1
Get Your Offer Letter
True physician lenders do not need you to wait for an official employment contract. Your official Match Day letter is all you need to start the pre-approval process for a 100% Dr. Loan.
New Resident Home Buying Guide
Match Day to Move-In
New Resident Home Buying Guide
You matched in Western Massachusetts. Congratulations! Now the clock is ticking. Learn how to navigate the fast-moving post-Match Day timeline, secure financing, and find your new home before orientation begins.
View the Timeline
3 Things to Do Immediately After Match Day
2
Connect with a Lender
Do not use a standard online mortgage calculator. Connect with a specialized physician lender to understand exactly what you can afford using future income and excluding student debt.
3
Hire a DRS Agent
Partner with Shaun McLean, a certified DRS Agent you can trust who understands the tight residency timeline and can act as your boots on the ground in Western Massachusetts.
The Schedule
The Post-Match Relocation Timeline
The window between Match Day and residency orientation is incredibly tight. Here is how we structure the process to ensure you are moved in on time.
Third Friday of March (Match Day)
Celebrate & Strategize
You’ve matched – celebrate! Then reach out to Shaun. We will schedule a strategy call to discuss your budget, commute preferences (Baystate, Mercy, Cooley Dickinson, etc.), and connect you with a physician lender.
Late March / April
House Hunting & Offers
With your pre-approval in hand, we hit the ground running. If you are out of state, Shaun conducts thorough virtual tours via FaceTime or Zoom. We identify top choices and submit competitive offers.
May
Under Contract
Once an offer is accepted, we navigate home inspections, appraisals, and finalizing your loan. Shaun manages the local logistics so you can focus on graduating and packing.
June
Closing & Move-In
Closing day! You receive your keys and move in, allowing you a few days to settle into your new home before the rigorous residency orientation schedule begins.
Renting vs. Buying in Western Massachusetts
Many residents assume they must rent because of student debt or lack of a down payment. With a Physician Loan, buying often becomes the smarter financial decision.
The Reality of Renting
- ✕0% Return on Investment: You are paying someone else's mortgage.
- ✕Rent Hikes: Annual increases are common in the Pioneer Valley.
- ✕Lack of Control: Limited ability to customize your space or guarantee pet policies.
- ✓Maintenance: Handled by the landlord.
Recommended
The Benefits of Buying
- ✓Build Equity: Your monthly payments act as a forced savings account.
- ✓Stable Payments: A fixed-rate mortgage locks in your principal and interest costs.
- ✓Preserve Cash: Utilize a 100% Dr. Loan—0% down and no PMI—to keep savings intact for moving.
- ✓Tax Benefits: Potential deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes.
Housing Options in Western Massachusetts
Whether you are working at Baystate Medical Center, Mercy, or Cooley Dickinson, the Pioneer Valley offers diverse housing options to fit a resident's lifestyle and budget.
Condos & Townhomes
Ideal for busy residents who want to build equity without the burden of exterior maintenance, landscaping, or snow removal.
- Maintenance:Very Low (HOA)
- Space:Efficient
Single-Family Homes
Perfect for residents relocating with families or pets. Offers privacy, outdoor space, and strong resale potential in local suburban communities.
- Maintenance:Owner Responsibility
- Space:Ample / Yards
Multi-Family (House Hacking)
An excellent investment strategy. Live in one unit and rent out the other units to offset your mortgage while in residency.
- Maintenance:Landlord Duties
- Benefit:Income Producing
How I Make Your Relocation Easier
As a DRS Agent, I know that your time is your most valuable asset. If you are finishing medical school across the country, you cannot afford to fly back and forth to look at houses.
Comprehensive Virtual Touring
I conduct detailed, live video walk-throughs pointing out the good, the bad, and the neighborhood vibe so you can buy confidently from afar.
Commute & Logistics Planning
I help identify homes within a safe, easy driving radius to your hospital or clinic, factoring in New England weather and traffic.
Trusted Vendor Network
From physician-specific loan officers to reliable home inspectors and real estate attorneys, my network is ready to mobilize quickly for you.
Ready to Start the Process?
The sooner we connect after Match Day, the more options you will have. Let's schedule a brief strategy session to discuss your goals and timelines.
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