Buying a home is one of the most exciting financial and personal milestones you'll ever reach. Whether you're purchasing your first home, upgrading to accommodate a growing family, or downsizing for a simpler lifestyle, the process can feel overwhelming at first. The good news is that with proper planning and the right team of professionals by your side, buying a home can be a smooth and rewarding experience. Determine Your Budget Before scrolling through listings or attendin

For many adults, moving into a 55+ community is an exciting chapter in life. These communities often offer low-maintenance living, opportunities for social connection, and amenities designed for an active lifestyle. But as the years pass and circumstances change, an important question may arise: Is this still the right place for me? The answer is different for everyone, but it's a question worth considering before a health issue or major life event forces a quick decision. Th

October is Estate Planning Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating individuals and families about the importance of having a comprehensive estate plan in place. While many people assume estate planning is only for the wealthy or elderly, the reality is that every adult can benefit from having the proper legal documents to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the assets they have worked hard to build. Estate planning is about much more than deciding who receives yo

Home sellers can benefit significantly from hiring their own real estate attorney, even when other parties in the transaction already have attorneys involved. Key Benefits for Massachusetts Home Sellers Reviewing and Negotiating the Purchase & Sale Agreement A seller's attorney reviews the contract terms, identifies legal risks, and negotiates provisions that better protect the seller. They can help ensure deadlines, contingencies, deposits, and liability provisions are favo

Common Duties of a Probate Personal Representative in Massachusetts Serving as a personal representative (AKA executor) in Massachusetts is an important legal role that comes with significant responsibility. The personal representative is entrusted with managing the estate, protecting assets, paying debts, and ensuring that beneficiaries receive what they’re entitled to. Whether you’ve been named in a will or appointed by the court, understanding your duties can make the proc

Attention new homeowners! BE AWARE! The Team here at Downey Law Group LLC/DLG Closing recently learned from one of our valued clients about a new scam hitting our area involving fraud. Their recently purchased home was listed on apartment rental websites as being "VACANT" and "FOR RENT". Local law enforcement is investigating and hopefully charges will be brought against the fraudsters. If you recently bought a home, it is more important than ever to be sure to change the l

According to the American Bar Association, 64% of Americans do not have a Last Will and Testament or a Trust. These are pretty alarming stats. Many cite procrastination, discomfort, or the misconception that estate planning is only for the rich. Estate Planning Awareness Month is a reminder to break that cycle and to take action. It's time to shine a light on one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of financial wellness. Whether you're 25 or 75, estate planning is

Effective November 1, 2025 The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has adopted a new withholding tax on the sale of real estate for sellers who meet the following requirements: 1) The seller is a nonresident of Massachusetts; and 2) The total sales price of the real estate meets or exceeds $1,000,000.00. Massachusetts is the next to join several states with similar withholding laws. The purpose of this withholding tax is to make certain non-resident, out-of-state selle

The new Massachusetts home inspection law protects the right to have a home inspected by a licensed inspector before choosing to finalize the purchase of the home. As such, sellers and agents cannot accept or request an offer that requires a buyer to waive their right to an inspection. This ensures the buyer has an opportunity to find and hire an inspector and then decide if they will proceed based on the results of the inspection. Even if the seller provides an inspection