Last week, I joined fellow REALTORS® from across Massachusetts at the State House for the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® (MAR) Annual REALTOR® Day on Beacon Hill. Each year, REALTORS® come together to meet directly with legislators and discuss critical housing issues impacting homeowners, buyers, sellers, and communities throughout the Commonwealth.

 

We meet with local legislators in both the House and the Senate, as well as their staff, to highlight the pressing issues facing current and future homeowners in Massachusetts. Our discussions center on housing availability, affordability, property rights, local decision-making, consumer protection, and the long-term vitality of our communities. This year, several crucial topics we support took center stage.

 

Massachusetts Needs More Housing

One of the biggest challenges facing Massachusetts continues to be housing inventory. MAR estimates the state needs approximately 222,000 new housing units over the coming years to meet current demand.

Across the state — including here in Franklin County — buyers are facing limited inventory, rising prices, and increased competition. Young families, first-time buyers, seniors looking to downsize, and working professionals are all feeling the effects of a housing shortage that has been building for years.

A major reason for this shortage is the complexity of local zoning and permitting regulations. Many current regulations make it difficult or financially unrealistic to build middle-scale housing, multifamily developments, accessory dwelling units, and workforce housing that communities desperately need.

MAR is supporting zoning reform legislation designed to encourage responsible housing production while still respecting local communities and environmental protections.

• Encourage more by-right multifamily housing
  • Simplify wetlands and environmental review processes
  • Standardize what qualifies as “developable” land
  • Lower barriers that often delay or prevent housing projects
  • Help communities create more predictable and consistent zoning policies

Helping Homeowners Facing Crumbling Foundations

Another major topic discussed at Beacon Hill was state assistance for homeowners dealing with crumbling concrete foundations caused by pyrrhotite contamination.

While this issue has received significant attention in Hampden County, affected homes have been identified throughout Massachusetts. Over time, pyrrhotite reacts with oxygen and water within concrete foundations, causing cracking, expansion, and eventual structural failure.

For many homeowners, the financial impact is devastating. Replacing a damaged foundation can cost upwards of $300,000, and most homeowners insurance policies do not cover the repairs.

MAR is supporting recommendations from the Crumbling Concrete Stakeholder Working Group, which is calling for $20–30 million annually over the next five to ten years to help affected homeowners address these costly repairs.

Improving Local Boards & Commissions

Another proposal receiving strong support from MAR involves mandatory pre-service training for members of local planning boards, zoning boards, conservation commissions, and boards of health.

Most of these positions are filled by hardworking volunteers who dedicate significant time to their communities. However, because regulations and processes can vary widely from town to town, inconsistent training can sometimes create confusion, delays, and unpredictable outcomes.

The proposed legislation would provide standardized educational training before board members begin serving.

• Improve consistency across municipalities
  • Ensure board members understand zoning and permitting laws
  • Reduce unnecessary project delays
  • Improve communication and transparency
  • Create more predictable decision-making processes

Fair Housing & Professional Education

Fair housing and diversity education was also an important part of this year’s advocacy efforts. MAR supports legislation requiring additional fair housing education as part of both real estate licensing and continuing education requirements.

The proposed legislation would require:
• 4 of the 40 licensing course hours to focus on fair housing and diversity education
• 2 of the 12 continuing education hours for license renewal to cover these topics

Why REALTOR® Advocacy Matters

One of the things I value most about REALTOR® Day is the opportunity to bring real housing experiences directly to lawmakers. REALTORS® work on the front lines of the housing market every day.

Advocacy is about more than policy — it’s about helping create housing opportunities, supporting homeowners, and ensuring Massachusetts communities remain strong, accessible, and sustainable for future generations.

I’m proud to be one of the Realtor volunteers to represent our local community each year on Beacon Hill and continue advocating for issues that matter to homeowners across Franklin County and throughout Massachusetts.

Corinne Fitzgerald
FITZGERALD Real Estate
Serving Franklin County and Beyond
Call or Text: 413-320-9509
Corinne@FITZGERALD-RealEstate.com