Residential Real Estate

When considering what percentage of your budget should be assigned to a home mortgage, a good rule of thumb is to allot no more than 30%. Some argue that it should be lower, such as 25% or 28%. But as long as you keep 30% as the upper bound, your home can often fit...

Real estate buyers are typically aware of major property defects before they make offers. Sellers have an obligation to provide written disclosures outlining all of the known issues with the various systems within the home. The closing process typically requires an...

In many cases, older couples will sell their homes. They may have bought these homes decades ago, when they wanted to start a family, looking for a forever home where they could raise their children. But as they grow older, life changes, and they decide to put their...

Requirements for mortgage financing are relatively strict. People have to meet minimum income levels based on the amount of financing they require. Lenders also look at their overall assets and their debt-to-income ratio. In some cases, people who are close to...

Sellers usually want to maximize the sale prices of their homes. Typically, buyers are willing to offer more for properties that check all of their must-haves and that feel like they could be home.  Staging is the process of making the home as appealing as possible to...

When selling a home in Massachusetts, many owners are surprised to learn that the state follows a “buyer beware” approach. Unlike some jurisdictions that require detailed disclosure forms, Massachusetts law places the burden on buyers to investigate a property. ...

Formal inspections are an important part of the home closing process. Mortgage lenders typically require that a paid professional inspect the property to check for defects. Buyers and their agents often conduct pre-closing walkthroughs or final inspections before...

Finding a place to call home is more than just a real estate transaction, as it is a deeply personal situation. Whether you are starting over, growing your family or simply craving a new environment, the process can feel both exciting and overwhelming. With so many...

When you're looking to sell a home, one of the most important things to do is to set a selling price. Exactly how you approach this depends on your goals. Some people want to sell quickly, so they’re open to a price on the lower end. Other people want to get every...

Buying a home is a big step, but what happens after the purchase matters just as much. Life changes like marriage, divorce or the loss of a loved one can affect your property title more than you may think. If these changes are not handled the right way, they can lead...