Over the past year, Banker & Tradesman has stayed on top of the biggest stories in the Bay State, particularly the business news that affect leaders around the state. On the last day of the year, we did some research to find the most viewed stories on our site over the past 52 weeks. The list is varied: mostly consisting of large home sales culled from our weekly "Gossip Report," as well as important real estate company news.

Several of these stories were first reported by Banker & Tradesman, and many were sent as breaking news alerts to our readers. Most of them were reported exclusively online, and perhaps followed up in an in-depth print version. A full list and summary is below:

The bankruptcy of commercial real estate firm Grubb & Ellis garnered the most interest.  Commercial real estate reporter Jim Cronin broke the story in February, which had widespread implications for the industry.

The headline: Buyers’ Agents Caution: Stay Away From Short Sales, If You Can generated a lot of interest and also a firestorm of reaction from the local real estate community.

Dave Bernotas’ departure from 1-800 East West Mortgage gained a lot of attention. The July story covering the company known for its catchy jingle outlined the president and CEO’s career and future.

One of the biggest stories in 2012 was the trial of former House speaker Sal DiMasi, so it was no surprise when the coverage of his home sale caused a stir. In October DiMasi and his wife Deborah sold their home in Boston’s North End neighborhood.

A follow up to the Grubb & Ellis failure: Grubb & Ellis’ Fall Latest Example Of Failed Strategy analyzed what went wrong. In true form, Scott Van Voorhis’ column offered an in-depth and candid account of the business failure.

Putting the words "Tom and Gisele" in a headline is a sure way to get clicks. The story: Live Like Tom & Gisele For $10.5M gave a look inside the $10.5 million townhouse owned by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Victoria Secret model Gisele Bundchen. The Bay State’s superstar couple sold the property in June.

Another well-read story includes another prominent home sale on Cape Cod. Banker & Tradesman was first to report when senior vice president of U.S. programs for Save the Children and brother of former California first lady and journalist Maria Shriver added to the family’s real estate. Read the story here: Shriver Buys Hyannis Home For $1.8M.

Thanks for reading over the past year, and we look forward to continue to bring you the news throughout 2013!