Opinion
Uneven Gateway Cities Housing Production May Indicate Bigger Problems Ahead
Early results suggest zoning reforms work only where the private real estate market works like Worcester, while indicating deeper challenges in Western Massachusetts.
When Should Buyers Demand Repairs, or Seek Credits?
There comes a time in most house sales when the buyer and seller have to decide who will pay for any necessary repairs. As with all real estate matters, it depends.
Who’s Worried? Not Tom O’Brien
The HYM Investment Group chief faces down a tough financing environment and a threat from a prominent politician to force an eminent domain sale of the Suffolk Downs development site.
Price Cuts A-Plenty in New-Home Market
Homebuilders are going to great lengths these days to move product. Many are still offering exceptional deals, especially on homes that are move-in ready.
State Should Target Western Mass. for Biomanufacturing Push
Massachusetts can be a winner in the federal government’s push to bring biomanufacturing back to the United States – if it plays its cards right.
Beacon Hill Must Keep Biotech’s Flywheel Turning
To maintain Massachusetts’ leadership in global drug development, we cannot allow uncertainty and alarm bells coming from its biotech sector to paralyze us.
After Tough Summer, Mass. Makes Progress Against Housing Crisis
Prospective homebuyers were likely filled with dread this past summer as headline after headline reminded hopefuls of the harsh reality that is the Massachusetts housing market.
Woods Hole Project Illustrates Coastal Permitting Challenges
The deepwater port on Cape Cod has hosted research vessels for nearly 100 years. But replacing its main dock took years of permitting and consensus-building.
Investing in Massachusetts Real Estate? Know About Nominee Trusts
Massachusetts nominee trusts have long been used to hold title to real estate. They offer privacy, flexibility in estate planning and a layer of anonymity for owners.
What’s Driving Transaction Activity in 2025
With vacancy rates elevated, demand softening and pricing still under pressure, the relative appeal of ownership has only grown. And it’s leading driving some major transactions.
State Land for Homes Is No Silver Bullet
Massachusetts’ program can help show localities what’s possible, but stronger carrots and sticks are needed to get the real prize: developing municipally-owned parcels.
When Does Refinancing Make Sense?
Homeowners eager for mortgage rates to dip so they can refinance their places may have to wait quite a bit longer.
Mass. Should Build New Cities, Too
Boston, Worcester and Springfield may be the Bay State’s three largest cities, but if Congressman Jake Aucincloss has his way, they may get competition.
Minimum Lot-Size Reform Is a Modest Idea with Big Potential
A proposed 2026 ballot initiative could seed housing production by making it easier to build more affordable single-family starter homes in Massachusetts.
Under Court Order, Boston OKs 204 Apartments Minus Affordable Units
An apartment developer won approval to build a 204-unit project at a Hyde Park woodland, bringing an apparent end to its legal battle with the Boston Planning & Development Agency.
Who Cares About Main Street? Not Massachusetts, Apparently
Massachusetts just lost its only statewide program to support downtowns and main streets. We need to think differently about how to support these vital places.
AI Helps Compare Contractor Bids
One of the most difficult parts of beginning a home improvement project is comparing bids from various contractors. It’s almost impossible.
A Federal Bill That Can Help Our Transportation System
The next big transportation funding bill is beginning to take shape at the federal level, and Massachusetts needs to be strategic.
Kraft Deserves Praise for a Serious Campaign
Say what you want about Josh Kraft – and there’s certainly a lot to say. But he pushed Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on issues where the city’s failing.
Massachusetts Is About to Complicate Some High-Dollar Real Estate Deals
Massachusetts has proposed a new regulation that could significantly impact high-value real estate deals involving sellers who live out-of-state.
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