Selling a home in Massachusetts involves more than choosing a price and waiting for offers. Decisions made before listing, and how situations are handled once offers come in, can significantly affect your outcome, timing, and stress level.

The questions below reflect what sellers most often ask us before and during the listing process. Our role is to help you understand your options, price and position your home strategically, and avoid surprises along the way.

• How did you arrive at this listing price, and why not use Zillow?
• What marketing services are included for my home?
• What are my estimated net proceeds after costs and fees?
• What repairs or pre-listing steps should I handle?
• How do we handle the Massachusetts Title V septic requirement?
• How will you handle multiple offers and buyer financing?
• What disclosures are required in Massachusetts?
• How do we handle buyer repair requests after inspection?
• What is the timeline from P&S to closing, and who handles the legal work?
• What if I need to stay in the home after closing?

How did you arrive at this listing price, and why not use Zillow?

Your listing price is based on a detailed market analysis using recent comparable sales, current competition, and local market conditions, not an automated estimate. Online valuation tools like Zillow rely on algorithms that often miss property condition, upgrades, lot characteristics, and hyperlocal demand.

In Massachusetts markets, those missed details can lead to overpricing or underpricing, both of which can cost sellers time and money.

Read more here. 

What marketing services are included for my home?

Our listings typically include professional photography, drone imagery when appropriate, staging guidance, 3D tours when possible, a dedicated property website, and paid online marketing. The goal is to present your home clearly, accurately, and competitively to serious buyers.

Marketing strategies are tailored to the property and market conditions rather than applied as a one-size-fits-all package.

Telling Your Home’s Story to the Right Buyer

What are my estimated net proceeds after costs and fees?

When we prepare your pricing analysis, we also provide a net proceeds estimate so you understand the financial picture upfront. This includes estimated mortgage payoff, brokerage fees, attorney fees, state tax stamps, Registry of Deeds fees, and common transaction-related costs such as smoke inspections and Title V testing when applicable.

Having this information early helps sellers plan confidently and avoid last-minute surprises.

Check out our Sample Net Proceeds Sheet

What repairs or pre-listing steps should I handle?

Pre-listing recommendations are made on a case-by-case basis based on the property, condition, and hyperlocal market dynamics. We typically walk through the home together and advise on which items are worth addressing and which are better handled through pricing or negotiation.

Pre-inspections are not usually recommended, as buyers will conduct their own inspections, but there are exceptions depending on the situation.

How do we handle the Massachusetts Title V septic requirement?

If your home has a septic system, we generally recommend completing the Title V inspection before listing. Knowing the results early allows us to price accurately and plan strategically if repairs are needed.

We provide sellers with a list of reliable local inspectors and contractors to help streamline the process.

Blank Title 5 Inspection Form * More Title 5 Information

How will you handle multiple offers and buyer financing?

When multiple offers are received, we organize them in a clear comparison format and review the strengths and risks of each. Price alone does not determine the best offer; financing terms, contingencies, timelines, and buyer strength all matter.

We also review buyer financing carefully to assess reliability and reduce the risk of a deal falling apart.

What disclosures are required in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts sellers must disclose the presence of lead paint and whether the property is served by a private septic system or cesspool. Sellers are also required to answer direct questions about known conditions honestly.

Real estate agents must disclose any material information they are aware of that could affect a buyer’s decision to purchase.

Sample Seller’s Statement of Property Condition

How do we handle buyer repair requests after inspection?

Known issues should be disclosed upfront whenever possible so they are reflected in the listing price. After inspection, buyers may request repairs or credits, particularly for safety or major system concerns.

We help evaluate which requests are reasonable and negotiate responses that protect your bottom line while keeping the transaction on track.

What is the timeline from P&S to closing, and who handles the legal work?

In Massachusetts, closings typically occur 30 to 45 days after the Purchase and Sale agreement is signed, depending on financing. Some transactions move faster, but timelines vary by lender and circumstance.

We provide a list of experienced local real estate attorneys and coordinate closely with them throughout the transaction.

What if I need to stay in the home after closing?

If you anticipate needing to remain in the home after closing, this should be disclosed before listing whenever possible. Use and Occupancy and Hold Harmless agreements are prepared at the attorney level, and we coordinate early with your attorney to ensure proper documentation.

Clear planning helps avoid delays and misunderstandings.

A final note for sellers

Every sale is different. Our role is to help you price strategically, disclose appropriately, manage risk, and navigate decisions with clarity from start to finish.

If you are considering selling a home in Central or Eastern Massachusetts and want advice tailored to your situation, we are always happy to help.

RE/MAX Liberty is here to help you understand your buying and selling options, answer your questions, and guide you through the process with clarity. We can help!