New Policy To Protect MA Homebuyers Starts Wednesday

Massachusetts homebuyers were provided with additional protection starting Wednesday.

The new policy, implemented in June but only starting Wednesday, protects homebuyers’ rights to a home inspection.

See also: MA Salary Transparency Law Takes Effect In October

The policy prohibits sellers or their agents from selling a home on the condition that a buyer waives an inspection and prevents a seller from accepting an offer if the seller is informed in advance that the buyer intends to waive their right to an inspection.

“A home inspection is an important step in buying a property," Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus said in a media release.

See also: This MA City Is The Hottest Real Estate Market In The Country, Realtor Data Shows

"Homebuyers must have the ability to make informed financial decisions and be given a clear picture of needed repairs or safety issues that could arise,” Augustus said. “This new regulation creates a fairer, more even playing field for buyers and sellers, and HLC is proud to implement yet another smart policy from the historic Affordable Homes Act.”

The policy was implemented in response to the recent trend of sellers pressuring homebuyers to forego home inspections "so their offer to purchase will be considered competitive," according to the release.

See also: Greater Boston Home Prices Continue To Rise In 2025, Study Finds

"Home inspections can help buyers uncover potential issues, avoid unexpected expenses and bring peace of mind to a family making a big financial decision," the release said. "They can also be an important part of negotiating a fair price for a home."

The new policy does allow a buyer to pass on a home inspection "as long as the decision is not influenced by the seller or their agent, and prohibits contract terms that decrease the effectiveness of inspections, while still permitting reasonable, negotiated terms," the release said.

See Also: More Homes Are Selling In MA So Far This Year, But Prices Continue To Rise: Warren Group