October is historically one of the best times for buyers to make a real estate purchase. Is it any different in 2021? Nick talks about the current stats of the market, looking at inventory, prices, and what the market is currently like for buyers in the Boston area.

October is typically one of the best months for home buyers. Is that true this year as well?

The fall market is generally not quite as strong as the spring market, so the competition should be less as a buyer.  However, this fall’s data shows that a lot of activity is still happening, so I expect to see scenarios with multiple offers, etc., still.

Does inventory remain scarce throughout Greater Boston?

Yes, compared to this time last year, inventory is down significantly. 

The financial benefits of buying a home versus renting one are always up for debate. However, one element of the equation is often ignored – the ability to build wealth as a homeowner.

According to the latest research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Homeownership is a key pathway to building wealth and narrowing the racial income and wealth inequality gap. Housing wealth (equity) accumulation takes time and is built up by price appreciation and paying off the mortgage.”

An increase in equity builds the wealth of the individual that owns it. This wealth can be passed down to future generations. The Federal Reserve in an addendum to their Survey of Consumer Finances explains:

“There are numerous ways families

The temperatures are cooling, but the Boston real estate market is not! This month, Nick talks about how buyers can best navigate the market if they want to purchase before the end of 2021. He also gives some strategies sellers can utilize to get top dollar during this competitive time.

For buyers looking to make a move before the end of the year, what pieces of advice do you have for them?

For those looking to purchase before the end of the year, whether for personal or financial reasons, one of the biggest things you should plan for is the amount of time it takes to close in real estate. 

Typically, you can expect the actual closing to happen somewhere between 30 and 60 days after putting a property under agreement.  This time frame can be

One of the major storylines over the last year is how well the residential real estate market performed. One key metric in the spotlight is home price appreciation. According to the latest indices, home prices are skyrocketing this year.

Here are the latest percentages showing the year-over-year increase in home price appreciation:

• The House Price Index (HPI) from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA): 18.8%
• The S. National Home Price Index from S&P Case-Shiller: 18.6%
• The Home Price Insights Report from CoreLogic: 18%

The dramatic increases are seen at every price point and in all regions of the country including New England and the Boston areas.

Increases Are Across Every Price Point

According to the latest Home Price

As summer winds down, Nick looks at the unique real estate market in the Boston area so far this year. He also discusses some upcoming projects and new construction that he is excited about in Boston.

What new construction projects in the city should buyers know about?

There are many great new luxury condo developments in the works here in Boston, but here are two that I’m most excited about seeing!

St. Regis Boston Residences

This new luxury highrise in Boston’s Seaport District is getting a lot of attention already.  It will feature 114 residences with many different floor plans to choose from.  The floor-to-ceiling windows will allow residents to have some of the most spectacular waterfront views in Boston.

Raffles Boston Back Bay

It’s hard to believe that 2021 is half over! This month, Nick talks about how he sees the next half of 2021 playing out in the Boston real estate market. 

What will it be like for buyers looking to make a purchase and sellers looking to sell around the Greater Boston area? 

And, what can we expect to see in the rental market through the end of the year?

For buyers and sellers looking to make a move by the end of 2021, what do you think they can expect?

Most predictions I’ve heard are stating that the market will remain strong with low inventory and high buyer demand, which I agree with.  There has been additional inventory coming on the market over the past few weeks, which has helped things a bit. Historically speaking, we still see only

What is it like to sell your home during this competitive and crazy market? Nick talks about some transactions over the past few months to highlight how the inventory shortage impacts sellers. He also gives tips for how sellers can be competitive and sell for top dollar in this market.

What have you seen in recent transactions that is unique to the market right now?

I've written about this before, but the unique thing we have been seeing in transactions right now vs. a regular balanced market is that buyers have become so frustrated with losing out on offers that they are willing to take on significant risk by removing contingencies.  The most important thing when considering this as a buyer is that you know what those risks are.  I wrote a

In a normal market, it’s good to have an experienced guide coaching you through the process of buying or selling a home in the Boston area. That person can advise you on important things like pricing your home correctly or the first steps to take when you’re ready to buy. However, the market we’re in today is far from normal. As a result, an expert isn’t just good to have by your side – an expert is essential.

Today’s Boston housing market is full of extremes. Mortgage rates hovering near record-lows are driving high buyer demand. On the other hand, an absence of sellers is creating record-low housing inventory. This imbalance in supply and demand is leading to a skyrocketing rate of bidding wars and more houses selling over their asking price.

This month Nick gives his advice to buyers looking to make a move this spring/summer. With a highly competitive Boston real estate market, it can be challenging, but there are ways to be competitive and purchase the home of your dreams!

There is a lot of talk about “contingencies” right now - can you explain these?

Contingencies are clauses in an offer that define a condition or action that must be met for the purchase contract to become legally binding.  

Typical contingencies buyers use in offers include:

• Inspection Contingency - Allows the buyer to have a professional home inspector inspect the property and then decide whether they want to move forward with the purchase, potentially renegotiate the price/terms, or back out and

When buying a home in Boston, it’s important to have a budget and make sure you plan ahead for certain homebuying expenses. Saving for a down payment is the main cost that comes to mind for many, but budgeting for the closing costs required to get a mortgage is just as important.

What Are Closing Costs?

According to Trulia:

“When you close on a home, a number of fees are due. They typically range from 2% to 5% of the total cost of the home, and can include title insurance, origination fees, underwriting fees, document preparation fees, and more.”

For example, for someone buying a $300,000 home, they could potentially have between $6,000 and $15,000 in closing fees. If you’re in the market for a home above this price range, your