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Selling your house in Massachusetts can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be! Following the right process will help you sell faster and for top dollar.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover how to sell a house in Massachusetts, including how to find a great agent, navigate legal documents, stage your home, and more house selling tips.
⚡ Get started: Match with a top real estate agent and save BIG on commission.
9 steps to selling a house in Massachusetts
1. Find and choose a Massachusetts real estate agent
⭐ Pro tips
- Find agents through a matching service, referral, or local real estate board.
- Interview multiple agents before choosing one.
- Negotiate with your agent to get the best rate.
The best way to sell your house is typically by hiring a real estate agent.
We recommend interviewing at least 2–3 local real estate agents before signing a listing agreement. Comparing multiple options helps you find the best fit for your situation and could save you thousands on realtor commissions.
There are several ways to find a great realtor in Massachusetts. To save the most time and money, stick to sources that make it easy to find quality options.
- Use an agent matching service. Provide some basic info about your home and what you’re looking for in an agent. The matching service will give you options to choose from in your area and you can compare rates to find the best one for you.
- Get a personal referral. Ask family and friends for recommendations from their own selling experiences. But be sure to vet the agent yourself to make sure they’re a good fit.
- Contact your local realtor association. Check your local real estate board to find a great selection of vetted agents. You can contact them online or by phone.4
Using an agent-matching service is often the most convenient way to find a qualified Massachusetts real estate agent.
The best companies let you interview top agents who charge a low 1.5% listing fee (instead of the 2.44% average Massachusetts listing fee). At this rate, the average Massachusetts homeowner would save $9,058 on their home sale! Fill out the form below to get matched with agents near you.
How to compare agents and find the best fit
After you’ve found several top-rated agents to compare, it’s time to set up interviews to ask them questions. Here are some factors to look for to ensure you choose the right real estate agent:
Full-time realtor. Find an agent who works full time and is selling at least 10 houses per year.
Local experience. Choose a seller’s agent who has experience in your local real estate market. You can use popular real estate websites like Zillow to see the neighborhood, price point, and property type of homes the agent has recently sold.
Customer reviews. Look for positive customer reviews from past clients. One or two bad reviews aren’t a big deal. But agents with multiple bad reviews in a short time frame (3-6 months) could be a red flag.
Marketing skills. Check each agent’s active and closed listings on sites like Zillow and Realtor.com, or ask them for listing photo examples. Look for clear, polished photos with good lighting and compelling listing descriptions that highlight each home’s key features. If you pay the full commission rate, some agents will stage your home for you.
Commission rate. Massachusetts listing agents earn an average commission rate of 2.44% per sale. You can negotiate with your agent to see if they’ll offer you a lower rate.
License. You can also check to see if each agent’s real estate license is active and in good standing — or if it’s suspended or inactive. View licenses at the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.5
Other ways to sell your home
2. Decide when to sell your house in Massachusetts
📊 Massachusetts market insights
- Median listing price: $779,500
- Median days on market: 36 days
- Best month to sell for the highest price: May
- Best month to sell fast: May6
Sellers often find themselves balancing two primary priorities: maximizing their profit and minimizing the time their property spends on the market. Timing can significantly impact both the price and speed of the sale.
See how pricing and market speed vary by season.
3. Determine a list price for your house
⭐ Pro tips
- Request multiple comparative market analyses (CMAs) from agents.
- Look at listing prices of similar homes in your city or neighborhood.
Pricing your home correctly is arguably one of the most critical steps to selling a house. The asking price you set can make the difference between a quick, profitable sale and a property that languishes on the market, potentially costing you thousands in the long run.
A comparative market analysis provides an estimate of your home’s fair value, based on what similar homes have recently sold for in your area. Most agents will provide you with a CMA for free.
