Today's Real Estate Pulse
Chinese Buyers Set Record with $5.5B Hong Kong Property Purchases in Q1 2026
Mainland Chinese investors spent roughly HK$43 billion ($5.5 billion) on Hong Kong real estate in the first quarter, covering apartments to fractional office stakes. Beijing’s new capital‑control measures aim to curb large overseas cash transfers, threatening the momentum of the record‑setting spree.
Also developing:
Pre-Marketing Could Boost Housing Supply by over 10%: Redfin
Redfin’s latest analysis suggests that allowing sellers to pre‑market homes could lift local housing inventories by 6‑12% in markets that adopt the practice. The report, released shortly after Redfin’s exclusive‑listing partnership with Compass, argues that price‑testing boosts seller confidence and trims days‑on‑market, translating to a 1.2‑2.4% value gain per home. Competing research, however, questions the benefits of off‑MLS listings, noting longer market times and price disadvantages. The findings arrive as MLS rules and industry players such as Zillow adjust their stance on pre‑marketing.
Here's How HELOCs Have Changed — and Why some Homeowners May Not Like the New Rules
Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are losing their hallmark flexibility as non‑bank lenders dominate the market and impose large upfront draw requirements, often 80% or more of the credit line. While the Federal Reserve estimates $34 trillion in homeowner equity,...
Pending Home Sales Beat Forecast, Yet Rates Rise Amid Conflict
Pending home sales recorded an unexpected beat in February, rising 1.8% month-over-month versus a forecast of -1%. However, sales were down 0.8% year-over-year and the outlook isn't great given mortgage rates hit those 3.5-year lows in February. They are now markedly higher...
This Is What Makes Renting Work for Gen Z
Rently’s January 2026 survey of 800 U.S. renters reveals a sharp generational divide in rental priorities. Sixty‑three percent of Gen Z respondents say speed and ease are critical, compared with 44 percent of Boomers, and more than half of younger renters favor...
Non-Agency Jumbo Lending Up Nearly Across the Board in 4Q
Non‑agency jumbo mortgage originations surged in the fourth quarter, pushing total nonconforming loans to $401 billion for 2025 and lifting the share of such loans to 20.9% of all originations. The Biden‑era administration’s executive order, signed by President Trump, directs the...
Target Consolidates Spring Savings Event Into 3 Days
Target is consolidating its spring savings promotion into a three‑day "Target Circle Deal Days" event running March 25‑27, 2026, down from the week‑long Target Circle Week held in 2025. The shortened format aims to deliver high‑impact deals on toys, women’s apparel,...
Housing Market Varies: Condos, Entry‑Level, Prime Homes Differ
How is the housing market? It really depends on what we are talking about. Condos? Entry-level price points? Homes that check all the boxes? Properties on busy streets? What parts of the market are cold, warm, or hot? I’d love...
The US Consumer Is Hitting a Rough Patch
U.S. consumers showed surprising resilience in January, with discretionary retail sales climbing 6% year‑over‑year despite a dip in sentiment. Analysts, however, warn that rising credit‑card debt, higher delinquency rates and mounting fuel costs could erode that strength by 2026. Forecasts...
Endurance Gives You an Edge in Competition
If you have more endurance than everybody else, it’s going to be tough to lose. Follow @chasecalhoun.realestate for more on build-to-rent and real estate investing. #realestate #investmentproperty #buildtorent #alexhormozi
Each Rental Multiplies Your Freedom and Legacy
1 rental = proof 5 rentals = options 10 rentals = freedom 20 rentals = legacy
February Pending Home Sales Edge Up 1.8% Amid Shifting Market
Pending home sales in February rose 1.8% month‑over‑month but slipped 0.8% year‑over‑year, reflecting a modest rebound after a brief dip in mortgage rates. Active inventory jumped 7.9% YoY, giving buyers more leverage in many regions. The South and West posted...
2026 Home Sales May Edge Up, Not Boom
Will Home Sales Improve In 2026? Almost Certainly Yes: Because They Just Couldn't Get Any Worse When some Regions hit 30 year lows in Home Sales it's just reasonable to believe the case for a SMALL increase is real But nobody should...
Saks Distribution Center Layoffs to Impact Nearly 600 Employees
Saks Global announced the permanent closure of two Pennsylvania distribution centers, eliminating 590 positions. The Wilkes Barre facility will lay off 155 workers starting April 11, while the Pottsville site will cut 435 jobs beginning May 3. Both locations lack union...
‘Zombie’ Second Mortgages Spur New Battles in California, Maryland
State lawmakers in Maryland and California are confronting “zombie” second mortgages—old loans sold to collectors that can trigger foreclosures despite statutes of limitations. While Maryland’s consumer‑protection bill passed the House unanimously, it stalled in the Senate after aggressive lobbying from...
Top 6 Energy Efficient Home Improvements for 2026 (Plus a Bonus)
The article outlines six practical, energy‑efficient home upgrades for 2026, plus a bonus project, aimed at cutting utility bills amid volatile fossil‑fuel prices. Half of the recommendations can be implemented for under $100, making them accessible to most homeowners. Improvements...
