In Merrily We Roll Along, placing the orchestra above the stage brings the source of the music into full view. FinCEN’s Real Estate Reporting Rule, which recently was vacated by a Florida federal court, had a goal of moving hidden participants in real estate transactions into view when property is acquired through an entity or trust in a transfer not financed with using a traditional mortgage. The orchestra in Merrily voluntarily placed itself in full view, but FinCEN didn’t make reporting optional – it forced parties with legitimate reasons for establishing limited liability companies and trusts to report their ownership. Since the Florida decision likely will be appealed, parties that use entities to require real estate in transactions not financed by traditional mortgages should be aware that privacy is not guaranteed in the future.
Read MoreMeasuring the success of a rent control program can be elusive and data can be misleading. Complaint-driven data reveals only the effect on on tenants who choose to file complaints. The data doesn’t reveal whether other tenants didn't file complaints because they weren’t aware of the program or because they believed they were treated fairly. Rent control data frequently doesn't consider the cost of administering the program as compared to other options, such as rent subsidies. And most rent control data doesn't evaluate the indirect economic impacts rent control has on the quality and quantity of housing supply.
Read MoreEffective December 1, 2025, FinCEN is expanding anti-money laundering reporting beyond a few “high-risk” markets to all entities purchasing residential real estate without financing from a bank or certain institutional mortgage lenders.
Read MoreAlthough there is initial confusion regarding what the NAR settlement requires, in time, the setlement should increase transparency in buyer broker commissions and provide brokers an opportunity to build more trust with their clients.
Read MoreMaryland laws incentivize electric vehicle ownership and installation of EV charging stations. However, HOAs, condominium boards, and real estate developers should be aware of requirements relating to EV charging stations.
Read MoreWith increases in pet ownership, pet fees and restrictions have become more important. Landlords must balance their need to protect their property from damage and disruption caused by pets with the need to welcome responsible pet parents into their communities.
Read MoreGovernment rent control disrupts the real estate cycle and can create undesired results for tenants, landlords, and even the government.
Read MoreHUD alleges Rocket Matter and its appraiser violated the Fair Housing Act by comparing a Black loan applicant's home to those in a predominantly Black neighborhood when nearer homes were more similar to the applicant's.
Read MoreAfter the NAR settlement, unbundled services and negotiated commissions could benefit sellers of higher-priced homes more than buyers and sellers of low-priced homes.
Read MoreMortgage discrimination through redlining was outlawed more than 50 years ago. Yet, recent Department of Justice cases indicate some mortgage lenders continue to engage in systemic redlining.
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