How Political Events Shape the Real Estate Market

by Yamila Gagliano | Sep 17, 2025 | News Feed

How Political Events Shape the Real Estate Market

In the dynamic world of real estate, politics and the housing market share a deep and often complex connection. Understanding how political events shape the real estate market can empower homebuyers, sellers, investors, and real estate professionals to make informed decisions. Let’s explore these connections and learn how to navigate this intricate landscape.

Key Influences

Elections Impact on Housing Market

During election periods, uncertainty tends to influence the housing market. Homebuyers and investors often adopt a “wait and see” approach, impacting housing demand and market activity. Political campaigns may introduce policy proposals affecting housing affordability, taxes, and zoning, which can sway market confidence.

Housing Policy and Home Prices

Government policies play a crucial role in the housing market. Changes in housing policy, such as incentives for first-time buyers or adjustments in affordable housing requirements, can directly affect home prices and availability. Monitoring these policies helps buyers and sellers anticipate shifts in market dynamics.

Mortgage Rates Political Influence

Interest rates often fluctuate due to political decisions, particularly those involving central banks. Changes in interest rates can make mortgages more or less affordable, significantly impacting housing demand. Homebuyers must keep an eye on both national and global political events that may lead to interest rate adjustments.

Global Political Tensions

International political events can also influence the Texas real estate market. Trade conflicts, immigration policies, and global economic stability can affect local housing demand and investment trends. Investors may shift focus based on how global political climates impact economic forecasts.

Historical Examples

The Tax Reform Act of 1986

This U.S. legislation significantly affected real estate. By eliminating the tax shelter advantages of certain real estate investments, it reshaped the housing market, emphasizing new investment strategies and impacting property values.

Post-9/11 Interest Rate Cuts

Following the events of 9/11, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates to stabilize the economy, leading to increased housing market activity. This move made borrowing more affordable, boosting both the home-buying and construction sectors.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Government policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as mortgage forbearance programs and stimulus packages, played a crucial role in supporting the housing market. These actions helped maintain market stability and confidence during uncertain times.

Practical Advice

For Buyers: Stay informed about upcoming elections and potential policy changes. Lock in mortgage rates early, especially during periods of political uncertainty.
For Sellers: Monitor political events that might affect housing demand, and be ready to adjust listing strategies accordingly.
For Investors: Diversify holdings and keep an eye on both domestic and international political climates to anticipate potential market shifts.

Conclusion

Politics and real estate markets are intrinsically linked, with political events shaping market dynamics in numerous ways. By staying informed and working with knowledgeable real estate professionals, you can successfully navigate these changes. Keep planning and strategizing for the future, as political landscapes continue to evolve.

Top Considerations for Downsizing Your Home in Austin

by Yamila Gagliano | Sep 10, 2025 | News Feed

Top Considerations for Downsizing Your Home in Austin

Are you an empty nester or older adult considering downsizing in Austin? This vibrant city, known for its music, culture, and charm, offers a unique opportunity to transition into a more suitable living arrangement. Whether you’re looking to reduce home maintenance or embrace a more convenient lifestyle, downsizing can be a rewarding experience. In this article, we will explore the emotional and practical reasons for making the move, the benefits of smaller homes, and tips for choosing the right property. We’ll also highlight the best neighborhoods and housing types in Austin for downsizers.

Why Consider Downsizing?

Downsizing in Austin is not just about moving to a smaller home; it’s about improving quality of life. Here are some reasons why many people find this appealing:

Emotional Freedom: Letting go of a larger house filled with memories can offer a sense of liberation. It’s a chance for empty nesters to declutter and start anew, focusing on experiences rather than things.
Lower Maintenance: Smaller homes typically mean less maintenance. This is a huge benefit for those looking to spend less time on chores and more time enjoying Austin’s vibrant culture.
Cost Efficiency: Moving to a smaller home in Austin can significantly reduce living expenses, including utilities, repairs, and taxes.

In addition to these benefits, downsizing often allows for relocation to more desirable neighborhoods that were previously out of budget.

Benefits of Smaller Homes

When considering Austin empty nesters homes, the advantages are numerous:

Increased Location Options: Opting for a smaller home can open up exciting possibilities in sought-after neighborhoods with amenities just a stone’s throw away.
Enhanced Lifestyle: Less square footage often means more streamlined daily living, allowing for a lifestyle centered around community engagements and hobbies.
Environmental Impact: Downsizing reduces your carbon footprint, aligning with eco-friendly values.