A CMA typically includes:
- Recent sale prices of similar homes in your neighborhood
- How long it took those homes to sell
- How much your home’s upgrades or repairs add to its value
- Basic information like square footage and number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- The agent’s recommended list price
We recommend requesting and comparing multiple CMAs from the agents you interview. Be wary of working with an agent who provides a CMA that is significantly higher than the rest. Occasionally, agents will attempt to win your listing by setting an over-the-top price, then they work you down with price cuts over time.
Once you determine a competitive price and choose your agent, you’ll sign a Massachusetts listing agreement.7 The listing agreement is a contract between you and your agent that outlines the terms of your working relationship, including the duration of the listing, the commission rate, the asking price, and the agent’s responsibilities.
If you’re not using a real estate agent, getting an appraisal before the sale is a good idea. Appraisals are usually conducted by the buyer during the process, but you can get a home appraisal before listing your home for sale to guide your pricing.
However, appraisals can cost between $86 and $478 in Massachusetts and are often time-consuming (1–2 weeks to complete), so it needs to fit within your budget and timeframe.8
For comparison, take a look at home value and listing price trends in top Massachusetts markets:
4. Prep your house for sale
⭐ Pro tips
- A pre-listing inspection can uncover major issues early on.
- Some minor home improvements can increase the value of your home.
- Staging can make your home attractive to prospective buyers during showings.
Now the fun begins: it’s time to get your home ready for showings! There are several ways to prepare your home for sale, some quicker than others.
Get a pre-listing inspection
While a pre-listing inspection is totally optional, getting one is a good way to assess any crucial repair needs before putting it on the market. The potential buyer will typically order their own inspection on the home, but if it uncovers major issues, they may back out of the sale.
A pre-listing inspection might not be worth the time and effort in certain cases. It can cost anywhere between $279 and $380 in Massachusetts.9 Talk with your real estate agent to determine if you should get a pre-listing inspection.
Make repairs and home improvements
Addressing necessary repairs and making strategic updates to your home before listing it for sale can significantly impact your property’s marketability and final selling price.
Updates and repairs can range from simple cosmetic touch-ups (new paint, fixed faucets, etc.) to more substantial renovations (landscaping, roof repair, HVAC, etc.). In Massachusetts, home repair costs average about $47,175. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between investment and potential return. Ask your real estate agent about what improvements have the most return on investment in your market.
Home improvements with the best ROI
🧽 Deep cleaning (Costs $112–$153)10
- Tip: Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms.
🎨 Interior painting (Costs $1,944–$1,944)11
- Tip: Focus on neutral colors for broad appeal.
☀️ Deck addition (Costs $18,317–$26,783)12
- Tip: Choose materials that are durable and require minimal upkeep.
🏠 Siding replacements (Costs $18,714–$21,654)13
- Tip: Replace outdated fixtures and add brighter bulbs.
🪟 Window replacements (Costs $20,703–$25,648)14
- Tip: Focus on energy efficiency.
🛁 Minor bathroom renovation (Costs $25,804–$79,892)15
- Tip: Update fixtures, tiles, and lighting.
🛠️ Roof replacement (Costs $33,363–$52,698)16
- Tip: Prioritize addressing any existing leaks or damage.
🍳 Minor kitchen remodel (Costs $27,495–$162,125)17
- Tip: Update hardware, paint cabinets, add a backsplash.
If you’re short on time or budget, prioritizing the most critical issues or focusing on high-impact, low-cost improvements can still make a meaningful difference. If you’re selling a house that needs extensive repairs and you can’t afford it, consider selling your home to a cash buyer — these investors buy homes as-is, but typically for less than market value.
💰 Compare offers from vetted cash buyers in your area today! It’s completely free with no obligation to accept.
Consider staging your home
Staging furniture, decor, and lighting showcases your home’s best features and helps prospective buyers envision themselves living in the space. Some real estate agents offer home staging advice as part of their service, or you can hire someone to stage your home.
If you’ve already moved out and there’s no furniture inside the home, consider adding virtual staging to your online listing. Virtual staging offers flexibility and can be easily modified to suit different styles. Ask your real estate agent if they offer virtual staging.
