Converting a Wellesley Home
Question: We live in a seven bedroom Wellesley home. Since our kids have moved out, we would like to consider a plan of renting out some of the rooms or converting the house into a two-family. We got this plan from having lived in Japan for several years where these conversions are common. How feasible is this plan for Wellesley where we need more affordable housing?
Well, you don’t have a plan, you have an idea. One of the reasons that Wellesley is a great place to live is the strict zoning. You can’t just do whatever you want no matter how good an idea.
As a martial artist, I trained in Japan. Yes, in Japan pretty much anything goes. Yes, if you feel like opening a yakitori bar and grill in your garage, you just do it.
So, begin with the zoning. Are you in a Wellesley general residence zone? If not, you’ll need a variance which is probably a long, long shot for a rooming house or apartment conversion.
If you are in a Wellesley general residence zone, you’ll need to start with an architect’s plan for the conversion. You’ll need a site plan to show parking. Talk to the building department. Then, if you need the names of architects and real estate attorneys, please call Mark or I.
About Bill
ABOUT Bill
Bill FitzPatrick has been a resident of Wellesley for over fifty years. He graduated from St. Paul’s School and Wellesley High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from UMass and a master’s degree from Boston College.
He has taught courses and written articles for the National Association of Realtors®. For many years, Bill was the principal writer and editor of two of the nation’s leading business newsletters, Investing in Real Estate and the Homeowner’s Advisory Letter. Bill is also the author of the online real estate real estate investing course Master Real Estate.
Bill is the founder of both Wellesley Real Estate and the non-profit American Success Institute http://www.Success.org.
Having bought, sold, and renovated many properties himself, Bill has negotiated hundreds of real estate transactions. Selecting Wellesley Real Estate, you will have the opportunity to deal personally with Bill. Friendly and relaxed, Bill listens. From discovery through closing and beyond, Bill’s integrity, patience, diligence and critical eye ensures that he will be your personal advocate throughout the process of finding or marketing your Wellesley home.
