High housing turnover and sluggish government revenue during the pandemic is leading to spikes in property tax bills. California property owners who stay put are protected by Prop 13. But what about first-time homebuyers trying to make a purchase pencil out? Realtor.com has some suggestions.
In case you missed it: Last week, the U.S. Census Bureau released detailed results from its 2020 survey, and there were some interesting insights from the numbers. The total U.S. population stands at 331 million, with cities getting denser and rural areas becoming less and less populated.
More Americans identify as multiracial; the Black population grew over 5%; Asian and Hispanic communities grew by 35% and 23%, respectively; and the total white population shrank for the first time in the history of the Census.
But concerns persist that racial and ethnic populations were undercounted, primarily due to immigrants fearful of filling out the form despite the removal of the citizenship question. Nevertheless, America is more diverse than ever before, and that’s a reason to celebrate! Learn more from the AP.
You don’t have to take our word for it. Housing demand and short supply is making this a sellers’ market, and bidding wars are becoming more common. Think you’ve had a rough time? NPR has the story of a couple who bid on 40 homes — with nothing to show for it.
A quick walk around the neighborhood will tell you what industry studies are starting to show: home renovations are on the rise as the Bay Area emerges from pandemic restrictions. Get the full scoop from Palo Alto Weekly.
As we face an increasingly serious climate emergency, the need for sustainability has never been greater. That’s why modern architects are exploring new ways to design buildings for the future. Take a tour of one of the world’s first 3-D printed homes in Architectural Digest.
