Planning For Your Financial Future

Navigating Today’s Market: Real Estate, Retirement & the Reality of "Staying Put"

At Boston Connect Real Estate, we know that buying or selling a home is only part of the story. That’s why our Talk Real Estate Roundtable goes beyond listings and open houses—diving into the bigger conversations that shape our lives, our neighborhoods, and our futures. The May 3rd episode was no exception, featuring a special two-hour crossover with financial advisor Alyssa McNamara Reed of McNamara Financial, and plenty of insights for today’s market.

Real Talk: The Lock-In Effect and Aging in Place

One major topic? The “lock-in effect.” With many homeowners locked into low mortgage rates from years past, the incentive to move has decreased—even when families have outgrown their current homes or want to downsize. Sharon McNamara emphasized that this challenge is especially tough for the Boomer generation, who often struggle to find affordable, appropriate housing alternatives.

As a result, more people are choosing to age in place. But staying put doesn’t mean standing still. We guide clients in making smart updates to their current homes and planning ahead for lifestyle changes—ensuring comfort, safety, and resale value.

Financial Smarts: Supporting the Next Generation

Alyssa McNamara Reed brought a valuable financial perspective to the conversation, especially when discussing the difficulties younger buyers face in today’s competitive market. High interest rates, low inventory, and rising home prices have made it harder for first-time buyers—often requiring help from family, creative financing, or significant cash reserves.

Many parents are asking: How can I help my adult children become homeowners without jeopardizing my retirement? Alyssa shared strategic options, including tax-efficient asset withdrawals and the importance of keeping savings diversified outside of retirement accounts.

A Tale of Two Markets

Sharon recently returned from Texas, where she helped her daughter house hunt. The contrast between Dallas and the South Shore was eye-opening: more land, more new construction, and significantly lower prices. But as Sharon pointed out, “We won’t see that here.” With limited land and dense zoning regulations, Massachusetts simply can’t build at the same scale.

That makes our inventory even tighter—and our market even more nuanced. As a boutique brokerage, Boston Connect offers personalized guidance to help clients make the right move in this uniquely challenging landscape.

Looking Ahead: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

While the market may be “quiet” in terms of listings, it’s still active beneath the surface. Homes priced correctly and presented well are still moving quickly. Sharon and Alyssa discussed the importance of preparation—whether that’s staging a home for sale, structuring an offer creatively, or managing your finances for the long term.

At Boston Connect, our mission is to provide that holistic support. Because every move should be a moving experience.

Ready to Plan Your Next Chapter?

Whether you're buying, selling, or simply preparing for the future, the Boston Connect team is here for you.

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