Opinion
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.
This Essay Has Boston’s Real Estate Scene Talking About Texas
Boston and Austin cities could not be more different in how they have dealt with the crushing cost of housing, and the seriousness with which local pols take the issue.
Building More Housing Means Making Hard Choices. Momentum Zones Are a Start
Massachusetts permits some of the fewest numbers of homes in the nation, in part because we ask projects to do too much. Limited relief would get construction moving again.
It’s High Time Mass. Reforms Site Plan Review
Site plan reviews don’t have state guardrails in Massachusetts. Gov. Maura Healey’s reforms would fix that, and protect good housing developments.
How to Fix a Stale Listing
It can be costly to let a listing linger longer than 60 days. But delisting and price cuts both leave money on the table. Before you do that, try these tips for reviving your listing.
For Fort Point Artists, It’s Now or Never to Land a ‘Signature’ Venue
But the jury’s out on whether the Wu administration is ready to go to the mat for an arts, culture and civic palace of the size and scale some artists have set their sights on.
Deed Theft a Rising Problem
Deed theft has become a big business for crooks: They slap their names on unsuspecting homeowners’ titles, then proceed to milk the properties dry.
How to Handle Sellers Who Want Too Much for Their Home
Overpricing a listing is the kiss of death these days. How prepared are you to meet these common seller mistakes that will leave their home languishing unsold?
It’s Time for Mass. to Act on E-Bikes
E-bikes, e-scooters and other micromobility devices are here to stay, so Massachusetts law must evolve to regulate them effectively.
This Week’s Newspaper