Staging isn’t always necessary. For homes in hot markets or with exceptional features or aesthetics, staging might just not be worth the cost.
5. Market your house to buyers
⭐ Pro tips
- Highlight your house’s best features and unique selling points in your listing.
- Don’t be present during showings, if possible.
- Use buyer feedback to your advantage, making adjustments to your listing or home staging when applicable.
Now it’s time to actually list your home and host potential buyers! Here’s what typically happens next.
Your property listing goes live
Your real estate agent will post your home on your local multiple listing service (MLS), which is a database most real estate agents use to find and sell properties. Your home will also appear on popular real estate websites (like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com) to reach prospective buyers.
Online listings should include:
- Basic property details (address, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, square footage, and year built)
- A listing description that highlights the home’s best features, recent upgrades, and unique selling points
- Professional photos or video of the interior and exterior of the home
- Information about recent upgrades or unique features
- Neighborhood details, such as nearby school systems, HOA fees, and property taxes
- Property history (previous sale dates and prices)
- Agent contact information
Once your listing is live, your agent will likely start receiving requests for showings so buyers can tour the property themselves.
Your agent manages home showings
Your real estate agent takes on the primary role of coordinating and managing home showings. They’re responsible for scheduling appointments and communicating with interested buyers and their agents. They may even schedule an open house, if they think your home could benefit from the exposure.
Unless you’re selling the home for sale by owner, you likely won’t be involved directly in the showing process. Still, keep a few things in mind:
- Clean and tidy. Secure valuables and remove any personal items. Turn on all lights and open curtains for a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
- Steer clear during showings. It’s generally best for sellers to leave during showings, as your presence may make buyers feel uncomfortable or pressured.
- Remove pets during showings. Pets can be a distraction, trigger allergies, and cause odors. If you can’t take them elsewhere, keep them in a secured area.
- Be open to feedback. Your agent may give you constructive criticism about buyer reactions. Use it to make improvements for future showings.
6. Negotiate offers with buyers
⭐ Pro tips
- You don’t have to respond to lowball offers.
- The highest offer isn’t always the best — consider other factors like closing costs, timing, and contingencies.
Currently, it takes around 36 days to receive an offer in Massachusetts. With luck, you will receive multiple offers within just a few days or weeks of going live!
The offer letter should contain the buyer’s offer price, whether they’re asking for any concessions, how they’ll finance the purchase, an estimated closing date, and an offer expiry date (typically 24–48 hours after submission).
There are three ways sellers and their listing agents can respond to a buyer’s offer:
🟢 Accept the offer. If the offer has everything you’re looking for — price, terms, and timing all look great — then you might just want to accept it without countering, especially if no other offers are on the table.
🟡 Counter the offer. Most details of an offer are negotiable. It could make sense to counter an offer if you’re confident you’d receive another good one if the buyer declines it. Remember: if you counter an offer and the buyer accepts it, you’re technically under contract.
🔴 Ignore the offer. There’s no need to respond to a lowball offer or one that doesn’t meet any of your criteria — especially if you have stronger offers on the table.
How long does it take to get an offer in Massachusetts?
Timing depends on your home’s price, location, condition, and the present season.
Currently in Massachusetts, homes stay on the market for a median of 36 days before an offer is accepted. However, this timeline can vary by city and even by neighborhood. Look at local trends to get an idea of what’s common in your market, and talk with your agent to discuss expectations on when you might receive an acceptable offer after going live.
7. Review paperwork and sign an offer
⭐ Pro tips
- Verify buyers’ proof of funds or mortgage pre-approval.
- Be aware of any conditions that could lead the buyer to back out.
- Consider staying open to backup offers in case the primary deal falls through.
Once you’ve decided to accept an offer and you’ve talked it through with your agent, it’s time to review the contract and sign. Carefully review contingencies to understand all conditions that could allow the buyer to back out without penalty.
