Is It Too Much Information OR Not Enough Information To Evaluate?

We have still another chapter in the real estate information age from which some people want specific information public while others do not. This time it involves climate risk. Within the past two years, Zillow added "Climate Risk" data to many of the property listings it features, ideally to provide more information to help consumers with their real estate decisions while searching. Now, it seems that many agents complained because of how that data, in some cases, wound up discouraging a potential buyer.

 

As a result, per the below linked article, Zillow has removed that feature. During the past couple of years, parts of the country have experienced major disasters like fires, hurricanes and tornadoes, earthquakes, and the like. Obviously, these events impact many lives along with financial considerations such as increased insurance rates. It is understandable that people looking for a property would want to lower the risks of future damage, which can reflect on property values.

 

A strong case can be made for keeping or removing climate risk information. However, whether Zillow (or other sources) clearly include it or not is not the point. As I see it, the significance is that in some parts of the country which are susceptible to these disasters, those risks can (or should) be a point of consideration for a potential home buyer or investor. Whether the data is "handy" or not, some circumstances dictate that the research be done to find out about potential consequences.

 

Let this serve as an example that even a potential single-family home buyer should be doing research on their own IN ADDITION to what the real estate they work with is providing. Some people choose not to, thinking that the real estate agent they are working with would provide that information. However, if many agents do not want that information included, you cannot be certain they would provide it to you. 

 

No matter what, it will be your decision. The more research and information you have, the better the decision(s) you will make. 

  

https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/zillow-drops-climate-risk-scores-after-agents-complained-of-lost-sales/ 

 

 

What If They Couldn't Get To Your Website?

When discussing branding and marketing strategies with real estate professionals, investors, and lenders, the response of "I only do......." comes out way too often. Too many people and companies ignore the possibility of "What would you do if what you only do is no longer there"?

 

What would happen if a large percentage of your target audience could no longer get to your website? There are more than enough marketing challenges right now in the real estate space, especially when it comes to listings and commissions. Those are separate issues from how many people can access your website. Part of the research my team and I do for our valued clients and students, along with FirstIn, involves monitoring business and other news which could impact real estate.

 

There are plenty of people that are unaware that the Supreme Court is currently considering a challenge against a large internet provider, as the below linked article updates. The challenge deals with music companies attempting to come down on Internet Providers for "allowing" their clients to allegedly steal music. A ruling against major providers could significantly impact their desire and ability to provide internet service, while increasing their ability to restrict it. It could mean cutting off internet for coffee shops, hospitals, colleges and universities, and many other public internet places. 

 

If that were to happen, even for days or weeks, the result would be a significant reduction in visits to every kind of website, and that would include real estate. This situation should serve as a reminder to explore other options and to be prepared for whatever may come your way. 

 

 

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-supreme-court-hear-copyright-dispute-between-cox-record-labels-2025-12-01

 

 

Bringing More Options To Buyers and Sellers

It continues to amaze me how many real estate brokers and investors I talk to tell me about “my lender” in singular instead of plural terms. While they see it as convenience and reliability, I see it as restricting their ability to get deals done. This is likely an extension of the efforts of my team and myself to help my valued clients and students explore every nook and cranny when it comes to evaluating an opportunity, whether it is buying, expanding, or selling.

On the residential side, a broker typically performs a Listing Presentation in hopes of gaining an exclusive contract from a seller. The presentation includes everything from an opinion of the subject property and its value to reasons to work with him/her along with the company he/she represents. When representing a buyer, many brokers only offer one mortgage program. 

When representing sellers, one of the many marketing gaps I see is the lack of financial options made available to the buyer. Some sellers are able to provide seller financing or offer some form of incentive, whether the buyer elects to use it or not. 

Being able to offer more than one lending or funding scenario could make the difference in getting to the closing table. Even if it does not, you spread the word that you have even more capabilities than many other brokers doing what you do where you do it.

There are plenty of funding options, many of which are specialized, which could fit the situation to help your client. For example, if a house for sale is near a hospital, there may be a lender offering custom programs for medical professionals. If your preferred lender does not offer it, it should not stop you from being able to better serve an appropriate client, especially when it could make the difference toward earning a commission.

