6 Must-Know Tips for Buying a Home in Massachusetts

 

The state of Massachusetts is home to exceptional seafood, five major league sports teams, and the idyllic four seasons. It is no wonder real estate is competitive in many parts of this lobster-loving state. With fewer and fewer listings on the market, median sales prices continue to increase for single-family homes. In other words, there is more demand, but less inventory than in prior years.

Equip yourself with essential home-buying knowledge in order to score your dream home in the Bay State. Here are six must-know tips about how to buy a house in Massachusetts from the expert team at Rock Cape Cod.

 

You have decided to move to Massachusetts, but do you know exactly where you want to land? From quaint towns to populous cities, there are many options. Whether you’re looking at Mashpee luxury homes or Falmouth real estate, you want to be prepared with knowledge of the community.

Boston is the state’s capital with a rich history and booming city life. The downtown area is ideal for those seeking a walkable metropolitan experience and those who prefer the hustle-and-bustle energy. Beacon Hill is full of historic architecture and boasts cobblestone streets and Federal-style homes. On the other hand, Greater Boston is home to quieter neighborhoods, such as the Fenway-Kenmore area. Return to a beautiful brownstone townhouse after catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, which gives this area its name.

If a mid-sized city is more your speed, look into the second largest city in New England—Worcester. About 50 miles outside of Boston, it is commuter-friendly for those who want to put down roots elsewhere. You’ll find neighborhoods like Auburn with a mix of historical homes and new builds, plenty of young families, and outstanding school districts.

These neighborhoods simply scratch the surface, so be sure to do your research and identify the communities you are excited about living in.

 

Here is one of the most important tips when figuring out how to buy a house in Massachusetts: don’t do it alone. Find an agent who understands your wants and needs and will support you along the way. With that said, it is best to meet with at least three agents. Think of your first meeting as an interview. Chemistry is crucial, so make sure you ask the questions that matter most to you and see if your personalities click. If you have the option to pop into an open house and experience the agent in action, even better. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for references to get real testimonials from real people.

If you’re looking for an expert agent to guide you through the gorgeous properties in Falmouth, Barnstable real estate, or other communities of Cape Cod, look no further than Rock Cape Cod for the guidance you can trust.

 

With limited options on the market, it is necessary to identify the features of a home that are an absolute “must” versus a “nice-to-have.” Put together a list of items that you are not willing to part with. This could be anything from an energy-efficient home to a minimum of three bathrooms to an optional downstairs bedroom. Now think of the attributes you’d be willing to sacrifice if the price is right and it checks off all the other essential boxes.

Knowing the difference between your wants and needs will help you take action in a swift and confident manner.

If you’ve been researching how to buy a house in Massachusetts, you already know it can get a bit competitive. With this in mind, you’ll want to know your spending limits and stick to them. If money is not an issue, it is still valuable to know what a home is worth and not get swept up in the outbidding process. The property you have your eye on may have multiple (even 10 or more) offers. This further emphasizes the importance of working with a trusted agent to help guide you toward a decision you feel good about.

 

The end goal is for you to love your home, but there may not be time to do multiple walk-throughs. By making a decision on all of the above bullet points ahead of time, you will be ready to take action without hesitation. Working with a local agent versus an online platform will ensure you receive instantaneous information about new listings, which will allow you to make a move as fast as possible.

Once you are ready to take the leap, a great agent will reach out to the listing agent to find out more information. When are they hoping to sell? What other details are important to the sellers? Knowing these key points will help you and your agent put together an enticing offer.

 

The time has finally come. You have found a home that checks all the boxes, and you are ready to put in an offer. In the home-buying market, money talks, and cash is king. If you’re able to put down a sizable down payment or pay in cash, you’ve got a leg up. In addition, there are different strategies for putting together a strong offer, so it is best to know what is trending in the area.

Speak to your agent about waiving contingencies to see what you are comfortable with and if it is worth it. It is not always advisable to waive a home inspection, but you might consider tossing out the home appraisal instead if you feel comfortable doing so. Every situation is different, and there is risk involved—some greater than others—so be sure to do your due diligence and seek your agent’s advice.

 

 

Lastly, show your eagerness to make this a smooth process and as easy as possible for the sellers. Are you willing to close quickly? If you do not need to sell your current home to purchase this one, be sure to highlight this fact in the offer. From there, schedule the home inspection right away to let them know you are serious about making this a swift transaction for both parties involved.

When you are ready to begin the home-buying process, you want to work with only the best! Experienced local agent Sarah Rock is ready to help you get started on the right foot, whether you’re looking at Falmouth, Barnstable homes, or other beautiful communities in the Cape Cod region. Reach out to Sarah today to get started on your journey to this incredible part of Massachusetts.