Builder Pros Succeed by Mastering Two Key Principles
As a lender with 20 years of experience in the real estate game, I’ve seen a lot of builder rookies and a lot of builder pros. The pros, like @kaeserbuilding and official.pbg, focus on these two keys to success. With @thesteveafra #newconstruction #luxuryhome...
Survey Shows More Young Canadians Choose Renos over Moves as Condo Values Slip
A Toronto Regional Real Estate Board report shows GTA condo sales fell 15% year‑over‑year in Q4 2025, with listings down 8.1% and average prices slipping 5.1% to $652,945. With a surplus of new units and falling rents, many owners—especially 18‑34‑year‑olds—are choosing...
NV Office-to-Residential Surge Challenges Portfolio Strategies
The TSA HQ in Arlington is becoming 637 apartments. Down the road, 675 units just opened in a converted Falls Church office park. Northern Virginia’s office-to-residential wave is moving fast. Is your portfolio positioned for it or exposed by it? #commercialrealestate...
State Law Compels LA Council to Rethink Apartment Ban
Last year, the Los Angeles City Council voted to keep apartments out of single-family-home neighborhoods. A new state law is forcing councilmembers to change their minds. For @POLITICOPro subscribers: https://t.co/Lb979044mJ
How the Federal Reserve Affects Home Equity Loan and HELOC Rates
The Federal Reserve does not set home‑equity loan rates directly, but its policy shapes borrowing costs. HELOCs, which are variable‑rate products tied to the prime rate, adjust within 24‑48 hours after a Fed move, while fixed‑rate home‑equity loans react more...
NYC Luxury Deals Jump 24% Despite Mayor's Push
No #MayorMamdani effect in #NYC's lux housing as contracts on $4M+ #realestate rose 24%, study finds. 'If they didn't want it, they wouldn't buy it. They h/many options' #CRE #mortgage #Urbandigs https://t.co/sA4pga3KIQ
Farmers Reject Million‑Dollar AI Data‑Center Land Offers
US farmers are rejecting $33 to $80 million offers for their land from data center companies. The tension between AI and land is real.
Canadian Home Sales Dip Again in February as Market Waits for Spring Momentum
Canadian home sales declined again in February, falling 1.3% from January and 8.1% versus February 2025 on a non‑seasonally adjusted basis. New listings slipped 3.9% month‑over‑month, pushing the sales‑to‑new‑listings ratio up to 47.6% but still below the long‑term balanced benchmark...
Pending Home Sales Rise, Yet Mortgage Rates Surge Past 6.3%
Pending Home Sales Ticked Up from Record Low. But Now Mortgage Rates Spiked Back over 6.3%. Home sales in February, as feeble as they were, benefitted from the lowest mortgage rates in years. Those rates are now gone https://t.co/2mll3eAbGK https://t.co/lVfYXLQXRz
Zillow Launches Preview, Showing Pre‑market Listings with Major Brokers
Zillow fires back at Compass/Rocket/Redfin Today, Zillow announced "Zillow Preview", a "product" that makes "pre-market" home listings visible on their site Launch partners include Keller Williams, REMAX, HomeServices of America, Side and United Real Estate
February 2026 Rental Report: National Median Asking Rents Hit Four-Year Low
February 2026 rental report shows national median asking rent fell to $1,667, a 1.7% year‑over‑year decline and the lowest level in four years. This marks the 30th consecutive month of declines for 0‑2‑bedroom units across the 50 largest U.S. metros....
CRE Finally Adopts Docusign, Brokers Stay Low‑tech.
CRE just finally adopted Docusign years after Realtors... Don't expect many brokers to run out and purchase a Mac mini and set up OpenClaw 🚫🦞
Housing Market Temperature Varies by Property Type
The housing market is like a hot pocket taken out of the microwave too early. Some spots are warm, and others are cold or hot. Not every part has the same temperature. The trend could be different if we’re talking...
Chinese Property Market Decline Eases as Beijing, Shanghai See gains...China and US Wrap up Trade Talks in Paris, Trump Visit...
Home prices in Beijing and Shanghai rose in February, signaling the first uptick in a decade and narrowing the overall decline across 70 Chinese cities to 0.3% month‑on‑month. In Paris, the United States and China concluded their sixth round of...
Apartment Concessions Reach Decade‑high, Signaling Market Shift
#Apartment concessions hit highest level in over a decade https://t.co/VtxRVMQc37 @RealPage @ApartmentList @Yardi @jayparsons #rent #realestate #realestateinvesting
Trustworthy Property Management: A Timeless Business
Why I love our property management business: People have been building & renting out apartments at least since the Roman Empire, managing them is painful, and many owners are happy to pay someone trustworthy to do it. That’s Lindy.
Workcentral Nigeria Receives “Workspace Solutions Company of the Year 2026” Recognition in West Africa
Workcentral Nigeria has been named “Workspace Solutions Company of the Year 2026 – West Africa,” recognizing its rapid growth in flexible office services. The firm offers virtual offices, private suites, coworking areas, and meeting rooms that let startups and SMEs...
