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.
It’s Time for Mass. to Act on E-Bikes
E-bikes, e-scooters and other micromobility devices are here to stay, so Massachusetts law must evolve to regulate them effectively.
Why Rent Control Will Hammer Local Property Tax Revenue in Mass.
A proposed ballot question would cost homeowners around $300 billion in the form of hits to local budgets if it passes, as rental real estate values crater.
The MBTA’s Long-Range Plan Is a Real Estate Decision
Greater Boston doesn’t have a land shortage or a capital shortage. It has a shortage of sites where development actually pencils. And that’s fundamentally a transit problem.
Tight Supply Stabilizes Boston Retail Market
Boston’s retail market is entering 2026 as one of the tightest in the country, but growth is becoming more selective.
Why Exclusivity Clauses Are Important in Retail Properties
For commercial landlords and their retail tenants, shopping centers operate like ecosystems. A Massachusetts federal court case is instructive as to why.
Biotech’s Cathedral Problem: Why Emerging Companies Must Rethink Lab Infrastructure
Buildings from Boston’s recent biotech boom were designed for a different kind of market. That’s why it’s been so hard to fill them. But there’s another way.
Congress Shouldn’t Squander Opportunity to Make Two Key Housing Fixes
The House and Senate have overwhelmingly passed their own sweeping housing bills. But if key members don’t negotiate, we’ll lose a chance for meaningful progress.
What’s Driving a Strong Retail Investment Market?
In many markets, there is literally not enough available space to meet the level of tenant demand. We anticipate this challenge to remain permanent.
Don’t Be the Agent Defeated by a Cash Flow Crunch
This has been one of the more difficult spring selling seasons in many markets. Coming after a low-income year last year, that might be leaving some agents needing cash.
Want Better Parking in Greater Boston? Stop Requiring It, and Stop Making It Free
A four-pronged approach to parking demand management would better ensure the sustainability of car-based travel in Massachusetts’ urban areas.
This Summer Will Define Greater Boston’s Future. But We’re Not Ready
If we stumble hosting the World Cup and other mega-events, it will likely be a result of our own choices related to transportation, infrastructure and entertainment rules.
Massachusetts Is Demolishing Its Way Out of Workforce Housing
Many Greater Boston towns require huge lot sizes to build a single house. It’s helping destroy existing, modest homes, and stopping the construction of new ones.
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.
For Fort Point Artists, It’s Now or Never to Land a ‘Signature’ Venue
But the jury’s out on whether the Wu administration is ready to go to the mat for an arts, culture and civic palace of the size and scale some artists have set their sights on.
Why You Should Care About the MWRA’s Crappy Sewer Plan
Amazingly, after more than three decades, we are just now approaching the final act of the multibillion-dollar Boston Harbor cleanup. But advocates say state officials are backtracking.
It’s Plymouth vs. Pulte in Latest Case of NIMBYs on Parade
If you thought Wellesley was bad for battling a state plan to build new housing on a little-used community college parking lot, just wait until you see what’s happening in Plymouth.
Nixing Parking Mandates Could Save Housing Projects Up to 17 Percent
Towns and cities across the state have been heaping very substantial costs onto proposed apartment and condominium projects, a new report finds.
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.
How to Fix a Stale Listing
It can be costly to let a listing linger longer than 60 days. But delisting and price cuts both leave money on the table. Before you do that, try these tips for reviving your listing.
Deed Theft a Rising Problem
Deed theft has become a big business for crooks: They slap their names on unsuspecting homeowners’ titles, then proceed to milk the properties dry.
Insurance, HOA Fees on the Rise
For too many homebuyers, these charges can come back to put a severe crimp in their budgets. And it looks like it’s getting worse.
Geothermal Is Coming to the New-Home Market
Geothermal heating and cooling may soon be coming to a new home-building site near you as a leading alternative energy company expands.