Expect Your Tax Escrow to Rise
Most homebuyers figure that their property taxes will be the same as those paid by the house’s previous owner. That’s a common mistake.
Steeple Antenna Lawsuit Highlights Hidden Costs for Property Owners
After notice of a $177,000 property tax bill was affixed to its front door, a Dorchester church went to Suffolk Superior Court to challenge an assessment related to a T-Mobile wireless antenna located in its steeple.
Boston’s Cherry-Flavored Rent Control May Cost Your Town a Teacher or Two
Research shows rent control hurts the value of all property in a city, and the way state school aid is distributed means other communities will lose some of their education funding if rent control returns.
Housing ‘Extras’ Add Up
Homebuyers who focus solely on the cost of their mortgage’s interest and principal are doing themselves a disservice. There are other recurring costs that should be factored into the decision.
Supreme Court Deals Setback to Tax Takings
A new Supreme Court ruling is likely to affect the enforcement of property tax liens in Massachusetts.
Comrade, Don’t Forget Who Pays You
It would be hard to say that Cambridge isn’t doing its level best to back up its beliefs in social justice with cold, hard cash.
She Got $0 from Condo Sale. Supreme Court to Weigh Fairness
Massachusetts is among roughly a dozen states and the District of Columbia that allow local jurisdictions to keep the excess money from the sale of a property where back taxes are owed. That practice is now under scrutiny.
Wu Is Whistling Past the Office Tower Graveyard
With all due respect, one wonders whether the mayor’s CFO is living in the same world as the rest of us in day-to-day contact with the business of real estate and development.
Mass., Conn., NH Among ‘Worst States’ for Property Taxes
Massachusetts ranked among the worst states in the country on property tax competitiveness, according to an assessment released Tuesday by a group that favors tax policies that it says will spur economic growth.
Stopping ‘Legal’ Tax Lien Thievery
Deborah Foss is a 67-year-old grandmother in New Bedford, who survives on a small fixed income from Social Security. She has several medical conditions, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, COPD and neuropathy. Why did the state of Massachusetts take her house away?
How COVID-19 is Affecting Property Tax Appeals
COVID-19’s effects on income-producing properties will pose challenges for officials responsible for setting property tax assessments. Property owners must be keenly aware of the issues and deadlines for appeals.
The Tax Man Cometh, Thanks to Price Jumps
Thanks to the unusually large jump in housing prices over the last 12 months, plus a major shortfall in state and county revenue from other sources, your property taxes may well increase by 2023.
Win a ‘Dream House?’ Take the Money and Run
Congratulations to Beverly Fulkerson of Osgood, Indiana, who was the winner of a Montana mountain retreat in this year’s HGTV Dream Home Giveaway. Here’s hoping she gets to keep the place.
Property Values Drive Jump in Local Tax Revenues
A new report says cities and towns in Massachusetts experienced their strongest revenue gains in a decade during a recent 12-month period.
Neighbors Could Band Together to Finance Community Improvement Under House Bill
The House overwhelmingly approved legislation Wednesday that would allow property owners to form districts and levy assessments to pay for improvements within them.
Massachusetts Property Taxes Seventh-Highest Nationwide
Massachusetts homeowners paid some of the highest real estate taxes in the country again last year, according to analysis from the National Association of Home Builders.
Mass. Property Taxes Grow By Largest Amount In Five Years
Property tax revenues across Massachusetts rose by...
