Answers by Person+ Person

In Massachusetts, there is a \"transfer tax\" (or tax stamps). The seller pay the transfer tax and it is equal to $3.45 per $1000 of value.

The Massachusetts Homebuying Circus Home prices: The state\'s average price is $658,400—just enough to make you wonder if you can Airbnb your garage to pay the mortgage. Median sale price: $686,700... because apparently, everyone is trying to move here for the lobster rolls or Dunkin’ Donuts proximity. Boston: Average price is $739,121, but median listing is $895,000. For that, you get premium access to potholes, Red Sox traffic, and aggressive squirrels. Worcester: $443,717—affordable (relatively), and you might even find a house that comes with working pipes and a mysterious stain in the basement. Market Mayhem Houses sell in under 40 days, which is less time than it takes to binge-watch “The Office” and have a mild existential crisis. Over 40% of homes go for above list price—bidding wars here are the adult version of musical chairs, but with more paperwork and tears. Buyer Survival Tips Plan to spend $450,000–$900,000. If you want to live near Boston, add a few extra zeroes or get really comfortable with roommates who collect Fabergé eggs. Property taxes, closing fees, and repairs: Because nothing says “welcome home” in Massachusetts like a surprise tax bill bigger than your wedding. Bottom line: In Massachusetts, houses cost a lot, but the stories you\'ll get from house hunting and negotiating will make you laugh, cry, and maybe reconsider van life

Negotiating a realtor’s payment is definitely like any business deal—it’s expected, but handle it with respect. Here’s a quick guide: Do your homework: Find out the local average commission (usually 2.5%-3%) so you don’t sound clueless. Build rapport: Compliment their skills or recent sales before bringing up fees. People like to be liked. Bring it up early: Don’t wait until after the \"For Sale\" sign goes up. Use smart language: Say things like, “How can we make this fair for both of us?” instead of “Lower your fee!” Offer incentives: Suggest tiered commissions (e.g., lower if sold at market, higher if above) or ask for extras like staging or extra marketing. Get it in writing: Don’t leave money talks vague—put agreements in your contract. Bottom line: Negotiate politely, knowing you both want a win, and think of it as teaming up rather than arm-wrestling over dollars.

Yes, you can sell a house after a fire. The options typically are: Sell it as-is to a cash buyer or investor who specializes in fire-damaged properties. This is fast and avoids costly repairs, but expect a lower sale price. Repair the home first (if financially feasible) to attract traditional buyers and potentially get a higher price. Sell at auction, which can be unpredictable but might spark competitive bids. Key tips: Get a realistic estimate of the damage and repair costs. Be fully transparent about the fire damage and disclose it to potential buyers to avoid legal trouble. Gather all important documents like fire reports, insurance claims, and repair estimates. Working with a realtor experienced in fire-damaged homes can help navigate legal and marketing challenges. Basically, selling a fire-damaged house is like selling a scorched sandwich—be honest about the burn, and the right buyer will still see the value... or just buy it \"as-is\" and move on

It depends on your state. Massachusetts allows “no-fault” evictions when the owner intends to occupy the property, but this requires written notice, typically 30 days, after which the landlord may pursue legal eviction if the tenant does not leave. But always consult an attorney.

Only if he is on the deed, or if you choose to \"give him\" some of your proceeds.