#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.

[joefairless1]

Unpacking the Scale of the U.S. Multifamily Housing Market

The U.S. multifamily housing market is a cornerstone of the national real estate landscape, offering critical housing solutions for millions of Americans. Multifamily properties, including apartment buildings, condominiums, and mixed-use developments, serve a wide range of demographics. From young professionals drawn to urban centers to families seeking affordable housing and retirees downsizing, this market caters to diverse needs.

In recent years, the multifamily market has grown in response to increasing demand for rental housing. Economic factors, such as rising home prices, shifting demographics, and a preference for flexible living arrangements, have fueled this expansion. The sector now plays a vital role in addressing the nation’s housing challenges while also driving economic activity and innovation in real estate.

The Market’s Size and Economic Impact

Valued at over $3 trillion, the U.S. multifamily market is a giant within the real estate industry. More than 20 million apartment units make up this sector, with major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas leading in volume and value. However, the growth isn’t limited to urban centers. Suburban and secondary markets are increasingly contributing to the sector’s size as populations migrate for more affordable and spacious living options.

The economic impact of the multifamily market extends beyond its valuation. It drives significant investment activity, providing a stable and profitable asset class for institutional investors, real estate firms, and private stakeholders. Additionally, it supports millions of jobs in construction, property management, and related industries, underscoring its importance to the U.S. economy.

Emerging Trends in Multifamily Housing

Shifting societal and economic trends are shaping the multifamily market’s evolution. Urbanization continues to fuel demand for rental properties near employment hubs and public amenities, particularly among younger generations. As a result, developers are focusing on constructing high-density properties that integrate seamlessly with urban environments.

Sustainability and technology are also redefining the market. Green building practices, energy-efficient designs, and the integration of smart home technology have become critical priorities for developers and renters alike. These innovations not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the living experience, attracting environmentally conscious tenants and positioning properties as forward-thinking investments.

Challenges to Growth and Affordability

Despite its expansion, the multifamily market faces challenges that could slow its momentum. Rising construction costs, driven by inflation and supply chain disruptions, have made it more expensive to develop new properties. These higher costs often translate into increased rental prices, raising concerns about housing affordability in many regions.

Additionally, zoning regulations and permitting processes can limit the development of new multifamily units, particularly in high-demand areas. These barriers exacerbate the housing supply gap, putting pressure on existing properties and making it harder for renters to find affordable options. Addressing these issues will require collaboration between policymakers, developers, and communities to create sustainable solutions.

Multifamily Housing as an Economic Stabilizer

The multifamily housing market serves as a stabilizing force in the broader economy, particularly during economic downturns. When homeownership becomes less attainable due to financial constraints, the demand for rental housing typically increases. This resilience has made multifamily properties a popular investment choice, offering consistent returns and lower risk compared to other real estate sectors.

Beyond its stability, the multifamily market contributes to local economies by generating tax revenues, creating jobs, and supporting infrastructure development. Its role in fostering community growth and providing housing solutions makes it a vital component of urban and suburban ecosystems.

The Road Ahead for Multifamily Housing

As population dynamics and housing preferences continue to evolve, the U.S. multifamily market is poised for further growth. Cities and suburbs alike will benefit from thoughtful, innovative development that meets the needs of a diverse population. For investors, developers, and policymakers, the multifamily market presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of housing while addressing pressing affordability and sustainability challenges.

The scale and influence of the U.S. multifamily housing market demonstrate its critical role in the country’s real estate landscape. With continued innovation and strategic planning, it will remain a driving force in providing housing solutions and economic vitality for years to come.

[nargis04shaikh]

Loan Against Property for Home Renovation or Repair

Home is not just a structure but a reflection of comfort, security, and aspirations. Over time, maintaining or upgrading this cherished space becomes essential. Whether it’s a much-needed repair, a complete makeover, or adding a modern touch, home renovation or repair can be a costly affair. This is where a loan against property (LAP) becomes a reliable financial solution.

What is a Loan Against Property?

