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.
Starter Home Question Could Catalyze Construction
Two recent zoning reforms may not fix the housing shortage in Massachusetts. But a potential game-changer is on the horizon in the form of an initiative petition.
Title Searches Won’t Always Protect Your Homebuyer from Environmental Hazards
In Massachusetts, the burden rests with the buyer, not seller, to ferret out environmental conditions and assess liability.
These Profit Holes Can Sink Your Business
Most Realtors and investors focus primarily on profits. What typically gets put on the back burner is how expenses and what they’re choosing not to do can cost them way more.
Your Marketing Is Likely Turning Off Buyer and Seller Clients. Do This, Instead
The big question agents facing agents today is: How do you stand out in an immense sea of sameness?
Is Town Meeting Really the Best Body to Vote on a Development’s Zoning?
Town meeting votes are so risky for developers, it locks Massachusetts out of large-scale housing production. What if we could fix that while keeping democratic accountability?
Indie Coffee Shops Are Meant to Counter Corporate Behemoths. Why Do They Both Look the Same?
Patrons want more than a good espresso. They want to immerse themselves in a “scene” that matches their lifestyle and aspirations, and store owners have been happy to oblige.
Inclusionary Zoning Deserves a Serious Debate, Not a False Choice
A Cambridge lawsuit has sparked important conversation on inclusionary zoning – but one that should be grounded in evidence and experience in Massachusetts.
Beacon Hill Saved the MBTA from Years of Crisis. Don’t Let the Pendulum Swing the Other Way
If the transit system is not currently broken, can the MBTA still convince legislators to provide increased state budget support?
Boston Needs More Homes. So Why Are We Driving Out the Workers Who Build Them?
Fear of federal immigration agents isn’t abstract, and it is beginning to paralyze the construction pipeline Greater Boston desperately needs.
Feeling Stressed Out? Increase Your Productivity Simply by Taking a Break
The type of break you choose has a huge impact on how effective you will be with your clients as well as coping with the challenges you face daily in your real estate business.
Why Realtors Want Every Agent to Get Fair Housing Training
Fair housing is not an abstract concept for Realtors. It is a professional obligation and public responsibility. But only a third of licensed agents are Realtors, leaving a big gap in fair housing protections.
The Housing Crisis Is Forcing Americans to Choose Between Affordability and Safety
When housing becomes unaffordable in safer areas, the only available and affordable property is often in riskier locations, like flood- or fire-prone locales.
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.
New Data Shows Mass. Is Driving Its Residents Out
Massachusetts is starting to see a growing number of people head for the exits, from young professionals and families just starting out to wealthy couples nearing retirement.
The Most Interesting Maps of Massachusetts You’ve Ever Seen
A new project from a Suffolk University team shows just how little residential land in Massachusetts is legally primed for multifamily development: just 4 percent.
Rent Control Will Slash Property Values. Boston Will Be Hit Hardest
Talk about playing with fire: Some of the most affluent and politically progressive cities and towns in Massachusetts are the staunchest supporters of a draconian, statewide rent control proposal.
Why Won’t Candidates for Governor Bring Back the Starter Home?
Many Massachusetts pols have embraced the YIMBY Gospel. But why won’t Gov. Maura Healey or her Republican challengers get behind the biggest effort to unlock starter homes?
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.
Hidden Referral Fees Could Be Costly
Because buying a referral cuts deeply into agents’ earnings those who pay them are far less likely to bargain over their commissions with consumers, a new report argues.
Landlords Need Extra Insurance
If you’re an owner-occupier landlord, remember: a traditional homeowner’s insurance policy won’t cut it, alone.
Delisted Homes Are Coming Back, with a New Mindset
There’s been a jump in the number of houses hitting the market in recent weeks. A number are homes that had been listed without selling because they were overpriced.
How to Spot Moving Troubles
America used to be a nation of nomads. What hasn’t changed, however, is that people who do choose to move still need help with the heavy stuff.