The Impact of the Almeda Fire and Housing Scarcity In 2020, the Almeda Fire devastated the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon, destroying thousands of homes. The aftermath was not only a barren landscape but a significant housing crisis, compounding the existing tight rental market. In Medford Estates, gutted homes stood as reminders of the disaster. […]
Idaho, known for its expansive open land, is implementing a new law designed to address housing costs and farmland preservation. The state now has the country’s smallest minimum lot size requirements for residential construction. The legislation mandates that cities permit housing developments on lots as small as 1,500 square feet, given that certain criteria are […]
Mortgage interest rates have evolved significantly in recent months, presenting a different landscape for borrowers than what was available earlier in the year. The interplay of various economic factors has contributed to these changes. Despite the Federal Reserve maintaining its benchmark interest rate after a reduction in December 2025, mortgage rates have seen an increase. […]
Mortgage rates are experiencing sudden changes in today’s economy. Predicting their direction has become challenging. For instance, the average 30-year fixed rate dropped below 6% in February 2023 for the first time since 2022. However, the Iran conflict increased Treasury yields, pushing rates back towards 6.5% by April. Rates briefly fell below 6% afterward but […]
Property prices in Shanghai see a rebound, yet the national real estate market in China is still grappling with significant challenges. A staggering 90 million apartments remain empty or unfinished, creating a substantial overhang in the market. During China’s ongoing housing crisis, there have been short-lived periods of price stability. These temporary pauses have often […]