Rob Howard- Realtor

06/20/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

* Homeowners took out equity at the highest first-quarter levels since 2021, according to a new report from Intercontinental Exchange. Home equity lines of credit and loans accounted for 54% of the borrowing and the remainder came from cash-out mortgage refinancing, the report shows.

* Book your Summer vacation now! Even when fuel does become cheaper, airlines may not reduce fares for a long time because they want to recover the money they spent and have figured out that travelers are willing to pay more for tickets anyway.

* Pessimism about the future is not limited to the less-rich: 86% of upper class or upper-middle class respondednts to a survey say they lack confidence that life for their children will be better than theirs has been......up from 64% in a 2019 survey and shows a level of pessimism that matches the views of less-fortunate groups. 65% in the most affluent classes say America’s political and economic systems are “stacked against people like me.” That’s a remarkable statement by the nation’s most privileged groups and a substantial rise from 29% who saw a rigged system in 2017. Do feelings defy facts? (WSJ)

* People with a net worth of $50 million or more generally live a decade longer than the average American....around 86 years old, mostly due to their access to outstanding healthcare. Many older, wealthy people have a concierge doctor/medical services. (NY MAGAZINE)

* Bed Bath & Beyond is acquiring Fathom Holdings, a technology-driven real estate services platform, in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $53.38 million....planned to be a core component of Bed Bath & Beyond's ambitious push into residential real estate services.

* The Baby Boomer generation and older are just 18% of the U.S. population, but control a staggering 34.1% of the housing stock value – 29.6 million homes and $13.8 trillion in total housing value... A TODD (Transfer on Death Deed) is a simple document that allows real property, such as homes and land, to transfer to designated beneficiaries upon the death of the property owner. They are simple and inexpensive to execute, only requiring a form to be completed, signed and recorded with the county where the property is located. Importantly, they allow property to avoid potentially long and costly probate and transfer quickly to heirs. About 30 States allow a version of this. (USA TODAY)

06/19/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

* Even Wine Country - known for expansive estates and acreage - is developing more dense, apartment-style housing options.....Matt Sevenau represents this spectacular project in the heart of California Wine Country

* SPORTS-flation? The NY Knicks were worth about $600 milion 20 years ago....today? Around $10 billion! The average ticket price in 2006 was around $70.....today it averages around $250-350! Average player salaries on the New York Knicks have nearly tripled, rising from about $5.5 million in the 2005-06 season to roughly $14 million in 2025-26.

*Want to see where people are migrating most? The biggest shift seems to be from cities to suburbs and exurbs.....PROMAP. (Homeeconomics.us)

* Art Galleries are experiencing some severe challenges: The art world expanded wildly, but the art market — the total dollar volume of art sales — did not. The Art Basel/UBS Art Market Report data for 2026 shows that, adjusted for inflation, the art market has stagnated. The 2025 numbers are on par with those from the 2009 recession and the 2020 pandemic periods. Over the last 20 years, contemporary art became part of pop culture. Flashy museums opened in cities around the world, attracting selfie-taking tourists. Art fairs like Art Basel Miami, became cultural events themselves, attracting celebrities and lots of media attention. The art-selling business itself didn’t keep up with the hype. More museums and biennials means more shows that galleries have to support. Participating in fairs has built in costs that don’t always pay off. There just aren’t enough collectors, especially new collectors, to make the math of this supersized art world add up. (NY TIMES)

Housing and the economy — writing, data tools, and consulting by Aziz Sunderji.

06/16/2026

Looking to Downsize or “Right-Size”? Explore this 55 and better community in Rydal/Jenkintown. Conveniently located minutes from the city, trains, turnpike, 309, and 611. A rare find in the area, as most newer communities are farther out. Now opening, don’t miss this opportunity! Want more information? I’d be honored to assist and share.

0 Regency Blvd, Unit RULAND, Jenkintown, PA 19046 is a townhouse listed for sale at $728,995. This is a 3-bed, 3-bath, 2,371 sqft property.

06/10/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

* Children raised in homeowner households are 18.4 percentage points more likely to become homeowners by age 35. Buying your first home by age 30 is associated with a 22.5% (or $119,000) higher net worth by age 50. Among children born to parents in the top 5% of the housing distribution, more than 50% end up in the top 20% themselves, and 25% end up in the top 5%. In the past quarter century, home prices have roughly tripled in the Los Angeles metro and in Miami, and are up about 273% in San Diego, 251% in Phoenix, 246% in Seattle, and 201% in New York City. The areas with the highest incomes and density have fared best as passing along generational wealth (mostly in owned homes) accelerates with $124 TRILLION flowing over the next two decades....that's over $6 trillion per year, more than the COVID-era stimulus! (NY POST +)

* Existing US home sales were 3.2% higher in May than the year before. The median price of an existing home sold in May was $429,300, a 1.3% increase. Inventory in May rose 3.3%, month to month, to 1.55 million units for sale. (CNBC)

* Are drones the most deflationary invention of all? Do you remember how much we used to pay to have an aerial video shot of a home taken from a helicopter? In the military arena, a $4 million Patriot missiles, that take years to build are being used to shoot down $35,000 drones that can be manufactured in months.

* Global wine consumption fell 2.7% to 208 million hectoliters, marking the 4th consecutive year of decline and reaching volumes not seen since 1961.....it dropped more than 4% in the US. Wine estates that traditionally only relied on grape/wine production are now branching out into other areas to generate income including accommodations for vacations, camping, other fruit and vegetable production, event spaces, etc. Wine is also experiencing a K-shaped economy with the best wines selling for a premium, while lower priced wines are selling for less......due to over-supply.

