Smart Home Features That Will Actually Increase Your Property Value in 2026 The smart home revolution has moved far beyond novelty gadgets and voice-activated light bulbs. In 2026, homebuyers will expect a certain level of technological integration, and the right smart features can significantly boo

Hidden Costs of Homeownership Nobody Tells You About When you're shopping for your first home, everyone focuses on the big number: the purchase price. Your lender pre-approves you for a certain amount, you find a house within that budget, and you feel confident you can afford it. Then you move in,

Moving to Salem, MA: Your Complete Guide to Living in the Witch City Salem, Massachusetts is a city where history meets modern coastal living. While it's famously known for the 1692 witch trials, today's Salem offers so much more: a thriving arts scene, exceptional dining, waterfront living, and a

Selling Your Home While Living in It: A Survival Guide Let's be honest: selling your home while you're still living in it can feel like running a marathon while juggling flaming torches. Between last-minute showing requests, keeping everything spotless, and maintaining some semblance of normal life

Before you sit down with a REALTOR for the first time to talk about buying a home, there are some questions you should think about that will help you and your agent to locate that perfect home.  🏡 First-Time Homebuyer Lifestyle & Goals Questionnaire 1. Lifestyle & Daily Routine “How do you want yo

  Moving to the North Shore of Massachusetts: Your Ultimate Relocation Guide Thinking about moving to the North Shore of Massachusetts? You’re not alone. This scenic region—stretching from Salem to Newburyport—offers seaside charm, walkable neighborhoods, and quick access to Boston. Whether you’re s

Why Waiting for Mortgage Rates to Drop Could Cost You More Than You Think It’s tempting to think, “I’ll just wait until mortgage rates go down before I buy a home.” On the surface, it seems logical — who wouldn’t want a lower monthly payment? But when you dig deeper, waiting for that perfect rate c

What Is Going to Happen with the Housing Market in 2026? (North Shore, Massachusetts) If you’ve been watching the North Shore market—Beverly, Salem, Danvers, Peabody, Marblehead, Gloucester, and friends—you’ve seen a stubborn mix of low inventory, sticky prices, and buyers waiting for rates to break

Why More Buyers Are Turning to New Construction This Year In 2025, a noticeable shift has emerged in the the homebuying landscape: a growing share of buyers are opting for new construction over resale homes. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a move-up buyer, or someone downsizing, there are compell

Massachusetts’s New Home-Inspection Law: What Buyers, Sellers & Agents Need to Know In 2024, Massachusetts passed a significant change to how home inspections can be handled in residential real estate transactions. As of sales with contracts dated after October 15, 2025, buyers and sellers must fol

Top 10 Things to Know When Visiting Salem, MA in October Salem, Massachusetts, is a place steeped in history, charm, and mystery, and October is the perfect time to experience its unique atmosphere. While Salem is most famous for its witch trials and spooky lore, there is so much more to discover,

Selling a home is more than just listing it online—it’s about mastering the art of negotiation. Whether you’re dealing with first-time buyers or seasoned investors, the way you negotiate determines how much profit you make and how quickly you close. In this guide, we’ll break down proven real estat

This critical blog post will detail the specific legal obligations and permit considerations for selling a home in Massachusetts, ensuring sellers navigate the process without legal pitfalls. While Massachusetts is often characterized as a "buyer beware" (caveat emptor) state, the reality for seller

Why October 2025 Is a Smart Time to Buy a Home in Massachusetts If you’re considering buying a home in Massachusetts in 2025, October might be your best window. The fall season brings a confluence of market trends, seasonal behavior, and regional dynamics that favor buyers—especially this year. Belo

What is the Best Area in Salem, MA to Buy a Home? If you’re thinking about buying a home in Salem, Massachusetts, you’re not alone. Known for its rich history, vibrant downtown, and seaside charm, Salem has become one of the most desirable communities on the North Shore. But with so many unique neig

  Coffee & Real Estate: A Perfect Blend ☕🏡 Today is International Coffee Day, and as someone who lives on equal parts coffee and real estate, I couldn’t help but notice how much these two worlds overlap. That First Sip, That First Impression Just like that first sip of morning coffee can set the to

  Closing Costs 101: What Every Homebuyer Needs to Know Buying a home is exciting—you’re picking neighborhoods, imagining your furniture in new rooms, and counting down to move-in day.But amid all the talk about down payments, there’s another big piece of the puzzle that buyers often underestimate:

What Happens After You Accept an Offer on Your Home? Once you accept an offer, several steps follow before closing — these include inspections, having a Purchase & Sale agreement drafted (with possible addenda), appraisal (if financing is involved), and ensuring local safety/code requirements like s

  Selling a Home That’s Part of an Estate: Understanding the Probate Process and Timeline Selling a home after the death of a loved one can be emotionally and legally complex. If the property is part of an estate, you’ll likely encounter probate, the court-supervised process for transferring ownersh

Understanding Capital Gains Tax on Home Sales: What You Need to Know Selling your home can be exciting—whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating. But before you celebrate your sale, it’s important to understand how capital gains tax may (or may not) affect the profits from your home. Know