Choosing the Right Type of Property

When deciding on Austin real estate for empty nesters, consider the following:

Condos: Perfect for those looking for a lock-and-leave lifestyle. Condos for downsizing in Austin offer modern conveniences and facilities.
55+ Communities: These communities cater to seniors, offering social activities and a sense of community, making them ideal retirement homes in Austin TX.
Single-Story Homes: A popular choice for minimizing physical exertion.

Each property type has its perks, so assess personal preferences and needs carefully.

Popular Neighborhoods for Downsizing in Austin

Finding the best neighborhoods for downsizing in Austin involves considering community vibe, proximity to amenities, and lifestyle options. Some popular areas include:

Travis Heights: Known for its eclectic charm and close proximity to downtown.
Mueller: Offers a mix of condos and small homes amidst parks and ponds.
South Lamar: Vibrant and trendy, with plenty of dining and entertainment options.

Austin’s diversity in neighborhood offerings means there’s something for everyone.

Making the Transition Smooth

Moving to a smaller home in Austin requires planning and strategy. Use these downsizing tips for seniors to ease the transition:

Start Early: Begin the decluttering process well before the move. It’s less stressful and more satisfying when not rushed.
Hire Professionals: Consider hiring a moving consultant or real estate agent specialized in downsizing.
Embrace Technology: Use apps for organization and virtual tours to pre-visit homes and neighborhoods.

Conclusion

Downsizing benefits Austin residents in many ways, not just financially but emotionally and environmentally. Whether you’re transitioning to a smaller condo, considering retirement homes in Austin TX, or exploring 55+ communities Austin offers, the key is to align with your lifestyle and personal goals. Remember, this process marks the beginning of a new, exciting chapter. Happy downsizing!

Ready to make the move? Visit our real estate website for more tips and listings perfect for Austin empty nesters homes.

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Top Neighborhoods Near UT Austin for Student Living

by Yamila Gagliano | Sep 3, 2025 | News Feed

Top Neighborhoods Near UT Austin for Student Living

Finding the perfect place to live while attending the University of Texas at Austin can be both exciting and overwhelming. With convenience, affordability, and lifestyle considerations playing a major role, it’s crucial to choose wisely. Let’s explore some of the best neighborhoods near UT Austin that offer fantastic options for student living.

West Campus: The Heart of Student Housing

When it comes to UT Austin student housing, West Campus is often the first place on the minds of students. Located just a short walk from the university, this neighborhood is bustling with student activity. Many consider West Campus the prime choice for student living in Austin due to its striking proximity to campus and vibrant community atmosphere.

Proximity: West Campus is an ideal choice for those who love to sleep in and still make it to class on time. This area allows students to easily attend campus events, meet up with classmates, or make use of university resources.
Amenities: The neighborhood is replete with cafés, affordable eateries, and stores catering to student needs. From coffee shops ideal for study sessions to lively bars perfect for unwinding, West Campus has it all.
Safety: The area offers good security services and high student traffic, which contributes to making many students feel safe. Still, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings—especially at night.

Hyde Park: Charming and Affordable

About two miles north of campus, Hyde Park offers a different vibe. Known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and affordable housing UT Austin solutions, it’s a beloved neighborhood for those seeking a cozy, communal environment. This is especially ideal for students who enjoy a quieter setting while remaining within close reach of campus.

Affordability: Hyde Park student housing is generally well-priced, making it a top choice for budget-conscious students. Renting a room in a historic home can often be more budget-friendly compared to newer apartment complexes.
Lifestyle: It caters to those who appreciate the charm of vintage bungalows and the community feel of local businesses. Art galleries, bakeries, and the iconic Elisabet Ney Museum accentuate its character.
Transportation: Biking or catching a bus are convenient options for reaching campus quickly, adding to the neighborhood’s allure.

Riverside: A Budget-Friendly Option

If budget is your primary concern, Riverside could be the perfect destination. Known for its pocket-friendly student apartments Austin, Riverside lies southeast of the university, offering a mix of affordability and accessibility to downtown attractions.

Affordability: Known as a hub for affordable housing UT Austin, Riverside provides various apartment complexes designed for students seeking a financially feasible choice.
Lifestyle: The area provides an exciting urban-suburban blend, with parks along the riverside ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Commute: Although it’s further from campus compared to other neighborhoods, a robust public transportation network makes it relatively easy to attend classes.

North Loop: Bohemian Vibes and Community Spirit

For students looking for a neighborhood with personality, North Loop offers a bohemian vibe with its mix of boutiques, record stores, and unique eateries. While it may be a bit farther from campus, many find its character and slightly eccentric charm irresistible.

