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.
Cambridge Legalized Multifamily Housing Citywide. Just as Remarkable: How They Got There
Just as significant as the ordinance itself: It was adopted by an almost unprecedented 8-1 City Council vote. Achieving that consensus took time.
Serious Flaws Mean Healey’s Housing Plan Vastly Underestimates Our Needs
Gov. Maura Healey’s new housing plan sets a 222,000-home goal. But what sounds ambitious is really an implicit endorsement of the status quo.
A&S Clauses Take on New Importance in Lease Negotiations
With so much sublease space on the market in Boston’s biotech sector, well-crafted assignment and sublet clause are vital to give landlords and tenants a clear framework to reduce the risk of disputes.
Why Hotel Investors Are Lining Up in Boston
Boston’s hotel market offers a rare commodity in today’s CRE environment: predictable growth in a world of unpredictability.
Boston Hotel Market Trends for 2025
Boston’s strong and well-balanced economy has been key to the recovery of Boston’s hotel industry post-COVID, garnering strong interest from the investment community.
Inside Cambridge’s Multifamily Ordinance
The city’s upzoning is expected to unlock new opportunities for housing production, and sets a strong precedent for other communities to follow. Here’s what other towns and cities need to know.
The Perfect Time for a Smart, State-Focused Transportation Plan
Regardless of what happens in Washington, one thing is certain: Massachusetts must take action to take control of our transportation future.
The MBTA Needs a Long-Term Vision – Or We’ll Pay the Price
Greater Boston is a region of big ideas. The MBTA, however, isn’t thinking big enough, and its leaders need the CRE industry’s help to expand their horizons.
Demand for Accessible Luxury Homes Remained Robust in 2024
The luxury real estate market in Massachusetts has shown remarkable resilience and strength as we begin 2025, even as the broader national market faces challenges.
Campaign Cash Alone Won’t Be Enough in Future Housing Fights
The big loss in Needham wasn’t due to a lack of campaign spending, nor the fault of a pro-housing group founded by Gov. Maura Healey. Politics have fundamentally changed
Full Speed Ahead? Where the MBTA Communities Law Stands
While the dust has settled following the SJC’s decision earlier this month, the MBTA Communities law remains a politically sensitive topic and the threat of municipal lawsuits hasn’t gone away.
More Homes Come with HOA Dues
Nearly two-thirds of all single-family houses started in 2023 were within HOA-governed properties. And fees those associations collect are rising.
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.
Healey’s Next Housing Push Can’t Forget Single-Family Homes
Too narrow a focus? That’s the big question about the Healey administration’s efforts to tackle the housing crisis to date, which have been skewed towards apartment projects.
Kraft Hits the Mark with Critique of Wu’s Housing Policies
The mayor’s defense of her housing policies ignores the experience of other cities. They dramatically hiked affordability requirements, only to see housing production collapse.
Is Housing a Vulnerability for Wu? She Seems to Think So
With Boston’s mayor being challenged on her housing record, she seems to be trying to burnish her credentials by taking credit for homes permitted under her predecessors.
Beacon Hill Should Be Bargain-Hunting on Infrastructure Right Now
Amid a big drop-off in private-sector construction, a relatively booming public sector beckons for contractors seeking to stay afloat.
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.
Need Listings? Look for Homes that Were Taken Off the Market
Would-be sellers who have taken their houses off the market should be ready for an all-out blitz this spring from agents looking to relist their places
What Real Estate Agents Shouldn’t Do
Collectively, real estate agents don’t always have the greatest reputation, even if it’s undeserved in many cases. But some agents really cross the line. Here’s a listing of some of the biggest red flags.
Finding Money to Rebuild After Disasters
Hurricanes, fires, floods: If you’re struck by one of these disasters, you’re going to need money. The good news is that there are numerous financial resources available.
Homebuyers’ Student Debt Issues Can Be Solved. Here’s Where to Start
Massive, often insurmountable amounts of student debt have prevented millions of otherwise qualified borrowers from obtaining financing to buy a house.