We’ve been going around state by state and analyzing what the most expensive ZIP codes are in each one. Analyzing financial characteristics, like how expensive homes are — as well as the home value appreciation rate — by ZIP code can lift the veil on previously concealed developments. ZIP codes are useful in this regard because of their unique geographical scope. Often, a ZIP code will encompass an entire town or city. Other times, just as commonly, ZIP codes are much smaller, just a portion of a city, or sometimes, a tiny tract of houses. In this way, you can…

Recently, we’ve been analyzing ZIP codes in terms of their home values, and going state by state identifying the most expensive ones. In a past study of the most expensive ZIP codes, we took a good look at Pennsylvania. We’re heading west, intending to do a grand sweep through the Old Midwest and Great Lakes states. This time around the focus is on Michigan, a state — like many others these days — with great inequalities of wealth. There are places that have traditionally been expensive, like Grosse Pointe, but also some up-and-comers. So, read on to find out the…

Stakeholders in the housing industry watched the election with a mix of anxiety, caution, and a bit of self vindication as housing was passionately discussed in the presidential campaigns, delivering promises to alleviate some of the industry’s biggest challenges. Now, after the election, the anxiety heightens as there is a watch and wait to see what becomes of the promises. Several experts weigh in on the topics that are in the balance. Immigration The home building and home improvement industries depend on migrant labor, with some estimates stating that more than 30% of construction workers are immigrants. “If Trump tries…

With its exquisite mix of modern and meticulously maintained historic architecture, rich culture and enviable lifestyle, Madrid is quietly becoming a magnet for high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families and expats. This year, the city ranked among the top five relocation destinations for HNW families, surpassing post-Brexit London in desirability. “Madrid is moving,” says Carolina Martínez-Caro, a wealth management expert specializing in family offices. “Before, everyone was enamored with Barcelona, but the focus has shifted. Everyone wants a piece of Madrid.” Many of these newcomers hail from South America, drawn by the shared language and an easier pace of life.…

The weather has turned cold in many regions of the country and homeowners are looking at projects to improve their indoor spaces this season. The online home improvement platform Thumbtack, which refers consumers to pros for home maintenance, repairs and upgrades, compiled a list of top 10 indoor trending projects leading into winter. Six of them have the potential to improve the health and safety potential of your living space. 1. Railing Installation or Remodel This trend is up 60% year over year, the report shows. While it can indicate merely a desire for updated style, new railings can add…

Smart Spending Tips’s personal finance weekly news roundup for June 24, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. Home sales and prices down over the past year Mortgage rates drift downward Home builders are regaining confidence Business formations hold steady in May 2023 FDIC cautions institutions about misrepresenting deposit insurance Job openings continue to grow in some states Mortgage applications level off Southern states struggle with access to credit and banking 1. Home sales and prices down over the past year Existing home sales showed a slight gain of 0.2% in May.…

In today’s climate-conscious investment landscape, the commercial real estate sector is more dedicated than ever to adopting sustainable practices. Leading companies have made sustainability and energy efficiency key parts of their identity, which not only drives their purpose but also adds substantial value through advanced energy management and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Forward-thinking CRE firms are not only integrating sustainability and resilience into their operational ethos but are also pioneering innovations that ensure the longevity and resilience of their property portfolios. With the climate becoming more unpredictable, real estate assets demand strategic foresight to maintain value and functionality.…

Smart Spending Tips’s personal finance weekly news roundup July 1, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. Fed Chair signals end is near for rate hikes Study finds credit card rewards hurt low-credit score customers GDP receives an unusually large boost Credit card delinquency rates pause after a big rise Less wealthy consumers used stimulus to pay down debt Mortgage processor fined for $2 billion in unauthorized charges Consumer confidence rebounded in June Mortgage performance improved Home price recovery continues Young adults still financially dependent on parents 1. Fed Chair signals end…

Smart Spending Tips’s personal finance weekly news roundup for July 8, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. Job growth slows Supreme Court disallows student loan forgiveness Mastercard launches subscription management service Oil prices continue to slump Key inflation indicator muted in May Stress test shows bank resiliency Manufacturing weakness continues Yield curve signals likely recession Mortgage rates hit 2023 high 1. Job growth slows The US economy added 209,000 jobs in June. That marked a slower pace of employment growth than May’s 306,000. Along with weaker job growth, there were other…

Smart Spending Tips’s personal finance weekly news roundup July 15, 2023. Stories, news, politics and events impacting the personal finance sector during the last week. Inflation takes important steps towards normalcy Producer prices continue to level off Banks scramble to recategorize uninsured deposits New analysis highlights severity of US government debt Consumer borrowing slows but gets more expensive Mortgage rates rise again Consumer expectations mixed Bank of America charged $250 million for wrongdoing 1. Inflation takes important steps towards normalcy The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index rose 0.2% in June. This is a moderate monthly…