A home buying guide
Where is life taking you?
From starter homes, to dream homes and even castles (yes, we can help with those, too) Engel & Völkers provides an exceptional, personalized buying experience. We believe luxury goes beyond any object, property or price point—it’s personal and it’s priceless. It’s about the richness of life that begins and ends in the most important space we know: home.
Buying a home in the Boston area can be difficult. Inventory is often low and prices are often high. Boston is home to some of the most expensive residential real estate in the U.S.—the median home price was $655,000 in January—and the competition for it is fierce.
You definitely need a seasoned professional to help you navigate the home buying process.
Getting approved
If needed, we can connect you to an experienced mortgage broker who will offer competitive interest rates and options. Step One
Before starting to search for your dream home, it’s important to evaluate your financial situation, establish a budget, understand mortgage options and secure pre-approval from your lender. This will help you conduct your search with confidence and purchase your desired home successfully. Your credit report plays an important role in your mortgage approval process and in determining the interest rate and loan terms that a lender offers you. Before meeting with a potential lender, you may wish to confirm your credit rating so you have time to resolve any issues.
Step Two
Establishing your budget
Get clear on your goals for your home, your needs in terms of amenities, location and other key factors. Its important that you understand the budget you have to work with. Start by considering what neighborhood best suits you and what type of home you want.
Don’t forget to separate your needs from your wants.This crucial first step sets a course for you, our advisor, our brokerage and our brand to work together to buy home in a stress-free manner.
When meeting with us it’s important to clarify your budget, personal property preferences, and any anticipated life stage and lifestyle requirements that may impact the purchase of your home.
Step Three
Working with an E&V Advisor
Your Engel & Völkers advisor will tend to every need throughout the home buying process ensuring a worry-free experience for you. You can expect insight and information from a market expert, proac-tive communication, and ongoing consultation. Engel & Volkers professionals have committed themselves to a clearly defined goal: to put the client first, making all real estate transactions go smoothly.
Using our broad range of expertise and the specialized training, we dedicate ourselves to this goal and perform with total passion. The best real estate agents help clients buy and sell homes; Engel & Volkers advisors do more. They will offer you guidance and insight in ways not every agent can. In fact, we designate our agents as “Advisors”, to better define the higher level of service they provide.
It’s personal
Our focus is on you
Starting the home search
It’s personal
Our focus is on you
It’s personal
So now you have your budget and idea of what you want in a home, so what’s next? Should you be furiously searching the internet for properties? Driving around looking for sale signs?
It’s personal
Our focus is on you
priority. Our collaborative approach to the sales process means involving you in as much or as little of the activities as you desire. Through it all, we will provide proactive and ongoing communication, reporting on the status of your home as frequently as you’d like and through the specific channels you find most convenient. You will receive regular updates on the status of your property, written reports on each showing, details of our marketing campaigns and new measures before they are implemented. We consider open and frequent communications between our advisors and clients to be essential. Our hope and our goal is to have the successful sale of your home be the first of many opportunities in which we can be of service to achieve your real estate goals.
Our focus is on you
It’s personal
As your Real Estate Advisors, it’s our role to make the search for your new home as simple as possible. We normally start out with a simple discussion about your needs, and our six steps to ensure a successful home search:
It’s personal
Our focus is on you
As an Engel & Völkers client, you are our highest priority. Our collaborative approach to the sales process means involving you in as much or as little of the activities as you desire. Through it all, we will provide proactive and ongoing communication, reporting on the status of your home as frequently as you’d like and through the specific channels you find most convenient. You will receive regular updates on the status of your property, written reports on each showing, details of our marketing campaigns and new measures before they are implemented. We consider open and frequent communications between our advisors and clients to be essential. Our hope and our goal is to have the successful sale of your home be the first of many opportunities in which we can be of service to achieve your real estate goals.
Our focus is on you
1. Automatic MLS property email updates
2. Advance exclusive access to homes in our network
3. Tours of select properties matching your needs
4. Evaluation of options and fair market values
As an Engel & Völkers client, you are our highest priority. Our collaborative approach to the sales process means involving you in as much or as little of the activities as you desire. Through it all, we will provide proactive and ongoing communication, reporting on the status of your home as frequently as you’d like and through the specific channels you find most convenient. You will receive regular updates on the status of your property, written reports on each showing, details of our marketing campaigns and new measures before they are implemented. We consider open and frequent communications between our advisors and clients to be essential. Our hope and our goal is to have the successful sale of your home be the first of many opportunities in which we can be of service to achieve your real estate goals.
