Boston

[VictorGBishop]

I've been a homeowner in north Brockton for 5 years. I live in a newly constructed townhouse with a parking lot. This 2 story home has 2 beds and 1.5 baths. I've just updated my basement,  previously an open unfinished area, below grade and no 2nd means of egress, to add a family room with closet,  utility closet (furnace/boiler), laundry room and an 'open' area. Can someone please tell if this can be considered part of the square footage of the house?

And on another note, why are Brockton properties considered to be ALL rundown? The neighboor in which I live is centrally located to a supermarket, near the commuter rail/bus line, easily accessible to highway, great schools, near a park.

Can someone tell me why aren't there comparable comps available to my townhouse in the current area? and if so, what would they be?

[Janet Malone]

• Gross living area is the total area of finished, above-grade residential space excluding unheated areas such as porches and balconies; the standard measure for determining the amount of space in residential properties, measured from the exterior of the structure. 
• Due to the high number of foreclosures and short sales in Brockton, property values have taken a  hit. However, there are many wonderful homes and great values to be found.