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Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Key strategies for attracting Gen Z and millennial buyers in today’s market

First-time buyers now account for 58% of agency purchase lending, and Gen Z makes up a growing 25% of those loans. But winning their business requires a fresh approach: digital-first experiences, alternative credit scoring, and tailored loan products. For mortgage lenders in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, this isn’t just theory — it’s survival. In this playbook, we’ll break down the strategies that resonate with today’s buyers and help you capture tomorrow’s market.

Why This Matters

The share of first-time buyers is shrinking overall, and the median age of a first-time buyer has risen to 38. Gen Z, though small in numbers (just 3% of all buyers), is punching above its weight by embracing FHA loans, family assistance, and affordable markets. Millennials, meanwhile, are stalling under the weight of rising home prices and stagnant incomes.

For lenders, the question isn’t if you should adapt to these buyers — it’s how quickly you can.

Offer FHA and Low Down Payment Options

Younger buyers are strapped with student loans and high living costs, making traditional 20% down payments unrealistic. FHA and other low down payment products have become lifelines. Highlight these programs in your outreach, and make sure your application process clearly explains requirements, insurance costs, and benefits.

Playbook Tip: Don’t just advertise “low down payment loans.” Provide easy-to-digest comparisons that show real monthly savings.

Embrace Digital-First Lending

Gen Z has grown up with apps, mobile banking, and online shopping. They expect the same ease when applying for a mortgage. That means:

  • Online application portals that track progress in real time
  • Virtual closings and e-signatures
  • Mobile-friendly communication (texts > voicemails)

Playbook Tip: Invest in user experience. A clunky or outdated digital system is the fastest way to lose a young buyer’s trust.

Expand Credit Access with VantageScore 4.0

Traditional FICO models miss many younger buyers who have limited credit histories. The adoption of VantageScore 4.0 by Fannie and Freddie now allows rental, utility, and telecom payments to count toward creditworthiness.

Playbook Tip: Educate buyers on how their rent payments or phone bills can help build eligibility. Position your firm as the one that “opens doors” others might close.

Focus on Affordable Regions

Gen Z and millennials are avoiding expensive coastal metros and targeting affordable hubs. While Boston remains out of reach for many, smaller Massachusetts and New Hampshire markets — from Worcester to Nashua — are becoming hotspots.

Playbook Tip: Tailor marketing to highlight affordable entry points in your lending region. Show young buyers where their money stretches further.

Educate, Don’t Intimidate

Younger buyers are financially cautious. They want transparency, not jargon. Offering educational content — from down payment savings tips to debt reduction strategies — helps position lenders as trusted partners rather than gatekeepers.

Playbook Tip: Host webinars, create short guides, or even offer 1:1 consultations specifically for first-time buyers.

The Lender Recommendations at a Glance

Here’s your quick reference guide to reaching tomorrow’s homeowners:

  • Emphasize low down payment / FHA products
  • Highlight digital ease with online applications and virtual closings
  • Promote new credit scoring models (VantageScore 4.0, rent/utility history)
  • Segment geographically toward affordable regions
  • Provide educational resources to build trust and financial readiness

Final Word

The next generation of homebuyers is smaller, more cautious, and more demanding of digital convenience — but they’re also motivated. By rethinking your lending approach now, you can not only capture Gen Z and millennial buyers but also build loyalty that carries into their next purchase.

At The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C., we partner with buyers and lenders across Massachusetts and New Hampshire to ensure every closing is smooth, compliant, and future-ready.

Let’s talk about how we can support your lending process and protect your transactions — schedule a consultation today

Lender Playbook How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Providing title, escrow, closing and settlement services to clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire

From Our Clients

“I would highly recommend David as a closing attorney. I have known David and have been using his office for many years. David’s professionalism when dealing with me, my closing department and most especially my clients has been always exemplary.”
DAVID BREMER

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SHAMROCK FINANCIAL SERVICES

“The Law Office of Attorney David R. Rocheford, Jr. is by far the most exceptional real estate law office that I have had the pleasure of working with. The professionalism is by far second to none.”
JACQUI KEOGH

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SALEM FIVE MORTGAGE SERVICES

“Attorney David Rocheford has provided settlement and title services for me and Greenpark Mortgage several years. He has assisted all of my clients, including my family and friends with mortgage closings. Always providing excellent service. Reliable and trustworthy!”
SANDRA MALDONADO

Recent News

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

First-time buyers now account for 58% of agency purchase lending, and Gen Z makes up a growing 25% of those loans. But winning their business requires a fresh approach: digital-first experiences, alternative credit scoring, and tailored loan products. For mortgage...

