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.
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Topics:
Home-buying Tips,
Massachusetts Association of Realtors,
Real Estate Misc.,
Homeowner Tips
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.
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Topics:
Home-buying Tips,
Real Estate Misc.,
Homeowner Tips
It's a seller's market in the Greater Boston area, and it has been for several years. So why aren't sellers selling?
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Topics:
Real Estate Market,
Home-buying Tips,
Real Estate Misc.
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."
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Topics:
Real Estate Market,
Home-buying Tips,
Real Estate Misc.
You've heard it over and over again. Buying a home likely will be the biggest financial transaction of your entire life. It's a cliché at this point, but it is true.
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Topics:
Home-buying Tips,
Real Estate Misc.
Many homebuyers mistakenly think that MassHousing loans are only available to low-income first-time homebuyers in Massachusetts. Although there are income limits and loan limits, homebuyers are often surprised by how much a borrower can earn and borrow and still qualify.
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Topics:
Home-buying Tips,
Mortgages 101,
Loan Programs,
Video
One of the most difficult parts of buying a home for Massachusetts first-time homebuyers is saving for the down payment. So how much cash on hand does a homebuyer need to buy a home?
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Topics:
Home-buying Tips,
Mortgages 101,
Loan Programs
Massachusetts first-time homebuyers year after year cite saving for a down payment as the biggest obstacle to buying a home; however, many potential homebuyers mistakenly believe they need to save enough money for a 20 percent down payment.
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Topics:
Home-buying Tips,
Condominium,
Mortgages 101,
Loan Programs,
Mortgage Rates & News
Massachusetts first-time home buyers sometimes feel like they are listening to a foreign language when learning about the many lending terms related to a mortgage loan. There are many and several sound similar. The following are 15 loan terms first-time home buyers should definitely know.
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Topics:
Home-buying Tips,
Mortgages 101,
Loan Programs,
Real Estate Misc.
One of the costs Massachusetts homebuyers will incur during the home-buying process is homeowners insurance, which is often referred to as hazard insurance. Although you might be focused on a multitude of other costs associated with purchasing a home, homeowners insurance is vitally important to protect you from damage to or the total loss of your home.
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Topics:
Home-buying Tips,
Real Estate Misc.
A common concern among potential homebuyers shopping for a mortgage is that multiple credit inquiries will negatively affect their credit score. It's not exactly true and has been perpetuated by some mortgage professionals who want to discourage potential borrowers from shopping around.
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Topics:
Home-buying Tips,
Mortgages 101
Whether you are new to the city or planning a move to Boston, you need to know how to get around. This means having knowledge of Boston public transportation, the Massachusetts mass transit system, and its various options. Homebuyers moving to Boston and considering which city or town to live in are going to want to learn the letters MBTA.
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Topics:
Home-buying Tips,
Massachusetts Relocation,
Boston Relocation