Consumers often blame private equity for high housing prices, claiming that they hinder potential homeowners from entering the market. However, real estate experts argue that while the housing market faces numerous challenges, it is difficult to ascertain if investor activity is truly deterring people from purchasing homes across the U.S. In the first quarter of
Real Estate
When it comes to selling luxury real estate, the traditional approach often involves staging a property with elegant furniture and decor to entice potential buyers. However, Paul Lester, a partner at The Agency, has taken a different approach by integrating high-end art into the homes he lists. In a bid to elevate the overall experience
The National Association of Realtors reported a significant drop of 7.7% in signed sales contracts on existing homes in April compared to March. This decline marks the slowest pace since April 2020, indicating a noticeable shift in the housing market. Pending sales, which are considered a forward-looking indicator of closed sales one to two months
Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in mortgage rates after a brief period of decline in May. The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages rose to 7.05% from 7.01%. While this may seem like a small adjustment, it had an immediate effect on mortgage demand in the market. Rates had dropped to
Grant Cardone, a multimillionaire with a massive social media following, has been collecting art for over 15 years. Despite not considering himself a connoisseur, Cardone adopts a spontaneous approach to art buying. His collection includes pieces by well-known artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kenny Scharf. He values art for personal enjoyment and fulfillment, viewing it
In the realm of real estate and homeownership, the process of coming up with a down payment has always been a critical aspect. According to recent findings by Clever.com, 77% of potential homebuyers have initiated the process of saving up for a down payment. Surprisingly, over half of these buyers plan to contribute less than
The U.S. Census recently reported a 4.7% decrease in newly built home sales in April compared to March, with a more significant 7.7% drop from the previous year. This decline in sales can be attributed in part to the rise in mortgage rates, which have been steadily increasing over the past few months. Higher mortgage
After experiencing a decrease for the third consecutive week, mortgage interest rates have ignited a surge in demand for refinances. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported a 1.9% increase in total mortgage application volume compared to the previous week. Specifically, the average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 7.01% from 7.08%, sparking a
China’s recent initiatives to boost support for the real estate market have been applauded, but analysts warn that tangible results may take some time to materialize. Despite the government’s efforts, S&P maintains its initial assessment that the property market in China is still on a downward trajectory, according to Edward Chan, director of corporate ratings.
As the spring housing market picks up steam, homeowners are once again turning their attention to home renovation projects. While the frenzy of the pandemic-era may have cooled off slightly, the investment in home spaces is still significant. According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value report from Zonda Media, some projects are now offering the