It’s the difference that having a research and marketing person or team on your side can make in helping you to close deals.

 

https://RealEstateMediaCoach.com 

 

 

 

 

 

When Their Economic Development Can Also Be Yours

Many real estate developers and investors would see a story about Smyrna, GA, officials looking at improving their downtown and not bother to read it. One reason for not reading it is because they will tell themselves they don’t have time. 

From here, these are stories that should be at the top of their reading list, regardless of geographic location. Smyrna happens to be 700 miles away from my office, but that doesn’t matter. The below linked story provides plenty of information about what that municipality is looking at to significantly expand the economic development of its downtown area. 

They are calling for 350 single-family homes, a new hotel, and a number of improvements geared toward handling the additions. With serious discussions on the docket for Q1 of 2026, there could quickly be plenty of opportunities for developers, investors, brokers, lenders, and contractors. Sometimes it is who you know ahead of what you know.

What I know about this is that my team and I are currently working with two municipalities which are hundreds of miles away toward bringing state-of-the-art new development to each, including a family entertainment destination and restaurant facility which can be indoor or outdoor depending upon the current weather and conditions. We joke that “It takes a Village!” to improve one because of coordinating between various entities and concepts.

Now we get word that Smyrna is among those communities seeking those opportunities. Those that overlook the story (and others like it) will miss out on the type of opportunities they think they are pursuing.

Meanwhile, I have the time to research and pursue opportunities to make my valued clients and connections “first in” on their next profitable venture.

 

 

https://atlanta.urbanize.city/post/downtown-smyrna-development-plans-project-emerge-church

 

Which Amenities Mean The Most For A Property?

When a potential buyer is considering one property vs. another, chances are the points for comparison include costs along with amenities or conveniences. Some buyers are more interested in a fireplace, or prefer an attached garage, for example. When selling, it can help to know which amenities are most desired by potential buyers so they could be highlighted.

The below linked article details recent findings about the “top” amenities that home buyers are seeking at this time. You never know which amenities may be more important to certain potential buyers. It may be worthwhile to explore the competition.

For example, one investor I know of is also a licensed broker. He and his partner, who is a General Contractor, acquired a property which needed major rehab. They were in the planning process for their new property. As part of their planning, they visited similar properties on the market within a few miles by lock box or showings. By doing so, they were able to see for themselves which amenities and features they would be “competing” against when they were ready to list their newly renovated property.

They came away with several helpful ideas they implemented which they had not originally planned on and were not significantly costly. When it came time for showings, they were able to point out which of those “in demand” amenities were available with their property, and to make direct comparisons against other properties on the market. Chances are the sellers (and agents) for other properties in the same area were not able to make as many direct comparisons, although that is speculation.

Part of doing your homework is knowing as much as possible about what you are up against.

 

https://eyeonhousing.org/2025/11/what-home-features-add-the-most-value/

 

 

 

 

Preparing For Either Buying Scenario

At this time it has become difficult to project home sales during 2026 as they compare to what we have for 2025. The below linked article shows how Fanny Mae’s projections for the coming year are below those of its projections from the past two months and further below projections from the NAR. As the article admits, the meeting of the feds coming on Dec. 9 and 10 could show us how mortgage would (or would not) be impacted, which could have a bearing on the residential market.

Anticipating is a huge part of researching and marketing when it comes to real estate. The home sales market can go in several directions in the near future. Your choices for how to proceed need to factor in market trends, but your options should be based upon your current situation, your long-term goals, and your advance research.

Here is an example. Suppose you are a new home developer or builder. If the numbers are right, you decide to build, starting today. Do you have options for the results?

How much would your profit (or benefit) be if you have to sell it outright for less than you are expecting? How much could you profit in the long run if you offered the home as build-to-rent or rent-to-buy?

Those are questions you should have, or be compiling, answers to. Be ready with your chosen strategy based on whatever news comes your way. You may not know if you will sell or rent upon completion, but having a strategy in preparation for whichever is more favorable is what makes the difference. 

