Using Research To Make A Challenge

 

It is understandable and unfortunate that New York City is looking at increasing expenses and tax demands to its many hotels and hospitality facilities. The American Hotel & Lodging Association is, understandably, representing its members and rallying to help fight the potential added tax burden projected 2027 budgets would bring.

 

Meanwhile, I still have some valued connections that wonder why I emphasize keeping track of certain trends in other cities which do not directly impact them. I find tremendous value in learning of challenges, obstacles, and success stories and the who and how that make them happen.

 

I have not and do not work with or represent the AHLA at all, but I want to give them a big shout out for how they are handling the NYC possible situation. Their latest letter, which is linked below, gives specific examples of how NYC hotels would be negatively impacted if the current budget proposal is enacted. They point out how the problem has impacted other large cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, which are solid examples to compare against New York. Including important industry job and "career" data helps the politicians to see that voters could be negatively impacted instead of "only" a few large corporations.

 

How the AHLA uses those examples along with additional actual statistics in their Letter to state their case is an excellent use of research. It makes a much stronger case than by saying, "We don't want our members paying any more in taxes".  

 

There is a great lesson here on how knowing where to find and keeping track of industry research and trends. Doing so improves the quality of your proposals, presentations, and in some cases, marketing of opportunities along with dealing with challenges.

 

Another reason to have a research person or team on your side. My team and I have been providing research and marketing solutions for more than 30 years.

 

https://www.ahla.com/sites/default/files/AHLA%20NYC%20Economic%20Dev%20Committee%20Testimony%203.17.pdf

 

 

 

 

ADU, Affordable Housing, and Expansion

 

How municipalities are dealing with the affordable housing crisis varies from working aggressively to keep and attract residents to trying to get rid of what they see as problems. As of now, the situation rests at the city or county level rather than state or federal. Some developers, investors, and brokers look down on dealing with affordable housing, which is their right to do. Others see opportunities. Those range from tax incentives and advantages to having reasonable assurances of full occupancy to having civic endorsements enhance their reputation for future expansion.

Making these projects happen is not always easy. One example is the below linked assessment from Frederick County MD. It is current, and takes more than 200 pages to provide all of the information. It’s easy to think that there is no need to take the time to read that many pages when you are not involved in any way with anything in Frederick County. 

I see it differently. From the assessments I have seen from around the country, this one for Frederick County is among the most comprehensive. Having this information can be very helpful. How?

Many cities have not yet dealt with specific policies for affordable housing requirements. If you, whether as a real estate professional, developer, or investor, have the opportunity for input at meetings which help to determine upcoming policy, you would have a major advantage. For example, if you are able to attend an official meeting and show “evidence on Page 173 of the Frederick County MD implementation that…..”, and no one else has information to dispute you, you could be pushing through something which gives your team a big advantage. Especially when no one in the meeting has information on hand to dispute your findings.

This is one of many examples of why having a research person or team working for you (while you are working on your current projects) can result in significant business gains. Let my team and me make you “first in” on significant opportunities!

 

https://frederickcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/359627/Housing-Needs-Assessment-and-Affordable-Housing-Strategic-Plan-FINAL?bidId=

 

 

Getting Renters To Pay More and Homeowners To Pay Less

 

Chances are not many real estate brokers, developers, and investors are paying serious attention to what is about to happen in South Dakota, with all due respect. My valued clients, students, and connections know better!

Bills have been signed which could have a major impact on the real estate market. Property taxes are going down while sales taxes rise to replace the revenue. Please note this is NOT a political commentary. What it means is that instead of homeowners providing additional millions of dollars in revenue, “everyone” will be, and that includes renters.

Lower property taxes will reduce the monthly expenses of homeowners, whether they have a mortgage or not. Even if monthly home ownership costs reduce by $100 per month, that amount could be the amount that makes a difference between being able to afford a specific property or not. This situation could make new development or renovation more practical if more people can afford ownership. In other words, this move could benefit home owners and the entire South Dakota real estate market.

