Berkshires Real Estate Law Blog

When a Short-Term Rental is Not a Good Neighbor

Many Berkshire County towns have now passed zoning and general bylaws permitting short-term rentals. Most recently, short-term rentals have been approved in Alford, Becket, Sandisfield, North Adams, and Washington. There are certainly benefits to short-term rentals, both for homeowners and for towns; however, short-term rental use of homes is more in the nature of a […]

Glover SJC Zoning Case: Religious Use Exemption

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has ruled in favor of Lazan, Glover & Puciloski’s client, Hume Lake Christian Camps. The Court ruled this month that state law exempting religious organizations from local zoning bylaws extended to the camp’s request for 12 recreational vehicle sites. The case is Hume Lake Christian Camps, Inc. v. Planning Board of […]

Photo of Goodnow Preserve rock wall and green foliage in New Marlborough, Massachusetts

Buying Land in the Berkshires? Avoid Pitfalls!

If you’re buying land in the Berkshires, you almost certainly want to be able to build on that land. It’s important to have the opportunity to sufficiently evaluate the land for your needs before you buy. You don’t want to ask after the purchase, “How close to the property line can I build?” or “How […]

Image of out house surrounded by fall foliage in the Berkshires for article about what to know before you buy septic systems in the berkshires

What to Know About Septic Systems in the Berkshires

If you’ve had a sewer line connected to your home, the whole concept of a septic system might be new to you. You might think that it’s just another kind of sewer. However, the problem is that rules about septic systems in the Berkshires are very detailed and, if there are problems, you own them—not […]

What Are Common Closing Costs in Massachusetts?

“What are common closing costs in Massachusetts?” This is perhaps the most common question we get from prospective buyers and sellers. Every transaction is different, so the question is not always easy to answer. However, there are some standard fees that one should expect. Read our list! Massachusetts Buyer Closing Costs Massachusetts Seller Closing Costs […]

Thoughtful man in blue shirt with blue coffee cup wondering if he needs title insurance

What is Title Insurance in Massachusetts?

One of the most common questions we get from buyers is, “what is title insurance and why do I need it?” Although most homeowners in Massachusetts have title insurance, it remains a mystery to many people. Read on for clarity…and a real life scenario—one property owner had title insurance, one did not. Quick Overview Title […]