Opinion
Is Housing a Vulnerability for Wu? She Seems to Think So
With Boston’s mayor being challenged on her housing record, she seems to be trying to burnish her credentials by taking credit for homes permitted under her predecessors.
‘We’ll See’ Is the 2025 Watchword for Mass. Mortgage Lenders
The word of the year is uncertainty. And while interest rates are always a major factor in the market, this year interest rates for mortgage loans are only part of a much larger story.
Demand for Accessible Luxury Homes Remained Robust in 2024
The luxury real estate market in Massachusetts has shown remarkable resilience and strength as we begin 2025, even as the broader national market faces challenges.
Campaign Cash Alone Won’t Be Enough in Future Housing Fights
The big loss in Needham wasn’t due to a lack of campaign spending, nor the fault of a pro-housing group founded by Gov. Maura Healey. Politics have fundamentally changed
Beacon Hill Should Be Bargain-Hunting on Infrastructure Right Now
Amid a big drop-off in private-sector construction, a relatively booming public sector beckons for contractors seeking to stay afloat.
Full Speed Ahead? Where the MBTA Communities Law Stands
While the dust has settled following the SJC’s decision earlier this month, the MBTA Communities law remains a politically sensitive topic and the threat of municipal lawsuits hasn’t gone away.
More Homes Come with HOA Dues
Nearly two-thirds of all single-family houses started in 2023 were within HOA-governed properties. And fees those associations collect are rising.
A Gateway to Clean Energy on Cape Cod
Although the resort town of Barnstable fits the demographic requirements of a gateway municipality, it lacked the typical industrial history and immigrant cultures – until offshore wind projects started taking root offshore.
Price It Right from the Start: Three Strategies to Avoid Costly Listing Pitfalls
Due to persistent high interest rates and lack of inventory, buyers are still sitting on the sidelines. As a result, it’s more important than ever to price your listings correctly right from the start.
Everett Sets a Standard for Housing Production
With persistent and overlapping issues of supply and affordability, it isn’t news to anyone that housing shortages are one of the key challenges facing cities and towns nationwide.
Healey’s Pro-Housing Nonprofit Seems to Rack Up Few Wins
The nonprofit Gov. Maura Healey formed to help fund pro-housing fights appears to be doing just enough to anger some local voters but only delivering modest financial support for its cause.
Finding Money to Rebuild After Disasters
Hurricanes, fires, floods: If you’re struck by one of these disasters, you’re going to need money. The good news is that there are numerous financial resources available.
We Make a Direct Impact on Gateway Cities
The time has also come to think beyond these established metrics of success and ask another question: Can the real estate industry do more, more directly, for these communities?
Don’t Build ‘Freedom Cities’ in the Desert. Build on Post Offices
President-elect Donald Trump wants to open up federal land, possibly in the West, to housing construction. But there’s lots of underutilized land right here in Massachusetts.
State Needs New MBTA Communities Strategy
The debacle in Needham last week should be a wake-up call for the Healey administration, which needs to reconsider its whole approach.
Homebuyers’ Student Debt Issues Can Be Solved. Here’s Where to Start
Massive, often insurmountable amounts of student debt have prevented millions of otherwise qualified borrowers from obtaining financing to buy a house.
Coming to a Backyard Near You: Accessory Dwelling Units
With communities’ history of opposition to housing in mind, MAR is extremely concerned about the ways in which municipalities may attempt to subvert the intent of this law.
A Pivotal Moment for Upgrading the Commuter Rail System
Massachusetts stands at a critical juncture for the future of its commuter rail system. Ridership has essentially recovered and a key decision is looming that could dramatically help lower traffic and produce more homes.
Why It Matters that Mass. Is Missing Out on the Data Center Boom
Despite being home to research powerhouse, Massachusetts is nowhere to be found on the top 15 markets across the country for data centers. That’s hurting our ability to access this new source of blue-collar jobs.
After Death or Divorce, What Happens to the House?
When a family member passes away, their loved ones sometimes become homeowners unexpectedly. In these situations, servicers are supposed to help, but some just steer borrowers into costly refinances.
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