A co-hosted event with the Beverly Hills Bar Association (BHBA), the Across Borders Alliance of Lawyers (ABAL) Conference 2026 will take place at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica on June 27, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and convene legal professionals from India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, the U.K., and the U.S.
article continues after advertisement
“We are so excited to bring this amazing group of esteemed judges, lawyers, solicitors, and barristers, from around the world to Los Angeles,” said Provinziano, who is president elect of the BHBA and is co-hosting the event with Aina Khan, O.B.E., a world-renowned family law specialist and founder of the ABAL. “Because Los Angeles is a gateway to the world, and our family law matters are increasingly international in scope, I look forward to learning from the best in this field.”
The day-long event features a series of panels and speakers addressing complex international legal challenges, including:
• Strategies for the rapid resolution of international child abduction cases
• Tracing assets across borders in high-net-worth divorces
• Navigating the intersection of culture and religion within foreign legal systems
• Managing cross-border disputes involving Iran amidst the current conflict
Provinziano is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, a worldwide association of specialists, and the founder of the Los Angeles-based firm Provinziano & Associates.
“Families are increasingly international, which means family disputes are too,” Provinziano added. “It’s no longer enough for a lawyer to just know how to handle their own country’s laws; they must also be prepared to work across borders.”
The full conference agenda, including a list of speakers and session topics, is avaialable here.
About Provinziano & Associates Provinziano & Associates is a Los Angeles-based law firm specializing in high-net-worth divorces, family law, domestic violence cases, restraining orders, child custody disputes, child support, grandparents’ rights, and prenuptial agreements. Serving both Los Angeles and Orange County, its legal team has extensive experience in the complex area court system, helping to ensure the best outcome for clients facing one of the most challenging times in their lives. Founder Alphonse Provinziano and his team of attorneys are highly sought after for their expertise in managing high-stakes divorces and their thorough understanding of complex financial issues. To learn more, visit: https://provinziano.com.
https://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/family-law.jpg4001000dulcehttp://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.pngdulce2026-06-26 06:20:402026-06-26 06:20:46Veteran California Attorney Alphonse Provinziano Co-Hosts First L.A. Conference on International Family Law
As we cross into the peak summer buying season, the mainstream media is working overtime to capture your attention with sensational, anxiety-inducing economic headlines. But when you drill past the clickbait and look at what is actually happening under the hood, the data tells a much more stable—and encouraging—story for everyday home buyers.
Fruits of preparation & Smart Buying – Call us. Call now. Let’s separate the noise from the facts.
1. The Economy: Is AI Actually Carrying the U.S.?
The media wants you to believe artificial intelligence is single-handedly fueling the American economic engine. The truth? Very little of Q1’s revised 1.6% GDP growth (down from the initial 2% estimate) came from AI.
While big tech companies spent massively on data centers in the first quarter, much of that high-end equipment and chip inventory is imported. Because imports are subtracted from GDP, the surge of investment in AI was largely a wash—canceled out by the influx of imported AI equipment. The economy is doing okay, but it isn’t relying on AI alone. Furthermore, that spending spree is hitting a cost wall: electronic component prices have soared 19.1% year-over-year, communications gear is up 13.2%, and computer prices rose 8.2%. The tech sector is learning that the physical hardware behind the cloud is becoming incredibly expensive to sustain. Don’t let market speculators cause uncertainty—stay focused, stay grounded, and stay better prepared.
2. Inflation: “Soaring” or Steady?
The Headline:“War and tariffs fuel resurgent inflation, sending Fed’s preferred gauge soaring!”
The Reality: The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index—the Fed’s actual preferred gauge—came in lighter than expectations at 3.8% headline and 3.5% core year-over-year. Outside of shelter costs taking a brief, artificial two-month data hit (due to no report the previous month), these readings are remarkably calm. Calling a couple of tenths of a percent shift “soaring” is pure hyperbole.
Meanwhile, demand is cooling in sections of the real world: durable goods orders disappointed with a 1.1% drop, and the personal savings rate is taking it on the chin as families use savings and tax refunds to offset the stubborn, daily hammer of fuel prices.
3. Interest Rates & The Fed: A Clearer Lens on Inflation
With recent minor inflation upticks, some talking heads are warning of imminent rate hikes. To echo noted economist Elliot Eisenberg: “Talk of Fed rate hikes is insane. Home prices and rents—which make up over 33% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI)—are cooling. Wage growth continues to soften, and tariff-driven distortions will work through the system by winter.”
Furthermore, shifting perspectives at the central bank are bringing a more balanced lens to the real economy: the Dallas Fed’s Trimmed Mean PCE.
