Blog
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends by reading my blogs below.
About Emily Let’s Connect
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends by reading my blogs below.
About Emily Let’s Connect
What are you waiting for?
The Waiting is The Hardest Part RIP Tom Petty!
What will your buyer remember?
We had a very busy October (see below) and November doesn't show too many signs of slowing down.
It's also a reminder of how many wonderful people are wanting to help.
Work from home is a big part of that consideration, so sunlight and outdoor spaces are still top selling points.
Banking and Finance
When one buys a home, they usually come to see the property, walk through every room, and try to get a feel of the neighborhood before making a final decision. However, it’s not always possible for homebuyers to physically be present at the place they want to purchase, and that’s where remote home buying comes in. In fact, advances in technology have made the process of purchasing a house without even seeing it in person a piece of cake. This was especially a thing during the pandemic in 2020, when 63% of homebuyers acquired properties without viewing them in person. And who can blame them? High-quality video tours and 3D walkthroughs make everything look realistic. However, despite simplicity, purchasing a home remotely has its challenges. That’s why certain essential steps need to be taken before committing to the idea. Prior to making an offer from a distance, it’s important to understand all the strategies and risks. Is Buying a Home Sight Unseen Right for You? If you’re having a hard time deciding whether making an offer on a home without an in-person visit is for you, we’ve prepared some of the pros and cons of this decision. You may be a good candidate if you: Are moving on a tight timeline (starting a new job in another country or state soon) Already have familiarity with the city or neighborhood after visiting before Are comfortable with technology and flexible enough to accept mild surprises Are an investor focused on numbers more than emotional feel You should be cautious if you: Are a first-time buyer with no local support or friends in the area Are highly detail-sensitive, easily bothered by smells, textures, or noise that virtual tours can’t reveal Are pushing the top of your budget with no room for unexpected repair costs Steps to Take When You Want to Buy a Property You Can’t See in Person In this section, you’ll find the relevant tips that will help you make a property-purchasing decision without stepping foot on the property. Research the Area To take a look at the area, it would be a good idea to “see” the neighborhood virtually since you can’t be there in person. Start with Google Maps, Google Street View, and satellite view. Check proximity to major roads, rail lines, airports, and industrial sites. Research neighborhood noise sources like highways or airports that could create constant disruption. “Walk” the block virtually at different zoom levels, looking for red flags such as boarded-up homes, heavy on-street parking, or obvious drainage issues. To get a precise idea about the neighbors, visit Rew Online, a reverse address lookup platform. It gathers all the important information about a property and the neighborhood where it’s located, including median land area, construction year, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and much more. When it comes to the neighbors, you’ll be able to find their names, phone numbers and emails, ages, property details, and other things. Choose a Good Real Estate Agent When you buy a house without seeing it, a good real estate agent becomes your stand-in at every step, so it’s wise to choose someone professional. Questions to ask your real estate agent: How many home sight unseen transactions did you close in the last 12–24 months? What technology do you use for remote showings (FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp, 3D tours)? How do you document issues: video walk-throughs, annotated photos, written summaries? A truly good real estate agent for remote buyers will point out flaws on camera without hesitation, measure rooms live, know local building quirks (like 1950s slab foundations or 1980s polybutylene plumbing), and be responsive across time zones. Prepare Your Financing and Offer Strategy In competitive real estate markets, buyers who intend to buy a house sight unseen must be financially prepared to move fast. If you’d like to move with a mortgage, get preapproved for it before making an offer. The preapproval process means collecting W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, and credit reports, then obtaining a full preapproval letter from a lender stating a specific price range. This isn’t the same as prequalification. For a sight unseen offer, preapproval is especially crucial because it reassures sellers who may be nervous about accepting an offer from someone far away. Earnest money typically runs 1–3% of the purchase price, held in escrow. Under most contingency failures (inspection, financing, appraisal), the buyer gets it back. Make sure to discuss your maximum budget, walk-away points, and risk tolerance