U.S. Housing Starts Fall by 4.5% in January to the Lowest Level Since June 2020

Photo by JIM WATSON / AFP via Getty Images

The numbers: Construction on new U.S. homes fell a seasonally adjusted 4.5% in January to 1.31 million, the Commerce Department said Thursday.

The drop in construction on homes follows the decline in December, when housing starts also fell by 3.4%

The drop was larger than what Wall Street expected. Economists polled by the Wall Street Journal expected housing starts to drop to a 1.35 million rate from December’s initial estimate of 1.38 million.

Construction is at the lowest level since June 2020, during the depths of the coronavirus pandemic. Starts have also fallen for the fifth month in a row.

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‘Charge the storm’: What to watch at Keller Williams’ big Family Reunion

Texas-based franchisor Keller Williams is hosting its annual Family Reunion conference in California Friday through Wednesday. Here are the sessions, speakers and events you can't miss.

How to Make Money In Real Estate: A Beginner’s Guide to Investing

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Curious to learn more about how to make money in real estate? Are you itching to invest? We don’t blame you—real estate can be a solid investment as part of an overall portfolio, and a great way to ramp up cash flow.

But what’s the best way to invest in real estate—without too much risk? There are two main real estate investing strategies: Fix and flip, or buy and lease out your real estate purchases.

Real estate can be an exciting avenue to significant dividends. Hopeful landlords, though, should carefully evaluate front-end expenses and long-term work before deciding to invest. Let’s wade into the pros, cons, and money-making potential of each real estate investing option, to help you determine if they’re right for you, based on expense, income, and risk.

Do you have the chops to be a real estate investor? Real Estate Investing 101 starts now.

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WeWork hits an earnings milestone in Q4 — but remains deep in the red

The embattled coworking giant posted a 75 percent quarterly gain in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization — but still shouldered $26 million in losses, according to Q4 earnings on Thursday.

Baseball Standout Juan Soto Is Selling His Modest $1.1M Virginia Home

Getty Images / Realtor.com

Parting is such sweet sorrow, but it’s time for baseball superstar Juan Soto to move on from the D.C. metro area.

After an incredible five seasons of success with the Washington Nationals, including a 2019 World Series win, the talented right fielder has listed his home in nearby Arlington, VA, for $1,095,000.

The reason? He was traded from the Nats to the San Diego Padres in August 2022, in a blockbuster deal that reshaped the National League.

Now ensconced in Southern California—with a $23 million contract for the 2023 season—the young outfielder is cutting the last of his ties to the nation’s capital.








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Homes for Sale in Manhattan and the Bronx

This week’s properties are in Central Harlem, Hell’s Kitchen and Riverdale.

Homes for Sale in New York and New Jersey

This week’s homes are a five-bedroom in Huntington Bay, N.Y., and a four-bedroom in Princeton, N.J.

What Is a Convertible ARM? The Pros, Cons, and When It Makes Sense To Get One

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If you remember the housing crisis of 2008, you’ve likely heard the term “adjustable-rate mortgages,” or ARMs. But have you ever heard of a convertible ARM?

ARMs, in general, are once again catching the eye of prospective homebuyers facing unpredictable mortgage interest rates and home prices. Why? Because ARMs boast low introductory “teaser” rates, making them an attractive and affordable option for prospective homebuyers who can’t swing today’s higher interest rates and monthly payments.

The adjustment part of an ARM, where rates can rise or fall, can be risky. A spike in rates once the teaser expires means higher monthly payments down the road.

And what happens if interest rates plummet? That’s where a convertible ARM comes in. Here’s what you need to know to decide if this type of mortgage is a good option.

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7 White Lies That Can Destroy Your Homebuying Chances

Photo-Illustration by Realtor.com; Photos: Getty Images (3)

You’ve probably already told several white lies this week. Yes, really. When someone asks how you are, do you always mean it when you answer with, “Doing well”? Stretching the truth here and there is pretty standard.

