If you plan to purchase your first or tenth home, start here. Buying property in Massachusetts is not difficult, but it's helpful to understand and be aware of the local customs before you start your search. Our goal is to help guide you toward the best decision for your unique situation. To do this, we believe that a well-informed client will ultimately be the most satisfied, too. We look forward to discussing the current market conditions and trends with you - most important, we can't wait to help you discover your dream home!
Check out our on demand home buyer video seminar here! After registering, you'll have instant access to our on demand buyer consultation and we'll immediately mail (USPS) your home Massachusetts Home Buyer Booklet. It include everything you need to buy a home in Massachusetts - even sample forms. Click here to get access now!
Selling your home is a big decision. It's not just about moving, it's about identifying a proven seamless process that will help maximize the value of current property within a timeline that meets your specific needs.
There's no doubt that this can be a stressful process, but after successfully selling 100s of homes, we've identified the smoothest processes, most effective marketing strategies and negotiation techniques to ensure the highest sale price with the least amount of hassle. Contact us today for a no obligation consultation.
Senior Options
Connect with experts to discuss senior living options. Knowing where to begin is the hardest part, so we've included a few helpful resources below:
Home Hazards
Asbestos - Asbestos.com provides a Guide to Asbestos in The Home ... it outlines common asbestos locations, related heath concerns and how to deal with asbestos when it's found. Tips on how to hire an asbestos remover can also be found at asbestos.com.
Lead Paint - Slowly phased out in the 1960s and 1970s, lead paint was ultimately outlawed in residential use in 1978. Consequently, all homes older than 1978 are suspect; however, there are many ways to mitigate lead paint and costs can vary. In recent years, the government has eased mitigation requirements to encourage lead compliance. The below sites provide additional information about lead paint safety ... you can even search property to see if it's been tested for lead paint.
Mass.gov - Search property testing history
Massachusetts Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program’s Lead Safe Homes 1.0 database
New England Lead Prevention - Information for home buyers, tenants, landlords, etc.
Summer is one of the busiest seasons for real estate. Buyers are energized, homes look beautiful in full sunlight, and curb appeal is at its peak. However, summer’s glow can also cover some red flags in certain homes. The bright skies and blooming landscaping can make it easier to mask flaws, so knowing what to look for is essential. Here are some often overlooked red flags during the summer selling season and the next steps you can take if you spot any of them.
Overpowering Scents or Open Windows Everywhere
Manufactured scents may mask something more sinister if the house smells like a candle store. If all the windows are open on a hot day, the summer breeze may feel nice, but it can also be an attempt to mask odors, such as mold, mildew, pets or smoke.
Next steps: Step into areas prone to moisture, such as closets, basements and bathrooms, and take a deep breath. Pay attention to overly scented rooms or those with dehumidifiers running. Ask the seller’s agent if there have been any odor-related issues, moisture issues or previous water damage.
Too-Perfect Landscaping
It’s easy to get swept away by lush green grass, blooming hydrangeas and freshly mulched beds. However, hyper-manicured yards could cover poor drainage, foundation issues or grading problems that only appear after a storm.
Next steps: Ask when the landscaping was installed or last updated. If possible, walk around the perimeter of the home after a rain. Look for pooling water, soft spots, or areas where the ground slopes toward the home instead of away. Check basement walls for water stains or musty smells.
Overly Staged Outdoor Scene
Outdoor furniture, string lights, and beautiful rugs transform outdoor living spaces into a backyard oasis. However, sellers may over-stage to draw attention away from structural issues like rotting wood, pest damage or warped decking.
Next steps: Lift cushions, walk across decks slowly, and inspect railings. Does anything feel soft, saggy or unstable? Check for loose boards, rusted fasteners or signs of termite activity. Don’t be afraid to peek underneath staging elements. You’re not being rude; you’re being smart.
Rooms That Are Too Hot or Cold
HVAC systems get tested in the summer. If a home feels overly warm or only a few rooms are comfortable, the system might be outdated, inefficient or struggling to cool the entire house.
Next steps: Ask the age of the HVAC unit and request maintenance records. Stand in each room and notice the airflow. Are there hot spots upstairs or rooms that feel stuffy?
Cracks in Driveways or Exterior Walls
Summer sun can dry and shrink soil, revealing (or hiding) cracks. Some sellers may temporarily patch or disguise cracks with paint or plants during warm weather showings.
Next steps: Look closely at foundation walls, sidewalks, and driveways. Minor hairline cracks are common, but large or jagged cracks, stair-step cracks in bricks or recent patch jobs may indicate bigger structural concerns. Don’t hesitate to bring in a foundation expert for a second opinion.
Closed Off Areas
If any rooms, the garage, or the attic are locked or not available to view during the showing, consider that a red flag. It could mean ongoing repairs, damage or something the seller doesn’t want you to see.
Next steps: Request access before making an offer. Never assume it’s not essential. A sealed attic could hide roof issues, while a locked garage might be filled with signs of water intrusion or pest issues.
Schedule second showings, ask thoughtful questions and take your time so you can enjoy your home long after summer’s beauty fades.
Other Useful Tools
Financing ... everyone's budget and cash flow is different. Whether you you get paid on a salary, hourly, bonus or commission basis, understanding your monthly obligation is critical when buying a home.
Here is a link to a mortgage calculator to help you start your planning.
Explore A Career in Real Estate!
Real estate can be a very rewarding career ... each day we have the opportunity to meet and help new people! Being able to help someone start a new stage of life is an extremely gratifying experience.
It's relatively easy to get started, but knowing where and how to start is the biggest challenge. Unfortunately, the state licensing exam doesn't cover any marketing or business planning ... so new agents are often left to sink or swim! In 2023, the National Association of Realtors estimates 10,000 agents are being forced to leave the business each month!
After being in business for 20+ years, I've been able to help many buyers, sellers AND agents succeed. Getting started the right way with the right company can make or break an new agent. eXp Realty is now selling more homes than any other brokerage, so we have tools and training to help you succeed. Moreover, it would be my pleasure to introduce you to the company's tools, answer any questions that you have about the business and share my systems and training so that you are able to quickly launch your new business. Let's connect!