North Andover, MA real estate: buy or sell with a local AXEN agent
North Andover drinks water from Lake Cochichewick, and about 800 parcels sit in the land that drains into it. Town bylaws require a special permit to build in that watershed. Deeds here are recorded in Lawrence at the Northern Essex Registry of Deeds, not in Salem.
What are the popular neighborhoods in North Andover?
Popular North Andover neighborhoods include Old Center, Downtown North Andover, Machine Shop Village, Lake Cochichewick area, Osgood Street corridor and Route 114 corridor. Each one prices differently, so ask your agent for recent sales in the ones you like.
Also near North Andover:
What should you know before buying a home in North Andover?
If the home is in the Lake Cochichewick watershed, plan on a special permit before you build or add on. Ask if the home has town sewer or a septic system, because septic homes need a Title 5 report. Your deed goes to the Northern Essex Registry in Lawrence.
The rules that apply everywhere in Massachusetts are on the Massachusetts page. These are the North Andover details that trip people up.
Get pre-approved →- Check if the lot is in the watershed. Lake Cochichewick is the town's drinking water. About 800 parcels sit in its watershed. Town bylaws require a special permit to build there, so ask before you plan an addition.
- Ask if it is sewer or septic. Some homes have town sewer and some have septic. A septic home needs a Title 5 inspection within 2 years before the sale. You must get a copy of the report. A failed system must be fixed within 2 years unless the town or state allows more time.
- Older homes and lead paint. If the home was built before 1978, the seller must give you the state Lead Paint Notification before you sign the purchase and sale. If a child under 6 will live there, the owner must delead or reach Interim Control within 90 days of taking title.
- A new owner can ask for a lower value. If you take title after January 1, you can still file a tax abatement. File after the third-quarter bill, by February 1 or 30 days after it was mailed, whichever is later. The town cannot extend this date.
- Your deed is recorded in Lawrence. North Andover is in the Northern Essex Registry of Deeds district with Andover, Lawrence and Methuen. The registry offers a free alert when a document is recorded in your name.
What should you do before selling a home in North Andover?
Before you sell in North Andover, get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the fire department. Apply online, and know it is good for only 60 days. If you have septic, get a Title 5 inspection within 2 years before the sale.
Get the fire department certificate.
State law says sellers need working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Apply on the town's online permit system. The inspection is set once you have a firm closing date. A house number must be on the home.
Mind the 60-day limit.
Once the inspector signs the certificate, it is good for 60 days. If your closing slips past that, you may need a new one.
Get Title 5 done early.
A septic inspection is good for 2 years, or 3 years if the tank was pumped every year and you have the records. If winter weather blocks it, it can be done up to 6 months after the sale if you tell the buyer in writing.
North Andover real estate questions
Where is my North Andover deed recorded?
At the Northern Essex Registry of Deeds in Lawrence. It keeps land records for Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover.
How long is the smoke certificate good for?
60 days after the inspector signs it. The fire department usually waits until you have a firm closing date to book it.
When can I appeal my North Andover tax bill?
After the third-quarter bill comes out. File by February 1 or 30 days after the bill was mailed, whichever is later. The town has 3 months to decide. If you do not agree, you can appeal to the state Appellate Tax Board.
Do I need a permit to build near Lake Cochichewick?
Often, yes. The lake is the town's drinking water, and town bylaws require a special permit to build in its watershed. Check before you buy if you plan to add on.
Does a home on town sewer need Title 5?
No. Title 5 is the state rule for septic systems. If the home has septic, the seller needs a Title 5 report from the last 2 years.
Buying or selling in North Andover? Talk to a local agent.
An AXEN agent who works in North Andover answers your questions for free. No cost to talk. No pressure to sign anything.