There are so many great reasons to purchase a home in the Boston area, and over the past year, we’ve realized more of them than we ever thought possible. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, having a home of your own can give you a greater sense of security and accomplishment in a time that’s largely uncertain. If you’re a repeat buyer looking for your dream home, making a move might give you the space or features you need to find greater success and happiness in a new normal way of life. Whatever your motivations are, here are three reasons why becoming a homeowner now may help you win big in the long run.

1. Buying a Home Is a Great Investment

Several recent reports indicate that real estate is still a good investment, topping other options

Buying a home in the Boston area can be confusing - especially if it is your first time. There are a lot of questions and misconceptions out there. Nick discusses some of the questions he is asked most often as a Boston real estate expert. If you are thinking about buying this year, you don’t want to miss this blog post!

Does a buyer really need 20% down to buy a home in the Boston area?

No, they definitely don’t.  There are plenty of programs from lenders that allow buyers to put less than 20% of the purchase price down.  However, there are restrictions that come with lower downpayment loans such as minimum credit scores and maximum loan amounts which could affect someone’s ability in getting that type of loan.  

The other factor to consider

Is the idea of saving for a down payment holding you back from buying a home in the Boston area right now? You may be eager to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates, but the thought of needing a large down payment might make you want to pump the brakes. Today, there’s still a common myth that you have to come up with 20% of the total sale price for your down payment. This means people who could buy a home may be putting their plans on hold because they don’t have that much saved yet. The reality is, whether you’re looking for your first home or you’ve purchased one before, you most likely don’t need to put 20% down. Here’s why.

According to Freddie Mac:

“The most damaging down payment myth—since it stops the homebuying process

If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer money for the purchase. It’s also a different step in the process from a home inspection, which assesses the condition of the home before you finalize the transaction. Here’s the breakdown of each one and why they’re both important when buying a home.

Home Appraisal

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“A home purchase is typically the largest investment someone will make. Protect yourself by getting your investment appraised! An appraiser

In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired a powerful movement with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Through his passion and determination, he sparked interest, ambition, and courage in his audience. Today, reflecting on his message encourages many of us to think about our own dreams, goals, beliefs, and aspirations. For many Americans, one of those common goals is owning a home: a piece of land, a roof over our heads, and a place where we can grow and flourish.

If you’re dreaming of buying a home this year, start by connecting with us to understand what goes into the process. With a trusted advisor at your side, you can then begin to answer the questions below to set yourself up for homebuying success.

1. How Can I Better Understand the

2021 is here, and we could not be more excited! Nick makes his predictions for the Boston city market with a new year ahead of us and what he thinks we will see for buyers, sellers, and renters throughout the Downtown markets.

As we head into 2021, what predictions do you have for the city market - specifically the downtown neighborhoods?

We are now just over a couple of weeks into 2021, and we have already seen about 23% more condos in Boston go under agreement vs. the same period in 2020.  I regularly meet with our agents to gain perspective on the market, and most have told me that this is the busiest January they have ever experienced.

With the vaccine rolling out and a new administration in the White House only days away from taking

The housing market made an incredible recovery in 2020 and is now positioned for an even stronger year in 2021. Record-low mortgage interest rates are a driving factor in this continued momentum, with average rates hovering at historic all-time lows.

According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyer demand across the country is incredibly strong. That’s not the case, however, on the supply side. Seller traffic is simply not keeping up. Here’s a breakdown by state:

As the maps show, buyer traffic is high, but seller traffic is low. With so few homes for sale right now, record-low inventory is creating a mismatch between supply and demand.

NAR also just reported that the actual

If one of the questions you’re asking yourself is, “Should I sell my house in Boston this year?” consumer sentiment about selling today should boost your confidence in the right direction. Even with the current health crisis that continues to challenge our nation, Americans still feel good about selling a house. Here’s why.

According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index from Fannie Mae, 57% of consumer respondents to their survey indicate now is a good time to buy a home, while 59% feel it’s a good time to sell one:

“The percentage of respondents who say it is a good time to sell a home remained the same at 59%, while the percentage who say it’s a bad time to sell decreased from 35% to 33%. As a result, the net share of those who

It’s exciting to put a house on the market and to think about making new memories in new spaces. However, despite the anticipation of what’s to come, we can still have deep sentimental attachments to the home we’re leaving behind. Growing emotions can help or hinder a sale depending on how we manage them.

When it comes to the bottom line, homeowners need to know what it takes to avoid costly mistakes when it’s time to move. Being mindful and prepared for the process can help you stay on the right track when selling your house this year.

1. Price Your Home Right

When inventory is low, like it is in the current Boston real estate market, it’s common to think buyers will pay whatever we ask when setting a listing price. Believe it or not,

The end of 2020 is here and many would say they are looking to 2021 for brighter days! Nick gives his predictions on what he thinks we can expect from the market next year for buyers, sellers, and renters. Plus, he gives a piece of advice to anyone looking to make a move next year!

What are your predictions for the Boston real estate market as we head into 2021?

The reasons people loved living in Boston, or any major metropolitan city for that matter, such as convenience and the overall experiences it provides for its residents, have all been turned upside down since the pandemic hit.  My prediction is that it will take about 12-18 months after a vaccine is widely distributed for the energy and excitement of city living to return.  But, once it