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.
After Tough Summer, Mass. Makes Progress Against Housing Crisis
Prospective homebuyers were likely filled with dread this past summer as headline after headline reminded hopefuls of the harsh reality that is the Massachusetts housing market.
Woods Hole Project Illustrates Coastal Permitting Challenges
The deepwater port on Cape Cod has hosted research vessels for nearly 100 years. But replacing its main dock took years of permitting and consensus-building.
Investing in Massachusetts Real Estate? Know About Nominee Trusts
Massachusetts nominee trusts have long been used to hold title to real estate. They offer privacy, flexibility in estate planning and a layer of anonymity for owners.
What’s Driving Transaction Activity in 2025
With vacancy rates elevated, demand softening and pricing still under pressure, the relative appeal of ownership has only grown. And it’s leading driving some major transactions.
State Land for Homes Is No Silver Bullet
Massachusetts’ program can help show localities what’s possible, but stronger carrots and sticks are needed to get the real prize: developing municipally-owned parcels.
Minimum Lot-Size Reform Is a Modest Idea with Big Potential
A proposed 2026 ballot initiative could seed housing production by making it easier to build more affordable single-family starter homes in Massachusetts.
Who Cares About Main Street? Not Massachusetts, Apparently
Massachusetts just lost its only statewide program to support downtowns and main streets. We need to think differently about how to support these vital places.
A Federal Bill That Can Help Our Transportation System
The next big transportation funding bill is beginning to take shape at the federal level, and Massachusetts needs to be strategic.
Massachusetts Is About to Complicate Some High-Dollar Real Estate Deals
Massachusetts has proposed a new regulation that could significantly impact high-value real estate deals involving sellers who live out-of-state.
Parking Requirements Are One of the Greatest Threats to Historic Preservation
Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities show the scars of minimum parking requirements, with big chunks of downtown cratered by parking lots where new homes could be.
Central Mass. Residential Real Estate Market Now Balanced
Residential real estate in Central Massachusetts has been in a seller’s market since 2013. That 12-year run appears to have finally come to an end.
Pricing Strategies in a Shifting Market
The Massachusetts housing market may not have tipped into a buyer’s market, but it’s certainly in flux. So it pays to be strategic and data-driven when pricing a listing.
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.
Who’s Worried? Not Tom O’Brien
The HYM Investment Group chief faces down a tough financing environment and a threat from a prominent politician to force an eminent domain sale of the Suffolk Downs development site.
Mass. Should Build New Cities, Too
Boston, Worcester and Springfield may be the Bay State’s three largest cities, but if Congressman Jake Aucincloss has his way, they may get competition.
Kraft Deserves Praise for a Serious Campaign
Say what you want about Josh Kraft – and there’s certainly a lot to say. But he pushed Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on issues where the city’s failing.
Green Groups, Major Source of Jobs Square Off in Westfield
Massachusetts is at a high risk of recession and may already be in the early stages of a contraction. Is this really the time for green virtue-signaling?
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.
Price Cuts A-Plenty in New-Home Market
Homebuilders are going to great lengths these days to move product. Many are still offering exceptional deals, especially on homes that are move-in ready.
When Does Refinancing Make Sense?
Homeowners eager for mortgage rates to dip so they can refinance their places may have to wait quite a bit longer.
AI Helps Compare Contractor Bids
One of the most difficult parts of beginning a home improvement project is comparing bids from various contractors. It’s almost impossible.
What Happens When You Lie on Your Loan Application
Even if you are not prosecuted, if your lender finds out you equivocated, they can call your loan due and payable on the spot.