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.
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.
Greater Boston’s Lab Market Is Improving, But Most Tenants Still Play It Safe
While improving, demand-side fundamentals in Greater Boston’s laboratory market remain challenged as life science users continue to exhibit cautiousness in their real estate decisions.
Smaller Developers Should Be Bigger Part of Mass. Housing Strategy
Greater Boston has too few large-scale redevelopment sites for big projects to be the only way we solve the housing crisis. We need to make more room for small operators to flourish.
Time to Invest in Infrastructure that Supports Climate Goals
Massachusetts still has the ability to move forward with a clear strategy that protects our state, despite uncertainty driven by last week’s election.
We’re Investing in the Future of the Construction Industry by Partnering with a WMBE
Callahan Construction expands resources for its customers. Velney Construction gets to expand with less risk in spite of costly government mandates.
Why It’s Hard to Build a Sports Facility on Everett’s Waterfront
For nearly two decades, Robert Kraft, CEO of The Kraft Group, has been trying to move the Revolution to a soccer-specific stadium closer to their Boston fan base.
After TD Bank’s Record Fine, What Comes Next?
We don’t necessarily need heads to roll at TD Bank. Rather, we need heads to reflect on when greed is not good, and try to repair the harms their actions caused.
Towns, Cities Need Partners When Repurposing School Buildings into Senior Housing
Consistent public school enrollment declines mean that surplus school buildings could be a real source of new homes, but towns and cities often lack the expertise to do it themselves.
‘Fear Factor’ Deters Residential Conversions in Boston
Boston is at a critical juncture as it faces a growing housing shortage alongside an abundance of underutilized office space. But the scale of conversions here has, so far, been underwhelming.
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.
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.
A Top Developer’s Stark Warning on Housing Construction
Don’t look now, but the housing shortage that has driven home prices and rents to insane levels is about to get even worse. And many towns and cities still aren’t doing their part.
Lower Fed Rates Haven’t Opened the Housing Floodgates
Developers pulled building permits for just 82 new Boston units in the last two months, the worst fall showing in nearly a decade. The cost of city policies is partly to blame.
Notable Biz Groups Absent from Deal on Boston Tax Rate Hikes
Next time it may not be so easy for Boston’s mayor. And given current market trends, not only will there almost certainly be a next time, and it won’t be long in coming, either.
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.
Early Returns Show Commissions Are Falling
A survey of some 1,300 agents and brokers suggests that the class-action settlement that rocked the real estate world is pushing real estate agent commissions down.
Dropping Homeowners Coverage Could Prove Costly
If you’re a homeowner who’s considering canceling your insurance coverage due to the high cost, think twice. You could be up the creek even without a natural disaster.
Many Vacant Houses Need to Be Registered – Even Vacation Homes
Many local governments started requiring vacant units to be registered following the Great Financial Crisis. Ignoring these rules can prove costly.
Some Houses Are Movie Stars
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,’ the sequel to the 1988 Tim Burton horror comedy, raked in $110 million during its opening weekend in September. But how much would it cost to buy the Connecticut house where most of the movies’ action takes place?