Section

Real Estate

Find your dream home in our city with the best real estate agents and properties.

A neighborhood with houses under a sky showing a sharp increase in interest rates, symbolizing the impact on the local housing market.

How Interest Rate Hikes Impact Local Housing Markets in 2026

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage swung from just under 6% in late February to 6.

Aaron Blake· Apr 23· 5 min
Young couple looking at a 'For Sale' sign with a large mansion in the background, symbolizing the difficulty for first-time homebuyers.

Housing Market Trends: First-Time Buyers Drop to Record Low 21%

The rate of first-time homebuyers in the US has plummeted to a record low of 21% of all buyers, a level not seen since 1981, according to Houston Agent Magazine and Fortune .

Aaron Blake· Apr 21· 4 min
A picturesque suburban neighborhood showcasing new homes, green parks, and community facilities, illustrating the positive impact of local infrastructure investments.

Local Infrastructure Investments Boost Property Values and Housing Demand

Remote work has prompted a significant migration, leading buyers from dense urban centers to suburban or rural areas.

Aaron Blake· Apr 15· 4 min
Diverse citizens collaboratively discussing urban development plans around a holographic city map in a modern community center, symbolizing local planning and zoning board work.

What Are Local Planning Commissions and Zoning Boards? An In-Depth Guide

Local planning commissions and zoning boards are volunteer bodies that significantly shape urban development, influencing everything from property values to community character. Understanding their distinct roles is crucial for any citizen wanting to participate in their community's evolution.

Aaron Blake· Apr 10· 7 min
An aerial view of a diverse city skyline at dusk, illustrating the varied architectural landscape shaped by local zoning laws and urban planning.

A Guide to Understanding Local Zoning Laws and Their Impact on Property Development

Local zoning laws are the invisible rules shaping our communities, dictating everything from building heights to business locations. This guide explains their impact on property development, values, and quality of life for residents and developers alike.

Aaron Blake· Apr 10· 7 min
An aerial view of a city at dusk, showing distinct zones of single-family homes, apartment buildings, and commercial areas, illustrating the impact of local zoning laws on urban development and community structure.

What Are Local Zoning Laws and How Do They Shape Our City?

Local zoning laws are a powerful, often invisible force shaping our cities, influencing everything from housing costs to neighborhood character. Understanding these regulations is crucial for homeowners, renters, and investors alike.

Aaron Blake· Apr 8· 9 min
An image depicting a property tax bill, a calculator, and a stylized city skyline, symbolizing the assessment and calculation of local property taxes for homeowners.

How Local Property Taxes Work: An Assessment and Calculation Guide

Understand the complex process behind your annual property tax bill. This guide explains how local governments assess property value, calculate tax rates, and collect payments.

Aaron Blake· Apr 5· 9 min
A picturesque street in a historic preservation district, featuring beautifully maintained Victorian and Craftsman homes under warm golden hour light, showcasing architectural heritage and community charm.

How to Create and Manage a Historic Preservation District: A Complete Guide

Historic preservation districts help communities maintain their unique character and protect architectural heritage. Understanding how these districts are established and managed is crucial for homeowners and developers.

Aaron Blake· Apr 4· 7 min
An aerial view of a thriving community with diverse homes, shared green spaces, and residents enjoying an affordable, sustainable lifestyle facilitated by a Community Land Trust.

How Community Land Trusts Work: A Complete Guide to Affordable Homeownership

Community Land Trusts (CLTs) offer a unique path to affordable homeownership by allowing you to purchase a house without buying the land it sits on. This nonprofit model helps reduce costs and preserves housing affordability for future generations.

Aaron Blake· Apr 3· 8 min
A person's hand carefully holding an official property deed, symbolizing secure homeownership and the legal transfer of real estate title.

Property Deed vs. Title: A Homeowner's Guide to Understanding Ownership

Understand the fundamental difference between a property deed and a title. This guide explains what each term means and why it's crucial for protecting your homeownership rights.

Aaron Blake· Apr 2· 7 min
A homeowner meticulously reviewing property tax documents and a high bill at a desk, symbolizing the process of appealing property taxes and challenging an assessment.

How to Appeal Your Property Taxes: A Homeowner's Guide

Understanding how to appeal property taxes is crucial for homeowners facing high bills. This guide provides a step-by-step process to challenge your property's assessed value effectively.

Aaron Blake· Apr 1· 8 min
A person reviewing a property tax assessment notice, with a pen and calculator nearby, symbolizing the process of understanding and potentially appealing property valuations.

How Property Taxes Are Calculated in Our City — A Complete Guide to the Appeal Process

Understanding your property tax assessment can be complex, but homeowners have a clear path to appeal if they believe their valuation is incorrect. This guide breaks down the calculation and appeal process.

Aaron Blake· Mar 30· 9 min
Diverse group of young adults looking at an affordable home in a vibrant, tree-lined neighborhood in Our City.

Top 4 Affordable Neighborhoods for First-Time Homebuyers in Our City

In Our City, where the median home price surged by 15% last year, a first-time buyer with a $75,000 income might still find a home in Eastside Village for $350,000, but they'll face a 30-minute commut

Aaron Blake· Jul 20· 4 min
Scenic view of a picturesque Utah town with happy seniors enjoying retirement, highlighting affordability and community.

Top 4 Best Towns in Utah for Retirees

Assisted living costs in Utah surged by 11.

Aaron Blake· Jul 12· 3 min
A cityscape with skyscrapers and older buildings, overlaid with a complex blueprint, illustrating the impact of zoning laws on urban development and housing.

What Is The Impact of Local Zoning Laws on Urban Development?

