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.
Five Things that Could Unsettle Real Estate’s New Year
With a new governor in charge and the real estate market in flux, 2023 could prove to be a pivotal year in Massachusetts’ efforts to rein in its ruinous cost of living.
Boston Affordability Hikes Could Backfire, Other Cities Show
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has rolled the dice on maybe one of the biggest gambles she’ll take in office. But Cambridge’s and San Francisco’s experiences with similar affordability mandates suggest Wu risks curtailing Boston housing construction.
Pot Pols Raise Question: Do They Have an Inside Track?
Has the launch of the cannabis industry in the state degenerated into the same old, very Massachusetts game of political insiders and companies with the best-connected lobbyists grabbing the choicest opportunities for themselves?
Relief from Downtown Devastation Next Year?
If you thought bosses would give up on getting workers back into the office without a fight, you were sorely mistaken. Big employers are gearing up for a big push next year, and the future of downtown Boston may hang in the balance
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.
The Loan Process Can Be Haunted
Here is a spooky list, from real estate veterans, of the most common things that go “thump” in the loan process.
Survey Unpacks HOA Gripes
An estimated 74 million home and condominium owners now live in properties governed by associations of their fellow residents. And a new survey finds 4 out of every 5 folks living with an association would just as soon live elsewhere.
40-Year Listing Contracts Draw Complaints
Some clients of MV Realty are not pleased with the listing contracts the company has them sign. Some even say it’s fraud.
Winter Buyers: Be Ready to Be Nimble
Buying a house in the winter is a different animal, especially in colder climates where the weather can limit your ability to fully see a property.