#Affordable house valuations

[canterburyappraisal]

Property valuation is the process of estimating the value of a property based on a variety of factors. Property valuation is important for a number of reasons, including buying and selling property, obtaining financing, and assessing property tax.

In this guide, we will provide a complete overview of property valuation, including the methods used, factors considered, and the role of a property valuer.

[trendynewsnow]

The Decline of Hong Kong's Luxury Real Estate Market

In recent months, a number of affluent tycoons who amassed their fortunes during China’s economic boom have been parting with their luxurious properties in Hong Kong. The exodus includes: Two exquisite apartments in a Frank Gehry-designed glass-and-steel tower, elegantly twisting out of the mountainside. Three opulent European-style mansions adorned with turrets and lavish swimming pools. Four…

[shinelikethunder]

Shelter is a toxic asset

Cory Doctorow:

Housing is a human right and a human necessity.

Housing is also the designated path to intergenerational wealth accumulation and class mobility (it used to be housing and labor rights, but America got rid of those in the Reagan years).

https://pluralistic.net/2021/06/06/the-rents-too-damned-high/

Housing can't be both an essential speculative asset and a human right. If the way you provide a better life for your kids is to buy a house and wait for its value to go up, then you require one of the essentials of human existence to get much more expensive.

This has an immediate effect: people who don't have houses can't afford them, and the people who do have houses vote for policies that make houses more valuable, including eroding tenants' rights.

The fewer rights tenants have, the more rights landlords have, and the more a home is worth to a landlord, which means that house valuations go up across the board.

Landlords' and homeowners' interests aren't always aligned. Landlords favor lax zoning rules, because the market will value a home not just on how much rent can be extracted from it today, but also on how much the same land could generate if it sported an apartment building.

Whereas owner-occupiers tend to be NIMBYs, with an inchoate but near-religious certainty that allowing more homes to be built in their neighborhoods will "change its character" and "lower property values."

Taken together, this results in a perfect storm of terribleness. By the time the owner-occupier's kids are ready to find their own place, they enter a market of vastly overpriced housing, sky-high rents, and shocking undersupply of new homes.

[fathomes]

Why is Real Estate Investment Property Flipping Worthwhile?

Real estate investment property flipping is a lucrative and exciting venture that has gained significant popularity in recent years. The process involves purchasing a property, usually in need of renovation or repair, at a lower price and then selling it for a higher price after making the necessary improvements. This strategy allows investors to capitalize on the potential appreciation of the property and generate substantial profits. In today's competitive real estate market, where finding affordable properties can be challenging, property flipping provides a unique opportunity for investors to maximize their returns.

How Much Profit Can You Expect From House Flipping?

Often, people interested in real estate investment property flipping have a question. How much profit can they generate from flipping? Well, it depends.

Many factors determine the profit you might make from flipping. These can include the purchase cost, market conditions, restoration expenditures, and selling price.

Successful house flippers often aim for a profit margin of 10% to 20% of the property's after-repair valuation.

Let us look at the factors affecting the profit from real estate investment property flipping:

Renovation Costs

Purchase Price

Market Conditions

Quality of Renovations

Financing Costs

Duration

As you decide to enter the world of real estate flipping properties, you must ensure what is right for you. If you want to have a successful flipping, you would need a thorough knowledge of the real estate market. Along with that, you need to be willing to devote the needed time and effort. To learn more about the details of house flipping and its profitability, visit our website or the link provided below.

Source: real estate investment property flipping

[darkmaga-returns]

By Charles Hugh Smith

To reverse the damage wrought by financialization, we must reverse financialization.

The post-election hope that festering problems can now be solved doesn’t seem to extend to unaffordable housing and homeless encampments, two blights on the socio-economic landscape. Perhaps this reflects a sense that these blights aren’t readily fixable, or an unsure grasp of the causes of these blights.

Let’s focus on the primary cause that led to unaffordable housing and homeless encampments. There are many contributing factors, of course, such as the NIMBY (not in my back yard) restrictions on new housing, the soaring cost of construction permits, materials and labor, and so on, but all these factors are subservient to one: financialization, which enriched the wealthy and incentivized them to pursue housing not as shelter for their family but as a low-risk investment that generates income and capital appreciation.

As the wealth to be parked in assets exploded to unprecedented heights, those seeking housing as an investment outbid those seeking housing as shelter. As demand generated by financialized investment pushed housing valuations higher, the wealthy gained more capital to be sunk into housing, creating a virtuous cycle of increasing demand and higher valuations.

Those without substantial portfolios of stocks and housing could no longer afford a home as shelter.

Lest you think this is an exaggeration, consider An estimated 26% of Fort Worth’s single family homes are owned by companies, city says. That is a non-trivial percentage of homes owned by corporations, and this doesn’t include homes owned as rentals / short-term rentals (Airbnb’s) by wealthy individuals, households, trusts, etc. So up to one-third of all single-family homes being owned by investors of one type or another in desirable regions is not unreasonable.

[starrose17]

So it's been a productive day and I feel better within myself.

Had a meeting with the top boss man this morning about why I walked out of work the other week. He says I'm not in trouble for it, he listened to the reason why I walked out, he says he agrees with my reasons and he is going to ensure things change. He says everyone has missed me and wants me back. Which was nice. I'm cutting back to 4 days a week at the moment and doing a 5th in housekeeping, so i can get away from people at reception.

