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Michelle Lawton

How it works

Buying or selling, step by step

Here is what usually happens, from the first call to the closing table. Every sale is a little different, and Michelle walks you through each step as it comes.

Buying a home

Especially helpful if it's your first.

  1. Talk with Michelle

    A free, no-pressure conversation about what you want, where, and when.

  2. Get pre-approved

    A lender looks at your income and credit and tells you how much you can borrow. Michelle can introduce you to local lenders, including ones who work with first-time buyers.

  3. Look at homes

    Michelle sets up showings around your schedule and tells you what she sees, good and bad.

  4. Make an offer

    In Massachusetts this is a signed Offer to Purchase with a small deposit. Michelle helps you decide on price and terms.

  5. Home inspection

    A licensed inspector goes through the house, usually within days of your offer being accepted. You learn what needs work before you commit.

  6. Purchase and Sale Agreement

    The full contract. Attorneys review it, and you put down a larger deposit. This is the step where it becomes official.

  7. Mortgage commitment

    The lender orders an appraisal and gives final approval for your loan.

  8. Walk-through and closing

    You see the house one last time, then sign at the closing. In Massachusetts an attorney handles the closing. You get the keys.

Selling a home

Including a parent's house or a longtime family home.

  1. Talk with Michelle

    What your home is worth, what you'd walk away with, and when to sell. Free, and no pressure to list.

  2. Get the house ready

    Michelle tells you which repairs are worth doing and which aren't worth your money.

  3. Paperwork Massachusetts requires

    A smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from your local fire department. A septic inspection (Title 5) if the house has a septic system. A lead paint notice if the house was built before 1978. Michelle will tell you what applies to your home.

  4. List and show

    Photos, the listing, and showings, scheduled so they work for your household.

  5. Review offers

    Michelle goes through each offer with you: price, deposit, financing, and timing, so you can choose with confidence.

  6. Inspection and Purchase and Sale

    The buyer's inspection, then the full contract, reviewed by attorneys.

  7. Closing

    You sign, the sale is recorded, and you hand over the keys. In Massachusetts an attorney handles the closing.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Your attorney and lender will explain the details that apply to you.

Talk with MichelleWhat is my home worth?or call 508-942-1180
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