A loan against property is a secured loan where you pledge your residential, commercial, or industrial property as collateral. It allows you to borrow funds based on the market value of your property. Unlike personal loans, LAP offers higher loan amounts, lower interest rates, and flexible repayment tenures, making it a popular choice for large expenses like home renovation.

Why Opt for Loan Against Property for Home Renovation?

Affordable Interest Rates Since LAP is a secured loan, the interest rates are generally lower compared to unsecured loans like personal loans or credit cards. This affordability reduces the financial burden during repayment.

Large Loan Amounts The loan amount depends on the market value of your property and the lender’s Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, which usually ranges from 50% to 80%. This ensures you get sufficient funds to cover substantial renovation or repair costs.

Flexible Repayment Tenure LAP offers longer repayment tenures, ranging from 5 to 20 years. This flexibility allows borrowers to choose an EMI plan that suits their financial capacity.

Utilization Freedom The loan amount can be used for any type of home improvement, including:

Structural repairs

Interior remodeling

Adding new rooms or floors

Installing modern amenities like modular kitchens or smart home systems

Tax Benefits Borrowers can claim tax deductions under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act on the interest paid, provided the loan is used for home renovation.

Eligibility Criteria

To avail of a loan against property, you need to meet the following basic eligibility requirements:

Age: 21 to 60 years for salaried individuals; up to 65 years for self-employed professionals.

Income: Regular income to ensure repayment capability.

Property Ownership: The property must be free of legal disputes and owned by the borrower.

Credit Score: A good credit score (750 or above) increases the chances of approval and better interest rates.

Documents Required

The typical documents required for a loan against property include:

Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN card, etc.)

Address proof

Income proof (salary slips, ITR, or bank statements)

Property documents (title deed, valuation report, etc.)

Recent photographs

How to Apply for a Loan Against Property

Research Lenders: Compare interest rates, processing fees, and other charges.

Check Eligibility: Use online eligibility calculators to estimate the loan amount.

Submit Application: Provide necessary documents along with the application form.

Property Evaluation: The lender evaluates the market value of your property.

Loan Disbursement: Upon approval, the loan amount is credited to your account.

Points to Consider Before Availing LAP

EMI Affordability: Ensure you can manage the monthly EMIs without straining your finances.

Loan Tenure: Opt for a tenure that balances EMI affordability and total interest outgo.

Prepayment Charges: Check if the lender allows partial or full prepayment without penalties.

Lender Reputation: Choose a lender with a good track record and customer service.

Conclusion

Apply loan against property is an excellent financing option for home renovation or repair, offering affordability, flexibility, and substantial funds. By leveraging your property’s value, you can transform your house into a dream home without exhausting your savings. However, it’s crucial to plan your finances, compare lenders, and understand the terms and conditions before proceeding. With the right approach, you can ensure your home improvement project becomes a hassle-free and rewarding experience.

[juniperallen]

The Evolution of Auction Inventory Software: A Game-Changer for Auction Houses

The auction industry has experienced a profound transformation over the last decade, primarily driven by technological advancements. Auction inventory software , a specialized solution that streamlines inventory management for auction houses, is one of the pivotal tools reshaping the landscape. This software is rapidly becoming indispensable for organizations that aim to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.

Understanding Auction Inventory Software

It is a digital solution that helps auction houses catalog, track, and manage items up for bidding. The software is tailored to suit a variety of industries, from estate auctions and art collections to industrial equipment and automobiles. It is the backbone of inventory management, simplifying tasks like item listing, categorization, valuation, and post-sale tracking.

Key Features

Catalog Management: The software allows auction houses to create detailed, professional catalogs that include item descriptions, images, and specifications. Advanced solutions also support multimedia features like video previews and interactive 3D views.

Barcode and RFID Integration: Modern auction inventory systems often include barcode or RFID technology, enabling real-time tracking of items as they move through different stages of the auction process.

Seamless Online Integration: As online auctions gain popularity, integration with digital platforms has become essential. Many auction inventory systems offer built-in compatibility with leading online auction platforms, facilitating live and timed auctions.

