You accepted an offer. Here’s what happens next.

Congratulations! In Massachusetts, sellers typically hire a real estate attorney to handle the P&S and closing. Arborview will recommend attorneys we trust. If you already have one, send us their contact information and we’ll get them the offer.

If the buyer’s offer includes a home inspection contingency, the inspection usually happens within about a week. It runs a few hours, with the buyer, their agent, the inspector and an Arborview team member there. We ask that you not be home, and that the house is “showing ready.” The buyer may then ask for repairs or a credit at closing, and we negotiate to keep those to a minimum.

The Purchase and Sale Agreement, or “P&S,” is drafted by the attorneys and signed by both buyer and seller. After the inspection, your attorney reviews the final version with you, and Arborview coordinates the signing electronically through DocuSign.

If the buyer is getting a mortgage, their lender will order an appraisal. An Arborview agent meets the appraiser and makes sure they have the most accurate comparable sales. It takes about 30 minutes and you don’t need to be there. We’ll let you know when the buyer receives full commitment from their lender, which satisfies the mortgage contingency.

As the P&S allows, the buyer may visit a reasonable number of times to measure, meet contractors and plan. A member of our team is there for every visit.

Before closing you’ll need a Certificate of Compliance from the Boston Fire Department for your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, plus a final water reading (single- and multi-family homes) or a 6(d) certificate (condos). Arborview takes care of all of it, including updating your smoke detectors before the fire inspection.

The attorneys set the time and place. Sellers don’t need to attend: paperwork can be signed in advance or by power of attorney. The buyer does a final walkthrough, usually the morning of closing, so plan to be fully moved out by the day before. We’ll send moving details as the date gets closer.

Thank you, we’ll be in touch.

Someone from our team will reach out at one of the times you picked.

What happens after I accept an offer on my house in Boston?

You choose a real estate attorney, the buyer completes any home inspection, both sides sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the buyer’s lender appraises the home and issues a mortgage commitment, and you get your closing certificates (smoke and CO, plus a final water reading or 6(d) certificate). Then you close.

How long does it take to close on a house in Boston after accepting an offer?

Usually about 30 to 60 days, depending on the buyer’s financing and the dates in the Purchase and Sale Agreement.

Do I need a lawyer to sell my house in Massachusetts?

It’s standard practice. Massachusetts closings are handled by attorneys, and sellers typically hire their own real estate attorney to review the Purchase and Sale Agreement and represent them at closing.

What certificates does a seller need before closing in Boston?

A smoke and carbon monoxide Certificate of Compliance from the Fire Department, plus a final water reading for single- and multi-family homes or a 6(d) certificate for condos. Arborview arranges all of these.

Do I have to be at the closing?

No. Sellers can sign in advance or by power of attorney. You do need to be fully moved out before the buyer’s final walkthrough, usually the day before closing.