Chances are you are not the only one building where you choose. Being “first in” with a solid strategy could also help you to acquire a build from another source because they were not ready with a solid strategy and choose to cut their losses.

Still don’t think you need a research person or team?

 

https://www.realestatenews.com/2025/11/21/home-sales-projections-fall-in-revised-2026-forecast

 

 

 

 

When You Create Room For 10,000 New Homes, You Are In The Zone

Finding a way to solve a real estate challenge and being among the "first in" to solve it work hand in hand. Let's give credit to a group in Illinois for pointing out how reducing lot sizes in and around municipalities could produce an additional 10,000 homes per year while making them more affordable. The below linked story details many of the subject locations.

 

Other states are taking action in different ways, such as California and Washington approving legislation allow for more ADUs (Additional Dwelling Units) to be constructed within existing residential parcels.

 

Part of the challenge is that zoning changes don't happen overnight. However, a proposed change in progress is a lot more efficient than having nothing on the table. There are plenty of possibilities for real estate developers, builders, investors, contractors, and lenders from these possibilities. Many of them are currently struggling to uncover future business while taking it one project at a time.

 

Being "first in" on an opportunity like these takes even more than pursuing legislation or an ordinance. It takes doing the right research. Knowing that "right here" on the map is where we would build as soon as the ordinance passes is a strong approach. For example, you get behind the proposed zoning change for (name of town), but you already have the research and cost estimates for parcels on Oak Street. Identify the best opportunities for your business and then pursue changes.

 

Let your competition continue to sit around hoping their phone will ring and wait for zoning matters to pass without planning anything specific. My team and I can help you do that! 

 

https://www.illinoispolicy.org/illinois-cant-afford-to-miss-out-on-10000-extra-homes/

 

 

 

When Less Than Half Is Too Much For Real Estate Agents

One of the most important aspects of my coaching for real estate agents is looking into how much (or little) of their business is repeat business. I understand that many agents take the "They know I'm here, and I have enough clients" approach to being pitched with marketing channels. Personally, I have never been content with being content. What I want for my clients is for the repeat business number to drop year over year.

 

Seeing the fresh NAR research (linked below) showing that the "average" percentage for repeat business among brokerages around the country is more than 40% shows me how much the agents I work with stand to gain. Obviously, you should be doing everything possible to encourage repeat business and trying to increase it. Suppose you completed 20 transactions last year and had 10 "repeat" clients. That is 50%, which is higher than the national average.

 

For the coming year, continue to do, at minimum, what you did to be top of mind for those 10 repeat clients. However, the updated strategy should be to increase and emphasize what you did to attract the 'other' 10. The marketing goal should be to generate 20 "non-repeat" clients next year. That would give you 30 for the year, including your 10 repeats. One result is that your repeat client ratio drops to 33%, but the biggest result is that you would have increased your overall business by 33%.

 

I continue to see so many opportunities for real estate agents to make a difference and distinguish themselves to "new" potential buyers and sellers. Practically everyone expects the real estate market to improve if and when rates go down and if and when the current political tension eases up and consumers regain confidence. Some real estate agents are planning to wait until that happens and THEN start their marketing. Those that are "first in" and have a marketing strategy in place BEFORE those things happen are the ones that stand to benefit the most.

 

My office is setting up for a "$25 Tune Up" to include personal reviews of agent marketing strategies and a virtual consultation to discuss ways to implement them and increase your business. Let's chat! 

 

 

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2025/11/re-firms-face-affordability-costs-pressures

 

 

Trust Travel Trends For Real Estate Decisions

Many landlords of short-term rental properties rely on travelers, whether seasonally or annually, for their revenue. A change in overall travel patterns can bring significant change to income and potential income, even if temporary.

 

Fresh research, as linked to below, shows major changes in travel trends, ranging from which age groups are traveling more and less often, and adjustments in their spending habits. As the holiday travel season begins, we are seeing data about how consumers are adjusting travel plans.

