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.
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.
Mass. Housing Crisis Continues to be Ours to Solve
The Nov. 5 election results sent a message to Democratic leaders in high cost of living states like Massachusetts: It’s time to get serious about addressing cost of living.
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.
Historic Tax Credits Sweeten the Pot for Developers
Massachusetts recently doubled its annual historic tax credit limit, but while they’re attractive for those committed to preserving historic buildings, they must be used with caution.
Make the Most of Multiple Offers: Tips and Strategies for Successful Negotiations
If you’re an agent, what counsel can you offer buyers and sellers on the opportunities to embrace – and pitfalls to avoid– when dealing with multiple offer scenarios?
New Building Energy Codes Include Triggers for Successful Projects
All the code changes put Massachusetts in a better place to address the current needs of our built surroundings.
Embracing Sustainability Offers a Solution to Boston’s Office and Housing Crises
There is a clear opportunity to embrace sustainability strategies while reconfiguring Boston’s building stock for a more sustainable future.
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.
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.
On Linnaean Street, a Divide that Helps Keep Housing Costly
It was one of the most telling exchanges of Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s debate with Republican challenger John Deaton. And it reveals a lot about why bolder action on housing costs has been so elusive.
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.
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?
Sellers, It’s Time to Think About Concessions
Sometimes, homebuyers are hesitant to pull the trigger. They might love the house they found – it’s priced right and mortgage rates are coming down – but they just can’t decide whether to move forward.