Opinion
Columnists, guest columns, op-eds and editorials published in Banker & Tradesman and its special sections.
Guest Columns and Op-Eds
From high officials to lone operators, read a diverse cross section of perspectives on the issues facing the Massachusetts real estate and banking industries today.
Pitches for op-eds and special section guest columns should be directed to managing editor James Sanna at jsanna@thewarrengroup.com.
Mass. Can Strengthen Section 8 to Expand Housing Access
Local housing authority policies are making a vital housing affordability tool far less effective than it should be, and hurt housing providers in the process.
The Counterintuitive Math that Unlocks New Possibilities
At first glance, the idea that two, plus two, equals five seems ridiculous. But sometimes, math isn’t just about numbers – it’s about people.
Massachusetts’ Transportation System Is at Risk in 2025
The coming months will determine whether we continue transforming to meet our goals for transit, climate emissions and economic growth, or if we’ll stall out.
In Search for Mass. Housing Fixes, It’s Land, Ho!
Many believe that solving our own housing crisis is out of our control because we have no land to build on, but that is not so. What is lacking is broad political will.
2024 Could Be the Year Boston’s Office Rebound Started
But recovery could still be a decade away: North of 40 million square feet of office space is vacant, and the rise of AI means future office demand is still uncertain.
An Affordable Housing Solution Hiding in Plain Sight
Community Land Trusts are finding traction in red and blue states alike, as a fiscally prudent strategy for making public resources do more, go further and last longer.
Building Code Creates Negative Housing Feedback Loop in Springfield
Decades of low housing demand have obscured a fundamental truth about Western Massachusetts: Public policy is contributing significantly to home blight and abandonment.
Trumpeted or Trumped: What About Banks’ Commitments to Underserved Communities?
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, financial institutions announced new or renewed big commitments to underserved communities. Will they stick by those pledges despite changing political winds?
Apartment Rent Increases Set to Continue in 2025
Given the ongoing lack of new supply in both the urban and suburban markets of Boston and continued growth in demand, we expect rents to grow at 3.5 percent next year.
How to Win the Listing in Today’s Highly Competitive Real Estate Environment
You walk into a listing appointment, really connect with the sellers, and nail your listing presentation. Then they tell you, “We’re interviewing three other agents – we’ll get back to you.”
What to Expect as a Republican Congress Reshapes Tax Policy in 2025
2025 will be a major year for America’s tax system – in fact, the fate of the most significant tax reform in three decades hangs in the balance.
The Legal Changes CRE Executives Need to Know in 2025
The Greek philosopher Heraclitus stated centuries ago that change is the only constant in life. A few things expected to bring change to the Massachusetts real estate industry in 2025.
Scott Van Voorhis
Commercial Interests
Columnist Scott Van Voorhis analyzes the commercial real estate market, state politics, housing and more with the perspective of a journalist with 40 years’ experience covering businesses in Massachusetts.
In White Stadium Fight, Echoes of Boston’s Past
A quarter-century separates Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s controversial soccer arena plans and the city’s last major sports stadium battle. Could they end the same way?
Government Workers Are Key to Downtown Boston’s Revival
Boston’s mayor and Massachusetts’ governor have been cheerleaders for downtown firms to bring their employees back to the office full-time. But they could be doing a lot more with their own workforces.
Boston Mayor Angers Neighborhood Activists
Has Boston Mayor Michelle Wu managed to unite real estate developers and neighborhood activists against her with pending tax increases on homeowners and the White Stadium redevelopment?
Mass. Is Losing Our Youngest. Blame Taxes and the Cost of Living
A pair of studies suggest the accelerating departures mean a state revenue bump from the Millionaires Tax will be relatively fleeting.
Lew Sichelman
The Housing Scene
Syndicated residential real estate columnist Lew Sichelman has been covering real estate for more than 50 years. He is a regular contributor to numerous shelter magazines and housing and housing-finance industry publications.
Flood Insurance Is Getting More Affordable
The National Flood Insurance Program is working on allowing policyholders to pay their premiums on a monthly basis. Previously, premiums could only be paid annually.
A Homebuyer’s Glossary of Key Terms to Know
Real estate has its differences – like the difference between spec houses and custom-built homes, or between a pending sale and a completed one.
One Mortgage Banker’s Plan to Fix the Housing Crisis
To Mark Milam, a mortgage banker and loan originator in Atlanta, many current proposals are like “swallowing an aspirin next year for a headache you have now.”
Are People Losing Interest in Second Homes?
Are people losing interest in second homes? It appears so, according to an analysis of the latest Census Bureau data.