housing affordability
Homeownership in some markets never makes financial sense
by Marian McPherson Jun 4
'Family-friendly' neighborhood? Expect to pay 42% more
New data shows that the best neighborhoods for families are getting harder to afford
by Nick Pipitone Apr 8
NAR notches 3-way agreement lawsuit win in Louisiana
A judge dismissed federal antitrust and First Amendment claims against NAR over MLS access
by Marian McPherson Mar 27
First Federal grows mortgage biz with NOLA Lending acquisition
The Florida-based thrift expands its retail mortgage operations into Louisiana and Mississippi, and will keep most of NOLA Lending Group's employees and brand identity
by Matt Carter Jan 6
Finding Financial Freedom
Coach Melanie Klein profiles financial expert and real estate investor Austin Lampson, who exemplifies why real estate is still one of the world's most reliable paths to wealth
by Melanie Klein Dec 4
A flooded road
Homes representing $12.7T in property value are vulnerable to at least one type of severe or extreme climate risk, according to Realtor.com, with flooding as one of the most underestimated
Bessette Flavin becomes Louisiana's largest C21 affiliate
The newly formed brokerage is the result of a union between 2 longstanding, family-owned brokerages: Century 21 Bessette Realty and Flavin Realty
by Richelle Hammiel May 15
Insurance, property taxes taking a bigger bite of buyers' budgets
With the average homeowner spending $442 a month on property taxes and insurance, real estate agents and mortgage lenders are urged to help their clients shop for better deals
by Matt Carter Mar 3
Home values have surged at 2X the normal rate since pandemic
Since 2020, US home values have risen by 45.3%, meaning more than 10 years of typical home value growth has been packed into a 5-year period, a new report from Zillow shows
by Lillian Dickerson Feb 27
Homebuyers gain leverage as sellers cut prices: Zillow
In January, almost 23% of sellers reduced their listing price — the highest percentage for any January since 2018, according to a new analysis by Zillow
by Richelle Hammiel Feb 12
Louisiana agents latest to file suit over divisive NAR 3-way agreement
Industry members argue in the new lawsuit that NAR and other defendants have engaged in anticompetitive practices. They want restitution — and an end to rules they don't support
by Jim Dalrymple II Jan 3
Share of renters paying under $1,000 hits record low, Redfin says
Only 32.1% of renter households currently pay less than $1,000 in monthly rent — a sharp decline from 35.2% in 2022 and 50.4% in 2012, according to an analysis from Redfin released Wednesday
by Richelle Hammiel Oct 31
Family-owned Louisiana brokerage joins Better Homes and Gardens
Real estate duo James and Justin Rhodes have taken their brokerage, Rhodes Realty, to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. Rhodes has 50 affiliates across 7 offices in Louisiana
by Marian McPherson Oct 4
Mortgage payments cheaper than rent in nearly half of all US metros
Mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest levels since 2023 in 22 of the 50 largest US metros — even as rent prices continue to rise, according to a new analysis from Zillow released on Monday
by Richelle Hammiel Sep 17
High mortgage rates cool down prices in these US metros
Home prices and sales have declined as the demand from all buyers, including investors and buyers interested in building homes, has cooled, according to CoreLogic
by Richelle Hammiel Aug 2