Massachusetts Home Buyer Guide

From January through November 2013, the median price of single-family homes and condominium in Haverhill, Massachusetts increased compared to the same period in November 2012, according to data compiled by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR).

The median price of a single-family home increased through November 2013 to $263,000, a 14.8 percent increase compared to $229,000 during the same eleven-month period in 2012. For the month of November 2013, the median price was $249,900, up 11.1 percent from $225,000 in November 2012.

The renaissance city Lowell, Massachusetts is a unique environment where diverse cultures, history and creativity intersect. Built in 1817, Lowell was the country’s first planned factory town. During the 1800s, the city was a major producer of textiles, attracting droves of workers to its mills. Lowell’s history as the cradle of the American Industrial Revolution remains present in the brick buildings and cobblestone streets, adding charm to the city’s lively downtown area.

With a population of a little more than 100,000 in 14.5 square miles, Lowell is the fourth largest city in Massachusetts. Lowell has five zip codes and eight distinct neighborhoods, including the Acre, Back Central, Belvidere, Centralville, Downtown, Highlands, Pawtucketville, and South Lowell. Bordering Dracut, MA; Tewksbury, MA; Billerica, MA; Chelmsford, MA; and Tyngsboro, MA, the city is easily accessed from its surrounding suburbs.

From January through November 2013, the price of a single-family home in Needham, Massachusetts increased compared to the same period in 2012, according to real estate data compiled by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR).

The median price of a single-family home through November 2013 increased 17.2 percent to $805,000 compared to $687,000 during the same eleven months in 2012; however, for the month of November 2013, the median price dropped to $687,500, a 4.5 percent decrease from $720,000 in November 2012.

From January through November 2013, the price of a single-family home in Burlington, Massachusetts increased compared to the same period in 2012, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors reported last month.

The median price of a single-family home increased 7.7 percent to $420,000 compared to $390,000 during the same eleven-month period in 2012. In November 2013, the median price increased to $410,000, a 0.6 percent increase from $407,500 in November 2012.

From January through November 2013, the price of a condominium in Cambridge, Massachusetts increased compared to the same period in 2012, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors reported in December.

The median price of a condominium in Cambridge, MA rose 15.2 percent to $514,250, up from $446,250 during the same eleven months in 2012. During the month of November, the median price increased to $616,750, a 34.4 percent rise from $459,000 for a condo during November 2012.

As part of a home inspection, home buyers may choose to have a radon test administered by the home inspector. Massachusetts home buyers should understand what radon gas is, how it is tested and what can be done to mitigate high levels of radon gas. 

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that results from breakdown of radium and uranium in soil and rock. Because radon is a gas, it spreads out from the ground and into homes through foundation cracks and holes. It can move into any space that allows for air flow. Fieldstone foundations are more likely to have higher levels of radon, but cement is porous, so air can easily make its way through cinderblock and poured concrete foundations as well. Even new homes that are well-sealed and houses without basements can have elevated levels of radon. Radon can also be found in building materials, such as brick, stone or concrete.

For Boston home buyers looking for a new construction luxury condo in Boston's South End, the Ink Block development presents a rare opportunity. Besides nearly 400 apartments, the development will include 83 luxury condominiums known as the Sepia Condos at Ink Block. 

Only 29 miles southeast of Boston, Marshfield is a town in Plymouth County on the South Shore of Massachusetts. Named for the picture-perfect salt marshes scattered through the town, Marshfield is known for its seashore and environmental beauty. The town's geography has created a unique environment; its salt water tidal marshes are home to many rare plant and animal species.

The town boasts five miles of public seashore, making its eight beaches popular destinations during the summer. It is also the site of several small forests and conservation areas, including the Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary along the Green Harbor River and the North River Wildlife Sanctuary along Route 3A.

For the third time time, Buyers Brokers Only, LLC has earned the Angie's List Super Service Award. For 2013, the award was given to service companies that maintain superior service ratings and reviews from November 1, 2012 through October 31, 2013. Only about 5 percent of real estate companies in the Boston market rated on Angie's List received the reward.

From January through November, the price of a single-family home in Brookline, Massachusetts increased compared to the same period in 2012, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR) reported recently.

The median price of a single-family home increased 9.4 percent to $1,367,250 compared to $1,250,000 during the same eleven-month period in 2012. In November 2013, the median price rose to $1,825,000, a 57.3 percent increase compared to $1,160,000 in November 2012.

A New Year's resolution is a promise that you make to yourself to start doing something good or stop doing something bad on the first day of the year.

The start of 2014 is a great opportunity for Massachusetts first-time home buyers to start making home-buying decisions that are in their best interest and resolve not to make bad home-buying choices just because other home buyers are doing it. 

Here are three resolutions for first-time home buyers in Massachusetts. 

The price of a single-family home in Marshfield, Massachusetts increased through October 2013, according to data compiled by The Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman.

From January through October 2013, the median price of a single-family home in Marshfield, MA increased 6.77 percent to $355,000 compared to $332,500 during the same ten-month period in 2012. In October 2013, the median price increased 30 percent to $390,000 from $300,000 in October 2012.