While official Core PCE currently stands at 3.3%, the Dallas Fed’s Trimmed Mean measure is running much closer to the target at 2.3%. By throwing out the most extreme monthly outliers—removing the highest 31% of price increases and the lowest 24% of price declines—this calculation filters out temporary distortions caused by factors like geopolitical energy shocks or investment spending surges. This provides a much clearer view of underlying, persistent inflation trends. Focusing on this trimmed mean measure strengthens a mathematically sound case for interest rate cuts once temporary global disruptions fade.
article continues after advertisement
4. The Labor Market: A Housing Win-Win
While earlier indicators hinted at extreme softening, the latest data shows a steadier underlying momentum. The private sector ADP report for May showed an increase of 122,000 jobs, signaling broad-based, healthy momentum across sectors. The headline Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) nonfarm payroll report delivered a major surprise, coming in at +172,000 jobs—shattering the market estimate of 85,000. More importantly, the previous two months’ data were revised upward by a combined 100,000 jobs. The unemployment rate held flat at 4.3% with an incremental decline, while underemployment (U-6) eased a tenth of a point as well.
How many jobs does the U.S. economy actually need to create each year right now? With a sub-replacement fertility rate and shifting net immigration baselines, macro analyst Jim Bianco postulates the answer may be closer to zero, with current U.S. expansion heavily driven by productivity (roughly 92% of growth) rather than raw headcount growth (8%).
Here is the win-win for housing: If job growth stays robust and continues to beat estimates, consumer purchasing power remains high. If headcount numbers stall while productivity takes the wheel, corporate strength remains insulated and the economy avoids a hard landing. Either way, housing demand has a rock-solid floor.
5. Consumer Debt: The Household Clean-Up
Consumers are actively adjusting their habits to manage high interest rates. Federal Reserve data reveals that credit card debt saw a pullback in the first quarter, meaning families are relying a bit less on cards to pay for daily life. Instead, they are aggressively focusing on paying down balances with sky-high APRs, which averaged a lofty 21.5% in the first quarter and are poised to stay there for a while.
Meanwhile, debt categories like mortgages, auto loans, and home equity lines of credit moved higher. While credit card and auto delinquency rates remain elevated, they flattened out in the first quarter of this year. The one outlier bearing close watch? Student loan delinquencies, which saw a sizable jump up to 10.3%.
– Loan Spotlight: The “Wealth Builder” First-Lien HELOC
To match these changing dynamics, we are highlighting a powerful financial tool designed for buyers and homeowners looking for maximum cash-flow efficiency.
Our Wealth Builder program is a specialized standalone first mortgage structured as an all-in-one Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). It completely replaces your traditional 30-year fixed loan and functions as your new financial operating system:
• Your Mortgage IS Your Bank Account: When you open this loan, you get a new, fully integrated checking account through the lender. Your direct deposits, paychecks, and income flow straight into this new account. • The Power of the Nightly Sweep: Every single night, the idle money sitting in your checking account is automatically “swept” onto your mortgage balance. Because mortgage interest accrues daily, this nightly drop in principal immediately reduces the daily interest you owe. • Make Idle Income Work: We rarely spend our money the exact day it hits our account. Why let it sit idle in a standard bank earning zero when it can actively drive down your debt? When you need to pay bills, write checks, or make purchases, you do it directly out of this account against your line of credit. This is ideal for disciplined savers, self-employed business owners with variable cash flow, or anyone whose income sits idle in a checking account for weeks at a time before bills are paid. • Streamlined & Fast: Because this program sits outside traditional rigid compliance tracks, it features a simplified fee sheet and no mandatory waiting periods to close. • High Capacity: Available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties with loan limits scaling up to $3,500,000.
Need a unique, interesting loan program? Always check with us. If you find yourself in need of special financing, have a friend who doesn’t quite fit into the conventional box, or hold crypto and want lenders willing to consider its value—Call today.
article continues after advertisement
The Silver Lining for Residential Real Estate
Despite the broader economic crosscurrents, the structural reality of housing hasn’t changed: we remain fundamentally under-built on housing units. The major surprise of the month comes from Cotality’s Home Price Insights report. National home values rose 0.4% in April, putting them up 0.3% year-over-year. While the year-to-date pace points to a modest 2.4% for the full year, Cotality is explicitly bullish that things will pick up. They are forecasting a 0.9% jump for May and have upgraded their year-ahead appreciation projections to 5.3% (up from 5.1% in their previous report).
Underneath that national average, look at how beautifully stable the market is performing:
• Flat & Predictable Pricing: The Single-Family Residence (SFR) median listing price has trended wonderfully flat since the third week of January, while median days on the market has actually ticked slightly lower in that same timeframe. • The Inventory Deficit: Inventory levels remain extremely tight, with 35 states showing lower housing inventory than pre-pandemic levels. • The Migration Paradox: Interestingly, the states seeing the highest percentages of inventory growth compared to pre-COVID baselines are the exact states experiencing the highest rates of positive in-migration. Before you buy, let’s drill down into your local markets to see how they compare to the general trend. We can help.
