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.
Who Cares About Main Street? Not Massachusetts, Apparently
Massachusetts just lost its only statewide program to support downtowns and main streets. We need to think differently about how to support these vital places.
A Federal Bill That Can Help Our Transportation System
The next big transportation funding bill is beginning to take shape at the federal level, and Massachusetts needs to be strategic.
Massachusetts Is About to Complicate Some High-Dollar Real Estate Deals
Massachusetts has proposed a new regulation that could significantly impact high-value real estate deals involving sellers who live out-of-state.
Parking Requirements Are One of the Greatest Threats to Historic Preservation
Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities show the scars of minimum parking requirements, with big chunks of downtown cratered by parking lots where new homes could be.
Central Mass. Residential Real Estate Market Now Balanced
Residential real estate in Central Massachusetts has been in a seller’s market since 2013. That 12-year run appears to have finally come to an end.
Pricing Strategies in a Shifting Market
The Massachusetts housing market may not have tipped into a buyer’s market, but it’s certainly in flux. So it pays to be strategic and data-driven when pricing a listing.
Don’t Mess with the Market – Please!
The negative effect that tariffs had on the spring market should come as no surprise. But hopefully that uncertainty has passed and the luxury market will be on the upswing.
Why Agent Education Matters in a Rapidly Changing Industry
Over the last 18 months, the rules of residential real estate have changed dramatically for Massachusetts agents. Brokerages and agents must invest in training – now.
Urban Trees Vs. Cool Roofs: What’s Best for Beating the Heat?
Urban trees are a popular defense against rising temperatures, but are expensive. Coating rooftops with reflective paint or using light-colored materials can help.
How New Projects Are Responding to Climate Concerns in Boston
Like other waterfront cities, Boston faces existential risk from climate change – not just rising sea levels, but also sudden rainstorms and extreme temperatures.
Buildings Play a Key Role in Massachusetts’ Energy Future
If we want to maintain momentum on climate goals, we must be strategic in how and when building performance is integrated into the construction process.
SJC Limits Landlords’ Use of Security Deposits
When one of its tenants vacated her apartment without using professional cleaning services, a landlord deducted $115 from her security deposit. It could face a class-action lawsuit.
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.
Mass. Should Build New Cities, Too
Boston, Worcester and Springfield may be the Bay State’s three largest cities, but if Congressman Jake Aucincloss has his way, they may get competition.
Kraft Deserves Praise for a Serious Campaign
Say what you want about Josh Kraft – and there’s certainly a lot to say. But he pushed Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on issues where the city’s failing.
Green Groups, Major Source of Jobs Square Off in Westfield
Massachusetts is at a high risk of recession and may already be in the early stages of a contraction. Is this really the time for green virtue-signaling?
Don’t Bet on Filling Those Lab Buildings Any Time Soon
The Bay State’s life sciences sector now faces the prospect of a potential retrenchment amid slashing cuts to research funding and drops in venture capital funding.
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.
AI Helps Compare Contractor Bids
One of the most difficult parts of beginning a home improvement project is comparing bids from various contractors. It’s almost impossible.
What Happens When You Lie on Your Loan Application
Even if you are not prosecuted, if your lender finds out you equivocated, they can call your loan due and payable on the spot.
Scam Artists Flogging Real Estate Get-Rich Schemes
Buyer beware: Recent Federal Trade Commission actions show that scam artists are still out there, trying to separate you from your money.
Good Buyers Look Beyond Home Staging
House hunters who visit homes that look like they belong in Architectural Digest need to take a closer look. Those places have been staged to hide their flaws.