For buyers
Find your next home.
Whether you're a first-time buyer or upgrading to your dream home, we guide you through every step — with the full power of the SERHANT. platform behind you.
The process
How the buying process works.
Massachusetts has unique requirements — dual attorneys, custom P&S agreements, and a competitive market. Here's every step.
Get pre-approved
Secure a mortgage pre-approval before touring homes. This tells sellers you're serious and shows exactly what you can afford. We connect you with our preferred lenders to get you ready.
Define your search
We narrow down neighborhoods, property types, must-haves, and deal-breakers. Greater Boston moves fast — a focused strategy means you won't miss the right home when it hits.
Tour & evaluate
Private showings, detailed market comparisons, and honest assessments. No pressure to make an offer until you've found the right one.
Make your offer
In Boston's competitive market, offer strategy matters. We craft offers that win with the right price, terms, and contingencies to position you on top.
Under agreement
Home inspection, appraisal, mortgage commitment, and Purchase & Sale execution, all coordinated by our team. We manage every deadline and document so nothing falls through.
Close & move in
Final walkthrough, closing at your attorney's office, sign the papers, and receive your keys. For qualifying clients, our concierge team helps with the full transition.
Know the numbers
Buyer closing costs in Massachusetts.
Typical buyer closing costs on a $750,000 purchase in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, buyers do not pay transfer tax — that's the seller's responsibility.
| Cost item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Buyer's attorney fee | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Title insurance (owner's policy) | $2,625 |
| Title insurance (lender's policy) | $1,875 |
| Lender origination fee (0–1%) | $0 – $7,500 |
| Home inspection | $500 – $700 |
| Appraisal | $450 – $650 |
| Recording fees | $325 |
| Tax & insurance escrow | $3,380 – $5,940 |
| Estimated total | $10,650 – $21,735 |
Questions
Buying in Massachusetts, answered.
Do buyers pay transfer tax in Massachusetts?
No. In Massachusetts the deed transfer tax ($4.56 per $1,000 of sale price) is the seller's responsibility. Buyers cover their own attorney, title insurance, inspection, appraisal, and lender fees.
What first-time buyer programs exist in Massachusetts?
Several Massachusetts programs offer down payments as low as 3% with competitive rates, and some eliminate PMI entirely for qualifying buyers. State and local down-payment assistance varies by income, location, and household size — we connect you with lenders who specialize in matching buyers to current programs.
Why does Massachusetts home buying involve attorneys?
Massachusetts is an attorney state: the buyer and lender each have counsel, and the Purchase & Sale agreement is a custom-negotiated contract rather than a standard form. Your attorney reviews the P&S, clears title, and runs the closing.
Ready to start looking?
Build a search strategy that wins.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll find the right home before someone else does.
Prefer to talk? (774) 341-4540