At the very least, the situation deserves being monitored. Other states may not care how they get revenue, but being able to demonstrate progress on the housing front might make officials in other states take notice.

You never know what monitoring activities in other cities, counties, and states will uncover which could make you and your team “first in” on at least one opportunity. My team and I can help you find out!

 https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/13/governor-signs-bills-to-reduce-homeowner-property-taxes-with-higher-sales-taxes/89065246007/

 

 

Real Estate Opportunities As Plane As Day

 

Several major cities are in the process of expanding or renovating a major airport, authorizing many millions or even billions in the process. Meanwhile, some cities, like Toronto, have “secondary” airports where approval for expansion is not a sure thing. The below linked article reviews opposing viewpoints. Whether you are concerned about Toronto or not, there is a point to be made about reasons for and against airport expansion.

As a real estate professional or investor looking for opportunities, it can be a big help to be aware of the pros and cons of a major proposal. Some property owners would stand to gain from a nearby airport expansion, while some may suffer, regardless of the result. Being able to anticipate their needs can make you “first in” on a transaction opportunity.

Suppose you know the owner of a parcel of land located minutes from the airport. If a new runway is approved, it will eventually mean more noise, but could mean that even more people will be able to access that parcel. For example, if the parcel is zoned for a restaurant or hospitality, it could be ideal placement for building and being ready when the new runway is completed. 

In a situation like the one in Toronto, property owners, developers, and investors will have options no matter what the result. These situations have specific dates for hearings and for being voted upon. If they pass, there will be a date in the near future in which they will take effect. The right information can have you, your team, and your client(s) ready to pounce. 

 

https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/internal-polling-by-ford-government-suggests-strong-support-for-expanding-billy-bishop-airport/article_1e959f3b-0535-44b7-aa34-d3a74c438a30.html

 

 And:

 

https://news.miami-airport.com/miami-dade-county-mayor-and-american-airlines-unveil-plans-for-mias-concourse-d-expansion/ 

 

 

If It Costs $1 Billion To Fix, Why Not Start Over?

 

There is still a lot of work to be done to improve the quality of housing in Detroit, while other cities, such as Cleveland, are getting toward that point. Seeing how there is still an estimated $1 billion of "fixing up" costs to restore houses in Detroit should be a major red flag. For some reason, it's not.

 

Instead of the city spearheading a ton of spending to fix up, there must be an easier way so that those funds can go toward schools and infrastructure, just to name two areas. Seems to me for less than half of that amount a group of bulldozers could create vacant land, infrastructure could be updated, and parcels could be ready made for aggressive developers. There could be affordable housing requirements in place at the start, allowing developers and investors to prepare accordingly.

 

It's one thing to fix a few houses in need to come up to neighborhood standards, but when the amount gets into hundreds of millions of dollars, it's not worth doing it half-assed.

 

The new saying might be "It takes a village to create a village" instead of to merely restructure one. Let's create opportunities for being "first in" on significant progress!

 

https://wdet.org/2026/03/03/the-metro-too-broken-to-live-in-too-expensive-to-fix-detroits-unique-housing-crisis/

 

If You Know Where To Look For Properties

 

Time for a quick quiz! How many states have a statistically adequate supply of affordable housing?

If the state you live, work, and/or invest in were to be among those that have a demonstrated need for affordable housing, you may be missing out on a clear opportunity. There are investors out there looking for sellers of distressed properties to be able to fix and flip. Depending upon the neighborhood, those same properties could be fixed and made into rentals. Although the rent may not be at or above market rates, it also means that the “fix” part may not be as significant as it would be for a quick resale. 

Some affordable housing tenants don’t mind if the appliances don’t match or they don’t have a room with a view. They need a place that is functional and they can live in. Meanwhile, some municipalities provide incentives for developers of affordable housing to help fill the need.

Houses, apartment buildings, and vacant parcels need to be placed on the market, whether investors acquire them from motivated sellers or brokers uncover and list them. It all means plenty of opportunities for all concerned. My team and I can assist with identifying opportunities which match your current scope. Being “first in” on opportunities can be life changing.

