Author: Rent Magazine Contributor

As rent prices continue to rise across the United States, a growing number of renters are feeling the strain, particularly in major urban centers where migration trends and a limited housing supply are intensifying the pressure. According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau and real estate analytics firms, cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have experienced rent hikes of 7-9% compared to last year. Smaller metropolitan areas like Austin and Phoenix are also witnessing similar spikes, reflecting a broader national trend of rising housing costs. This surge in rental prices is part of a…

NEW ORLEANS, LA — The historic Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans came alive on June 16, 2025, as the National Association of Real Estate Editors (NAREE) opened its 59th Annual Real Estate Journalism Conference. Running through June 19, the four-day event has drawn a national crowd of journalists, editors, and industry professionals for one of the most anticipated gatherings in the realm of real estate media. With a dynamic mix of professional development sessions, market trend discussions, and networking events, this year’s conference emphasizes the shifting landscape of real estate journalism in a post-pandemic world. Participants are engaging in deep…

CHICAGO, IL — Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NASDAQ: REFI) has announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.47 per share for the second quarter of 2025. The announcement, made on June 16, underscores the company’s consistent shareholder return policy and highlights its performance and outlook in a niche yet rapidly growing market. The dividend will be paid on July 15, 2025, to shareholders on record as of June 30, 2025. This payout represents an annualized rate of $1.88 per share and offers an estimated forward yield of 13.47%, based on current trading levels. This high yield makes REFI a…

Florida’s once-booming housing market is experiencing a significant slowdown, particularly in the condominium sector, as rising costs and new regulations reshape the real estate landscape. In April 2025, condo sales plummeted across key counties: down 20% in Hillsborough, 21% in Miami-Dade, and 27% in the Panama City area. Single-family home sales also declined, with a 4.5% drop in closed sales and a 4% decrease in median prices compared to the previous year. Several factors contribute to this downturn. High mortgage rates, hovering above 6.5%, have dampened buyer enthusiasm. Additionally, insurance premiums have surged due to increased risks from natural disasters,…

JACKSONVILLE, FL — On June 16, 2025, the City of Jacksonville officially declared the day as “Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Peace and Wellness Day,” recognizing the global spiritual leader’s extensive contributions to peace, humanitarian efforts, and community well-being. Mayor Donna Deegan presented the proclamation during a public ceremony at the University of North Florida, marking Jacksonville as the 32nd city worldwide to honor Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in this manner. The proclamation acknowledges Gurudev’s lifelong dedication to promoting inner well-being and societal harmony through initiatives like The Art of Living Foundation. Established in 1981, the foundation has reached over…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On June 14, 2025, President Donald Trump took center stage at a monumental military parade in Washington, D.C., to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The event, held in the heart of the nation’s capital, served as both a commemoration of the military’s rich history and a powerful demonstration of the United States’ advanced military capabilities. The parade featured a striking display of strength and innovation, with approximately 6,500 troops, 150 military vehicles, and 50 aircraft taking part in the festivities. While the military’s historical importance was honored through the presence of veterans and traditional…

NEW YORK — A major cyberattack targeting United Natural Foods (UNF), one of the largest wholesale food distributors in the United States, has caused widespread disruptions to grocery supply chains across the country. The attack, which was detected on June 5, severely compromised the company’s IT infrastructure, leading to delays in food deliveries and shortages on store shelves. Retailers such as Whole Foods and IGA have been particularly impacted, with many customers reporting empty aisles and long delays in restocking. United Natural Foods, which supplies a wide range of products to grocery stores and food retailers, confirmed that while deliveries…

PITTSBURGH, PA — The 2025 U.S. Open, held at the iconic Oakmont Country Club, came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, June 15, with J.J. Spaun emerging as the champion. This victory marked a monumental milestone in Spaun’s career, as he claimed his first major championship title. Spaun, who had never before experienced the pressure of being in contention for a major, held his nerve in the final round, posting a solid 72 to secure a two-stroke victory over runner-up Robert MacIntyre. The win was capped off with an extraordinary 64-foot birdie putt on the final hole, a moment that…

MIDLAND, TX — The city of Midland embraced the spirit of freedom and community unity on Sunday, June 15, 2025, when Creative 360 hosted a lively and inclusive Juneteenth celebration. This annual event brought together a diverse group of residents to honor Juneteenth, a day of immense historical significance in American history. While Juneteenth is officially celebrated on June 19, the Midland celebration, which took place four days prior, was a reflection of the ongoing pursuit of justice, equality, and the freedom that marks the heart of the United States’ story. The festivities at Creative 360 featured an impressive array…

In June 2025, the U.S. real estate industry is undergoing a significant transformation as technology companies increasingly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance property transactions. AI-driven platforms are automating tasks such as property valuations, virtual tours, and customer service interactions, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and provide a more seamless experience for buyers and sellers. Automated Property Valuations One of the most impactful applications of AI in real estate is in property valuation. Modern Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) utilize AI algorithms to analyze extensive datasets—including historical sales, property conditions, neighborhood dynamics, and market trends—to provide accurate, consistent, and unbiased…