Alan Connell Campos Homes · RE/MAX Real Estate Center

Seller guide

How to sell a house in Massachusetts

The steps, paperwork and costs for selling a home in Hopkinton and MetroWest, and how Alan Connell handles each one for you.

Alan Connell in the kitchen of a MetroWest listing

The five steps

  1. You get clarity

    In one 45-minute visit you'll know your price range, what to fix and what to skip, and the best time to list.

  2. Your home gets ready

    We line up the smoke certificate, Title 5 if needed, trusted contractors, cleaners and staging advice, so you're not making the calls.

  3. Buyers see it at its best

    Professional photos, a video walkthrough, MLS PIN, social media and our buyer network, all on one launch day.

  4. You choose the right offer

    We compare offers on price, financing, contingencies and timing, so you pick the one most likely to close for the most money.

  5. You get to closing without the stress

    Inspection, Purchase and Sale, appraisal and attorneys are coordinated for you. You get a heads-up before every step.

Massachusetts seller checklist

Download Alan's home sale prep checklist →

Seller questions, answered

How do I find out what my home is worth?
Online estimates are a starting point, but they can't see your updates, your lot or your street. Alan prepares a custom market analysis from recent sales near you, then walks through the home with you to adjust for condition. Request your free home value or book a 45-minute listing appointment.
What happens at a listing appointment?
Alan visits your home, or meets on Zoom, for about 45 minutes. You get a pricing range with the comparable sales behind it, a short list of what to fix or leave alone, a marketing plan and a timeline that fits your next move. There's no obligation to list.
What inspections and certificates do Massachusetts sellers need?
Every sale needs a smoke and carbon monoxide compliance certificate from the local fire department. Homes on a private septic system usually need a Title 5 inspection. Homes built before 1978 need lead paint disclosure forms. Alan schedules these with you so nothing holds up closing.
How does the sale process work in Massachusetts?
Once you accept an offer, you and the buyer sign an Offer to Purchase. The Purchase and Sale Agreement usually follows within about two weeks, after the buyer's home inspection. Closing typically happens 30 to 60 days after that, and attorneys handle the closing for both sides.
What costs should a seller plan for?
Typical seller costs include the brokerage commission (negotiable and set in your listing agreement), your attorney, the Massachusetts deed excise tax of $4.56 per $1,000 of the sale price in most counties, the smoke certificate fee, any Title 5 inspection, and paying off your mortgage. Alan gives you a net sheet so you know what you'll walk away with.
Should I sell first or buy first?
It depends on your equity, your loan options and how tight the market is in the town you're moving to. Alan plans both sides together, so you have options like a longer closing, a rent-back or bridge financing. Book a 15-minute call to talk it through.
How long will my home take to sell?
Well-prepared, well-priced homes in MetroWest often go under agreement within the first few weeks. The biggest factors are price, condition and season. Alan gives you a realistic timeline for your town at the listing appointment.
I'm handling a parent's estate. Can you help?
Yes. Alan's first sale was his grandmother's home when he was executor of her estate, so he knows the process firsthand. He works with probate attorneys, cleanout crews and contractors so the family doesn't have to manage it all. Book a probate consultation.

Thinking about selling in the next year?

A 45-minute listing appointment gets you a pricing range, a prep list and a timeline. No pressure, no obligation.

Get my free selling plan Get my home value