This means you! The answer to our quiz, as you can see with the below linked research article I am happy to share, is that NO state currently has adequate affordable housing. Let’s connect!

   

https://nlihc.org/gap

 

 

 

"But More Than 90% Of Our Business Is Through Referral" ?

 

Whether you are working on the residential or commercial side, the challenges of today’s real estate market need to be faced in order to maintain and grow the level of business you are accustomed to. I’m hearing more and more about how deals thought to be “in the pipeline” are not making it to the closing table, which creates added stress for those involved. 

 

Although I am not able to convince everyone I connect with to take steps which would increase their business, there is the matter of how real estate professionals approach their marketing strategies. What worked for you ten years ago may not be working the same as it does now. You no longer have to spend a lot of money just to reach and remind your target audience. It may be a “time vs money” consideration.

Even with the increased number of ways to better market a brand, it is amazing to me that I still hear the occasional “More than 90% of my business is by referral” as an excuse. What if it was “40% of my business is by referral”.

If that became the case, it would mean you would have double the business you had when you restricted yourself to only referrals. Those “referrals” would obviously have come along, based on others knowing and trusting the work you do, whether as an agent or broker, lender, and so on. It indicates that you are good and effective at what you do, even though it is a secret to everyone that does not know you. I also don’t believe you have “all the work you can handle”. What that really tells me is that you are spending a percentage of your time connecting with your referral sources and counting on them to feed your business flow. 

If your business was ‘doubled’ because you were attracting and serving more new clients, things would be a lot different. Chances are you could afford the time and money to delegate certain administrative responsibilities, whether by expanding your team or outsourcing. 

This post is not leading into selling you anything. You may not need to buy anything. 

Why do brokers send out “Just Sold” mailers and make announcements on social media? The short answer is that they wish to let potential new clients and connections know of their success in hopes of generating new leads. Otherwise, they would only tell their friends and established contacts they hope will refer them.

If you don’t want to spend on advertising and marketing, you now have more options than ever to spend more of your time on social media and digital marketing campaigns. Let’s get your percentage of referrals down to where it should be!

 

Where Else Could You Help Triple The Size of the City?

 

Being able to triple the size of a growing municipality starts with someone having an idea to make it happen. Those who know or are that someone can have their lives changed partially by being in the right place at the right time. The below linked article details recent happenings toward significant residential and commercial development in Pittsboro NC on more than 5,000 acres.

What makes it even more interesting is that it is not some Mickey Mouse developer behind this. It is being originated by Disney, and has nothing to do with a theme park or entertainment venue. There is no need to worry about whether or not funding will get approved. Thorough research has been performed to select the specific community, especially considering that it is their second plan of this magnitude in the country and the first outside of California.

Whether you are in favor of real estate growth of this magnitude or not is a discussion for another day. The project is on its way to happening. Select real estate developers, brokers, and general contractors are close to embarking on what may be the largest projects they have ever taken on. They are or will be in that situation because they knew of the opportunity in advance, and are poised to be “first in” if and when the green light is given.

Although few companies have the financial ability that Disney does, a project like this one being made into reality could get other large companies, and potentially large investment funds, into looking into similar opportunities. There are municipalities that want and are able to more than double in size. Concepts like the Disney North Carolina project all begin with a proposal and a Business Plan. Let’s talk and do what we can to make you and your team “first in” on the next major opportunity.

 

https://www.wunc.org/economy/2026-02-11/chatham-park-asteria-explainer

 

 

 

 

All's Well That Ends Wells

 

Real estate marketing opportunities come in many forms. Being “first in” to implement a strategy can lead to multiple trips to the closing table for brokers, developers, and investors. It’s part of the job to keep track of industry related happenings and trends. However, with your competition and potential clients doing the same, doing so does not bring “exclusive” opportunities without further exploration.

The secret comes in monitoring as much as possible around your community, county, and state. Monitor for anything that could lead to a real estate opportunity. It is no risk to say that most people involved in real estate would completely ignore the below linked story about dealing with old and outdated oil wells in Illinois. 

