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

The Loan Application Deadline is Important to Massachusetts Homebuyers

Nov 24, 2019 8:58:21 PM

Massachusetts has two "offer to purchase" real estate forms commonly used by real estate professionals.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Massachusetts Association of Realtors, Real Estate Misc., Real Estate Law, Greater Boston Association of Realtors

7 Ways Homebuyers Negatively Impact the Home Loan Process

Oct 4, 2019 5:15:09 PM

You're almost to the finish line.

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Mortgages 101

What Does a Suitable Housing Contingency Mean for Homebuyers?

Sep 7, 2019 5:06:56 PM

Sometimes a Massachusetts homebuyer will see language in an MLS listing that indicates a seller needs or wants a "suitable housing contingency."

Topics: Home-buying Tips, Real Estate Law

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

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