 

If your real estate property, investing, or brokering depends in part or in full on related travel, a big part of the long-term success plan is being able to correctly anticipate what is coming. If you foresee problems with your typical customers coming to your location(s) of interest, you are more likely to have time to make adjustments. You might be able to adjust the length of time for your tenants to stay, or be able to offer something more easily affordable to keep the property occupied or active.

 

Anticipation does not have to be a guessing game. It should not be. This is why and where continuously doing research comes in. Some people have the "If it works, don't fix it" theory when it comes to their properties, investments, and opportunities. However, there is still a need for maintenance no matter what. I am always telling my clients, students, and valued connections about monitoring your current situation for possible changes. Meanwhile, I'm helping others to monitor numerous situations. Being able to properly anticipate could make you "first in" on the best possible timing to make an offer or create a profitable new opportunity! 

 

https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/retail-distribution/holiday-travel-survey.html  

 

 

When A Property Is Under Water On Purpose

It’s not about what you think of how they do things in China. In the case of creating a data center, it’s the innovation which is worthy of attention. As the below linked story indicates, construction is underway for a fully underwater data center which is wind powered. The underwater location brings advantages including significant reductions in air conditioning costs along with land acquisition. 

This is not to say that major projects like it should be constructed underwater. The value of learning about it comes from the innovation shown by implementing this project. Someone started this with an idea, and others would have performed a ton of research to determine its viability prior to spending millions on construction. There would obviously be a ton of research necessary about logistics, access to update, repair, and maintain. Whoever those people are, they were able to make this happen.

In addition to bringing significant power to that country, my point is how it shows the “power” of taking an idea, doing the research, and making it happen.

 

https://www.wired.com/story/china-dives-in-on-the-worlds-first-wind-powered-undersea-data-center

 

 

 

 

The "On" Or "Off" Market Decisions

There are many considerations when it comes to placing a property on the market, but in recent times how it is placed has become more of a priority. Since the passing of legislation regarding buyer commissions on the residential side, it seems like the "off market" listing world has skyrocketed.

 

The "divide" which has impacted our political world is present in the real estate world, although in different context. It seems that more and more real estate investors take the "I only buy off-market" approach, which results in little to no bidding competition they think will favor them. The other side of the coin is that an off-market listing may not be priced in conjunction with comparable listings, which can be good or bad for a potential buyer.

 

Like with so many things in real estate, there are plenty of pros and cons to being a buyer or seller on market or off-market. My view is that the best way depends on the motivation of the buyer AND the seller ahead of a predetermined notion as to which way is best.

 

Some sellers want a bidding war while others are looking for a precise fit without alerting anyone else that the opportunity exists. I was recently asked which method is "better" between selling on or off-market. My answer was and remains, "It depends on the opportunity, case by case".

 

Whichever approach you choose requires plenty of research and preparation whether on the selling or buying side. It's about finding the best path to be "first in" on getting the results you are seeking!  

  

https://www.realestatenews.com/2025/11/06/off-mls-transactions-cost-sellers-thousands-new-report-finds  

 

 

If The State Is Spending Billions, They See The Same Opportunities

With the increased attention being paid to some municipalities taking the lead on residential and commercial development, we continue to see many differences in their approach. The news that the Texas Department of Transportation is looking at the billions of dollars it would take to improve its overall transportation problem goes above and beyond what many of its municipalities are doing.

 

State projections show that Texas could add 9,000,000 more residents within the coming 25 years. Those that live, work, and/or visit the Dallas Metroplex and the Houston area are aware of how much traffic is already in place. Smaller towns also lack transportation other than cars. 

 

Public meetings are already taking place around the State with more to come. If there are going to be locations where train stations and other transportation hubs are going to be constructed, there are going to be plenty of new opportunities. People may want to live near convenient transportation which would save car payments. Restaurants and retail benefit by the built-in audience. Real estate developers, investors, contractors, lenders, and brokers all have the potential for a lot of work and income producing opportunities.

 

In this case, it's not all fuss about a single location or community. Texas is a huge state, with the Dallas, San Antonio, Houston triangle encompassing hundreds of square miles and opportunities within that region alone.

 

Now is the time to increase your research and development so that your team can be "first in" on an opportunity which best fits within your wheelhouse. Let's talk!  