After all parties have signed, your home is under contract. It typically takes 35 days to close on the home if all goes well.
What’s in a Massachusetts purchase and sale agreement?
The purchase agreement contains key details about your sale, such as:
- Basic details — the buyer’s full legal name, and your home’s address
- Purchase price — how much the buyer is offering to purchase your home
- Close of escrow — the estimated date when ownership transfers to the buyer
- Initial deposit amount — also known as earnest money, which the buyer submits into a trust or escrow account
- Financing information — how the buyer plans to finance the purchase (cash, mortgage, seller financing, or other) and the loan amount
- Balance of down payment — the remainder of the down payment (or of the full price, if paying cash) that’s due at closing after the buyer has paid the initial deposits
- Items included — such as appliances or security camera equipment
- Allocation of costs — a list of closing costs (including required inspections, escrow fees, owner’s title policy) and whether the buyer or seller (or both) will pay
8. Conduct inspections, appraisals, and closing walk-through
⭐ Pro tips
- Consider offering a closing credit to cover repairs or post-inspection issues.
- Be prepared to renegotiate price if the appraisal comes in low.
- Clean out all personal items before the buyer’s final walk-through.
After you’ve accepted and signed the offer, the buyer conducts their due diligence before closing: completing a home inspection, ordering an appraisal, and applying for financing (if they haven’t already).
Home inspection
A home inspection usually takes 1–3 hours to document the overall condition of the home and pointing out potential issues, such as:
- Roof or plumbing leaks
- Water damage
- HVAC failure
- Presence of termites
- Toxins like mold, asbestos, or radon gas
- Insufficient grade sloping and drainage
- Code violations
Sellers usually don’t attend the inspection or even get to see the buyer’s home inspection report. But the buyer might ask you to fix any defects or serious issues discovered in the inspection (or negotiate a lower price or closing credit). If the buyer demands that you make a repair, request to see the inspection report before agreeing.
Check with your agent to learn what you’re obligated to fix and the best way to move forward following the home inspection.
Appraisal
Lenders often require buyers to get a home appraisal to ensure that it’s worth its purchase price. In Massachusetts, the buyer typically pays for the appraisal, though sometimes the seller offers to cover this cost to motivate the buyer.
The appraiser visits your home to take interior and exterior photos, noting any features or upgrades that add value to the home. They compare your house to recently sold homes in your area and generate a report that provides an opinion of value.
Both the lender and buyer receive a copy of the appraisal. You’ll get notified if your home’s appraised value comes in lower than the buyer’s purchase price. In this case, you may have to renegotiate the price because buyers can only finance up to the appraisal amount, meaning that they’ll need more cash to purchase the home.
An advantage of selling to a cash home buyer in Massachusetts is that there’s no appraisal contingency, so getting a low appraisal won’t jeopardize the price.
Final walk-through
The buyer may walk through the home a day or two before closing to ensure it’s in the agreed-upon condition.
Here’s what you need to do before their walk-through:
- Clear out your house of any belongings, if you haven’t yet.
- Repair or patch any damaged drywall, paint, or nail holes.
- Make sure items included in the sale contract (appliances, light fixtures, etc) are still there.
- Lightly sweep out the house, especially anything left from the move, like mud tracks or loose packaging.
9. Close on your home sale
⭐ Pro tips
- Review all documents carefully beforehand with your agent.
- Bring all necessary and agreed-upon items (e.g., keys, garage door openers, appliance manuals).
- Be prepared for last-minute issues or delays.
You’re almost at the finish line! As the seller, you can attend the closing process in person or do your part electronically.
In short, closing consists of a lot of paperwork, but your agent or real estate attorney can help you navigate the process.
Once you and the buyer have signed all documents, you’ve closed on your home sale. The home’s sale price pays off the listing commission (and buyer’s commission if you’ve agreed to pay that as a concession), Massachusetts closing costs, and covers any outstanding mortgages or liens owed on the property.
How much are closing costs in Massachusetts?
