Boston Multi-Family Guide Talk with an agent
For people considering a two- or three-family building

Five questions to ask before you buy a Boston multi-family.

A building can be kept as it is, adjusted, or rebuilt around a new idea. What it is allowed to become is a question of facts. Start with these five.

1

What is the building legally allowed to be?

Check the zoning district, the legal number of units, and the certificate of occupancy. Bedroom counts in a listing are not a legal conclusion about permitted use.

Who can tell you: City of Boston Inspectional Services, a zoning attorney
2

What does it cost to run for a year?

Gather real figures for taxes, insurance, repairs, management and utilities. Ask what has been spent, not what could be spent.

Who can tell you: The seller’s records, a property manager, your accountant
3

Could the space be used differently?

Owners sometimes look at a basement unit, extra rooms or condominiums. Each depends on zoning, building code, egress and fire rules, and none is assumed.

Who can tell you: An architect, the City of Boston, a real estate attorney
4

What do the age and systems mean?

Older buildings raise questions about lead paint, heating, electrical capacity and windows. Massachusetts has disclosure rules for homes built before 1978.

Who can tell you: A home inspector, a licensed contractor
5

Who is on your team?

A buyer typically brings an agent, a lender, an attorney and an inspector together before making an offer.

Who can tell you: Start with a conversation. That is what we are here for.

Talk it through with two Compass agents.

Alexander Koziakov and Vasyl Varha manage and lease property as well as sell it. Tell us what you are considering and we will reply within one business day.

Alexander Koziakov · Vice President · 617-755-4484 Vasyl Varha · Licensed Real Estate Agent · 774-286-8545
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