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.
Mass. Gateway Cities’ Big Assets Make Big Impacts
Massachusetts’ 26 Gateway Cities are important hubs, cultural centers and seats of government. They also have large sites ready for development and redevelopment.
Springfield Ties Future to Gaming
The MGM casino revitalized an area of the city heavily damaged in a 2011 tornado. It’s now generating millions of dollars in taxes and thousands of permanent jobs.
Mass. Can Overcome Local Control Arguments with Permitting Reforms
Permitting reforms can still accelerate housing production in Massachusetts this year, while avoiding much of the controversy surrounding state-driven zoning reforms.
Don’t Turn Your Loan Problem into a Tax Problem
The prospects of refinancing many office projects are low, given their plummeting valuations. But resolving this with a deed in lieu of foreclosure carries unique tax implications.
Mass. Transportation Plans Are Working – and Must Continue
Last year, state leaders set specific priorities and followed through. But as we begin 2026, we should not confuse incremental progress for long-term success.
Building for Resilience in a Climate-Affected Construction Landscape
From physical risks to scheduling delays to evolving building codes, climate change’s growing impact on healthcare construction requires proactive planning.
2025 Was a Landmark Year for Housing Reform
What once seemed politically impossible is now happening across red, blue and purple states alike, in ways that should inspire us here in Massachusetts.
Why Local Banking Is Essential for Massachusetts
Amid a wave of innovation, one truth remains: local banking remains essential – not just for convenience, but for the economic health of Massachusetts.
The Most Important B&T Guest Columns You Should Have Read in 2025
These pieces charted the challenges, innovations, big ideas and criticism in the real estate, housing policy and urbanism worlds.
Statewide Housing Push Must Prioritize Access to Home Ownership
By focusing so intently on rental development and preservation, Massachusetts also risks neglecting the importance of addressing barriers to homeownership.
Expect Another Busy Year for Multifamily Transactions
As we approach 2026, transaction volume in the Greater Boston multifamily market has rebounded, and investors remain bullish about the region.
Court Case to Settle ‘Unfunded Mandate’ Claims Against MBTA Zoning
MBTA Communities Act opponents deride it as an “unfunded mandate” even though academic studies show multifamily housing usually pays more than the services it consumes.
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.
Can Trump Make Housing Great Again?
Wouldn’t it be better to see our mad emperor channel some of his maniacal energy into the idea of tackling an increasingly dire housing crisis?
The Boston Luxury Condo Market’s Big Cooldown
Hot it is not. In fact, stone cold might be a more apt descriptor of downtown Boston’s once sizzling multimillion-dollar luxury condominium scene.
In Housing Fights, It’s Healey Vs. the Homeowner-Voters
Gov. Maura Healey’s “State Land for Homes” push is putting her and the public good on a collision course with a vocal minority that’s used to calling the shots.
Rent Control Will Kneecap Our Best Tool to Lower Housing Costs
From the Twin Cities in Minnesota, to the metropolises of Europe, Asia and Africa, rent control has devastated new apartment construction, studies and experience show.
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.
There’s a Trick to Shopping for the Best Mortgage Rate
Shopping for mortgage rates can save borrowers a lot of money – $222 a month on average, according to a June report from LendingTree. But there’s a trick to browsing the field for the best rate.
Expect Your Tax Escrow to Rise
Most homebuyers figure that their property taxes will be the same as those paid by the house’s previous owner. That’s a common mistake.
Pregnant Buyers Face Additional Pressures
Buying a house is always a taxing experience. But when you are expecting a child, it turns into a “high-stakes, emotionally charged and biologically timed sprint.”
Late with Payments? Call Your Lender Now
The typical indicators of homeowner financial stress – mortgage delinquencies and foreclosure filings – are rising across the land.