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.
Transforming Boston’s Commuter Rail Creates a Blueprint for Growth
The T recently hit several milestones in turning its commuter rail network into a tool to unlock new development sites. But the real estate community should keep an eye out for three
What Corporate Allyship Looks Like
From chocolate chip to blue chips, Massachusetts business leaders have local and national role models for doing the work needed to authentically live, not hide their corporate values.
The Great Renovation: Breathing New Life into America’s Aging Homes
America is facing a significant housing shortage, especially at entry-home level. And unnoticed by most, America’s mom-and-pop investors are quietly leading the charge in fixing this.
A Data-Driven Approach to Creating More Homes
ULI Boston/New England is partnering with three communities north of Boston to enhance both their urban mobility and their supply of new housing.
SJC Rules Against Tenant in Eviction Case
In a case involving the Massachusetts appeal bond statute in a summary process eviction case, the Supreme Judicial Court recently ruled against a family that had been occupying a foreclosed property for 11 years without making mortgage or rent payments.
Boston Office Landlords Bet on Spec Suites
Overall office requirements in Greater Boston are pushing past 3.5 million square feet. Many of them are on the hunt for a flexible, seamless solution in the market: spec suites.
‘No Cash Accepted’ Signs are Bad News for Millions of Americans
How many people don’t have a bank account? And just how difficult has it become to live without one? These questions are becoming increasingly important as more businesses refuse to take cash.
Not Building More Housing Is the Worst Thing You Can Do for Your Schools
Perceptions that new housing equals a flood of new students aren’t new. What is new is the misinformation about it in debates around MBTA Communities compliance.
For Business Changemakers, the Time for Action Is Now
For me, and doubtless for many of you, July 4 is a day of mixed emotions. But now is the time to stick your head neck out for equity. Try to repair the hypocrisy in your industry.
How High Can Home Prices Go? MAR Working on Attainable Solutions
Last month, more than 400 MAR members attended the 39th annual Realtor Day on Beacon Hill, advocating for homebuyer savings accounts, fair housing education and more housing production.
New Research Can Guide Wealth-Building for Boston’s Diverse Small Businesses
As the urgency for providing inclusive economic growth for all commonwealth residents grows, building on existing programs and partnerships can help us create a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Is Limited Inventory Masking Weak Demand?
It’s been my view that limited inventory has been masking weak underlying demand. Even in communities where inventory is still constrained, the near-term inventory trends are sharply higher.
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.
Madame Vice President, Look to Mass., Not California
Kamala Harris should look to former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Gov. Maura Healey and former Gov. Charlie Baker for tips on winning over swing states with a pro-growth agenda.
Rent Control? Say It Ain’t So, Joe
President Joe Biden last week jettisoned decades spent crafting an image as a moderate Democrat in a transparent ploy to rally party progressives to his foundering campaign.
Beacon Hill Faces New Housing Choice
A YIMBY tide is rolling across the nation. And the only question for Massachusetts is whether it will ride it willingly or get dragged along kicking and screaming in its wake.
The Case of the Missing ‘Housing Bubble’
The last time home prices went on an epic tear, there was no escaping the talk of a real estate bubble. This time, the commentariat is far more sanguine despite our epic housing supply-demand imbalance.
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.
Listing a Home? Get the Sellers to ‘Edit’
Price, location and condition all play a part in whether or not someone decides to buy your house. But a homeowner can only control one of them, and it’s not price or location.
Overpriced Listings Become Stale
Right now, according to Redfin, more houses have been on the market for 30 days or more than any other time in recent memory
FHA Rehab Loan Program Gets Important Updates
At last, Uncle Sam’s primary program for helping homeowners and buyers rehab their properties is moving into the 21st century.
The Real Cost of Selling Goes Way Beyond Agent Commissions
Most people realize they’ll have to pay a hefty commission to sell their homes. But that’s not even the half of it – literally – according to new research.