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

They may represent just 3% of all buyers, but Gen Z is determined to change the game. Armed with FHA loans, side hustles, and family support, these resourceful buyers are targeting affordable regions — not Boston, but places like Grand Rapids and Salt Lake City. In...

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Once upon a time, the path to homeownership started in your late 20s. Today, the median age of a first-time buyer has climbed to 38 — the highest in U.S. history. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where prices remain high and incomes haven’t kept pace, first-time...

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

How affordability challenges and shifting demographics are reshaping homeownership

Once upon a time, the path to homeownership started in your late 20s. Today, the median age of a first-time buyer has climbed to 38 — the highest in U.S. history. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where prices remain high and incomes haven’t kept pace, first-time buyers make up only 24% of the market. This generational shift isn’t just a national trend — it’s reshaping local markets, too. Let’s explore why fewer young buyers are entering the game and what it means for buyers, sellers, and lenders alike.

The Shrinking First-Time Buyer Pool

In 2010, first-time buyers represented half the housing market. By 2024, that number dropped to less than a quarter. It’s not because younger generations don’t want to buy — surveys show they do — but the financial barriers are higher than ever.

For Massachusetts and New Hampshire buyers, the challenge is particularly acute. Both states rank among the nation’s most expensive housing markets, with limited inventory and bidding wars still common in desirable areas. That leaves many would-be buyers sidelined, even when mortgage rates dip slightly.

Why It’s Harder Than Ever

Income vs. Home Prices

The income needed to buy a median-priced home has soared to over $126,000 a year, nearly 60% higher than in 2021. Meanwhile, household incomes in the region have barely budged. That mismatch has locked many younger buyers out of the market.

Rising Debt Loads

Millennials and Gen Z carry heavy financial baggage, from student loans to credit card balances. With Gen Z’s average personal debt topping $94,000, saving for a down payment feels more like a marathon than a sprint.

Limited Starter Homes

Entry-level homes — once the natural first step into ownership — are scarce. Many builders in New England focus on higher-margin luxury units, while affordable starter homes are either aging or quickly snapped up.

Demographic Shifts

Younger generations are delaying marriage, children, and long-term settling, which historically drove first-home purchases. Add in higher rent burdens and inflation, and the dream of ownership is being pushed later into life.

What This Means for Sellers

If you’re selling in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, this trend could mean fewer young families competing for your property. That may soften demand in some price brackets, especially for entry-level homes. On the flip side, it also means that when younger buyers do show up, they’re highly motivated — and often well-prepared with family support, FHA financing, or cash gifts.

What This Means for Lenders

Lenders can’t assume yesterday’s products will work for today’s market. Winning over first-time buyers requires:

  • FHA and low down payment options to lower the entry barrier
  • Alternative credit scoring (including rental and utility history) to qualify more applicants
  • Digital-first lending to meet younger buyers where they are
  • Educational resources to guide cautious, debt-burdened buyers through the process

The lenders who succeed won’t just hand out mortgages — they’ll provide tools, trust, and guidance.

What This Means for Buyers

If you’re a first-time buyer in MA or NH, you’re not alone in feeling like the deck is stacked against you. But there are pathways forward:

  • Explore FHA or MassHousing programs that reduce down payment hurdles
  • Work with a closing attorney early to understand costs and risks
  • Consider expanding your search beyond major metros into more affordable towns or suburbs

Final Word

The shrinking pool of first-time buyers isn’t just a statistic — it’s a reality that shapes how homes are bought, sold, and financed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. For buyers, it means persistence and planning. For sellers, it means understanding who your likely buyers really are. And for lenders, it means rethinking old playbooks to stay relevant.

At The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C., we help buyers, sellers, and lenders adapt to today’s challenges and keep closings on track.

