Buy Your First Home in Greater Boston — With Clarity, Not Confusion
Education first, transaction second. You'll understand every step, every cost, and every decision before you commit to anything.
Why First-Time Buyers Choose Me
I Explain, Not Just Show
Most agents show you 15 homes and let you figure it out. I walk you through comparable sales, neighborhood trade-offs, and what hidden costs actually mean for your monthly budget.
Real Numbers, Not Maximums
Banks approve you for the maximum they'll lend. I help you figure out what you can comfortably afford — including taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance reserves.
No Pressure, Just Clarity
If buying doesn't make sense yet, I'll tell you. If a neighborhood doesn't fit your goals, I'll say so. The goal is the right decision, not a quick transaction.
Local Knowledge
I live in Greater Boston, know the neighborhoods firsthand, and can tell you what Cambridge vs. Somerville vs. Medford actually means for commute, walkability, and lifestyle.
What You'll Know Before You Buy
True Affordability
Not just mortgage — total monthly cost including property tax, insurance, HOA, PMI, utilities, and maintenance reserves. You'll see the real number.
Hidden Costs
Closing costs (2-5% of price), condo fees that aren't obvious, special assessments, deferred maintenance — all the things first-timers get surprised by.
Down Payment Programs
MassHousing, ONE Mortgage, Cambridge HomeBridge, Somerville HOME — programs that can reduce your upfront cash requirement significantly.
Neighborhood Strategy
Where you can actually afford, what trade-offs you're making, and how commute, schools, and walkability affect long-term satisfaction.
Negotiation Strategy
How to structure offers in competitive markets, when to waive contingencies, and how to avoid overpaying while still winning.
Inspection Red Flags
What issues matter (roof, foundation, mechanicals) vs. cosmetic noise. How to interpret inspection reports and make rational decisions.
How We Work Together
Financial Clarity
We start with real numbers — what you can comfortably afford, not just bank approval. I walk you through down payment, closing costs, monthly expenses, and Massachusetts programs.
Neighborhood Strategy
We narrow down 3-5 specific neighborhoods based on your budget, commute, lifestyle, and priorities. You'll understand trade-offs before we start touring.
Offer & Negotiation
When you find the right home, I help structure competitive offers, navigate inspections, and negotiate based on comparable sales — not emotions.
Common Questions
How much do I really need for a down payment?▼
Most first-time buyers put down 3-10%. FHA loans allow 3.5% down, conventional loans allow 3-5%. Massachusetts programs like MassHousing ONE Mortgage can help with down payment assistance. You don't need 20% to buy — but putting down less means you'll pay PMI until you reach 20% equity.
What credit score do I need?▼
FHA loans: 580+ (580-619 requires 10% down, 620+ allows 3.5% down). Conventional loans: 620+ minimum, but 680+ gets better rates. If your score is below 620, work on improving it before applying — even 20-30 points can save you thousands in interest.
How do I know what I can actually afford (not just what the bank approves)?▼
Banks approve based on debt-to-income ratio (usually up to 43-50% of gross income). But that doesn't account for your lifestyle, savings goals, or other expenses. A safer rule: keep total housing costs (mortgage + tax + insurance + HOA) under 28% of gross income. Better yet: calculate what leaves you comfortable after all expenses, not stretched.
Are there first-time buyer programs in Cambridge or Somerville?▼
Yes. Cambridge has HomeBridge (down payment assistance for income-qualified buyers). Somerville has the HOME program. Both have income limits and require homebuyer education courses. MassHousing programs work statewide. These can reduce your down payment requirement significantly.
Should I buy a condo or single-family home?▼
Depends on budget, lifestyle, and maintenance tolerance. Condos: lower entry price, less maintenance (HOA handles exterior), but you pay monthly fees and have less control. Single-family: more space, full control, no HOA fees, but you handle all maintenance and repairs. In Greater Boston, condos dominate the sub-$700k market.
Can I buy a home if I have student loans?▼
Yes, but they affect your debt-to-income ratio. Lenders count your monthly student loan payment (or 1% of the balance if on income-driven repayment). If student loans are taking up too much of your DTI, you might need to increase income, reduce other debts, or save a larger down payment to qualify.
Areas We Serve
Primary Markets:
Cambridge • Somerville • Medford • Arlington • Belmont • Watertown
Greater Boston:
Newton • Brookline • Waltham • Malden • Everett • Chelsea • Revere • Winthrop • Lexington • Winchester • Brighton • Allston • Jamaica Plain • Roslindale • Milton • Quincy • Needham • Wellesley • Dedham • Woburn • Burlington • and more
Service Radius:
30 miles from Boston
Don't see your area? Contact me — I work throughout Metro Boston.
Ready to Start?
Tell me about your situation — budget, timeline, questions. I'll give you straight answers about what makes sense for you.
No pressure, no sales pitch. Just clarity on your options.
Plato Asadov
Luxury Home Certified Real Estate Consultant
Residential & Investment & Development Properties in Greater Boston Area
Steve Bremis Realty Group
Let's Find Your First Home
First-time buyers get special attention and expert guidance.