Author: Rent Magazine Contributor

The U.S. housing market is showing signs of stabilization as the summer of 2025 progresses, providing prospective buyers with increased opportunities. A notable rise in housing inventory, coupled with a slight decline in home prices, is creating a more favorable environment for those looking to purchase homes. Housing inventory has seen a significant uptick, with active listings surpassing 1 million for the first time since winter 2019. This increase has elevated the national inventory to a 4.4-month supply, the highest level in over five years. The surge in available homes is attributed to more homeowners listing their properties and a…

As of July 2025, the U.S. housing market is experiencing a significant shift, with active listings surpassing 1 million for the first time since winter 2019 . This increase has elevated the national inventory to a 4.4-month supply, the highest level in over five years . Despite this surge in available homes, elevated mortgage rates—averaging around 6.8%—continue to challenge affordability for many prospective buyers . The rise in housing inventory is attributed to a combination of factors. More homeowners are listing their properties, and new home construction has added to the supply. In April 2025, privately owned housing starts increased…

As the United States commemorated its 249th Independence Day, homeowners nationwide transformed their residences into vibrant displays of patriotism. From bustling cities to quiet suburbs, the red, white, and blue adorned neighborhoods, reflecting a collective spirit of national pride and community engagement. In cities like Philadelphia, known as the birthplace of American independence, historic row houses were festooned with American flags, bunting, and star-spangled banners. Residents took to decorating their homes with patriotic flair, creating a visual symphony that celebrated the nation’s heritage. Front porches showcased wreaths made of red, white, and blue flowers, while windows displayed themed lighting that…

Americans across the nation marked the 249th Independence Day with vibrant displays of patriotism, as cities hosted parades, concerts, and fireworks to honor the country’s founding. Despite weather challenges in some regions, the spirit of unity and celebration prevailed. New York City: A Dazzling Display of Unity In New York City, the 49th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show captivated thousands of spectators. Beginning at 9:25 p.m., the event featured over 80,000 fireworks launched from four barges on the East River, including a ghost shell that reached 1,000 feet into the sky. For the first time, a stunning art…

The U.S. housing market is undergoing a notable transformation in mid-2025, with increased inventory levels and a slight dip in mortgage rates providing a more favorable environment for prospective homebuyers. This shift marks a departure from the seller-dominated landscape that characterized the market during the pandemic years. According to recent data, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has declined to 6.67%, the lowest since early April. This decrease follows a series of rate hikes that had previously dampened buyer enthusiasm. The drop in rates has coincided with a surge in housing inventory, offering buyers more options and negotiating power. In…

As the U.S. real estate sector experiences a surge in development projects and housing demand, firms are increasingly outsourcing payroll services to manage expanding workforces and navigate complex regulatory landscapes. This strategic shift aims to enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and reduce administrative burdens. Commercial property groups and residential developers are expanding their teams to meet the demands of new projects across key markets. To efficiently handle the complexities of payroll, many are partnering with specialized providers like IBN Technologies. These firms offer tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of the real estate industry, such as managing diverse compensation…

California developers are celebrating a significant legislative shift following Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of two bills that substantially weaken the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This move is aimed at accelerating housing development in urban areas to address the state’s severe housing shortage, estimated at 3.5 million homes. The newly enacted laws, Assembly Bill 130 and Senate Bill 131, exempt most urban infill housing projects from undergoing the traditionally lengthy and complex CEQA environmental reviews. These exemptions apply to projects under 20 acres located outside hazardous zones, effectively removing a major hurdle that developers have long cited as a barrier…

As the summer of 2025 unfolds, the U.S. rental market is experiencing unprecedented pressures, with national rent prices reaching record levels. This surge is driven by a combination of persistent inflation, limited housing supply, and shifting demographic trends. According to Zumper’s May 2025 National Rent Report, the median rent for one-bedroom apartments rose to $1,520, marking a 0.2% increase from the previous month. Two-bedroom units saw a similar uptick, reaching $1,907. These figures represent year-over-year increases of approximately 2.5% and 3.1%, respectively, indicating a steady climb in rental costs across the country. Despite a brief period of stabilization earlier in…

The Asian Real Estate Summit (ARES) 2025, held in Bangkok, Thailand, is serving as a strategic forum for over 1,000 real estate professionals and more than 30 top developers, including major players from the Philippines. Spearheaded by Cebu-based Filipino Homes, the summit underscores the crucial role of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive property market across Asia. Elevating Regional Dialogue on Real Estate Trends Positioned as a key annual event in the regional real estate calendar, ARES 2025 has gathered leading figures in the industry to deliberate on current market dynamics, emerging investment opportunities, and forward-looking…

The Asian Real Estate Summit (ARES) 2025 commenced on July 1 in Bangkok, Thailand, drawing over 1,000 real estate professionals and more than 30 top developers from the Philippines. Organized by Cebu-based Filipino Homes, the two-day event aims to foster global partnerships and explore sustainable and affordable housing solutions to meet the rising demand in the Philippine property market. A Platform for Regional Collaboration Now in its third edition, ARES has evolved into a significant platform for knowledge exchange and networking among real estate stakeholders across Asia. The 2025 summit, themed “Empowering Growth: Fostering Global Partnerships with Responsible Developers,” focuses…