5. Keep you updated on market changes & trends
6. Available anytime to answer your questions
As an Engel & Völkers client, you are our highest priority. Our collaborative approach to the sales process means involving you in as much or as little of the activities as you desire. Through it all, we will provide proactive and ongoing communication, reporting on the status of your home as frequently as you’d like and through the specific channels you find most convenient. You will receive regular updates on the status of your property, written reports on each showing, details of our marketing campaigns and new measures before they are implemented. We consider open and frequent communications between our advisors and clients to be essential. Our hope and our goal is to have the successful sale of your home be the first of many opportunities in which we can be of service to achieve your real estate goals.
As an Engel & Völkers client, you are our highest priority. Our collaborative approach to the sales process means involving you in as much or as little of the activities as you desire. Through it all, we will provide proactive and ongoing communication, reporting on the status of your home as frequently as you’d like and through the specific channels you find most convenient. You will receive regular updates on the status of your property, written reports on each showing, details of our marketing campaigns and new measures before they are implemented. We consider open and frequent communications between our advisors and clients to be essential. Our hope and our goal is to have the successful sale of your home be the first of many opportunities in which we can be of service to achieve your real estate goals.
As an Engel & Völkers client, you are our highest priority. Our collaborative approach to the sales process means involving you in as much or as little of the activities as you desire. Through it all, we will provide proactive and ongoing communication, reporting on the status of your home as frequently as you’d like and through the specific channels you find most convenient. You will receive regular updates on the status of your property, written reports on each showing, details of our marketing campaigns and new measures before they are implemented. We consider open and frequent communications between our advisors and clients to be essential. Our hope and our goal is to have the successful sale of your home be the first of many opportunities in which we can be of service to achieve your real estate goals.
As an Engel & Völkers client, you are our highest priority. Our collaborative approach to the sales process means involving you in as much or as little of the activities as you desire. Through it all, we will provide proactive and ongoing communication, reporting on the status of your home as frequently as you’d like and through the specific channels you find most convenient. You will receive regular updates on the status of your property, written reports on each showing, details of our marketing campaigns and new measures before they are implemented. We consider open and frequent communications between our advisors and clients to be essential. Our hope and our goal is to have the successful sale of your home be the first of many opportunities in which we can be of service to achieve your real estate goals.
As an Engel & Völkers client, you are our highest priority. Our collaborative approach to the sales process means involving you in as much or as little of the activities as you desire. Through it all, we will provide proactive and ongoing communication, reporting on the status of your home as frequently as you’d like and through the specific channels you find most convenient. You will receive regular updates on the status of your property, written reports on each showing, details of our marketing campaigns and new measures before they are implemented. We consider open and frequent communications between our advisors and clients to be essential. Our hope and our goal is to have the successful sale of your home be the first of many opportunities in which we can be of service to achieve your real estate goals.
Questionstohelpnarrowyoursearch Questionstohelpnarrowyoursearch
Detailed information to keep you up to date:
■ Written reports after each showing
Whichneighborhoods/areasareyouinterestedin?
■ Activity reports on the status of your sale
Doyouprefercertainlocations?
Doyouprefercertainlocations?
■ Latest market information
Areyoulookingforacondoorsingle-familyhome?
Areyoulookingforacondoorsingle-familyhome?
■ Evaluation for marketing measures
Isthisforyou,oristhisaninvestmentproperty?
Isthisforyou,oristhisaninvestmentproperty?
■ Advice on aesthetic improvements
Howmanypeoplewillliveintheproperty?
Detailed information to keep you up to date:
Howmanypeoplewillliveintheproperty?
■ Written reports after each showing
Howmuchsquarefootage/livingareaisrequired?
■ Activity reports on the status of your sale
Doyouworkfromhome?
Doyouworkfromhome?
■ Latest market information
Howmanyroomsdoyouneed?
Howmanyroomsdoyouneed?
■ Evaluation for marketing measures
Detailed information to keep you up to date:
Howmanybedroomsandhowmanybathroomsdo yourequire?
Howmanybedroomsandhowmanybathroomsdo yourequire?
■ Advice on aesthetic improvements
■ Written reports after each showing
Doyouhaveanaccessibilityneeds?
Doyouhaveanaccessibilityneeds?
■ Activity reports on the status of your sale
Preferenceonheating/cooling/smarthomefeatures?
Preferenceonheating/cooling/smarthomefeatures?
■ Latest market information
Whatfeaturesaremostimportanttoyou?
Whatfeaturesaremostimportanttoyou?
Detailed information to keep you up to date:
■ Evaluation for marketing measures
Whichofthesefeaturesareconsideredoptional?
■ Written reports after each showing
■ Advice on aesthetic improvements
Detailed information to keep you up to date:
Howlonghaveyoubeensearchingforasuitable property?
■ Activity reports on the status of your sale
■ Written reports after each showing
Detailed information to keep you up to date:
■ Latest market information
Whatpropertieshaveyoualreadyviewed,andin whichlocations?
Whichofthesefeaturesareconsideredoptional? whichlocations?
