Looking to buy a home in Brookline, MA? Look no further! Scarlett Tamburro, one of the most experienced Brookline real estate agents, has put together this comprehensive guide to home buying in Brookline. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about the home-buying process in the area. Scarlett covers everything from finding the right neighborhood to securing a mortgage! So whether you are a first-time homebuyer or have bought homes before, this guide is for you.
Familiarize yourself with the area
No homebuying guide would be complete without the advice to familiarize yourself with the town and its many different neighborhoods. Brookline is a town in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, just four short miles from Boston's downtown. The town is bordered on three sides by the City of Boston, so you are never far from all the action! As one of New England's largest towns, Brookline is rich with history as one of Boston's prominent streetcar suburbs, a bustling arts scene, and natural beauty.
Neighborhoods
Brookline comprises 17 unique neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality. When considering purchasing a home in Brookline, it is essential to research the available neighborhoods to narrow your search to the areas most appropriate for your needs.
If you or a family member find nothing more enjoyable than a day browsing numerous shops, you can't go wrong with Coolidge Corner, where you can end a shopping spree with a film at Coolidge Corner Theatre.
If you want a historic home, you can't go wrong with the Aspinwall Hill neighborhood, with the late 1800s Beaconsfield Terraces.
Chestnut Hill is a historic community comprising 70 acres, much of which was previously farmland. With spacious lots and colonial-style homes, the real estate scene here is engaging and full of charm. Residents enjoy the neighborhood's tranquility and retail therapy at The Chestnut Hill Shopping Center.
Longwood is another elegant neighborhood known for its peacefulness, making it an excellent place for retirement or quiet family life. The community has plenty of open green spaces for relaxing, walking the trails, or spending time under the sun.
Brookline Village is a trendy community with a vibrant atmosphere full of busy streets, boutique shops, spas, and smaller restaurants. This neighborhood is tight-knit and charming, with a unique red-brick architectural style to its homes. The public library is nearby as well.
These are just a few examples of Brookline's wonderful neighborhoods — be sure to explore them all to find the perfect fit for your family!
Identify what you can't live without in a home
Photo courtesy of Scarlett Tamburro
Speaking of meeting home-buying needs, it is important to make a list of must-haves when searching for a home. This will help you narrow down your search and find the perfect Brookline home for you and your family. For example, some people may have a must-have list that includes items such as a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms, a home office, or an outdoor kitchen in the backyard. While making your list, order your desires from most to least necessary.
Have your finances in order
It is essential to have your finances in order before beginning the home-buying process. This doesn't just mean getting pre-approved for a mortgage if you don't intend to pay with cash. It also means planning for property taxes, utilities, homeowners insurance, and any other monthly expenses associated with owning a home. It also means considering any immediate improvements you want to make to the property, such as new landscaping or hiring an interior designer. As a good rule of thumb, set aside at least three months worth of expense payments to cover any unforeseen emergencies that may come up.
Get help from a Brookline real estate agent
Working with an agent with extensive experience in the Brookline market can be extremely helpful during the home-buying process. As a Brookline real estate agent, Scarlett has helped countless buyers find and purchase their dream homes in Brookline. Scarlett can help you navigate the Brookline market, negotiate with sellers, and close on your new home.
Start your search
Once you've hired a buyer's agent, it is time to start your search. You can begin with the MLS website link provided by your agent. You can also try driving around neighborhoods that interest you to get a feel for the area and see if any homes have "for sale" or "coming soon" signs in the yard.
Making an offer
When you find a property you're interested in, your agent can help you schedule a showing and, if you're still interested after seeing the property in person, put in an offer. If you receive a counteroffer, don't hesitate to negotiate until you reach an agreement that works for both parties.
Once you have an accepted offer, congrats! You're on your way to becoming a Brookline homeowner. If you haven't already, now is the time to start the loan process and get excited for the next chapter in your life.
Work with Scarlett Tamburro for the best results
Brookline, MA, real estate is a hot commodity, so buyers interested in purchasing a home in Brookline should be prepared to make an offer as soon as they spot a property that meets their needs. If you're considering purchasing a home in Brookline, contact local agent Scarlett Tamburro to begin the home-buying process today!
*Header photo courtesy of Scarlett Tamburro