  

https://apnews.com/article/transportation-mass-transit-texas-general-news-952ae04063b7f7d3cb1861b492cf40c8 

 

 

The Impact Of Marketing And Acquiring Hospitality Properties Right Now

The current reduction in flights due to the 2025 Government Shutdown is already having a negative impact on revenue of many hotels and the hospitality industry, whether parts of a chain or individual locations. It is more than canceling trips. Factors like re-booking flights for a day later or having to depart a day earlier also take their toll on destination revenue.

 

You may be wondering what this has to do with real estate marketing, and I'm here to tell you that the answer is "plenty", especially for developers, investors, and brokers. The shutdown is going to end at some point, hopefully very soon. When it does, estimates are it could take weeks before airline travel is back to normal. This is happening during Q4 of 2025, in time to show a less positive revenue trend for the quarter and consequently for the entire year, despite earlier rises in travel dollars.

 

As a real estate investor or developer, right now could be an ideal time to make an offer on an existing facility, especially when lost revenue could serve to reduce the value of an appraisal. (See the office building lending crisis for examples.) Appraisals do not take temporary circumstances into account. By the end of this year, some hotels could be appraised for six or seven figures less than they are "really" worth. A broker representing a buyer or an institutional buyer might be able to step in and pounce while appraisal prices are lower than they should be.

 

Meanwhile, suppose your team is involved with what really is a struggling hotel property and you want "out". Right now is the ideal time to spread the word, because a lot of other hotel numbers will be going "down" at the same time. Perhaps your revenue is not dropping as badly as many destination hotels and resorts for Q4.

 

Of course, it takes more than a couple of days to perform the research necessary to identify these opportunities, produce the offer (or selling package) and prepare to negotiate quickly (before the impact of the shutdown ends), and be ready with an operational plan.

 

Those that know how to react to a situation and plan ahead could gain a lot for years to come if they have the right research, planning, and preparation in place. Meanwhile, those that don't think they need a research person on their team will let still another long-term profit opportunity go by unnoticed. Let's discuss how my personal 30+ years of researching, marketing, and planning can put you in the best possible position!

 

https://apnews.com/article/flight-cuts-government-shutdown-airlines-c21ffa6c3d55e3d2fe7f53702112727b

 

  

When There Is Good and Bad From Zoning and Building Code Changes

While some real estate developers and investors continue to look to build new or for conversion opportunities in big cities, the movement to keep what is currently there has momentum in some locations. It is a reflection of why basing important decisions only on how the numbers pencil out may not be enough to make a solid decision.

 

One example is among the ordinances which were just approved in Baltimore as part of their government plan to ease access to existing affordable housing. When, as shown in the earlier proposal linked below, ordinances allow one stairway (instead of two) for a six-story apartment building, you know that the goal is to keep residents within the city limits. However, the more important components are elements like easing parking requirements and other building and zoning code requirements to actually make it more favorable for development. 

 

It is possible that a developer of a new housing structure, whether entirely or partially affordable housing, may not have been aware of the proposed ordinance when signing off on the deal. The potential difficulty of leasing their entire space may be reduced as the ordinances take effect in relation to construction and availability. Or, there could be elements which make new construction even more favorable!

 

To me, it's like when your favorite football team scores a touchdown. Some people immediately cheer, while others take a moment to make sure there are no penalty flags. When it comes to real estate, it does not all have to happen in a split second, but your proposal can still be "first in". Having the best and most thorough research makes sure there are no penalty flags.

  

https://mayor.baltimorecity.gov/news/press-releases/2025-05-12-mayor-brandon-m-scott-introduces-legislation-expand-housing-access#:~:text=buildings%20up%20to%20six%20stories%20to%20be%20safely%20constructed%20with%20a%20single%20staircase

 

 

How To Stop Ai From Further Inflating Real Estate Costs

I'm seeing more and more evidence of problems resulting from too much reliance on Ai, especially in real estate. Maybe it's because I am such a big proponent of doing more thorough research than others to have more information in your favor. The below linked article discusses how the use of Ai for major construction projects appears to be aggressively inflating costs for both materials and labor. In other words, more than ever it depends upon which side of the negotiating table you are on.

