Investors Continue to Bet on Commercial Real Estate
A year after the start of the pandemic, high-rise office buildings are near vacant, one of every two hotel rooms is unoccupied, and malls continue to struggle. However, by most measures, the U.S. commercial real-estate market is in solid shape. Prices are already rising again, and the number of foreclosures barely increased. The federal government’s efforts to support the economy protected landlords from steep losses. The support won’t last indefinitely, and investors may be in for a rude awakening when it begins to wane.
Virtual Evictions Threaten Constitutional Rights
Across the country, eviction hearings have moved to the computer because public officials don’t want to risk exposure to sick tenants arriving for court appointments. Lawyers have seen virtual eviction hearings that take as little as 30 seconds. Tenants often don’t have access to computers and have to dial into the hearings with their phones. Many courts only accept documentation online, and tenants who try to submit their records in-person are turned away. Many argue that tenants’ due process rights are violated by the technological and financial barriers of the eviction proceedings.
Metro Detroit’s Real Estate Market Surges Until Fall
Metro Detroit’s current real estate market surge will most likely continue into the fall. Homes continue to sell within a few days, frustrating potential buyers who can’t even schedule a showing. Farmington Hills-based Realcomp recorded the highest median sale price for the month of March in 18 years at $210,000. In the past, buyers desired turn-key ready properties, but in the current market, they’re considering homes that need work or could even be demolished and rebuilt because of low inventory. This trend is being seen nationally, too.
The Platform Buys Out HFZ
/in Detroit /by Tracy WillisPeter Cummings’ Detroit-based development firm, The Platform LLC, along with New York city-based Rheal Capital Managment LLC, has bought out the majority ownership interests of the HFZ Capital group of the 28 story high-rise on West Grand Boulevard in Detroit’s New Center area. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. According to Cummings, they plan to work on the building’s facade, as well as electrical, elevators, doors and upgrades to the parking garage. There were many local and out-of-state buyers who made serious offers, but Cummings was concerned about stewardship of the property, as well a capital. Instead, they ended up taking out HFZ, a move which allows for more flexibility as they move forward with the property.
Inflation Impacts Property Taxes With Highest Increase Since 2007
/in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Northern Michigan, SE Michigan, Western Michigan /by Tracy WillisMichigan homeowners can expect to see bigger than normal increases in their summer property tax bills. Thanks to this year’s inflation, many need to prepare for even bigger hikes next year. The inflation rate adjustment for this year’s property taxes is 3.3%, the highest it has been in 15 years. The rate is the maximum increase in taxable value that can apply this year to Michigan homes that haven’t changed ownership or seen additions to the property. The multiplier hasn’t been over 3% since 2007. Inflation’s impact on food and gas prices are obvious to consumers, but its impact on property taxes can be unexpected and somewhat hidden.
Rising Mortgage Rates Cool Detroit’s Housing Market
/in Detroit, SE Michigan /by Tracy WillisRising mortgage rats have calmed metro Detroit’s housing market this summer. Inventory continues to be tight and is inhibiting a more “normal” market. According to agents, many sellers are still getting multiple offers and selling above asking price, buyers have a bit more leverage can sometimes knock a listing’s price down a bit. There has been a slight increase in the number of listings, but the number is still lower than what is needed. Bidding wars still occur, but are happening at somewhat lower prices than before. Increasing mortgage rates are impacting buyer’s budgets. Last year, a 30-year, fixed mortgage was 2.9%. Last week the average was 5.7%. That adds more than $300 to monthly mortgage payments.