Amenities: North Loop provides a rich tapestry of dining choices, vintage finds, and eclectic stores lending it a laid-back, yet lively atmosphere.
Lifestyle: It’s a haven for creatives and those who appreciate a neighborhood where one can easily forge friendships due to its active community vibe.
Transportation: Using public transit or taking a bike ride are popular choices for the commute to UT Austin, and parking is generally easier to find.

Mueller: Modern and Sustainable Living

For something modern yet sustainable, Mueller is a trendy neighborhood ideal for those who value green spaces and modern amenities. Although slightly more expensive, its master-planned environment offers an appealing alternative.

Amenities: With its pristine parks, weekly farmer’s markets, and an abundance of shops, Mueller offers a balance between city living and relaxation.
Sustainability: Known for its eco-friendly design, this area includes features like solar panels and extensive recreational areas.
Lifestyle: It attracts students who appreciate modern design and a commitment to environmental consciousness, without sacrificing convenience.

Finding your ideal accommodation as a student near UT Austin doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Understanding the character of these vibrant Austin neighborhoods for students will help make your decision easier. As you adhere to budget and lifestyle needs, you’re bound to choose a community that suits your student life perfectly. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of West Campus or the bohemian spirit of North Loop, each of these neighborhoods offers something unique.

Conclusion

Now armed with insights into the best neighborhoods near UT Austin, you can make an informed choice that matches your lifestyle and budget requirements. As you embark on this journey, remember to prioritize proximity, community, and safety as deciding factors. Happy house hunting!

Hanna fights back against homebuyer commission suit

by Yamila Gagliano | Aug 7, 2024 | Industry, News Feed

Parent company of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services argues plaintiff agreed to a mediation clause and, as a buyer, doesn’t have standing to sue under federal and state antitrust laws.

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Hanna Holdings is fighting back against an antitrust lawsuit alleging it conspired with other members of the National Association of Realtors to inflate buyer agent commissions, leading to inflated home prices paid by buyers.

On Aug. 5, the parent company of the brokerage Howard Hanna Real Estate Services filed a motion to dismiss the suit, which is one of several commission suits brought by homebuyers. While nationwide settlements have been announced in major commission cases brought by homesellers, such as Sitzer | Burnett and Moehrl, none cover buyer claims.

The filing asked the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to either toss the case “with prejudice” (meaning permanently) or to transfer it to the Western District of Pennsylvania, where Howard Hanna is based.

“This is a case that should not have been brought, and if it had to be brought, it should not have been brought here,” the filing reads.

“The Complaint is nearly identical to amended complaints filed in another court by the same counsel, also on behalf of home buyers, bringing the same claims challenging National Association of Realtors (NAR) guidelines.”

Homebuyer Scott Davis filed the suit, which seeks class-action status, on May 31. Davis’s counsel, Korein Tillery and Lowey Dannenberg, also represent plaintiffs in three other buyer commission suits known as, Batton 1, Batton 2 and Lutz, after their lead plaintiffs. In March, the Batton 2 plaintiffs dismissed Howard Hanna from their suit without prejudice, meaning the claims could be filed at a later time.

Davis, a North Carolina resident, bought a home in Greensboro in 2022 using a buyer broker from Hanna Holdings subsidiary Allen Tate Real Estate. Hanna’s motion to dismiss argues that Davis’s agreement with Allen Tate included a mediation clause that states “[i]f a dispute arises out of or [is] related to this Agreement or the breach thereof . . .the parties agree first to try in good faith to settle the dispute by mediation before resorting to arbitration, litigation, or some other dispute resolution procedure.”

“Plaintiff failed to honor his contractual requirement to mediate before filing this lawsuit” and therefore the suit should be dismissed, the motion says.

The complaint alleges Hanna Holdings violated federal and state antitrust laws by participating “in the establishment, maintenance, and implementation” of several NAR rules alleged to be anti-competitive, including the trade group’s cooperative compensation rule, also known as the Participation Rule, which requires listing brokers to make an offer of compensation to buyer brokers in order to submit a listing to a Realtor-affiliated multiple listing service.

Hanna’s motion to dismiss contends that Davis doesn’t have the right to sue under those laws.

“Plaintiff lacks standing to bring nearly all of his state law claims because plaintiffs may only sue under the laws of states in which they reside or were injured,” the motion reads.

“Plaintiff sues under the laws of 35 states but resides and purchased his home in just one: North Carolina. All other state law claims must therefore be dismissed.