Then this afternoon I've just had my house valuated while I decide if I actually want to move or not, and the good news is that it's now worth £45,000 more than what I bought it for originally, so that gives me a nice amount of leeway with buying a new house down at the coast. I could infact afford that grade II listed cottage if I wanted it.

But we will see about that.

[georgegraphys]

I don’t think Elkann made this decision level-headed. He had one chance to sign very good driver who was being ‘let go’. He might have promised LH a ton of money for a lot, but at the end of the day he might have had some financial audit or something if he had reconsidered his big investment, either on a personal or from the business level. Also, didn’t he promise to be implicated in mission44? So that should be a couple of more money on top of LH salary.

If this decision with hp as a title sponsor came about, then my guess is that he will not sponsor LH ventures only by his money or his business, he might find other people to do so, or backtrack his promises altogether… which we cannot predict. There is also the talk of their contract, like how many years did they promise to sponsor, how much money, the salary after the first year, and so on and so forth… it’s a shit ton of business talks and contract drafting that at some point will come out… cannot wait to see how long they plan on contributing!

There have been a few people saying that as a brand ambasaador, lh will bring new customers and all that yada yada, but I don’t think they know what they’re talking about. A ferrari is well worth over a couple of thousands, so the spike in sales does not depend entirely on him, but with this we go into other depths of the discussion about microeconomics. It’s a difference between a ferrari and a mercedes after all. And both are not renaults cheap. Do you think his presence will change anything for ferrari? apart from the money spent on him

Warning: Opinionated.

The details about his contracts and everything... That is something only time could tell and maybe as we go, both of them will drop a few details. Or probably when they piss each other off, a blunder will happen and we might get more details about it. So far we haven't hear any of LH and Ferrari/JE. Of course, Ferrari/JE will not pay for everything +/- 200M investment and 100M salary is TOO MUCH. From a business standpoint, they could afford it but it is simply too much of a loss so they had to acquire title sponsors maybe.

I believe, whether it's GR or LH or CL or CS or any other driver that one day might get signed to be an ambassador to a car company, they will not bring anything significant to the valuations. Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Lamborghini, etc are brands that have established their branding for years, decades or even hundreds of year like Merc and Ferrari. They are brands that does not need any individual to represent them as their brands as their brands have represented themselves as it is. Whoever they hired, anyone, will not affect anything or add anything. A small amount? Yes but 0.0001%. The least they could add are following, engagement, marketability, etc. But for them to add on the sales? To add on the overall popularity around the world? No. Why? Because in the end, Formula One fans are just a small percentage of their overall market. Really small. How much F1 fans can REALLY afford a Ferrari or Mercedes irl? Not much.

People might say "Oh Ari but look at those clothing brands that have Kpop idols as ambassadors! Their sales increased" That was fashion. It is nothing compared to a car. You can walk into a random Dior store and buy 20 of their items and could still store them somewhere in your house. But if you buy 20 Mercedes or Ferraris, where do you put them? How do you do the maintenance? This part differentiates between cars and other fields like fashion. Every field has a different role for the ambassadors. Car ambassadors do not have the same influence as fashion ambassadors. Sometimes they are just there as the face. But not bring any impact. They are just there not to ADD anything but sometimes just to ENHANCE or HIGHLIGHT a certain part that the company wants to highlight about their car. For example, George with AMG C 63 S E Performance. He is driver number 63 and an F1 driver. He fits to promote a Mercedes AMG 63 line up car because he's an F1 driver and he's promoting an F1 based car. Did the sales go up because of him? I don't think so because customers don't give a flying fuck on whose modelling. They look at the specification. They don't care about who is promoting and who isn't no matter how great the ambassador is.

My conclusion is No. LH will not add anything to Ferrari as a car brand. Ferrari has established its solid branding for a really long time and that will never change just for a guy who has won the world championship 7x being their ambassador (not even sure if the contract is there). The role of an ambassador for different products differs. In the automotive field, they are just there to enhance and highlight the car's aesthetical promotion not change anything, pitch in design ideas or others. They are just there to be the pretty models. Even if barely anyone cared about it when it comes to buying the car itself. Mercedes and Ferrari target different rich people's niches. But one thing for sure is that they don't expect the existence of someone to boost the sales of their own car as they are THE brand itself. They don't need anyone's name. Brand ambassadors are just the cherry on top for these big car brands. Not the determinant of a car sales. I am not a hater but i'm simply speaking facts that NO ONE, no ambassador, will be able to do such things as 'boost' the sales or 'add' something or 'change' something. Brand ambassadors are employed by the company, they have ZERO autonomy to make some changes or to add something. Whether it's LH or whoever it is, this fact stays the same. Ferrari is Ferrari because they're Ferrari, they simply do not owe it to anyone nor will they allow anyone to add even a spark of change to their brand. Why? They are very proud of their legacy. Nothing touches or matches their legacy.

So will he add something...

Finance wise? No.

Branding wise? Little but not significant. Ferrari will always be remembered as Ferrari. Not by someone's name.

[robertvilleneuve]

Robert Villeneuve West Nipissing - Is Multifamily Real Estate A Good Investment?

Robert Villeneuve West Nipissing: During these economically challenging times, people look for genuine investment opportunities. They want to invest in stable and low-risk schemes that offer them high returns. These kinds of opportunities take a lot of work to come by today.