 

Until now, my reasons for discussing the use of Ai, compared with using Hi (Human Intelligence) have focused on the data. If I am bidding on a project against five other sources and rely on Ai, I could easily be submitting the same data that four other bidders are and significantly reduce my odds for success. Having plenty of Hi, especially when based on extensive research, should bring me a huge advantage.

 

It now looks like those on the buying side need to be aware of how Ai could be inflating costs. If you don't know how to, or take the necessary time to do thorough research, you could wind up spending thousands of dollars more than necessary. I would not be surprised if the "thousands of dollars more" amount makes a project seem not worthwhile, when it could actually be very worthwhile if priced properly.

 

To put it more strongly, my wife works in healthcare. One of the reasons she dislikes Ai is that medical data could be taken from one or more patients that required heavier doses of medications or a custom diagnosis which does not apply to other individuals in making general determinations.

 

This is not to compare people's lives against real estate transactions, but it is the same theory. My clients, students, and valued connections are learning the difference, and the continuing need for Hi to take over.  

 

https://natlawreview.com/article/will-artificial-intelligence-increase-prices-construction-materials-equipment-and

 

 

 

How Crimes of Others Can Help Your Marketing

One of the elements of marketing for success I remind my clients and coaching students of, and have over the years, is about marketing your process. The below linked article is an example of an opportunity to do that very thing.

 

The article, unfortunately, focuses upon a crooked property manager that used applicants' personal data for illegal purposes. In recent years, many property managers have converted to software, apps, or websites for applications, rent payments, and work requests which require personal credit or debit information.

 

Although such technical considerations are subject to hacks, those are typically more secure than handwritten or snail mail for all concerned. As stories such as this circulate, adding that your property "only utilizes secure payment systems", or words to that effect, is more likely to make a difference in a potential tenant or client's decision.

 

Doing so is a constructive way of saying, "Our company won't put you in a situation allowing you to be compromised". Find out how many (or how few!) of your competitors are doing this very thing. The fewer that are, the more of an advantage promoting this gives you. Keep in mind that your business is not increasing any costs by promoting this more effectively.

 

Many of your competitors will not bother to read this story, let alone react to it. Your being "first in" with a reaction could bring more business your way. You don't have to be a leasing agent or property manager to use this method.

 

Let's connect, and discover what opportunities are already in place to help you! 

 

https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/santa-clara-county-former-apartment-manager-arrested-id-theft-case/  

 

 

 

 

 

If You Overbid On A Property You Won't Win

Coming up with research your competition does not have access to, has not thought of, or does not implement can bring a huge advantage when utilized properly. The below linked article is a great example, focusing on how property buyers that agreed to pay above list price were not able to achieve desired results years later.

 

What makes the findings even more pertinent is that this is not a random survey among 100 purchases made within a single region. The research cited consists of reviewing 14 million home sales across 30 states over 20 years. Anyone that disagrees would need to come up with some very powerful research in order to have a chance to contradict.

 

How you interpret this degree of research depends upon your mission and your perspective. Keep in mind that 14 million home sales across the country would not lead to incorrect information. You should do what it takes to use such powerful research to your advantage, whether you agree with it or not.

 

Let this serve as a reminder to real estate investors to thoroughly understand what their "top price" is for any property they are interested. Brokers representing buyers can use these findings to show clients why their offer is at the number they came up with, especially when the motivation is eventual resale. 

 

Many of my coaching students and marketing clients know how much I emphasize performing their own research for the purpose of gaining every possible advantage. Those that know to track information like agents and brokers sales compared against asking price already have data about who to contact whether looking to buy or sell. It is one of the ways I teach about knowing your audience. The best information can make you "first in" on getting the right deal. 

    

https://nypost.com/2025/11/03/real-estate/new-study-shows-why-winning-a-bidding-war-isnt-worth-it/ 

 

 

A Problem 10 Months After The Property Was Auctioned?