ROAD to Housing Act Cuts Rental Supply, Not Increases
The ROAD to Housing Act is positioned as a housing supply creator, but for renters, it would unquestionably reduce supply.
Reno Attracts Californians Fleeing Sky‑High Housing Costs
This is your #Reno divorce. USA's "Biggest Little City" reinvents self as landing pad for #CA folk fleeing its punishing #realestate costs. Nearly 43% of https://t.co/znHzv7tFly's views from Cal people checking out Reno listings. #gaming #mortgage #NV #tax https://t.co/YQQyepFBwX
Beyond Price Per Acre – A Landowner’s Guide to Maximizing Value in a Data Center Site Sale
Landowners eyeing data‑center sales often focus on price per acre, but true value depends on power access, entitlement status, and infrastructure readiness. Buyers typically seek long diligence periods and cooperation to de‑risk the site, aiming to create a shovel‑ready or...
Tech Tenants
#Optiver is 115KSK today in #MidtownSouth but what w/it be in 5 years? 2x that? 3x that? More? Less? $BXP bets big at 450KSF #360PAS on growing #tech tenants. Underlining pull of #MadisonSquarePark to brand-conscious occupants. #NYC #realestate #CRE #REIT...
Austin's Housing Surplus Turns Market Into Buyer’s Paradise
"With supply far outweighing demand, Austin has turned into a firm buyer’s market - giving house hunters more options, more negotiating power and more time to shop around." 😲 https://t.co/d4pZOxWqcs
Building Virginia’s Future: How C-PACE Financing Is Energizing Green Real Estate Development
Virginia’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C‑PACE) program, authorized by the 2015 Virginia C‑PACE Act, now operates in more than 20 localities, providing developers with long‑term, fixed‑rate financing for energy‑efficient upgrades. Recent transactions in Prince William County, Richmond, and Rockingham...
Canada’s Housing Market Plummets 20%, Quietly Absorbed by Stable Finance
Canadian residential real estate is down -20% from its peak in 2022, a crash in prices worse than the U.S. in 2008. But no one is talking about it, primarily because the financial system is well-functioning (so far), as creditors do...
California Dream Fades, Yet Solutions Begin Emerging
"For many, the California dream has started to slip away," California YIMBY's Nolan Gray said. "But we're not here to talk about problems. We're here to talk about the beginning of a solution." https://t.co/qf01WgUEly
First Home Buyers Ignore Rising Interest Rates and Rush Market
The Australian government’s expanded 5% deposit scheme for first‑home buyers, launched on 1 October 2025, quickly boosted mortgage activity. ABS data show a 6.8% rise in first‑home buyer mortgages in the December 2025 quarter, translating to a 9.1% year‑over‑year increase. Mortgage commitment values...
Sacramento’s Suburbs Grow Northeast, Southeast, Not Toward Bay
Why did Sacramento's suburbanization extend the to the northeast and southeast, rather than to the north, west, or southwest—toward the prosperous Bay Area? (1/2) https://t.co/fYIcWzLEsu
Advocating Middle-Class Housing Amid Low-Income Subsidy Push
Spot on. We try to fill this niche: in a building where every special interest wants their chunk of flesh, and every ideologue only wants subsidized/income-verified/low-income rentals, we're out here fighting to get housing built for normal, middle-class California families.
Reeves to Say She Will Back Compulsory Purchase Powers for Oxford-Cambridge Corridor
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced she will use compulsory purchase powers to force development of a high‑tech corridor between Oxford and Cambridge, dubbed the "Silicon Valley of Europe." The move is part of a broader growth strategy that includes a...
RTO Hits Strongest February Since COVID Despite NYC Snow
RTO keeps grinding higher. February was the strongest since COVID even with NYC snow dragging numbers. Severe Northeast snowstorms weighed on NYC and Boston, while major markets outside the region continued to post YoY gains. 🔗 https://t.co/1IhvNZPYUS https://t.co/uIpOony3hv
Will Evicting Blackstone Help Young People Buy Homes?
The U.S. housing market faces a crisis as institutional investors like Blackstone and Vanguard have amassed millions of starter homes, driving up prices for first‑time buyers. President Trump and bipartisan lawmakers are pushing legislation to curb corporate ownership, culminating in...
Property Tax Exemption for Seniors | How to Qualify in 2026
Senior property‑tax exemptions, which lower the taxable value of a home, are expanding across the United States as retirees face rising assessments on fixed incomes. States such as New York are boosting exemption caps to as high as 65% of...
NYC Landlord Laws Force Owners to Abandon Property
i used to own an apartment in New York when i left the city, i considered renting it out but laws in NYC horrendous for landlords so i let it sit empty and then sold it would rather lose money than spend...
Millions Secured Below‑Market Housing Costs for Decades
Exactly A large group of people have locked in below market shelter costs for decades to come
Offshore Call Centers Hurt LA Brokers' Reputation
The LA apartment brokers hiring untrained, poorly spoken, off-shore call center workers to cold call owners hunting for sale listings are doing serious damage to their reputations.