Robert Villeneuve West Nipissing, a multifamily real estate expert, points out why you should own this type of real estate. You can outsource the management of the property to some experts. This will afford you quality time. You can buy such properties without investing any of your money. It is easier to get loans for condos or apartments than for a family home. You can easily cover cash needs by raising some private money.

You can safeguard far better leverage of your time and energy. You can maintain a 12-unit apartment over 12 individual homes. Valuation of income properties is done based on the profit they make. You can raise its value by increasing the rent and lowering the expenses incurred in maintaining them. You will start to appreciate the use of time and money.

There is less risk. You have a massive number of tenants and hence have many proceeds streams. Apartments are intended for business. In the case of a property, if you lose a tenant, you begin paying all the costs from your pocket.

In the case of multifamily homes, it’s pretty simple to raise the money. For instance, if you borrow 1M dollars, this now becomes non-recourse finance, meaning the asset is the only security to the bank for the loan, and you are not liable.

There’s a steep fall in subprime lenders of the loan. There are many people out there who can’t fulfil the terms and conditions for houses for which they raised loans, and as a result, there is a rise in foreclosures. There’s definitely a good demand for rentals.

As we discussed above, you have an excellent return assured for the investment if you go ahead and purchase multifamily real estate. A multifamily apartment is a perfect start if you are searching for a suitable investment venture. If you want to know more about multifamily real estate, you can ask for guidance from experts like Robert Villeneuve.

[danyvcollins8]

Antique Auction Guide: What to Know About Buying & Selling

You’re at an antique auction. You feel the thrill of potential discovery in every item up for bid. But how do you know what’s worth your money or just old trash?

If selling is more your game, can you spot a hidden gem among Grandma’s heirlooms that others would dream of owning? This guide aims to unravel these mysteries by offering insights into buying and selling antiques effectively. Dive right in; let this be your road map through the exciting world of antique auctions!

Types of Antiques Offered at Auction in Clearwater, FL

From vintage furniture to remarkable pottery pieces, every auction offers a unique selection that’s sure to impress antique lovers. It is quite common for people to find Chinese Ming Dynasty pottery and Art Nouveau jewelry while browsing furniture pieces from the Victorian era or items from mid-century modern tables. Moreover, these scavengers often discover a plethora of aged wine bottles from Europe.

On your next trip, finding classic chandeliers with intricate detailing dating back centuries could be possible! Even sports memorabilia make their appearance in auctions sometimes. This includes autographed baseball cards and historic match tickets.

Stay eager because comic books that bring waves of nostalgia can also spring surprises, along with old-world paintings stirring profound emotions! It just showcases how diverse and versatile Clearwater’s antique offerings are, providing endless opportunities worth exploring for everyone interested!

Tips for Buying at an Antique

Diving into the world of antiques can seem daunting, but remember, knowledge is power. You must understand that in Clearwater, Florida, auctions, online platforms usually charge lower premiums compared to direct auction services, and this could save you a significant amount. The price range for items at an auction varies widely; some may be surprisingly affordable, while others might reach astronomical figures.

Keep yourself updated with prices through regular research so as not to overpay or underbid for artifacts. Are there hidden costs? Sellers pay what’s called ‘seller premiums,’ which are fees based on a percentage of the final sale cost. Buyers, too, have their share known as ‘buyer premiums.’

A key term you should know about is ‘reserves’. A reserve is a minimum acceptable bid amount set by the seller. Sellers reserve the right to withhold a sale if bids do not meet this reserve number. However, they still have to pay listing fees regardless of whether a sale occurs or not.

Remember: Bidding requires registration, so ensure your paperwork is done correctly before hitting any auction houses!

Determining Your Budget Before Shopping Antiques

While venturing into Clearwater’s antique market, take steps to set your financial limits. This precaution prevents costly mishaps, as antiques can range from moderately priced to astonishingly expensive. Before shopping for antiques, you have two tasks: understand the general price range of desired items and decide what you’re willing to spend.

Research helps in both areas. Identify reputable online platforms that offer an idea of current pricing trends for various antiques. Consider enlisting a professional appraiser who specializes in your area of interest for a more personalized budget estimation. They provide precise valuations that aid in making informed decisions about potential purchases or even sales later. Remember, though: while setting out hunting relics with deep pockets may seem appealing, respect your personal spending boundaries regardless of how enticing that vintage piece looks.

Don’t let perceived value override established monetary confines; seek enchantment within your allotted fiscal sphere.

Selling Your Own Antiques at an Auction House in Clearwater, FL

When planning to sell your own antiquities at an auction house in Clearwater, FL, there’s a clear process you can follow. First, connect with the auction house staff so they’re aware of your interest. They will inform you about upcoming auctions and provide catalogs for them.

Next, inspect properties alongside a knowledgeable professional, such as a builder or handyman. This way, all necessary repairs can be accounted for before making pricing decisions. Procuring legal packs from the auctioneer may also prove fruitful, giving comprehensive insights into each available property.

This means no hidden surprises later down the line! However, swift action remains crucial due to the short periods between catalog releases and actual auctions.

Remember that setting budgets precedes any other step. Understanding how much renovation costs might be, plus knowing payment methods, adds value, too! Lastly, but importantly, don’t overlook those terms and conditions paperwork. Stay familiarized with what needs to be paid without any nasty surprises on D-day.