But when it comes to applying for a mortgage, you’re required to be 100% truthful about the nitty-gritty details of your personal finances, work history, credit score, and more. And if you stretch the truth, even by a little, you could land in hot water.

The consequences of telling seemingly harmless lies during the mortgage application process are serious. Worst-case scenario: You’ll be charged with mortgage fraud, and the penalty can include a maximum sentence of 30 years and a $1 million fine.

Shockingly, though, plenty of people do it. Last year, an estimated 1 in 131 applications contained some form of fraud, according to the 2022 Mortgage Fraud Report from Core Logic.

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Broker Spotlight: Jerry Pinkas, Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts

Find out how this broker parlayed an early interest in real estate investing into a career as head of one of Myrtle Beach's most popular brokerages.

6 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

The smartest tech you can buy right now might not be the latest phone or tablet, but rather the energy-efficient electric systems you need to power them.

More than ‘support’: How to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion

Real estate leaders have an important responsibility to help create a world without obstacles to homeownership. Allies who actively engage in and promote diversity, equity and inclusion can help be a force for change. 

They Wanted to Live in Greece Full Time. But What Would They Find for $300,000?

A couple from Miami set their sights on Pangrati, a vibrant neighborhood in Athens, and looked for a home with a view of the historic city. Here’s what they found.

They Wanted to Live in Greece Full Time. But What Would They Find for $300,000?

A couple from Miami set their sights on Pangrati, a vibrant neighborhood in Athens, and looked for a home with a view of the historic city. Here’s what they found.

Innovation insights, listing luxury properties and adding $1M to your bottom line

Watch the latest classes with Inman Access to learn from the experts across a wide range of topics to keep you ahead of the competition.

Divvy Homes’ employees say there has been another round of layoffs

Although Divvy has not yet responded to requests for comment, a half-dozen former employees posted on LinkedIn that they were laid off Wednesday.

Rare Midcentury Modern Beauty in Santa Monica Seeks Buyer With $10.5M

Realtor.com

A restored 195os-era home in Santa Monica, CA, channels some serious vintage vibes—all within a 5-minute stroll to the beach.

Designed by Thornton M. Abell, a midcentury modern architect in Southern California, the house is tucked into one of Santa Monica Canyon’s highly desirable neighborhoods, says agent Frank Langen, of Deasy Penner & Partners.

The property is listed for $10,500,000.

Built for the Haines family, the beautiful abode was included in photographer Julius Shulman’s 2013 book, “Modern Rediscovered.”






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A Town-Owned Massachusetts Cape From 1696 Is the Week’s Oldest Property

Realtor.com

A New England Cape in Duxbury, MA, is the oldest property to hit the market this week on Realtor.com.

The town of Duxbury is seeking purchase proposals for the historic home, with preference given to buyers who intend to maintain the property “in agricultural use as a primary residence” and who demonstrate a commitment to “preserve, restore, and rehabilitate the building.”

Other vintage homes to hit the market this week include a stone home in New York, an affordable abode in Virginia, and an enormous estate in New Hampshire.

Scroll down for a full look at this week’s 10 oldest homes.











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Pacaso firms up co-ownership union with HomeServices of America

Pacaso’s model gives luxury agents something new to offer clients, as well as opens their representation services to buyers who were once shutout of the traditional second-home market.

Listen Up! Charming Nashville Recording Studio Can Be Anything for $10M

Realtor.com

A building with more than a century of history is full of opportunity in Nashville, TN.

Built around 1900, the Layman Building is listed for $10 million. Three lots adjacent to the space are included in the sale, for a total of nearly a half-acre.

“It’s historic, and everyone loves to see a historic property,” says listing agent Rob Wagner, with Benchmark Realty. “And it has been completely restored, which is wonderful. It’s in an extremely hot spot of Nashville. It opens up a whole world of opportunities for a buyer.”

Located in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood, the building is within an easy walk of many shops and restaurants.







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