Market Metric
Current Status
Real-World Takeaway
Q1 GDP (2nd Look)
Revised down to 1.6%
Softening caused by tech import drags and high mid-March oil prices.
Strips out wild outliers; signals core inflation is near target.
Avg. Credit Card APR
Lofty 21.5%
Highlights why consumers are rapidly paying down high-interest cards.
What This Means For You — The Bottom Line
Each of us is on a unique path to homeownership. Note this key to success: early work secures a better range of options and control of timing when it comes to buying and financing a new home. Make this month your month to prepare. We can show you how to buy now and still enjoy future rate cuts.
What makes Mike Ryan special is in what we do. Our work begins and ends with you. We meet each person where they are, offering effective guidance leading to solid, stable, and actionable options. “Preparation and Patience” wins.
Call now for our first conversation. Let’s bring together financing options customized specifically for you. We look forward to meeting with you, whether on the phone or face-to-face, to talk through your thoughts and solutions with absolutely no surprises.
Find a financial professional who cares about you as their first priority. Call today or click below to schedule your consultation directly.
Click Here to Book Your Private Strategy Call Explore more financial strategies for this market: • How do the qualifying credit guidelines (like minimum FICO or housing history) for the Wealth Builder HELOC compare to a standard conventional loan?
Be well, be safe, and enjoy your family and friends. Mike RyanResidential & Commercial Lending Strategist Connect with me at:
DRE License # 01090891 NMLS # 295351 408-986-1798 Ph / Voice mail 408-462-1798 Txt / Voice mail Mortgage Broker.. for YOUR Life
P.S. In reading this, who comes to mind in need of trusted, valid information about money and finance? Help us help them. They will be glad you did and thank you.
Michael Ryan Michael Ryan & Associates 4880 Stevens Creek Blvd # 200 San Jose, CA 95129
https://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/real-estate-news.jpg4001000dulcehttp://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.pngdulce2026-06-25 06:10:282026-06-25 06:11:43Your June 2026 Residential Lending News
When a trust sells an appreciated asset, there is often an assumption that a taxable gain automatically arises simply because the sale occurred. Congress, through Subchapter J, approaches the issue differently. Before the tax consequences of a trust transaction can be determined, Congress required that the transaction be characterized under fiduciary accounting principles first. The central question is therefore not merely whether money entered the trust, but what that receipt is, how it is classified, and what consequences follow from that classification.
Congress deliberately incorporated trust-accounting principles into federal tax law through Subchapter J. Federal tax law did not create the fiduciary structure of a trust; it recognized and incorporated it. Internal Revenue Code § 643 (b) provides that trust accounting income is determined under the governing instrument and applicable local law. Congress did not create an independent federal definition of trust accounting income. Treasury Regulation § 1.643(b)-1 preserves this distinction between fiduciary accounting income and taxable income. As a result, fiduciary classification is the starting point for determining the tax consequences of trust transactions.
article continues after advertisement
Under the governing instrument, gains arising from the sale or exchange of trust assets are required to be allocated to corpus rather than income. Corpus, sometimes referred to as principal, consists of the assets held within the trust and administered by the trustee pursuant to the governing instrument. It is the trustee who determines whether a receipt is allocated to corpus or income under the governing instrument and applicable law. The trustee then determines whether assets allocated to corpus remain accumulated within the trust estate, free from current trust-level tax consequences, or become distributable pursuant to the terms of the trust. Only then do the resulting tax consequences flow from that determination under Subchapter J.
When a trust asset is sold, one asset within corpus is exchanged for another asset within corpus. Real estate becomes cash. Cryptocurrency becomes cash. While the form of the asset changes, the asset remains within the trust estate and under the trustee’s fiduciary control. Legal title remains with the trustee, who continues to administer the property pursuant to fiduciary duties imposed by the governing instrument and applicable law. No beneficiary has received a distribution, nor acquired possession or control of the proceeds, obtained constructive receipt, or acquired a present right to compel payment. The trust corpus remains intact notwithstanding the conversion of one asset form into another.