with your agent in advance. Virtually Tour Your Potential Dream Home Virtual touring gives more than scrolling through listing photos. It’s a deliberate process that’s designed to replace your physical senses when buying a house you’ve never seen in real life. How a live video tour should work: Agent on site with a phone or tablet, buyer watching via a video call Buyer directs the pace, requesting close-ups of windows, ceilings, under sinks, behind doors, and other places of the property A buyer asks real-time questions in the moment instead of relying on photos or a pre-recorded video Remember that static photos and staged 3D tours aren’t enough on their own. They often hide flaws such as street noise when windows are open, uneven floors, or dark corners. If possible, ask a friend, colleague, or family member in the area to attend the tour with the agent and share their own sense of the space afterward. It’s also a good idea to request unedited video clips and extra photos of anything borderline so you can rewatch calmly after the live call ends. Protect Yourself with Inspections, Disclosures, and Contingencies In the absence of in-person visits, a thorough home inspection and a well-written contract become the main safety net for buyers. A standard home inspection covers structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, major appliances, and safety issues. Inspectors can identify issues like foundation problems and moisture damage that cameras simply won’t catch. Hire an inspector who regularly works with out-of-town or home sight unseen clients. Redfin’s guide to common inspection problems shows the most frequently flagged issues include structural damage, roof problems, and plumbing failures. Closing Remotely on a House You’ve Never Visited In many U.S. states, the entire closing process for purchasing a home can now be handled remotely. As of early 2025, 45 states plus D.C. have permanent laws authorizing remote online notarization. Between inspection and closing, you’ll negotiate repairs or credits, lock your mortgage rate, receive the final Closing Disclosure, and schedule signing. Options for remote signing include fully online e-closings, hybrid closings where most documents are signed digitally with a few notarized in person, and mobile notary services that visit your current home or office. A detailed remote final walk-through is non-negotiable. Your agent should be on site with live video, comparing the current condition to the inspection report, verifying that the agreed-upon repairs were completed, and confirming the property is empty and clean. Pros and Cons of Buying a House Without an In-Person Visit Even with smart planning, buying a house sight unseen has real trade-offs. Let’s Recap For some people, purchasing a property without physically seeing it seems like a risky adventure. But reality shows that thanks to the right strategies, it has become a practical and increasingly common choice for modern buyers. Technology has made the process of remote home buying pretty easy, but the key to pulling it off smoothly isn’t just staring at pretty 3D tours and calling it a day. Researching the area, working with a professional and reliable real estate agent, preparing financially, taking a virtual tour around the property, and conducting a thorough home inspection are effective strategies remote homebuyers rely on for a successful deal closure. Frequently Asked Questions Is it legal to buy a house without seeing it first? Yes. In the U.S. and many other countries, there’s no law requiring buyers to physically visit a property before purchasing it. Contracts and disclosures govern the transaction, not in-person visits. Lenders and title companies are comfortable with home sight unseen deals as long as standard appraisals, inspections, and identification checks are completed. Can I back out if I finally see the home and don’t like it? Backing out depends on what contingencies are in the contract. Inspection, appraisal, and financing contingencies are the most common exit routes. Some buyers negotiate a special “sight unseen” clause or tie their obligation to a satisfactory final walk-through, but this must be written into the purchase agreement from the start. Canceling without a valid contractual reason can cost you your earnest money deposit, so always consult your agent or attorney before withdrawing. What is a sight-unseen addendum? It’s a legally binding rider attached to a real estate purchase contract or lease agreement. It’s used when a buyer submits an offer without being physically present at the property. Its primary purpose is liability protection for sellers while establishing clear expectations for the homebuyer. How do property taxes and insurance work when buying from out of state? Property taxes and homeowners insurance are calculated based on the home’s specific address, not where you currently live. However, if you’re buying a property as an investment or second home rather than your primary residence, your mortgage interest rate, insurance premiums, and property tax rates may be higher. The post Buying a House Without Seeing It in Person? Here’s What to Know appeared first on Real Estate Weekly.
