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.
Indie Coffee Shops Are Meant to Counter Corporate Behemoths. Why Do They Both Look the Same?
Patrons want more than a good espresso. They want to immerse themselves in a “scene” that matches their lifestyle and aspirations, and store owners have been happy to oblige.
Inclusionary Zoning Deserves a Serious Debate, Not a False Choice
A Cambridge lawsuit has sparked important conversation on inclusionary zoning – but one that should be grounded in evidence and experience in Massachusetts.
Beacon Hill Saved the MBTA from Years of Crisis. Don’t Let the Pendulum Swing the Other Way
If the transit system is not currently broken, can the MBTA still convince legislators to provide increased state budget support?
Boston Needs More Homes. So Why Are We Driving Out the Workers Who Build Them?
Fear of federal immigration agents isn’t abstract, and it is beginning to paralyze the construction pipeline Greater Boston desperately needs.
Feeling Stressed Out? Increase Your Productivity Simply by Taking a Break
The type of break you choose has a huge impact on how effective you will be with your clients as well as coping with the challenges you face daily in your real estate business.
Why Realtors Want Every Agent to Get Fair Housing Training
Fair housing is not an abstract concept for Realtors. It is a professional obligation and public responsibility. But only a third of licensed agents are Realtors, leaving a big gap in fair housing protections.
The Housing Crisis Is Forcing Americans to Choose Between Affordability and Safety
When housing becomes unaffordable in safer areas, the only available and affordable property is often in riskier locations, like flood- or fire-prone locales.
For Boston Hotels, 2026 Is a Year of Cautious Optimism
While the outlook for Boston hotels’ revenue growth is positive, expense pressures persist, driven by continued increases in labor and other operating costs.
Despite Headwinds, Boston’s Hotel Market is Well-Positioned for Growth
Boston has one of the most balanced bases of demand in the country, little prospect of adding new hotels and has three big demand-drivers ahead this summer.
Hotel Management Agreements Are Critical for Hospitality Properties. Here’s How They Work
It is an understatement to say that hotels are different from other CRE investments. To understand why, you have to understand hotel management agreements.
Parking Mandates Drive up Housing Costs. Let’s Learn from Others and Eliminate Them
One parking space can add more than $200 to monthly rent. Bring down the cost of production and more dollars go to housing and fewer to parking.
There’s Still Hope for Mass. YIMBY Bill, Despite Zoning Reform Fatigue
There are only a few months left to pass a big zoning reform bill in Massachusetts. And so far, the bill has only gotten bigger.
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.
Why Won’t Candidates for Governor Bring Back the Starter Home?
Many Massachusetts pols have embraced the YIMBY Gospel. But why won’t Gov. Maura Healey or her Republican challengers get behind the biggest effort to unlock starter homes?
Forgotten in Boston’s Building Bust: Tradespeople Thrown Out of Work
Thousands of union construction workers are taking part-time jobs or heading to other states thanks in part to Mayor Michelle Wu’s policies. Why doesn’t she take it more seriously?
BXP Brings Ray of Hope to Suburban Boston Housing Production
Between office parks it owns in Waltham, Weston and Lexington, the office mega-landlord now has plans to add around 2,300 new homes in the western Route 128 corridor.
Can Mass. Rent Control Foes Get Their Message Out?
The biggest swing factor in the upcoming Massachusetts rent control fight will be how the media covers the ballot question.
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.
Delisted Homes Are Coming Back, with a New Mindset
There’s been a jump in the number of houses hitting the market in recent weeks. A number are homes that had been listed without selling because they were overpriced.
How to Spot Moving Troubles
America used to be a nation of nomads. What hasn’t changed, however, is that people who do choose to move still need help with the heavy stuff.
Down Payment Assistance Available for Middle-Income Borrowers
Need help coming up with a down payment? It’s there for the asking. And it’s not just for low-income buyers, anymore.
Rental Scams Targeting Renters on the Rise, Too
More than half the people who told federal watchdogs they were ripped off by a rental scam said it had originated on Facebook or Craigslist.