IRC § 643(a)(3) reinforces this framework by providing that gains from the sale or exchange of capital assets are excluded from Distributable Net Income (“DNI”) to the extent they are allocated to corpus and are not paid, credited, or required to be distributed to any beneficiary during the taxable year. DNI serves as the statutory measure of income that may be carried out to a beneficiary for tax purposes. Gains properly allocated to corpus, and excluded from DNI, remain within the trust estate and continue to be administered as corpus until the trustee elects to make a discretionary distribution pursuant to the governing instrument.
article continues after advertisement
This statutory structure reflects a logical sequence. Before the trustee performs the characterization required by § 643(b), it is impossible to determine what constitutes income, what constitutes corpus, what enters DNI, what remains principal, and what—if anything—is distributable to a beneficiary. Those determinations are not incidental; they are fundamental to the operation of Subchapter J. Any attempt to determine trust-level or beneficiary-level tax consequences before completing the fiduciary accounting process would bypass the sequence Congress established in § 643, which directs the fiduciary to determine the character of the receipt before the resulting tax consequences are calculated.
The statute operates in a straightforward order. First, the trustee characterizes the receipt under § 643(b) by allocating it between income and corpus. Second, the trustee determines whether the asset remains accumulated within corpus or becomes distributable under the governing instrument. Third, IRC § 643(a)(3) determines whether gains allocated to corpus are excluded from DNI. Only then can the resulting tax consequences be determined.
Properly understood, the issue is not whether a trust transaction has tax consequences, but when and how those consequences are determined under Subchapter J. Congress intended the fiduciary accounting characterization required by § 643(b) to govern that determination, and the statutory framework reflects that intent. By incorporating the governing instrument and applicable local law into the federal tax framework, Congress placed the trustee’s fiduciary accounting determination at the beginning of the analysis. Until that determination has been made, one cannot know whether a receipt constitutes income or corpus, whether it enters DNI, whether it remains accumulated within the trust estate, or whether it becomes distributable to a beneficiary.
In conclusion, where gains are allocated to corpus pursuant to the governing instrument, and remain within the trust estate, they are excluded from DNI under IRC § 643(a)(3), so long as they are neither paid, credited, or required to be distributed. Therefore, no current trust-level tax consequence arises merely because the underlying asset was sold and the resulting gain was allocated to corpus, excluded from DNI, and retained within the trust estate. The trustee’s determination comes first, not because the trustee supersedes federal law, but because Congress itself directed fiduciary accounting be applied first.
We welcome you to “Schedule Your Free 90-Minute Appointment” with us on the top right-hand corner of any page on our AssetProtectionServices.com website. We look forward to speaking with you, and working with you soon! Thank you~
MEET JAY BUTLER
Jay Butler is the Trustee of Asset Protection Services of America Trust, Manager of State Trustee Services LLC and the former Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for Corporate Support Services of Nevada, Inc. Mr. Butler holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts from Boston University.
Jay has provided customized business entity structuring for clients in all 50 states along with some of the most respected names in the industry including the Jay Mitton organization “the father of asset protection” and Real Estate Investor Association seminars. He also appeared in numerous magazine articles in Reality 411, Ca$h-Flow and REI Wealth.
When residing in Zug, Switzerland, Mr. Butler was the Associate Director of “CO-Handelszentrum GmbH” providing Swiss company formation and administration services and executed a full-range of fiduciary responsibilities including client support and international corporate compliance services (KYC, FATCA, AML and FATF).
Jay builds his relationships through consistent attention to detail and reliable support. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States (having visited 49 of the 50 states), explored 40 nations worldwide, and has lived in a total of 7 countries throughout North America, Central America, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Jay holds dual citizenship in the United States and Italy and permanently resides with his wife and daughter in Puglia.
Asset Protection Services of America Trust
Jay Butler, Trustee
732 South 6th Street Suite N Las Vegas, Nevada 89101-6948 Office: (775) 461-5255
Mirr Ranch Group, the leading legacy ranch broker in the Western United States, is inviting tours of this luxury ranch and premier equestrian estate
Larkspur, CO (June 2026) – Mirr Ranch Group, the leading ranch broker offering ranch real estate and legacy ranches for sale in the American West, is proud to announce the listing of Ghost Rider Ranch, a premier equestrian estate located in Larkspur, CO. The nearly 460-acre property adjoins over 35,000 acres of protected space, including Greenland Ranch and direct access to the Spruce Mountain Open Space trail network.
“Ghost Rider Ranch is positioned in the heart of the Front Range’s premier equestrian corridor, offering a seamless balance between accessibility to Denver and Colorado Springs and a true western lifestyle,” said Ken Mirr of Mirr Ranch Group, a specialist in legacy ranch sales. “Adjoining 35,000 acres of protected lands, it is a private enclave offering all the amenities of a mountain ranch while delivering a level of privacy, quiet, homes, and facilities rarely found so close to the metro area.”
article continues after advertisement
Some of the many features of Ghost Rider Ranch include:
6,054 sqft main residence with professional landscaping and elevated views
3,265 sqft guest house for guests or staff accommodations
8,400 sqft private barn near the main residence houses a shop, 7 stalls with connected runs, a wash rack, and a manager’s apartment.
