Author: Brad Beckett

Are PCBs the New “Asbestos?”  In a recent podcast, Kathy Fettke says that if you own a building that was constructed in the 1950s, 60s, or 70s, you need to be aware of potential PCB contamination because it’s becoming headline news.  What exactly are PCB’s anyway?  Polychlorinated biphenyls are man-made chemicals that were widely used in construction materials and electrical products starting in the 50’s until they were banned in 1979.  They were found in caulking, oil-based paint, floor finishes, and fluorescent light ballasts.  This podcast is worth a listen. Click here to hear more of Kathy’s podcasts on NewsforInvestors.com

At the end of December S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller released their National Home Price Index showing that home prices rose 5.6% in October (year over year).  Their 10-City Composite remained unchanged and the 20-City Composite posted a 0.1% increase in October.  After seasonal adjustment, the National Index recorded a 0.9% month-over-month increase, while both the 10-City and 20-City Composites each reported a 0.6% month-over-month increase. 13 of 20 cities reported increases in September before seasonal adjustment; after seasonal adjustment, all 20 cities saw prices rise.  Seattle, Portland, and Denver reported the highest year-over-year gains among the 20 cities over each of…

As readers know, we’re always on the lookout for interesting data.  The folks over at howmuch.net used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to compile exactly how Americans have spent their hard-earned money over the last 75 years.  After adjusting for inflation, they broke it down into 12 categories;  Reading, alcohol, tobacco, education, personal care, miscellaneous, recreation & entertainment, healthcare, clothing, food, transportation and housing.  It’s fairly obvious that, with the exception of 1941, Housing dominates the list. Click here to read the full story on howmuch.net.

The National Association predicts that existing home sales will reach 5.52 million, the average price of a home will be $243k and 2017 will end with mortgage rates hovering around 4.6%.  However they caution: According to Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, the swift rise in mortgage rates poses a threat to a faster pace of sales next year. With inventory tight and prices already rising far above incomes in some areas, the unwelcoming sign of higher borrowing costs only adds to the difficult barrier of entry for many prospective buyers. As a result, many are feeling less confident about buying.…

13 Things Baby Boomer Renters Want and Landlords Need to Know By Larry Arth As a real estate investor and landlord myself I understand that tenants are the pillars of our business. Working with hundreds of investors, I carry a high level of interest in these tenants who represent our customer base. I trust that you, as a diligent investor and landlord, do as well. With the importance of knowing exactly who your customers are, I have done research like the post, Why Millennials are important to landlords and the five things you need to know. There is another group…

What are the most popular ROI-upgrades across the nation?  Recently real estate resource site Trulia sifted through home listings from over 100 metros to find the most popular features in each US state.  The big winner? Decks – followed by hardwood floors and granite.  Interestingly, Trulia says decks bring 80% to 120% ROI when it’s time to sell that property….Happy Friday! Click here to read the full story on Trulia.com.

A savvy & unnamed New York real estate investor has snapped up the boyhood home of President-Elect Donald Trump and plans to auction in January right before Trump’s inauguration.  Realtor.com reports that the house was originally for sale back in the Fall at $1.25 million but since Trump’s election it could fetch 10x that amount.  The 5-bedroom home was built in the 1940’s by Mr. Trump’s father and is the address listed “the Donald’s” birth certificate.   Paramont Realty USA has set the bidding deadline for 4pm, January 17th…so act fast if you’re interested. Childhood Home of President Elect Donald J.…

The National Association of Realtors are reporting that total existing sales home sales in November rose 0.7% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.61 million.   November’s sales pace is 15.4% higher than a year ago and the highest since February 2007.  November’s median existing-home price for all housing types was $234,900, up 6.8% from one year ago – marking the 57th consecutive month of year-over-year gains.  Total housing inventory was down 8.0% to 1.85 million existing homes available for sale (9.3% lower than a year ago).  And, at the current sales pace there is a 4 month supply of…

Here’s an interesting item;  With rising home prices in many metros across the country, a trend is developing where foreclosed homes are fetching far more than was originally owed by the former owner, thereby producing a surplus at the home’s auction (after all debts/liens have been resolved).  This surplus, if any, is supposed to be returned to the original mortgage holder.  Realtor.com is reporting that up to 80% of foreclosure auctions in Denver County, Colorado end up with surpluses after being sold at auction – resulting in nearly $1.5 million in uncollected surpluses from about 50 foreclosed homes. “The steady rise…

The RPOA Real Estate Investor Podcast recently discussed “How to Double and Triple your Rental Income with Vacation Rentals & Airbnb” with Sue Hoyuela, a nationally recognized expert on vacation rentals. “Technology and the Internet have created many new ways for real estate investors to increase their income.  Some savvy owners are foregoing tenants all together and turning their rental properties into Vacation Rentals that allow them to double or triple their profits.” Click here to listen on RPOA.org.