Essential Expert Advice when Attending Auctions In Clearwater, FL

Auction catalogs come out a month beforehand, so use this time wisely. Investigate the item of interest by researching its history, condition, and value range. Additionally, obtain information about any associated costs, such as set fees or percentages owed to the vendor or auction house. These expenses can add up quickly if they are not taken into account, so be sure to factor them in when making bids at Clearwater auctions.

Always have sufficient funds for deposits, usually around 10%, since failure to provide that could lead you into legal trouble with sellers.

Therefore, avoiding relying solely on selling items at an auction is important. This is because vendors always set a reserve price, which is the minimum acceptable bid they must receive for them to sell the item. As such, there is no guarantee that items will always be sold through auctions.

Additionally, be cautious while referring to guide prices provided by auction houses; they’re often lower than the actual worth to boost public attention, but they might misdirect you when setting your budget limit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Antique Buying & Selling Process

Your attitude during the negotiation plays a vital role. Approaching dealers with respect ensures they will be more receptive in their responses. People may believe that haggling is a must during this process. Unfortunately, this assumption can lead to misunderstandings or neglected opportunities for discovering good items at fair prices.

When you pressure an antique dealer into dropping the price drastically, it may seem unfair and disrespectful toward their expertise and business expenses. Don’t let reality TV fool you, either! Those massive discounts stay confined primarily to television sets as part of scripted deals rather than actual transactions on the ground. So, keep expectations realistic!

Credits: https://blackwellauctions.com/antique-auction-guide-what-to-know-about-buying-selling/

Lastly, remember one man’s trash might just turn out to be another’s treasure. Targeting lower-priced antiques alone won’t suffice. Instead, focus on finding pieces that resonate personally. Striking a balance between taste and affordability should remain your goal.

Navigating the exciting world of antique buying and selling shouldn’t be intimidating. Knowledge is power; knowing what items to look for, understanding the auction process, and acting promptly are key. Always remember that every art piece has a story; your goal should be discovering its worth, considering its historical value.

[mariacallous]

This June, the Biden-Harris administration acknowledged the historic role that biased home valuations have played in limiting Black Americans’ wealth-building opportunities, releasing a fact sheet detailing how the administration plans to address this systemic racial bias. The plan reflects a call for action to confront a broader set of issues within the housing market and taxation system that intersect to uniquely affect Black communities. Black homeowners face inequities in our tax code and housing industry, unfair tax burdens, and a biased appraisal system—all of which undermining the potential of homeownership as a wealth-building tool for Black homebuyers. But structural reforms are possible, and they could help to build systems that grow—rather than extract—Black wealth.

In this piece, we explore the often overlooked and compounding racially discriminatory practices in the housing market and property taxation system, and how they limit wealth-building opportunities for Black homeowners. We also explore how the current housing market allows white homebuyers’ preferences to dictate the racial makeup of residential communities and the extent to which Black homebuyers can gain equity from their home. These issues underscore that the Biden-Harris administration must remain committed to addressing the layered practices of discrimination and promote policies that empower Black homeowners to build generational wealth.

Housing and tax policy penalize Black homeowners and widen the racial wealth gap

Twentieth-century discriminatory housing policies and practices are indisputably responsible for segregating America’s residential communities and contributing to existing racial wealth disparities. Tax law and practice aggravate these effects and place a disproportionately heavy financial and oftentimes emotional burden on the average Black homeowner. So, while public conversations about how to close the racial wealth gap often focus on the importance of homeownership, they overlook the impact of the property tax system—particularly, property valuation mechanisms—on the Black homeownership experience.

Property assessments and appraisals are two different estimations of a home’s value, conducted at two different times. Their contribution to the improper valuation of Black-owned homes—through both over-assessment and under-valuation—have caused Black homeowners to lose money by way of monthly property tax payments and at the time of sale. This burden is a reflection of America’s disinvestment in, devaluation of, and disrespect for predominantly Black neighborhoods. It also reveals a penalty that housing institutions and legal frameworks place on Black homeowners—a penalty that will only grow more harmful if we continue to try to address it with ahistorical, race-neutral solutions.

Today, median white household wealth sits at $187,300, compared to just $14,100 for Black households. And while 72.7% of white Americans are homeowners, only 44% of Black Americans are. These extreme racial disparities in wealth and homeownership signify a chasm in access to homeownership and the opportunities and privileges it affords. As outlined in a 2017 report, home equity is the largest segment in most U.S. families’ wealth portfolio. However, Black and Latino or Hispanic families are less likely to own their homes and accrue less wealth through homeownership than white families. According to the Census Bureau’s 2019 Survey of Income and Program Participation, the median wealth for renters was $4,084, compared to $125,500 for homeowners (excluding home equity).

Although homeownership is thought to exemplify the American dream, our tax laws are designed such that homeowners in Black-majority communities don’t always see that dream realized as home equity. Empowering Black people and their communities requires housing and tax reforms that affirm their historically unrecognized value.

The US tax system protects accumulated wealth, creating a barrier to homeownership for lower-income, low-wealth households

For decades, researchers have shown that qualifying for homeownership is a sizeable financial challenge due to the large upfront costs. Many prospective buyers need financial assistance or must save for years to make a down payment, whereas others can rely on intergenerational wealth transfers to fund their purchase of a home.

