Massachusetts Home Buyer Guide, First-time Homebuyer Tips, Advice MA

Costs First-time Homebuyers Should Consider Beyond Mortgage Payments

Mar 31, 2019 9:30:00 AM

You have provided your loan officer with your pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, bank statements, and other financial documents. The lender has reviewed the documents and provided you with a pre-qualification or a loan estimate. You're all set to go house hunting in Massachusetts or to close, and you'll know exactly how much it will cost you to be a homeowner. Not exactly.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Mortgages 101

Massachusetts First-time Homebuyers Have Down Payment Assistance Option

Mar 20, 2019 6:42:04 PM

No cash for a down payment? That's not a problem for qualified first-time homebuyers.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Mortgages 101, Loan Programs

What is a 'Perc' Test When Buying Land in Massachusetts

Jan 15, 2019 1:49:00 PM

When a Massachusetts homebuyer purchases land to build a new construction home that will need a septic system, a percolation test, commonly referred to as a "perc" test, must be completed to determine the design of the septic system.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Real Estate Misc., Real Estate Law, New Construction

What is a Home Appraisal?

Oct 19, 2018 2:48:16 PM

Massachusetts homebuyers should understand why a lender orders a home appraisal and how it could affect the purchase of a home.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Real Estate Misc.

5 Lead Paint Questions Answered for Massachusetts Homebuyers

Oct 18, 2018 3:40:10 PM

Massachusetts and federal laws have required the disclosure of lead paint for more than 20 years. Many homes built before 1978 have paint that contains high levels of lead from lead-based paint.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Real Estate Misc., Real Estate Law

Homebuyers Motivated by Boston's 3rd Highest in Nation Rents

May 9, 2018 9:07:31 AM

The Boston rental market likely is encouraging more tenants to consider homeownership and braving the low inventory Boston area real estate market.

Topics: Real Estate Market, Home-buying Tips, Real Estate Misc., Cambridge MA, Boston

Do Massachusetts Homebuyers Want an Energy Scorecard?

Apr 13, 2018 9:15:55 AM

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker wants homeowners to provide an energy scorecard and rating to potential homebuyers. The Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR) does not like the proposed legislation. Whether homebuyers care one way or the other remains uncertain.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Massachusetts Association of Realtors, Real Estate Misc., Homeowner Tips

7 Ways Homebuyers Negatively Impact the Home Loan Process

Jan 19, 2018 4:18:36 PM

You're almost to the finish line.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Mortgages 101

Do Massachusetts Homebuyers Pay For Oil Remaining in the Oil Tank?

Nov 27, 2017 11:47:16 AM

Nearly 30 percent of homes in Massachusetts are heated with oil, and homebuyers are often responsible to pay for any oil remaining in the oil tank at the time of closing.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Real Estate Misc., Homeowner Tips

It's a Seller's Market, So Why Aren't Sellers Selling?

Nov 20, 2017 2:10:49 PM

It's a seller's market in the Greater Boston area, and it has been for several years. So why aren't sellers selling?

Topics: Real Estate Market, Home-buying Tips, Real Estate Misc.

Since Home Prices are Up, Should You Buy Now or Wait?

Jul 16, 2017 4:57:34 PM

Over the past year or so, more and more homebuyers are asking whether it is a good idea to buy now because home prices in the Greater Boston area have increased for approximately five years. The short (and truthful) answer is, "It might not be a good idea to buy depending on your plans."

Topics: Real Estate Market, Home-buying Tips, Real Estate Misc.

Your Contractor is not a Home Inspector

Jun 14, 2017 6:35:00 PM

At a home inspection not too long ago a listing agent commented that home inspectors just scare homebuyers, and he said he was recommending to his homebuyer clients that they just hire a contractor. Don't do it!

Topics: Home-buying Tips