Guides & FAQs

We specialize in serving the immigrant community with culturally sensitive service, language support, and deep understanding of the unique challenges faced when navigating the Boston real estate market as a newcomer.

Namaste Boston was founded in 2015 with a mission to help immigrant families find their perfect home in the Greater Boston area. Over the years, we've helped hundreds of families navigate the local real estate market.

We serve the entire Greater Boston area, including but not limited to Boston proper, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton, Quincy, and over 30 surrounding towns. Our team has in-depth knowledge of various neighborhoods and their unique characteristics.

Yes! Our team is multilingual, with agents fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, Nepali, and several other languages commonly spoken in Greater Boston's diverse communities. We can also arrange for interpreters if needed.

We offer comprehensive first-time homebuyer programs that include education about the home buying process, assistance with mortgage pre-approval, and guidance through every step from house hunting to closing. We also help connect you with trusted lenders and attorneys who understand the needs of first-time buyers.

The first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This involves a review of your financial situation (income, credit, debts, and assets) to determine how much you can borrow. We can connect you with lenders who specialize in working with first-time buyers and immigrants.

While requirements vary by loan type, most conventional loans require a minimum credit score of 620. FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment, or 500 with a 10% down payment. We can help you understand your options based on your specific situation.

You'll typically need: 2 years of tax returns, recent pay stubs, 2 months of bank statements, W-2s from the past 2 years, photo ID, and proof of any additional income. If self-employed, you'll need additional documentation like profit/loss statements and 1099s.

Down payment requirements vary: Conventional loans typically require 5-20%, FHA loans require 3.5% with a 580+ credit score, and some first-time homebuyer programs offer 3% down options. VA and USDA loans offer 0% down options for qualified buyers.

Closing costs typically range from 2-5% of the home's purchase price and include loan origination fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, and other charges. In Massachusetts, buyers can expect to pay between $4,000-$10,000 in closing costs on average, in addition to the down payment.

Most homeowners need several types of insurance: 1) Homeowners insurance (required by lenders), 2) Title insurance (protects against ownership disputes), 3) Flood insurance (if in a flood zone), and 4) Umbrella insurance (for additional liability coverage). We can help assess your specific needs.

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Massachusetts is about $1,500 per year, but this can vary widely based on your home's value, location, age, and the coverage amounts you choose. Condos and multi-family homes have different rate structures as well.

Key factors include: your home's location (proximity to coast/flood zones), age and condition of the home, construction type, your claims history, credit score, deductible amount, and the coverage limits you select. Older homes or those with certain risk factors may have higher premiums.

Flood insurance is required if your home is in a high-risk flood zone and you have a government-backed mortgage. However, about 25% of flood claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas. Given New England's coastal location and weather patterns, we recommend considering flood insurance even if it's not required.

Actual cash value pays to replace your home or possessions minus depreciation. Replacement cost coverage pays the actual cost to replace or repair your property without deducting for depreciation. While replacement cost coverage is more expensive, it provides better protection and is generally recommended for most homeowners.

Yes, all testimonials on this page are from actual clients who have worked with Namaste Boston Homes. We maintain the highest level of integrity and only feature genuine feedback from people we've had the privilege to serve. Some clients have chosen to remain anonymous or use only their first names for privacy reasons.

Absolutely! We value feedback from all our clients. You can submit your testimonial by emailing us at testimonials@namasteboston.com or by filling out our contact form. Please include your name, the service you received, and your experience working with us. We may reach out to verify your information before publishing.

We aim to feature a diverse range of testimonials that represent the variety of services we offer and the different communities we serve. We prioritize detailed, specific feedback that helps potential clients understand what it's like to work with us. All testimonials are reviewed for authenticity and may be edited for clarity and length while maintaining the original sentiment.

No, we do not offer incentives for testimonials as we want to maintain the integrity of the feedback. All testimonials are voluntary and represent the genuine experiences of our clients. We believe this provides the most accurate representation of our services and helps build trust with potential clients.

Yes, we respect your right to update or remove your testimonial at any time. Simply contact us at testimonials@namasteboston.com with your request, and we'll process it promptly. We understand that circumstances change, and we want to ensure you're always comfortable with the information we share.