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.
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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.
Will Transfer Tax Be Healey’s Million-Dollar Whiff?
Million-dollar home sales just aren’t what they used to be in Greater Boston. And that’s a major problem for Gov. Maura Healey as she forges ahead with her proposal for a local-option tax on expensive home sales.
Governor, Use Your Bully Pulpit
Healey’s plan takes an important step towards zoning reform and plows $4.1 billion into new housing. But she needs to be willing to call out NIMBY selfishness as it happens and make the case for a healthier society.
The Boston Lab Market’s Dead? Hardly
Yes, unbuilt suburban lab projects are unraveling and rents are sinking, but the life science industry is built on real demand and requires in-person work. Life science real estate isn’t going anywhere in Boston.
Another Slow-Motion Crisis Stalks Our Public Housing
There is arguably an even bigger problem when it comes to public housing in Massachusetts, one that has drawn little media attention: the huge number of public housing units on the cusp of being uninhabitable.
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.
These Places Pay You to Move There
The much-discussed recent exodus to the hinterlands hasn’t included everyone. But some places, in need of fresh blood and a greater tax base, will actually pay you to move there.
Homeowners Could Win Big from Biden Law
Homeowners, which of these consumes more energy in your house: space heating or water heating? Either way, Uncle Sam is ready to help you pay for some energy-efficient upgrades.
Multigenerational Buying on the Rise
Prior to World War II, many extended families, lived together under one roof. And over the last few years, it has gained steam because of a number of factors – the pandemic and high housing costs among them.
Housing ‘Extras’ Add Up
Homebuyers who focus solely on the cost of their mortgage’s interest and principal are doing themselves a disservice. There are other recurring costs that should be factored into the decision.