Blueprint newsletter giveaway

We have a very fun opportunity for you (or someone you know) to win some terrific prizes, including an Amazon gift card valued at $250 USD and a 1-year membership to our new luxury real estate program, Estate Elite (valued at $1500)! 

Here are all the rules and details:

Who Can Enter:

This giveaway is open to both new and existing subscribers of the Blueprint Newsletter.

How to Enter:

1. Subscribe to the Blueprint Newsletter (if you haven't already!)

2. Follow us on Instagram:

   • @estatemedia

   • @readtheblueprint

3. Tag TWO friends on our Instagram post

4. Fill out the survey included in the newsletter (it’s quick and easy!)

Deadline: Entry closes on February 28 @6:00 PM (PST)

Prizes: TWO winners will be selected!

• $250 Amazon Gift Card

• 1-Year Membership to Estate Elite (valued at $1500)!

Don’t miss out on your chance to win! Enter today and good luck!

– James and David

How tariffs could affect real estate

Over the weekend, the Trump administration made moves that could soon impact the greater economy, and specifically, the homebuilding industry. The administration imposed a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on imports from China. On Monday afternoon, however, both Canada and Mexico reached a temporary agreement with the United States, pausing the implementation of these tariffs for 30 days. The situation is highly fluid, but here are the key things to know as of now:

• The homebuilding industry relies heavily on imports from both countries, with 20% of hardware imports coming from Mexico and 70% of sawmill wood product imports coming from Canada. 

• On Friday, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) sent a letter to the Trump administration asking for a tariff exemption on building materials.

• On the news of the pause, bond markets and mortgage rates held steady and the stock market recouped most of the losses that it saw earlier in the day

• Most real estate economists anticipate that both home and rental prices will increase since construction costs will increase if these tariffs are implemented. 

• The Tax Foundation estimates these consequences if these tariffs are carried out:

  • US GDP will drop 0.4%

  • After-tax incomes will drop 0.8% using conventional scoring and 1.1% using dynamic scoring

  • The average tariff rate on all imports will triple, reaching a 5-decade high

  • Tax revenues will jump $1.1 trillion between 2025 and 2034

Our take

We’ve avoided an economic crisis — for now. As you know, we do not endorse any candidate in this newsletter; however, we do evaluate the policies of various public leaders when they impact our industry. We believe that, if enforced, these tariffs will negatively affect the real estate sector. We urge you to contact your elected officials and voice your opposition. They will only exacerbate our current housing unaffordability crisis by increasing the price of homes and the cost of their construction. This trade war is pointless and dumb.

Buyers don’t know much about homeownership

80% of homeowners say the full cost of owning a home is higher than they expected. That eye-popping stat comes from a new report from Real Estate Witch. This survey exposes how little many buyers know about the true cost of homeownership. Here’s a breakdown of which costs were higher than they expected:

• Property taxes – 37%

• Homeowners insurance – 32%

• Home improvements and renovations – 23%

• HVAC (furnace/air conditioning) costs – 22%

• Roof work – 21%

• Utilities – 20%

• Plumbing – 17%

• Maintaining home’s appearance – 15%

• Exterior maintenance/repairs – 13%

• Lawn care/landscaping – 13% needs.

Our take

We’re sharing this report with you not to shame homebuyers, but to show you that there is a huge opportunity here. Buyers don’t know much about either the homebuying process or about the true cost of homeownership itself. Agents can truly be of service here. The more that you can be perceived as a trusted source, the more successful you will be. Scroll down to today’s Foundation Plans where we share tips on how you can become a lead magnet. 

Markets with the lowest risk from natural disasters

Natural disasters are on the rise, prompting many homeowners to rethink where they live. While all U.S. regions face environmental risks, some areas are more resilient than others. CoreLogic recently identified the safest ZIP codes based on its Risk Score, which evaluates property data, replacement costs, and natural hazard insights to assess the financial impact of weather and climate disasters on single-family homes.

Here are 10 metro areas with the lowest risk from natural disasters, according to CoreLogic:

1. Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, Michigan

2. El Paso, Texas

3. Eugene-Springfield, Oregon

4. Hagerstown-Martinsburg, Maryland-West Virginia

5. Houghton, Michigan

6. Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, Nevada

7. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, California

8. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, Oregon-Washington

9. San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, California

10. Spokane-Spokane Valley, Washington

Our take

Some of the most idyllic U.S. locations have become disaster-prone. Coastal Florida, recently hit by Hurricane Milton, and LA’s prime real estate, ravaged by wildfires, are clear examples. Extreme weather events—growing in intensity and frequency—have destroyed homes, businesses, and lives, costing taxpayers and insurers billions. As a result, insurers are scaling back coverage in high-risk areas. While no quick policy solutions exist, we agents must keep an eye on this trend, as it directly impacts our work. Climate migrations will only increase in the coming years.

The news that just missed the cut

• List of all Trump’s actions that affect housing

• Nearly half of America’s REITS increased their dividends

• This is the “Beverly Hills” of Houston

• More than $4 billion in claims have been paid so far because of LA fires

• Compass to launch client portal amid push for private listings

Foundation Plans

Advice from James and David to win the day

As we mentioned in our second story, many buyers desperately need help. We want to help you find them and become a “lead magnet.” You’re not only aiming to secure their contact information, you are aiming to win their trust. Here are some tips on how to do it:   

Use the Internet to expand your reach –  Any marketer will tell you that video content is king, and we think it's one of the best ways to position yourself as a local real estate expert. Try showcasing local businesses on your social media and website. Ask the owners to share your posts on their platforms to get extra eyes on your content. There are so many platforms now to reach a sizable audience. Just pick one and showcase your stuff!

Provide a trusted vendors list – This is such a valuable tool. Your clients and leads will love you for it. Basically, create a list of your preferred vendors – e.g., painters, handymen, contractors, plumbers, etc., – to share with people in exchange for their contact information. You can use a platform like Mosaik or just use a Google doc. If you can save them time and money by directing them to trusted local professionals, you will automatically stand out.

Get involved in your community – Think of a creative way to connect your passions to the local community. Passionate about art? Try assembling artists for an art show. Love animals? Host a fundraiser for the local shelter. This gets your name out there and benefits your community.

Create a neighborhood guide – Level up your next open house by showing potential buyers all the benefits of buying in that neighborhood. Create an amenities guide. Include things like shops, restaurants, schools, and other neighborhood amenities, and be sure to include images to bring the neighborhood to life! 

We hope you’re getting a flavor of what we mean by being a lead magnet. To learn more, start here. 

Learn from the Best in Luxury Real Estate!

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We are offering a FREE 14-day trial where new members of Estate Elite can try out the membership before paying.

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Just in Case

Keep the latest industry data in your back pocket with today’s mortgage rates:

“You’ve gotta keep control of your time, and you can’t unless you say no. You can’t let people set your agenda in life.” — Warren Buffett

A final word of advice to you, friends: Amid the frenzy and chaos swirling around us, keep calm and carry one. Don’t let it distract you from your goals. Stay ruthlessly focused. Have a wonderful week. We’ll see you back here on Friday!

– James and David