Future Boston homeowners, imagine this: You’re strolling down a leafy street in Roslindale—maybe toward Peters Hill or the Village—where the air smells like fresh coffee from Fornax and the neighborhoods feel like actual communities. That’s the magic of Greater Boston, and I’ve spent over a decade chasing it with clients who want more than just a transaction; they want a strategy.
As a Realtor with Arborview Realty, my experience isn’t just a collection of closed deals. It’s rooted in the three-deckers I’ve helped families “house hack” into long-term income streams, the modern builds in East Boston where the harbor views are the primary amenity, and the cozy Capes that offer a quiet retreat after a long T ride.
Why Local Context Beats an Algorithm I’ve closed hundreds of deals across the map—from the innovation hubs of Cambridge and Somerville to the tree-lined charm of Brookline and the South Shore. But experience is about the quirks an app can’t see. It’s knowing how a Merrymount flood zone affects your insurance premium, or why a Jamaica Plain (JP) HOA’s rules are a dealbreaker for your dog.
Last year, I guided a young couple through a competitive bid on a two-family in Waltham. We turned their vision of owner-occupancy into a reality by focusing on “maintained but not updated” bones—the kind of property where you build equity through smart, incremental improvements rather than overpaying for someone else’s flip.
Data is My Secret Weapon (and Yours) I dig into the “why” behind the “what.” When a gut-renovated Victorian in Somerville goes for 5% over asking, I’m looking at the structural integrity and the neighborhood comps to ensure my clients aren’t just winning a bid, but making a sound investment. Negotiation is where that data pays off. Whether it’s uncovering a structural defect in Canton and saving a client $90,000, or navigating a finicky seller’s agent in Wellesley, my goal is to protect your budget and your peace of mind.
Your Greater Boston Story Starts Here If you’re eyeing a single-family in a top-tier school district or a multi-family investment with “good bones,” let’s talk. My background in design, construction, and property management means fewer surprises and more “aha” moments.
Ready to find your place in the neighborhood? Reach out at kate@arborviewcompanies.com or visit katebostonrealestate.com to start the conversation.
Kate Ziegler Romano is a Boston-based Realtor passionate about turning houses into homes. Follow along on Instagram @kziegs for more neighborhood nuggets.

Let's Talk Strategy
Experience matters when stakes are high. With $125M+ in sales and 160+ transactions, I offer the strategic guidance and contractor roots you need to navigate the Greater Boston market. From Peters Hill to Medfield, leverage my data-driven approach to house hacking and next-move transitions. Let's bring you home!

