Author: Brad Beckett

According to the latest Yardi Matrix, U.S. multifamily rents rose in July, coming in at $1,469 with year-over-year growth increasing to 3.4% (up 10 basis points from June).  Yardi says multifamily rents continued their impressive and consistent performance but cautions that there is potential for market volatility and slower growth.  Indeed… Click here to read the full report at Yardimatrix.com.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced a proposed rule amending HUD’s interpretation of the Fair Housing Act’s disparate impact standard.  National REIA has been following this issue closely and will work to keep members updated as this proposal moves forward.  Below is the media release issued by HUD on 8/16/19. HUD PROPOSES REVISED ‘DISPARATE IMPACT’ RULE New proposed disparate impact rule more appropriately reflects 2015 Supreme Court ruling WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today published a proposed rule to amend the HUD interpretation of the Fair Housing Act’s disparate…

The U.S. government is reporting that privately‐owned housing starts in July were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,191,000, which is 4% lower than July’s revised estimate.  Single‐family housing starts in July were at a rate of 876k, which is 1.3% higher than June’s revised figure.   July’s rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 303k.  Privately‐owned housing units authorized by building permits in July were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,336,000, which is 8.4% above the June’s revised rate.  However, it is 1.5% higher than July, 2018. Single‐family authorizations were at a rate…

We know after you read this post the smell of cherry or bubblegum will immediately come to your senses.  Why, because there is a reason that flavor of scent is always present in the ubiquitous porta-potties that line job-sites, sporting events or other outdoor activities we experience almost every week.  But what is the real deal about these things?  Read on…..Thankfully, we have them…Imagine if we didn’t?  Happy Friday!!! Hat tip to Toilets+

Redfin reminds us that college towns are consistently some of the best places to own investment properties in America.  To that end, they looked at college towns across the country using several metrics such as affordability, walkability, and the price of education relative to its quality & value.  Their data came from U.S. News and World Report’s National Universities Rankings list. “Demand for rental properties in college towns remains high due to steady demand. From new students to university faculty coming in each year, you’ll never find yourself scrambling to rent out your place…” Binghamton, NY – Binghamton University –…

Where are the hottest real estate markets in the country?  Realtor.com found that those who made the top of their mid-summer list are actually  industrial towns in the Rust-Belt that have undergone revitalization and are booming again.   Some are also less expensive alternatives to their pricier cross-state cousins.  Either way, the list is certainly worth checking out. “The nation’s hottest real estate markets in July weren’t the big, famous cities that most folks would expect. But what they lack in glitz, excitement, and skyscrapers, these smaller metropolitan areas more than make up for in affordability…” Metro Rank (July 2019) Rank…

The lessons learned from the so-called “Great Recession” will be many and the housing market is no exception.  A new report from CoreLogic says the housing market was the “Comeback Kid” for its evolutionary role during our current economic expansion.  They attribute stable job growth, mortgage funding and underwriting for the housing market’s recovery from its historic crash.  Their report digs further into these factors and analyzes the market’s performance during our current period of economic expansion. “Homeownership is considered a crucial step to wealth accumulation. However, the Great Recession tested this long-held belief.” “…In addition to a more encouraging…

We have had several posts about labor shortages in the building industry over the past couple years and the problem doesn’t seem to be getting better, despite a good economy.   According to a recent builder survey from the National Association of Home Builders, labor and subcontractor shortages continue to remain widespread and are putting additional upward pressure on new home prices.  Their survey listed 15 specific occupations with framing crews experiencing the greatest manpower shortages.  Indeed… Click here to read the full report at NAHBnow.com.

Smartasset says that two major factors, “growth and stability” are key indicators of a property’s value (good and bad) as time marches forward.  Naturally, owners want a stable environment where the value will grow over time and not risk pushing them underwater if they have a mortgage.   That being said, Smartasset ran the numbers to find metro areas that are the best bets for growth & stability. They compared home value data for every quarter over a 25-year period through Q4 2018. Click here to read the full report at SmartAsset.com.

The IRS isn’t exactly known for simplicity and here’s an example of them owning up to their complexity.  The Taxpayer Advocate Service recently released a “roadmap” of the stages of a taxpayer’s journey, from getting answers to tax law questions, all the way to audits, appeals, collection, and litigation.  By their own admission, they say “you can see from its numerous twists and turns, the road to compliance isn’t always easy to navigate. But we hope this map helps taxpayers find their way.”  The TAS says the map illustrates why the road to tax compliance isn’t always easy to navigate. …