Buying
Buy with someone who knows what's behind the walls.
I've built new homes and renovated old ones. When we tour a house, I'll point out what will cost you money later, roughly how much, and what's simply cosmetic, so you can offer with confidence.
On every tour
A developer's walk-through
- Roof, windows, heating and hot water: age and likely replacement timing
- Foundation, water in the basement, grading and drainage
- Additions or finished spaces that may not have permits
- Septic (Title 5) or sewer, and private well or town water
- Flood zone, wetlands and other limits on future changes
- What the lot allows later: an addition, garage or accessory apartment
A walk-through doesn't replace a licensed home inspection. It helps you decide which homes deserve one.
Buying in Massachusetts
The usual steps
- Pre-approval and a buyer agreement. Know your budget; agree on services and pay in writing.
- Search and tours. A custom MLS search, and tours of the homes worth seeing.
- Offer to Purchase. Price, deposit, and dates for inspection, P&S and mortgage commitment.
- Inspection and P&S. Inspection results, then a Purchase and Sale Agreement through attorneys.
- Mortgage commitment and closing. Final walk-through, then keys.
Request a custom MLS search
Tell Damon what you're looking for. He'll set up an MLS search that emails you matching homes and follow up personally.
About listing search
This site doesn't show live listings yet. Rather than a partial or out-of-date search, you'll get a custom MLS search that emails you new matches as soon as they're listed.
Looking at investment property? Start here instead.
Questions
Do I have to sign an agreement before you show me homes?
Yes. Since August 2024, buyers working with an agent sign a written agreement before touring homes. It spells out the services and how the agent is paid, and the terms are negotiable. I'll walk you through it before we start.
What happens after my offer is accepted in Massachusetts?
Most purchases start with a signed Offer to Purchase, then a home inspection period, then a Purchase and Sale Agreement drafted by attorneys, a mortgage commitment deadline, and closing. Dates are set in your offer.
Why would a developer's walk-through matter to a buyer?
Because the cost of the house is only part of the cost of owning it. I look for the things that drive future spending, such as roof age, drainage, unpermitted additions, septic systems and flood zones, and I can give you a realistic sense of what common projects cost.
Can I search all MLS listings here?
Not yet. Until a licensed MLS feed is connected, I'll set up a custom MLS search that emails you matching homes as soon as they're listed.