■ Activity reports on the status of your sale
■ Written reports after each showing
■ Evaluation for marketing measures
Whenwouldyouliketomoveinyournewproperty?
Whenwouldyouliketomoveinyournewproperty?
■ Latest market information
■ Activity reports on the status of your sale
■ Advice on aesthetic improvements
■ Evaluation for marketing measures
Bywhatdatewouldyouliketohavepurchased yourproperty?Wouldyouliketopurchaseona
Detailed information to keep you up to date:
■ Latest market information
Bywhatdatewouldyouliketohavepurchased yourproperty?Wouldyouliketopurchaseona certaindate,fortaxreasons?
■ Advice on aesthetic improvements
■ Written reports after each showing
■ Evaluation for marketing measures
Detailed information to keep you up to date:
Canwebeofassistanceinsellingyourpresent property?
Canwebeofassistanceinsellingyourpresent property?
■ Activity reports on the status of your sale
■ Advice on aesthetic improvements
■ Written reports after each showing
Canweofferyouanyofourotherservices?
Canweofferyouanyofourotherservices?
■ Latest market information
■ Activity reports on the status of your sale
■ Evaluation for marketing measures
■ Latest market information
■ Advice on aesthetic improvements
■ Evaluation for marketing measures
■ Advice on aesthetic improvements
Step Five
Submitting an offer
Massachusetts uses a two-step offer process for submitting offers on properties.
When we find a home you like, we take the first step: preparing the Offer to Purchase. This legally binding document outlines the terms including the property, price, timing, inclusions, removals, conditions, and duration of offer. It will be accompanied by an earnest money deposit.
Often you may find yourself bidding against other buyers. This means that due diligence is required on your part and our part as your REALTOR® team to ensure the offer you submit is strategic, competitive, fare, and reflective of what are ultimately willing to pay for the property.
Offer negotiations
The offer will be met with an acceptance, rejection or counter offer (where the seller may make changes to your offer, such as adjustments to the price, closing date or conditions). You may accept the counter offer or you may make another counter offer back to the seller, and your Engel & Völkers Advisor will help you with any and all negotiations. If specified as contingencies in the Offer to Purchase, you may then conduct a Home Inspection, or review HOA Financials/Regulations, or finalize your financing.
Once both parties come to an agreement, negotiations conclude and you move on to the next step in the buying process, the Purchase and Sale agreement. At this point, you will select an attorney to take you through this very detailed part of the process and pay an final deposit.
Step Seven
Your Engel & Völkers advisor will work with you through every step of the process, answering every question and providing expert advice, experience, insight, and knowledge.
A few days before the settlement you will have the opportunity to conduct a final walk-through confirming that the home is in the agreed physical condition. The closing attorneys will schedule the closing and finalize all the legal requirements at that time.
Congratulations on your purchase! You are now a home owner.
Closing the transaction Congratulations
What buyers are saying
“Jayne was fantastic to work with and did an amazing job in facilitating the purchase of our condo. She is very diligent, persistent and knowledgeable. The purchase could not have gone through without her and her network of mortgage bankers and lawyers. She is very detailed and efficient in her communications and was very responsive to all of my questions and requests. We would highly recommend Jayne and would definitely recommend her to our friends and family. We would absolutely work with her again in the future.”
Buyer Jessie, Jun, and Joe, Back Bay, Boston
“Jayne was a fantastic agent through our entire process. She was patient, understanding, and flexible with our time and needs. Jayne understood exactly what we wanted and it truly felt like she put our needs ahead of her own. Her references were spot on for our lawyer and the inspector, and we never felt like anyone we worked with was insincere. Jayne was honest with us through the whole process and “told it like it is.”
We would absolutely recommend her to our friends and family and would work with her again in the future.”
Buyer Richard, North End, Boston
“I have dealt with a lot of real estate agents over the years and Jayne is the very best. She is thorough, beyond professional, knows the area, understands owners and renters, and gets things done. She understands all the regulations of the area and makes sure everything works for both parties. She’s always available to answer any question. The best.”
Investor Charlotte, Brighton’s Cleveland Circle
“Jayne is the best realtor I have ever worked with. She went above and beyond at every stage of the process. Jayne thought of everything along the way. She was in constant contact with us and we never had to wonder what came next. We only dealt with Jayne, she was more than enough! :) I would immediately go back to Jayne next time I buy or sell a property. My wife and I had the best experience with her. Thank you Engel and Volkers for Jayne Kramer!”
Buyer Beau, South End, Boston
“Jayne Kramer is excellent! Jayne is very patient, knowledgeable, and detail oriented! She knows the market and area very well. She helped with every aspect of our home purchasing, including analyzing pros and cons, negotiating price, and introducing home inspector, mortgage loan banker, and real estate attorney to us. She made our home purchase process smoother and easier than expected!”
