The Closing Timeline
Offer
Purchase & Sale Agreement
Mortgage Contingency
Buyer Representation
What Our Clients and Professional Affiliates Say About Us:
The Latest From Our Blog
The Difference Between Recorded and Registered Land
Many times, we are often asked to explain the difference between Recorded and Registered Land, the two types of Real Property recordings in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Recorded Land makes up approximately 80% of real property recordings in the Commonwealth. It is based on a “buyer beware” concept and the registry accepts documents based on whether the document meets minimum recording requirements and not based on it relating to a certain property (i.e. this means it does not guarantee that the property in question is free from all liens,
COVID-19 Closings
We are continuing to deliver closing services during the current market conditions. Please be aware that we are very mindful of Covid-19 social distancing requirements and related issues. To best work within these requirements and allow for your health and safety when signing the lending documents, we have developed “curbside” closing. For closings conducted at our Needham office location, the building management has designated an area of our underground parking garage to use for “curbside” closings. When arriving at our 200 Highland Ave. office please take a right (if
Response to Market Conditions
In response to the current market challenges facing the real estate industry due to the Coronavirus, please note our response: Many Registry of Deeds are now open for recording only. We have electronic recording capabilities through Simplifile to electronically record in Massachusetts. Some county Land Courts do not accept electronic recordings. We will work to record those files via a courier. We have “gap” coverage for our title insurance which will insure during any period between the closing and the recording of a deed and mortgage. Our entire team
Registry Recording Fees to Increase at End of 2019
Here is the link to the recording fee schedule increase: Registry of Deeds Recording Fees Effective December 31, 2019, the revised recording fees will be as follows: Mortgages will cost $205 to record. Deeds will cost $155 to record. Releases and discharges will cost $105 per instrument to record. Tax Certificates will cost $80 to record.
Condominium Conversions- Streamlining the Process by Deregistering from Land Court
We recently handled a “condominium conversion,” converting a client’s two-family home in Jamaica Plain into a two-unit condominium. When the client first contacted us, we checked the Registry website and discovered that the title was in the Land Court. The Land Court has many benefits, but for a condominium conversion, the review and approval process can drag on for months. For a Buyer obtaining financing and/or a Seller who is reliant on the proceeds of the sale to fund another transaction, the unwieldy length of the process can be
Boston Globe Spring Real Estate Market Edition
The Boston Sunday Globe's spring real estate edition hits newsstands, err, mobile apps this Sunday. This article discusses actions a Seller should take in a hot real estate market. The Globe ran several of my quotes in the piece. I noted that a skilled realtor is the key to navigating the transaction. Globe Spring Real Estate Article
2019 Real Estate Market Outlook
Considering the financial markets volatility, the 2019 financial year has started off on an improved note led by the decrease in interest rates and the rebounding stock market. This paints an optimistic picture of what could be in store for the real estate market in 2019. Although pundits are once again talking about a softening of the real estate market, there are noteworthy signs that point to a positive year when it comes to real estate, both with transactions and appreciation. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed
Closing the Gap In the Real Estate Closing Process.
Watch the video to understand the Real Estate closing process and the new technologies implemented to create a simplified and smooth closing process for all parties involved! Click here to read the full article!
Understanding Permits
When purchasing a house or condominium, it is a good idea to check with the municipality to determine if there are any open permits on the property. Most municipalities have an on-line database, which makes the research easier. If a permit is located, then it is reasonable to request that the Seller remedy the issue. Possible outcomes of a request include: -Seller to make any necessary repairs and the municipality signs off and closes out permits prior to closing; -Seller provides a Buyer credit; -Seller does not agree to
The Massachusetts Real Estate Law Blog RSS Feed:
- Gov. Baker Vetoes Tenant Right to Purchase and Eviction Record Sealing Bills
published: 01/16/21
- Covid-19 Emergency Legislation: New Requirements for Notice to Quit for Non-Payment of Rent, Temporary Eviction Moratorium For Rent Assistance Applications
published: 01/05/21
- “Totally Insane” — 2020 Massachusetts Real Estate Year In Review And Predictions for 2021
published: 12/31/20
- Federal Eviction Moratorium Extended to January 31, 2021 Under Covid-19 Relief Bill
published: 12/29/20
- VIDEO WEBINAR REPLAY: After the Eviction Moratorium: Housing Court Re-Opening Plan and New Procedures
published: 10/17/20
- Webinar Tomorrow: Housing Court Practice and Procedure After the Eviction Moratorium Expires
published: 10/14/20
- Gov. Baker Will Let Eviction Moratorium Expire Oct. 17, Announces New $171M Eviction Diversion Initiative
published: 10/12/20
- With Eviction Moratorium Expiring, Housing Court To Resume Hearing Cases With New Two-Tiered Case Scheduling System and Virtual Hearing Rules
published: 10/08/20
- Legislators Fast-Tracking 12-36 Month Eviction Moratorium Extension, Rent Freeze Bill, As Moratorium Set to Expire Oct. 17
published: 10/06/20
- Federal Judge Mark Wolf: Eviction Moratorium Constitutionally Problematic If Extended Past Oct. 17
published: 09/25/20
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Issues Nationwide Eviction Moratorium Through Dec. 31
published: 09/03/20
- Federal Court Will Consider Constitutionality of Eviction Moratorium After State Judge Declines to Issue Injunction
published: 08/29/20