Susan Donahue Real Estate Services

Real Estate Brokerage · Andover, Massachusetts

11:47 PM in Andover Directions

Here is what working with Susan Donahue Real Estate in Andover typically covers, from the first consultation to closing day. Services and terms vary, so confirm the details in your written agreement.

For home buyers

Buyer strategy session

Clarifies budget, loan pre-approval status and the representation agreement now required in Massachusetts.

Home search and private showings

Tours of homes for sale in and around Andover, including new listings as they hit the market.

Offer strategy and negotiation

Comparable sales, offer terms, contingencies and inspection negotiations.

Contract-to-close management

Tracking deadlines for inspection, appraisal and financing until the keys change hands.

Selling a home

Listing price strategy

Comparable sales and current competition used to set a realistic asking price.

Listing preparation

Advice on repairs, staging and photography before the home goes live.

Marketing the listing

MLS exposure, online listing portals, signage and open houses where they make sense.

Showings, offers and closing

Scheduling showings, reviewing offers and managing the contract to closing.

How a typical transaction works

ConsultA first conversation about goals, budget and timing — and a written agreement that spells out services and compensation.
PrepareBuyers get pre-approved; sellers review a pricing analysis and prepare the home for photos.
Market & tourListings go live on the MLS; buyers tour homes and compare recent sales.
NegotiateOffers, counteroffers, inspection requests and appraisal issues are worked through.
CloseFinal walk-through and signing with the title or escrow company under Massachusetts rules.

Typical costs on an Andover home

Illustrative figures for a home at the local typical value of $999,919. Real numbers depend on your agreement, lender and title company.

Item	Rate	On $1,000K
Listing-side commission (negotiable)	2.5–3%	$24,998–$29,998
Buyer-side compensation (negotiable)	2–3%	$19,998–$29,998
Buyer closing costs (lender, title, escrow)	2–5%	$19,998–$49,996
Home inspection	flat	$350–$600

Every percentage above is negotiable and is set in the written agreement. Typical value from the Zillow Home Value Index (August 2026).

Areas around Andover

North Andover, MA2.8 mi · $811K Methuen, MA5.4 mi · $623K Dracut, MA8.4 mi · $577K Lynnfield, MA9.4 mi · $1.11M Salem, NH9.5 mi · $609K Wakefield, MA11 mi · $819K Burlington, MA11 mi · $877K Woburn, MA12 mi · $759K

Questions about these services

How are real estate agents paid in Massachusetts?

Compensation is negotiable and set out in writing. Sellers sign a listing agreement; since August 2024 buyers sign a written buyer agreement before touring homes with an agent, stating what the agent will be paid and by whom.

Does Susan Donahue Real Estate work with both buyers and sellers?

Most agents and brokerages represent both, but not in the same transaction without written consent. Ask how Susan Donahue Real Estate handles dual agency or designated agency under Massachusetts law.

What should I prepare before the first meeting?

Buyers: a mortgage pre-approval, a target budget and a list of must-haves. Sellers: your mortgage payoff estimate, a list of upgrades with dates, and any HOA or survey documents.