Reporting and Analytics: Auction houses can access detailed reports and analytics to track performance metrics, analyze buyer behavior, and forecast future trends. This data-driven approach helps businesses make informed decisions.

Mobile Accessibility: With mobile apps or responsive web interfaces, auction inventory software empowers staff to manage inventory on the go, ensuring flexibility and efficiency.

The Role

The rise of online auctions has further emphasized the importance of robust inventory management systems. Online bidding platforms demand accurate and timely updates about inventory, which these systems provide effortlessly. For example, when an item is sold, the system automatically updates its status across all platforms, eliminating double-selling risk.

Additionally, online bidders expect a seamless browsing experience. These systems ensure that all item details, including images and videos, are readily available, enhancing the bidder’s confidence and engagement.

Selecting the Right Auction Inventory Software

Choosing the right software depends on several factors, including the size and type of the auction house, budget, and specific operational needs. Key considerations include:

Ease of Use: The software should be intuitive, minimizing the learning curve for staff.

Integration Capabilities: Compatibility with existing systems and online platforms is critical.

Customization Options: Flexibility to tailor features according to unique business requirements.

Customer Support: Reliable technical support ensures minimal downtime and quick issue resolution.

Cost-effectiveness: Balancing features and affordability is essential to maximize ROI.

Conclusion

Auction inventory software, such as Bidsquare Cloud, is revolutionizing how auction houses operate, enabling them to deliver a superior experience to both buyers and sellers. Platforms like Bidsquare Cloud provide comprehensive tools for inventory management, cataloging, and seamless integration with online auction systems, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. As technology evolves, we can expect even more sophisticated features, such as AI-powered valuations and augmented reality previews. For auction houses aiming to stay competitive in a dynamic marketplace, investing in auction software , including inventory management tools, is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

FAQs

Does auction inventory software support online auctions?

Most modern auction inventory solutions integrate seamlessly with online auction platforms, enabling live and timed auctions with real-time updates.

What is Bidsquare Cloud, and how does it help?

Bidsquare Cloud is an advanced auction management platform offering inventory management, cataloging, and integration tools for online and in-person auctions. It simplifies processes, enhances bidder engagement, and ensures accuracy across platforms.

[caulfieldpaintings]

How Exterior House Painting in Heatherton Increase Property Valuation & Longevity?

Hire knowledgeable exterior house painters in Heatherton to make a smart move to preserve the aesthetic appeal and value of the property. A building's exterior can be completely transformed and made to stand out by the finest craftsmanship of professional painting experts.

They select the ideal colours, textures, and finishes that fit in perfectly with the surrounding surroundings and architectural style is one of their most impressive qualities.

For any private or commercial property painting work, experienced and skilled exterior and interior house painters in Hampton East and many locations in Melbourne, guarantee a high-quality and long-lasting finish at an affordable cost.

They can create complementary solutions that are aesthetically pleasing and durable as they have an artistic eye and a thorough understanding of colour quality, shades, and which palettes they should apply according to the location, theme and owner's personality.

These painters are experts and have a vision for painting the interior and exterior of a home based on style or traditional touch.

Why Should Hire Professional Property Painters?

These proficient painters have been trained with the knowledge, expertise, and know-how to evaluate the state of a building's surfaces and suggest the best materials and methods.

Their access to contemporary equipment and technology significantly improves the painting process. To achieve a smoother and more consistent finish, they might, for instance, use airless spray painting systems, which effectively and evenly cover huge areas.

Their superior paints and coatings, which are made especially for commercial, industrial, and residential use, provide better defence against environmental elements including UV radiation and the weather.

Professional painters also know how important it is to minimise company operations disruptions when painting. To prevent major disruptions to businesses, they attempt to operate effectively and meet deadlines efficiently.

Overall, hire professional painters who guarantee the lifespan and durability of the painted surfaces and can produce an aesthetically pleasing finish that can enhance the aesthetics and valuation of the property.

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