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Time to read [4 minutes] Takeways The recent decline in mortgage rates means that today’s expected Fed rate cut is already priced into the market, and any impact may be muted, or rates could even briefly rise. Confusion abounds as inflation—driven by tariffs and surging grocery prices—is a major concern, yet policymakers push rate cuts while the job market softens and new listing inventory growth...
Time to read [4 minutes] Takeways Breanna Banaciski uses deadpan, crude humor on social media to market Tampa Bay real estate, blurring the line between parody and reality Her comedic videos help listings stand out in a crowded Gulf Coast market Her bold style grabs attention in a confusing housing market, but isn’t for everyone It's all getting so serious. My kids grew up getting their news from...
Time to read [5 minutes] Takeways Falling enrollment and rising costs are closing small private colleges, leaving excess housing and weak degree ROI. Universities overbuilt upscale dorms with loandriven spending, now facing underuse. Underused campus housing is being converted into workforce, affordable, and multifamily units in major cities. Source: Filmgarb Today's piece is pushing the envelope...
Time to read [5 minutes] Takeways A condo development next to 520 Park Avenue is set to block some western views of Central Park, sparking disputes over the impact on values A billionaire buyer is suing the developer, alleging he was not informed about the potential future obstruction when purchasing his unit The case highlights longstanding risks in real estate, where views are never guaranteed...
Time to read [4 minutes] Takeways Tariffs are hurting the economy: Weaker job market and rising household costs, with key prices up sharply. Fed rate cut likely: 90% chance for a 25 basis point cut, lowering recession odds and keeping mortgage rates steady or lower. Housing outlook unclear: Mortgage rates are already dropping and housing demand is rising, but tariffs keep prices high...
Time to read [6 minutes] Takeways NYC Multiple Dwelling Law strengthened by Local Law 18 in 2023, dropping Airbnb's NYC rental share from 4% to 0.3% The crackdown satisfied hotel owners (with hotel rates rising 7%) and permanent residents, who no longer face rotating shortterm visitors next door Despite the intent to lower rents and increase affordability, these laws did not make NYC housing more...
Time to read [5 minutes] Takeways Ugly Sign Marketing Works Despite Unprofessionalism iBuyers As A More Polished Platform To Get Cash For A House Risks and Tradeoffs Are Numerous In The Ugly Sign World Every so often, I see amateurish signs with catch phrases like "We Buy Houses" or "We Pay CASH For Houses" planted at intersections around my region. The one below that I snapped has a typo, which...
Time to read [5 minutes] Takeways Seller Leverage Dwindles, Especially In Texas and Florida Surging Cancellations Tied To 2022 Rate Hikes And Uncertainty “Record” Rate Claim By Redfin Only Spans Nine Years Business Insider has a good story on sales that fall through: Seller Beware. As inventory expands, sellers are losing their dominance in the transaction, and those slow to react to more...
Time to read [5 minutes] Takeways (powered by Perplexity) Private mortgage lenders fill the gaps left by traditional banks Technologydriven private lenders provide faster underwriting and closings The growth of private mortgage lending opens new opportunities for reputable appraisers As I've written about in the past, private mortgage lending (not to be confused with private banking) has been a...
Time to read [5 minutes] The Devo Song "Whip It" Is Oddly About The American Dream The Song Was About Avoiding Being Duped By The American Dream Relocating To Downsize Is Determined By Highest And Best Use It's the day before the long holiday weekend, and I needed some levity. I just read a fun Wall Street Journal piece on Devo Frontman Mark Mothersbaugh on the Double Meaning of 'Whip It' [gift...
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