As heating season starts, Massachusetts buyers want to know what a home costs to keep warm. After they've seen the kitchen, the heating question usually follows.
Clear, accurate answers help. These are the questions Massachusetts sellers commonly hear.
What Do Utilities Cost Throughout the Year?
Depending on your town, electricity comes from Eversource, National Grid, Unitil, or a municipal light plant. Gas may come from Eversource or National Grid. Download a year of billing history from your online accounts. If you're on a budget plan or a municipal aggregation program, mention it. Usage in kilowatt-hours and therms is often more useful than dollars.
Your bills reflect your household's habits. They aren't a forecast for the next owner.
How Is the Home Heated?
Many Massachusetts homes heat with oil, often through a boiler. Share delivery records with gallons and dates, and the age of the tank. Heat pumps are increasingly common, sometimes alongside an older system. Share the type, fuel, age, and service records. Lifespan and sizing questions belong with a licensed technician or the buyer's inspector.
Have You Made Improvements Through Mass Save?
Many homeowners have had a Mass Save home energy assessment and added insulation, air sealing, or heat pumps with rebates. Share the assessment report, invoices, and any rebate paperwork. Note any HEAT Loan balance and how it's handled at sale. Describe the work rather than promising savings.
How Are Water and Sewer Handled?
Many towns bill water and sewer quarterly or semi-annually. Homes on septic need a Title 5 inspection at sale, so have records ready. Homes on wells should share water test results.
Are There Comfort Problems?
An ice dam history, a cold room over a porch, or a drafty older window is worth describing. Share what you've done. Talk with us about disclosure expectations in Massachusetts.
If you're preparing to sell, ask us which running-cost information would be useful to have ready for buyers considering your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mass Save home energy assessment?
It's a home energy evaluation through the state's efficiency program. Sharing the report helps buyers understand past work.
Does a Mass Save HEAT Loan need to be paid off when I sell?
Check with your lender. Many HEAT Loans must be paid off at sale.
How do I show oil heating costs?
Share delivery records with gallons and dates.
Is Title 5 required to sell a home with septic?
Yes, a Title 5 inspection is generally required at transfer.
Should I promise energy savings?
No. Describe the work instead.
Do I have to share utility bills?
It isn't required, but many buyers ask.
.png)