Debt & Equity
Ask any appraiser what drives a home’s market value, and they’ll point to square footage, recent comps, and structural condition. But ask anyone who has ever tried to sell a house next door to a property with overgrown lawns, an unpainted facade, or abandoned or boarded-up houses, and they’ll tell you the truth: your neighborhood holds a massive stake in your net worth. In real estate, it’s called the Neighborhood Effect — a powerful, often unpredictable dynamic where the choices made on the other side of your property line directly impact your home’s equity. Your neighbors and other circumstances beyond their control (such as the rise of crime in the area or job growth in the area) can either add in passive valuation or scare away qualified buyers. To learn more about how the people next door can make or break your biggest financial asset, read on below. How Does Home Equity Work? Explained in Simple Words Home equity is the portion of your home that you actually own outright. It’s the difference between what your house is worth on the market today and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your home is valued $500,000 and your remaining mortgage balance is $250,000, your equity is $250,000. Equity grows in two ways: as you pay down your loan each month, and as home values in your area increase over time. But did you know that $250,000 isn’t just a number on paper? In reality, it’s usable wealth. Through options like a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or a cash out refinance, homeowners can borrow against their equity to fund major goals. For example, to consolidate debt, pay for tuition, or put down a payment on an investment property. In the U.S., home equity is the single largest driver of household net worth for the vast majority of Americans. Due to rapid housing appreciation over the last several years, American homeowners are sitting on an unprecedented amount of home equity. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St.Louis, the real estate equity for Q1 2026 in total U.S. households translates to roughly $34.9 trillion. How Your Neighbors Can Boost Your Home Equity Your property’s value is heavily shaped by what economists call positive housing externalities — the benefits created by nearby homes or community improvements. Because home values are based on what’s known in real estate as “comps” (comparable sales of homes nearby), when your neighbors improve their properties or the community is strengthened, your equity goes up. Here are some of the examples: The Curb Appeal When you’re grocery shopping and you see two tomatoes, but one of them is rotten, which one would you choose? If your answer is a fresh tomato (most likely), then you pretty much already understand what curb appeal in real estate is. The thing is, first impressions drive buyer demand. When surrounding homes maintain pristine landscaping, it creates an attractive streetscape. As stated by ForeverYard, the diligent upkeep of a nearby house can add between 5% and 11% to the value of your home. High-Priced Arms-Length Home Sales Nearby When a neighbor closes a high-priced deal, it isn’t just good news for them. It’s what also can instantly boost your home equity. But know that for a sale to affect your home equity, real estate appraisers must first verify that it was a legitimate market transaction. For example, the deal can also be non-arms-length. If your neighbor sells their $500,000 house to their child for $200,000, an appraiser will discard the transaction. The thing is, it reflects family generosity, not true market value. Real estate valuation relies on CMA (Comparable Market Analysis). Appraisers look backward at recent sales (typically within a 0.50-mile radius) to determine what a bank is willing to lend on your property. Homeowners Association’s Involvement In the Journal of Urban Economics, it’s said that homes in HOAs sell for an average 4% premium over similar homes in non-HOA neighborhoods. But how does it work? The primary way an HAO protects equity is by preventing neighbors from engaging in actions that might lower neighborhood perception. The organization ensures timely lawn care, fence repairs, trash container storage, and other things that prevent the poor upkeep of the neighborhood. In addition, a proactive HOA board maintains a healthy reserve fund, the collective savings account that’s used to repair roads, roofs, entrance gates, and more. Neighborhood Watch Groups and Other Safety Initiatives Crime is an immediate equity killer. Criminology and local economics studies show that property values decline by 1.5% for every 1% rise in crime. So, neighbors who organize Neighborhood Watch Groups, install security cameras, or work with local city councils can reduce local crime rates. Also, watch groups don’t just report crimes; they report public property damage, code violations, and municipal issues before those minor eyesores drag down the block’s overall curb appeal. And last but not least, Neighborhood Watch Groups are a source of emotional security. When prospective buyers attend open houses, they walk or drive through the neighborhood to gauge the environment. Seeing neighbors interacting and watching out for one another’s properties creates a strong sense of safety. How Your Neighbors Can Drag Down Your Home Equity Unfortunately, just as the people who live nearby can boost your home equity, they can also lower it. Here’s how they can do it: Poor Property Maintenance When a property owner neglects basic upkeep over a prolonged period, it creates a negative externality that damages the market value of every surrounding home. While a messy lawn on a Friday isn’t a disaster, long-term property neglect definitely is. Broken fences, abandoned vehicles, and cluttered yards also fall into this category. Real estate studies estimate that living across from severely neglected properties causes an immediate 5% to 10% reduction in a home’s appraised value. Noise, Odors, and Code Violations Imagine living in a neighborhood with non-stop loud music, late-night parties, or visible trash accumulation. Or all of these and more. Those market conditions make it less likely to find a financially qualified property buyer. Real estate transactions are time-sensitive. If a nuisance occurs during a private showing, it definitely destroys the first impression. In addition, in some jurisdictions, sellers are legally required to disclose known neighborhood issues on official property disclosure