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A Clear-Eyed Look at Housing, Rates, and Real Estate Returns Heading Into 2026
A data-driven analysis of the U.S. housing market, mortgage rates, and residential real estate investment performance based on National Association of REALTORS® economic research. by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer® Financial Planning Most #realestate investors feel like the market has gone quiet—maybe even stalled. Values seem flat, transactions feel slower, and confidence is mixed. But when you step back and look at the data professionals are using behin

Rich Arzaga
5 days ago4 min read


Zombie Malls: From Decline to Community Renaissance
NewPark Mall, Newark, CA conceptual rendering. By Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer ® Financial Planning When I first shared the initial article in this series on Zombie Malls, I didn’t anticipate it evolving into a miniseries. Yet here we are, exploring one of the most compelling examples of revitalizing a declining property type: transforming dead shopping malls into vibrant multifamily developments. This trend addresses a critical housing shortage and ad

Rich Arzaga
Feb 222 min read


Renting vs. Owning: Finding the Right Answer for You
by Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM , The Real Estate Whisperer ® Financial Planning Questions about buying a first home often spark concern, especially for Millennials and Gen Z. Charts like the above can amplify this uncertainty. The Good News There is a correct answer to the rent vs. own question for each household, and it lies in understanding your financial priorities, resources, cash flow, and long-term goals. As a financial planner, I’ve helped many navigate this decision by b

Rich Arzaga
Jan 202 min read


The Office Building Conundrum: Insights from a Notable Transaction
Recently sold at an approximately 80% discount from the previous sale: The Offices at Public Market Class-A Building, 6001 Shellmound St,...

Rich Arzaga
Jan 132 min read


Insights from NAR’s 2024 Real Estate Forecast Summit: A Financial Planner’s Perspective
Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM Last week, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) hosted its year-end Real Estate Forecast Summit, featuring...

Rich Arzaga
Dec 21, 20244 min read


Real estate investing and AI: Expanding the advisor and investor toolkit
By Rich Arzaga, CFP®, CCIM Generative AI is revolutionizing business, and investment real estate is no exception. For advisors and...

Rich Arzaga
Nov 28, 20244 min read


"What Rental Property Owners Need to Know About the Latest Legal and Legislative Changes"
Alleged Rent-Fixing of Apartments Nationwide Draws More Legal Scrutiny. Lawsuits contend that software company enables landlords to set...

Rich Arzaga
Apr 17, 20243 min read
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