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.
For Boston Hotels, 2026 Is a Year of Cautious Optimism
While the outlook for Boston hotels’ revenue growth is positive, expense pressures persist, driven by continued increases in labor and other operating costs.
Despite Headwinds, Boston’s Hotel Market is Well-Positioned for Growth
Boston has one of the most balanced bases of demand in the country, little prospect of adding new hotels and has three big demand-drivers ahead this summer.
Hotel Management Agreements Are Critical for Hospitality Properties. Here’s How They Work
It is an understatement to say that hotels are different from other CRE investments. To understand why, you have to understand hotel management agreements.
Parking Mandates Drive up Housing Costs. Let’s Learn from Others and Eliminate Them
One parking space can add more than $200 to monthly rent. Bring down the cost of production and more dollars go to housing and fewer to parking.
There’s Still Hope for Mass. YIMBY Bill, Despite Zoning Reform Fatigue
There are only a few months left to pass a big zoning reform bill in Massachusetts. And so far, the bill has only gotten bigger.
Transportation Abundance Belongs in Massachusetts
The Healey administration is on the record as fans of the book “Abundance,” and the movement it spawned. A look in the weeds of transportation issues shows the fruits.
How New Money Is Transforming the Affordable Housing Landscape
While no bill is perfect and it still only scratches the surface of affordable housing needs nationwide, federal legislation passed last year is a big step in the right direction.
MBTA Communities Will Fall Short. But Without It, Bigger Reforms Couldn’t Happen
My research shows the MBTA Communities zoning law will fall short of what’s needed to build enough homes in Massachusetts. But it’s set the stage for further reforms.
Now’s the Time to Tackle High Energy Costs
Property owners, businesses and consumers need real relief. Addressing this issue now will make the dark days of next winter a little bit brighter.
Legalizing Starter Homes Is Not Radical. It’s Overdue
A question likely headed for the ballot this fall will speak volumes about who our housing system is designed to accommodate – and who it leaves behind.
The American Dream Is Wobbling in Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities
They’ve been launching pads for families to obtain a better life. But Massachusetts is neglecting support for homeownership and entrepreneurship.
Do You Have the Right Insurance on Your Home?
Calamity can hit at any time, whether it’s by Mother Nature, a broken pipe inside a wall or some other disaster. But does your insurance match your risks?
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.
Forgotten in Boston’s Building Bust: Tradespeople Thrown Out of Work
Thousands of union construction workers are taking part-time jobs or heading to other states thanks in part to Mayor Michelle Wu’s policies. Why doesn’t she take it more seriously?
BXP Brings Ray of Hope to Suburban Boston Housing Production
Between office parks it owns in Waltham, Weston and Lexington, the office mega-landlord now has plans to add around 2,300 new homes in the western Route 128 corridor.
Can Mass. Rent Control Foes Get Their Message Out?
The biggest swing factor in the upcoming Massachusetts rent control fight will be how the media covers the ballot question.
Mass. Needs Honesty About Housing Production
Maybe it’s time elected leaders should try radical honesty about what it will take to build so many homes that prices come down.
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.
Down Payment Assistance Available for Middle-Income Borrowers
Need help coming up with a down payment? It’s there for the asking. And it’s not just for low-income buyers, anymore.
Rental Scams Targeting Renters on the Rise, Too
More than half the people who told federal watchdogs they were ripped off by a rental scam said it had originated on Facebook or Craigslist.
Smaller, Better New Houses Coming
Bigger isn’t always better. Going into the spring shopping season, buyers looking for newly built houses will find places that are smaller, but just as functional.
The Latest Scam for Homeowners: Fake Utility Billing Websites
It’s the latest scam levied against unaware homeowners. And what makes it so dangerous is that criminals aren’t just blasting out random emails.