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.
‘Fear Factor’ Deters Residential Conversions in Boston
Boston is at a critical juncture as it faces a growing housing shortage alongside an abundance of underutilized office space. But the scale of conversions here has, so far, been underwhelming.
Historic Tax Credits Sweeten the Pot for Developers
Massachusetts recently doubled its annual historic tax credit limit, but while they’re attractive for those committed to preserving historic buildings, they must be used with caution.
Make the Most of Multiple Offers: Tips and Strategies for Successful Negotiations
If you’re an agent, what counsel can you offer buyers and sellers on the opportunities to embrace – and pitfalls to avoid– when dealing with multiple offer scenarios?
New Building Energy Codes Include Triggers for Successful Projects
All the code changes put Massachusetts in a better place to address the current needs of our built surroundings.
Embracing Sustainability Offers a Solution to Boston’s Office and Housing Crises
There is a clear opportunity to embrace sustainability strategies while reconfiguring Boston’s building stock for a more sustainable future.
Fewer Agents, Appraisal Worries: What’s Next for Real Estate
As the real estate industry continues to struggle with the fallout from the commission lawsuits, increased mortgage rates and a significant decline in the number of transactions, one observer is optimistic.
Real Estate Agents Who Want to Sell the Future Get Phius Certified
Understanding the differences between sustainable building practices is nearly as difficult as it is important for real estate agents.
How the Credit Union Difference Could Help Save the Massachusetts Economy
With rent and mortgage payments encompassing almost half of one’s earnings in Massachusetts, it is becoming increasingly harder – and in some cases impossible – for residents to have financial stability.
How to Move from Intention to Impact in Business and Investment
Many investors I’ve talked to around the country this fall want to be “impact investors,” but having good intentions is only a start, and won’t get you as far as you want.
SJC’s Milton Ruling Won’t Change Need to Comply with MBTA Communities
Whether we’re talking about Milton or its hangers-on, as long as the Legislature and the Healey administration remain in agreement, towns will eventually need to comply with the MBTA Communities law.
Massachusetts’ Approach to Federal Infrastructure Money Is Working
It’s no accident the commonwealth is winning an outsized share of federal grants. Understanding what’s behind these victories is essential as we plan for the future.
We Must Rebrand Housing as a Benefit, Not a Burden
I’m often asked by area business owners and residents, “What can we do to support solutions to our housing issues in our own communities?” The answer sometimes surprises people in its simplicity.
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.
On Linnaean Street, a Divide that Helps Keep Housing Costly
It was one of the most telling exchanges of Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s debate with Republican challenger John Deaton. And it reveals a lot about why bolder action on housing costs has been so elusive.
Boston Faces a Bigger Office – and Budget – Crisis Than You Think
Gone unnoticed amid all the heated debate are signs that the underlying problem – the decline in office building values – may be even more serious than first thought.
The Worst of Boston’s Tax Problems May Be Yet to Come
The good news is that Boston’s 2025 tax revenue crisis may not be as bad as some have feared. The bad news is office values may have further to fall.
State Leaders Celebrate Without a Victory
If political happy talk could be converted into housing units, the cost of a home wouldn’t be nearing $1 million in Greater Boston. But it’s a reality our state and local pols seem incapable of grasping.
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.
Some Houses Are Movie Stars
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,’ the sequel to the 1988 Tim Burton horror comedy, raked in $110 million during its opening weekend in September. But how much would it cost to buy the Connecticut house where most of the movies’ action takes place?
Sellers, It’s Time to Think About Concessions
Sometimes, homebuyers are hesitant to pull the trigger. They might love the house they found – it’s priced right and mortgage rates are coming down – but they just can’t decide whether to move forward.
Seller Deed Fraud Seems Hard to Stop
Scammers succeeded in stealing one Massachusetts property and almost got their hands on another this summer using a type of fraud called “seller impersonation.”
Don’t Miss the Chance to Refi
If the past is prologue, millions of homeowners with high-rate mortgages won’t refinance their loans, even as mortgage rates tumble.