ARMSTRONG FIELD REAL ESTATE BLOG

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Massachusetts in Spring 2026, you’re already ahead of the curve. Spring is traditionally the strongest season for buyer demand — but the market continues to evolve with interest rates, inventory levels, and buyer behavior. Here are the top 10 questions M

If you’re like many first-time buyers, you may be wondering whether buying a home really makes sense. After all, you might already have a comfortable apartment, reasonable rent, a good landlord, and a great location. So why change anything? The truth is, while renting can be convenient, homeownershi

  Smart Home Features That Actually Increase Your Property Value in 2026 Which Tech Upgrades Deliver Real ROI and What Buyers Are Actively Seeking The smart home revolution has moved far beyond novelty gadgets and voice-activated light bulbs. In 2026, today's homebuyers expect a certain level of tec

❄️ How Snow and Extreme Cold Weather Affect the Real Estate Market in Massachusetts Winter in Massachusetts is not for the faint of heart. Between Nor’easters, subzero wind chills, icy roads, and heavy snowfall, cold weather can have a major impact on real estate activity across the state — especial

Moving to the North Shore of Massachusetts A Complete Relocation & Lifestyle Guide Thinking about moving to the North Shore?Whether you’re relocating from out of state, leaving Boston, or moving within Massachusetts, choosing the right town—and the right neighborhood—matters. This free, in-depth PDF

If you’re thinking about relocating and buying a home, one question probably sits at the top of your list: Where is the best place in the U.S. to raise a family? According to WalletHub’s Best & Worst States to Raise a Family in 2026 report, the answer is clear: 👉 Massachusetts ranks #1 in the entir

  Selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. The agent you choose doesn’t just list your property—they influence pricing, marketing, negotiations, timelines, and ultimately how much money you walk away with. Here are five essential tips to help you choose th

🏡 2026 Real Estate Outlook: What Buyers, Sellers & Investors Should Know A practical look at national 2026 housing trends—with a focused lens on Massachusetts, where inventory, affordability, and job-driven demand keep the market behaving like its own micro-economy. As we step into 2026, housing ma

With a $700,000 single-family budget in Essex County, the “best value” pockets right now tend to be places where you’re buying into (1) solid schools, (2) a real commute option (train/Route 128/93 access), and (3) towns that aren’t the priciest on the North Shore, but still ride the same long-term d

Welcome to the North Shore: A Guide to Living in Danvers, MA Nestled just 20 miles north of Boston, Danvers (originally known as Salem Village) is a town where colonial history meets modern suburban convenience. Whether you are a history buff, a growing family, or a professional looking for a manage

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small residential living spaces located on the same lot as a principal home — like a finished basement apartment, an attached addition, or a detached backyard cottage. They’re also commonly called granny flats, in-law apartments, or secondary suites. A New Era for

Selling a home in Massachusetts comes with legal responsibilities that many sellers underestimate. One of the most common—and costly—mistakes sellers make is failing to disclose latent defects. In Massachusetts, sellers who knowingly fail to disclose hidden material defects can face serious legal co

When selling your home, choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Many homeowners are tempted to hire the agent who recommends the highest listing price — but that can be a costly mistake. Some agents, especially inexperienced ones, use a tactic called

Thinking about moving to the North Shore of Massachusetts? Beverly, MA, often called the “Garden City,” continues to attract homebuyers in 2025 thanks to its coastal charm, thriving community, and convenient location. Whether you’re considering buying a home, investing in real estate, or simply look

  The 3% Mortgage Problem: Why So Many Massachusetts Homeowners Are Still Stuck—And What Their Real Options Are in 2026 By Jim Armstrong • ALUXETY Real Estate & Armstrong Field Group If you’re a homeowner on the North Shore or anywhere in Massachusetts, chances are you’re still holding onto a 2–3% m

What Are Portable Mortgages—and Could They Boost Housing Inventory in the U.S.? In today’s real estate market, millions of American homeowners feel “locked in” by historically low interest rates. With mortgage rates now far higher than the 2–3% loans many secured between 2020 and 2022, even families

Smart Home Features That Will Actually Increase Your Property Value in 2026 The smart home revolution has moved far beyond novelty gadgets and voice-activated light bulbs. In 2026, homebuyers will expect a certain level of technological integration, and the right smart features can significantly boo

Hidden Costs of Homeownership Nobody Tells You About When you're shopping for your first home, everyone focuses on the big number: the purchase price. Your lender pre-approves you for a certain amount, you find a house within that budget, and you feel confident you can afford it. Then you move in, a

Moving to Salem, MA: Your Complete Guide to Living in the Witch City Salem, Massachusetts is a city where history meets modern coastal living. While it's famously known for the 1692 witch trials, today's Salem offers so much more: a thriving arts scene, exceptional dining, waterfront living, and a t

Selling Your Home While Living in It: A Survival Guide Let's be honest: selling your home while you're still living in it can feel like running a marathon while juggling flaming torches. Between last-minute showing requests, keeping everything spotless, and maintaining some semblance of normal life,