Lew Sichelman

Special to Banker & Tradesman

Lew Sichelman can be reached at lsichelman@twg.com

States Seek to Battle Foreign ‘Invasion’

Florida recently enacted a bill that limits some foreigners from owning property in the state – a move that shocked some. It’s one of six states that passed laws this year barring foreigners from buying homes.

White House Acts to Boost Housing

The Biden administration is taking steps to help create more affordable houses and apartments, which could help fill the inventory gap that plagues the housing sector.

Homebuilders Ride a Bifurcated Housing Market

The existing home market has been stymied – by mortgage rates in the 8 percent range and ultra-low inventory – and it’s created an opening for builders to take credit for double their normal share of sales.

Study Says Agents Still Steering Buyers

It has long been suspected that some agents engage in “steering” – guiding their buyer-clients away from low-paying listings. And the authors of a new, large-scale study say they’ve unearthed proof.

Vets Have Plenty of Housing Help

I am old enough to remember how the soldiers returning from Vietnam were “welcomed” home. Fast-forward 50 years or so, the country – and the housing sector – can’t seem to do enough for our fighting heroes.

Don’t Put Your Earnest Money at Risk

Attaching a check to the offer on a house you hope to purchase is the right way to signal your intentions to the seller. But that means you need to keep your side of the bargain, too.

How to Buy a House in Other Countries

It happens every election cycle: “If that guy wins,” one side or the other vows, “we’re moving to Canada.” It turns out that’s a lot harder than you might think in practice.

Ease of Entry, Big Money Draws Newbies to Real Estate

According to a new report from the Consumer Federation of America, the ease with which people can become licensed in the realty field is shocking. In many states, it takes relatively little time, and very little money, for an aspiring agent to take the courses required to pass the real estate exam.

An Ode to Faded Design Trends

Features that were once sought-after can now leave a house feeling woefully out-of-date. But some still pine for sunken living rooms, 2-story foyers and 8-foot ceilings.

These Places Pay You to Move There

The much-discussed recent exodus to the hinterlands hasn’t included everyone. But some places, in need of fresh blood and a greater tax base, will actually pay you to move there.

Multigenerational Buying on the Rise

Prior to World War II, many extended families, lived together under one roof. And over the last few years, it has gained steam because of a number of factors – the pandemic and high housing costs among them.

When the House Comes with a Tenant

It doesn’t happen often, but every once in a while, would-be buyers run across a house for sale that also comes with a tenant. And that means the sale requires some special handling.

Housing ‘Extras’ Add Up

Homebuyers who focus solely on the cost of their mortgage’s interest and principal are doing themselves a disservice. There are other recurring costs that should be factored into the decision.

Your Home Sale Fell Through. Now What?

Once in a blue moon, a cancellation works out to the seller’s advantage. For the most part, though, sellers have no choice but to grin and bear it. The first step is to determine what went wrong.