What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a mechanical-compression cycle refrigeration system that can heat a controlled space, or be reversed and cool the same space. Typically, there are two components to a heat pump system: an indoor unit called an air handler (which circulates air in the …

Is Knob and Tube Wiring a Reason Not to Buy a Home?

If you're looking at antique homes, you may come across Knob & Tube wiring, which is something not many of us are familiar with. An excellent Wiki is here. But as far as purchasing a home …

What is PMI?

PMI, or Primary Mortgage Insurance, is one of the ugly little parts about buying real estate that most people learn about only after they've applied for a loan.  Not everyone pays PMI.  When you put down a substantial down payment, 20% or more, you do not …

Massachusetts Tax Rates from Most to Least-2015 Preliminary Rates, 2014 and 2013 actuals

Here's a link to the list alphabetically....

Here's a link to last years version of this list.

These rates are reposted from the Mass.gov websites.  They are sorted by Residential rate …

This post is long overdue. It's probably one of the top questions I get from both buyers and sellers, both of whom think some sort of enormous advantage (or disadvantage) is to be had with this little trickery. If you are unsure how closing costs really work, this article is for …

What is the difference between 2x4 and 2x6 Construction?

When a house is being built, the most common method, in New England, is "stick" framing, which is using pre-cut machine milled wood as the main support for the house. This type of construction has two main types: 2x4 and 2x6 …

In New England, most homes have basements.  In many areas of the country, this is not so, but here, basements have been deemed desirable and are important features on a property.  But you can't have a basement without having …