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.
Coming to a Backyard Near You: Accessory Dwelling Units
With communities’ history of opposition to housing in mind, MAR is extremely concerned about the ways in which municipalities may attempt to subvert the intent of this law.
A Pivotal Moment for Upgrading the Commuter Rail System
Massachusetts stands at a critical juncture for the future of its commuter rail system. Ridership has essentially recovered and a key decision is looming that could dramatically help lower traffic and produce more homes.
Unanswered Questions About Boston’s Article 80 Reform
Where does this leave modernization of Boston’s development reviews at the start of 2025? There is not a clear answer. And this fall’s elections could throw a spanner into the works.
The Most Important New Year’s Resolution You Need to Make and Keep
As we move into 2025, self-care needs to be more than just a resolution – it’s a necessity that should be your priority every day if you want to succeed in business.
Wall Street Investors Return to Boston Bidding Pool
Institutional investors returned to bidder pools for apartment complexes on the market in Greater Boston during 2024, resulting in more competitive sales processes and driving up prices.
‘Affordable Housing’ Has a Special Meaning in Mass.
Before joining the chorus of promoters of “affordable housing,” one might want to consider the meaning of that term, and its consequences.
Declining New Construction Has Driven Boston Apartment Pricing Higher
Greater Boston leaders should aim to make sure we have a real-time vacancy rate of at least 6 percent if they want to drive down rents. Lower affordability requirements can help.
Mass. Can Strengthen Section 8 to Expand Housing Access
Local housing authority policies are making a vital housing affordability tool far less effective than it should be, and hurt housing providers in the process.
The Counterintuitive Math that Unlocks New Possibilities
At first glance, the idea that two, plus two, equals five seems ridiculous. But sometimes, math isn’t just about numbers – it’s about people.
Massachusetts’ Transportation System Is at Risk in 2025
The coming months will determine whether we continue transforming to meet our goals for transit, climate emissions and economic growth, or if we’ll stall out.
In Search for Mass. Housing Fixes, It’s Land, Ho!
Many believe that solving our own housing crisis is out of our control because we have no land to build on, but that is not so. What is lacking is broad political will.
2024 Could Be the Year Boston’s Office Rebound Started
But recovery could still be a decade away: North of 40 million square feet of office space is vacant, and the rise of AI means future office demand is still uncertain.

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.

Kraft Hits the Mark with Critique of Wu’s Housing Policies
The mayor’s defense of her housing policies ignores the experience of other cities. They dramatically hiked affordability requirements, only to see housing production collapse.

Is Housing a Vulnerability for Wu? She Seems to Think So
With Boston’s mayor being challenged on her housing record, she seems to be trying to burnish her credentials by taking credit for homes permitted under her predecessors.

Beacon Hill Should Be Bargain-Hunting on Infrastructure Right Now
Amid a big drop-off in private-sector construction, a relatively booming public sector beckons for contractors seeking to stay afloat.

Healey’s Pro-Housing Nonprofit Seems to Rack Up Few Wins
The nonprofit Gov. Maura Healey formed to help fund pro-housing fights appears to be doing just enough to anger some local voters but only delivering modest financial support for its cause.

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.
Should Sellers Sign Long-Duration Listing Agreements?
The Department of Justice has warned buyers not to sign contracts binding them to the agent showing them houses. And maybe they shouldn’t. But what about sellers?
Flood Insurance Is Getting More Affordable
The National Flood Insurance Program is working on allowing policyholders to pay their premiums on a monthly basis. Previously, premiums could only be paid annually.
A Homebuyer’s Glossary of Key Terms to Know
Real estate has its differences – like the difference between spec houses and custom-built homes, or between a pending sale and a completed one.
One Mortgage Banker’s Plan to Fix the Housing Crisis
To Mark Milam, a mortgage banker and loan originator in Atlanta, many current proposals are like “swallowing an aspirin next year for a headache you have now.”