News
Boston Transfer Tax on $2M Homes Faces a July 31 Deadline
Boston's proposed 2% transfer tax hits only the portion of a sale above $2 million, and the seller pays. Here's what it costs and why July 31 matters.
Steve Novak Real Estate editorial
Greater Boston real estate insights
Clear local analysis for the decisions behind a move—from pricing and policy to neighborhoods, ownership, and investment.
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MassHousing Down Payment Assistance Closed Four Weeks Early
MassHousing's 0% down payment assistance was advertised through July 31 but closed July 2. Here's what Massachusetts first-time buyers can still use.
Condo Living
Fannie Mae’s 15% Condo Reserve Rule Threatens Boston Condos
Fannie Mae's new 15% condo reserve rule takes effect January 2027. Why Boston's small self-managed triple-decker condos risk losing conventional financing.
News
Massachusetts Rent Control Was Struck Down, Not Settled
The SJC threw out Massachusetts' 2026 rent control ballot question on a technicality, not the merits. What it means for Greater Boston…
News
Massachusetts FAIR Plan: A Coastal Deal Risk to Price In
The Massachusetts FAIR Plan is surging as coastal carriers pull back. Why Boston-area buyers and sellers should price insurance in before underwriting.
News
MBTA Communities Act Compliance Is Now a Buyer Signal
Marblehead adopted compliant MBTA zoning on its fourth try while eight towns stay in the AG lawsuit. Why compliance status is now…
Selling Your Home
Massachusetts Home Inspection Waiver Ban: Myth vs. Reality
Massachusetts didn't outlaw waived home inspections. 760 CMR 74 bans sellers from forcing a waiver and requires a signed disclosure. Here's what…
First-Time Buyers
Income to Live in Greater Boston: What 30 Towns Cost
What income do you really need to afford Greater Boston? We ranked 30 communities by the household salary each takes to rent…
News
How Boston Home Prices Shift From Spring to Winter
Spring is Greater Boston's hottest selling season and winter its quietest. Here's the data on how prices, sales, and buyer leverage shift…
News
Massachusetts Broker Fee Law: Who Pays, and Who Doesn’t
Massachusetts did not ban broker fees on August 1, 2025. It changed who pays. Here is the honest guide for renters and…
First-Time Buyers
Why Massachusetts Closings Require a Real Estate Attorney
Massachusetts is an attorney closing state. What that means at the closing table, what it costs, how other states close, and why…
First-Time Buyers
Attorney State vs. Title State: Massachusetts Closings
Massachusetts is an attorney state. Here is how a lawyer-run closing differs from the title company model most states use, what it…
