The 50% Rule refers to the limitation that a homeowner can spend when renovating or repairing a dwelling that is located in a flood zone. More specifically, FEMA allows for repairs, renovations and/or improvements that don’t exceed 50% of the contributory value of the structure and appurtenances.
About six months ago, or so, Artificial Intelligence was new news, with both hope and promise. It was predicted the progress would show results within a few years. The main question afloat was whether AI would improve worker and company productivity, or would it ultimately reduce the need for workers.
Effective May 29, 2025 the state of Connecticut has implemented updates to the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, informally known as the Appraisal Regulations, which would permit appraisal applicants to qualify to sit for the Appraisal Licensing Exam. Over the course of several months, beginning in November of 2024,
Have you recently been writing using Microsoft Word, and it finishes a sentence for you? Were you thrilled, or mad that it said something you did not want? Did you even notice?
The Connecticut hospitality market has demonstrated uneven recovery patterns between 2019 and 2025, with boutique and historic properties achieving $125 RevPAR in 2025, up 8.7% from the 2019 level. Coastal resort properties achieved a $105 RevPAR in 2025, representing 10.5% growth since 2019.
Last month, I wrote about the basic factors that kept interest rates high, and thus building or buying houses, as well as commercial projects, difficult to pursue. Factors included the Fed, bank, fears of inflation, wars, etc. It is complicated. Give it a read.
If commercial real estate in Greater Hartford were a sitcom, it would be somewhere between The Office and Survivor – a quirky mix of familiar routines, unexpected plot twists, and the occasional high-stakes drama. For those of us working in the field – brokers, appraisers, developers, property managers – it’s not just a job, it’s a front-row seat
With apartment vacancy rates low, rents high, home-ownership out of reach for many residents and homelessness rising year after year, many communities in the Northeast are experiencing a housing crisis.
Over the last several years, I have personally witnessed, and in one case, participated in, the “unwinding” of a residential condominium structure. The reason for, and process of, has often been recent climatic destruction such a hurricane or fire. But, as in the case of the tragic southeast Florida building collapse, it can simply be old age deterioration, outdated building codes,
Over the past several weeks, I have completed appraisal assignments for private clients. Interestingly, after submitting these appraisals, I received several phone calls – not to question the value, content, or any incorrect information, but rather to discuss the price per s/f compared to the comparable sales used in the report.
