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.
Growth in the Luxury Market Is a Positive Indicator for 2024
Luxury properties offer a barometer for the overall housing market. And rising optimism among luxury buyers could signal an overall thaw. But what do those high-end buyers want?
Move Over, Millennials: Gen Z Is Driving Rental Demand
As slowing multifamily construction underscores a downturn in rental markets, optimists see rental demand holding strong over the long run, and point to favorable demographics as a reason to remain optimistic. But are demographics truly favorable for rental housing?
The Seven Stages from Intention to Impact
In my work with corporate clients, especially in financial services and real estate development, I witness and guide their journey to implement meaningful diversity, equity and inclusion programs and create inclusive cultures in which everyone can feel they belong.
The $1.78B Wake-Up Call and the Path Forward
A clear mandate has emerged from the commission lawsuit verdict: Change how commissions are structured. Many in our field, committed to best practices and integrity, are already adapting. Here’s how you can, too.
With Competition Strong, Saturday Is the New Sunday for Homebuyers
Many buyers aren’t likely to wait for rates to drop before jumping back into the market. This means it’s important to get your clients in to see a property as early as they can.
More Homes Needed for Affordability Impact
In the Cape Cod market, and across Massachusetts, inventory and interest rates are likely to continue to be the biggest challenges encountered by both buyers and sellers.
Program Creates a Blank Slate for Artists
Massachusetts is home to thousands of “brownfields” – buildings and land that are blighted and hampered by chemical contamination – with many in Gateway Cities. This year marks the 24th anniversary of the launch of a highly successful investment program that’s redeveloped hundreds of these sites.
How to Prevent America’s Aging Buildings from Collapsing
Four recent catastrophic building collapses and a near miss are raising concerns about the state of America’s aging buildings and questions about who, if anyone, is checking their safety.
Perseverance Pays Off in Fitchburg for Nonprofit Developer
The new Fitchburg Arts Community demonstrates a potential playbook for successful financing of housing through public subsidies in Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities.
Look Beyond Boston for CRE Opportunities
At City Realty, we have seen firsthand that there are still opportunities available in the office market and new tenants in the market to fill those well publicized vacancies. Our successful repositioning project in Quincy Center is just one example.
Gateway Cities Win with Governor’s Housing Strategy
With an assist from the Healey-Driscoll administration, Gateway Cities can pave the way for a new future – one where housing helps drive economic success.
ChatGPT and Python: The Dynamic Duo Redefining Real Estate Marketing
If you want to become a dominant player in your market in 2024, it’s time to leave behind many of the old-school marketing and lead-generation strategies from the past.
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.
Goodbye to Downtown Skyscraper-Building
When the South Station tower opens next year, it will be one of the largest office projects ever built in the city. It may very well be one of the last as well.
Fed’s Refusal to Cut Rates Drags Down Housing Market
When it comes to describing what’s happening right now in the real estate market, you can take your pick, but downturn, recession or even depression all seem like good fits right now. You just wouldn’t know it from reading the business press.
The Next Banking Panic?
Nearly a year after SVB’s failure, a potentially bigger banking crisis is looming, this time centered on the troubled world of commercial real estate loans made on what are now half-empty downtown office towers across the country.
Less Development Made Newton’s Teacher Strike Worse
As Newton’s teacher strike drags on, it’s worth asking: Doesn’t Newton’s historical development skepticism play a role in the city’s current political and financial predicament?
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.
You Rarely Know All Your Agent Does
Good real estate agents go to great lengths to bring a deal to fruition. And much of what they do is behind the scenes, so you’ll never see it. And you think they don’t earn their commissions?
Too Many Agents, Too Little Training
Most brokerages tend to hire anyone who can fog a mirror, turning them loose with hardly any training other than what they learned to pass their licensing tests. And as a result, the business is overrun with too many agents chasing too few deals.
New Entrant Wades into Listings Portal War
If you’re like most house hunters these days, you started your search online. And chances are, you overlooked Homes.com entirely. But starting in the new year, the site is planning to give the two heavyweights a run for their money.
Home Listings Now an Endangered Species
It’s time to place the for-sale existing house on the endangered species list, right alongside the African forest elephant, the Yangtze finless porpoise and other critically threatened varieties.