Assuming a parent’s mortgage? Which loans allow it, the law that protects family transfers, the equity gap, and when the low rate really wins.
Category: Selling/Buying a Home
Inheriting a house with a reverse mortgage? What the deadline really means, the 95 percent rule, and your four ways forward, explained plainly.
The $1 deed does not save the transfer tax, because a real gift is already exempt. What it actually costs your family in Massachusetts, and the move most people are reaching for instead.
The Lock Up Effect will not end when mortgage rates fall. It ends when years of postponed household decisions come due. Here is what will end it.
Why Do People Really Want a Second Home? John Donlon, co-founder of GoldCoast Mortgage, has been arranging mortgages for Massachusetts families for decades. Over that time, he’s noticed a pattern in his client conversations so frequently that he feels obligated to mention it, even when it’s not strictly part of his job. “I must know […]
Buying an Old Home in Essex County, MA? Watch Out for These Issues Massachusetts has the highest percentage of pre-1940 homes in the nation, with over 30% of the state’s housing stock built before 1940. In the Boston metro area, that number is even higher, with one estimate putting it at 48.2%. If you’re thinking […]
Can You Buy a Home in 2026 If You Still Have Student Loan Debt? Written by: Matt Teeter Reviewed by: John Donlon Originally Published: January 29, 2026 Updated: February 11, 2026 No-pressure guidance Want to know how your student loans affect approval? We’ll walk through your income, student loan payment, and what you can realistically […]
Considerations for Downsizing Your Home Whether your kids have left the nest, you’ve reached a “certain age,” or you just don’t need as much *house* anymore, you may be thinking about downsizing your home. Downsizing your home is both a financial decision and a lifestyle choice. It requires deliberate planning if you want to make […]
Should I Use a Margin Loan to Buy a Home? When you’re ready to purchase a home, traditional financing options like mortgages typically come to mind. But for individuals with substantial investment portfolios, an alternative exists: using funds drawn on a margin loan to buy a home. Financing a home purchase with a margin loan […]
How the Massachusetts Home Inspection Law Changes the Rules of Homebuying A Massachusetts home inspection law was included as part of the 2024 Affordable Homes Act. It takes effect October 15, 2025. By prohibiting sellers and their agents from requiring or encouraging buyers to waive their right to a home inspection, it represents a first-of-its-kind […]
Why You Should Include an Independent Mortgage Broker in Your Homebuying Support Team Navigating the complex journey of purchasing a home requires more than just mortgage pre-approval and a property search. Even after securing your financing approval, homebuyers face numerous challenges that can turn what should be an exciting experience into a stressful ordeal. This […]
Is the current home-buying Spring Market different than other years? Let’s talk about the 2025 spring markets true budget bully: Housing Expenses (especially as it relates to Gen Z**). Housing expense is one of two categories. Case one, rent ….. or case two a mortgage payment on a new home. No one will dispute that […]
Is there another round of QE upon the U.S.? Recently, Wall Street investors and even some politicians have been discussing the prospect of revaluing the U.S. gold stockpile as a means of quantitative easing (QE). In theory, this could increase liquidity in the market and potentially lower mortgage rates, but there are a lot of […]
Joining an HOA: How to Participate, Navigate Conflicts, and Be a Good Neighbor You’ve finally done it: You’ve found the perfect home. The location is ideal, the cost is within your budget, and the property is one you can see your family enjoying for years to come. However, you’ve also discovered that joining an HOA […]
Image: A home in Cape Cod, MA. Source: Nathan Anderson on Unsplash. Massachusetts Updated the Homestead Act: Here’s What That Means for Homeowners In August 2024, Massachusetts enacted the Affordable Homes Act, which provided $5.1 billion in funding for affordable housing, made it easier for homeowners to create accessory dwelling units (ACUs), and created policies […]