Buyer's Guide

The first step is all about taking inventory of your lifestyle, priorities, and must-haves so your search begins with clarity. I should say, as much clarity as possible!

Start by outlining the basics: the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, whether you need dedicated office space, outdoor space, a garage, or central air. Think about the type of community that feels right—proximity to public transportation, schools, town center. Importantly, do you need a property that is move in ready or are you willing to consider a home that needs work?

If you’re buying with a partner, take the time to align on non-negotiables versus nice-to-haves. This shared vision becomes the foundation of a focused and productive search.

And remember: this list can evolve. As you tour homes and learn what’s possible within your budget and preferred locations, your priorities may shift. That’s completely normal. The goal of this step is simply to gain a clear picture of what matters most to you in your next home—so every step that follows is intentional and informed.

The business side of a real estate partnership begins with defining the terms, responsibilities, and costs of the services provided. Every Buyer should have a clear understanding of the legal and procedural documents required by Brokerage Policy and Massachusetts law.

Your real estate agent should take time to walk you through every document you sign — from the Buyer Agency Agreement (which outlines the services which will be provided, how brokerage commissions are paid and the various disclosure forms and laws involved in purchasing property in Massachusetts.   

A good agent doesn’t just hand you paperwork — they explain it. They should provide real-world examples of how certain clauses might affect you and ensure you understand your obligations and protections before signing.  Never hesitate to ask questions or say, “I don’t understand that.” These documents can be complex, and it's your agent’s job is to clearly explain them. It is always wise to consult with an Attorney before signing legal documents.  

Once we’ve clarified what matters most to you, we begin the search together. We’ll set up digital listing alerts based on your criteria—beds, baths, location, lifestyle needs, and those all-important non-negotiables—so you’re seeing the right homes the moment they hit the market. Inventory changes daily, so we keep a close eye on new opportunities as they arise.

When a property catches your eye, we tour it in person. There’s truly no substitute for walking through many homes; it helps you understand what your budget buys in different towns and neighborhoods and sharpens your sense of what feels right.

This is the exciting part of the journey—where ideas turn into possibilities. But it can also come with moments of disappointment: the perfect home might be on the wrong street, or the one you love might push the budget too far. That’s normal. With patience, diligence, and experience guiding each step, the right home always comes into focus.  

Once your offer is accepted, we enter the contingency period—a structured, protective window to confirm the home is right for you and ensure your financing is secure. This is a 30-45 day period (or less in some cases).

You’ll begin with the Home Inspection, typically completed within days, to fully understand the property’s condition. Once the inspection is satisfied, the attorneys prepare the Purchase & Sale Agreement, which replaces the initial offer and outlines the full terms of the transaction. This is generally finalized within 14 days, often sooner.

After the P&S, your lender moves through the loan process—ordering the appraisal, verifying financial documents, and preparing your file for approval. Any remaining contingencies, including financing, must be met by the agreed-upon deadlines. 

Throughout this period, I stay closely involved to keep communication clear and gather all required documents and certificates (such as Smoke & CO Compliance, 6D certificates for condos, and final utility readings). I’ll also help you prepare for your move by providing practical checklists—covering postal address changes, updating online delivery subscriptions, organizing utilities, and other helpful reminders.

As contingencies are cleared and your lender approaches “clear to close,” your purchase becomes increasingly secure, bringing you confidently toward closing day.

Closing is a structured and straightforward process—the final step where ownership officially transfers to you. You’ll meet with the closing attorney (in person or virtually) to sign the final loan documents, review the settlement statement, and complete any remaining paperwork. Once everything is signed and the funds are transferred, the attorney will record the deed at the Registry of Deeds. As soon as the recording is confirmed, you are officially the owner—and that’s when you receive the keys.

To prepare, bring a valid photo ID, any documents your lender or attorney has requested, and be ready to wire your closing funds according to the secure instructions provided in advance. Your attorney will review the numbers with you so there are no surprises.

I stay close by to make sure everything runs smoothly. Once recorded, the home is yours. Time to celebrate!