16,640 sqft heated indoor arena, 9 stalls with connected runs, a wash rack, tack and locker room, laundry, and a viewing area.
1,200 sqft outdoor arena positioned for optimal use
Both the indoor and the regulation outdoor dressage ring were professionally built by Atwood Equestrian with Pinnacle footing for consistent, year-round performance.
Surrounded by open space in an agricultural setting with meadows, rolling grassy hills, and timbered hillsides
A small creek runs for ¾ of a mile through the western portion of the property
Direct adjacency to large conserved open space holdings with a network of riding, biking, and hiking trails on and off the property
Well-known landmark, Eagle Mountain, is located on the ranch
Stunning Pikes Peak views to the south and views of the Front Range to the north
More information about Mirr Ranch Group, along with contact information regarding the Ghost Rider Ranch listing, is available at www.MirrRanch Group.com.
https://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/horse-ranch.jpg4001000dulcehttp://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.pngdulce2026-06-23 04:49:072026-06-23 05:12:19A Premier Colorado Equestrian Ranch – Ghost Rider Ranch – Now Being Listed for Sale
Join Investors from Across the Country- Learn In Person in Southern California!
Make sure to join us for Realty411’s NEW Summit where the latest knowledge, strategies and information on real estate investing is shared. Realty411’s News, Trends & Strategies Summit is a one-day impactful conference designed to help guests achieve success in real estate and beyond.
Join us on Saturday, September 26th, starting at 10 AM. DOORS OPEN AT 9:30. Be sure to attend this one-day complimentary event featuring timely REI insight, top educators, and active local and out-of-state investors.
Parking and admission are FREE. Real estate investors, agents/brokers, private lenders, entrepreneurs, property managers, wealth builders and business owners…this event is designed just for YOU. This event will be in multiple rooms with a vendor area. Network with real estate exhibitors and connect with company professionals. Our network of like-minded business wants to help YOU succeed.
Realty411’s News, Trends & Strategies Summit is being held at:
CROWNE PLAZA COSTA MESA ORANGE COUNTY 3131 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 The venue is near John Wayne Airport.
Tell your associates, friends & family to register as our VIP GUEST.
A VIP ticket with this SPECIAL LINK includes: coffee/tea, multiple magazines, delicious food, and a private virtual session after the in-person event. This VIP ticket is only available for a LIMITED time — Please reserve your spot now!
Network with Fantastic Companies and Like-Minded Real Estate Investors from throughout California and the Nation at Realty411’s Latest Event!
Join Real Estate Investors, Real Estate Professionals, Wealth-Builders and Entrepreneurs from Throughout California & Out of State in beautiful Costa Mesa.
Our REALTY411.com Summit is where the latest knowledge, strategies, and information on real estate investing is shared. Be sure to reserve your tickets to our latest special event: “Realty411’s News, Trends & Strategies Summit”. This one-day impactful conference is designed to help guests achieve success in real estate investing and beyond.
Be sure to attend this one-day complimentary event featuring timely REI insight, top educators, and active local and out-of-state investors. Friends, join us early for best seating and networking.
Parking and admission are FREE.
Real estate investors, agents/brokers, private lenders, entrepreneurs, property managers, wealth builders and business owners… this event is just for YOU.
If you are serious about personal finance, join us to learn about top markets, success strategies, insider tips, and so much more. The latest edition of Realty411 magazine will be available, as well as past editions, too.
SELF PARKING FOR THIS EVENT IS FREE ONSITE- Plus, there is plenty of parking with overflow parking available nearby.
Since 2007, Realty411.com has assisted top companies expand their visibility and grow their business. Contact us for a complimentary marketing session, CLICK HERE.
https://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Realty411-Summit-2026.png4001000dulcehttp://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.pngdulce2026-06-23 03:16:532026-07-16 02:00:34Be a VIP Guest at Our In-Person Summit on Sept. 26th in Costa Mesa, Calif.
Washington, D.C., June 11, 2026 — The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the Maryland Land Title Association (MLTA) and AARP today commended Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and the Consumer Protection Division for taking action against MV Realty and seeking to terminate allegedly unlawful Homeowner Benefit Agreements and related liens that burdened Maryland homeowners.
According to the charges, MV Realty engaged in illegal consumer lending when it entered into Homeowner Benefit Agreements (HBAs) with Maryland consumers, advancing them a small sum that they would have to repay with exorbitant interest. The Attorney General’s action seeks to halt the alleged unlawful conduct, terminate the agreements and related liens, and obtain restitution for consumers.
article continues after advertisement
“Attorney General Brown’s action sends a clear message: homeowners should never be trapped in deceptive agreements that cloud title and threaten their most valuable asset,” said Caroline Cone, director of state government affairs, ALTA. “Protecting clear title and preserving the ability to sell, refinance or pass on a home are fundamental to consumer confidence and property rights.”
