🏡 2026 Real Estate Outlook: What Buyers, Sellers & Investors Should Know A practical look at national 2026 housing trends—with a focused lens on Massachusetts, where inventory, affordability, and job-driven demand keep the market behaving like its own micro-economy. As we step into 2026, housing ma

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small residential living spaces located on the same lot as a principal home — like a finished basement apartment, an attached addition, or a detached backyard cottage. They’re also commonly called granny flats, in-law apartments, or secondary suites. A New Era for

Selling a home in Massachusetts comes with legal responsibilities that many sellers underestimate. One of the most common—and costly—mistakes sellers make is failing to disclose latent defects. In Massachusetts, sellers who knowingly fail to disclose hidden material defects can face serious legal co

  The 3% Mortgage Problem: Why So Many Massachusetts Homeowners Are Still Stuck—And What Their Real Options Are in 2026 By Jim Armstrong • ALUXETY Real Estate & Armstrong Field Group If you’re a homeowner on the North Shore or anywhere in Massachusetts, chances are you’re still holding onto a 2–3% m

What Are Portable Mortgages—and Could They Boost Housing Inventory in the U.S.? In today’s real estate market, millions of American homeowners feel “locked in” by historically low interest rates. With mortgage rates now far higher than the 2–3% loans many secured between 2020 and 2022, even families

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, a

  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

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. Knowi

Selling Your Home in 2026? It’s Not Too Early to Start Getting Ready Thinking about selling your house in 2026? I know it sounds far away, but trust me—it’s not too early to start prepping. Even though the calendar says you’ve got plenty of time, getting a head start on repairs and updates can save

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is actively lobbying Congress to raise the capital gains exclusion on the sale of a primary residence   . Currently, homeowners can exclude up to $250,000 for single filers and $500,000 for married couples in profits from federal capital gains tax when sell

Home Renovation Tips: Maximize Your ROI Thinking about a home renovation? Whether you're aiming to sell soon or simply want to add value, choosing the right projects can make a big difference in your return on investment (ROI). Here are some top renovation tips to help you get the most bang for your

Essex County Real Estate: A Look at the Mid-2025 Market The real estate market in Essex County and North Shore, Massachusetts, continues to be dynamic, with a blend of strong seller-favorable conditions and a gradual shift toward a more balanced environment. Data from mid-2025 highlights key trends

When it comes to finding your dream home, it’s about so much more than just square footage or the number of bedrooms. In Beverly and the North Shore, we know that true luxury is about embracing a lifestyle—one that reflects your passions, your aspirations, and the way you love to live every day. Lux

Renovating a small bathroom can be a great way to enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Here are some tips to maximize space and make budget-friendly choices: Plan Efficiently: Start with a clear plan detailing what you want to achieve. Consider how different elements will fit into the spa

How to Use Less Electricity When Your Electric Bills and the Heat Soar Summer is here, and with it often comes scorching temperatures and, for many, a dreaded spike in electricity bills. When the AC is working overtime, it's easy to feel like you're caught between staying cool and emptying your wall

Where Will I Move? A Homeowner’s Guide to Navigating the Big Question One of the biggest questions homeowners have when considering a sale is, "Where will I move?" It's a valid concern, one that can often feel paralyzing in a rapidly shifting real estate market. The fear of selling your current home

So, you've decided to sell your home! Congratulations! As you prepare for showings and open houses, you're probably focused on decluttering, cleaning, and staging. But beyond the aesthetics, there's a crucial aspect of home maintenance that can significantly impact your sale: your plumbing. Ignoring

Radon and Real Estate: What Every Buyer and Seller in Massachusetts Needs to Know When you’re navigating the complexities of a real estate transaction, the last thing you want is a surprise. One potential issue that often comes up during the home inspection period is radon. But what is it, and how b

There’s probably a good chance you’ve stumbled on one of the millions of home renovation shows or online videos and thought to yourself, “Heck, I can do that.”   While the profitability of flipping homes can be bountiful, becoming an expert in this niche takes knowledge and experience. Today, we'll