Massachusetts is one of the best places to live in America. Surrounded by the beautiful mountains in New Hampshire and Vermont, Massachusetts has plenty of ways to escape into stunning nature preserves. There are also many beautiful beaches, some of which are voted the best in the world. Cape Cod is just a short drive from Boston and home to the National Seashore. Large, sprawling sand dunes give way to gentle rolling waves in the cool Atlantic, and the best craft beers and seafood make the perfect meal after a day at the beach. There are many ways to enjoy the outdoors, big city amenities, and so much more.
Boston is the capital of Massachusettes and is home to incredible, groundbreaking medical facilities, innovative universities, and amazing nightlife, bars, and restaurants. The city is steeped in history and is filled with stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and cobblestone sidewalks.
If you’re looking to move to the Boston area in Massachusetts, you might be considering a move-in ready home. These homes are advertised as completely ready to move in and start living, with minimal updates and no repairs needed.
Typical features of a move-in ready home
One of the main benefits of shopping for a move-in ready home is that there should be no major repairs needed. The home should be fully functional and sometimes even updated so that when you move in, you’re ready to start living. These homes are great for anyone that doesn’t want to deal with home repairs and wants to spend their time elsewhere. The next sections will walk you through the major features that should be included with your move-in ready home.
Roofs, windows, and siding
The roofs, windows, and siding should all be updated and in good condition for a move-in ready home. Roofing can be a huge expense for a home and often only need to be updated and repaired every decade. When purchasing a move-in ready home, the roof should have been recently redone, and thus you don’t need to worry about this repair anytime soon.
Windows are another big area of concern for homebuyers. Updated windows are important because they provide efficient heating and cooling and ultimately lower your energy costs. Windows in a home also need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years. Thus, you want to ensure that the windows installed were done in the last five years to save you any future repairs.
Plumbing
The plumbing should meet code requirements, be updated, and be free from any leaks and potential repairs. Make sure to ask the homeowner about the last time the plumbing was serviced and any issues that are present with the current plumbing system.
Electrical
The electrical system should also be up to date. The electrical panel in a home should be updated every 25 to 40 years. The electrical outlets and switches should also be updated and modern in a move-in-ready home. Everything should be up to code.
Heating and cooling systems
Updating the heating and cooling systems can be a big expense, and these should be up-to-date and energy efficient. If the HVAC system, water heater, or furnace needs to be replaced within one to two years, the home is not considered move-in ready.
Kitchen
Although many buyers are looking for an updated kitchen, this is not necessarily a quality of move-in ready homes. The home should have a functional kitchen with appliances and outlets that work, as well as functional cabinets and countertops. Not all move-in-ready kitchens will have the aesthetic appeal you want, but they will be functional.
Flooring
The floors should be clean and free from warping and water damage. Although buyers often favor hardwood floors, carpet is also a fine choice for a move-in ready home as long as it is clean and free from dirt and major spills.
Paint
Although many buyers want to see fresh, white walls that give an open look to the home, as long as the paint is in good condition and free from peeling and chipping, it’s considered move-in ready.
How to find a move-in ready home
Finding a move-in ready home involves working with a high-quality real estate agent. Your real estate agent can walk you through every step of the homebuying process, including finding great listings that fit your needs.
Once you’ve identified some listings with your real estate agent that are move-in ready and fit your needs, you’ll want to see them in person at a showing. Seeing homes in person is important because it allows you to fully understand the home's space and investigate the amenities and any parts of the home that weren’t showcased in the listing. You’ll want to take careful notes and photos to organize the information at the showing. After seeing several homes, you’ll want to be able to compare what you’ve seen and choose the home that is right for you. During your showing, you should check the features listed above to ensure they are updated and qualify as move-in ready.
Once you’ve found a home you love, your real estate agent can help you make a competitive offer. If your offer is accepted, you’ll go through the closing procedures, including securing your financing, getting an appraisal, and completing a home inspection. Finally, your real estate agent will lead you through signing the documents and paying for any closing costs. Then, you’ll be ready to move into your new home.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re ready to start searching for homes for sale in Massachusetts, you will want to work with a great realtor. The best realtors in Massachusetts are found at the Barber Real Estate Group. The Barber Real Estate Group has an experienced and amazing team highly specialized in luxury properties. They’re ready to help you find the perfect move-in ready home.
