
Notes: Two-unit home, meaning there’s room for a large family or a tenant, with the owner assuming the cost of utilities . Taxes are not listed, but that doesn’t mean no taxes! The monthly overhead will be some amount over $4,644 plus utilities.
If you were the Ridgewicks , which would you choose? Do any of these seem like plausible fits for our couple?
