The Best Time to Buy a House in Massachusetts

Marino & Marino, P.C.     Source: listwithclever.com

Is there a best time to buy a house in Massachusetts? It depends on your priorities and location.

In recent years, listing prices for homes in Massachusetts were lowest in January. On average, homes were $173,576 less expensive. While in July — the month with the highest prices — the listing prices were $72,469 more than the annual average.

Mortgage rates, on the other hand, were lowest in December. But with interest rates currently on the rise, it pays to explore your options with a trusted mortgage provider to make sure you get the best rate possible.

Read on to find out which time of year is the best time to buy a house in Massachusetts!

The best time of year to buy in Massachusetts

March and April are peak home buying months in Massachusetts. During this time, more homes are on the market, so it’s easier to find a move-in ready home that fits your needs. But if you're more interested in finding a good deal, the winter is the best time to negotiate home prices.

That said, it's important to remember that price trends can vary from city to city. For example, the median home value in Springfield is much lower than the median home price in Massachusetts — but homes in Cambridge are far more expensive than the typical Massachusetts home.

The best way to find a home in your target market is to connect with a local realtor (We work with some great ones). They'll help you navigate the ins and outs of your market and decide the best time to buy a house in Massachusetts.

The best places to buy a home in Massachusetts

The best place for you to buy a home will probably come down to your lifestyle. Whether you want a short commute, great schools, or a wide selection of homes, here are three great places to live in Massachusetts.

Wilmington

Just a short commute from Boston, Wilmington is a community that offers lower monthly costs than the city proper. With highly rated public schools and active sports and activities programs throughout the city, Wilmington is a smart choice for families.

Burlington

Burlington is close to Boston, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, making it an ideal location for partners who commute to different places. The city is a technology hub, with a strong Microsoft presence, and home to well-ranked schools.

Franklin

Southwest of Boston, you’ll find Franklin, a smaller town with reasonable housing. Local employers concentrate on manufacturing and scientific research and development, so if you work in those fields, you may not have to commute.

Four ways to get a great deal on a home in Massachusetts

Choosing when and where to buy are just two parts of the home buying process. You’ll also want to do what you can to get a deal on your home. Here’s how:

1. Find a great real estate agent in Massachusetts

Once you're ready to start your home search, connect with a local real estate agent. A high-quality realtor will help you narrow your search to the best neighborhoods that meet your needs and budget. They can also offer advice on getting pre-approved for a mortgage and guide you through making an offer, negotiating the home price, and budgeting for closing costs.

2. Determine what you need and want in a house

Every home buyer has different needs. Your real estate agent will ask questions to assess what you’re looking for and help you prioritize. If you have specific financial goals, such as a target monthly mortgage payment, they’ll tell you what you can get for that price. After gathering information, your agent will search for homes that match your budget and other needs.

3. Find a lender and secure financing

Unless you plan to buy your home with cash, you'll need to apply for a mortgage. For most home buyers in Massachusetts, interest rate is one of the biggest factors when choosing a lender. Doing some upfront research and comparing options to find the best rate could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

For example, in Massachusetts a typical house is worth $462,000. Assuming a 20% down payment, if you took out a 30-year mortgage for 3.5%, your monthly payment would be $1,648. But if you shopped around and found a 3% mortgage, your monthly payment would drop to about $1,558.

Once again, we know some great lenders to help you achieve the best possible rate!

Conclusion

If you are looking to purchase your new home now is the perfect time. More Specifically, JUNE is the best month, and it's right around the corner!

Marino & Marino, P.C. can help you every step of they way and get you connected with the right people to make your home buying process smooth and close, if not exactly what you're asking for! Contact us today to learn more.