White college-educated households are more likely to receive a financial gift of over $10,000 from family members than Black college-educated households: 32% versus 9%, respectively. Moreover, the average gift to white households is significantly larger than the average gift to Black households: $235,353 versus $65,755, respectively. In white families, wealth transfers are more likely to flow from parent to child or grandparent to grandchild; yet in Black families, wealth transfers are more likely to flow in the opposite direction.

Now, consider that the U.S. tax code provides additional relief to prospective buyers whose families have excess capital to gift them. The code enables a grantor to gift up to $17,000 without having to report the transfer on the IRS gift tax return form, and the grantee does not have to pay taxes on it or report it (unless it comes from a foreign source).

Such financial gifts are powerful in that they provide white families with a head start to wealth-building through homeownership. They also allow wealth to accumulate across generations in ways that it does not for Black families due to family structure and lack of access to excess capital.

Property tax assessments and valuations are biased against Black homeowners

The average Black homeowner faces a disproportionally higher property tax burden than the average white homeowner. In the U.S., property taxes are supposed to be based on the value of the home; however, researchers at Indiana University concluded that nationwide, tax assessors often over-assess Black-owned homes relative to their market value. Consequently, the local property tax applied to the over-assessed value of Black-owned homes is 10% to 13% higher than for white-owned homes.

Conversely, property assessments for white-owned homes are often closer to the home’s market value. Ultimately, Black homeowners end up paying a higher property tax bill than they should because the value of their home has been over-estimated compared to what it will sell for. White homeowners, on the other hand, pay a more accurate property tax bill because their home value estimations are often closer to the actual sales price.

Similarly, Brookings research has shown that real estate appraisers often undervalue Black-owned homes by 21% to 23%, which lowers the price a home is likely to be sold for. The over-assessment of Black-owned homes is the fault of tax assessors (81.3% of whom are white), whereas the undervaluation of Black-owned homes is the fault of licensed professional appraisers (99% of whom are white). These discrepancies demonstrate deep flaws in the two mechanisms the housing industry uses to determine “value” and present a real barrier to wealth-building for Black homeowners.

Data suggests that Black homeowners’ ability to gain wealth through homeownership is also largely dependent upon the housing preferences of white Americans. Whereas Black people prefer to live in neighborhoods where the majority of the population is made up of racial and ethnic minorities, white people prefer to live in communities with very low Black populations. Further, homes in white neighborhoods are appraised at three times the value of homes in communities of color, and, over the last decade, homes in white neighborhoods appreciated $200,000 more on average than similar homes in communities of color. Data also shows that homes lose approximately 16% of their value once the neighborhood’s population of Black residents reaches 10%.

Therefore, Black people have the highest likelihood of building wealth through homeownership when they purchase in predominantly white neighborhoods, where homes are more likely to appreciate, but where they are also severely outnumbered by white residents. The experience of Black homeowners in choosing where to live is heavily influenced by white preferences, which limits potential opportunities for Black Americans to build wealth.

Identifying equitable solutions for Black wealth-building through homeownership

The many racial biases within the housing market are often addressed as individual challenges rather than compounding factors that work together to undermine Black wealth. Despite numerous legislative efforts to combat racial discrimination in housing, racially biased practices are still prevalent and utilized by private actors, lenders, property tax assessors, and property appraisers.

The disproportionately heavy tax burden alongside racialized home appreciation and wealth transfer disparities reveal that our federal, state, and local tax policies and housing industry penalize Black neighborhoods and their residents. At its core, this penalty is rooted in systemic racism and negative perceptions of Blackness enforced by our legal system. In fact, the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, in their historic official texts, advocated for appraisal practices that viewed an influx of racial and ethnic diversity as lessening the desirability of a neighborhood and contributing to the lowering of home values.

Access to wealth-building homeownership should exist in every neighborhood, and a Black homeowner’s ability to build wealth should not be based on the subjective perceptions of white professionals or the preferences of white homebuyers. Furthermore, using homeownership to close the racial wealth gap—which was estimated to sit at $10.14 trillion—requires that the burden to eliminate wealth inequality in America no longer be placed on Black homeowners as individuals, but the factors that created it in the first place. After all, Black people created America’s wealth, not its wealth gap.

Today, Black Americans are trying to play “catch up” to others that have been afforded the necessary conditions to build wealth for generations. While many Black homeowners have achieved upward social mobility, the tax code and housing industry do not empower them like it does for white homeowners. Attempting to close the racial wealth gap by encouraging Black Americans to pursue homeownership—assuming that it will benefit them in the same way it has white Americans—is a hollow hope because of the inequities within the broader housing market. Moreover, it places an undue burden on prospective Black homebuyers to do alone what white people have done with significant government assistance that explicitly excluded Black Americans. Accordingly, reforms must be made to finally acknowledge and cement the value that has always existed in Black communities.

To combat the racial wealth gap, Dorothy Brown, Georgetown Law Professor and author of “The Whiteness of Wealth,” proposed a wealth-based refundable tax credit for taxpayers whose wealth falls below the median of approximately $100,000. Brown has acknowledged that although the tax credit is not targeted directly at Black taxpayers, a disproportionate share of taxpayers that fall below median wealth are Black (83%). Thus, an initiative of this sort is likely to withstand legal challenges because it is directed toward a socioeconomic class rather than a racial group.