06/06/2026

Upper Dublin , Experience luxury living simplified. Free Finished Basement until 6/21 !!!! Impressive floor plans and a reputable builder. https://cmps.re/bXYdJr9 Want to learn more or know someone looking ? Let’s connect. I’m ready. https://cmps.re/bXYdJr9

3 listings were shared with you

06/02/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

* The highest rates of air conditioning ownership are concentrated across the South and parts of the Midwest. Delaware, Florida, and Oklahoma all report AC in 99.5% of homes, while Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, and Nebraska all exceed 99%.

* The biggest threat to a family’s wealth isn’t a market crash—it’s conversations that haven’t happened with the next generation. (BanyanGlobal)

* Residential housing is a "natural anchor" for real estate portfolios, favoring it for its stable income, consistent demand, and lower volatility. However, they urge selectivity, warning of high affordability hurdles globally and varying bubble risks across major international markets. (UBS)

* Silicon Valley OVER-ASK update: Mark Wong of COMPASS Silicon Valley reports that May closing numbers showed at least 41 properties sold for $200,000 or more above list price, including 18 homes that commanded premiums of $400,000 or higher. Even more impressive, 7 properties closed for more than $700,000 above asking. One standout home in Palo Alto attracted 20 offers and ultimately sold for an astounding $1,405,000 over its list price. (COMPASSintelligence)

* What is ARCHVIZ? Architectural Visualization. One of the most visible changes is how architectural projects begin. Clients increasingly arrive with AI-generated visuals, prompting architects and designers to start from already pre-formed concepts. This shift demands a more flexible workflow that can quickly translate a client’s expectation into a professional design. Advances in rendering technology have removed traditional waiting times. With real-time rendering, professionals can explore complex scenes instantly while maintaining photorealistic quality. Renderings used to take MONTHS! (Architect Magazine)

* The U.S. Supreme Court narrowed the scope of federal environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in its 8-0 landmark ruling, Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, reversing a lower court decision that had blocked an 88-mile railroad line in Utah. The ruling establishes major limits on the breadth of federal environmental impact statements (EIS) and alters how courts review agency actions. This ruling could help speed up housing development. (Bloomberg)

* More than 75% of young renters surveyed still think they someday will own a home. (John Burns Research & Consulting)

05/29/2026

sitting on the sidelines waiting for 5% rates? That math just got harder.

Fannie Mae just raised its rate forecast. The 30-year fixed is now projected to hold in the low-to-mid 6% range through 2026 and into 2027. The drop everyone's been waiting for keeps getting pushed further out.

Here's what most buyers don't know:

The historical average for the 30-year fixed is around 7.7% going back to 1971. Today's rates sit below that. Waiting for a number that may never come back means paying more for the same house while prices keep climbing.

The good news is there are ways to soften the rate right now:

- Temporary buydowns (2-1, 3-2-1) to ease them into the payment

- Permanent buydowns to lock a lower rate for the life of the loan

- ARMs for buyers planning to move or refi in a few years

05/29/2026

Discover why this floor plan is exceptionally popular, offering ease of living, functionality, and spaciousness. The dining area is thoughtfully positioned, and the living area provides ample space between the kitchen and couch. With a full basement and large bedrooms, the 'Faraday' plan is one of the most livable and functional townhomes in the area.

You can build this plan in
Horsham ( only 2 left !! So let’s hurry ) from mid 600s
Or
Maple Glen / Ambler Grand opening. Amazing location!! Priced from Low 700s!

Let’s go see them today and don’t miss out if Horsham appeals to you , and receive some amazing grand opening incentives in Upper Dublin as well !!

Click link to do a virtual walkthrough..

05/27/2026

Only 3 left and look at this AMAZING VALUE! Yes , I know everything has gotten so expensive but what you’re getting here is a win in many categories!

*First Floor Owners Suite ( and not having to pay for Adult community )
*$50,000 discount on the price
*settlement in November or December of this year ( giving you plenty of time to prep an existing home if need to sell , or peace of mind to relax this summer knowing you already have a great home )
* over 2400 square feet! Becoming increasingly rare for newer townhomes at this price point
*2-Story Great Room!
*loft are upstairs
*2 Additional Flex Rooms on top of 2 Bedrooms on second floor, providing amazing versatile living and space that most want if living in a townhome!
*CAN STILL SELECT YOUR OWN FINISHES ( FLOORING, TILE, CARPET , APPLIANCES !! )
*2 Car Garage
*Rear Deck included
*Full Basement
* Low HOA of $190.00!
*walking trails connecting to existing park
*community is all sold , so end of Construction!
*Montgomery County!

Time is Ticking! Come see why this is a Stamped with my Approval Value in the market place!
If looking to downsize this is a great opportunity , and want space to entertain, kids , grandkids, family and friends! Without the high HOA or 55 and over communities at same price or higher for way less space and functionality!

603 America Dr, Horsham, PA 19044 is a townhouse listed for sale at $710,430. This is a 3-bed, 3-bath, 2,465 sqft property.

05/27/2026

Come this weekend to check out my latest listing in Briarcliffe!! Perfect for First Time Homebuyer, Investor or hell, anybody!

1139 Tremont Dr, Glenolden, PA 19036 is a townhouse that will be listed for sale at $250,000. This is a 3-bed, 2-bath, 1,152 sqft property.