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The Center For Opportunity Urbanism (COU), has authored a new study about the effects of the recent housing shortage. In an interview with COU’s executive director, Joel Kotkin, Builder magazine explores the results of the report, and some ideas for improvement.  

Stephen Kaufman at Entrepreneur has a recent article about the rise of crowdfunding in real estate investment. Crowdfunding potentially offers a higher rate of returns, ease of access, and limited liability, while helping to stabilize and diversify investments. The fact that it’s more affordable than traditional investing makes it particularly compelling.  

Alejandro Aravena, an architect and recipient of the prestigious Pritzker prize, posted four new housing plans online in order to make affordable, modern design more accessible. Mr. Aravena offered the plans free of charge, and hopes it furthers his plans of addressing rapid urbanization. Each of the plans contains drawings, sections, elevations, site plans, and…

A reduction in rates contributed to a 2.7% increase in mortgage applications last week. This was the first sign of growth after a mostly-stagnant six weeks. Refinance volume is still 2% lower than it was a year ago. CNBC has a breakdown on where the market is currently.  

This is a little off topic, but I wanted to share some information about this little-known program. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), awards vouchers that low-income seniors can use for a variety of foods at a local farmers’ market, roadside stand, or community-supported agriculture programs. If you or someone you know is interested,…

This is a little off topic, but I wanted to share some information about this little-known program. The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), awards vouchers that low-income seniors can use for a variety of foods at a local farmers’ market, roadside stand, or community-supported agriculture programs. If you or someone you know is interested,…

There’s a good explanation on forbes.com today about the amount of paperwork required during the mortgage approval process, and why it’s necessary. Mark Greene breaks down the Qualified Mortgage, made law by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in January 2014. And, as much a nuisance as it may seem, the required paperwork is absolutely essential.…

For a little April Fool’s Day levity, fusion.net has a story about merchants attempting to sell real estate in outer space. From mineral rights on the planet Ceres—where, the seller insists, the queen of England has some acreage—to something a bit more pedestrian (a simple plot on the moon). There are, surprisingly, multiple companies operating…

Elizabeth Harris at Forbes examines recent data showing the spike in rent for lower-income families since 1996. Decline in homeownership among the middle and upper-income households has resulted in a limited supply for rental options. Additionally, median household expenditures increased across the board between 1996 and 2014.  

Normally, this is something one researches only when already deeply entrenched in divorce. But, some forethought could preserve finances, and work to make a sometimes deeply contentious situation, less contentious. By utilizing calm decision making skills—free of emotion—both parties may be better prepared for their new lives. Time.com has some advice on their site.