The U.S. tax code is somewhat “progressive,” although Brookings research has shown that it has become less so over the last five decades. Irrespective of income level, the tax code is structured to reward existing wealth, predominantly held by white households. Creating a wealth tax credit might be a sizable legislative challenge, but one worth fighting for given its potential impact on Black communities and its ability to economically empower those with the lowest levels of wealth.

In addition to proposing a wealth-based refundable tax credit, Brown has also advocated for introducing a “living allowance” deduction. In this, taxpayers would receive a deduction or fixed amount of money that could be subtracted from their taxable income (reducing the amount of taxes owed) based on their cost of living. If they earned more money than the living allowance, they would pay taxes on the excess amount at a progressive rate; if they earned less, they would receive a check from the government. This is different from the current system in that it would tax all income and remove all deductions and exclusions in the tax code, which primarily benefit wealthy white taxpayers.

Lastly, greater transparency would also help address the root causes of the wealth gap. Brown has called for the public release of IRS tax data by race to more easily identify discriminatory tax policies. All of these proposed reforms seek to level the playing field for Black taxpayers and mitigate the advantage the tax code currently provides to wealthy white taxpayers.

These changes to the tax code should be supported by complementary policy. One suggestion is the baby bonds program proposed by economist Darrick Hamilton and William Darity, Jr. Through this program, the government would create and manage investment accounts for infants, providing them with grants based on their family’s wealth. The account would grow at a guaranteed annual rate, and upon reaching adulthood, the child could use the money for higher education, a startup, or a down payment on a home. This program has the potential to support low-wealth families in the same way financial gifts empower high-wealth families, again with a high likelihood of disproportionately benefiting Back families.

We need structural changes in taxation and housing to make wealth-building through homeownership a reality for more Black homebuyers

Ultimately, removing the influence of white subjectivity on the mechanisms that determine the value of Black communities, people, and assets is imperative to building Black wealth. It is unreasonable and unjust to expect Black Americans alone to close the racial wealth gap through homeownership, especially if solutions to closing the gap continue to rely on the subjective beliefs of white Americans and a housing industry that is still rife with racial bias.

The current systems we use to measure the value of Black homes invite racial biases that influence home value estimations and, ultimately, the market value of Black-owned property. Changing property tax assessment procedures by regulating government-appointed assessors and standardizing assessment procedures so that they are based on the characteristics and quality of a home as opposed to its proximity to Black people would be an effective way to remove biases that lead to the over-assessment of Black homes and the subsequent higher taxation of Black homeowners.

We must confront the inequities in our tax code and housing industry, remove the disparate tax burden from Black homeowners, and make wealth-building through homeownership a reality for more prospective Black homebuyers. The racial wealth gap is not an accident—it is a policy failure rooted in white supremacy and enshrined in biased policy mechanisms that punish low-income and Black communities. Until we acknowledge this truth, the dream of opportunity, economic success, and well-being for many Black Americans will remain deferred.

[hasufin]

Y'all are gonna HATE me.

See, right now I'm looking at future renovation projects such as:

Running power to the workshop out back so it's easier to use year-round.

Rewiring the basement so it can be a proper craft room

Clearing out the room which is our exercise room but unfortunately is currently half-full of boxes

Decluttering so my spouse's office has more space for their crafts

Building some bookshelves so my spouse has space for more gothy stuff (they have a most impressive collection of stuffed bats and coffin purses).

There will be a lot of work to get stuff up to where we want it to be, but that's what happens when you buy a fixer-upper of a house. We got lucky; five years later this house would have been completely impossible for us to buy.

And, if I'm being honest, I think that's a part of why a lot of "boomers" refuse to listen to how hard it is to get by anymore. Because when I think about the fact that I could not afford to buy my own house now - that its current valuation is just impossibly beyond my price range and the only reason I can afford it is because I got in before it shot up in value by $300,000 - well, that's pretty scary. That says my entire life, which is overall pretty good, is always teetering on the brink. I'm one bad day from being broke and homeless. No one wants to think about that, and I gotta tell you a middle-aged professional with back problems and absolutely zero desire to start over really doesn't want to think about it. It's the kind of thinking which could make someone scared and prone to lashing out, and likely to make choices based on promises of security instead of hope and principles.

[canterburyappraisal]

Canterbury Appraisals is a FREE online service that provides FREE House Market Appraisal by connecting homeowners with local real estate experts.

[orihomez105]

Discover the Best real estate agency in Cuttack Orihomez

Cuttack, often referred to as the “Silver City” of India, is a historical hub with a rich cultural heritage and rapidly growing urban landscape. As the city continues to expand, so does the demand for real estate, whether it’s for residential, commercial, or investment purposes. Amidst the diverse real estate agencies in the region, one name stands out as a beacon of trust, reliability, and professionalism — Orihomez.

If you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent property in Cuttack, Orihomez is the agency you need to know about. In this blog, we’ll explore why Orihomez is considered the best real estate agency in Cuttack.

1. A Reputation Built on Trust

One of the key factors that set Orihomez apart is its strong reputation for transparency and trustworthiness. Real estate transactions often involve significant financial investments, and having a trusted partner can make all the difference. Orihomez has built its reputation over the years by ensuring that clients receive honest advice, fair pricing, and clear communication throughout every step of the process.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, Orihomez works tirelessly to ensure that all aspects of the transaction are straightforward and seamless. Their team of experts provides complete transparency regarding property documentation, legal procedures, and financial guidance, ensuring peace of mind for every client.