What does the story have to do with real estate opportunities? Let me count the ways. 

There will clearly be a high cost involved for the removal, cleanup, and environmental studies. One result will be numerous acres of agricultural, commercial, and residential properties that will have updated surveys and be more ready for new construction or expansion. Developers and investors will be able to propose new projects which brokers will sell and lease.

Meanwhile, a major consequence appears to be still another tax increase for residents of the impacted counties, and perhaps throughout all of Illinois. The state already has among the three highest property tax costs in the U.S., and another increase is likely to make even more residents want to leave the State. More opportunities for brokers, investors, and contractors result.

If commercial property taxes also rise because of the situation, or employers and employees are vacating, there will be more commercial properties coming for sale, potentially at reduced rates as landlords want to escape the mess.

Being ready for these situations could get you and your team a big jump on pouncing on these opportunities. Your offer or bid could be accepted before competitors who “just thought of it” finish their research and proposals. 

I understand how you and your team don’t have time for constantly finding these things. My team and I do.

 

https://www.wifr.com/2026/02/09/taxpayers-could-be-hook-millions-cleanup-costs-oil-gas-wells/  

 

 

 

Real Estate Investors Need To Stay In The Zone

 

While talking with a student yesterday I was reminded of a real estate agent I knew more than 20 years ago, Hal, from the days of weekly meetings for agents and affiliate members (of which I was one). There was an older man, seemingly in his 70s, who would come casually dressed and talk with everyone. He would not pitch any listings or be involved in much activity.

One morning I got to chat with him and ask him what he is doing “these days”. He mentioned a nearby strip mall. It was like the ones we all drive past every day, with the phone store, sub shop, dollar store, beauty supply place, etc. That strip mall was owned by his company, fully leased, and his only source of income. The reason he went to every agent meeting he could was to be on top of any zoning proposals or anything which could possibly impact his mall. Those were reasons enough for him to keep his real estate license and pay his dues. I was able to tell him how much I admired him for doing that.

Fast forward to today, and we see a number of municipalities seeking changes in zoning and regulations to deal with the local housing situation. Some cities are looking to increase density by trying to create more multi-family parcels. Others are gearing up to increase affordable housing, with Opportunity Zones becoming an item again. As the below linked article demonstrates, Cleveland is one of those cities looking at changing things.

It’s as though Hal was ahead of his time. He would have been all over these proposed changes ahead of time and ready to make adjustments if it would impact his property. Sometimes it is too late to take action AFTER an ordinance or revised zoning comes into effect.

Chances are there are other developers, investors, and brokers well underway with proposals, offers, and a solid plan to take full advantage. They are ready to be “first in” on new opportunities. If you still think you “don’t have time to worry about those things”, at least take a moment to find someone to monitor for you. There just might be thousands of reasons it would benefit you, and each of those reasons includes a photo of George Washington. 

You have the choice of being ahead of changes or waiting until it’s too late. My team and I can be a critical part of your path to success!

 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-19/at-100-euclidean-zoning-is-overdue-for-reform  

 

 

 

Plowing Through Informing Potential Buyers

 

It is good to see stories like the one linked below about how social media and technology can be utilized when there is a serious need for updated information to be distributed. During the disastrous period during which the Southern California wildfires raged last year, a single source for updated data was in place for everyone from impacted homeowners to large media outlets to compile and distribute accurate and updated information.

One thing I have found over the years is that real estate brokers, developers, and investors can act as sources of information for their target audience as a marketing tool without having to deal with a disaster situation. No matter how involved you are (or are not), it is possible to take the lead on informing people about the status of a major project or active situation. There are many situations in which being able to inform and update your database can capture the attention of people you want to be thinking about you and your brand. With the article linked below, an official source of information compiled and distributed “official” information. However, there is likely not the same considerations for real estate projects.

For example, suppose there is a new grocery store under construction in your farm area. Even though you have zero involvement in that, drive over every Tuesday and take photos of the progress of construction and post them. Remind potential buyers that if they live nearby they can get there within five minutes.