Ready to navigate the new landscape? Contact us today

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Providing title, escrow, closing and settlement services to clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire

From Our Clients

“I would highly recommend David as a closing attorney. I have known David and have been using his office for many years. David’s professionalism when dealing with me, my closing department and most especially my clients has been always exemplary.”
DAVID BREMER

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SHAMROCK FINANCIAL SERVICES

“The Law Office of Attorney David R. Rocheford, Jr. is by far the most exceptional real estate law office that I have had the pleasure of working with. The professionalism is by far second to none.”
JACQUI KEOGH

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER, SALEM FIVE MORTGAGE SERVICES

“Attorney David Rocheford has provided settlement and title services for me and Greenpark Mortgage several years. He has assisted all of my clients, including my family and friends with mortgage closings. Always providing excellent service. Reliable and trustworthy!”
SANDRA MALDONADO

Recent News

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

First-time buyers now account for 58% of agency purchase lending, and Gen Z makes up a growing 25% of those loans. But winning their business requires a fresh approach: digital-first experiences, alternative credit scoring, and tailored loan products. For mortgage...

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

They may represent just 3% of all buyers, but Gen Z is determined to change the game. Armed with FHA loans, side hustles, and family support, these resourceful buyers are targeting affordable regions — not Boston, but places like Grand Rapids and Salt Lake City. In...

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Once upon a time, the path to homeownership started in your late 20s. Today, the median age of a first-time buyer has climbed to 38 — the highest in U.S. history. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where prices remain high and incomes haven’t kept pace, first-time...

Federal Eyes on Real Estate: A 4-Part Insider’s Guide for Buyers and Sellers

Federal Eyes on Real Estate: A 4-Part Insider’s Guide for Buyers and Sellers

Federal Eyes on Real Estate:

A 4-Part Insider’s Guide for Buyers and Sellers

We are pulling back the curtain on how — and why — federal agencies like FinCEN, the FBI, Homeland Security, IRS-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), and CFIUS monitor real estate transactions in the U.S.

Whether you’re buying with cash, investing from abroad, transferring property to a family member, or just trying to close without a headache, you’ll want to know what can trigger federal scrutiny — and how to stay off the radar.

From flagged wire transfers and shell companies to gift-of-equity sales and land near military zones, this isn’t your average title-and-keys situation.

It’s real estate with a side of national security, tax enforcement, and financial crime prevention.

4-Part Series

PART 1

Is Big Brother Watching Your Home Sale?

fbi office

What Buyers and Sellers Should Know About Federal Oversight

You’re Not Paranoid — They Might Actually Be Watching
What you didn’t know on how federal agencies keep tabs on select real estate transactions.

PART 2

Your Closing Packet Could Be a Federal File

homeland security paperwork

How Your Paper Trail Might Raise Red Flags — And What You Can Do About It

What the FBI, IRS, and Homeland Security
Could See in Your Closing Docs
We’re unpacking what agencies might spot inside your deal’s fine print.

PART 3

Caught in the Crosshairs? What Triggers Federal Interest in Your Home Sale

cross hairs

The Top Red Flags That Could Invite a Closer Look from Washington

Cash, LLCs, or Land Near a Base? You Might Just Be a Target
The warning signs that put your deal on the government’s radar — and how to stay clear.

PART 4

Follow the Money: How the IRS Tracks Financial Crimes Through Real Estate

""

From Unreported Income to Shell Game Schemes
— What IRS-CI Is Looking For

Your Closing Could Be an Audit Trigger — Here’s How the IRS Sees It
Explore the patterns, documents, and loopholes that turn ordinary deals into criminal cases.

Providing title, escrow, closing and settlement services to clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire

From Our Clients

“As a realtor, the Rocheford team went above and beyond to make sure my client was not only protected from a legal standpoint but also operated in a timely manner to execute the sale of my client’s dream home.

Thank you for the great experience for myself and my client! Looking forward to our next deal together!”

Viktor Ryan

Realtor®

“I don’t usually use attorneys that often. But if an attorney is needed, I couldn’t recommend this law office enough. I always pride myself on responding quickly to emails and calls, but I was in awe of how fast paralegal Robert Heckman would respond to us. We sold our house a couple months ago and then did a two-part land swap with neighbors and my folks, and both transactions were seamless, including coming in to sign paperwork.

In short, if you need a law office that is responsive and attentive to detail, definitely consider them!”

John P.

Leominster, MA

“Excellent, conscientious and professional.

The communication throughout our Real Estate transaction was better than expected. We thought the fee to be very reasonable considering the work accomplished on our behalf. The law office handled the entire closing without us having to be in attendance….as we requested. I have had experience with very competent lawyers and law firms as the result of my previous profession. I would place this law office right up there among the best in their real estate field of expertise and surprisingly at very reasonable and affordable rates/fees.”