Maryland’s charges allege that MV Realty trapped Maryland homeowners and their heirs in costly long-term agreements and failed to clearly disclose key terms, including the 40-year duration and the impact the recorded agreements could have on future transfers of the home.
“AARP applauds Maryland Attorney General Brown for taking decisive action to protect homeowners from predatory agreements that trap homeowners and limit their ability to sell or pass on their homes to the next generation. The charges levied against MV Realty make it clear that Maryland will not tolerate schemes that exploit home equity or strip away future choices,” said Jenn Jones, vice president of financial security and livable communities, government affairs, AARP. “We remain committed to working with leaders and advocates nationwide to stop these practices and to protecting older homeowners from unknowingly risking long-term security for a short-term payment.”
ALTA, MLTA and AARP have worked alongside policymakers and consumer advocates nationwide to raise awareness about these types of agreements, often referred to as non-title recorded agreements for personal services (NTRAPS), and to advance solutions that better protect homeowners from hidden risks. In 2023, the Maryland state legislature passed a law that made NTRAPs unenforceable by law.
article continues after advertisement
“These agreements can create serious uncertainty in the land records and unnecessary obstacles for homeowners and real estate transactions,” said Eric Oberer Esq. CLTP, president of the Maryland Land Title Association. “We appreciate Attorney General Brown’s leadership in taking action to protect Maryland homeowners and uphold transparency in the marketplace.”
“For many older Marylanders, a home represents both financial security and a legacy to pass on to loved ones,” said Kathy Lewis, AARP Maryland interim state director. “AARP Maryland is proud to support this action and stand with Attorney General Brown to ensure homeowners are not burdened by predatory long-term agreements that can threaten their ability to sell, refinance or transfer their homes.”
ALTA, MLTA and AARP will continue working with state leaders, industry partners and consumer advocates to advance protections against predatory real estate contracts and safeguard homeowners’ property rights.
https://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/real-estate-contract.jpg4001000dulcehttp://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.pngdulce2026-06-20 04:14:022026-06-20 04:16:06ALTA, Maryland Land Title Association and AARP Applaud Attorney General Anthony G. Brown for Action Protecting Homeowners from Unfair MV Realty Contracts
Washington, D.C., June 15, 2026 — The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, today announced that the title insurance industry generated $4.5 billion in title insurance premiums during the first quarter of 2026, according to ALTA’s latest Market Share Analysis. This is up from $3.9 billion during the same period a year ago.
“Every real estate transaction represents a significant financial investment, and title professionals are working behind the scenes to ensure those transactions can close safely and securely,” said ALTA CEO Chris Morton. “The industry’s first-quarter results reflect the continued demand for the critical work title companies perform to identify hidden risks, prevent losses and protect property rights. Even as fraud threats and transaction complexity continue to increase, title professionals remain focused on delivering the certainty and peace of mind consumers, investors and lenders deserve.”
The title insurance industry paid nearly $151 million in claims during the first three months of 2026. This is down from about $161 million in claims paid during the same period a year ago.
article continues after advertisement
Top 10 Individual Underwriters by Q1 2026 Market Share
ALTA expects to release its second-quarter Market Share Analysis around September 1.
https://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/market-share-data.jpg4001000dulcehttp://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.pngdulce2026-06-17 04:32:142026-06-17 04:32:20ALTA Reports Q1 2026 Title Premium Volume and Market Share Data
Washington, D.C., June 16, 2026 — The American Land Title Association (ALTA), the national trade association of the land title insurance industry, issued the following statement after congressional leaders in the House and Senate reached an agreement on a bicameral, bipartisan housing package.
ALTA applauds congressional leaders in the House and Senate for reaching this historic agreement on the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The updated legislation reflects years of bipartisan, bicameral work and is a meaningful step toward addressing the nation’s housing supply and affordability challenges.
“ALTA congratulates Chairman Tim Scott, Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren, Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters for working together to reach this landmark agreement,” said ALTA CEO Chris Morton. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is an important step forward for homebuyers everywhere and we urge Congress to pass this bill and send it to the President’s desk.”
article continues after advertisement
“ALTA appreciates the leadership of Congress and the Trump administration in tackling housing affordability,” Morton said. “the title insurance industry looks forward to continuing to work with policymakers to advance commonsense housing solutions that promote and protect the American dream of homeownership.”
We hope you are having a blessed Sunday. We thank you for being a part of our Realty411 network where our mission is to provide life-changing REI knowledge. With this in mind, we would like to invite you to a new virtual educational session with Ken Letourneau, known as “The Tax Sale Master”.
Ken has spoken at our Realty411 events in California and we want to make sure our national network has access to his incredible knowledge. Investors, be sure to join his webinar to increase your knowledge about Tax Sales across the nation.