You don’t have to be directly involved or a project leader to take the lead. I try to remind and alert my valued clients, students, and connections about opportunities. One of my favorite marketing stories was a few years ago after a big snowstorm impacted the community surrounding a broker I was helping with marketing strategies. She lived a few blocks from a primary street, on which her newest listing sat. We both knew that the street would be among the first to be cleared. I suggested that she have her snow plow driver clear the driveway of her new listing immediately, and that she get to the property despite piles of snow.

She understood the mission and stood across the street taking photos of the clear street and driveway, including one with a car driving by on the street. Within minutes, she posted that photo on her social media. Her copy read “The seller has been to Kroger twice this afternoon!”. The post went out before many of the nearby residents could get out of their driveway.

What she posted was a major selling point at the moment at a time when her target audience could see it. It would not have mattered a week later. I still remember the pride in her voice when she told me three weeks later that she got a call from a potential seller that remembered “how hard I worked for my client on Third Street!”. 

Not bad for a $50 investment (the snow plowing) which also generated rave reviews from a very happy seller. Information and how your audience can use can and should be an effective part of your real estate marketing. Let’s connect!

 

 

https://www.prdaily.com/la-county-used-a-single-resource-as-the-backbone-of-its-social-strategy-to-inform-people-during-the-wildfires/

 

 

Find The Research And Find The Deals

 

There is a lot to be said for keeping track of industries outside of real estate which impact your real estate business, whether as a broker, investor, or developer. One example, especially on the commercial side, is restaurants. As 2026 unfolds, we continue to see some restaurants expanding to more locations while others are closing under performing locations. There are instances of both happening within the same markets, reducing the likelihood that demand is always the reason.

Successful marketing in real estate, whether a property, opportunity, or business or personal brand, comes from having the best possible offering or presentation. Be able to take information and spin it in your favor. The National Restaurant Association recently issued its latest research findings which could impact decisions in 2026. (It is linked below.)

Reviewing it shows plenty of trends and statistics which are based on hours of research over long periods of time. There are reasons to buy, expand, sell, or consolidate within a single in-depth report. The key to being “first in” on a new and successful opportunity is knowing how to find and utilize the right information in your favor.

A second and unrelated article is also linked below, providing an example of what can happen when you have the right research to apply to the right opportunity. Many of us have been following the resurgence in real estate and business in Detroit after many years of stagnant activity.

Some people may find it hard to believe, but there is about to be a $2.4 million investment in a Chinatown section of Detroit. It took plenty of research and experience to complete a successful proposal to bring an investment of that size together in an area that had not had it happen for a long time.

My valued clients, students, and connections are all over the U.S. with few involved in the happenings of metro Detroit. You can be anywhere and see how much the information provided in the two articles below, along with my theories of the impact of research, can make a difference. Chances are there are opportunities for a significant investment in restaurants and commercial real estate to happen. They need plenty of research and a very strong presentation in order to happen. To put it in restaurant terms, my team and I offer full service opportunities!

 

 

https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SOI-2026-Report-Watermarked.pdf

 

 https://www.metrotimes.com/food-drink/food-news/detroits-former-chinatown-slated-for-2-4m-investment/

 

 

 

 

Taking Top Billing For All Cash

 

Situations happen all the time in real estate which could be turned into a marketing advantage for at least one of the parties involved. Most of the time, they are not. I see so many situations which could be a “plus” for agents, developers, investors, and lenders. They would be if they knew to point them out.

Over the years, I have worked confidentially with real estate brokers, investors, and developers about seizing the moment when it happens. Sometimes it is turning a negative into a positive, even if you don’t really want to. 

One example is the below linked article, which recaps new rules put into effect for all cash buyers. Some of them have taken steps to keep their identity a secret for any of a number of reasons. They can’t hide their identity any longer, so they might as well embrace it and slant the situation in their favor.

Suppose “Joe” previously purchased an apartment building with all cash, but did not want residents and local business owners to know he is the one that took over. Now, he can’t keep it a secret. What he can do is ensure his transaction could help him in the future.

