1. Did you know this? The LA Times reports Starting in 2020, all new homes in California must come with solar panels. Builders are getting ready “The California Building Standards Commission approved the mandate this month, finalizing a unanimous vote from the California Energy Commission in May as part of the state’s ongoing battle against climate change. The rule applies to all single-family and multifamily residences of three stories or fewer.” Developers will have to find affordable options so they can attract a wide range of buyers.
2. MEMORY LANE
Now that the year is almost over, Realtor.com “set out to pinpoint the 10 homes capturing the most views for the entire year. Our top home wasn’t a surprise by any stretch of the imagination, but it was nice to see the return of some familiar facades—some of which are still in search of a buyer.” Check out all the homes in the King of the Clicks: What Was the Most Popular Home of 2018?
3. GIVING BACK
William Raveis has a network of 130 company-owned and affiliate offices with over 4,000 sales associates, and ranks in size as the No. 1 family-owned real estate company in the Northeast and the No. 9 real estate company in the country, according to REAL Trends. From the William Raveis blog article this week: WILLIAM RAVEIS REAL ESTATE RAISES A RECORD $552,098 FOR INNOVATIVE CANCER RESEARCH IN 2018. “The William Raveis Charitable Fund (WRCF) surpassed their goal and raised a record $552,098 this year for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation (Damon Runyon), which funds the most promising scientists conducting cutting-edge research to find a cure for cancer.” That is an incredible amount of money to raise for such a great cause. Bravi!
4. TRICKY BUSINESS
It can be done if you have the desire. “Few regions in the world show as much promise as Southeast Asia for viable investment opportunities. Business is booming in the 10 country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the region is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies.” Do you know 3 of the best Southeast Asian countries to buy real estate? The Asian Correspondent has done a bit of the legwork for you… If you’re interested.
5. THE 721 EXCHANGE
Most of us have heard of the 1031 Exchange. Entrepreneur just posted Real Estate’s Best-Kept Secret: This Little-Known Loophole Is Going to Change How You Invest. “The 721 Exchange is a little-known law that — much like the 1031 Exchange — allows property owners to defer capital gains taxes. In fact, you essentially have all the benefits of the 1031, but instead of having to find a “like kind” property, you can simply take the proceeds and invest them with a fund.” It appears you can sell an investment property and move your gain to Real Estate Investment Trust accounts (REIT).
6. GINGERBREAD YOU SAY?
It’s the Holiday Season, so Realtor.com of course had to reveal Delicious Dwellings! 10 Homes for Sale That Look Exactly Like Gingerbread Houses. “Real-life gingerbread houses are festooned with carved latticework, pitched roofs, adorable adornments, and perhaps a splashy color or two. And while the style is more common in Atlantic coastal regions like Martha’s Vineyard and New Jersey, lovely examples of the style can be found across the country.” Go take a bite!
7. SOLD!
Realtor.com has come up with 7 Reasons to Accept the First Offer on Your House. “How do you know you’ve found The One? The one offer on your home worth taking, that is. It’s entirely natural for sellers to consider multiple offers from interested buyers, but in certain circumstances, the first offer you receive may actually be the one you should accept.” I could probably come up with another seven reasons why not to take the first offer. What are your thoughts on the subject?
8. DANCING TO DIFFERENT DRUMMER
Okay, they definitely do things a bit differently in New Zealand, especially when it comes to real estate. I’ve attended their property ‘auctions’, and have met some of the real estate characters there. This Real estate agent’s dancing videos getting people talking and winning him clients. Meet Jayden Dixon, 1NewsNow reports from New Zealand how he’s getting people to talk about him and how he is winning clients.
9. CITY LIVING
Have you ever thought of living in NYC, even for a little while? What would it be like to live in a city of eight million people? Well, if you’re interested, the NYP has done their homework and These were the hottest NYC neighborhoods of 2018. Have a look.
10. DEALS IN 2019?
“Home sellers may need to get more realistic heading into the new year with signs of a slowing housing market. As for home shoppers, they may find more deals. Seventy-seven percent of current listings will likely sell below the original list price in the first quarter of 2019, according to a new forecast released by Knock, an iBuyer company that offers home sellers instant cash offers on their home.” Realtor Magazine and Knock just Forecast: 77% of Homes Will Sell Below List Price. Sellers, it’s time to price your listings accordingly!
Have a great weekend!