Buyer Lan, Back Bay, Boston
“I highly recommend Jayne if you need a realtor to purchase a home. I was traveling to Boston every two weeks....so I was worried I would be at a disadvantage in finding what I wanted. Jayne was very proactive in finding me the perfect second home. Jayne is very knowledgeable about the area I was interested in and she was extremely proactive in notifying me about new listings. I truly believe that no other realtor would have gotten me an appointment as quickly as she did. In fact, she made the appointment for me to see my condo the day it was listed while I was in the plane on my way to Boston. I was the first person to see the property and there were multiple offers. Jayne also wrote a very professional note to the seller that she included with my offer that I thought was a fantastic personal touch. Jayne has also maintained contact with me since my settlement which I truly appreciate.”
Buyer Julie, Back Bay, Boston
“My parents came to visit from Bulgaria for my college graduation... Jayne is our gift....My parents were in the US for only 2 weeks of which they could only spend about 5 days in Boston. Within those 5 days Jayne made it possible for us to view a lot of apartments and explained the process thoroughly. Once we left the US, we hadn’t made up our mind yet which was a bit stressful. But we trusted Jayne, even though we had only known her for such a short period of time, she knew what we wanted better than us. In June she emailed us a listing we fell in love with. She assisted us during the process making sure that the listing is right for us by visiting it on site, taking pictures, making the offer, and dealing with the sellers while we were in Bulgaria. Although there was a time difference, Jayne was always available over email or text no matter the time, which was critical for making the important decisions. The process was very smooth because of Jayne’s expert knowledge and confidence and reassurance. When I moved in later in September, I was amazed - the apartment was bright, gorgeous, spacious - exactly what we were looking for.”
Buyer Zeynep, West End, Boston
“It was clear to me when I met Jayne Kramer she understood the Boston market, what was available and our very specific needs and requirements to consider looking at any properties. I can’t say enough about working with her.
1. She knew what was coming onto the market and what new construction was worth looking for and did not drag us to everything and anything. She helped me realize that my budget was not realistic and it made me reassess what we needed and what we could spend. We increased our budget by $150,000 and it changed everything.
2. Our paperwork was handled perfectly. If either our attorney, the seller or sales team did not provide any paperwork in a timely manner, Jayne made sure it was received and completed in a timely manner.
3. When it came to getting everything we wanted and needed, Jayne negotiated everything. We didn’t have to worry. She made sure everything was agreed upon and documented in the P&S. Jayne made recommendations to use throughout about different products, attorneys and vendors as well which helped immensely. Her recommendations were perfect and actually saved us $1,000s of dollars as we completed the purchasing process”
Buyer Corey, Jamaica Plain, Boston
“Jayne is a wonderful broker and is extremely knowledgeable about the area. She is very engaging and works extremely hard. Best of all, she is very responsive to my inquiries and has always been accommodating. We are very happy with the process.”
Buyer George, Back Bay, Boston
An App that moves you
Mobile experience
The EV Real Estate app is your real estate search companion, bringing you the most accurate and up-to-date real estate information right to your phone!
With EV Real Estate, you have access to all homes for sale and MLS listings throughout your neighborhood and across North America. Use EV Real Estate anytime, anywhere to find homes for sale in your location using the GPS search, or find homes based on any address, city or zip code. And, if you have questions, press the “Contact” feature to call or email your Engel & Völkers advisor.
If you haven’t already, download Engel & Völkers’ mobile real estate app now to search and connect with us anytime and anywhere from your smartphone or tablet.
Glossary
Key terms and phrases
ADVISOR
Engel & Völkers designates our agents as “Advisors” to better define the higher level of service they provide.
APPRAISAL
Formal assessment of a property’s market value, typically done for the purpose of obtaining a mortgage.
BUYER’S AGENT
Buyer’s agents are bound to help buyers and diligently represent the buyer’s interests.
CONTINGENCIES
Special clauses such as a home inspection, condominium documents, or financing contingency.
Download my mobile app:
ESCROW / EARNEST DEPOSIT
Deposit of funds are held in an escrow account, and transferred upon completion of the deal.
MLS
Multiple Listing Services are private databases that help match buyers with properties listed for sale.
PRE-APPROVAL
Loan officer looks at your income/ debt/ assets/ credit history to determine how much money you can borrow.
REALTOR®
Agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors® and abide by its strict Code of Ethics.
SELLER DISCLOSURE
A document completed by the seller making known the property’s history and defects.
SELLER’S AGENT
An agent who lists a property and acts on behalf of the seller and the seller’s interests.
SETTLEMENT
When buyers & sellers sign the closing documents of a transaction and payment of all closing costs.
SYNDICATION
MLS property listings and information are shared and distributed through a network of data feeds.
TITLE SEARCH
A check of legal documents of the property to ensure there are no outstanding claims.