forms. It goes without saying that homes affected by chronic neighborhood issues sit on the market longer. It leads to buyers assuming there’s something wrong with the property, meaning a home’s estimated current market value may decline. High Crime or Safety Issues Pervasive property crimes, such as break-ins, theft, vandalism, and burglary, are common reasons why homebuyers avoid acquiring properties in certain neighborhoods. High-profile or frequent violent crimes incidents have an even more compounding effect. In neighborhoods with such safety concerns, appraisers adjust market values downward to account for longer marketing times and reduced buyer demand. In addition, higher crime rates mean not only physical and emotional risks. They also result in annual insurance premiums for every house on the block, increasing financial commitment. Lack of Community Engagement Try to answer this question honestly: would you feel at peace in a neighborhood where neighbors don’t communicate, participate in Neighborhood Watch activities, or look out for one another’s properties? While it might seem harmless compared to, let’s say, poor property maintenance, it quietly erodes home equity over time as it allows small problems to snowball into major ones. On the contrary, an engaged block creates a security network through simple daily interaction. Knowing who belongs on the street, when someone is on vacation, or when a suspicious vehicle is parked out front are just some of the things that might give away a trouble, and a cautious neighbor can prevent it. How Can You Check Equity in Your Home? In this day and age, unlocking your home’s equity takes a few clicks. Below, you’ll find some of the easiest ways to do this. Calculate It Manually It’s pretty easy to estimate your property equity on your own. For this, you need to find your current mortgage balance and look for the principal balance. Next, it’s important to estimate your property’s market value. You can do this by looking up recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood (with similar square footage, bedroom counts, and condition). Then, subtract the balance from the value; the remaining total gives you your estimated equity. Home Equity = Current Estimated Market Value – Remaining Mortgage Balance Request a Comparative Market Analysis If you’re thinking about selling your house, local real estate agents can calculate a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). It’s one of the most effective ways to find out your home’s true market value, and, by extension, your actual home equity. A typical CMA evaluates recently sold homes, pending sales, active listings, and expired or cancelled listings. In addition, when an agent prepares a CMA, they make dollar adjustments to the comp prices to match your home improvements (unique features, such as upgrades, renovations, lot size, and more). Get a Professional Home Appraisal When precision is a must, a licensed appraiser will evaluate your home in person. They evaluate the condition, upgrades, layout, and hyper-local comp data to deliver you an official valuation. Unlike real estate agents — who might be motivated by securing a listing — an appraiser has no financial stake in the outcome of your home’s value. Use Rew Online, a Reverse Address Lookup Platform Manual comps and appraisals work well, but they’re either time-consuming or expensive. If you need to know your home equity fast without paying fees, then you can reverse search your address on Rew Online. Rew Online is a modern real estate intelligence platform that provides instantaneous results into property ownership and performance. The website delivers accurate information about a property in the U.S., including estimated home equity, pricing and transaction history, median land area, construction year, and more. In addition, it makes it possible to gain insight into previous property owners. So, if you’ve been wondering who lived in your property before you, it’s possible to quickly find this out. Conclusion At the end of the day, your home’s value is a team effort. Maintaining strong community ties and keeping an eye on local comps is the best way to safeguard how much equity you build over time. After all, the more your home appreciates, the lower your loan-to-value ratio drops, which could even help you eliminate private mortgage insurance sooner than expected. Once you’ve built up that value, your equity becomes a powerful financial tool. Knowing your outstanding balance and market value allows you to tap into your wealth when you need to borrow money for major milestones. Frequently Asked Questions How do I build equity in my home faster? You build equity in two main ways: through local market appreciation and by paying down your mortgage. To speed up the process, you can make extra principal payments each month, make smart home improvements that boost your property’s market value, or choose a shorter loan term (like a 15-year mortgage). What is a home equity loan, and how does it work? A home equity loan is a lump-sum loan secured by your home’s equity. With a home equity loan, a borrower receives all the funds upfront and repays the debt over a fixed period with predictable monthly payments and a fixed interest rate. Because home equity loans typically offer lower interest rates than credit cards or personal loans, they are a popular choice for financing major expenses like home renovations or debt consolidation. What happens when a HELOC draw period ends? During the draw period of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), you can borrow funds as needed and often pay only interest. Once the draw period ends, the loan converts to the repayment period. During this phase, you can no longer draw additional funds, and your payments will increase significantly because you must pay back both the principal balance and interest through regular monthly installments. Is the interest on a home equity loan tax deductible? The interest on a home equity loan may be tax deductible, but only under specific IRS rules. To qualify, the borrowed funds must be used to buy, build, or substantially improve the home that secures the loan. If you use the money to pay off credit card debt or cover college tuition, the interest is generally not tax-deductible. Always consult a qualified tax professional to see how these rules apply to your situation. The post How Your Neighbors Can Increase (or Destroy) Your Equity appeared first on Real Estate Weekly.
