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.
Taming Accelerating Housing Costs
Producing multifamily housing in the commonwealth continues to be a challenge. One of the obstacles to building the new housing we so desperately need has been a sharp increase in the cost of construction.
Level the Playing Field: Gateway Cities Need Permitting Reforms
Massachusetts’ 26 Gateway Cities are home to more than a quarter of our state’s population and represent some of our most promising opportunities for economic revitalization, yet they consistently struggle to compete with suburban and greenfield locations when it comes to attracting projects that could help transform their economies.
Crash Risks Are Not Necessarily Worsened by Development
Certainly, any safety concern should be taken seriously and addressed promptly, but it’s also easy for the public to overestimate the negative effects (and underestimate the potential positive effects) of new development on road safety.
Be the Change You Want to See
In today’s competitive Massachusetts banking environment, differentiating an institution in a crowded marketplace isn’t just about offering the best rates or services – it’s also about local presence and hands-on community involvement.
The Time America Built Beautiful Homes for 100K People to Deal with a Housing Crisis
During World War I, the US government designed and constructed entire communities for workers and their families, revealing what government-led planning can achieve.
Challenging the Myth: How Good Design Unlocks Office Tower Conversions
Our study of Boston’s One Lincoln and a successful conversion of a similar New York City office building show underutilized office towers can, in fact, become viable and vibrant housing.
Municipalities Must Consider Climate Change in Comprehensive Planning Process
For many towns and cities, issues like rising seas and extreme weather are new issues with a steep learning curve. They need help to integrate these issues with traditional planning concerns.
BU Synthetic Turf Field Project Trips Up Architect
A new SJC ruling says the time limits for when architects’ clients can sue over design defects can be contractually negotiated.
Why Marketing Your Listings to Other Agents Still Wins Deals
You have just taken a new listing and plan to market it directly to consumers in print, on the web and on social media. Almost no one, however, has a game plan to market to other agents.
Tackling Cape Cod’s Housing Crisis Through Community-Centered Design
Housing alone isn’t sufficient; it must be integrated into the social and civic fabric of a town. That’s where designers can help do more than build housing: they can help build community.
Rent Control Won’t Help Mass. Become More Affordable. Expanding Rental Vouchers Will
Building our way out of the housing crisis will take too long to help those suffering now. But rent control will halt the real long-term fix – building more homes – in its tracks.
Accessory Dwelling Units Could Help Boston – If Only the City Would Let Them
While residents are paying princely sums to live in Boston, many who can’t afford to pay Boston’s housing piper are leaving. And the city’s pursuing ADU rules that dramatically restrict how many will be built.
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.
Sale Price Growth Slows Nationwide, While MA Continues to Climb
Just call it a tale of two real estate markets. Nationally, home prices have begun to level off and even decline in some markets – but here in Massachusetts, we continue to set new records, both statewide and in the perpetually overheated Greater Boston market.
Pioneer Institute Says Massachusetts’ Economy is Declining
It’s a wake-up call for elected leaders to move beyond incremental steps and pursue a bold, unified strategy – one that taps our world-class universities, research centers and talent to restore Massachusetts’ edge in innovation and opportunity.
Distressed Sales Show Boston’s Budget Problem Isn’t Going Away
A new report says, based on recent office sales and “weak” property tax collections, Boston’s property tax crunch could be getting worse.
The Number of Million-Dollar Towns Has Tripled in Five Years
It’s one of the Boston area’s most expensive yet fastest-growing clubs, and it’ll cost you seven figures to join. Fortunately, you can spread your payments over 30 years.
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.
It’s Not All Bad for Buyers
Now might not be the best time to buy a house. But if you are a member of the must-buy group, fear not: the inventory of houses for sale hasn’t been this large since 2019.
Low-Fee Brokers Look Increasingly Appealing
Selling your house doesn’t need to cost as much as most agents charge. How does 1 percent of the selling price grab you? Or a flat fee of around $500?
Celebs Help Sell Houses, Loans
A spokesperson doesn’t necessarily need to be super famous, but they should at least be recognizable.
Unhappy Agents Voice Concerns
According to the surprisingly candid results of a survey delving into agents’ psyche by the Redfin brokerage firm, half expect their fees to fall in the coming months.