Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/1544989
14 What Buyers and Sellers Should Know "The market is competitive again—this law ensures that competition is guided by clarity and strategy." As we move into the spring market, one thing is clear— competition is back. We're once again seeing strong demand, multiple offers, and buyers moving quickly to secure the right home. At the same time, Massachusetts has implemented a new home inspection law that is shaping how those offers are structured. You may be hearing more about it now, and understandably so. When the market heats up, the details of how to compete—and how to move forward with confidence—matter more than ever. So what does this new law actually mean? At its core, the law ensures that every buyer has a clear opportunity to conduct a home inspection. Sellers—and their agents—can no longer require or accept an offer that includes a waived inspection upfront. A standard disclosure form is now also part of the process, confirming that buyers understand their right to inspect the property. What's important is how this plays out in today's competitive environment. This is not about slowing the market down—it's about creating a consistent starting point. Buyers are still competing. Sellers are still receiving strong offers. But the competition continues to be driven by preparation, strength of terms and overall strategy—now with greater clarity and consistency across the process. And that's a meaningful distinction. In past highly competitive markets, waiving a home inspection became one of the ways buyers tried to stand out. That wasn't a reflection of agents—it was a reflection of the pace and intensity of the market itself. Buyers were making fast decisions to By Carol Conway Bulman CEO & Owner, Jack Conway A New Chapter for Home Inspections in Massachusetts —In a Competitive Market