Author: josh

Democrats Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico differed more on style than substance in their first debate for U.S. Senate in heavily Republican Texas, though they distinguished themselves somewhat on the future of ICE and impeachment of President Donald Trump. Crockett, an outspoken second-term U.S. House member, and Talarico, a more soft-spoken four-term state representative, generally echoed each other on economic issues, health care and taxes. Both called for a “fighter” in the role. Crockett, who is Black, said she was better positioned to attract disaffected Black voters, while Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian who often discusses his Christian faith, suggested he could net rural voters…

The family of a homeless man who died after a bulldozer crushed his tent last year during an encampment sweep filed a lawsuit Friday against the nonprofits involved in clearing the encampment, the second lawsuit they filed over his death. The lawsuit says Partners for HOME and SafeHouse Outreach are partly responsible for Taylor’s death because employees did not check whether Taylor, 46, was in his tent before a bulldozer was deployed to clear it, flattening his tent while he was in it and leaving blood on the street. Taylor lived in an encampment on Old Wheat Street in Atlanta, which city officials asked…

In This Article Source First (Teacher Rule!): Everything you’re about to learn comes from one textbook: Annual Report to Congress Regarding the Financial Status of the Federal Housing Administration Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund (FY 2025), published by HUD and available here. Today’s lesson turns that very serious report into something easier—and more interesting — to understand. Lesson 1: FHA’s Big Piggy Bank Is Very Full Imagine the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has a giant piggy bank called the Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) Fund. This piggy bank: Collects mortgage insurance premiums. Pays claims when borrowers can’t keep their homes. Is backed…

In This Article A stairway to heaven? Maybe. Higher cash flow for California landlords might be as simple as changing the number of enclosed staircases required in small multifamily buildings.  That’s the debate surrounding Assembly Bill 835. California’s fire marshal is finalizing a report to comply with the bill and potentially reshape real estate investment across the state. Why Staircase Rules Matter to Small Landlords Under today’s International Building Code, which is followed in some capacity by most U.S. jurisdictions, buildings above three units must include at least two enclosed staircases, which shape the core of any apartment building. Assembly…

Key takeaways Much real estate advice focuses on outcomes, not the realities buyers face. Both buyers and sellers often underestimate costs, timing, and emotional stress.  Preparation and education reduce regret more than perfect market timing.  Budgeting beyond the purchase price or expected proceeds helps prevent surprises.  Flexibility, clear communication, and advocacy matter on both sides of the transaction. Much of the real estate advice shared online focuses on winning offers, timing the market, or maximizing price. What it often leaves out is how unpredictable, emotional, and complex the process can be, sometimes especially for buyers. Experienced buyers and sellers both…

6 steps to make an offer on a house1: Decide on how much to offer2: Choose your contingencies3: Decide on earnest money amount4: Write up the offer letter5: Submit your offer and wait6: Negotiate the terms of the sale Making an offer is one of the most important steps in the homebuying process. It’s the moment you find out whether the home will actually be yours. From deciding how much to offer to choosing contingencies and earnest money, and preparing for negotiations, there’s a lot to consider.  In this Redfin article, we’ll outline how to make an offer on a…

Key takeaways The second meeting with a Realtor®  is about strategy, alignment, and trust. This meeting helps determine whether the working relationship is a strong long-term fit.  The right questions reveal how a Realtor®  thinks, not just what they promise. Clear answers help buyers and sellers avoid surprises later in the transaction. Why the second meeting matters more than the first The first meeting with a Realtor® is an introduction. Its purpose is to establish rapport and discuss goals. The second meeting, however, is a decision point. This is where alignment, strategy, and trust are either confirmed or not. It’s…

Buying a rental property in another city, county, or state? Then, you’re going to need boots on the ground in that market to help find, fix, and manage your investment property. How do you make sure you’ve got the right people in place from many miles away? We’ve got the tips you need in today’s episode!Welcome to another Rookie Reply! Tony and Ashley are back with three more questions from the BiggerPockets Forums, the first of which comes from an investor who’s struggling to find meaningful cash flow in their market. Should they hold out for that “home-run deal” or…

Despite Elon Musk’s multiple proclamations that he is an alien—something he reiterated on the stage of the World Economic Forum on Thursday—the billionaire SpaceX CEO thinks it’s very unlikely there is intelligent life beyond Earth. In a conversation in Davos, Switzerland, with BlackRock CEO and World Economic Forum interim chair Larry Fink, Musk said this belief is the framework of his technology ventures and $600 billion of wealth. Because there’s a small likelihood of life outside of Earth, Musk said the project of preserving humanity becomes more urgent. I’m often asked, ‘Are there aliens among us?’ And I’ll say that…

Yes, a condo inspection is a crucial step in protecting yourself from unexpected repairs and hidden liabilities inside your home. Buying a condo can be a smart investment—offering lower maintenance and access to shared amenities without the upkeep of a single-family home. But assuming the homeowners association (HOA) covers everything could leave you vulnerable to unexpected repairs and hidden liabilities inside your unit. That’s why a condo inspection is a crucial step in protecting yourself before you buy. In this Redfin article, we’ll break down exactly why a condo inspection matters, what inspectors do and look for, and how to…