Is Boston a buyer's or seller's market right now?

Boston is currently a balanced market with 3.8 months of supply. 13.6% of homes sell above asking price, and 36.2% go pending within two weeks. The Ridley Sell Score for Boston is 47/100 (Cooling), based on 7 real-time market signals including inventory, pricing trends, and buyer demand.

What's the median home price in Boston?

The median home price in Boston is $825,000, down 3.2% year-over-year. The median price per square foot is $656. Homes sell in a median of 60 days with a sale-to-list ratio of 97.3%.

How much does it cost to sell a home in Boston, Massachusetts?

On a $825,000 home in Boston, a traditional listing agent charges around $24,750 (3% commission). Add buyer agent commission (3%), closing costs (1–2%), and you could spend $66,000 or more. With Ridley Essentials ($999) you save $23,751, and with Ridley Pro ($3,499) you save $21,251 while getting full agent support.

How does Ridley's flat fee compare to a traditional Boston agent?

A traditional Boston listing agent typically charges 3% of the sale price — about $24,750 on a $825,000 home. Ridley offers two flat-fee plans: Essentials ($999) with MLS listing, marketing tools, and self-service support, or Pro ($3,499) with a dedicated licensed agent. That saves you $23,751–$21,251 compared to a traditional agent.

How long does it take to sell a home in Boston?

The median home in Boston currently spends 60 days on the market before going under contract. 36.2% of homes go pending within two weeks. At a 97.3% sale-to-list ratio, sellers are seeing some negotiation. Only 15.2% of listings see a price drop, suggesting sellers can hold firm on pricing.

Do I need a real estate agent to sell in Massachusetts?

No. Massachusetts does not require you to use a real estate agent to sell your home. You can sell independently (FSBO) or use a flat-fee service like Ridley that gives you MLS access, professional tools, and expert support at a fraction of the traditional commission. On a $825,000 home, that could save you up to $21,251.

What's included with Ridley Essentials and Pro?

Ridley offers two plans in Massachusetts. Essentials ($999) includes MLS listing distribution, professional listing tools, marketing materials, and self-service support. Pro ($3,499) includes everything in Essentials plus a dedicated licensed agent partner, expert pricing consultation, offer review and negotiation support, contract and deadline management, and full closing coordination. Both save significantly vs. the traditional $24,750 commission.

National/Massachusetts

Boston, MA

Is Now a Good Time to Sell in Boston, Massachusetts?

The median home in Boston sells for $825,000 with prices down 3.2% year-over-year. The average seller pays $24,750 in commissions — Ridley’s flat fee saves you $21,251.

Boston Real Estate Market Conditions — March 2026

47out of 100

Ridley Sell Score

How it's scored →

Cooling

47/100

The market is shifting — strategic pricing and presentation matter more.

What this means for sellers

The Boston market is cooling, and sellers need to be strategic. Buyers have more options and are negotiating harder. Invest in staging and professional photography to differentiate your listing. Flexibility on terms can make the difference in attracting serious buyers.

Inventory TightnessNeutral

3.8 months of supply — near the balanced threshold of 5 months. Massachusetts average is 1.9.

Price MomentumFavors buyers

Prices down 3.2% year-over-year — vs. 0% statewide.

Seller LeverageFavors buyers

Homes selling at 97.3% of asking — buyers are negotiating 2.7% below list. Massachusetts average is 99.3%.

Bidding ActivityFavors buyers

13.6% of homes selling above list price — 63% below the Massachusetts average of 36.5%.

Sale SpeedNeutral

60 median days on market — 20 days slower than the Massachusetts average.

Market UrgencyFavors sellers

36.2% of listings go pending within 2 weeks — vs. 42.5% statewide.

Price StabilityNeutral

15.2% of listings have dropped their price. Massachusetts average is 20%.

Score based on 7 real-time market signals. Updated with latest available data.

How it works →

Median Sale Price

The midpoint price of all homes sold in the past month. Half sold for more, half for less.

$825,000

-3.2%

Days on Market

How long the typical home sits on the market before going under contract. Lower is better for sellers.

Price per Sq Ft

Average cost per square foot of living space. Useful for comparing homes of different sizes.

$656

Sale-to-List Ratio

How close homes sell to their asking price. Above 100% means bidding wars; below means negotiation room.

97.3%

Months of Supply

How long it would take to sell all current listings at the current pace. Under 3 months favors sellers; over 6 favors buyers.

3.8

Balanced

Competitiveness

Overall market competition based on offers per listing, days on market, and sale-to-list ratio.

Somewhat Competitive

Sold Above List

Percentage of homes that sold for more than their list price.

13.6%

Room to negotiate

Price Drops

Percentage of active listings that had a price reduction.

15.2%

Well-priced market

Pending in 2 Weeks

Percentage of listings that went under contract within 14 days.

36.2%

Moderate pace

12-Month Price Trend

$855,000 → $825,000

▼3.5%

$860K$840K$820K$800K

AprJunAugOctDecFebMar

Data updated March 2026

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Personalized pricing signals, demand shifts, and Sell Score changes for Boston — delivered monthly.

Your savings

How much can you save selling your home in Boston?

The average Boston homeowner saves $21,251 by selling with Ridley instead of paying the traditional 3% listing commission on a $825,000 home.

$0Estimated savings

That could fund a full kitchen remodel — save 2.6% of your home value

Your Boston home value

$825,000

$50,000$10M

Traditional Agent (3%)

$24,750

Ridley Pro (flat fee)

$3,499

Ready to sell in Boston?

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Cost comparison

How much does it cost to sell a house in Boston?

The total cost to sell a house in Boston in 2026 ranges from $999 with Ridley Essentials to approximately $24,750 with a traditional 3% commission on a $825,000 home.

	Traditional Agent	Best valueRidley Pro	Ridley Essentials	FSBO
Listing fee	$24,750	$3,499	$999	$0
Buyer agent	$23,1002.8% avg	$16,500~2% avg	$16,500~2% avg	$23,1002.8% avg
Closing costs (~1.5%)	$12,375	$12,375	$12,375	$12,375
Total cost	$60,225	$32,374	$29,874	$35,475
Net proceeds	$764,775	$792,626	$795,126	$789,525
You save	—	$21,251	$23,751	$24,750No support