Home Buyers Frequently Asked Questions - Answered

Buying a home in Massachusetts moves fast, especially once you are ready to submit an offer. Buyers are often required to make informed decisions quickly, sometimes with limited information. Our role as buyer’s agents is to surface what matters early, explain what it means, and help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

Below are the most common questions we hear from buyers before and during the offer stage.

• What happens after I put in an offer?

• How do you determine a seller’s motivation and timing?

• Has the home been inspected and can I see disclosures?

• What is the age and condition of major systems?

• How much are property taxes and HOA fees?

• Was any work done without permits?

• What are the average utility costs?

• How many offers are there and is there a deadline?

• Are there environmental or safety hazards?

• What personal property is included in the sale?

• What happens if issues come up during inspection?

What happens after I put in an offer?

After your offer is submitted in Massachusetts, the seller may accept, counter, reject, or set a deadline, often within a short timeframe. During this period, we communicate with the listing agent, prepare you for each possible outcome, and guide you through next steps so nothing catches you off guard.

Read more here.

How do you determine a seller’s motivation and timing?

We work to identify whether the seller is prioritizing price, timing, certainty, or flexibility before your offer is submitted. Understanding what the seller values allows us to structure your offer to be more compelling, particularly in competitive Massachusetts markets.

Read more here.

Has the home been inspected and can I see disclosures?

Sellers may provide a Seller’s Statement of Property Condition, but disclosures are limited to what the seller knows or chooses to report. Before you place an offer, we review MLS documents and public records to help you understand what information is available and where gaps may exist.

In Massachusetts, home sellers are only legally required to disclose the presence of lead paint (if built before 1978) and the existence/condition of a septic system or cesspool. Although it is a "buyer beware" state, sellers must truthfully answer direct questions about property defects and are advised to disclose known material defects to avoid liability. A real estate agent must disclose anything that may affect the value of the property, but they often do not have an owner's depth of knowledge.

The age and condition of the roof, heating system, and windows can significantly impact ownership costs, especially in Massachusetts. Before you submit an offer, we review public records, prior listings, and permit history when available, and recommend inspections to confirm or clarify remaining questions.

Read more here.

How much are property taxes and HOA fees?

Current property tax information is typically available through public records and reviewed before you place an offer. If the home is part of an HOA, we look for available fee and assessment information, though some details may only be confirmed after acceptance.

Was any work done without permits?

Permit history varies by town, but we review what is available to identify potential concerns. When records are unclear, buyers may need to contact the local building department directly, as unpermitted work can affect financing, insurance, and resale.

What are the average utility costs?

Sellers are not required to disclose utility usage, but we can request this information if it is important to you before making an offer. Even when provided, past usage may not reflect future costs due to differences in occupancy, systems, or lifestyle.

How many offers are there and is there a deadline?

We ask the listing agent whether offers have been received and if a deadline has been set, though sellers sometimes choose not to disclose this information. Even with limited details, we help you evaluate competitiveness based on market conditions and the specific property.

Are there environmental or safety hazards?

Sellers may disclose known issues such as lead paint, asbestos, radon, or underground storage tanks, but they are only required to report what they know. Home inspectors test and evaluate conditions; sellers disclose awareness, which is an important distinction in older Massachusetts housing stock.

Read more about home inspections here.

What personal property is included in the sale?

Included items are listed in the MLS and written directly into your offer, and anything not specified should be assumed excluded. If you want certain appliances or fixtures included, they must be negotiated and clearly documented in the contract.

What happens if issues come up during inspection?

An accepted offer does not end negotiations, as inspections may reveal issues that require further discussion or adjustment. We help you interpret inspection findings, determine what is reasonable to request, and decide how to proceed based on risk, market conditions, and your comfort level.

Read more here about home inspection negotiations.

A final note for buyers

Every home and every transaction is different. Our goal is to help you ask better questions, understand the answers, and move through the process with clarity instead of stress.

If you are planning to buy a home in Central or Eastern Massachusetts and want guidance tailored to your situation, we are always happy to help.

RE/MAX Liberty is Central Massachusetts' Trusted Guide to Real Estate. Feel free to reach out!