Joe could publicize his cash acquisition, and point out how “I saved my partners thousands of dollars in interest payments” or “I’m able to dedicate the money saved toward adding improvements for the property”. The first quote could help him attract cash investors that may be interested in working with him in the future. That could result in having additional funding which could bring Joe an acquisition he might not otherwise have been able to afford.

The second quote, about “improvements” could make potential tenants or partners pay attention to his value add approach, whether from a partner, buyer, or seller perspective. It is quite possible that Joe had completely different reasons for the all cash transaction. However, since he now must reveal the name of the purchasing entity, he might as well try to set himself and his business toward future successes he might not otherwise have been made aware of.

Even if using a new LLC or shell company to protect an identity, you can “allow” others to find out what you want them to, which would be to your advantage. It could make you “first in” on your next opportunity!

 

https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/new-real-estate-rule-for-those-who-pay-in-cash-takes-effect-march-1/  

 

The Marketing Rebound From A Huge Potential Transaction

 

 

As of this writing, several days have passed without an update on the reported pending sale of the Transamerica Pyramid building which is a dominant part of the San Francisco skyline. If and as a sale goes public, it would mark the 2nd time in six years the property would have sold. There is more involved than the large size of the building and the hundreds of millions of dollars which would change hands.

The significance is what this news does for real estate professionals, developers, and investors active in the San Francisco marketplace. It adds plenty of uncertainty. Why would ownership sell after only a few years? Why would a large entity buy this property during a period of uncertainty for large amounts of office space?

I would like to think that the expected buyer knows something that the seller doesn’t. The use of office space in San Francisco has, understandably, not recovered from pre-pandemic levels. With the cost per square footage, it is not easy to believe that there is a strong case for residential conversion. Despite the portfolio of the expected buyer, this property would become a very expensive trophy.

You may not think the situation, however it plays out, impacts your brokerage, developments, or investments. Until or unless we learn more about what the expected buyer does, there will be a lot of questions which could impact other markets. If the sale happens with the seller losing millions of dollars, there will likely be a ripple effect on other large office buildings. Whether the new buyer maintains office space or converts to residential, a lot of people will be taking notice.

Landlords and brokers working to sell an office property are likely to be “reminded” of the San Francisco situation by potential buyers. On the other hand, investors and potential buyers with strong research to favor residential conversion, a surge in office space, or a push for retail, may have a new situation which is ripe for making offers to sellers that become even more concerned.

An effective buying or selling “pitch” able to raise fresh and documented concerns could make thousands, or even millions, of dollars difference for “your” side, especially when you are “first in” with a proposal. Without a research person or team working effectively and confidentially for you and your team, you miss out every time. 

 

https://nypost.com/2026/02/25/real-estate/san-franciscos-transamerica-building-is-being-sold/  

 

 

The Luxury of Having Solid Real Estate Research

 

 

What is happening with luxury housing may not be the way to judge the overall market, but it is interesting to notice how certain cities and markets are showing up as solid when it comes to luxury living. The below linked article contains research showing the "top" markets as of Q1 of 2026.

 

Real estate agents, developers, and investors can utilize this information in many ways, whether highlighting those markets to show sustainability or pointing out how their market "is not as competitive, allowing for more opportunity". It can be all about utilizing research to make your case to further your next potential listing, sale, investment, or opportunity.

 

There is one element to the below linked article and the information it details that my team and I find significant. I make it my business to point it out to my valued clients, students, and connections that are followers. Very few people in the industry, including those with many years of experience, will pick up on it. The article with this data appears in the National Law Review. The publication and website does not target homeowners, investors, or real estate professionals. Attorneys and those in the legal community are the ones that read the publication.

 

Why is this important for real estate pros and investors? 

 

It is because this is information that attorneys and other "influencers" of consumers and real estate professionals are reading and believing. If you are a real estate broker, you may be working with an attorney on a probate or difficult closing. Having he/she think that "only certain markets are strong for luxury properties" could influence a comment or direction they suggest. There is the chance that the comment is not in your favor. 

