Waiting for the “perfect” housing market can feel safer than making a decision. But before postponing your move until 2027, ask a better question: What would buying now accomplish, and can you do it comfortably? “Mortgage rates are too high.” That concern is real....
When the real estate industry changed its commission rules in August 2024, you might have thought buyer-agent commissions were headed the way of avocado-green appliances. Sellers were no longer expected to automatically offer compensation to a buyer’s agent through...
Title insurance is designed to protect both homeowners and lenders if questions or legal challenges arise over a property’s ownership. While it’s one of the many documents signed during a real estate transaction, it can provide valuable protection long after closing....
Real estate agents have a fiduciary responsibility to act in their clients' best interests and help sellers achieve the highest possible value for their homes. Given that responsibility, why might an agent recommend listing a property below its perceived market value?...
If you’re getting ready to sell your home, don’t overlook one of the most powerful tools for attracting buyers: curb appeal. A welcoming exterior can help draw more interest, create stronger first impressions and even increase your home’s selling price. Curb appeal is...
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are rolling out changes that will reshape how condominium associations and co‑ops manage their budgets — and how easily buyers and owners can secure conventional financing. Starting Jan. 4, 2027, condo associations will be required to...
Staging matters when appealing to buyers. A thoughtfully staged interior has proven to increase sale price as well as expand the buyer pool. And one of the quickest ways to set the stage is with color. A change of color can update and refresh living spaces, kitchens...
Thinking of selling your home? In Massachusetts, if your home has a septic system, you are required to have a Title 5 inspection prior to putting your home for sale. The system must pass the Title 5 inspection to sell; otherwise, you need to repair, replace or connect...
Societal focus on sustainable practices along with the rising cost of living has led to a growing interest in alternative resources. Many homeowners have considered utilizing solar power to save on electric bills, increase property value, lessen environmental impact...
If you're selling a home for $1 million or more, it's vital to be aware of the tax laws that will affect you. Effective Nov. 1, 2025, Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) regulations require withholding on certain non-resident sales of Massachusetts real property...
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people ever make. And a new law in Massachusetts will make the process fairer, safer and more transparent. As of fall 2025, every home buyer has the right to inspect their new home before they buy...
Real estate transactions come with lots of paperwork, which can be overwhelming, but a clear understanding of industry-specific terminology will help make the process feel less daunting. This first of two articles will break down the lingo to know when buying or...
On Sept. 17, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate by 25 basis points, or 0.25%. This is positive news: Variable interest rate costs have gone down, and such things as credit card rates, auto loan rates and home equity loan rates all should be lowered....
If you plan to brave the New England winter at home, you’ll want it to be as cozy and comfortable as possible. If you’re a snowbird, you don’t want to return to a disaster. In either case, the following steps will help ensure that your house has a happy new year....
The DIY (do-it-yourself) movement experienced a surge during COVID and continued in the aftermath, as many people realized they were perfectly capable of trimming their own hair or even replacing a kitchen faucet. But some things are still best left to the...
Whether buying or selling a home, it’s important to understand the specifics of a home inspection. The purpose of a home inspection is to assess the condition of a property. This differs from a home appraisal, which serves to determine a home's market value. A home...
Some homebuyers see a swimming pool as a property enhancement — an aesthetically pleasing feature that provides entertainment for friends, family and neighbors and endless fun and exercise for the kids. It's almost like being able to vacation every day at the comfort...
A home is a significant investment, and protecting it with home insurance is critical for homeowners. According to the National Association for Insurance Commissioners, "Home insurance covers the structure of your home and your personal property, as well as your legal...
Metrowest Boston tends to have high levels of radon in many homes, because we have a lot of rock or ledge in the area. As rock and ground erode, it releases a naturally occurring gas called radon into our atmosphere. You can't see it, and you can't smell it. High...
Thinking about selling and wondering what improvements will yield the biggest return on your investment? Let’s start with the entryway! Curb appeal is the first impression. With the snow gone, now is a great time to walk around the home and see how it faired over the...
