Frequently Asked Questions

Do sellers also need a residential real estate closing attorney in Massachusetts, or is it optional? In Massachusetts, yes — sellers absolutely need a residential real estate closing attorney. It’s not optional. Massachusetts is what’s called an attorney state, meaning an attorney must be involved in the closing for both buyers and sellers. Now, here’s … Read more

Can my Realtor lower my listing price without asking me first? Short answer: No—your Realtor cannot legally lower your listing price without your approval. Now, let’s talk about the real‑world side of this, because this is where folks sometimes get tripped up. When you hire a real estate agent to sell your home, you sign … Read more

Zillow says my home is worth $X — is that right? Short answer: Almost never. Zillow’s number is a data‑driven guess — not a price a real, motivated buyer is willing to pay in today’s market. And that difference matters. Zillow pulls public records, past sales, tax data, and neighborhood trends. It’s a smart algorithm, … Read more

What are the benefits of using a realtor instead of listing a house independently? Selling a home is a big deal—financially, emotionally, and logistically. And while going the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route can seem tempting, the benefits of using a REALTOR® usually outweigh the DIY approach by a mile. Here’s why most sellers … Read more

Should market and regulatory conditions be a factor for determining a real estate agent’s experience? Short answer: yes — market and regulatory conditions should absolutely be part of how you gauge a real estate agent’s experience. Here’s the thing: real estate isn’t practiced in a vacuum. An agent’s skill set is shaped by the market … Read more