Housing Is the Ultimate Numbers Game
That we have a housing shortage in Massachusetts, and that it is getting ever more dire by the year, is not some arcane economics debate.
Your New Condos Aren’t ‘Luxury.’ Calling Them That Causes Bigger Problems
If every new development is advertised as “luxury housing,” is it any wonder many people believe that new development is only catering to the wealthy?
Flood Insurance’s Moral Hazards Depend on How Wealthy You Are
Subsidized insurance makes waterfront property seem safer than it is for wealthier buyers, while many low-income homeowners face repeat disasters with no help.
Real Estate Has Lost Its Way. We Must Return to Our North Star
The industry keeps fighting over platforms and policies while agents struggle to do more transactions. And everyone is overlooking hundreds of thousands of potential buyers and sellers.
Focusing on Income Inequality Misses the Forest for the Trees
It’s a cost-of-everything crisis, and it has put large swaths of the middle class under financial siege, especially here in Massachusetts.
Rent Control ‘Deal’ Is Just a Negotiated Surrender
The much-touted agreement between rent control advocates and a handful of developers is no compromise. And it will do nothing to lower housing costs.
Don’t Pass on Government Loans
Misguided buyers and sellers too often turn their noses up at these loans thanks to unfair myths that linger. Let’s bust some of those misconceptions.
The Real Anxiety: When Credit Unions’ Cooperative Model Works
The criticism is predictable: Credit unions that acquire community banks are abusing tax policy. But that framing dodges the real question.
Play to Our Strengths for Economic Growth
Rather than chasing every new trend, Massachusetts state government should continue investing in the foundations that drive our prosperity.
Accessory Dwelling Units Can Help Solve Our Housing Shortage – If We Support the Homeowners
Homeowners considering an ADU quickly encounter a thicket of questions. Overwhelmed and without clear answers, many walk away. MHP is going to fix that.
Mass. Realtors Advocating for Real Housing Fixes, Pushing Back on Rent Control
More than 400 Realtors traveled from every corner of Massachusetts to meet with their legislators last month. Here’s what we shared with them.
‘Family Feud’ Is Not Just a Game Show
There’s nothing enjoyable when family members are at odds off-screen – especially when it comes to real estate.
Boston’s Top Taxman Is Out, But Big Questions Linger
Boston’s Assessing Department is the target of a multimillion-dollar lawsuit by building owners claiming the city jacked up their tax bills in retaliation for seeking abatements.
An Essential Housing Tool Is Hiding in Plain Sight: Massachusetts’ Redevelopment Authorities
Redevelopment authorities have special powers that would let them build or enable new, self-sustaining social housing. But they need Beacon Hill’s help to do so.
Fixing ADU Failings Could Pave Way for More Homebuilding
By standardizing rules for things like septic systems and setbacks, state legislators could also help revive our anemic single-family construction industry.
Matthews Arena’s Replacement Goes Vertical
Northeastern University is carrying the Matthews Arena legacy forward with a new multipurpose athletic facility unlike anything else in the country.
Court Favors South Shore Town in Property Dispute
For decades Massachusetts courts followed an ancient rule regarding ownership of land underlying roads and streams. An exception played a key role in a recent court case.
For Better Value Engineering, Get an Outside Review
The margin between a project that pencils and one that stalls often comes down to how effectively an owner controls hard costs. That’s where fresh eyes can help.
Massachusetts Has a Second Chance on Opportunity Zones. Let’s Not Blow It
Regardless whether you believe that this represents sound federal policy, large amounts of capital flowed from Massachusetts investors to high-growth states after 2018.
Mortgages ‘Increasingly Out of Reach’ for Hourly, Gig Workers
It’s always been tougher for hourly employees to qualify for a mortgage. But new research shows that people in all kinds of occupations are having a more difficult go of it.
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