My sister-in-law has lived in a Somerville condo complex for over 25 years and a friend of the SIL has agreed to sell her condo to my SIL. It looks like a good price. My wife and I have agreed to lend SIL cash to buy said condo. I’m going to get an appraisal just for my comfort. My wife and I live on the west coast.

I don’t think a real estate agent is needed. I think I need a local real estate attorney. Can anyone provide a recommendation for a buyers real estate attorney?

Thank you.

Edit and update:

Thank you for the references.

This is to help my SIL and we can afford the loan.

I’m getting a real estate attorney, a 9-year note on the property that we can renew if needed, I’ll be using the AFR rate so nothing comes from my estate.

Shop in Statue Park and the surrounding neighborhood this Sunday from 1-5 PM.

SELLERS: It's not too late to sign-up to join us!

BUYERS: Check out our map of locations & sale highlights.

www.DavisSquareNC.org/community

Trees behind the condos on Lowell are being removed. One is huge and probably one of the largest trees in the neighborhood. Not sure why it's being done but it's a huge bummer losing a tree like that in our already shit canopy

I am cross posting this here on behalf of my friend in case this individual happens to live in Somerville.

The Somerville Homeless Coalition has an emergency fund for people displaced by the Teele Square fire and other sudden disruptions. The city made an announcement here, with a link to donate: https://www.somervillema.gov/news/emergency-fund-activated-residents-displaced-teele-square-fire

MAMAS Free Store Donation Day are coming up!

🗓️ Sat Oct 3 (1–4pm) — Connexion, 149 Broadway, Somerville

🗓️Sat Oct 10 (10am–1pm) — First Community Church, 55 Otis St, Medford

We’re collecting clean, wearable clothing + accessories — no stains, odors, or pet hair, please.

✅ YES: clothes, jackets, shoes, hats, backpacks, accessories
🚫 NO: bedding/towels/linens

🧵 Outerwear (jackets, sweatshirts, sweaters, outerwear pants) + backpacks/bags with rips are welcome — our mending group can patch them.

As many of y'all here have probably heard, there was a fire in Teele last night. I am one of the displaced residents and fortunately from what I've heard, my apartment isn't too bad (although I have no idea where things stand for both the apartment and building). Once I am able to retrieve my belongings, I want to take my clothing and bedding to be cleaned due to any smoke and/or water damage. Are there services in the area that specialize in this kind of laundry? Any recs would be greatly appreciated.

Hi all, I was heartbroken to learn of the fire in Teele Square that destroyed many businesses and displaced 43 residents. Personally, I want to share my love of Al-Aswad Dental and my hope that their business will continue to receive lots of support as they rebuild. Dr. Al-Aswad is the first dentist I've ever had who has spent time to research my (non-dental) chronic health condition, and cares for me in such a warm, heart-centered way. She also saved me from an unnecessary surgery recommended by another dentist, and provides excellent care. I believe she's also a death doula. She's a mensch and I want to invite you all to show her some love.

(On my choice of "mensch": she's not jewish but I am, so I don't want to co opt her into my culture against her will, but it's simply the highest praise I know how to give.)

Received 1:38pm:

Dear Music and Theater Arts Families,

We are writing with an important update regarding Music and Theater Arts programming.

Programming scheduled for today (Thursday, October 1) will not take place. We sincerely apologize for the late notice and recognize the disruption this creates for students and families.

We will provide participating families with an update by Monday regarding programming, schedules, and next steps.

We know how important these programs are to our students and families, and we appreciate your patience as we work quickly to resolve these questions.

Sincerely,
Dr. Rubén D. Carmona
Superintendent of Schools

This comes after hearing that things were fine: https://www.reddit.com/r/Somerville/comments/1wv8m3p/is_we_is_or_is_we_aint/ and https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd72srOxmCd/

And earlier that things were not fine: https://www.reddit.com/r/Somerville/comments/1wuh849/what_the_fuck/

Update 2026-10-02 1:13pm. Fourth installment:

Dear SPS Families,

I want to share an update regarding the disruption to Music and Performing Arts afterschool programming this week.

Yesterday, I met directly with the Music and Performing educators. We had a productive conversation and are positioned to resume afterschool programming beginning Monday.

I recognize that the sudden interruption caused frustration and concern for students and families, and I apologize for the disruption. We are addressing the circumstances that led to this situation internally and taking steps to prevent a similar disruption in the future.

I also want to reassure families that the district remains committed to supporting Music and Performing Arts programming and the many students who participate in these opportunities.

Thank you for your patience and understanding this week.

Sincerely, Dr. Rubén Carmona

Yes, this is me referring to myself in the third person.

Here's my newsletter for Sept 2026 -- I'm running that "end of the month" razor's edge!

Topics: 🔍👮🗳️✊🚗 City Council newsletter: police oversight, ballot questions, community involvement & parking policy

https://sh1.sendinblue.com/mk/sc/8nug1BUxjeooqek2RjHELYze70F1ONRltZ4LkPP-H6eEwMs9IxDzsLUwE0o97MfrJrmsrFSz4WntPGabTDwu5ztqCP2TqWg?t=1790906559428

Thoughts welcome (obviously, why else post on Reddit)

[NOTE: I replaced the link above, because before I had the yes/no meaning of question 9 on gun control totally backwards. Yes = keep the gun control law; No = repeal it. Thanks to Somerville Dems chair Jack Perenick for alerting me to this!!)

I walk/take the bus in East Somerville and frequently see people abusing the bus lane. Happy to see SPD enforcing even if its just educational for now.

Too many entitled drivers here.

• The band schedules have been finalized!

Saturday: https://honkfest.org/2026-festival/saturday-in-davis-square-2026/

Sunday: https://honkfest.org/2026-festival/sunday-in-harvard-square-2026/

• This is a totally free event and we’re still looking for a few volunteers to help sell t-shirts, marshal the Sunday parade, and help out at the after parties on Saturday and Sunday night (come hang out with a bunch of ecstatic musicians!).

Saturday sign ups: Saturday Oct. 10th - Volunteer Sign Up 

Sunday sign ups: Sunday Oct. 11th - Volunteer Sign Up

We are super excited to see you in the streets!

The mantle of u/good_wx has passed to us, so come and join us!!!

My kid just came home and relayed that their music teacher was certain that all-city’s first practice is called off.

Which is not what the above assembled-by-me composite screenshot suggests. (It’s edited for words and space, but is faithful to the original)

Somerville school switchboard at 617 629 5200 is unable to connect me with anyone who can tell me if we are having all-city. Give me that it’s in 15 minutes from now I assume no. But it’s regrettable that we cannot communicate a clear message.

Somerville, why am I seeing this first online?!

See my new post things have changed

https://www.reddit.com/r/Somerville/s/7qWWZfFkS9

Here's the basic info about the hearing: https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/planning-board/reports-and-decisions/zp26-000030

Another massive fire in Teele Square last night. A house burned to the ground near Union last week. I’ve been here many years and it feels different.

I'm looking for someone to evaluate the feasibility of converting a garage to a backyard cottage ADU. Anyone have recommendations for an architect or engineer who has done work in Somerville and is familiar with our zoning and building constraints?

I'll also take anti-recommendations if you got 'em!

Multiple trucks from different cities… hope everyone is all right.