Realty Check on Substack

Kate working at the coffee table

Kate can talk you through next steps no matter how early you are in the process of deciding to buy or sell. Follow along on Substack for more background and more homeowner tips.

Kate Ziegler Romano

“Working with Kate is like having a Swiss Army knife in your pocket—You are ready for anything.”

Kate Ziegler Romano

“Working with Kate is like having a Swiss Army knife in your pocket—You are ready for anything.”

I’m Kate Ziegler Romano: a Realtor, real estate investor, landlord, and renovation enthusiast who helps people buy, sell, and invest in Greater Boston and MetroWest without overpaying or leaving the communities they love.

I help Boston buyers and sellers win in competitive markets with clear numbers, smart strategy, and old-house know-how.

Buying in Boston

I have helped more than 150 buyers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire win offers in competitive markets, and I especially love guiding first-time buyers to their goals. My job is to protect your budget, your timeline, and your peace of mind — not push you into a home that isn’t right.

Selling in Boston

My listing strategy blends data, smart pre-list improvements, and targeted marketing to maximize your equity without unnecessary spend. No surprise fees, either: I’ll show you exactly what you’ll net on your sale and what it really costs to buy your next house before we ever list.

Communities I know

Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, Hyde Park, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Dedham, Westwood, Norwood, Canton, Needham, Wellesley, Natick, Dover, Sherborn, Medfield, Millis, Walpole, Norfolk, Franklin, and the city of Boston proper. Greater Boston, MetroWest, and occasionally New Hampshire, too.

Schedule a Meeting Now

Use this scheduler to save a date on both our calendars – I can’t wait to meet you! If you would prefer an in-person meeting, please email me, and we’ll coordinate a location and time that works for everyone.

Kate sitting working on laptop

Ready to make your move?

Whether it’s your first home, your forever home, or your next investment: let’s talk old houses, smart numbers, and big wins. Reach me any time at kate@arborviewcompanies.com or DM @kziegs.

Old Homes are
in my bones

I work side by side with my husband, fellow Realtor and woodworker Jack Romano (@jackujc); for us, real estate is a family affair. As investors and landlords we own and manage multis in Jamaica Plain and Roslindale, are renovating a Colonial in Medfield, and are rebuilding a previously-abandoned mid-century cabin in Danbury, New Hampshire. I grew up on job sites roofing and framing alongside my father and grandfather, so I can spot good bones (and bad renovations) from the sidewalk. That hands-on experience means I translate inspections, renovation costs, and cash-flow math into plain English so you avoid surprises after closing.

Kate sitting in floor

Whether you are…

  • Buying your first condo or house (even in this market)
  • House-hacking a 2–4 family so your tenants pay the mortgage
  • Selling your city condo and sizing up to a single-family with a yard in the suburbs (“Boston → ’burbs”)
  • Making any strategic move: sell + buy at the same time without going homeless
  • Adding cash-flowing investment properties or executing a 1031 exchange
  • Falling in love with a 200-year-old house that needs someone who actually understands old bones

…I’ve done it myself (again and again), and I’ve guided hundreds of clients through it.

Real estate is a constant conversation, and I’m honored to be part of it at the highest level. Whether I’m discussing the nuances of historic homes or the mechanics of a smart investment, you can find my insights featured in leading publications where I serve as a trusted resource for homeowners and industry pros alike.

REALTOR.COM: Trying To Find a Renter? How To Show Your Apartment and Make a Great Impression

REALTOR.COM: Trying To Find a Renter? How To Show Your Apartment and Make a Great Impression

January 21, 2021

If you’re a landlord who owns an investment property (bravo, by the way!) and are looking for a new tenant, you need to get your rental space up to snuff—and you need to know your facts. By Jennifer Billock | January 21, 2021 What are the rules for showing an apartment if someone is currently

Read more…

APARTMENT THERAPY: The Lesser-Known Trick That Could Help You Win the Bid on Your Dream Home

APARTMENT THERAPY: The Lesser-Known Trick That Could Help You Win the Bid on Your Dream Home

January 15, 2021

An escalation clause can be the ace in your pocket that helps you win a bid on a dream home. But they’re nuanced and can be a bit controversial. By Brittany Anas | January 15, 2021 “I often compare escalation clauses to eBay rules: they risk showing your hand a bit and give listing agents

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These Are Some of the Most Popular Historic Home Styles in 10 Cities

These Are Some of the Most Popular Historic Home Styles in 10 Cities

January 8, 2021

Ziegler says, “In Boston, old house lovers jump at the chance to buy a classic Victorian single-family in the city. Known for intricate woodwork and complex color schemes, the ‘gingerbread house’ style embodies the historic charm that draws buyers’ attention and daydreams.”

Read more…

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