Massachusetts laws
MGL c. 93, § 114 "Psychologically impacted" properties
Sellers and brokers do not have to disclose to buyers or tenants the fact that a property is perceived to be tainted by the health of a previous occupant, a murder or suicide, or paranormal phenomena. However, they may not be deceitful in answers to questions about the property.
MGL c. 183 Conveyances by deed, mortgage discharge
MGL c. 183A Condominiums
MGL c. 183B Time shares
MGL c. 184 General provisions relative to real property
St. 1983, c. 527 Condominium conversion
Court rules and procedures
Massachusetts Land Court rules. Also available as an eBook.
Guidelines on registered land, Mass. Land Court, February 27, 2009.
Note: These Guidelines have been supplemented by the Land Court in Registered land memos issued by the Chief Title Examiner. Updated registered land court forms and instructions can also be found on the Land Court's website.
Manual of instructions for the survey of lands and preparation of plans, Mass. Land Court, 2006.
"This manual is issued for the information and guidance of land surveyors preparing surveys and plans to be filed in the Land Court. No survey or plan will be accepted for filing unless these requirements have been fulfilled to the satisfaction of the Land Court's Survey Division."
Registries of Deeds
Massachusetts Registry of Deeds, Mass. Secretary of State.
Provides links to all of the Registries of Deeds, which then provide access to addresses, phone numbers, and websites for the individual registries.
Selected cases
Brennan v. DeCosta, 24 Mass. App. Ct. 968 (1987)
"As a general rule, the title of persons who acquire land bounded by a street or way runs to the center line of the way, G. L. c. 183, § 58 , and carries with it the right to use the way along its entire length... To that general rule, however, there are limitations."
Casey v. Papamechail, Misc. 18-000620, Mass. Land Court (2021)
Criteria for the reformation of deeds set forth by the court. In this case, a deed reformation (to correct the wrong property described in the deed) was conditioned on MassHealth being allowed to make a claim for recovery of benefits.
Michelson v. Sherman, 310 Mass. 774 (1942)
The statute of frauds requires a written document “which recites the essential elements of the contract with reasonable certainty.”
The Real Estate Bar Association of Massachusetts v. National Real Estate Information Services, 459 Mass. 512 (2011)
The "closing or settlement of the types of real estate transactions described in the record require not only the presence but the substantive participation of an attorney on behalf of the mortgage lender, and that certain services connected with real property conveyances constitute the practice of law in Massachusetts." Outlines what constitutes unauthorized practice of law in real estate transactions.
Web sources
Buying real estate
- Buying a home, A. Joseph Ross, 2011.
Describes the basics of buying a home in Massachusetts. - Buying and selling real estate in Massachusetts, International Lawyers Network, Fall 2023 edition.
Contains concise factual information about standard agreements, the role of brokers, different forms of ownership for residential and commercial property, and closing costs and documents. -
The homebuying process in Massachusetts, Mass. Division of Banks.
Brief overview of mortgage types and the various steps of purchasing a home from securing a loan to closing on the property. -
How to buy a home in Massachusetts, Nolo.
Covers hiring a real estate agent and lawyer, making an offer, examining the property for defects, and the responsibilities of the closing attorney.
Selling real estate
- Selling your home, A. Joseph Ross, 2009.
Describes the basics of how to sell a house or condominium in Massachusetts.
Registered land
- Massachusetts registered land - a primer, National Law Review, July 8, 2014.
Explains the often misunderstood or unknown legal structure of registered land in Massachusetts. - Registered land memos from the Chief Title Examiner
The memos provide guidance with respect to various statutes that affect registered land. - What is the difference between recorded land and registered land?, Middlesex South Registry of Deeds.
The second FAQ on the list addresses this question.
Other topics
- The Attorney General's guide to manufactured housing community law, Mass. Attorney General, Nov. 2017.
A comprehensive discussion of the legal rights and responsibilities of residents and owners of manufactured housing communities. - How do I take someone's name off of my deed? Middlesex North Registry of Deeds, Jan. 1, 2009.
Clearly explains the steps to be taken whether the person to be removed is alive or deceased. - Joint ownership of real estate in Massachusetts, Middlesex North Registry of Deeds, August 23, 2017.
Concise explanation of the three types of joint ownerships.
Print sources
Crocker’s notes on common forms, 12th ed., MCLE, 2022.
Handling residential real estate transactions in Massachusetts, 5th ed., MCLE, 2023.
Litigating residential real estate disputes in Massachusetts, 3rd ed., MCLE, 2023.
Massachusetts conveyancers’ handbook with forms, by Edward C. Mendler, 4th ed., West, 2008 with supplement.
Massachusetts real estate, by Robert Marzelli, 3rd ed., Lexis, 2005 with supplement.
Massachusetts real estate litigation, Lexis, annual.
Nolo's essential guide to buying your first home by Ilona Bray, 8th ed., Nolo, 2023. (eBook available here with library card).
Real estate law with forms, (Mass. Practice v.28-28C), annual, Thomson Reuters.
Real estate title practice in Massachusetts, 4th ed., MCLE, loose-leaf.
Saving the family cottage : creative ways to preserve your cottage, cabin, camp or vacation home for future generations by Stuart J. Hollander, 6th ed., Nolo, 2021. (eBook available here with library card).
Selling your house : Nolo's essential guide by Ilona Bray, 5th ed., Nolo, 2023. (eBook available at link with library card).
Contact for Massachusetts law about real estate
Online
| Last updated: | February 1, 2024 |
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