Markets tank from coronavirus scare
The picture above is a bit more relaxing to look at as opposed to the media barrage of the coronavirus and stock market (do you know where I took the pic, hint in CO, email me if you know). The…
60% chance mortgage rates plunge: The fed disagrees!
We are at an interesting crossroads in the economy. The Federal Reserve and economic data show that the economy is very strong with consumer spending and confidence at all-time highs. At the same time the bond market is portraying a…
How to Invest in ski real estate: Are you a Costco or Walmart real estate investor?
It is ski time in the Rocky Mountains with over 250 inches in many of the resort communities. Do you know where the picture was taken (hint it is a “Costco” resort, email me if you know)? Although…
You buy dumpster items on Amazon and Zillow; Buyer beware!
If you missed the article in the Wall Street Journal, you need to read it. The reporter demonstrated how he went dumpster diving and resold the items on Amazon. This is not a new concept and appears to be…
NAR – The National Association of Realtors predicts 2% decline 2020
Realtors are typically an optimistic bunch so I was surprised at the recent forecast out of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) predicting a 2% decline in closings next year. Mortgage rates are at historic lows and should remain low…
National Association of Realtors bans pocket listings; impact on real estate
The National Association of realtors last week voted to ban the use of “whisper listings”/ “Pocket listings”. The new rule will require listing brokers who are participants in a multiple listing service (MLS) to submit their listing to the MLS…
Home Flipping falls off cliff to 8 year low, is this a “flare” for real estate?
According to ATTOM data, gross profit on home flipping has fallen six quarters in a row and eight of the last 10, and now stands at the lowest level since Q4 2011. At the same time the number of flips…
Realtor fees could change drastically due to one lawsuit
I’ve been hearing rumblings of this suit for months and I’m usually skeptical that lawsuits will totally alter an industry but the recent suit against the National Association of realtors, various multiple listing services, and many large real estate brokerages…
The fed will drive us into the next recession; are we still in “transit”?
Federal Reserve Chairman Powell recently announced that inflation is transitory. Sound familiar? Janet Yellen, the prior fed chair, used this same term 2017 and 2018. Seems like we are in an extended “transit”. Why? Are we headed for…
What is your real estate plan? You better have one! 5 steps to create your plan
In the fall of 2006 my wife, a high school teacher, left for school in a small sleepy town SW of Denver. Shortly after school began shots rang out and a hostage situation ensued (See Article). At the end of…