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.
CFA’s Solutions to Agent Commission Question Won’t Help Buyers or Sellers
Lew Sichelman’s Aug. 25 column gave too much credit to ideas that would, in fact, harm first-time buyers and which fly in the face of what experience says will work.
Why Boston’s New Climate Office is a Big Deal
The office will have the responsibility and accountability for implementing resiliency plans centralized in one office, explicitly committed to rapid, effective and equitable action
Restaurant Claims Harvard Project Led to Demise
Classic Restaurant Concepts LLC had high hopes when it started building out what was intended to be a destination restaurant in Harvard Square in early 2016.
Building Materials Are Next Frontier in Green Buildings
As climate change continues to reshape global priorities, the demand for healthy and sustainable buildings is evolving rapidly in Boston.
Decarbonizing Boston’s Buildings Is Crucial for Climate Action
It’s clear that a blend of private company investment, technology innovation, consumer demand, economic incentives and the stark realities of climate risks will drive the path to net-zero emissions.
From Loan Officer to Advisor: Diversification Is Key for Mortgage Lenders
Just 59 percent of independent mortgage banks and mortgage subsidiaries of chartered banks were profitable in the first quarter. It’s time you looked beyond your transaction mentality.
The Powerful Commission Mindset Reset You Need to Make Today
Feeling overwhelmed by all the advice about how to negotiate buyer broker commissions? Surprisingly, adjusting to the coming changes may be easier than you may expect.
CRE Professionals Can’t Put Off Succession Planning
Two things in life – death and taxes – are certain, and if we do not plan for them, we are setting ourselves, our businesses and our loved ones up for failure.
The MWRA Doesn’t Have to Expand to Be a Key Tool for Housing Production
Tying land use regulations to local sewer and water infrastructure can be narrowly targeted, and won’t require spending up to $3 billion and won’t take 30 years to be implemented.
Innovation Summit Showcased the Frontier of Banking Tech in Mass.
It’s clear the possibility of ensuring everyone is never far from high-quality digital banking services is within reach.
Massachusetts Is Building Momentum in Transportation
It may come as a surprise to hear, but we’ve recently turned some big corners in fixing some very real problems. Now we need a vision for the future.
Housing Bill’s Momentum Fund Has Potential for Outsized Impact
Designed to provide flexible financing to invest directly in market-driven, mixed-income housing projects that are currently stalled, this innovative fund holds significant promise.
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.
Beacon Hill Should Examine Deeper Cause of Biomanufacturing Shrinkage
The reminders are all around us that Massachusetts helped give birth to the Industrial Revolution. We still can revive that legacy with attention from state leaders.
YIMBYs Look to Dems with Hope
Has the national Democratic Party finally embraced the YIMBY cause? It certainly feels that way after two big speeches in the last 10 days.
Big Landlords, Big Rent Increases and Big Mistakes
When will local progressive politicians see – and act – on how their policies are enabling sizable rent increases by stifling housing construction?
Beacon Hill’s Mad Dash Ends in Frustration
Each of the high-profile bills Beacon Hill passed or failed to pass last week deserved public scrutiny and debate, including votes at normal times open for all the public to see.
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.
Basic Customer Service Creates Big Opening for Agents
Nearly half of online property inquiries are simply ignored, according to new research from real estate analyst and consultant Mike DelPrete.
Thinking Solar? Beware of Crooked Lenders
Homeowners considering adding solar panels to their rooftops should beware of crooked lenders who mislead customers about the terms and conditions of their financing.
How Buyers Can Pay the Buy-Side Commission
Attention, buyers: How are you going to pay your share of the sales commission on the house you want to buy? There’s a lot to understand, now.
In a Home Inspection, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
There’s a lot of give-and-take when it comes to buying a house. But perhaps the most important bargaining takes place over the report from the buyer’s home inspector.