2. Wide Range of Property Options

Orihomez offers an extensive portfolio of properties, catering to every need and budget. From affordable flats and independent houses to premium villas and commercial spaces, the agency has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for your dream home in a quiet neighborhood or a strategic location for your business, Orihomez’s offerings cover all types of properties in and around Cuttack.

The team at Orihomez works closely with property owners, developers, and investors to bring exclusive listings to the market, often providing clients with access to prime properties before they hit the broader market. This gives buyers a competitive edge and increases the chances of securing the perfect property.

3. Expert Knowledge of the Local Market

Navigating the top real estate company in Cuttack requires deep knowledge of local trends, legal frameworks, and property valuations. Orihomez stands out for its profound understanding of the Cuttack real estate landscape. The agency’s team is highly experienced in the city’s unique market dynamics, including the best localities to invest in, upcoming residential and commercial hubs, and the factors influencing property prices.

4. Comprehensive Services

Orihomez is not just a real estate agency; it’s a full-service platform that supports clients throughout every phase of the property transaction process. Here are some of the services they offer:

Property Buying & Selling: Whether you’re a buyer looking for the best deal or a seller aiming for the highest return on your investment, Orihomez provides expert guidance on pricing, negotiations, and paperwork.

Renting & Leasing: If you’re looking for rental properties or interested in leasing your property, Orihomez has a dedicated team to help you find tenants or landlords quickly.

Property Management Services: Orihomez also offers property management services for investors who need help maintaining and managing their properties, ensuring that you get the most out of your real estate investment.

Legal and Financial Assistance: Real estate transactions come with their own set of legal and financial complexities. Orihomez assists clients with legal documentation, title verification, property registration, and even financing through their network of trusted partners.

Investment Advisory: For those looking to invest in real estate, Orihomez provides tailored investment strategies that align with your long-term financial goals. Whether you’re interested in residential plots, commercial properties, or rental yields, Orihomez can help you make the right choices.

5. Customer-Centric Approach

Orihomez takes a customer-first approach in everything they do. The agency understands that each client has unique needs, which is why they tailor their services to meet individual requirements. Their team takes the time to listen to your preferences, concerns, and financial goals before suggesting any property options.

Clients can expect personalized service, timely updates, and consistent follow-ups. Whether you need a consultation, property viewing, or help with paperwork, Orihomez is there at every stage, providing excellent customer support and ensuring that the entire experience is hassle-free.

6. Cutting-Edge Technology

In today’s fast-paced real estate market, technology plays a key role in streamlining processes and providing clients with real-time updates. Orihomez uses the latest tools and technologies to enhance the customer experience. From online property listings to virtual tours and digital documentation, Orihomez ensures that clients have access to all the information they need at their fingertips.

7. Local Expertise with a Global Perspective

While Orihomez is deeply rooted in Cuttack, their team also has a broad understanding of the real estate industry beyond local boundaries. They are up-to-date with national and international market trends, which helps them offer clients a comprehensive view of their options. Whether you’re a local buyer or someone from outside Odisha looking to invest, Orihomez’s global perspective makes them the ideal choice.

8. A Strong Network of Partners

Orihomez has established strong partnerships with builders, developers, investors, and legal professionals. This extensive network allows them to offer exclusive properties and negotiate better deals for their clients. Their collaborative approach ensures that every transaction is smooth, efficient, and beneficial to the client.

9. Proven Track Record of Success

Over the years, Orihomez has successfully helped hundreds of clients find their dream homes and lucrative investments. Their impressive track record speaks for itself, and many satisfied customers continue to recommend their services to friends and family.

Why Choose Orihomez?

Orihomez is more than just a real estate agency; it’s a trusted partner for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of property transactions in Cuttack. With their deep market knowledge, diverse property listings, personalized services, and customer-first approach, Orihomez has earned its place as the best real estate agency in Cuttack.

So, whether you’re looking to buy your first home, invest in commercial real estate, or rent a property in Cuttack, you can count on Orihomez to guide you through the process with professionalism, efficiency, and care. Reach out to Orihomez today to make your real estate dreams a reality!

[dreamhomeassociates21]

At Dream Home Associates, we provide a full range of services designed to make your real estate journey smooth and enjoyable. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, we’ve got you covered.

Home Buying Services

Property Listings: We have a diverse range of listings in various locations, catering to every budget and lifestyle.

Neighborhood Analysis: Our agents help you understand the pros and cons of different neighborhoods to ensure you make an informed choice.

Financing Assistance: We connect you with trusted lenders to make the mortgage process easy and affordable.

Home Selling Services

Property Valuation: Get an accurate valuation to ensure your property is listed at the best price for a quick sale.

Marketing Expertise: We use top-tier marketing strategies, including online listings, social media, and open houses to attract potential buyers.

Negotiation Support: Our experienced agents negotiate offers to get you the best possible deal.

Investment Opportunities

Rental Properties: From luxury condos to family homes, we help investors find properties with excellent rental potential.

Property Management: Our property management team can handle the day-to-day tasks, allowing you to enjoy passive income.

