Vanderveen Law

09/01/2026

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER MONTH: THAT'S A WRAP!

All August, we've been sharing tips to help first-time homebuyers feel a little more
prepared for the journey from house hunting to closing day.

If there's one thing we hope you've learned, it's this:

You don't have to know everything about buying a home before you start. You
just need the right people helping you along the way.

Ask questions. Understand what you're signing. Surround yourself with a good team.
And don't be afraid to enjoy the process — you're buying your first home!

Keep an eye on our page Thursday. We have one more surprise for first-time
homebuyers!

08/28/2026

WAIT...I DON'T GET THE KEYS WHEN I SIGN?

Not necessarily!

In Massachusetts, signing your closing documents and actually owning the home aren't quite the same thing.

After the closing documents are signed and the closing requirements are satisfied, the deed still needs to be recorded at the Registry of Deeds.

The exciting part?

Once the deed is recorded, you're officially a homeowner.

Then it's time for the keys!
**For informational purposes only. This post does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice.**

08/26/2026

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS: YOU'RE UNDER AGREEMENT!

Time to celebrate...but maybe don't celebrate by buying a new car.

Before closing, avoid making major financial changes without talking to your lender first.

That can include:
▪ Financing a new car
▪ Opening a new credit card
▪ Buying furniture on credit
▪ Changing jobs
▪ Moving large amounts of money between accounts

Your lender may review your finances again before closing.

Get the keys first. Then buy the couch.
**For informational purposes only. This post does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice.**

08/21/2026

DON’T LET THE GRANITE COUNTERTOPS DISTRACT YOU

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TIP

Don’t let the granite countertops distract you.

When touring a home, it’s easy to focus on the fun stuff.
But don’t forget to look at:

▪ Age of the roof
▪ Heating system
▪ HVAC
▪ Windows
▪ Signs of water problems
▪ Electrical system

A dated kitchen can be remodeled.

A house with expensive problems hiding behind that beautiful kitchen? That’s another story.

Look past the pretty stuff.

"What’s the one 'pretty' feature that almost tricked you during a house hunt—or what big-ticket inspection item are you most nervous about missing?"

**For informational purposes only. This post does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice.**

08/19/2026

CAN YOU AFFORD THE HOUSE...OR JUST THE PRICE?

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TIP

The list price isn’t the whole story.

Found a house you love? Before deciding whether it fits your budget, remember to look beyond the price tag.

▪ Property taxes
▪ Homeowners insurance
▪ Maintenance and repairs
▪ Possible flood insurance
▪ Condo/HOA fees, if applicable

A home can fit your purchase-price budget and still stretch your monthly budget.

Know the numbers before you fall in love wi

**For informational purposes only. This post does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice.**

08/14/2026

Know Your Must-Haves

Before you start touring homes, make two lists: must-haves and nice-to-haves.
Your must-haves are the things you really can’t compromise on—location, number of bedrooms, commute, yard, etc.

Everything else? Keep an open mind. Sometimes the right home isn’t the one that checks every box!

**For informational purposes only. This post does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice.**

08/11/2026

August is First-Time Homebuyer Month at Vanderveen Law!

All month long, we’ll be sharing quick tips to help Massachusetts first-time buyers better understand the homebuying process—from starting the home search to making an offer and getting to closing day.

Buying your first home can feel complicated. We’re going to help make it a little easier.

Follow along all August!

08/03/2026

Read the full story here: www.vanderveen-law.com/post/someone-sold-a-mashpee-property-they-didn-t-own-it

07/21/2026

05/07/2026

Always be aware of Contract deadlines!