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3 Questions on the FY2021 Budget
December 7, 2020
1. Why are you working on the budget now? Isn’t that due by June 30th? Yes, it is! However, due to the pandemic, a lot of issues were delayed, including the FY2021 budget. The state enacted a series of short-term budgets in the interim, with the latest set to expire around… -
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Skeleton Disclosure
December 1, 2020
If the walls could talk, what would they say? What about the foundation? With some of the oldest housing stock in the country, Massachusetts homeowners have made some interesting discoveries when remodeling their homes. Recently, while doing demolition work at a Winchester home, contractors unearthed multiple human skeletal remains. Thankfully,… -
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December 2020 Notes from the Legal Hotline
December 1, 2020
What is my obligation as a REALTOR® for snow removal at listed properties? Unless there is an agreement with the property owner that requires the REALTOR® to be responsible for snow removal, that responsibility lies with the property owner. Massachusetts requires property owners to use reasonable care for the protection… -
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Why & How to Unplug Around the Holidays
December 1, 2020
The holiday season is magical — it’s a time dedicated to family, friends, and giving. And every December, I like to give myself the gift of more time with the people I love, which means spending less time in front of a screen. Every year, I unplug from social media… -
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Thompson v. JP Morgan Bank Case
November 30, 2020
You may recall a writeup from March of last year about a case that was quite controversial for creating a new and amorphous standard in foreclosure procedures. Today, the state’s highest court issued a ruling on a key element of that case, essentially upholding the status quo for an already highly regulated area – the language required for… -
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With FHFA Release of 2021 Loan Limits, NAR Urges Improved Access to Safe, Affordable Financing
November 24, 2020
National Association of REALTORS® President Charlie Oppler issued the following statement after the Federal Housing Finance Agency today unveiled 2021 loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. GSE loan limits now sit at $548,250, while an announcement from the Federal Housing Administration is expected in the coming weeks. NAR’s… -
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5 Questions on the House FY2021 Budget, H.5150
November 11, 2020
1. Why are you working on the budget now? Isn’t that due by June 30th? Yes, it is! However, due to the pandemic, a lot of issues were delayed, including the FY2021. The state enacted a series of short-term budgets in the interim, with the latest set to expire at the end of this month. Lawmakers are… -
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FAQ for Landlords about Accepting State Funded Rental Assistance
November 4, 2020
The Department of Housing & Community Development posted a FAQ for landlords on accepting state-funded rental assistance that will hopefully answer a lot of questions that... -
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Updated Guidance on Gatherings & Face Coverings
November 3, 2020
On November 2, 2020, Governor Baker issued COVID-19 Order #54 which limits indoor gatherings to 10 people. Importantly, the Order expressly includes gatherings in private residences... -
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REALTORS® Defeat Anti-Growth Proposal in Ipswich, MA
October 28, 2020
With public opposition from the North Shore Associations of REALTORS®, an anti-growth proposal that would have had a chilling effect on local housing inventory was soundly defeated, showing that the REALTOR® voice is truly important in informing local policy outcomes in Massachusetts. At a Special Town Meeting in Ipswich on…