Market Analysis: Our experts provide insights into the best locations and property types to optimize your returns.

[imminentbir]

Benefits of Free Property Valuation in Solihull and Walsall

When considering selling or buying a property in Solihull, understanding the true value of a home is crucial. A free property valuation in Solihull and Walsall offers several advantages, both for sellers and buyers, allowing them to make informed decisions. A free property valuation provides you with an accurate estimate of your property's worth based on the current housing market in Solihull. Local estate agents have a deep understanding of the area's property trends, allowing them to offer reliable valuations.

This way will ensure that you’re neither underestimating nor overpricing your property, saving you time and potential losses. For property owners, understanding the value of their home allows them to make better decisions about when to sell. If your property's value has increased significantly, it may be the perfect time to sell. On the other hand, if the market is sluggish, you might prefer to wait. For buyers, a valuation can help you determine whether the asking price is fair and fits your budget.

A free property valuation in Solihull will help homeowners assess their overall financial position.

By knowing the current value of your property, you can plan for future investments, mortgage changes, or even releasing equity.

It’s also helpful for buyers who want to manage their budget efficiently by knowing what they can afford in the Solihull area.

One of the biggest advantages of a free property valuation is, of course, that it costs nothing.

Many local estate agents offer this service without obligation, allowing homeowners to gather valuable insights without making any immediate commitments.

It’s a no-risk opportunity to better understand your property's potential.

Whether you are buying or selling, knowing the value of a property gives you greater leverage in negotiations. Sellers can confidently set their asking price, while buyers can make competitive offers that reflect the market value.

A free property valuation in Solihull is an invaluable tool for anyone involved in the property market. Take advantage of this service to ensure you're making the best possible decisions.

[perthpropertyvaluers02]

House Valuation Perth: How Market Trends Impact Property Prices

The value of a property is not static; it fluctuates based on various factors, one of the most important being market trends. If you're planning to buy, sell, or refinance a property in Perth, understanding how market trends influence house valuation Perth is essential. Property prices in any area can rise or fall depending on economic conditions, demand and supply, and local factors. In this blog, we'll explore how market trends affect property prices in Perth and how they can impact your property’s value.

1. Understanding Market Trends in Perth

House valuation Perth is closely tied to the real estate market's current state. Perth’s property market has its unique trends, influenced by the broader Australian economy and local factors like population growth, employment rates, and infrastructure development.

The demand for housing plays a pivotal role. When demand for homes is high, prices tend to rise. Conversely, in a sluggish market with limited demand, house values tend to stagnate or decline. Being aware of the current real estate market conditions can help homeowners and buyers make informed decisions regarding their property investments.

2. Supply and Demand Dynamics

One of the primary drivers of house valuation Perth is the supply and demand dynamic. When demand for housing exceeds the available supply, prices typically increase. This is often referred to as a "seller's market," where homeowners can sell properties at higher prices due to increased competition among buyers.

Conversely, in a "buyer's market," where supply outpaces demand, property values tend to decrease. This oversupply of homes means that buyers have more options to choose from, giving them greater negotiation power. Monitoring these market shifts can help you time your property sale or purchase to get the best possible deal.

3. Economic Indicators and Interest Rates

The broader economic conditions also have a significant impact on house valuation Perth. In times of economic growth, more people are likely to invest in property due to higher job security and rising incomes. This increased buyer confidence typically pushes property prices upward.

Interest rates are another crucial factor. When interest rates are low, borrowing becomes more affordable, leading to increased buyer activity and higher property prices. On the other hand, rising interest rates can dampen demand as buyers face higher mortgage repayments, which may lead to a decline in property values.

4. Population Growth and Infrastructure Development

Population growth in Perth has a direct impact on the housing market. As more people move into the area, the demand for housing increases, often driving up property prices. High population growth in certain suburbs can make those areas more desirable, leading to an upward trend in house valuations.

Similarly, infrastructure development such as new public transportation options, roads, schools, or shopping centers can have a positive influence on property values. When new amenities are introduced, properties nearby become more attractive to buyers, pushing up prices.

5. Government Policies and Incentives

Government policies and incentives also shape house valuation Perth. Policies like tax breaks, first-time homebuyer incentives, or changes in zoning laws can stimulate demand and affect property prices. For instance, grants for first-time buyers may encourage more people to enter the market, driving up demand and raising home values.

On the other hand, changes in property taxes or restrictions on foreign ownership can reduce demand, potentially lowering house valuations. Keeping up to date with government policies can help you anticipate shifts in the market that could affect the value of your property.

6. The Impact of Global Events

Global events can also ripple through the local real estate market, affecting house valuation Perth. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic had significant effects on property markets worldwide, with many regions experiencing fluctuations in property values due to economic uncertainty. Changes in international trade, geopolitical tensions, or global economic crises can indirectly influence Perth's property market by affecting investor confidence and financial stability.

Conclusion

Understanding how market trends influence house valuation Perth is crucial for anyone looking to buy, sell, or refinance property in the area. Factors like supply and demand, economic conditions, population growth, and government policies all play a role in determining property prices. By keeping a close eye on these trends, you can make informed decisions and navigate the property market more effectively.

Whether you're selling a home and want to ensure you get the best price, or you're purchasing a property and want to avoid overpaying, being aware of market dynamics will give you a significant advantage in achieving your real estate goals.