The Northfield blog
Insights for buying and selling in the city
Practical guides, neighborhood stories and local know-how from the Northfield Realty team.
Buying
A first-time buyer's guide to the city
Budgeting, pre-approval, assistance programs and the questions to ask before you write an offer.
Selling
Selling your home this winter
Why well-prepared homes draw serious buyers in the cooler months, and how to set yourself up for a strong sale.
Relocation
Relocating to the city: your guide to a smooth move
Neighborhoods, commutes and everyday life for anyone arriving from out of town.
Selling
The camera-ready home: a room-by-room prep checklist
A practical checklist for preparing your home for photography and showings.
Buying
First-time buyer loan assistance programs: what to ask
How state and local assistance programs generally work, and how to find out whether you qualify.
Buying
Local homebuyer incentives: what to ask about
Employer, city and neighborhood incentives that can reduce the cost of buying, and how to confirm eligibility.
Buying
Buying a home when you have student loans
How student debt affects your mortgage application and the options that can help.
Buying
From accepted offer to closing: a typical timeline
The steps between an accepted offer and getting your keys, and what to do at each stage.
Buying
Buying a city townhome: a buyer's guide
What to know about attached homes, from shared walls to renovation planning.
Buying
Inspecting an older attached home: roofs, facades, basements and sewer lines
What your inspector should look at in older townhomes and townhomes.
Buying
Buying a condo: the resale package and what to look for
How to read association documents and evaluate a condominium purchase.
Buying
Lead paint and pre-1978 homes: what buyers and sellers must know
What the law requires at sale for older homes and how to handle it calmly.
Buying
Buying a home with a well and septic system
How to evaluate private water and wastewater systems with confidence.
Local Guide
Local historic tax credits: a homeowner's guide
How historic-property tax credits generally work and what to confirm before you renovate.
Selling
Selling: why a pre-sale home inspection can help
What a pre-listing inspection is, what it costs you and when it pays off.
Local Guide
Comparing property taxes across jurisdictions
Why two similar homes can have very different tax bills, and how to estimate yours.
Local Guide
HOA fees, condo fees and special assessments, explained
How to read association dues, condo fees and one-time assessments before you buy.
Selling
Northfield's luxury listing program, explained
How we market and price higher-end homes, and what sellers can expect.
Selling
How to choose the right listing agent: 10 questions to ask
Questions that help you compare agents on strategy, communication and fit.
Selling
How to price your home to sell
A step-by-step look at comparable sales, condition, and pricing strategy.
Relocation
Buying a home as an international buyer
Financing, documents and logistics for buyers moving from abroad.
Local Guide
Understanding local homestead tax credits
A simple guide to credits that limit increases in the taxable value of a primary residence.
Selling
Seller disclosure vs. disclaimer: what sellers must tell buyers
The difference between disclosing known conditions and disclaiming knowledge.
Local Guide
Transfer taxes, explained
What transfer and recording charges are and who typically pays them.
Relocation
Moving from a larger metro area: what to know
What changes when you trade a big-city market for a mid-size city.
Relocation
Relocating for a role at a large university or hospital system
Housing tips for professionals joining a major local employer.
Selling
Selling an inherited home: a step-by-step guide
A clear, compassionate walkthrough of authority, timing and choices when you inherit a property.
Neighborhoods
Living in Elm Hollow: a neighborhood guide
History, homes, things to do and getting around in Elm Hollow.
Neighborhoods
Living in Brookside: a neighborhood guide
History, homes, things to do and getting around in Brookside.
Neighborhoods
Living in Cedar Ridge: a neighborhood guide
History, homes, things to do and getting around in Cedar Ridge.
Neighborhoods
Living in Highview: a neighborhood guide
History, homes, things to do and getting around in Highview.
Neighborhoods
Living in Stonebridge: a neighborhood guide
History, homes, things to do and getting around in Stonebridge.
Neighborhoods
Living in Ashford Park: a neighborhood guide
History, homes, things to do and getting around in Ashford Park.
Neighborhoods
Living in Larkfield: a neighborhood guide
History, homes, things to do and getting around in Larkfield.
Neighborhoods
Living in Willow Bend: a neighborhood guide
History, homes, things to do and getting around in Willow Bend.
Neighborhoods
Elm Hollow, Ashford Park and Stonebridge: the city's historic neighborhoods
The history, architecture and green spaces of three of the city's most admired older neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods
Elm Hollow vs. Brookside: comparing two neighborhoods
A side-by-side look at the architecture, amenities and getting around in Elm Hollow and Brookside.
Neighborhoods
Cedar Ridge vs. Highview: comparing two neighborhoods
A side-by-side look at the architecture, amenities and getting around in Cedar Ridge and Highview.
Neighborhoods
Stonebridge vs. Ashford Park: comparing two neighborhoods
A side-by-side look at the architecture, amenities and getting around in Stonebridge and Ashford Park.
Neighborhoods
Larkfield vs. Willow Bend: comparing two neighborhoods
A side-by-side look at the architecture, amenities and getting around in Larkfield and Willow Bend.
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods near parks and trails
Where to find green space, trails and open air close to home.
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods with newer construction
Where to find recently built homes, modern layouts and builder warranties.
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods for condo and townhome living
Low-maintenance options across the city.
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods with walkable main streets
Places where cafes, shops and services are a short stroll away.
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods with shorter commutes
Options close to downtown or major transit.
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods with larger lots
Where to find yard space and privacy.
Neighborhoods
How to choose a neighborhood: a checklist
A repeatable way to compare areas using architecture, amenities and everyday routines.
Neighborhoods
A weekend tour of our eight neighborhoods
A sample itinerary for seeing every neighborhood in two days.
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