Month: August 2026

A New Jersey investor pleaded guilty in federal court over mortgage fraud and COVID relief loan schemes

Toms River Investor Pleads Guilty in Brooklyn Mortgage Fraud and More Than $1.8 Million in COVID Relief Loan Schemes, Prosecutors Say

 Joshua Adkins  August 23, 2026

Arthur Spitzer admitted to bank and wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering and restitution tied to the Brooklyn properties and SBA loans.

Grant Cardone speaking on a phone screen about a $5,000 house hacking strategy

Grant Cardone Describes a $5,000 House Hacking Plan for a Four Unit Property That Could Cover Housing Costs for a Year and Build Equity Through Rents and Appreciation

 Joshua Adkins  August 23, 2026

The real estate investor outlined a low-down-payment multifamily strategy, but the math depends on financing, occupancy and local market conditions.

A group of cats roaming near a suburban street in Dix Hills, New York

Dozens of Cats Roam a Dix Hills Block After an Eviction, as Neighbors and Huntington Officials Disagree Over Whether They Should Be Treated as Feral

 Joshua Adkins  August 23, 2026

Residents say 20 to 30 cats have been appearing on Cascade Court for about three weeks, and some households are feeding them while agencies decide what happens next.

Calculator and house keys beside a model home representing mortgage costs on a median-priced house

As Freddie Mac’s 30-Year Mortgage Rate Slips to 6.65%, Realtor.com Says a Median $430,000 Home Still Demands More Than $2,200 a Month With 20% Down

 Joshua Adkins  August 22, 2026

The weekly decline trims payments a bit, but buyers still face higher costs than a year ago on the U.S. median-priced home.

A row of newly built suburban homes with for-sale signs and construction crews nearby

K. Hovnanian Is Spending $58,000 per Home in Incentives as Big Builders Keep Discounts Elevated and Sales Pressure Eases Slightly in a Softer Market

 Joshua Adkins  August 22, 2026

Public builders are still leaning on discounts and mortgage help, but the sharpest jump in incentives appears to have leveled off.

Habitat for Humanity workers and community members at the Pope Leo Village launch in Milwaukee

Habitat for Humanity’s Pope Leo Village Adds Seven Affordable Homes in Milwaukee’s Harambee Neighborhood as National Project Spreads to 21 Cities

 Joshua Adkins  August 22, 2026

The initiative ties Milwaukee construction to a nationwide push for 250 homes and comes amid the city’s Year of Housing focus.

Residents and city workers respond at North Lawn Apartments during emergency repair relocation

Kansas City’s North Lawn Apartments Residents Were Abruptly Relocated as City Orders Emergency Repairs After Inspections Found Serious Hazards and Electrical Problems

 Joshua Adkins  August 22, 2026

The city says temporary housing help is being coordinated as crews work on repairs that officials say cannot be safely done with residents inside.

A house for sale sign outside a suburban home eligible buyers may finance with a USDA loan

How USDA Loans Can Ease Down Payment Pressure for U.S. Buyers in Rural and Suburban Areas as Mortgage Rates Hover Above 6.70 Percent

 Joshua Adkins  August 22, 2026

USDA-backed mortgages can offer no down payment and lower rates for eligible buyers, but the homes and incomes that qualify are limited.

A house model beside a calculator and mortgage rate chart

National Mortgage Rates Hold Near One-Year Highs as Zillow Shows the 30-Year Fixed at 6.50% and the 15-Year Loan Rises to 6.00% on Friday

 Joshua Adkins  August 22, 2026

Zillow’s latest national averages showed only modest movement, with bond-market volatility keeping borrowing costs elevated for homebuyers and homeowners looking to refinance.