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.
Looming Homelessness Crisis Demands Supportive Housing Ramp-Up
There’s a proven solution to end chronic homelessness. It’s cost effective, good for business and it’s the humane thing to do. It’s called supportive housing.
Our Sustainable Investment Model Brings Municipalities Back to Life
Mill Town Capital’s place-based, multifaceted approach focusing on what’s best for the city in need of revitalization and aims for long-term financial returns.
Downtown BID’s Recipe for Retail Renewal
A remarkable transformation is underway that’s redefining Downtown Boston from a 9-to-5, office-driven landscape, via a vibrant retail and cultural revival.
MAR to Push for Transfer Tax Alternatives on Beacon Hill
In less than two months, hundreds of Realtors from across the commonwealth will gather under the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House. Here’s what we’ll be calling for.
Looking Forward Will Maximize MBTA Communities Law’s Impact
With nearly every community complying, there’s still work to be done to make sure new zoning translates to new homes.
Does ‘Virtue Signaling’ Pay Off for Entrepreneurs?
Our research suggests consumers view a little bit of virtue language as reasonable and trustworthy. Higher levels of virtue signaling, however, can come across as dishonest.
Municipalities Will Not Lead on Housing
As passions around the MBTA Communities law rise, it’s time to take a fact-based look at the law, put it in context with what other states are doing and plan accordingly.
Worried About Your Commission? Learn to Show Your Value
Buyer’s agent compensation offers seem set to disappear from your local multiple listings service by this summer. And the effects will be wide-ranging.
Competitive Workplaces Don’t Work for Gender Equality
Firms where employees battle against each other for rank, bonuses and promotions are common in law and finance. But while, on its face, they are gender-neutral, they actually worsen gender inequality.
What Has Zoning Reform Accomplished in Cambridge?
The city sought to remove barriers to affordable housing construction by cutting permitting times and costs. And while funding shortfalls will hurt its full potential, it already appears to be working.
Pursuing a Balance of Perspectives in Boston Development
Rather than viewing development as a zero-sum game, in which every win represents someone else’s loss, the conversation needs to shift to collaboration.
Communities Already Own a Key Tool to Help Alleviate Housing Crisis: Municipal Property
Municipalities throughout New England have long struggled to create opportunities to help alleviate the region’s severe housing crisis, without realizing potential solutions may already be within their control.
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.
To Get Transfer Taxes Passed, Try Compromising
It likely feels like “Groundhog Day” for the coalition seeking a transfer tax on higher-end sales after running into a brick wall in the House of Representatives.
Boston Building Permits Tick Up In 2024
The numbers for the state’s capital and economic engine, while still far from robust, are also improving. Still, it’s worth asking why the housing numbers in Boston are stuck at very low levels.
A Tale of Two Casinos
Why did Wynn’s seeming long shot bet on an Everett casino pay off big-time while MGM’s grand hopes to turn Springfield into a casino resort mecca ingloriously fizzled?
Housing Slump Deserves a Deeper Look
With all due respect a bunch of academics, however distinguished, need to hear from developers in the trenches to get to the bottom of why Boston’s suffering a plunge in housing starts.
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.
Fixed-Rate Loan Payments Can Go Up
If you have a fixed-rate mortgage, your payments will always stay the same, right? Wrong. Taxes and insurance premiums invariably rise – which means your house payment does, too.
Setting the Record Straight on the NAR Settlement
The reporting on the recent $418 million settlement with the National Association of Realtors and several large national brokerage companies has been so atrocious that I must jump in.
Put Your Listings to the Nose Test
Nothing turns up buyers’ noses faster than a smelly house. They walk in, stop, take a whiff and are ready to turn around and leave. Some won’t even go beyond the front door.
Which Comes First? A Buyer’s Dilemma
Young people have many options when it comes to homeownership – perhaps too many. Should they get married first or buy their first home? Buy a dream car or a house? Find a dream house or a dream mortgage rate?