Below you'll find our roundup of the best news and developments across the web, covering everything from real estate highlights to climate change, city developments, and urban planning.

Insights From SORTIS

Data Centers: The Digital Powerhouses Driving REIT Growth?

Data center REITs are booming, fueled by the rise of cloud computing, 5G, and IoT. Offering long-term leases and stable cash flows, these REITs provide investors with growth opportunities in a rapidly expanding digital infrastructure landscape. Could this be the future of real estate investing? Read More.

Fin Frontiers

Rise of the Pint-Size Startup Is Reshaping the U.S. Economy

Small Yet Tall – Startups’ Shift as Businesses Call

Pandemic-born startups are staying lean, with fewer employees due to economic shifts and a desire for flexibility. Remote work, gig economy trends, and changing priorities shape this new entrepreneurial landscape. Is smaller the new smarter? Read More.

Is A Recession Coming For The U.S. Economy_

Recession Looms or Just a Zoom? – Signs and Predictions in Tune

Signs and Predictions in Tune" The U.S. economy grew steadily in Q2, but key indicators—rising unemployment and a persistently inverted yield curve—hint at a potential 2025 recession. With conflicting signals, could a downturn still be on the horizon? Read More.

Real Estate Highlights

Falling Mortgage Rates Have Yet to Improve Home Sales, With Buyers Uncertain About NAR Settlement, Election

Housing Hesitation – Buyers’ Frustration

Pending home sales dropped nearly 7% as potential buyers wait for more clarity on mortgage rates, home prices, and the upcoming presidential election. Will market uncertainty keep stalling home sales into 2024? Read More.

There_s a 3-part checklist for how housing can become affordable again, economist says

Affordability Ahead – The Housing Path to Spread

Housing affordability could return by 2027 if mortgage rates dip to 5%, home prices grow slowly, and incomes rise 4.5% annually, says economist Shernette McLeod. Can these factors align to make homes affordable again? Read More.

CRE Corner

Creative destruction rips through US commercial property

Office Tower Sour – Market Power Devours

America’s big-city office buildings face a steep decline, with plummeting values and rising vacancies. Post-pandemic work habits and high interest rates spell ongoing trouble for owners. Will these properties rise again as something new? Read More.

US Constructing More Hotels Than Any Other Country

Hotels Surge and Emerge – Building Dreams Beyond the Verge

The U.S. leads a global hotel construction boom, with 6,095 projects underway. Aging hotel stock, competition with Airbnb, and post-pandemic travel demand drive this expansion. Will these new, modern hotels redefine the travel experience? Read More.

Metropolitan Matters

10 major US cities where rent is affordable and falling fast as national apartment prices reach record highs

Rent’s Relentless Rise – Surging Prices, Surprising Savings

U.S. rent hit record highs in August despite an influx of new apartments. College towns saw the sharpest increases, but some cities—like Raleigh, Fort Worth, and Milwaukee—are bucking the trend with falling rents. Is your city on the affordable list? Read More.

Tacoma’s Lincoln District Gets Tree Planting Boost with Green Blocks Program

Growing Green Dreams – Trees and Tacoma’s Streams

The Tacoma Tree Foundation expands its Green Blocks program to the Lincoln District, offering free trees to improve Tacoma’s urban canopy. Can community pride and environmental stewardship help the city combat the urban heat island effect? Read More.

Climate Chronicles

South Carolina Is Considered a Model for ‘Managed Retreat’ From Coastal Areas Threatened by Climate Change

Flooding Dreams and Coastal Schemes – Can Managed Retreat Redeem?

Amid rising floods, South Carolina leads in climate resilience with its buyout programs, though challenges persist. As homes are razed for green space, can managed retreat truly protect coastal communities like Socastee? Read More.

Reimagining Air Conditioning_ Traditional Cooling Methods for the Future

Cooling in Style – Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Miles

As climate change intensifies, ancient passive cooling techniques like Persia’s wind towers, India’s jaali, and Arab Mashrabiya are making a comeback. Can these low-energy, local solutions help create sustainable buildings for the future? Read More.

Alternative Avenues

Retirement Planning in 2024_ Alternative Investments Needed

Alternatives in Action – A New Path for Retirement Satisfaction

With inflation and market volatility rising, the traditional 60/40 portfolio may no longer suffice for retirees. Enter alternative investments, offering diversified strategies and stability. Can these innovative tools secure your retirement in today’s unpredictable market? Read More.

Why Private Real Estate Debt REITs Belong in Every Investor’s Portfolio

REITs and Beats – A Strategic Move for Tougher Streets

With inflation on the rise and interest rates staying high, private debt REITs offer a safe haven for investors. Stable income, tax efficiency, and risk management—could this be the key to portfolio resilience in a volatile market? Read More.

Inspiration Alley

How Plans for a European-inspired Mixed-use Destination Came Together in Southlake

Bell Tower Power – Carillon Parc's European Hour

Carillon Parc, a European-inspired mixed-use development in Southlake, centers around a bell tower and promises boutique retail, chef-driven restaurants, and a "Bellagio-esque" experience. Will this unique destination become a legacy for North Texas? Read More.

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