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Illustration of a red house under a magnifying glass with a handshake over a signed document, surrounded by autumn trees and Boston landmarks including the State House dome, Zakim Bridge, and a T train, symbolizing Brookline real estate and home inspections.

New Massachusetts Home Inspection Law Takes Effect: What Brookline Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

A sweeping new home inspection law taking effect October 15, 2025, will dramatically reshape the home-buying process across Massachusetts. Enacted as part of the 2024 Affordable Homes Act, the regulation ensures that every buyer has the right to a professional home inspection before purchasing a residential property — and makes it illegal for sellers or agents to pressure buyers into waiving that right.

The change comes after years of record competition in the housing market, when “no-inspection” offers became common as buyers sought to gain an edge in bidding wars. State officials say the new rules are designed to restore fairness, transparency, and consumer protection in real estate transactions.

Illustrated Brookline scene with a person holding a golden #1 trophy in front of a red-brick school, the Coolidge Corner Theatre, and the “T” sign, surrounded by families walking along a sunny, tree-lined street.

Brookline Schools Ranked #1 Again

Brookline once again tops Niche’s 2025–2026 rankings as the #1 public school district in Greater Boston — and it’s easy to see why. As both a local agent and parent of four in the Brookline Public Schools, I see every day how exceptional teachers, diverse programs, and a supportive community make this an extraordinary place to raise a family.

That same excellence drives Brookline’s real estate market, where single-family homes now average $3.13M and condos $1.21M, with homes selling in just over a month. Strong schools continue to anchor home values, attract long-term residents, and define Brookline as one of Massachusetts’ most sought-after towns to live, learn, and grow.

Stylized celebratory illustration of two silhouetted business leaders facing each other with a golden city skyline, upward growth arrow, and radiant background symbolizing Compass’s merger success.

Compass’s Journey: From NYC Startup to Industry Leader

In just over a decade Compass has evolved from a single Manhattan office into the nation’s No. 1 residential brokerage, expanding coast-to-coast through more than twenty strategic acquisitions—including Pacific Union, Alain Pinel, and @properties/Christie’s—that added thousands of top agents and tens of billions in annual sales volume. Backed by over $1.5 billion in venture funding and a 2021 IPO, the company blended a technology-first platform with an agent-centric culture to redefine how homes are bought and sold. That relentless growth now culminates in Compass’s planned $1.6 billion merger with Anywhere Real Estate, a move that will unite over 340,000 professionals and position Compass to shape the next era of residential real estate.

Collage illustration celebrating Brookline and Newton, MA—Green Line trolley, Coolidge Corner streetscape, leafy homes, Charles River with kayakers, farmers’ market, and a gold ribbon emblem—rendered in warm greens and golds, no text

Brookline Tops the Nation for Quality of Life

When U.S. News & World Report released its latest “Best Places to Live for Quality of Life” rankings, Brookline, Massachusetts, claimed the #1 spot in the entire country. For residents, this comes as welcome validation of what they experience daily: a town where excellent schools, cultural vitality, and walkable streets create a lifestyle that consistently outshines national peers. For homebuyers and sellers, the ranking adds another layer of urgency to an already competitive housing market.

Clean collage-style illustration of Brookline housing development, showing a crane, mid-rise apartment buildings, and a traditional house in muted teal and beige tones.

Brookline Faces New Wave of 40B Projects Amid Housing Pressure

Brookline’s affordable housing share has slipped below the state’s 10% threshold, giving developers new leverage under Chapter 40B. “We’re likely going to get three or four, maybe even six, new 40B applications this fall,” warned Planning Director Kara Brewton. Already, Oak Hill has revived its six-story plan at 429 Harvard Street, a 103-unit Chestnut Hill project is tied up in court, and City Realty has floated a massive Route 9 40B if commercial talks stall. With local control weakened, Brookline’s development battles are shifting from zoning boards to the state—and, in some cases, to the courts.

Dramatic duotone illustration with distressed figures holding their heads, black apartment buildings, and justice scales against a red and orange backdrop.

Broker’s Definitive Guide to Massachusetts’ New Rental Fee Law

A seismic shift is coming to the Massachusetts rental market. On August 1, 2025, a new law, championed by Governor Maura Healey, will fundamentally change how real estate brokers are paid. The long-standing practice of tenants paying the fee for the landlord’s agent will end. The new rule is simple: whoever hires the agent, pays the agent.

For a high-cost market like Brookline, where renters already face immense financial pressure, this change is monumental. This definitive guide deconstructs the new legislation, offering a strategic playbook for listing agents, tenant representatives, landlords, and renters. We’ll explore the critical compliance deadlines, the new “rules of the road” for representation, and the likely market impacts, from rising rents to the end of “co-broking” as we know it. This is your essential resource for navigating the new era of renting in Massachusetts.

Urgent duotone illustration of Brookline town hall and apartment buildings, with a landlord and tenant facing off amid floating documents and a large junk fee receipt.

Massachusetts’ New “Junk Fee” Regulations: What Brookline Landlords Need to Know

Beginning September 2, 2025, Massachusetts landlords will be subject to new regulations requiring full transparency in rental pricing. Under the state’s expanded consumer protection rules, all advertised rents must clearly disclose the “Total Price” a tenant will pay—including all mandatory fees and charges—before collecting any personal information. While originally designed to curb hidden fees in hotel and ticketing industries, the rules explicitly apply to rental housing. Brookline landlords should review their advertising and lease practices now to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties under Chapter 93A.

Urgent duotone illustration of Coolidge Corner Theatre and nearby apartments engulfed in flames, with silhouetted firefighters battling the blaze.

Two Coolidge Corner Fire Incidents in March

Two residential fires in Brookline—on Craig Place and Stedman Street—have sparked concern among local homeowners and buyers. As a real estate expert focused on Coolidge Corner, I’m breaking down what these incidents mean for property values, safety awareness, and the future of Coolidge Corner real estate.

Minimalist illustration of Brookline school building with children carrying backpacks, surrounded by trees and abstract enrollment icons like open doors, check marks, and forms.

A Guide to Public Schools Enrollment in Brookline, Mass.

Moving to a new town can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to enrolling your children in a new school. To help ease your transition, this article will guide you through the requirements for school enrollment in Brookline, ensuring a smooth and successful process for your family.