Author: Brad Beckett

On a recent episode of the Get Traction Podcast, Tom Zeeb spoke with Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the National Real Estate Investors Association, Charles Tassell about his experience as a commercial real estate investor and political lobbyist. He talks about with Tom about best practices & strategies for evaluating neighborhoods, the strategic advantage of buying during a down cycle and the importance of choosing the correct business partner. In addition, Charles discussed the impact that local government can have on real estate investing and the value of getting involved in your community at the local level to bring about…

According to their Q2 2021 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, ATTOM Data says, foreclosure starts increased 27% from August with completed foreclosures increasing 22% from one year ago.  According to data, there were a total of 15,838 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings (default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions)  – which comes down to one in every 8,677 housing units having a foreclosure filing in August 2021.  These numbers reflect the first month since the government’s moratorium has lifted.  The states with the highest foreclosure rates were Illinois, Nevada, Delaware, and Ohio. “As expected, foreclosure activity increased as the government’s foreclosure…

Yes, believe it or not, in less than a week the Autumnal Equinox will take place, aka the first day of Fall (9/22).  That means it’s time to start thinking about lawn-care for the upcoming cooler months. The following infographic from The Home Depot lays out exactly what needs to be done to prepare your yard for the winter months ahead so it’s in tip-top shape for the Spring. Stay safe and have a Happy Friday!!!! Hat tip to The Home Depot.

Local Market Monitor, a National REIA preferred vendor, recently released their monthly National Economic Outlook where they share their thoughts on developments taking place in the U.S. economy. National Economic Outlook By Ingo Winzer September, 2021 The latest data on home prices show an incredible surge in almost all markets across the country. This can’t be explained through economic growth or population growth or income growth, because there hasn’t been any. It seems to be a pandemic phenomenon unrelated to ordinary economic measurement, and therefore we don’t know how it will develop. There isn’t an enormous surge of demand. Last…

HousingWire is reporting (reposted on RealTrends) that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is giving insight into the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation into their recent ban on Pocket Listings.  According to the report, the Biden Justice Department unilaterally withdrew from their consent decree with the NAR in July, 2021.   In mid-September,  the NAR sent out a 44-page legal briefing stating that they want to set aside or modify a civil investigative demand made by the Justice Department.  HousingWire says that a “civil investigative demand” is a tool used by federal government agencies to gather information, usually prior to the…

The NAHB’s Eye on Housing recently took a deep-dive into the Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index (PPI) regarding the prices of goods used as inputs to residential construction. Their data shows that overall (excluding energy) they have increased 19%.  If you add in energy that rate drops to 12%. The NAHB says that prices related to residential construction, including lawn care products, the 10 that have increased the most so far this year are: Steel mill products Building paper and building board mill products Asphalt Plastic water pipe Fertilizer materials Laminated veneer lumber Thermoplastic resins and plastics materials…

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is reporting that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) was 0.3% in August, 2021.  Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 5.3% before seasonal adjustment. Click here to read the full release at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to recent data from the Mortgage Bankers Association, home price appreciation & loan sizes continued to accelerate in Q2, 2021.  The MBA says this was driven by robust housing demand that continues to outpace the supply of homes for sale. “While challenges to replenishing the housing supply will persist for the months ahead, an increasing number of younger households approaching homeownership age will support growth over the next few years. We expect that supply will eventually grow enough to help moderate the rapid pace of home price growth as home builders see supply chain bottlenecks ease and existing homeowners…

According to various media reports, Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives’ Ways & Means Committee have promulgated a series of tax increases to fund the expansion of social safety net programs and fight climate change, as part of President Biden’s $3.5 trillion spending plan.  Among the many proposed items is an increase in the corporate tax rate to 26.5% (up from 21%), a 3 percentage point surtax on top earners and a capital-gains tax increase. The WSJ says the basic capital-gains rate would rise to 25% (up from 20%), however when combined with an existing 3.8% investment-income tax and…

According to the latest Yardi Matrix Multifamily Report, the average U.S. multifamily rents in August increased $25 to $1,539 (up 10.3% year-over-year).  Yardi says the recovery in rents is widespread and being fueled by a return to urban cores, job growth and an increased savings rate.  In addition, they say many who were living at home or with roommates during the pandemic are now able to afford their own apartments, creating a surge in demand. Indeed… “Tech hub metros that have led the nation in rent growth over the last year and a half continued to outperform. Not only are…