Section

Real Estate

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

A diverse cityscape with various building types, overlaid with subtle zoning maps and legal documents, representing the complexity of local zoning ordinances.

What Are Types of Local Zoning Ordinances and Their Effects?

In 2023, North Carolina forbade local governments from restricting building-design elements on residential structures with up to four units and precluded cities from requiring parking spaces larger th

Aaron Blake· May 8· 4 min
A cityscape illustrating the impact of zoning on housing affordability, with modern buildings overshadowing older homes and signs indicating rising prices.

What Is Zoning and How Does It Affect Housing Affordability?

In 36 states, rising zoning regulations directly correlate with increasing real average home prices, making housing less accessible for millions.

Aaron Blake· May 6· 3 min
A restored historic building seamlessly integrated into a modern cityscape, showcasing the synergy between heritage and contemporary development.

How Historic Preservation Status Benefits Properties and Drives Economic Growth

By 1966, half of the historic places documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) had already been destroyed or damaged beyond repair, according to NPS .

Aaron Blake· Apr 30· 4 min
A homeowner looking concerned while holding a property tax bill, with a house and setting sun in the background.

Factors Influencing Property Taxes and Homeowner Impact

Last year, homeowners in Delaware faced an 18% property tax hike, significantly outpacing national inflation.

Aaron Blake· Apr 30· 4 min
A meticulously restored historic building facade, emphasizing its architectural beauty and the positive economic impact of preservation on property owners and local communities.

What Are The Benefits of Local Historic Preservation for Property Owners?

In fiscal year 2022, Connecticut projects utilizing the Federal Historic Tax Credit generated $150.

Aaron Blake· Apr 29· 4 min
A homeowner looking stressed at property tax bills in their home, symbolizing the financial challenges and need for tax exemptions.

How Do 2026 Property Tax Exemptions Work for Homeowners?

In Allegheny County, homeowners must have continuously occupied their primary residence for a decade to qualify for a property tax exemption, a stringent requirement that can cost thousands in missed

Aaron Blake· Apr 28· 4 min
Homeowner holding a property deed document in front of their house, with a cityscape in the background, symbolizing real estate ownership and legal implications.

What Are the Different Types of Property Deeds and Their Homeowner Implications?

While a deed legally establishes property transfer, simply holding it does not constitute unencumbered ownership without a clear title.

Aaron Blake· Apr 26· 4 min
A modern, sustainable home with solar panels and lush landscaping, representing local green building certifications.

What Are Local Green Building Certifications for Homes in 2026?

In Austin, Texas, homes with a 5-star 'Austin Energy Green Building' rating consume 20-30% less energy than standard homes, translating to significant annual savings, according to Austin Energy.

Aaron Blake· Apr 25· 4 min
Homeowner overwhelmed by building permit documents and blueprints for a home renovation project.

How to Get Local Building Permits for Home Renovations

Even a simple window replacement can land you in hot water.

Aaron Blake· Apr 23· 3 min
Homeowner facing a tax bill with symbols of legal appeal, highlighting the risk of increased assessment.

How Property Taxes Are Assessed and Appealed in 2026

An appeals board, legally mandated to determine property value, has the power to increase your property's assessed value, not just decrease it, even if you initiate the appeal.

Aaron Blake· Apr 23· 4 min
Diverse group of informed homeowners discussing community matters in a well-maintained neighborhood with clear HOA regulations.

What is an HOA's role in neighborhood resident rights and regulations?

In communities across the U.

Aaron Blake· Apr 22· 4 min
Aerial view of a city neighborhood with varied housing types and lot sizes, representing different zoning classifications and their impact on urban development.

What Are Common Types of Local Zoning Classifications?

In Kansas City, a single-family home might fall under an R-80, R-7.

Aaron Blake· Apr 21· 4 min
Young couple celebrating homeownership on a balcony overlooking a city skyline at sunset, holding keys to their new home.

How to Buy Your First City Home: A 2026 Guide

An income-eligible homebuyer could receive up to $50,000 through the Virginia Pilot Down Payment Assistance Program, potentially covering their entire down payment and closing costs, according to...

Aaron Blake· Apr 21· 4 min
Homeowner reviewing a property assessment document with a concerned expression, symbolizing the challenge of property taxes.

Property Assessments: How They're Determined and How to Challenge Them

Despite strict rules for county assessors, biased property assessments in 2026 often make property taxes less affordable for low-income homeowners, while allowing wealthier residents to avoid paying t

Aaron Blake· Apr 20· 3 min
A new homeowner contemplates their property deed and title documents outside their new house, symbolizing the importance of understanding ownership.

What are property deeds and titles for new homeowners?

Title defects, often unseen at closing, can surface years after a home purchase, leading to complex and costly legal battles that threaten ownership.

Aaron Blake· Apr 17· 3 min
A homeowner looking concerned at a legal document with a large transmission tower and power lines impacting their property.

What is a Property Easement and Why Does it Matter for Buyers?

A permanent pipeline easement can carve a 30-foot-wide strip through your property, while a high voltage transmission line might demand 60 feet, permanently altering what you can do with your land.

Aaron Blake· Apr 15· 4 min
Homeowner with documents confronting a government building to appeal property tax assessment, symbolizing the fight for lower taxes.

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment: A Complete Guide

Despite the complex process, do-it-yourself property tax appeals succeed approximately 35% of the time, offering a tangible path to lower bills for diligent homeowners.

Aaron Blake· Apr 14· 4 min
Split image showing a happy homeowner with a lower tax bill and a distressed homeowner with a higher tax bill in New York City, symbolizing the uneven impact of property tax reforms.

What is the impact of state property tax reforms on real estate?

In New York City, a hypothetical property tax reform could slash bills by a median of $1,100 for over 499,000 homeowners.

Aaron Blake· Apr 13· 3 min
Oregon state capitol building at dusk with a transparent overlay of complex tax calculation formulas and charts, symbolizing property tax assessment.

How Are Property Taxes Assessed and Calculated in Oregon?

In Oregon, a homeowner's property tax bill isn't based on their home's full market value.

Aaron Blake· Apr 10· 4 min
Homeowner reviewing property tax assessment notice, contemplating an appeal with a gavel symbolizing legal challenge and a rising graph indicating potential savings.

How Are Property Taxes Assessed and Appealed?

Property owners typically have only 30 to 45 days from receiving their valuation notice to file a property tax appeal, a narrow window that can save thousands.

Aaron Blake· May 16· 2 min