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.
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.
Transportation Abundance Belongs in Massachusetts
The Healey administration is on the record as fans of the book “Abundance,” and the movement it spawned. A look in the weeds of transportation issues shows the fruits.
How New Money Is Transforming the Affordable Housing Landscape
While no bill is perfect and it still only scratches the surface of affordable housing needs nationwide, federal legislation passed last year is a big step in the right direction.
MBTA Communities Will Fall Short. But Without It, Bigger Reforms Couldn’t Happen
My research shows the MBTA Communities zoning law will fall short of what’s needed to build enough homes in Massachusetts. But it’s set the stage for further reforms.
Now’s the Time to Tackle High Energy Costs
Property owners, businesses and consumers need real relief. Addressing this issue now will make the dark days of next winter a little bit brighter.
Legalizing Starter Homes Is Not Radical. It’s Overdue
A question likely headed for the ballot this fall will speak volumes about who our housing system is designed to accommodate – and who it leaves behind.
The American Dream Is Wobbling in Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities
They’ve been launching pads for families to obtain a better life. But Massachusetts is neglecting support for homeownership and entrepreneurship.
Do You Have the Right Insurance on Your Home?
Calamity can hit at any time, whether it’s by Mother Nature, a broken pipe inside a wall or some other disaster. But does your insurance match your risks?
Mass. Gateway Cities’ Big Assets Make Big Impacts
Massachusetts’ 26 Gateway Cities are important hubs, cultural centers and seats of government. They also have large sites ready for development and redevelopment.
Springfield Ties Future to Gaming
The MGM casino revitalized an area of the city heavily damaged in a 2011 tornado. It’s now generating millions of dollars in taxes and thousands of permanent jobs.
Mass. Can Overcome Local Control Arguments with Permitting Reforms
Permitting reforms can still accelerate housing production in Massachusetts this year, while avoiding much of the controversy surrounding state-driven zoning reforms.
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.
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.
Mass. Needs Honesty About Housing Production
Maybe it’s time elected leaders should try radical honesty about what it will take to build so many homes that prices come down.
Can Trump Make Housing Great Again?
Wouldn’t it be better to see our mad emperor channel some of his maniacal energy into the idea of tackling an increasingly dire housing crisis?
The Boston Luxury Condo Market’s Big Cooldown
Hot it is not. In fact, stone cold might be a more apt descriptor of downtown Boston’s once sizzling multimillion-dollar luxury condominium scene.
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.
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.
Smaller, Better New Houses Coming
Bigger isn’t always better. Going into the spring shopping season, buyers looking for newly built houses will find places that are smaller, but just as functional.
The Latest Scam for Homeowners: Fake Utility Billing Websites
It’s the latest scam levied against unaware homeowners. And what makes it so dangerous is that criminals aren’t just blasting out random emails.
There’s a Trick to Shopping for the Best Mortgage Rate
Shopping for mortgage rates can save borrowers a lot of money – $222 a month on average, according to a June report from LendingTree. But there’s a trick to browsing the field for the best rate.