For as much as my focus is on research to improve upon or create opportunities for real estate investors, developers, and brokers, I'm also amazed at how often companies fail to properly follow through on due diligence. 

 

The below linked story about a municipality looking to call back an auction sale made on a property for delinquent taxes is one such example. It turns out the reason the taxes were not paid is because the owner had been deceased for several years. 

 

Although we don't know how many stories and transactions like this there have been, it makes me wonder who knew what going in. Did the buyer make their bid at the auction knowing the owner was deceased? Or was it based on getting a certain price compared with the value of the property?

 

Either way, that buyer had their criteria met in making a successful bid and potentially more information than the "seller", in this instance, did. For my clients and students, the goal is always to have at least one piece of information ready which helps in negotiation and supports my side. 

 

Factors such as additional supporting comps, a more favorable ARV (after repair value) estimate, or pending zoning changes would not fall under non-disclosure. There are many things to look at when putting a buying or selling proposal together. Not having every possible piece of information to help your cause can prove very costly.

  

https://vancouversun.com/business/real-estate/vancouver-auctioned-property-delinquent-taxes-owner-dead    

 

 

Changes In Property Taxes vs. Incentives To Purchase

As various states, counties, and municipalities continue to work on infrastructure, rezoning, conversions, disposition of properties, and property tax issues, we continue to see more and more variations on possible approaches. One important consideration is that there is not a favored method for resolving these issues.

One glaring example appears in the below linked article about different possibilities for South Dakota. A task force member and Senator comments about not wanting “too many people to move here because of a favorable tax situation”, as if more activity would be a bad thing. Meanwhile, other municipalities are adjusting zoning regulations and offering tax incentives to encourage local growth, whether commercial, residential, or both.

Real estate investors and developers can benefit greatly by knowing where to look and what is pending. Being “first in” with that information can be more important than the numbers specific to a property or transaction. There are situations where today’s prices and/or rates may not be as significant as the impact of owning or leasing a property five years from now after key changes have taken effect.

Having a research person or team knowing what it takes to go beyond the property numbers can make or break a future project.

 

https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/10/26/lower-spending-higher-sales-tax-revenue-shifts-a-closer-look-at-19-ways-to-reduce-property-taxes/

 

 

 

Will Restaurants Serve Notice - Or Food?

Marketing is more a part of a successful real estate venture than most people, ranging from potential customers to multi-million dollar investors, seem to realize. A lot of commercial real estate space has been occupied by restaurants, with many offering a unique or special dining experience geared toward making their target audience choose them.

 

As the below linked article reminds us, the past five years (since the pandemic) have significantly impacted the restaurant business, thanks mostly to technology and various forms of delivery or take-out. When customers think of their favorite restaurants, they now consider which option is the best for the moment out of three available. They can order through an app or their phones from anywhere, request a delivery service to bring their meal(s) to their home or current location, or dine in. 

 

It was not that long ago that many restaurants did not offer or encourage take-out, let alone participate with a delivery service. When not dining at the location, customers may lose the atmosphere experience, get food which is not as hot or fresh as the restaurant would like, and pay even more when using a delivery service. However, restaurants not making take-out and/or delivery a part of their offerings likely suffer from lost business because their competitors offer it.

 

What does this have to do with real estate?

 

Some restaurants remain in place as a destination. It may be an experience they offer, being located within a shopping or entertainment district as part of the experience, as in "dinner and a show". However, restaurants without a destination location or unique attraction may be able to consider other options for best serving their customer base and remain profitable. Real estate is all about "location location location". 

 

Let's face it. For some restaurants, especially those with a limited or specialty menu, it just might make more sense to go with food trucks or reducing their space because of the increased percentage of their business going to take-out. I'm reminded of a restaurant which had been a big part of a suburban Chicago downtown business district for many years and how it recently closed. Although business was solid, the landlord demanded an upcoming rent increase, and the owner reportedly decided it was easier to close than to find and start another location.

 

My hunch is that other nearby businesses will also suffer from not having that restaurant after many years, while the landlord wound up with a prime location vacancy. Restaurant owners may have other options for reduced rent costs or dividing an owned property to increase income. Landlords may need to look at what else they can do to utilize their space for rent while being able to offer dining options for tenants and customers. It takes research to find out what is best, and to stay "first in" on the best opportunities. 

