This month, we look at how real estate appraisal factored into the presidential debates, what role AI will play in the real estate listings of the future, and find out what Governor Kate Brown plans to do with revenue from a new proposed real estate tax. Plus, after the warehousing boom, could big-rig parking be the next big investment opportunity in commercial real estate? 

Joe Biden wants tougher standards for real-estate appraisers to help black and Latinx homeowners

Biden is the latest Democratic presidential candidate to release a comprehensive plan to address issues related to housing affordability and homelessness. Among his many proposals is one that could reshape the property appraisal industry. But could it work? 

Gov. Kate Brown Wants Voters To Approve Tax For Affordable Housing

House Joint Resolution 203 would exempt the first $500,000 of a property’s value from taxation. The governor has not proposed a tax rate nor set a goal for how much revenue she’d like to raise, her office says. But she is certain about where money from a new tax should go: “to fund or finance affordable housing” in the state.

Will Truck Parking Be the Next Big Thing in Commercial Real Estate? 

Cary Goldman, the Chicago-based founder of investment firm Timber Hill Group, has been in the industrial real estate industry for more than 25 years, mostly with Sitex Group. As he saw cities boom with big-box stores with 36-foot clear heights, he knew there would be a growing need for well-located lots that were properly zoned and fenced for truck parking, with security.

Real estate and mortgage startup Homie raises $23 million

The company started as a flat-fee real estate company, before expanding into mortgage lending in 2017. Homie now also offers title insurance and homeowners insurance. Homie continues to operate its flat-fee model, charging homeowners $1,500 to sell their home. And according to the company, its model is working.

Coronavirus Fears Send Mortgage Rates Tumbling

The rapidly spreading disease, named COVID-19, has contributed to projections that foreign real estate investment will plunge considerably this year. Against this backdrop, mortgage rates are falling as investors run for cover in safe-haven assets, creating a new opportunity for thousands of borrowers to cut their monthly payments or shop for new mortgages.

Low Housing Inventory Pushing Prices Back Up

According to a recent realtor.com report, the nation’s inventory of homes for sale sank 14% in January, falling to the lowest level since at least 2012. Now, the latest survey from Redfin shows the real estate agents are also feeling the crunch. The survey, which went out to more than 500 agents across the country, showed that the majority faced competition in January.

Investing in the Aftermath of Rent Control

Rent control has become a popular topic that is making its way across the country. Oregon, California and New York all have state-wide rent control policies in place, and several cities nationwide have their own policies, while other states are considering rent-regulating legislation. But what happens to investment after rent control is implemented? 

You Should Wait to Invest in Real Estate if You Already have Debt?

The complication that was presented to me was, “I can’t rationalize investing in real estate while I still have so much debt.” My reply to him was the question that changed the direction of our conversation: “What debt do you have right now that pays you monthly?”

How AI Will Impact Real Estate

The real estate sector is in a great position to leverage AI and automation technologies to increase productivity, reduce costs and minimize errors. The number of workers who are engaged in manual tasks that only require basic cognitive skills will likely decline. On the other hand, the number of technology and management experts will continue to grow as the demand for social and creative skills will increase dramatically.