Banking and Finance
If you have tried to look for a house lately, you already probably know the golden rule of real estate hasn’t changed: location, location, location. What has changed is how far your dollar will stretch depending on which side of a state border you stand on. In 2026, the nationwide bidding wars of the early 2020s had cooled down, which paved the way for a highly fragmented market. In some states, a surge in new construction has finally triggered a price drop. In others, however, certain factors, such as low inventory, keep competition fierce. But what other factors determine property prices in each US state? Let’s split the states into two categories: high-demand and low-demand. California, New York, and Florida, for example, attract new residents with their booming job markets and weather. West Virginia and Mississippi, on the other hand, belong to the latter category, with lower incomes and fewer high-paying jobs, among other things, dictating the relatively low (in comparison with other states) real estate prices. If you are wondering about the prices of properties in your state or want to know where your budget can buy you a backyard, read on for the complete 2026 state-by-state breakdown of median house prices. Average vs. Median Home Price: What Is the Difference? Most home prices by state rankings use median home prices rather than averages, because the median better represents what a typical home costs. It’s important to understand the difference before you start comparing data across states. The average home price is the total of all home prices divided by homes sold. The median home price is the middle value of homes sold, meaning half sold for more and half sold for less. Median price is not affected by outliers in home values, which is why analysts prefer it. In states like California and New York, a handful of multimillion-dollar sales can pull the average upward dramatically, while the median stays anchored closer to what most buyers actually pay. Here is a quick example: imagine a coastal market where five homes sell for $300K, $350K, $400K, $500K, and $4,000,000. The average sale price is $1,110,000, but the median is just $400K. The average is nearly three times higher because of a single luxury sale. This is exactly why median figures are more useful for most buyers. What It Costs to Buy a Home Across America This Year Check the table below to see state-by-state median single-family home prices (provided by Forbes Advisor). The results are not available for North Dakota and Wyoming. States with the Highest Median Home Prices The highest median home prices are concentrated in a handful of coastal and high-demand markets. These states typically share common traits: strong job bases, limited land, and strict zoning rules that restrict new buildings. Here is a breakdown of the most expensive markets in the United States (single-family home prices). California California has the highest median home price among the 50 states at $854,000. The homeownership rate in the state is 55.3%. Strong technology and finance sectors lead to higher home values in the state. In the Bay Area and coastal metros, expect prices far above that figure. San Francisco and San Jose, for example, push well beyond the statewide figure. The structural reasons are well-documented: a powerful tech and entertainment economy, geographic constraints (coastline, mountains), strict local zoning, and decades of underbuilding that keep housing supply tight. The result is that California also faces one of the highest homelessness rates. Hawaii Hawaii’s median home price is $773,400. Homeownership sits at around 60.9%, according to USAFacts, and high costs extend to utilities, insurance, and transportation. Housing desirability is influenced by climate, geographic features, and amenities, all of which Hawaii offers in abundance. Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. has a median home price of $676,500 for single-family homes. The District’s homeownership rate is 40.3%, reflecting its dense urban character and rental-heavy market. Massachusetts Massachusetts’s median home price is $645,400. The state is the global hub for biotech, life sciences, healthcare, and robotics, alongside massive finance and higher education sectors. The homeownership rate in the state stands at 62.4%. In fact, the state is no longer just a tourism and agricultural economy. Instead, it has evolved into one of the country’s most knowledge-intensive economies. Colorado In the state of Colorado, the median home price stands at $604,600. Its mix of 300 days of sunshine, world-class outdoor recreation, and a progressive cultural scene has drawn hundreds of thousands of new residents over the last decade. The Front Range has transformed into a massive aerospace, tech, defense, and clean-energy hub. In addition, the state has a homeownership rate of 62.9%. States with the Lowest Median Home Prices Many of the lowest median home prices in the US are found in the Midwest and parts of the South, where land is more abundant, construction faces fewer regulatory hurdles, and job markets are less concentrated in a few superstar cities. Here are several of the least expensive states: Iowa Iowa has the lowest median home price at $250,700, making it one of the cheapest statewide markets. The homeownership rate in the state is 70.2%. The thing is that, unlike Hawaii (surrounded by the ocean), Colorado (blocked by mountains), or Massachusetts (densely built out and coastal), Iowa has vast, flat, and accessible land. The abundance of buildable land keeps the raw cost of land low, which prevents the artificial scarcity that drives up prices elsewhere. West Virginia The beautiful state located in the Appalachian region of the Southern United States has a median home price of $253,300. Its homeownership rate, however, is the highest in the country — 78.1%. But there are reasons that make the state one of the most affordable areas in the US. Historically, West Virginia’s economy relied heavily on traditional industries like coal mining, manufacturing, and agriculture. As those sectors contracted over the decades, the state didn’t experience the massive influx of high-paying tech