Millennials Struggle with Affordability, World Realty Broker Arrested in Triple Murder, Spain’s 100% Tax on Foreign Homebuyers to Combat Housing Crisis

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Millennial home buyers 

Today, we’re reporting on two new surveys that reveal both the enduring appeal and growing challenges of homeownership in the U.S. According to a recent survey from Realtor.com®, 75% of Americans still view owning a home as part of the American Dream. However, this sentiment varies across generations. While 84% of Baby Boomers and 74% of Gen X still see homeownership as integral to that dream, younger generations are facing increasing obstacles. Just 67% of Gen Z and 69% of Millennials share that belief, despite strong aspirations to own a home.”

A separate survey from Clever highlights just how tough it is for Millennials, revealing that 79% now believe they can’t afford a home—up sharply from 52% in 2024. Financial hurdles are a major concern, with 52% citing high home prices, 48% pointing to high interest rates, and 44% struggling to save for a down payment. Nearly half of Millennials say they’d be willing to buy a home with issues like asbestos or pests just to get into the market. And while 74% feel it’s a bad time to buy, many remain hopeful that lower interest rates in 2025 could improve their chances.”

In contrast, older generations are more optimistic. Realtor.com® found that 63% of Baby Boomers still feel homeownership is achievable for them and view it as critical for building long-term wealth.”

Source: Link

World Realty Broker Arrested in Triple Murder

A tragic and unsettling story from Greenville, North Carolina, where three people were shot and killed at two different locations on Friday. The suspected shooter, 55-year-old David Lever, a local real estate broker and business owner, has been arrested and charged with three counts of murder. The victims include an elderly couple, 80-year-old Anthony Gribble and 76-year-old Paula Gribble, along with 64-year-old Enrique Reyes, a retired ECU professor.

Lever was taken into custody after being held at gunpoint by the Gribbles’ son at their home. Authorities say Lever had dozens of firearms in his home and van, and investigators are piecing together a complex timeline of events. Sheriff Paula Dance confirmed that without the intervention of the Gribbles’ son, there could have been more victims.

Lever, who owns Realty World in Greenville, was arrested at one of the crime scenes. Neighbors reported that he may have also fired shots at another home, though no one inside was injured. The motive for the killings remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. Sheriff Dance has noted that this case is far from over, with more details likely to emerge in the coming days.

This tragedy has left the community in shock, and the family of the victims has expressed their disbelief. As investigators continue to work, our thoughts are with the families impacted by this horrific event.

Source: Link

Spain’s 100% Tax on Foreign Homebuyers to Combat Housing Crisis

And in International news, Spain is taking bold steps to tackle its ongoing housing crisis, proposing a 100% tax on homes bought by non-EU residents. The move, announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday, is part of a broader package of reforms aimed at addressing a severe shortage of housing, skyrocketing rents, and rising property prices. Foreign buyers, particularly from outside the European Union, have been seen as contributing to these pressures. In 2023 alone, non-EU residents bought 27,000 properties in Spain, often for investment purposes rather than as primary residences.

At a forum in Madrid, Sanchez emphasized that speculation in housing cannot continue amid scarcity, adding that the government’s aim is to make housing more accessible for Spaniards. Among the proposed measures are new taxes on tourism apartments, tax relief for landlords offering affordable rents, and increased protection for tenants.

While tourism is a major driver of Spain’s economy, accounting for over 13% of GDP, some locals are calling for a crackdown on over-tourism, which they say exacerbates the housing crisis. The government is also pushing forward with plans to build more public housing and renovate vacant homes for affordable rent.

While details on the new tax remain scarce, the proposal signals Spain’s commitment to addressing housing inequality. 

Source: Link

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