Observers looked for clues on whether the Fed will raise interest rates again later this year, and the Fed seemed to imply it was likely, but not a sure thing. WASHINGTON – The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised its benchmark interest rate by another 0.25 percentage point following a pause in June, recognizing the … Read more
Confident Americans spend money, and July’s confidence index rose to 117.0 from 110.1 in June. Outlooks rose for both current conditions and future expectations. BOSTON – Consumer confidence hit its highest level in two years – since July 2021 – after the second straight month of increases. In July, the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index … Read more
What’s happening today that will influence the commercial RE market tomorrow? The rise of e-commerce, evolving work models, repurposing, new technology and more. NEW YORK – The commercial real estate sector is constantly evolving, shaped by economic shifts, interest rate movements, technological advancements and disruptions like the pandemic and changing consumer behaviors, with forecasters predicting … Read more
Housing recoveries often trail recessions, and positive signs – builder optimism, rebounding prices, more investment – suggest a corner may have been turned. NEW YORK – A recession in the U.S. housing market could already be in the rearview mirror: The National Association of Home Builders reported that its July index of industry sentiment rose … Read more
After paying off debt, some older adults use cash or debit cards and avoid debt completely – but that may lower their credit scores and cause other headaches later. NEW YORK – Getting rid of debt before retirement is often a good idea. Getting rid of your credit scores? Not so much. People who stop … Read more
AI will play a bigger and bigger legal role, such as streamlining research and preparing decision drafts – but it can’t yet substitute for judges and trials. TAMPA, Fla. – In May 2023, I was part of a panel that gave a presentation at the London Market Association’s Property Insurance Claims Group’s (PICG) Annual Conference. … Read more
Just as “the wand chooses the wizard” in Harry Potter world, personal brands often focus on something a Realtor already does or a lifestyle they already enjoy. NEW YORK – One way real estate agents can differentiate themselves from competitors is to focus on what best fits their personal brand. For many Realtors, their hobby … Read more
Get multiple quotes, move some things yourself and study financing options. On the upside, this summer’s moves cost a bit less than they did last year. NEW YORK – Packing your things and moving to a new home is a financial hurdle even in the best of times, but higher demand for moving-related services in … Read more
Bonds backed by commercial real estate mortgages have not done well lately. Many investors fear the current office vacancies and refinancing difficulties. NEW YORK – Commercial-mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), a small corner of the U.S. bond market, dropped significantly over the past year due to fears that owners of business parks, high-rises and other office properties … Read more
Homeowners with mortgage rates too low to give up aren’t listing their homes, pushing buyers to the new-home market – an economic boon for builders. NEW YORK – High interest rates are actually making new homes easy to sell by compounding a shortage of available real estate. Existing home sales have slowed because fewer owners … Read more
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