Tag: economics
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Bethel, Maine: Balancing Growth and Affordability in a Booming Ski Town
The picturesque town of Newry, Maine, home to the renowned Sunday River ski resort, has seen an extraordinary real estate boom in recent years. Once a quiet mountain community, it is now dominated by multi-million dollar vacation homes, often built on spec and snapped up by second-home buyers. This shift has brought both economic benefits…
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Housing Sentiment Improves, but Affordability Concerns Persist: What Developers and Investors Need to Know
Despite ongoing affordability challenges, consumer sentiment toward the housing market saw a modest uptick in January, according to Fannie Mae’s latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index® (HPSI). The index rose 0.3 points to 73.4, reflecting increased optimism about homebuying and home-selling conditions, as well as expectations of rising home prices over the next 12 months. However,…
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Tariffs and the Markets: Navigating Volatility with a Steady Hand
The financial markets are like a grand symphony, where every note—from corporate earnings announcements to economic indicators and the unpredictable drumbeats of geopolitical events—plays a crucial role in the overall melody. Among these influences, tariffs often strike a discordant chord, sending ripples of uncertainty through the markets and prompting investors to rethink their strategies. While…
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How Tariffs Will Make Everything More Expensive—From Homebuilding to Your Everyday Shopping
Over the weekend, former President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China—a decision that will have a major ripple effect on the economy, real estate development, and even the cost of everyday items. For those of us not in real estate or construction, tariffs might seem like an abstract economic…
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Trump’s Immigration Policies Could Create Major Disruptions for the Next Four Years—What It Means for Real Estate & Construction
As the U.S. enters another four years under President Donald Trump’s administration, immigration policy is once again at the center of political and economic debates. For industries like real estate development and construction, which rely heavily on immigrant labor, the administration’s stance could have serious implications. From ICE crackdowns to visa policy uncertainty, the next…
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How Rising Insurance Costs and Climate Risks are Reshaping Real Estate Development
Climate risks are reshaping the U.S. real estate landscape, forcing developers, investors, and homeowners to grapple with the rising costs of insuring properties. From extreme weather events like wildfires in California to rare snowstorms in Florida, the frequency and severity of these disasters are creating unprecedented challenges. For real estate developers and investors, understanding these…
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9 Things to Watch in Real Estate During Trump’s First 100 Days
Hey friends and family, As you know, I love diving into the details of real estate trends, and with Donald Trump back in the White House, I wanted to share some thoughts on how his early policy decisions might impact the real estate market. These changes could touch everything from construction labor to housing affordability,…
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What Are the Odds of an Interest Rate Hike in 2025?
As we enter 2025, interest rate speculation is on everyone’s mind—especially for those of us in real estate development and investment. While current forecasts lean toward stability or minor cuts, it’s crucial to recognize that circumstances could change, and the Federal Reserve may be forced to raise rates again, even if it seems unlikely today.…
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Rents Expected to Rise in 2025: Strong Multifamily Fundamentals Set the Stage for Growth
As we look ahead to 2025, the multifamily real estate market is shaping up for a promising year, driven by strong fundamentals despite rising operational costs. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or simply someone keeping an eye on market trends, it’s clear that multifamily remains a resilient cornerstone of the real estate landscape. Multifamily’s Continued…
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The Future of Homebuilding: What Sekisui House’s Expansion Means for U.S. Real Estate Professionals
The U.S. real estate landscape is witnessing a new player making quiet but powerful moves. Sekisui House, one of Japan’s premier homebuilders, has become the fifth-largest homebuilder in America after acquiring MDC Holdings—better known as Richmond American Homes—for $5 billion in early 2024. But what does this mean for real estate professionals and families alike?…
Daniel Kaufman Real Estate 