Tom M.

Buzzards Bay, MA

Recent News

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

First-time buyers now account for 58% of agency purchase lending, and Gen Z makes up a growing 25% of those loans. But winning their business requires a fresh approach: digital-first experiences, alternative credit scoring, and tailored loan products. For mortgage...

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

They may represent just 3% of all buyers, but Gen Z is determined to change the game. Armed with FHA loans, side hustles, and family support, these resourceful buyers are targeting affordable regions — not Boston, but places like Grand Rapids and Salt Lake City. In...

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Once upon a time, the path to homeownership started in your late 20s. Today, the median age of a first-time buyer has climbed to 38 — the highest in U.S. history. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where prices remain high and incomes haven’t kept pace, first-time...

New Hampshire’s 2025 Housing Market: A Seller’s Perspective

New Hampshire’s 2025 Housing Market: A Seller’s Perspective

New Hampshire's 2025 Housing Market: A Seller's Perspective

Sellers, take note: the 2025 New Hampshire housing market is leaning in your favor. Here’s how to make the most of it.

If you’re selling a home in New Hampshire, congratulations—you’re in the driver’s seat. The 2025 market has seen home values climb past $500,000 in many areas, with inventory tighter than a parking spot in downtown Portsmouth. According to recent reports from Zillow and Norada Real Estate Investments, limited housing stock and sustained buyer interest are giving sellers the upper hand (source).

That said, a hot market doesn’t mean an easy sale. Pricing still matters. Overestimating value can slow buyer interest and delay closings. Work with a trusted Realtor® and closing attorney to streamline the deal—and make sure your paperwork and title work are ready to go. Nothing cools momentum like an unexpected lien or missing payoff statement.

With strong demand and smart preparation, sellers can maximize value and minimize hassle in today’s competitive New Hampshire market.

Works Cited

“Housing Market Trends to Watch in 2025.” Roche Realty Group, https://rocherealty.com/housing-market-trends-to-watch-in-2025/. Accessed 19 May 2025.

“New Hampshire Real Estate Market: What to Expect in 2025?” Houzeo, https://www.houzeo.com/blog/new-hampshire-real-estate-market/. Accessed 19 May 2025.Houzeo

“New Hampshire Housing Market: 2025 Home Prices & Trends.” Zillow, https://www.zillow.com/home-values/39/nh/. Accessed 19 May 2025.Zillow+1Zillow+1

“New Hampshire Housing Market Prices and Forecast 2025–2026.” Norada Real Estate Investments, https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/new-hampshire-housing-market/. Accessed 19 May 2025.Norada Real Estate+1Norada Real Estate+1

“Residential Real Estate Trends for 2025.” NH Business Review, https://www.nhbr.com/residential-real-estate-trends-for-2025/. Accessed 19 May 2025.NH Business Review

“New Hampshire Real Estate Trends: Market Is Hot for 2025.” WMUR, https://www.wmur.com/article/new-hampshire-real-estate-housing-market-2025/63175977. Accessed 19 May 2025.WMUR

“New Hampshire Ranks #5 in the Hottest Real Estate Markets of 2025.” Laconia Daily Sun, https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news/state/new-hampshire-ranks-9-in-the-hottest-real-estate-markets-of-2024/article_0e219b6e-df07-513b-822e-c584d2f9003c.html. Accessed 19 May 2025.The Laconia Daily Sun

“New Hampshire Housing Market Forecast for Late 2024 and 2025.” Verani Realty, https://lisetremblay.verani.com/blog/760/New%2BHampshire%2BHousing%2BMarket%2BForecast%2BFor%2BLate%2B2024%2BAnd%2B2025. Accessed 19 May 2025.lisetremblay.verani.com

“Listings Continue to Trend Downward in New Hampshire Housing Market.” NH Business Review, https://www.nhbr.com/listings-continue-to-trend-downward-in-new-hampshire-housing-market/. Accessed 19 May 2025.NH Business Review+1NH Business Review+1

“Expert Forecasts for the 2025 Housing Market.” NH Realty Gals, https://www.nhrealtygals.com/blog/expert-forecasts-for-the-2025-housing-market/. Accessed 19 May 2025.nhrealtygals.com

Providing title, escrow, closing and settlement services to clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire

From Our Clients

“As a realtor, the Rocheford team went above and beyond to make sure my client was not only protected from a legal standpoint but also operated in a timely manner to execute the sale of my client’s dream home.

