Boston, MA real estate: buy or sell with a local AXEN agent
In Boston, water and sewer do not come from the city. They come from the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, and it wants its own request at least 10 working days before closing. The Boston Fire Department also needs at least 10 business days of notice to book the smoke and carbon monoxide check every seller needs.
What are the popular neighborhoods in Boston?
Popular Boston neighborhoods include Back Bay, South End, Jamaica Plain, Charlestown, South Boston and West Roxbury. Each one prices differently, so ask your agent for recent sales in the ones you like.
Also near Boston:
What should you know before buying a home in Boston?
If Boston will be your main home, apply for the residential exemption to cut your tax bill. The deadline is April 1. If you plan to rent any unit, you must register it with the city every year by July 1.
The rules that apply everywhere in Massachusetts are on the Massachusetts page. These are the Boston details that trip people up.
Get pre-approved →- Apply for the residential exemption. If you own and live in the home as your main home, Boston takes part of its value off your tax. You can claim it on only one property. Apply by April 1. Forms come out after the December tax bill.
- You can ask for a lower value once a year. You may file a tax abatement after the third-quarter bill comes out in late December. The deadline is February 1. You can only file for the current year, not past years.
- Register every rental unit each year. Boston makes owners register each rental property every year, even if it is empty. The deadline is July 1. First-time registration is $25 a unit, and a late penalty can be $300 a month.
- Short stays need an owner who lives there. Short-term rentals are only allowed in owner-occupied condos and 1-, 2- or 3-family buildings. In a 2- or 3-family, the owner must own all the units. A short-term rental license does not carry over when the home is sold.
- Put the water bill in your name. After closing, the new owner sends the Boston Water and Sewer Commission a Change of Ownership form. You can mail it, fax it or fill it out online.
What should you do before selling a home in Boston?
Book your Boston Fire smoke and carbon monoxide inspection as soon as you sign the purchase and sale. The city needs at least 10 business days of notice. Send the water and sewer lien request at least 10 working days before closing, and plan on the state deed stamps of $2.28 for each $500 of price.
Book the fire inspection early.
Every home sold needs a carbon monoxide certificate. Homes built before 1975 with 1 to 5 units also need a smoke certificate. Boston Fire wants 10 business days of notice, payment comes first, and a date before closing is not promised.
Order the water lien certificate.
Send the application and fee to the Boston Water and Sewer Commission at least 10 working days before closing. They take a final meter reading and send the certificate the day after. The fee for a one-family home is $25.
Plan for the deed stamps.
Massachusetts charges $2.28 for each $500 of price. The person who signs the deed pays it, which is the seller.
Boston real estate questions
Who pays the deed tax in Boston?
The seller. Massachusetts charges $2.28 for each $500 of the price. The person who signs the deed pays it.
When can I appeal my Boston tax bill?
After the third-quarter bill comes out in late December. File by February 1. The city has 3 months to answer. If you do not agree, you have 3 months to appeal to the state Appellate Tax Board.
Does my condo need a smoke certificate to sell?
Every unit needs a carbon monoxide certificate. You also need a smoke certificate if the building was built before 1975 and has 1 to 5 units. Ask Boston Fire at least 10 business days before you need it.
Can I Airbnb my Boston home?
Only if you live there. Short-term rentals are allowed only in owner-occupied condos and 1-, 2- or 3-family buildings. You must register with the city and renew each year.
Who do I call to turn on the water?
The Boston Water and Sewer Commission, not the city. After closing, send them a Change of Ownership form so bills come to you.
Buying or selling in Boston? Talk to a local agent.
An AXEN agent who works in Boston answers your questions for free. No cost to talk. No pressure to sign anything.