or corporate jobs in other parts of the country, which has kept housing demand and prices modest. Oklahoma Oklahoma’s median home price stands at $256,700, and its homeownership rate is 63.8%. But why does the state rank as one of the most affordable? Major cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa are not hemmed in by oceans or mountains. Also, because the raw supply of buildable land is basically unlimited, the cost of land remains quite low. In addition, building permits in the state are issued rather quickly, and the minimal red tape allows homebuilders to quickly reach market demand, with new construction swiftly flowing into the market. Louisiana $260,300 is the median home price in the state, with the homeownership rate being 69.3%. One of the reasons for such a relatively low median residence price is slower population growth. Unlike states in the Mountain West or parts of the Sunbelt that have seen massive rates of incoming residents, Louisiana has experienced stagnant population growth and even net out-migration over the last decade. Ohio In Ohio, the typical home value is $262,900. The homeownership rate in the state stands at 70.3%. There are a few reasons for the state’s relatively low median house price. Some of them are a massive supply of older housing stock, geographic accessibility, and high property taxes (it frequently ranks in the top 10 to 15 states for high property tax rates). Home Affordability by State: Prices vs. Incomes Home affordability is not just about house prices. It depends heavily on local incomes and mortgage rates, typically measured by how many years of income it would take to buy a median-priced home. Home prices are influenced by supply and demand dynamics, but so is the money residents have available to spend. In some states like Montana and Idaho, home prices have climbed so fast that they now require more years of income than historically expensive states like California, particularly after pandemic-era migration drove up demand. The “years of income to buy a home” metric, calculated by dividing the median home price by the median household income, reveals whether housing costs are outpacing earnings across the country. Sun Belt states like Texas and Florida have seen affordability deteriorate, even though their home prices remain below the most expensive coastal states. The Midwest, on the other hand, including Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, and Illinois, stands out as an affordability stronghold, where a typical home often costs 3 to 4 years of income instead of 7 to 9. In addition, states with slightly lower prices but also low wages can still feel unaffordable, which is why looking at price alone does not tell the whole story. How Many Years of Income to Afford a Home in Each US State? Using median home prices and median household incomes, you can estimate how many years of gross income are needed to purchase a typical home in each state. This gives a quick snapshot of home affordability differences. See the table below with the information provided by the Visual Capitalist to find out how many years of gross median household income it takes to cover the cost of a typical home in each U.S. state Strategies to Improve Home Affordability You cannot control median home prices, but you can take concrete steps to lower your personal housing costs and improve home affordability. Here’s how: Strengthen your credit score. Even a modest improvement can help you qualify for competitive rates, which reduces monthly mortgage payments, especially in high-cost states. Compare multiple mortgage offers. Shop across loan types: conventional, FHA, and VA. Each has different down payment requirements and rate structures. Minor fluctuations in fixed mortgage rates heavily impact buyer purchasing power, so locking in the best rate matters. Target slightly smaller homes or adjacent neighborhoods. Using Rew Online, you can check similar properties in the area that may have smaller differences. In addition, on this real estate intelligence platform, you can find a property’s price, condition, occupancy status, and other details that will help you find high-potential real estate opportunities. Increase your down payment if possible. A larger down payment reduces your loan amount, cuts interest costs, and helps you avoid private mortgage insurance, which adds to monthly expenses. Time your purchase strategically. Competition and prices are often slightly lower in late fall and winter, when fewer buyers are active. Frequently Asked Questions Which state officially has the most expensive homes in 2026? California and Hawaii constantly battle for the number one spot, with median home prices sitting at $854,000 and $773,400, respectively. Hawaii’s island geography creates a natural land shortage, while California’s massive tech and coastal economies continue to pull prices sky-high. Why do median home prices vary so much by US state? Housing prices depend on local demand, population growth, job market, and land availability. States that have strong tech or finance industries tend to have higher real estate prices. On the other hand, rural or less densely populated areas are the ones that are more affordable. Why do some states with lower home prices still feel unaffordable to locals? Because looking at the sticker price of a house only tells half the story. States like Louisiana and Mississippi boast low baseline real estate prices, but they also have lower median household incomes and high localized costs like homeowner insurance. Affordability is all about the gap between a house’s price and how much a person earns. Does remote work affect home prices across states? Yes, remote work has actually increased demand in previously lower-cost states. The thing is, buyers are moving away from expensive urban hubs in search of affordability. This, however, has caused price growth in suburban and rural markets. What factors could change housing price trends? Inflation, job market changes, or mortgage rate cuts can quickly affect prices. Natural disasters and insurance costs are also increasingly influential. The post Median Home Price by US State in 2026 appeared first on Real Estate Weekly.
