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Beth's Tips for Selling your Home in Boston

December 8, 2023
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Boston's rich history and undeniable charm have solidified its position as an incredibly appealing destination for many homebuyers. From the iconic cobblestone-lined streets of Beacon Hill, where time seems to stand still amidst Federal-style townhouses, to the energetic and cosmopolitan ambiance of the Back Bay with its upscale boutiques and stunning brownstones, each neighborhood boasts a character and allure of its own.

Every corner of Boston has been curated to cater to varying lifestyles and preferences. The South End’s artistic flair, Cambridge’s academic hub, and the Fenway-Kenmore area’s serene elegance all contribute to the mosaic of experiences this city offers.

Embracing Boston as a homebuyer means embracing a city that not only offers a wide array of neighborhoods but also celebrates the uniqueness of each. Whether seeking history, academic excellence, or simply the thrill of city living, Boston is a city that continues to captivate and enchant those who are fortunate enough to call it home. Selling your home in Boston can be a rewarding experience, especially when guided by a knowledgeable real estate agent who understands the city's nuances. Let’s dig in.

Understanding the latest trends in Boston's real estate market


Before selling your home in Boston, it's crucial to understand the city's current real estate market trends. The average sale time for homes in Boston is 42 days. Understanding these Boston real estate market trends can provide a benchmark for setting a realistic price for your home.

Engaging a knowledgeable real estate agent


Hiring an experienced real estate agent who is well-versed in the Boston market can be a game-changer. They can provide valuable advice, market your property effectively, and negotiate the best deal for you. Collaborating with a skilled agent transforms the home-selling process from a mere transaction into a strategic partnership that culminates in a rewarding and satisfying experience.

Planning your home-selling journey


When selling your home, setting a realistic timeline is essential. This process involves considering factors such as the time of year, your personal circumstances, and the current state of the real estate market. From initial preparations to the final closing, a well-crafted plan can streamline the selling process, minimize stress, and optimize outcomes. With the guidance of your real estate agent and a proactive approach to each step, you can navigate the complexities of the home-selling process with confidence and achieve your desired results.

Making strategic home improvements


Making strategic home improvements before listing your property can significantly enhance its appeal, increase its market value, and attract a wider pool of potential buyers. However, it's essential to focus on improvements that enhance your home's value and avoid unnecessary expenses that may not translate into a higher selling price. A thoughtfully upgraded home not only attracts more buyers but also commands a higher value, translating into a more successful and profitable home-selling experience.

Setting a competitive price


Pricing your home realistically is critical in the selling process. Setting a price that is too high or too low can deter potential buyers. A well-calculated and strategic listing price can attract more potential buyers, generate higher interest, and ultimately lead to a smoother and more lucrative sale. Your real estate agent can guide you in setting a competitive price based on current market trends and the unique attributes of your home.

Showcasing your home with professional photos


Listing your home with high-quality, professional photos is a powerful strategy that can significantly elevate the visual appeal and marketability of your property. Pictures that highlight your home's best features create a strong first impression and generate interest in your property. Collaborating with a skilled photographer and leveraging their expertise can help you create a compelling visual narrative that showcases your home in the best possible light, ultimately leading to a successful and satisfying home-selling experience.

Navigating offer negotiations


Once you start receiving offers, it's time to review and negotiate. Effective negotiation skills can help you secure the best possible terms, maximize your financial outcome, and ensure a successful transaction. By collaborating closely with your real estate agent and approaching negotiations with a strategic mindset, you can navigate the process successfully and achieve a favorable outcome that aligns with your goals.

Understanding closing costs and taxes


Weighing closing costs and tax implications is an integral part of the selling process. These costs and taxes encompass various fees, charges, and obligations that arise during the closing process. It's crucial to work closely with your real estate agent and potentially consult a tax professional or attorney to fully understand the closing costs and taxes associated with your specific real estate transaction. Being well-informed can help you plan and budget effectively.

Retaining a real estate attorney


Hiring a real estate attorney can provide you with legal expertise, guidance, and protection throughout the complex process of selling a property. While retaining a real estate attorney involves additional costs, the benefits in terms of legal protection, peace of mind, and a smoother transaction far outweigh the expense. Collaborating with a knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the intricacies of real estate transactions and ensure that your rights and interests are well-preserved throughout the process.

Preparing for the closing process


Closing is the final step where ownership of the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. Before the sale is finalized, you'll need to gather the necessary paperwork and prepare for the closing process. This may involve resolving any contingencies, coordinating with your buyer, and finalizing the transfer of ownership. Working closely with your real estate agent, lender, and attorney will help streamline the process and lead to a successful and satisfying conclusion to your real estate transaction.

About Beth Dickerson


Beth Dickerson’s illustrious career in real estate, nearing three decades, boasts an impressive $2 billion in sales. If you're looking to buy or sell a home or have any questions about the Boston real estate market, contact Beth Dickerson today.




Beth Dickerson

Beth Dickerson

Boston, MA

About The Author

One of Boston’s most reputable real estate brokers, Beth Dickerson has achieved more than $2 billion in sales and thousands of successful real estate transactions over her nearly thirty-year tenure. Beth has received national acclaim from the real estate industry and represents some of the most prestigious residents and properties across Massachusetts. Her enduring record as a top producer comes from the intuitive gift of sensing her clients’ needs. She has built a business that is referral-based at its core—a testament to her relationship-driven approach and penchant for exceeding expectations. It is this nuanced expertise that Beth leverages to guide many of her clients-turned-friends through some of the greatest milestones of their lives.


Beth was the proprietor of her own real estate company before joining the residential division of R. M. Bradley in 1993, where she was a top producer for more than a decade.  In 2003, she founded her own boutique real estate firm, Dickerson Real Estate, before merging with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty in 2007. Today, Beth attributes her success to her comprehensive marketing and advertising strategies, exclusive contact network, and unparalleled insight into neighborhoods like Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the South End and Waterfront. With an understanding that no two clients are alike, she works with clients in all phases of life—from first-time buyers to luxury developers, seasoned sellers and beyond. Beth offers clients the resources to aggressively market their property locally, nationally and globally, and her attention to detail, drive and enthusiasm are unmatched.


Beth has appeared in prestigious media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Mansion Global, The Boston Globe, and Boston magazine, and was prominently featured as Greater Boston’s real estate expert on WCVB Chronicle in 2020. She has had the honor of serving as President of the Downtown Council of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. For over ten years, she has been a Co-Chair and Committee Member for the Massachusetts General Pediatric Hospital for Children’s Storybook Ball. She serves as a Board Member of the Community Music Center of Boston and a member for the Perkins School for the Blind, Emerald Necklace Park Conservancy, Justine Liff Luncheon, Youth Villages and the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, among dozens of other organizations throughout the Boston area.

A long-time resident of Boston’s Back Bay, Beth was an active member of the community as she raised her two children: she served as treasurer of the Clarendon Street Playground and was an avid supporter of the Hill House Community Center.