Thank you for the great experience for myself and my client! Looking forward to our next deal together!”

Viktor Ryan

Realtor®

“I don’t usually use attorneys that often. But if an attorney is needed, I couldn’t recommend this law office enough. I always pride myself on responding quickly to emails and calls, but I was in awe of how fast paralegal Robert Heckman would respond to us. We sold our house a couple months ago and then did a two-part land swap with neighbors and my folks, and both transactions were seamless, including coming in to sign paperwork.

In short, if you need a law office that is responsive and attentive to detail, definitely consider them!”

John P.

Leominster, MA

“Excellent, conscientious and professional.

The communication throughout our Real Estate transaction was better than expected. We thought the fee to be very reasonable considering the work accomplished on our behalf. The law office handled the entire closing without us having to be in attendance….as we requested. I have had experience with very competent lawyers and law firms as the result of my previous profession. I would place this law office right up there among the best in their real estate field of expertise and surprisingly at very reasonable and affordable rates/fees.”

Tom M.

Buzzards Bay, MA

Recent News

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

First-time buyers now account for 58% of agency purchase lending, and Gen Z makes up a growing 25% of those loans. But winning their business requires a fresh approach: digital-first experiences, alternative credit scoring, and tailored loan products. For mortgage...

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

They may represent just 3% of all buyers, but Gen Z is determined to change the game. Armed with FHA loans, side hustles, and family support, these resourceful buyers are targeting affordable regions — not Boston, but places like Grand Rapids and Salt Lake City. In...

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Once upon a time, the path to homeownership started in your late 20s. Today, the median age of a first-time buyer has climbed to 38 — the highest in U.S. history. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where prices remain high and incomes haven’t kept pace, first-time...

Understanding Transfer Taxes (Tax Stamps) in Massachusetts

Understanding Transfer Taxes (Tax Stamps) in Massachusetts

Understanding Transfer Taxes (Tax Stamps) in Massachusetts

Massachusetts home sale paperwork including transfer tax terms and contract clauses.

When it comes to selling real estate in Massachusetts, one fee tends to catch sellers off guard: transfer taxes, also known as real estate tax stamps. At The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C., we get a lot of questions about these costs — and we’re here to make sure you (and your clients) understand what to expect.

Who Pays the Transfer Tax in Massachusetts?

In nearly all cases, the seller is responsible for paying the transfer tax. However, during the negotiation process, the parties can agree to split the fee — or shift it entirely to the buyer. Like most things in real estate: it’s all negotiable.

How Much Is It? 

The current transfer tax rate is $2.28 per $500 of the property’s sale price — that’s $4.56 per $1,000. This fee is paid to the state by purchasing tax stamps from the Registry of Deeds when the new deed is recorded.

Example: On a $500,000 home sale, the transfer tax would be $2,280.

You can review current rates and exemptions on the Massachusetts Department of Revenue website.

Massachusetts home sale paperwork including transfer tax terms and contract clauses.

Is It Deductible? 

Not exactly — transfer taxes are not tax-deductible on your income tax return. However, they do get added to the cost basis of the property, which may reduce your capital gains tax when the property is sold in the future.

Who’s Exempt? 

Some nonprofit organizations and federal agencies are exempt. Veterans Affairs (VA) and HUD transactions, for example, often qualify for exemption — but always confirm with the Registry and your closing attorney.

Additional Notes: 

  • The tax applies to any sale over $100.
  • The tax is separate from municipal excise taxes or local fees (if applicable).
  • The stamps are literally affixed to the deed — old school, but legally required.
Massachusetts home sale paperwork including transfer tax terms and contract clauses.

Small details. Big difference.

Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding transfer taxes is a small detail that can make a big difference at the closing table. We help our clients plan ahead and avoid last-minute surprises every step of the way.

REFERENCES

Contact

(255) 352-6258

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Copyright © 2025 Divi. All Rights Reserved.

