Opinion
Why Realtors Want Every Agent to Get Fair Housing Training
Fair housing is not an abstract concept for Realtors. It is a professional obligation and public responsibility. But only a third of licensed agents are Realtors, leaving a big gap in fair housing protections.
The Housing Crisis Is Forcing Americans to Choose Between Affordability and Safety
When housing becomes unaffordable in safer areas, the only available and affordable property is often in riskier locations, like flood- or fire-prone locales.
Why Won’t Candidates for Governor Bring Back the Starter Home?
Many Massachusetts pols have embraced the YIMBY Gospel. But why won’t Gov. Maura Healey or her Republican challengers get behind the biggest effort to unlock starter homes?
Landlords Need Extra Insurance
If you’re an owner-occupier landlord, remember: a traditional homeowner’s insurance policy won’t cut it, alone.
For Boston Hotels, 2026 Is a Year of Cautious Optimism
While the outlook for Boston hotels’ revenue growth is positive, expense pressures persist, driven by continued increases in labor and other operating costs.
Despite Headwinds, Boston’s Hotel Market is Well-Positioned for Growth
Boston has one of the most balanced bases of demand in the country, little prospect of adding new hotels and has three big demand-drivers ahead this summer.
Hotel Management Agreements Are Critical for Hospitality Properties. Here’s How They Work
It is an understatement to say that hotels are different from other CRE investments. To understand why, you have to understand hotel management agreements.
Parking Mandates Drive up Housing Costs. Let’s Learn from Others and Eliminate Them
One parking space can add more than $200 to monthly rent. Bring down the cost of production and more dollars go to housing and fewer to parking.
There’s Still Hope for Mass. YIMBY Bill, Despite Zoning Reform Fatigue
There are only a few months left to pass a big zoning reform bill in Massachusetts. And so far, the bill has only gotten bigger.
Forgotten in Boston’s Building Bust: Tradespeople Thrown Out of Work
Thousands of union construction workers are taking part-time jobs or heading to other states thanks in part to Mayor Michelle Wu’s policies. Why doesn’t she take it more seriously?
Delisted Homes Are Coming Back, with a New Mindset
There’s been a jump in the number of houses hitting the market in recent weeks. A number are homes that had been listed without selling because they were overpriced.
Transportation Abundance Belongs in Massachusetts
The Healey administration is on the record as fans of the book “Abundance,” and the movement it spawned. A look in the weeds of transportation issues shows the fruits.
How to Spot Moving Troubles
America used to be a nation of nomads. What hasn’t changed, however, is that people who do choose to move still need help with the heavy stuff.
How New Money Is Transforming the Affordable Housing Landscape
While no bill is perfect and it still only scratches the surface of affordable housing needs nationwide, federal legislation passed last year is a big step in the right direction.
BXP Brings Ray of Hope to Suburban Boston Housing Production
Between office parks it owns in Waltham, Weston and Lexington, the office mega-landlord now has plans to add around 2,300 new homes in the western Route 128 corridor.
Can Mass. Rent Control Foes Get Their Message Out?
The biggest swing factor in the upcoming Massachusetts rent control fight will be how the media covers the ballot question.
MBTA Communities Will Fall Short. But Without It, Bigger Reforms Couldn’t Happen
My research shows the MBTA Communities zoning law will fall short of what’s needed to build enough homes in Massachusetts. But it’s set the stage for further reforms.
Now’s the Time to Tackle High Energy Costs
Property owners, businesses and consumers need real relief. Addressing this issue now will make the dark days of next winter a little bit brighter.
Mass. Needs Honesty About Housing Production
Maybe it’s time elected leaders should try radical honesty about what it will take to build so many homes that prices come down.
Legalizing Starter Homes Is Not Radical. It’s Overdue
A question likely headed for the ballot this fall will speak volumes about who our housing system is designed to accommodate – and who it leaves behind.
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