Opinion

The Specter of the ’70s Stalks Downtown Boston
The Boston of the mid-2020s is far richer and more tolerant than it was half a century ago. But downtown is a weak spot in this success story as a new round of economic uncertainty strikes.
Beware Pre-Closing Pitfalls
It takes about 43 days, on average, to go from signing a contract on a house to reaching the settlement table. And between those dates, bunches of things can go haywire and scuttle the deal.
A Rare Moment for the MBTA to Thrive – with the Right Priorities
Even with billions of dollars in proposed new funding, the MBTA still faces tough choices about how to allocate its resources. Power systems, signals and suburban train infrastructure should be its focus.
New Data Shows It’s Time to Reexamine Your Inclusionary Zoning Rules
Thanks to an unsung benefit from the MBTA Communities law, we’re learning a lot more about how economically viable inclusionary zoning requirements are – and aren’t – in Greater Boston.

Another Terrible Year for Home Construction
Boston and other progressive cities and states are struggling to produce new homes, even as red states boom. Just call it a case of the blue state housing blues.
Negotiation Questions Every Agent Should Master Now
Whether you’re a new or an experienced agent, a quick way to kill any negotiation is to use “tell and sell” mode rather than asking questions.
EV Sales Just Hit a Record. So How Do You Add a Charger to a House?
Sales of electronic vehicles continue to increase every year. And with that comes greater demand for at-home EV charging stations.

Mass. Environmentalism Has Hurt Our AI Prospects
As they spend billions on new AI ventures, tech companies are specifically seeking out states with nuclear plants, which can provide the kind of consistent, reliable power.
Cambridge Legalized Multifamily Housing Citywide. Just as Remarkable: How They Got There
Just as significant as the ordinance itself: It was adopted by an almost unprecedented 8-1 City Council vote. Achieving that consensus took time.
Serious Flaws Mean Healey’s Housing Plan Vastly Underestimates Our Needs
Gov. Maura Healey’s new housing plan sets a 222,000-home goal. But what sounds ambitious is really an implicit endorsement of the status quo.

Healey’s Next Housing Push Can’t Forget Single-Family Homes
Too narrow a focus? That’s the big question about the Healey administration’s efforts to tackle the housing crisis to date, which have been skewed towards apartment projects.

A&S Clauses Take on New Importance in Lease Negotiations
With so much sublease space on the market in Boston’s biotech sector, well-crafted assignment and sublet clause are vital to give landlords and tenants a clear framework to reduce the risk of disputes.

Why Hotel Investors Are Lining Up in Boston
Boston’s hotel market offers a rare commodity in today’s CRE environment: predictable growth in a world of unpredictability.

Boston Hotel Market Trends for 2025
Boston’s strong and well-balanced economy has been key to the recovery of Boston’s hotel industry post-COVID, garnering strong interest from the investment community.
Inside Cambridge’s Multifamily Ordinance
The city’s upzoning is expected to unlock new opportunities for housing production, and sets a strong precedent for other communities to follow. Here’s what other towns and cities need to know.
Need Listings? Look for Homes that Were Taken Off the Market
Would-be sellers who have taken their houses off the market should be ready for an all-out blitz this spring from agents looking to relist their places

Kraft Hits the Mark with Critique of Wu’s Housing Policies
The mayor’s defense of her housing policies ignores the experience of other cities. They dramatically hiked affordability requirements, only to see housing production collapse.
The Perfect Time for a Smart, State-Focused Transportation Plan
Regardless of what happens in Washington, one thing is certain: Massachusetts must take action to take control of our transportation future.
The MBTA Needs a Long-Term Vision – Or We’ll Pay the Price
Greater Boston is a region of big ideas. The MBTA, however, isn’t thinking big enough, and its leaders need the CRE industry’s help to expand their horizons.
What Real Estate Agents Shouldn’t Do
Collectively, real estate agents don’t always have the greatest reputation, even if it’s undeserved in many cases. But some agents really cross the line. Here’s a listing of some of the biggest red flags.