November on the South Shore: rates, buyer options, and holiday fun

Hello, neighbors, November on the South Shore is one of my favorite times of year. The summer crowds are gone, the harbors are quiet, and every town starts lighting up for the holidays.

This month I'm covering where mortgage rates stand right now, a few ways buyers are lowering their monthly payments, and plenty of things to do from Boston down to Plymouth. Use the tabs above to jump to your part of the map.

Wishing you and your family a warm and happy Thanksgiving.

Janet

Rates have eased two weeks in a row, but they are still above 7%. On October 28 the Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate at 3.75% to 4%, though two members voted for another increase, and many economists still expect a hike at the December meeting. In other words, we probably won't see a big rate drop this winter.

My honest take: if you find the right home, waiting for lower rates isn't much of a plan. A smart loan structure can make a real difference. Here are a few options worth asking your lender about.

Your rate is 2 points lower in year one and 1 point lower in year two, then returns to the full rate. The money for those savings goes into an account at closing, and the seller often pays it as a concession instead of cutting the price.

Makes sense if: you expect your income to grow, or you'd like breathing room while settling in. Seller-paid buydowns count toward concession limits: 3%, 6%, or 9% on conventional loans depending on your down payment, 6% on FHA, and 4% on VA.

You or the seller pay "points" up front to lower your rate for the life of the loan. Makes sense if: you plan to stay in the home for many years and have the cash at closing.

A 5/1 ARM is fixed for five years, then adjusts each year. Lately it has been running almost a full point below the 30 year fixed (6.41% compared with 7.37% in the same survey). On a $585,000 loan, that's about $375 less a month, or roughly $22,500 over the first five years.

Makes sense if: you expect to move or refinance within five to seven years. Ask your lender how much the rate can rise at each adjustment and over the life of the loan, so you know the worst case up front.

Note: MassHousing's special $25,000 0% option ended early, on July 2, 2026. Its standard assistance is still available.

Not sure which option fits? Reply to this email and I'll connect you with a local lender I trust, so you can compare them side by side.

In Norfolk County, the Registry of Deeds recorded 714 property sales in September, up 4% from a year ago, and total sales volume was up 20%. Single family homes are still in demand, while condo buyers have a little more room to negotiate.

Snowport Holiday Market, Seaport
Nov 6 to Dec 27 · Free general admission. Waterfront shopping, food, and lights.

Boston's Christmas Tree Arrives, Boston Common
Tue, Nov 17, about 11 am · The city's annual gift from Nova Scotia comes to the Common. The lighting is Thursday, Dec 3, 6 to 8 pm.

SoWa Christmas Market, South End
Nov 20 to Dec 27 · $10, children 12 and under free. Local makers in an indoor setting.

Trellis Lighting at Christopher Columbus Park, North End
Mon, Nov 23 · A favorite harborside holiday lighting.

Lighting of the Ship at Martin's Park, Seaport
Sat, Nov 28, 5 pm · A special celebration just for children.

Copley Square Tree Lighting, Back Bay
Mon, Nov 30, 5 to 6 pm · Free, with cookies and photos with Santa afterward at the Fairmont Copley Plaza.

Quincy Christmas Parade, Quincy
Sun, Nov 29 · The 73rd annual parade celebrates Quincy's 250th with a "Stars and Stripes" theme. It starts at Hancock Street and Hannon Parkway and ends at North Quincy High School.

Braintree's Festival of Trees, Braintree
Dec 3 to Dec 6 · Save the date for decorated trees and family fun.

Christmas Tree Lighting at the Irish Cultural Centre, Canton
Fri, Dec 4, 6:30 to 9 pm · Mulled wine, mince pies, and music to start the season.

America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration, Plymouth
Nov 20 to Nov 22 · The parade steps off from Plymouth Rock at 10 am on Saturday, Nov 21, followed by waterfront festivities until 4 pm. Friday night brings a Plymouth Philharmonic concert, and Sunday is the Harvest Festival.

Thanksgiving at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Plymouth
New England Harvest Feast Sat, Nov 14 · Thanksgiving Day dinners Thu, Nov 26 · A memorable way to spend the holiday. Reserve early.

Winter Farmers' Market at the Marshfield Fairgrounds, Marshfield
Sat, Nov 21, 10 am to 1 pm · Free. About 20 local farmers, bakers, and artisans under the grandstand at Gate A. Perfect for Thanksgiving shopping.

Hingham Holiday Fair, Hingham
Sat, Nov 21, 9 am to 4 pm · At Hingham High School. Christmas in the Square follows on the first Friday in December, with Santa arriving by fire truck.

Edaville's Winter Wonderland, Carver
Weekends, Nov 27 to Dec 27 · Holiday train rides, lights, skating, and Santa. General admission is $36, and buying online is strongly recommended.

Hull Holiday Showcase, Hull
Sat, Nov 28, 11 am to 4 pm · Small Business Saturday shopping at the Nantasket Beach Resort.

Christmas Festival in Downtown Hanover, Hanover
Sat, Nov 28 · Hosted by Main Street Hanover.

Duxbury Holly Days, Duxbury
Sun, Nov 29, 1 to 4 pm · Festive trolleys take you through all of Duxbury's villages, with music, crafts, and treats along the way.

Event details can change, so please check with each organizer before you go.