“Plaintiff also lacks antitrust standing to sue under the Sherman Act and many state laws — including North Carolina law — because, as the Batton court recognized, home buyers are not direct purchasers of the allegedly overpriced buyer-broker services.

“Accordingly, not only are home buyers barred from seeking damages under the Sherman Act and many state laws …, they also cannot obtain an injunction under the Sherman Act or damages under North Carolina’s antitrust statute (or its consumer protection statute) because home seller plaintiffs are more efficient enforcers of the antitrust laws …”

Attorneys for Hanna also argued that Davis “has not plausibly alleged either an agreement among Defendant and the purported coconspirators or a relevant antitrust market.” Davis’s complaint does not name any other defendants but does list several parties as co-conspirators of Hanna, including Anywhere (formerly Realogy), RE/MAX, Keller Williams, HomeServices of America, Compass, eXp World Holdings, Redfin, Weichert Realtors, United Real Estate Group, Douglas Elliman, NAR, local Realtor associations, Realtor-affiliated MLSs, and franchisees and brokers of Hanna Holdings.

A pretrial conference in the case is set for Aug. 20. A trial has not yet been scheduled.

Inman has reached out to the plaintiff’s attorney, Carol O’Keefe of Korein Tillery, for comment and will update this story if and when a response is received.

Read the motion to dismiss:

Email Andrea V. Brambila.

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To succeed in luxury real estate, know your audience

by Yamila Gagliano | Jul 30, 2024 | Industry, News Feed

Daniel McVicar, Eloy Carmenate and Victoria Levitam spoke at Inman Luxury Connect in Las Vegas on Tuesday in a panel titled “From City to City: Trends & Opportunities in Emerging Luxury Markets.”

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Want to succeed in the international real estate market? Know your audience.

That’s according to panelists at Inman’s Luxury Connect event in Las Vegas Tuesday, who spoke at a session called “From City to City: Trends & Opportunities in Emerging Luxury Markets.”

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“When a high-net-worth individual in our network is referred, this is a person that is referred with a lot of care and I respect that,” said Daniel McVicar, ambassador and global director for Santandrea Luxury Homes & Top Properties in Milan, Italy.

“In the luxury market, it’s essential that people are taken care of. You don’t want to lose a client because you referred them to the wrong person. You don’t want to lose a friend because you referred them to the wrong person. I consider them friends and family when I receive the referral.”

Eloy Carmenate, a broker associate at Corcoran in Miami, agreed.

“Your client is trusting you to connect to somebody who is important,” Carmenate said. “Network is everything. You have to know the right people.”

In order to do that, you have to become an expert on your clientele, according to Carmenate. He knows where his clients live, where they have second homes, where they travel, how many kids they have, how many times they’ve been married.

“We know a lot about them,” Carmenate said.

You also have to travel to the places you hear your clients talking about, he added.

“Typically, it’s Spain, France, Italy and the U.K.,” he said. “Athens is emerging and we’ve all heard about the phenomenon that’s going on in Portugal.”

You also build your network through the people your clients introduce you to, Carmenate said, noting he had met a recent client with a Swiss connection at an American wedding.

“You never know where the next one is going to come from,” he said.

Victoria Levitam, managing partner at The Agency in Panama City, Panama, knows what her clients want and is using that to sell them on buying in her “very special country.”

“Panama is not just a destination; it’s an incredible opportunity,” Levitam said. “It’s the Singapore of the Americas. Everything in real estate is about location, location, location. Panama is the heart of the world, the heart of the Americas. The connectivity is amazing.”

“We have one of the seven wonders of the world, which is the Panama Canal. It has for several decades been one of the best-kept secrets for local elites and top business leaders around the world where they have chosen Panama because of its capable business environment, logistics and connectivity and security as well.”

Carmenate jumped in. “I’m going to be using you for my referrals. She’s sold me on Panama. I’m going to be visiting there very soon.”

McVicar, who is also a television actor, drew a connection between performing for a broader audience to performing for a client.

“There’s a big crossover,” he said. “Really, you’re a public figure when you’re a real estate professional.”

He advised agents to be themselves, but a version of themselves they create.

“Create a character for yourself to be that character,” he said. “And of course, the secret to acting is listening.”

Asked about emerging markets, Carmenate named Singapore, Dubai and Milan, all of which have good weather, tax conditions and healthcare. He advised agents to stay informed.

“If you’re going to raise the bar with your own clientele, you have to know what you’re talking about,” he said.

“You have to know what’s going on in the world.”

Email Andrea V. Brambila.

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