Attorney State vs. Title State: Massachusetts Closings
Massachusetts is an attorney state. Here is how a lawyer-run closing differs from the title company model most states use, what it costs, and why it matters.
Massachusetts Legalizes Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Statewide
Massachusetts now allows ADUs by right in every community that permits single-family homes. Here is what the new law means for homeowners and how to build one.
Boston Housing Market Update: Late Spring 2026 Trends
Spring 2026 Massachusetts housing market by town: median list and sale prices, days on market, and list-vs-sold gaps across 30 cities. Updated May 2026.
Climate Resilience: Transforming Massachusetts Real Estate
Discover how climate adaptation is reshaping Massachusetts housing markets, with innovative strategies for sustainable and resilient property investments i
The Art of Home Buying & Property Investing: A Complete Guide for 2025
Whether you’re buying your first home or building a real estate investment portfolio, success comes from understanding the fundamentals. This guide covers everything from mortgage pre-approval to calculating investment returns. Part 1: The Home Buying Journey Buying a home is likely the largest financial decision you’ll ever make. It’s also one of the most rewarding. … Read more
Massachusetts Single-Family Home Market Analysis 2025: Boston North Price Trends & Insights
Comprehensive analysis of Massachusetts single-family home prices from 2021-2025. Discover which Boston North towns saw 50%+ growth, luxury market trends, and expert investment insights for Andover, Lexington, Winchester, Burlington, and more.
Reading, MA Real Estate Market Analysis
Reading, MA Real Estate Market Analysis A Comprehensive Look at Market Trends from 2020-2025 Published May 2025 | 15 minute read The Reading, Massachusetts real estate market has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past five years. As a sought-after Boston suburb with excellent schools and convenient commuter rail access, Reading has attracted families and … Read more
How Mortgage Interest Rates Affect Home Affordability in Greater Boston (and What It Means for You)
Buying a home is all about affordability, and one of the biggest factors in affordability is your mortgage interest rate. In the past few years, we’ve seen mortgage rates swing from historic lows to multi-decade highs – and this has profoundly impacted Greater Boston’s housing market. In this blog post, Steve Novak of Douglas Elliman’s … Read more
Renting vs. Buying a Home in Greater Boston: An In-Depth Analysis by Steve Novak
Deciding whether to rent or buy a home is a major financial and lifestyle choice – especially in a high-cost area like Boston and its suburbs. Both options have pros and cons, and the best decision depends on market conditions and your personal situation. Below we’ll explore market trends, financial trade-offs, demographic scenarios, and creative ownership strategies to help you make an informed choice. (Remember, having a trusted real estate advisor like Steve Novak can provide personalized guidance at every step.)
How Much Home Can You Afford? A Friendly Guide to Budgeting, Calculating, and Shopping for Your Dream Home
When you’re ready to buy a home, one of the most important questions you’ll ask yourself is: “How much home can I afford?” Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’ve been through the process before, understanding your budget and the associated costs will help you make confident decisions. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key factors affecting affordability—particularly for those with different financial and citizenship statuses—and provide practical tips on calculating your budget. We’ll also highlight valuable tools, including a Closing Cost and Mortgage Calculator from Steve Novak, a highly trusted real estate agent with Douglas Elliman in the Greater Boston area.