Massachusetts Home Buying Guide
17 in-depth guides covering every step of buying a home in Massachusetts — from pre-approval to closing day.
Preparation
Build your team before you start house hunting.
Getting Pre-Approved
How to get pre-approved for a mortgage before house hunting in MA. Documents to gather, how to compare lenders, and why pre-approval is critical before making any offer.
Finding a Real Estate Agent
How to find a buyer's agent in Massachusetts — questions to ask, how agents are paid after the NAR settlement, and why independent buyer representation matters in MA.
Finding a Home Inspector
Find a qualified home inspector in Massachusetts. What to look for, why to hire one before making an offer, and what MA law requires from licensed home inspectors.
Finding a Real Estate Attorney
Find a closing attorney in Massachusetts — required at every home sale. What real estate attorneys do, when to hire one, and how to find the right MA lawyer.
House Hunting
How to tour homes and move quickly in a competitive market.
Offer to Closing
From signing an offer to getting your keys.
Making an Offer
How to make an offer in Massachusetts. The standard contract, key clauses, contingencies, and why the Offer to Purchase is legally binding once both parties sign.
Offer Accepted
Next steps after your offer is accepted in Massachusetts: key deadlines, tasks to handle in parallel, and what must happen before signing the Purchase & Sale Agreement.
Earnest Money Deposit
The earnest money deposit in Massachusetts: how much to put down, who holds it in IOLTA escrow, what happens if the deal falls through, and how to avoid wire fraud.
Home Inspection
What to expect during a Massachusetts home inspection: what inspectors check, red flags to watch for, and how to use the inspection report in your negotiations.
Purchase & Sale Agreement
The Purchase and Sale Agreement in Massachusetts: what it contains, what your attorney negotiates, the mortgage contingency deadline, and key buyer protections.
P&S Deposit
The P&S deposit in Massachusetts is typically 5% of the purchase price. Who holds it in escrow, the legal implications, how to wire it safely, and what happens if you back out.
Mortgage Application
Complete your mortgage application in Massachusetts after signing the P&S. Key deadlines, required documents, and what to avoid while your loan is in underwriting.
Mortgage Appraisal
The mortgage appraisal in Massachusetts: what appraisers evaluate, your options when it comes in below the purchase price, and how the appraisal contingency protects you.
Clear to Close
'Clear to close' in Massachusetts: what it means, what triggers final mortgage approval, what to avoid in the final days, and how long until you close.
Closing Disclosure
The Closing Disclosure in Massachusetts: when you receive it, what it contains, how to compare it to your Loan Estimate, and what to do if the numbers changed.
Final Steps Before Closing
The final walkthrough before closing in Massachusetts: what to check, what to do if something is wrong, utilities transfer, moving logistics, and closing day prep.
Closing Day
Closing day in Massachusetts: what to bring, which documents you'll sign, what the Homestead Declaration is, and how to protect yourself from wire fraud.