Already in 17 markets, the alternative sales platform secured $10 million in a Series A round led by M13 and Homebrew. It's the second flat-fee or discount service to earn financing this month, joining HomeLight.

San Jose’s city council has approved a number of new “tiny home villages” that will provide housing for homeless residents of the city, but it’s expecting to face a backlash from worried neighbors who oppose the projects.

The councilors voted 8-2 to move forward with plans to build six sites, which include two existing projects and two new sites, during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The city will also begin construction on two new sites in the future.

San Jose is leading the way in embracing smaller housing units as temporary housing for homeless people, the East Bay Times reported. The vote brings the city closer to its goal of adding 400 new tiny homes that will accommodate unhoused people who’re waiting for permanent housing. Supporterssay the project is necessary, with San Jose’s homeless population estimated to have grown by 11% since 2019.

The city has already gotten four temporary housing sites up and running, but councilors admit that it has been a challenge to find places to build the tiny homes. The approved sites are oddly shaped slivers of land adjacent to existing freeways and exit ramps in the city, and authorities say they expect opposition from residents living close to the parcels.

“There’s no doubt that any site we pick will be opposed,” said San Jose Councilmember David Cohen.

Some people call it buying the worst house in the best neighborhood, but most nice neighborhoods work just fine – especially when houses to choose from are scarce. But either way, this equity-building strategy isn’t for the faint of heart.

Back Door Entry to a Ritzy Area

The theory is that lower-priced homes in upscale neighborhoods will appreciate at a higher percentage than all the other houses in the neighborhood. It’s a chance to build a lot of equity fast when you purchase a $325,000 home in a neighborhood of $425,000 homes without multiple other buyers attempting to outbid you. Let’s assume going forward that house in the neighborhood will appreciate at 7% each year for the next two years. Compounding the typical $425,000 house over two years means the values rise to $486,691.

Buying the $325,000 house is like a back door entry to a ritzy area. It comes with neighborhood amenities like an HOA with a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, and/or golf course. It can also be a way to get into a better school district at a price you can afford. The intended result of buying the worst house in a nice neighborhood is that all the neighborhood amenities and prestige increase the percentage rate of appreciation for the out-of-place, lower-value house. All the extras cause the $325,000 house to appreciate at 12% instead of 7% per year for the next two years. The bottom line is that while the $425,000 houses gain $61,691 in value, the smaller investment of $325,000 gains $82,680 in value. A nice little investment trick when it works.

Sounds too good to be true. It could be because buying the worst house does involve both risk and the cost to bring it back up to neighborhood standards. If the house needs major rehab, you could easily spend all the anticipated increases in value making repairs and upgrades. You would end up in a nice neighborhood with a home valued on par with all the others, but you would not have made much financial gain (if any). It would be a push.

But a major rehab isn’t always the case…

According to Jimmy Burgess, there's an incredible array of content available today to help with every aspect of real estate. Whether you're looking for tips to improve your own video marketing or are seeking out expert advice on running your business, these YouTubers have got you covered.

This week, the spotlight shines on award-winning Miami native Tony Rodriguez Tellaheche of Prestige Realty Group.

Finding the perfect match for your marketing team is a huge challenge for many teams. Broker Jeff Lichtenstein recommends hiring journalists to fill the gaps and grow your business.

Nearly 10 percent of U.S. homes sold in the first quarter of 2022 were flipped, but investors were challenged by shrinking supply and rising costs.

After stints in Florida, Arizona and Britain, a longtime renter fell in love with Southern California. But would $800,000 be enough for a single-family home?

In this week’s video column, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate executives Amy Corr and Kevin Van Eck provide suggestions on what brokers, owners and team leaders can do to market-proof their brokerage, business and agents.

No matter what the changing social and economic environment brings, running an efficient real estate business is key to staying competitive. The right tech stack has the power to transform the way we conduct our day-to-day business and communicate with clients.

Over-committing, over-serving and people-pleasing can keep you from giving yourself, your business, and your family the time you deserve. Coach Darryl Davis offers strategies for setting both personal and professional boundaries.

There are currently 45 million Americans aged between 25 and 34 — and most aspire to homeownership. However, according to Windermere Real Estate Chief Economist Matthew Gardner, the massive price growth many of us have benefitted from over the past several years has simply put a "starter home" out of their reach.

Teams are not for everyone, writes Adam Hergenrother, and yet, many independent agents don’t necessarily want to reinvent the wheel. Teamberages are the middle way for anyone who is driven, growth-minded, and willing to put in the work.

Even though you're a team leader, you don't have to be the last word on everything. When training your team, writes Joel Lock, it's important to do your homework and know what you don't know.

Agent Daniela Sassoun is bringing her team to Sotheby’s International Realty's East Side Manhattan Brokerage. She reportedly closed nearly $30 million in sales in 2021.

The super-prime market remained resilient, although low inventory and stock market volatility impacted buyers a bit during the second quarter, SERHANT.'s Garrett Derderian said.

The embattled mortgage company confirmed it had let go of Chad Walker shortly after 3 other executives have recently departed. Nick Taylor will replace Walker as head of the division.

The country music superstar is charging $10,000 to spend two nights in the tour bus, which is chock-full of Parton's personal belongings including a bedazzled guitar and wig cabinet.

In addition to the house, the auction in August will include items from the "Suspicious Minds" singer's life and career including clothing, jewelry, concert memorabilia and autographs.

The company announced job cuts Wednesday, saying it needed to focus on growing in a "sustainable way." Numerous other companies have also cut jobs as the housing market shifts.