Buyer's Guide
Expert buyer representation across 25 communities in Eastern Massachusetts. Find your perfect home with Jessica Shauffer.
Quick Answer
In Massachusetts, a home purchase usually moves from mortgage prequalification to a written offer, a purchase and sale agreement, and a closing with the lender's attorney. Sellers cannot require a buyer to waive the home inspection. Freddie Mac puts the average purchase loan closing at 43 days. The CFPB puts closing costs at 2% to 5% of the price.
Reviewed by Jessica Shauffer, Massachusetts real estate license #9554769 · Updated
| Typical buyer closing costs | 2% to 5% of the purchase price, not counting the down payment (CFPB national estimate) |
|---|---|
| Home inspection | Sellers cannot make a sale conditional on waiving the inspection, for contracts signed after Oct. 15, 2025 |
| Offer, then purchase and sale agreement | An accepted offer is a binding contract. The purchase and sale agreement typically follows it. |
| Attorney at closing | A mortgage closing requires the substantive participation of an attorney for the lender (SJC, 2011) |
| Average time to close | 43 days for a purchase loan, an average reported by Freddie Mac and not specific to Massachusetts |
| Down payment assistance | MassHousing offers up to $30,000 to eligible first-time home buyers in every city and town |
Eastern Massachusetts offers diverse communities to fit every lifestyle, from historic coastal towns to bustling commuter suburbs.
Every town runs or shares a public school district. The state publishes enrollment, staffing and results for each one on its School and District Profiles site.
Strategic locations along the MBTA commuter rail lines and major highways (I-95, Route 3, Route 24) into Boston.
Beautiful oceanfront and harbor communities like Plymouth, Kingston, and Hingham offer incredible lifestyle amenities.
Thousands of acres of state parks, hiking trails, and conservation land spread across Bristol and Plymouth counties.
From historic Victorians to new construction developments and coastal cottages, there's a home for every aesthetic.
Consistent, long-term appreciation makes real estate in these 25 target towns a solid financial anchor.
Regional Pricing
Compare median home prices across our key service areas to find the right fit for your budget and lifestyle.
Source: Zillow Home Value Index (typical home value), latest available month.
The Process
Buying a home in a competitive market requires strategy. Jessica walks you through every step — from first search to closing day and beyond.
Discuss your goals, budget, timeline, and preferred towns. Jessica tailors the search to your exact needs across 25+ communities.
Get connected with trusted local lenders to determine your buying power and strengthen your offers.
Access listings before they hit the market, attend private showings, and explore neighborhoods hands-on.
Craft a winning offer with Jessica's competitive market insight and tenacious negotiation skills.
Navigate inspections, appraisals, and paperwork with full support. Jessica stays with you through closing and beyond.
Free Tool
Use our free mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payment, total interest, closing costs, and full amortization schedule — before you start your search.
Available Homes
See homes currently represented by Jessica Shauffer and the Weinstein Keach Team, followed by recent client success stories.
For Sale$1,725,000
Easton, MA 02356
For Sale$749,999
Woburn, MA 01801
For Sale$699,999
Chatham, MA 02633
For Sale$679,000
Canton, MA 02021
For Sale$649,900
Easton, MA 02375
For Sale$639,900
Randolph, MA 02368
Buyer Services
Each situation has its own steps, financing and timing. These pages go deeper.
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Common Questions
Closing costs for a buyer in Massachusetts vary from one purchase to the next. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's national estimate is 2% to 5% of the purchase price, not counting the down payment. The lender itemizes the costs in a Loan Estimate after the application. A Closing Disclosure with the final figures must arrive at least three business days before closing.
Client Success Stories
Ready to Start Looking?
Your dream home in Eastern Massachusetts is waiting. Book a free consultation and Jessica will help you navigate the market, find the right community, and make a winning offer.