Here’s how much you may pay in Massachusetts closing costs. The average cost is calculated based on the average Massachusetts sale price of $628,998.
Massachusetts seller costs | Average rate | Average cost |
---|---|---|
🔍 Title service fees | 0.11% | $723 |
🗞 Owner’s title insurance | 0.21% | $1,322 paid by seller |
💵 Lender’s title insurance | N/A | Typically paid by buyer |
🏡 Transfer tax | 0.46% | $2,893 |
✍ Recording fees | 0.01% | $48 |
🤑 Buyer incentives | 2.00% | $12,580 |
💲 Other costs | Varies | Varies |
Total | 3.08% | $19,380 |
Your net proceeds may be wired to your bank account after closing. Contact your agent, attorney, or title company for more details on how and when you’ll get paid. Congrats on your sale!
What to do after your home sale
- Save your home sale documents. It’s best to have both physical and digital copies of the home sale contract for your taxes and personal records.
- Talk with your tax adviser or accountant. Find out if you owe taxes on the sale of your home.
- Notify USPS19 and the Massachusetts DMV20 to change your address.
- Show your agent some love. Leave a positive review for your agent on Zillow if they did a good job!
Related articles
The Costs to Sell a House in Massachusetts Revealed. Our guide breaks down all of the costs to sell your house in Massachusetts, and we offer some tips to save money on your sale.
Average Real Estate Commission in Massachusetts. Knowing the standard commission rate in your area can help you avoid overpaying for a real estate agent and accurately estimate the cost of selling your home.
The Best Discount Real Estate Brokers in Massachusetts. Sell your home with a vetted Massachusetts discount realtor, and save thousands of dollars on commission.
How to Sell a House Without a Realtor in Massachusetts. If you know what you’re doing, you can cut out listing agent fees by listing your house “for sale by owner” (FSBO).
How to Choose a Realtor: Expert Secrets. Learn how to vet agents, set up interviews, read and sign a buyer’s agency agreement or listing agreement, and pick the best realtor for you.
How to Sell Your House — The Ultimate Guide. Our guide breaks down the process of selling your house from start to finish, educating you on the process and helping prepare you for your big sale.
Methodology
Our mission is to provide accurate, actionable, and practical information that will help you make better decisions about your real estate journey.
To help create this Massachusetts home selling guide, we pulled current and historical market data from vetted sources, such as Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and HomeAdvisors. As these sources update, we refresh our pages accordingly to ensure everything is current.
- Zillow, Median home values in Massachusetts, Updated August 31, 2024 ↩︎
- Zillow, Home value appreciation in Massachusetts, Updated August 31, 2024 ↩︎
- Redfin, Median sale price in Massachusetts, Updated August 1, 2024 ↩︎
- Local real estate boards in Massachusetts ↩︎
- Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons ↩︎
- Realtor.com, Median listing price and days on market in Massachusetts, Updated September 1, 2024 ↩︎
- Massachusetts Association of Realtors, Massachusetts listing agreement ↩︎
- Thumbtack, Home appraisal costs in Massachusetts ↩︎
- Thumbtack, Home inspection costs in Massachusetts ↩︎
- Thumbtack, Deep cleaning costs in Massachusetts ↩︎
- HomeAdvisor, Interior painting costs in Massachusetts ↩︎
- Journal of Light Construction, Deck addition costs in Massachusetts ↩︎
- Journal of Light Construction, Siding replacement costs in Massachusetts ↩︎
- Journal of Light Construction, Window replacements costs in Massachusetts ↩︎
- Journal of Light Construction, Bathroom renovation costs in Massachusetts ↩︎
- Journal of Light Construction, Roof replacement costs in Massachusetts ↩︎
- Journal of Light Construction, Kitchen remodel costs in Massachusetts ↩︎
- Seller's Statement of Property Condition, Updated July 2024 ↩︎
- USPS, Change your address form ↩︎
- Massachusetts DMV, Change your address ↩︎
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