ARMSTRONG FIELD REAL ESTATE BLOG

Danvers, MA · North Shore Living Discover Woodvale —Where Quiet Streets MeetNorth Shore Charm A neighborhood guide for homebuyers exploring Danvers, Massachusetts   Tucked into the heart of Danvers on Massachusetts' scenic North Shore, Woodvale has quietly become one of the town's most sought-after

Why Massachusetts’ Proposed 2026 Rent Control Ballot Initiative Could Harm Both Renters and Housing Providers Understanding Initiative Petition 25-21 The debate over housing affordability in Massachusetts has intensified in recent years, particularly in high-demand cities such as Boston, Cambridge,

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming many industries, and real estate is no exception. But despite the headlines suggesting that technology might replace real estate agents, the reality is very different. AI is not replacing Realtors—it’s helping them become more efficient, more info

Understanding Why Buyers Paused During High Mortgage Rate Cycles When mortgage rates climbed rapidly over the past few years, the housing market experienced something unusual: a large number of potential home buyers simply hit the pause button. Instead of continuing their home search, many household

Home Seller Preparation Checklist A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners Getting Ready to Sell Selling a home on the North Shore of Massachusetts—or anywhere in today’s competitive real estate market—starts long before the first showing. The homes that sell fastest and for the highest prices are usuall

Budget Tips for Buying a Condo on the North Shore of Massachusetts Buying a condo on the North Shore of Massachusetts can be one of the easiest ways to enter the local real estate market. Condominiums often cost less than single-family homes and offer convenient living close to beaches, downtown dis

Thinking About a Career in Real Estate in Massachusetts? Here’s What You Need to Know If you’re considering a career in real estate, you’re probably asking the right questions: How long does it take to get licensed? What can I realistically earn? How much does it cost to get started? What does the j

Quick answer: As of March 2, 2026, the primary residence capital gains exclusion has not been increased. The limits remain $250,000 (single) and $500,000 (married filing jointly) under federal law. Proposals supported by groups like NAR have been discussed, but no bill has become law yet, so there i

If you’ve been telling yourself, “I’ll buy once my credit is perfect,” you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: A perfect credit score isn’t required to buy a home.And waiting for one might be costing you more than you think. The Credit Score Myth That’s Keeping Buyers on the Sidelines Would-be homeb

  SALEM, MA 2025–2026 MARKET SNAPSHOT Salem’s local market data is a key part of deciding whether to list in 2026. 🔹 Median home values in Salem have been around $590k–$600k, showing slight year-over-year gains — not explosive increases, but stability. 🔹 Inventory levels vary by neighborhood: Sout

The North Shore Real Estate Landscape: Where We Stand Today As we approached the 3rd moth of 2026, we find ourselves at a defining moment in the North Shore Massachusetts real estate market. Over the past several years, the region has experienced remarkable price appreciation, constrained housing in

Moving to Beverly, Massachusetts: The Complete Guide for New Residents Why Consider Moving to Beverly, Massachusetts? Thinking about moving to Beverly, Massachusetts? You’re not alone. This charming coastal city on the North Shore has quietly become one of the most desirable places to live in Essex

Moving to Ipswich, Massachusetts: A Coastal Town with History, Nature, and Community Charm 🌊🏡 If you’re dreaming about a New England town that blends coastal beauty, historic character, and a relaxed lifestyle, moving to Ipswich, Massachusetts might be exactly what you’re looking for. Located on M

Moving to Salem, Massachusetts: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go So, you’re thinking about moving to Salem, Massachusetts? That’s exciting. Salem isn’t just a postcard-perfect New England town with cobblestone streets and colonial homes. It’s a place where history whispers from every corner

When buying or selling a home in Massachusetts, you’ll hear two terms constantly: Appraisal and Inspection. While they sound similar, they have completely different purposes, and confusing them could cost you thousands or even derail your closing. As of late 2025, Massachusetts law regarding home in

Selling a home in Massachusetts involves several state-specific costs that can impact your final net proceeds. While many expenses are negotiable, certain taxes and fees are fixed by the Commonwealth. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to pay when selling your home in 2026. 1. Real

Should I Stay or Should I Go? A Massachusetts Homeowner's Dilemma As a Massachusetts homeowner in today's shifting real estate market, you're likely asking yourself a huge question: "Should I sell my house now, or wait until next year or beyond?" It’s a complex decision with no single right answer.

Market conditions in Massachusetts are currently in a state of stabilization. While we aren't seeing the frantic bidding wars of 2021, the market remains "sticky" for sellers due to chronic undersupply. As of February 2026, the Commonwealth is transitioning into a more balanced—yet still competitive

How to Price Your Home to Sell Fast (And for Top Dollar) Many sellers believe that if they start with an "aspirational" price, they can always come down later. In reality, pricing isn't about picking the highest number you can dream up and hoping for a bite; it’s a strategic calculation. If you want

Determining your home’s value in Massachusetts is less about finding a single static number and more about understanding a moving target. In 2026, the Commonwealth's market is characterized by a "recalibration"—moving away from the frenetic bidding wars of the early 2020s toward a more balanced, but