How to Prevent Delays at the Closing Table: Lessons from Recent MA & NH Transactions

How to Prevent Delays at the Closing Table: Lessons from Recent MA & NH Transactions

How to Prevent Delays at the Closing Table:

Lessons from Recent MA & NH Transactions

Closings should be the fun part — popping champagne, handing over keys, and celebrating the finish line. But anyone in real estate or lending knows that even the smoothest transaction can hit a snag at the eleventh hour. From unsigned documents to overlooked municipal requirements, the final stages of a home loan closing in Massachusetts and New Hampshire can turn from celebration to chaos quickly.

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Here are some common culprits behind last-minute delays and what loan processors, Realtors®, and mortgage teams can do to keep things on track.

Smoke Certificates & Local Requirements (Massachusetts Specific)

In Massachusetts, sellers are responsible for obtaining a smoke and carbon monoxide detector certificate from the local fire department before closing. But fire departments don’t always have next-day appointments — and some towns have inspection backlogs.

Solution: Schedule inspections early in the process. Share this state smoke alarm compliance guide with sellers and keep your transaction timeline padded.

Title Surprises

A missing mortgage discharge or a surprise lien can halt everything. These issues are especially common with older properties, estate sales, or refinances. Even unpaid water bills in NH can delay closings.

Solution: Have the title attorney conduct a thorough title search early, and follow up on payoff letters or missing discharges well before the closing date.

Funds Not Cleared or Missing Documentation 

Sometimes buyers assume that a wire transfer or certified check guarantees immediate access. Not always. Banks may hold large deposits, and underwriters may require additional documentation — right at the finish line.

Solution: Prep buyers on timelines for cleared funds and triple-check lender requirements ahead of the final week.

“Surprise” Repairs or Walkthrough Issues 

If a final walkthrough reveals an incomplete repair or unexpected damage, it can cause stress and even stall the closing.

Solution: Set a walkthrough 24–48 hours before closing, not the morning of. This allows time to resolve any issues or negotiate credits.

Missing People 

Closings can’t happen without the right people — including sellers, buyers, and notaries. In the age of remote work and travel, someone’s vacation can mean a reschedule.

Solution: Confirm everyone’s availability well in advance and plan for powers of attorney or remote notarization when allowed (and legal — more on that in a future blog!).

Real Estate Closings Done Right — Every Time.

At The Law Office of David R. Rocheford, Jr., P.C., we’ve seen nearly everything that can go wrong at a closing. And more importantly — we know how to make it go right.

REFERENCES

Providing title, escrow, closing and settlement services to clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire

From Our Clients

“As a realtor, the Rocheford team went above and beyond to make sure my client was not only protected from a legal standpoint but also operated in a timely manner to execute the sale of my client’s dream home.

Thank you for the great experience for myself and my client! Looking forward to our next deal together!”

Viktor Ryan

Realtor®

“I don’t usually use attorneys that often. But if an attorney is needed, I couldn’t recommend this law office enough. I always pride myself on responding quickly to emails and calls, but I was in awe of how fast paralegal Robert Heckman would respond to us. We sold our house a couple months ago and then did a two-part land swap with neighbors and my folks, and both transactions were seamless, including coming in to sign paperwork.

In short, if you need a law office that is responsive and attentive to detail, definitely consider them!”

John P.

Leominster, MA

“Excellent, conscientious and professional.

The communication throughout our Real Estate transaction was better than expected. We thought the fee to be very reasonable considering the work accomplished on our behalf. The law office handled the entire closing without us having to be in attendance….as we requested. I have had experience with very competent lawyers and law firms as the result of my previous profession. I would place this law office right up there among the best in their real estate field of expertise and surprisingly at very reasonable and affordable rates/fees.”

Tom M.

Buzzards Bay, MA

Recent News

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

Lender Playbook: How to Reach the New Generation of Homebuyers

First-time buyers now account for 58% of agency purchase lending, and Gen Z makes up a growing 25% of those loans. But winning their business requires a fresh approach: digital-first experiences, alternative credit scoring, and tailored loan products. For mortgage...

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

Gen Z Homebuyers: Small in Numbers, Big in Determination

They may represent just 3% of all buyers, but Gen Z is determined to change the game. Armed with FHA loans, side hustles, and family support, these resourceful buyers are targeting affordable regions — not Boston, but places like Grand Rapids and Salt Lake City. In...

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Why Fewer First-Time Buyers Are Entering the Market in MA & NH

Once upon a time, the path to homeownership started in your late 20s. Today, the median age of a first-time buyer has climbed to 38 — the highest in U.S. history. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where prices remain high and incomes haven’t kept pace, first-time...