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.
End Parking Minimums and Legalize Single-Stair Buildings: Ideas for the Next Wave of Housing Reforms
It’s sad that middle-class Bay Staters weren’t paying attention to unaffordability as it swamped the working poor, then the working class. But it’s still coming for their own children despite recent legislative wins.
Reclaim Boston’s Brand with Big Changes to Historic Area
Revolutionary Spaces is taking a fresh look at how we tell stories about Boston’s past. Local executives have a chance to be part of building a bridge to a more inclusive telling of American history.
Why Massachusetts’ Version of ‘Chevron Deference’ Will Survive
The U.S. Supreme Court ended its 2023-2024 term by upending a bedrock of federal agencies’ regulations. And it means state regulators here will likely take on a more important role.
CFA’s Solutions to Agent Commission Question Won’t Help Buyers or Sellers
Lew Sichelman’s Aug. 25 column gave too much credit to ideas that would, in fact, harm first-time buyers and which fly in the face of what experience says will work.
Why Boston’s New Climate Office is a Big Deal
The office will have the responsibility and accountability for implementing resiliency plans centralized in one office, explicitly committed to rapid, effective and equitable action
Restaurant Claims Harvard Project Led to Demise
Classic Restaurant Concepts LLC had high hopes when it started building out what was intended to be a destination restaurant in Harvard Square in early 2016.
Building Materials Are Next Frontier in Green Buildings
As climate change continues to reshape global priorities, the demand for healthy and sustainable buildings is evolving rapidly in Boston.
Decarbonizing Boston’s Buildings Is Crucial for Climate Action
It’s clear that a blend of private company investment, technology innovation, consumer demand, economic incentives and the stark realities of climate risks will drive the path to net-zero emissions.
From Loan Officer to Advisor: Diversification Is Key for Mortgage Lenders
Just 59 percent of independent mortgage banks and mortgage subsidiaries of chartered banks were profitable in the first quarter. It’s time you looked beyond your transaction mentality.
The Powerful Commission Mindset Reset You Need to Make Today
Feeling overwhelmed by all the advice about how to negotiate buyer broker commissions? Surprisingly, adjusting to the coming changes may be easier than you may expect.
CRE Professionals Can’t Put Off Succession Planning
Two things in life – death and taxes – are certain, and if we do not plan for them, we are setting ourselves, our businesses and our loved ones up for failure.
The MWRA Doesn’t Have to Expand to Be a Key Tool for Housing Production
Tying land use regulations to local sewer and water infrastructure can be narrowly targeted, and won’t require spending up to $3 billion and won’t take 30 years to be implemented.
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.
Progressive Leader Misses the Mark with Housing Plan
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rose to national prominence with her Green New Deal. Now, she’s turning her attention to the nation’s housing crisis with similar fanciful thinking.
The Fed’s Cuts Come Too Late for Housing
The Fed’s long-awaited cut comes too late to save the housing market, which is now mired in what is likely to be a prolonged slump that could take years to climb out of.
YIMBYs Should Fear Trojan Horse Accusations
If huge housing complexes next to transit hubs are allowed to become the de facto symbol of YIMBYism, the cause is all but doomed in our politically polarized country.
Beacon Hill Should Examine Deeper Cause of Biomanufacturing Shrinkage
The reminders are all around us that Massachusetts helped give birth to the Industrial Revolution. We still can revive that legacy with attention from state leaders.
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.
How Homeowners Can Save on Rising Insurance Premiums
Homeowners may be able to find some relief from rising property taxes and insurance premiums – without doing much work in the process.
Basic Customer Service Creates Big Opening for Agents
Nearly half of online property inquiries are simply ignored, according to new research from real estate analyst and consultant Mike DelPrete.
Thinking Solar? Beware of Crooked Lenders
Homeowners considering adding solar panels to their rooftops should beware of crooked lenders who mislead customers about the terms and conditions of their financing.
How Buyers Can Pay the Buy-Side Commission
Attention, buyers: How are you going to pay your share of the sales commission on the house you want to buy? There’s a lot to understand, now.