Residential
Denholtz Properties, a leading real estate development and investment company, announces the acquisition of Solo at North Bergen, a 214-unit, luxury multifamily community located at 4828 Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen, N.J. Completed in 2023, Solo at North Bergen is among Hudson County’s premier residential communities. Currently, 98% leased, the community spans three, three-story buildings with 138 units and one, five-story elevatored building with 76 units. In addition, residents enjoy access to a full resort-style amenities package including a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse with billiards and gaming tables, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool with grilling stations and an outdoor sauna, a community dog run and a full-service package room. Solo at North Bergen provides easy access to New York City, Jersey City, Newark and Hoboken via nearby Routes 1&9 and 3 as well as Interstates 78, 95 and 495. The community is also steps away from the Tonnelle Avenue Light Rail Station and an NJ Transit bus stop with direct access to New York City. In addition, the nearby Port Imperial/Weehawken ferry terminal provides easy connections to several locations within Manhattan. “North Bergen’s growing population and unparalleled access to many of the region’s largest employment and entertainment hubs makes it a highly desirable location,” said Stephen Cassidy, President of Denholtz Properties. “This acquisition speaks to our commitment to expanding our multifamily portfolio through an intelligent and strategic approach to growth. We look forward to deploying our time-tested residential management platform at the property to create one of northern New Jersey’s premier residential communities.” Solo at North Bergen is the latest to join Denholtz Properties’ growing list of recently completed or under construction residential communities that includes The Rail at Red Bank, the company’s visionary 57-unit mixed-use community adjacent to the Red Bank Train Station, and The Rail at Bound Brook, an under-construction 143-unit Class-A multifamily community located across from the Bound Brook train station that broke ground in May of 2023. In addition to its expanding residential portfolio in New Jersey, Denholtz Properties has also bolstered its multifamily portfolio over the last several years through several strategic acquisitions including Overall Creek, a 384-unit, Class-A multifamily community in Murfreesboro, Tenn., as well as Vida Apartments, a 289-unit luxury multifamily community in Kannapolis, N.C. The post Denholtz Properties Acquires 214-Unit, Luxury Community in Hudson County, N.J. appeared first on Real Estate Weekly.
Residential
Multifamily owner‐operator and investment manager Pacific Urban Investors acquired La Scala, a 354‐unit apartment community in the La Jolla / University Town Center (UTC) submarket of San Diego, CA, on July 14, 2023. The property was renamed Veranda La Jolla (the “Property”) and marks Pacific’s 22nd acquisition in the San Diego Market. Veranda is Pacific’s second investment in UTC in recent months, following the company’s purchase of the 400‐unit Allina La Jolla earlier in the year. Veranda La Jolla is a 100% market rate property built in 1989. La Jolla / UTC is a highly regarded regional employment driver in multiple bioscience and technology fields due to its close relationship with the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) businessand research ecosystem. Proximity to job nodes along both the I‐5/I‐15 corridors, downtown La Jolla, and some of southern California’s most well‐known beaches make La Jolla / UTC a coveted neighborhood for residents offering easy coastal access andshort commute times. The Property offers semi‐urban, walkable living 10 minutes from the ocean, a job‐dense micro location with plentiful neighboring retail, and extensive amenities. Community features on the 4‐story mid‐rise asset were thoughtfullyconstructed by the Seller and include two individual landscaped courtyards with water features surrounding a central courtyard containing a resort‐style pool and spa, bar‐be‐que area, and expansive single‐story amenity suite complete with well‐appointedclubhouse / business center and leading‐edge fitness center. All units offer outdoor space via balcony or patio and top floor apartments feature vaulted ceilings with clerestory windows for added natural light. Similar to Allina La Jolla, Pacific Urban Investors is dedicated to maintaining the unique personality and distinctiveness of Veranda La Jolla while launching new programs designed to further enrich the resident experience. The company plans to invest in increasing utility of the community’s amenities, including upgrading communal areas for residents to connect and engage, and enhancing resident unit interiors. “As a follow‐on acquisition to its sister property next door, Veranda