The process starts when you reach out to a local buyer. Unlike a Realtor who wants to sign a 6-month listing agreement immediately, a cash buyer just needs basic details to see if your house fits their buying criteria.

What you'll need to provide:

• The Address: (Obviously).
• Condition of the Home: Be honest here. Are there roof leaks? Old wiring? Cash buyers expect repairs, so you don't need to hide them.
• Your Timeline: Do you need to sell in 10 days to stop a foreclosure, or do you need 60 days to move out?
• Why You Are Selling: This helps the buyer structure the deal (e.g., if you are selling an inherited home, they know to ask about Probate status).

If your property meets the buyer's criteria, they will schedule a visit. This is not like a traditional open house.

• No Staging Required: You don't need to bake cookies or hide your clutter.
• Speed: The walkthrough usually takes 15-30 minutes.
• What They Look For: They aren't looking at your paint colors. They are looking at "CapEx" (Capital Expenditure) items: the roof, foundation, heating system, and electrical panel.

At the end of this walkthrough (or shortly after), you will receive a firm cash offer.

If you accept the offer, you will move to the paperwork phase. In Massachusetts, this typically involves two documents, though cash buyers often combine them for speed:

• The Offer to Purchase (OTP): A short document outlining the price and closing date.
• The Purchase and Sale Agreement (P&S): The more detailed contract.

Key Terms to Look For:

• "As-Is" Clause: This protects you. It states the buyer is purchasing the home in its current condition and cannot sue you later for a leaky faucet.
• No Financing Contingency: This is the hallmark of a cash deal. It guarantees the buyer won't back out because a bank said "no."
• Closing Date: Usually 14–30 days out, depending on your preference.

This is where selling in Boston differs from other parts of the country. Massachusetts is an "Attorney State," meaning a real estate attorney (not just a title company) generally oversees the closing.

While the buyer handles most of the heavy lifting, there are two things the seller often assists with:

1. The Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Certificate

You cannot sell a house in Massachusetts without a Certificate of Compliance from the local Fire Department (per MGL Ch. 148 Sec. 26F).

• The Rule: Your smoke and CO detectors must be up to code and working.
• The Process: The buyer or your attorney will usually schedule the fire department inspection. If the detectors fail, they must be replaced before closing.
• Note: Many cash buyers will agree to pay for the new detectors and handle the appointment for you.

2. The 6D Certificate (Condos Only)

If you are selling a condo in Southie, Back Bay, or anywhere in MA, you need a 6D Certificate. This document proves you have paid all your condo fees. Without it, the deal cannot close.

On closing day, you don't always need to sit around a conference table.

• Signing the Deed: You sign the deed over to the buyer.
• Recording: The attorney takes the deed to the Registry of Deeds (e.g., Suffolk County Registry).
• Getting Paid: Once the deed is on record, the funds are wired directly to your bank account or given as a certified check.