Here are the top 10 real estate stories in Q1 of 2016
April 05, 2016
Photo by Chuttersnap via Unsplash
The Top 10 Real Estate Stories in Q1 2016
What’s happening in real estate now?
FMAdata has compiled a hot list of the top 10 real estate news stories, stats, and emerging trends for busy executives that only have time for the most important data. Find out what’s happening now…
1. Sam Zell Sheds $1.4B of Multifamily Apartments
Billionaire real estate mogul Sam Zell boasted one of the biggest deals of the last 12 months, in January. His sell off of $1.4B Denver apartments represents over 25% of all the volume of 2015. Find out more from Biz Journals…
2. New Tax Breaks for Real Estate Investors
The PATH Act went into play this year; extending and making permanent over a dozen tax breaks for investors. This includes; accelerated depreciation for some property types, and a 100% break for qualified small business stock. Discover more breaks here…
3. Don’t be Fooled by Seasonal Real Estate Blips
One of the factors which differentiates the true experts and leaders in this industry is the ability to see through cyclical and seasonal data. Some sources painted a weak picture of early 2016 real estate stats. However, NAR and the Calculated Risk blog point out that Pending Home Sales Index rose 3.5% in February 2016, and was up almost 1% from 2015. Expect those closed sales to begin showing up next month. Due to reporting cycles some of these transactions may not be reported until the next quarter, creating a window of opportunity for early movers.
4. PropertyShark Unveils the Best Selling Buildings
Sizzling NYC posted some amazing sales over the last 12 months. Checkout Brooklyn’s Top 10 Best-Selling Buildings…
5. 2016’s Trending Kitchen Designs
A new report from 150 Points reveals what’s trending in the kitchen, as well as breaking down how to renovate like a reality TV show star, on a budget. Check out the real costs and ROI on these 15 Kitchen Upgrade Ideas, including the one that really delivers a 100% return.
6. The #1 Outdoor Luxury Real Estate Branding Tactic
Upmarket Agent reveals the mobile outdoor advertising hack that creates 15x more name recognition than any other type of advertising! Tacky or tactical; it’s hard to argue with the data. Find out what your competition might be planning next here…
7. Hard Facts vs. Media Spin
Urban real estate sales people have been trying hard to pump up the belief in a new return to the urban core for several years. According to data from the US Census buyers just aren’t buying it, and they aren’t going for those new smaller-than-hotel room micro studios unless they absolutely have to. According to data from the Wall St. Journal more people are trending to the suburbs than the city. In fact; 20% more, or 82 million more people have moved to the suburbs than urban counties.
8. Albuquerque Honored for Pioneering New Communities
A RentCafe.com report on the changing skylines of America’s top cities reveals a sizable increase in new Albuquerque residents, and a dramatically changing landscape. The ‘Fittest City’ in America has undergone a major makeover since 2007, with over 10 new notable developments. Among its most notable transformations are an array of new green and sustainable multifamily buildings downtown, and along the famous Route 66. Great walkability, sustainable mixed use projects housing small businesses and apartments, with artistic sculptures which retain the area’s culture through redevelopment could become a model for all of urban America.
9. Tax Breaks for Renters
A newly proposed bill is pushing for more tax breaks for renters. Some argue that renters should have access to the same types of deductions as homeowners who get to write off mortgage interest each year. It may even be a great path to help more renters make the leap to owning homes themselves. However, quirks in the tax system could mean 70% of households never get to use this write off, even if it makes it through to becoming law. Here’s the breakdown from NY’s property tax experts…
10. Is Miami the First Wobbling Domino in America’s Red Hot Housing Market?
While the Forbes 400, and real estate moguls like Donald Trump have seen their billions swelling thanks to a robust recovery; new stats on the Florida real estate market from FMA Data reveal some cracks and questionable trends emerging in the numbers. Find out What’s Simultaneously Driving and Killing the Florida Property Market now…
Summary
2016 kicked off with some sizable real estate deals. While some are still debating the outlook, the real estate market numbers have remained strong. However, the above stories and data show that there are emerging trends to keep an eye on -- and real estate owners, investors, and maybe even renters could find more tax relief this year.
Which were your favorite stats? What’s going on in your market that people should know about?