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....
As summer transitions into fall, lingering humidity, seasonal storms and shifting temperatures can leave moisture in areas of the home that are easy to overlook. For homeowners, understanding how to recognize signs of mold, reduce moisture risks and identify when...
A few years ago, the “C-wire” became a bit of a buzzword as smart thermostats started showing up in more homes. Homeowners buying Nest, ecobee and other Wi-Fi thermostats quickly discovered that what looked like a simple do-it-yourself upgrade sometimes became much...
Saving for retirement is important, but it’s only part of the picture. If you’re within five to 10 years of your target retirement date, it’s time to start thinking about what you actually want your retirement to look like. After all, getting to retirement isn’t the...
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...
Let’s say you dream of spending your retirement mornings on a warm beach, coffee in hand, waves rolling in. To get there, you had a simple plan: save $1 million and buy the beach house you always wanted. But when retirement arrives, reality hits. After accounting for...
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....
Good financial habits are a little like brushing your teeth. When you learn them early, they become second nature, and you carry them with you for life. And while money can feel complicated, especially today, the foundation starts simply. Parents can begin the...
Equity markets have continued their advance in recent weeks, with the S&P 500 near a record high following a rare nine-week winning streak on strong AI-driven earnings and prospects for an Iran agreement. While the macro backdrop remains mostly constructive,...
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?...
There’s a growing trend of divorce among those ages 50 and older, often called “gray divorce.” While finding yourself in this situation can feel overwhelming, it also can be an opportunity to reclaim your independence and create a life that reflects your dreams and...
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...
If you’re a local business owner, a workplace retirement plan can be a powerful tool — helping you manage taxes, strengthen employee retention and build personal financial security. Many in your situation, however, assume retirement plans are complicated or only...
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...
While older generations worry about having enough money for retirement, many Gen Z workers aren’t even starting to save. Research in 2025 by Edward Jones and Morning Consult shows that nearly half haven’t begun setting money aside for their golden years, and only 22%...
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...
Rising prices may not dominate headlines the way they did a year or two ago, but if you’re retired, you’re probably still feeling them. Even when overall inflation cools, the costliest expenses — like health care, utilities, insurance and property taxes — tend to rise...
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...
If you’re a local business owner, you’re juggling many priorities: growing revenue, managing expenses, supporting your team and planning for your own future. What if one tool could help with all these goals? A workplace retirement plan might be that solution and can,...
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...