 

You can't possibly know what every attorney or people from other professions are taking out of context. Meanwhile, as a real estate research and marketing specialist, part of what I do is to monitor numerous sources. Your ability to say, "I know National Law Review shows Nashville among the leading luxury real estate markets" to an attorney helping you with a Nashville transaction puts you in a favorable light with them. Chances are they can refer other clients your way.

 

Knowing the source of helpful research could be what makes you "first in" on your next opportunity. My job is to help you find it. 

 

https://natlawreview.com/press-releases/new-data-identifies-austin-leading-market-luxury-real-estate-sustainability

 

 

 

Keeping Track - When The State Sues Cities Over Affordable Housing

 

We actually have a State suing several of its municipalities over legislation favoring affordable housing. What I find interesting is that things reached the point of legal action more than four years after the subject law was passed in Massachusetts. The below linked article indicates how the various municipalities are dealing with the lawsuit filings.

Information like this should be must reading for real estate developers, investors, brokers, and lenders whether in these areas or not. Opportunities are often created because someone knew how, when, and where to be “first in” to make them happen. The article can serve as a list of municipalities which are likely facing changes in how and when affordable housing is renovated or constructed to serve local residents. 

Part of what my team and I do is to make sure that valued clients, students, and connections can “push the button” and be ready as soon as a law, ordinance, or regulation goes into effect. If the change becomes effective tomorrow at 9:00 AM, I want to have a Proposal ready to submit at 9:01 AM. Waiting until it takes effect and starting your plan at that time is more likely to face competition, take too much time to get together, and probably means higher prices.

Think of it like when a concert or sports event is announced, and how within minutes local hotel rates rise significantly. Those who planned and speculated have already booked their reservations with much lower rates, gaining an advantage because they planned ahead. 

If you are not located and/or doing business in Massachusetts, monitoring stories like this one can still provide value. It is possible that municipalities you do business in are under new ordinances which allow for change, but there is some reason it hasn’t happened yet. Ideally, you become aware of upcoming effective dates weeks ahead, allowing you to be ready with a plan before others catch on. If you are not keeping track of zoning changes and municipal ordinances, among other matters, you could be losing out to your competition or missing out on opportunities. My team and I regularly keep track.

 

https://www.wcvb.com/article/massachusetts-sues-nine-towns-mbta-zoning/70188905

 

 

 

 

Marketing Properties Based On Marital Status

 

 

If you are a landlord, considering becoming one, or representing a current or potential one, it can be a huge help to prepare for the type of tenants you will have along with having methods to market to them. The below linked article, which contains interesting research about cities in which there are plenty of unmarried couples living together, shows one such trend to be aware of.

From a legal standpoint, it can help a landlord to be better prepared for potential problems when a couple has a breakup or one person has a financial crisis. An example is one person moves out and the remaining tenant gets stuck for 100% instead of 50% of payments and is struggling. In cities where “living together” is more common, having an immediate buyout policy in a lease may be possible. Gaining a vacancy on short notice is not ideal, but may be more economically feasible and much less time consuming than a lengthy eviction process which ALSO prevents you from getting a more solid tenant in place.

However, my concern is in how you market such rental opportunities, especially if you have a high percentage of vacancies to fill. You might attract more tenants when they know they could “share” the rent each month while being able to exit easily in the event a roommate is lost. Whether you should do this or not depends in part on how competitive the city or area your property is in. If your building is in an area where unmarried couples, family members, or groups of friends have choices of buildings to rent in, this concept may give applicants a big reason to choose your building. Others may not offer this option. From your point of view, being in an area with a high demand for “roommate” rentals means that your chances of filling an unexpected vacancy are higher than normal.

Explore what your options are to prevent possible evictions and problems with an attorney or real estate professional. Your real estate business can gain from bringing advantages to your properties, opportunities, partners, and clients. Being “first in” to offer them can make a big difference!

https://www.credaily.com/briefs/apartment-searches-reveal-relationship-trends-by-city/