NEW CLASS: June 8, 2026 – 6 pm PT, 7 pm MT, 8 pm CT, 9 pm ET
For the past 15 years, Ken Letourneau, known as “The Tax Sale Master”, has specialized in the niche market of purchasing properties through local government tax sales, also known as tax sale investing. This strategy has attracted major Wall Street firms like BlackRock and JPMorgan Chase due to its lucrative potential.
With tax sale investing, you can earn returns of up to 25% on your money or even acquire properties for as little as $1,000.
Ken Letourneau is a seasoned real estate professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry. He has specialized in tax lien certificates and tax deed properties and is actively participating in tax sales auctions across the United States.
Ken’s expertise extends beyond his personal ventures. He now dedicates a significant portion of his time to educating others in the intricacies of tax sales auctions. Be sure to register for his free training.
Attend a Live Online Tax Auction Training With Ken Letourneau, The Tax Sale Master
6pm PT | 7pm MT | 8pm CT | 9pm ET
100% Online | FREE to Attend | Limited Seats
NEW CLASS: June 8, 2026 – 6 pm PT, 7 pm MT, 8 pm CT, 9 pm ET
https://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/tax-sale-webinar.jpg4001000dulcehttp://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.pngdulce2026-06-08 05:54:342026-06-08 06:10:25Are You Interested in Learning About Tax Sales? Join Ken Letourneau “The Tax Sale Master” Tomorrow
The housing market in many regions across the nation can be best described as “sideways” where home prices remain relatively stable and listing inventory is still well below historical averages.
While housing trends are more localized and can vary from a stronger sellers’ market to a better buyers’ market depending on the region, we’re seeing sideways types of stable home price trends in many regions that fluctuate within a more narrow price range swing. It’s not an obvious appreciating or booming price trend or a downward, busting, or depreciating price movement.
Whether your local housing market region has a balanced market supply of buyers and sellers or many more sellers than buyers, home listing prices aren’t drastically falling on a large scale as of yet.
For any type of product or service, an equalized number of buyers and sellers is usually more positive than negative to at least keep the prices relatively stable or flat.
article continues after advertisement
Our Unusual Sideways Housing Market
I describe average price trends in most regions as “flat” in spite of so many historic negative housing and economic trends that would’ve acted like a figurative anchor in previous housing cycles and pulled home values back down. If so, it would’ve created more “underwater” properties where the mortgage debt exceeded the current home market value.
Let’s take a closer look at sideways types of housing market characteristics:
Flat home prices: A more typical home price trend for a sideways housing market is when home prices remain flat or stagnant, partly since the number of buyers and sellers is more balanced. However, home prices are either flat or slowly appreciating in spite of the record imbalance of sellers vs. buyers.
An inverted housing market: We’re not seeing home prices crashing like they did during the 2008 to 2012 era at this point in today’s housing cycle. Nationally, there were an estimated 1.99 million sellers competing for approximately 1.48 million buyers, as per Fortune and Redfin in Q1 of 2026.
The whopping number of an all-time record 630,000 more home sellers than buyers should’ve created a much stronger buyer’s market as home listing price averages should’ve trended downward. However, we’re still not seeing that happen on a large scale in more regions.
Doubling Home Listing Numbers: You’ve probably noticed the national home listing supply numbers moving up over the past year from a low near one million to almost two million today.
What’s a bit confusing is that many of these national home listing supply numbers just focus on older existing-homes for sale, while not including the near record number of new builder homes for sale as well.
Average new U.S. home prices from motivated builders continue to remain priced below older existing homes for sale. This price trend differential is highly unusual because buyers used to willingly pay an average of 15% higher for new homes due to the obvious benefits of brand new appliances, roof, windows, plumbing features, and lengthy home warranty plans.
After combining the older and brand new home listings, this number gets closer to two million. However, it’s still about half as large as the four million home listings for sale back near the previous housing bubble peak in 2007.
As I’ve shared for many years, the number of distressed (forbearance, loan modifications, pre-foreclosures, etc.) and vacant “shadow inventory” supply of homes absolutely dwarfs the national home listing inventory supply by a significant number.
After this huge number of distressed properties, which may have delinquent mortgages that haven’t been paid for several years, later turns into foreclosures and future listings, then median home prices are likely to remain stagnant or start falling.
A positive population trend that I’ve shared before is that there are now 40 million people living here in the U.S. today than there were back in 2007 when national home listing inventories peaked near 4 million homes for sale. However, how many of these additional 40 million people living in the U.S. can qualify to purchase a home or lease a property?
Older Buyers and Sellers, Fewer Families
Adults between the ages of 61 and 79 continue to dominate the U.S. housing market and represent the largest group of home buyers and sellers, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ newly released 2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report.
Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) accounted for 42% of all U.S. home buyers and 55% of home sellers, according to this NAR report. First-time home buyers fell to their lowest share on the NAR’s records that date back to 1981, comprising just 21% of all home buyers.
The average first-time U.S. homebuyer age in 2025 was 40 years of age. Sadly, the average first-time homebuyer age in California last year was closer to an all-time record high of 49. If a California buyer takes out a 30-year mortgage and doesn’t pay any extra principal payments, then they will be 79 years of age by the time their home is free-and-clear with no debt.
In 2025, there were more home buyers across the nation over the age of 70 than under the age of 35. Last year, the average U.S. home seller was 64 years of age.
Both marital and fertility trends are near historic lows as fewer people are truly in love or financially secure enough to get married and have children. Raising children from birth until just the age of 18 in today’s America can cost an average of $300,000, as per CBS News.
The number #1 cause of divorce these days is not related to a spouse being unfaithful. No, it’s related more to financial pressures. Ironically, the top 2 reasons for financial insolvency these days are tied to unpaid medical bills and divorce.
Unhappy relationships and feelings of disconnection among the younger generations will eventually be a major factor causing declining future single-family home sales, especially if they don’t have any loving family members living with them.
Mortgage Rates and Record Debt
Those new record low 3% mortgage rates are long gone. Yet, today’s rates that are swinging from the low-to-high 6% rate range for many applicants are still well below the 50-year historical average for 30-year fixed mortgage rates that are closer to 7.76%.
A major difference today for many people is the fact that our dollar’s purchase power keeps falling at a rapid pace. This is painfully obvious for many of us who go grocery shopping.
A prime example of how bad food prices have gotten is the fact that a recent LendingTree survey found that nearly one-in-three Americans are using Buy Now, Pay Later type of costly installment plan services to buy groceries.
The average new car payment is nearly $775 per month, while some new truck payments can be in the $2,000 to $3,000 per month range. Gas prices here in California are more likely to be above $6 per gallon than below that figure. Car insurance and maintenance costs keep rising as well. As a result, it may cost a car owner an average of closer to $1,500 per month (car payment, gas, insurance, maintenance, etc.) or more to keep driving their car.
Total unpaid credit card debt reached a new record high in Q1 2026 at nearly $1.25 trillion dollars. With APRs (Annual Percentage Rate) for many rates and fees somewhere within the 28% to 40% APR range, it’s becoming incredibly challenging to pay off consumer debt.
Buying and Selling Timing Options
It’s been said that the three most important factors for real estate are “location, location, and location.” While this may be true for prime coastal beachfront properties in Southern California like those found in Huntington Harbour, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach, I would add market timing as the fourth most important factor.
How often do we look back and clearly see that the housing market was peaking or busting? With 20/20 hindsight today, it’s much easier to see the positive or negative housing trends in the past.
What’s more important is to pay close attention to the positive or negative trends in your housing market regions of interest today!
If this perceived flat or stagnant housing market suddenly turns into a downward home price cycle, then you as a buyer will have less competition to purchase discounted properties that interest you.
For sellers in a declining housing market with a record imbalance of sellers-to-buyers, you will need to seriously consider reducing your home listing prices instead of waiting and holding out for all-time record price highs for your neighborhood.
article continues after advertisement
Please closely watch the average Days on Market (DOM) for your region to have a better understanding of home value trends. An increasingly longer number of active days for sale is more likely to lead to future home price drops rather than price hikes.
For savvy real estate investors who closely follow Realty411, if you’re the only active investor in your region interested in a distressed property that may or may not be currently listed for sale, you might boost your nest egg by purchasing well below market value and holding on to it for the long run.
As many of us know, real estate has proven to be an exceptional hedge against inflation. Our dollar will continue to keep weakening and inflation will keep rising each year more often than not. As a result, property values may keep rising as well in spite of a potentially weakening economy.
Rick Tobin has worked in the real estate, financial, investment, and writing fields for the past 30+ years. He’s held eight (8) different real estate, securities, and mortgage brokerage licenses to date and is a graduate of the University of Southern California.
Rick provides creative residential and commercial mortgage solutions for clients across the nation. He’s also written college textbooks and real estate licensing courses in most states for the two largest real estate publishers in the nation; the oldest real estate school in California; and the first online real estate school in California.
Please join my So-Cal Real Estate Investors group that meets at Canyon Lake Golf & Country Club, Shoreline Yacht Club in Long Beach, and online: So-Cal Real Estate Investors.
https://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/real-estate-concept.jpg4001000dulcehttp://www.realestateinvestormagazines.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/logo.pngdulce2026-06-08 04:00:402026-06-08 04:04:18Analyzing the Sideways Housing Market Shift
