Law Firm Challenges Constitutionality of Rhode Island’s ‘Taylor Swift Tax’ on Luxury Second Homes

by Phil Hall | Aug 21, 2026 | Uncategorized

The law firm of Hinckley Allen has filed a Complaint in Newport Superior Court on behalf of more than 40 Rhode Island homeowners that challenges the constitutionality of the state’s so-called “Taylor Swift Tax” on luxury second homes. The tax, which was named...

Stark Enterprises Unveils Plans for First Community in Iowa

by Phil Hall | Aug 21, 2026 | News/Current Events, Real Estate News, U.S. Housing Market, WRE News Exclusive

Stark Enterprises, a Cleveland–based real estate developer, has expanded its residential portfolio into Iowa with Blue Creek Village, a new rental home community in the Des Moines suburb of Grimes. Blue Creek Village will feature 164 ranch-style residences across...

Stop Waiting for the Fed to Save Housing

by John G. Stevens | Aug 20, 2026 | Industry Updates, Market Snapshot, News/Current Events, Real Estate News, U.S. Housing Market, WRE News Exclusive

I keep hearing some version of the same conversation in housing. When the Fed finally gets rates down, buyers will come back. Mortgage rates will improve. Transactions will pick up. Maybe we can finally get this market moving again. I understand why people think that...

Mark Zuckerberg Acquires Irish Gothic Castle

by Phil Hall | Aug 20, 2026 | International Real Estate News, News/Current Events, Real Estate News, WRE News Exclusive

The old saying that “a man’s home is his castle” has a special resonance for Mark Zuckerberg – his newest residential property is a castle built in 1830. The Irish Examiner reports the Meta (NASDAQ: META) chieftain and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have acquired...

Knock Expands Bridge Loan Product to Texas

by Phil Hall | Aug 20, 2026 | Mortgage Information, News/Current Events, Real Estate News, WRE News Exclusive

The Atlanta-based fintech Knock announced the expansion of its Knock Bridge Loan to Texas. According to the company, the product can pay off the homeowner’s current mortgage and release the equity locked up in their old home, thus eliminating their monthly mortgage...