Key Points: Short-term rentals in Massachusetts are regulated at both the state and local levels, and owners must meet registration, tax, zoning, and safety requirements. Cities and towns may impose additional rules that limit where and how short-term rentals operate. Owners must also consider liability exposure, insurance coverage, and restrictions imposed by homeowners’ associations. Understanding…
Key Points: Whether you need a trust for Massachusetts real estate depends on your goals. A trust can help you avoid probate, maintain privacy, prepare for incapacity, and provide structure for how your property is inherited. However, homeowners with simple estates or straightforward beneficiaries may not need a trust. The best choice depends on your…
Key Points Land use limitations can be a significant obstacle for property owners, developers, and investors seeking to maximize the potential of their land. Zoning restrictions, conservation laws, and historical preservation regulations can all impose constraints that limit how land can be used, developed, or modified. However, these limitations aren’t always set in stone, there…
Eminent domain allows the government to take private property for public use, provided the owner receives just compensation. While this legal principle is meant to serve public interests, property owners often find themselves at a disadvantage when facing forced acquisition. The process can be complex, and government agencies may undervalue the property, leading to unfair…
Massachusetts offers a wealth of opportunities in commercial real estate, from bustling urban hubs to thriving suburban markets. For businesses, these transactions often represent significant milestones, whether it’s acquiring a new office space, leasing a retail storefront, or selling an investment property. However, the process can also feel overwhelming without the right support. At Seder…
What Is An Easement? Everything You Need To Know If you’re in the market for real estate in Massachusetts, or you already own property, it’s important to understand what easements are. These legal interests can affect both residential and commercial property and could also impact the value of the real estate. Is there an existing…
The Worcester City Council approved tax-relief for a $32.7 million housing project for college students. A large part of the agreement with the developer was over handling of exempted real estate taxes and receipt of various state tax credits. Rather than being provided an 80 percent real estate tax exemption over a 10-year period, the…
As Boston has grown, so have its surrounding neighborhoods. In fact, according to the Boston Development Authority, the city has grown to twenty-six neighborhoods. Even more notable is that over half of those communities were once separate towns. The City of Boston gradually annexed them over time. The BDA has addressed the changing environmental concerns…
There is no doubt that Worcester values its institutions of higher learning. City leaders frequently boast of the educated work force the colleges and universities have produced. But those same leaders have also shaken their heads in frustration with the schools that have tax-exempt status and the legal ability to flout zoning laws. As those…
According to a recent article, an increasing number of Americans are looking for overseas properties. Certainly, one advantage to living on the East Coast is more reasonable travel times to many European and Caribbean destinations. With the help of technology applications like video chatting, it is also easier to stay in touch. Before jumping on…