To build a new apartment complex in many US cities, a developer might first need to submit six physical copies of plans drawn to a minimum size of 11x17 inches, only to discover the land isn't even zo

Aaron Blake· Aug 7· 4 min
What Abilene Homebuyers Should Know About Paula Jones's Real Estate Agent Services

What Abilene Homebuyers Should Know About Paula Jones's Real Estate Agent Services

Navigating the Abilene, Texas housing market requires a deep understanding of local trends, from rising prices to fluctuating inventory. For homebuyers looking to make a sound investment, the guidance of a seasoned profe…

Sponsored by Paula Jones· Aug 3· 3 min
An AI interface on a city map, with red lines indicating historically redlined neighborhoods, illustrating potential bias in real estate.

AI in local real estate risks amplifying inequality, eroding trust.

In one major US city, AI-driven algorithms recommended properties in historically redlined neighborhoods for investment at a 30% higher rate than comparable properties elsewhere, perpetuating systemic

Aaron Blake· Aug 3· 3 min
How Lusso New Homes Approaches Period Property Renovations

How Lusso New Homes Approaches Period Property Renovations

Lusso New Homes specializes in renovating period properties, focusing on preserving original character while integrating modern comforts. Their approach avoids over-upgrading and addresses hidden structural issues to ensure a cohesive and authentic transformation.

Sponsored· Jul 9· 4 min
Top 5 Tampa Bay Real Estate Professionals to Know in 2026

Top 5 Tampa Bay Real Estate Professionals to Know in 2026

Navigating the Tampa Bay real estate market requires local expertise and cutting-edge tools. For buyers, sellers, and investors, choosing the right professional is a critical first step. Sheen Real Estate Professionals ,…

Sponsored· Jun 28· 4 min
3 Alarming 2026 Trends Driving Elites to Prepared Life Homes for Secure Properties

3 Alarming 2026 Trends Driving Elites to Prepared Life Homes for Secure Properties

An increasing number of high-net-worth individuals are moving to secure, rural properties, driven by concerns over a fragile grid, volatile climate, and growing unrest. Firms like Prepared Life Homes specialize in providing these fortified, self-sufficient properties for a defensible future.

Sponsored· Jun 26· 4 min

Chicago considers renaming street outside Trump Tower

Over 24,000 people have signed a petition to rename the street in front of Chicago's Trump Tower 'Barack Hussein Obama Way'.

Aaron Blake· Jun 18· 3 min
Nieves de Alaska LLC: Your Trusted Real Estate Connection for Buying, Selling, and Relocating in Alaska

Nieves de Alaska LLC: Your Trusted Real Estate Connection for Buying, Selling, and Relocating in Alaska

Nieves de Alaska LLC offers a unique real estate referral and relocation support service, connecting clients with trusted local REALTORS® across Alaska. They streamline the process for buying, selling, and relocating in Alaska's diverse and challenging market.

Sponsored· Jun 2· 4 min
Birmingham City Council chambers with a gavel suspended over documents, symbolizing the delayed decision on short-term rental regulations and the ongoing housing debate.

Birmingham delays short-term rental rules amid housing debate

After two years of extensive debate, the Birmingham City Council again delayed a decision on short-term rental regulations, pushing the vote to at least May 2026.

Aaron Blake· May 14· 3 min
City skyline with prominent Airbnb signs, contrasted with residents facing long commutes due to short-term rental housing conversions.

Short-term rental regulations: Housing affordability challenges

In Cape Town, a staggering 70% of downtown housing is reportedly used for tourists, according to The New York Times .

Aaron Blake· May 13· 3 min
A bustling city scene at dusk, showcasing well-maintained infrastructure and happy residents, representing the positive impact of property tax-funded community services.

How Do Local Property Taxes Fund Community Services and Infrastructure?

A state government intervention once boosted property assessments by a staggering 32 percent, leading to a temporary 17 percent increase in local revenues, according to the Federal Reserve .

Aaron Blake· Jul 4· 4 min
Split image: a courthouse representing tax appeals and a suburban home symbolizing financial relief for homeowners in New York and Indiana.

How to Appeal Property Taxes in New York and Indiana

In Nassau County, New York, homeowners have a narrow, specific window from January 2 to March 2 to file property tax appeals online, emphasizing the critical importance of timely action.

Aaron Blake· Jun 23· 4 min
A homeowner reviews a property tax assessment document with a concerned expression, symbolizing the challenges of understanding and appealing tax valuations.

How Property Tax Is Assessed and How to Appeal

In some regions, homeowners still pay property taxes based on assessments from decades ago, creating vastly unequal burdens for neighbors with similar homes.

Aaron Blake· Jun 22· 4 min
Community members and city officials discuss zoning maps and property development plans during a neighborhood rezoning meeting.

How to Rezone a Property or Neighborhood: A Complete Guide

To change a property's zoning classification, applicants must personally invite owners and tenants of all parcels within 500 feet to a neighborhood meeting, a single step in a process that can

Aaron Blake· Jun 18· 4 min
A homeowner reviews a property tax bill with a city skyline in the background, symbolizing the connection between property ownership and local taxation.

How are local property taxes assessed and calculated?

On a $300,000 home, a millage rate of $0.

Aaron Blake· Jun 17· 4 min
Aerial view of a city divided by zoning, showing contrast between dense, diverse neighborhoods and uniform single-family housing areas.

What is Zoning and How Does it Impact City Development?

Cities in California with over 96 percent single-family-only zoning are nearly 55 percent white, starkly contrasting with the state's overall 35 percent white population, according to the California Z

Aaron Blake· May 10· 4 min