La Jolla gives Pacific the opportunity to acquire additional share in one of the most highly sought‐after investment submarkets in Southern California. Proximate to a density of jobs rarelyencountered, La Jolla’s world‐renowned beaches, and innumerable retail options, Veranda La Jolla offers residents convenient access to work and play in a contemporary building with all the desired amenities. The Property’s premium positioning along Nobel, unit outdoor spaces, and high quality of construction are all competitive advantages in a highly occupied submarket” said Grant Geisen, Senior Vice President of Investments at Pacific. Pacific’s President Rory Gardner commented “Allina La Jolla is off to a strong start, and we are thrilled to have added Veranda La Jolla next door, growing our Southern California portfolio by 754 total units. We remain excited about the long‐term economic drivers in the region and are actively seeking additional investments across all our strategies; including both direct acquisitions, as well as joint venture and preferred equity opportunities.” The post Pacific Urban Investors Expands Southern California Portfolio with Acquisition of La ScalaStrengthening Presence in Highly Desirable San Diego Submarket appeared first on Real Estate Weekly.
Residential
KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment (CDLI) provided $20.2 million for the construction of new affordable housing in Anchorage, AK. CDLI provided $9 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity, a $10 construction loan and a $1.3 million permanent loan to finance the new construction of Ch’bala Corners II, a 38-unit, family project developed and managed by Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA). (Ch’bala is the Upper Cook Inlet Dena’ina word for spruce.) KeyBanc Capital Markets (KBCM) also sold $10 million of tax- exempt bonds through a public offering, the proceeds of which will be used to support the financing of the project. Ch’bala Corners II consists of three 8-plex buildings, three 4-plex buildings and one duplex. Of the 38 units, 23 units will be restricted at 50% area median income (AMI) and 15 units will be restricted at 60% AMI. Eight units will be set aside for disabled households, and eight units will be set aside for homeless households. Ch’bala Corners will proudly house eligible Alaska Native/Native America families. Ch’bala Corners II also received local support and engagement including soft financing from the following: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Indian Housing Block Grant funds State of Alaska Supplemental Grants Program (SGP) funds Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Affordable Housing Program (FHLB AHP) grant funds Municipality of Anchorage HOME Investment Partnerships Program grant funds Municipality of Anchorage American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds State of Alaska Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) disaster relief funds. Residents at Ch’bala Corners II will have access to a variety of programs and services, provided by CIHA Resident Services and local partners, that support health, wellness, community engagement and financial self-sufficiency. “We are grateful for the financial support of KeyBank Community Development Lending and Investment and KeyBanc Capital Markets in the development of Ch’bala Corners II. Affordable housing financing is complex and multifaceted,” said Gabe Layman, President/CEO, Cook Inlet Housing Authority. “We appreciate the professionals at KeyBank CDLI and KBCM for thoughtfully navigating this process with us, allowing for the addition of 38 units of much needed affordable housing in our community. Affordable housing is the foundation that helps families stabilize and thrive.” “We are excited to work with Cook Inlet Housing Authority to invest in Ch’bala Corners II because it is community-based and serves the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Kortney Brown, senior relationship manager with KeyBank CDLI. “Cook Inlet Housing Authority’s ability to partner and collaborate with other agencies and providers is representative of how complex affordable housing projects can be successfully completed.” Kortney Brown and Brett Sheehan of KeyBank CDLI structured the financing. Ila Afsharipour of KeyBanc Capital Markets Public Finance Group provided the bond underwriting. The post KeyBank Secures $20.3 Million of Financing for Multifamily Housing Property in Anchorage, AK. appeared first on Real Estate Weekly.
Listening is a key ingredient in Emily's formula for success as a real estate broker. It sounds obvious, but anyone who has been through the process of buying or selling knows that not every agent can do it. It's by listening that Emily has learned how to improve her skills with every transaction.
Let's ConnectAddress
110 5th Ave., 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10011