 

Meanwhile, there is also the matter of making a beer garden or outdoor patio available to customers and groups every night of the year, and my team has the technology to do that. 

  

https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/2025/10/food-delivery-america/684700/

 

 

 

 

 

Tracking The Farm Area

Agricultural real estate should not be treated any differently than other types of real estate, but apparently it is, according to the below linked article by another David Kohl. The analysis is about how there are plenty of owners of ag land who have not or don't visit properties they own, and who are slow to evaluate or consider making changes.

 

While farming still has similar needs today than it did years ago, several key elements which make a property what it is have changed. Some owners continue to ignore unused land portions despite the possibilities of converting them into one or more profit centers. For example, an area with grown trees may not be good for growing crops, but the trees might be able to become wood for building structures on the property or sold to outside vendors for that purpose. Odd-shaped open areas could have room for a solar farm or solar panels which could reduce energy costs or produce energy for sale.

 

There is a lot to be said for the observation that many farmland owners (whether they do the farming or lease the land) do not seem to take on the business operation aspect that a multi-family or industrial property owner does. This could become an advantage for a savvy investor that sees an opportunity involving agricultural land. They might be able to acquire the land for a bargain price because the owner does not see the potential, or know how to operate the property like the business it should be.

 

One thing an agricultural property owner can do is present the potential and use it for a renegotiation tool. It's a way to increase income without giving up the farm.  

  

https://www.farmprogress.com/commentary/when-to-renegotiate-or-drop-leased-land 

 

 

How Road Construction Can Pave The Way To Real Estate Gains

It is said that the road to real estate success can be a long one. Meanwhile, as municipal infrastructure concerns increase, those roads are taking on a literal meaning in some locations. However, the cost of repairing or replacing highways is rising significantly, as the below linked article indicates.

When roads need to be closed entirely or lanes need to be reduced, there is long-term impact on businesses the roads lead to and from, and on leasing or selling residences more quickly for the same reasons. If cost increases add to the challenge of repair or replacement, poor road conditions could impact the decisions of current and potential customers and residents to visit the areas. 

What does this have to do with marketing real estate and creating opportunities?

My answer is “plenty”, depending upon your current goals. You can use information about current and upcoming major road construction or planning in your favor in many ways. A property owner in or near a location impacted by major road construction may be more willing to sell or lease at a reduced price to be able to relocate sooner. A potential buyer may be able to swoop in and get a discounted price which would help them for many years after.

Researching locations solely based on property data may not consider these factors. People not aware of pending construction or infrastructure plans would not be aware of how those plans could impact their intentions. Having the right information and being “first in” to use it could put you and your team ahead of potential competitors. It could save or make you thousands of dollars. 

  

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-23/why-do-us-highways-cost-so-much

 

 

 

When Holiday Travel Trends Lead To Good Real Estate Deals

One of the most important steps toward evaluating a potential real estate or business transaction is to go beyond the numbers. Those evaluations don't always come from real estate news or content. The below linked article may seem not pertinent to a property or business owner or to an investor. It is about anticipated popular travel destinations domestically and internationally for the coming Thanksgiving holiday period.

 

This year, "anticipated" takes on more meaning than most years. Current conditions, including the government shutdown (at the time of this writing) and interest rates, may be impacting if or how far (or close) people travel this year. However, there are statistics available on popular destinations for holiday travelers from past years.

 

If you own, or are considering acquiring a hospitality related business, or a service business (restaurant, car rental, entertainment venue), knowing whether or not to expect a heavy travel volume could impact decisions and positioning. Having information to believe there will be a heavy concentration of visitors could give you an edge in making your decisions.

 

Chances are that, on one month's notice, it's too late to take action for this year. Knowing to look at these trends starting shortly after the upcoming holiday period could help make you and your team "first in" on a profitable opportunity for next year and years to come.  

  

https://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/allianz-partners-usa-reveals-top-2025-thanksgiving-travel-destinations