Dina ElBoghdady and Dan Keating report on the state of the real estate market as it concerns the wealthiest Americans—times are good if you are wealthy and looking to borrow money to buy a home.
"For the first time in recent memory, lenders are offering well-heeled buyers large 'jumbo' mortgages at the same — or even better — interest rates as smaller loans," report Dina ElBoghdady and Dan Keating.
"The number of homes sold for $1 million or more climbed 8 percent this year while those at every other price point combined fell 4 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors." In fact, at the highest levels of the market, it might seem like the housing crash never even happened: "[The share of homes selling for $1 million or more] now hovers at a level last seen near the housing boom’s peak in 2007, according to research firm CoreLogic."
FULL STORY: Rich people are splurging on million-dollar homes again. Here’s why.
Racial Bias Still Rampant in the Mortgage Industry
New research that controls for financial factors the industry said would explain disparities shows that race still plays a major role in loan decisions.
Foreclosures Near 20-Year Low
Some areas of the country are experiencing stress in the housing market, according to the new CoreLogic "Loan Performance Insights" report, but overall it's a long-time since homeowners have been so stable.
A Case Against Homeownership
Against all odds, both political parties agree on at least one thing: the merits of homeownership. But is buying a home really such a great investment, even for the well-off?
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions